GS Finance S&P 500‑Linked Notes with 20% Buffer
The issuer, GS Finance Corp., is offering principal-protected contingent notes linked to the S&P 500 Index with an aggregate face amount of $1,032,000.
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
The issuer, GS Finance Corp., is offering principal-protected contingent notes linked to the S&P 500 Index with an aggregate face amount of $1,032,000. Each $1,000 note returns either (a) a capped upside up to a $1,199 maximum, (b) the face amount if the final index level is above the 80% buffer level, or (c) a downside loss that multiplies each percentage point below the 80% buffer by 1% of face amount. The notes pay no interest, are guaranteed by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., and mature in early May 2028. The original issue price is 100% of face and underwriting discount is 1.75%.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- None.
Insights
These are capped partial-protection S&P 500 notes with no coupon.
The notes provide a full principal return if the S&P 500 finishes at or above 80% of its initial level, a capped upside at $1,199 per $1,000 face, and a leveraged downside below the buffer (losses of 1% of face per 1% index decline beyond the 20% buffer). Credit exposure is to the issuer and guarantor.
Key dependencies include the S&P 500 closing level on the determination date and GS creditworthiness; market liquidity is limited because the notes are not listed and secondary prices may include dealer spreads.
U.S. tax treatment is uncertain; counsel opines notes are pre-paid derivatives.
Counsel (Sidley Austin LLP) states notes may be treated as pre-paid derivative contracts for U.S. federal income tax purposes, potentially producing capital gain or loss on sale or maturity. However, the characterization is not settled and the IRS could assert a different treatment.
Investors should consult tax advisors about capital gain timing, 871(m) withholding, and FATCA implications.
Key Figures
Key Terms
Buffer rate financial
Maximum settlement amount financial
Pre‑paid derivative contract regulatory
Determination date financial
Offering Details
FAQ
AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
What return can GS noteholders (GS) expect at maturity?
How much principal protection do these notes offer?
Who bears credit risk for these notes (GS)?
Will these notes pay regular interest (coupon)?
Are these notes tradable before maturity and what affects market price?
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.


