GS Finance notes: S&P 500‑linked, 125% upside, 20% buffer
The issuer, GS Finance Corp., is offering structured, cash‑settled notes linked to the S&P 500® Index with an aggregate face amount of $2,745,000.
Sentiment and the balance of points
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Rhea-AI Filing Summary
The issuer, GS Finance Corp., is offering structured, cash‑settled notes linked to the S&P 500® Index with an aggregate face amount of $2,745,000. Each $1,000 face amount pays at maturity either (1) a capped upside (125% participation, maximum settlement $1,261.50), (2) the face amount if the final index level is >= 80% of the initial level, or (3) a leveraged loss if the final index level is < 80% (losing 1.25% of face per 1% index decline below the 80% buffer). The notes pay no interest, are fully guaranteed by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., and mature in 2028 with key dates tied to the trade date (3/31/2026), original issue date (4/6/2026), determination date (3/31/2028), and stated maturity (4/5/2028).
Insights
Notes combine capped upside with a defined downside buffer but include leveraged principal loss.
The notes provide 125% upside participation up to a $1,261.50 cap per $1,000 face and a 20% buffer (buffer level = 80% of initial). Losses below the buffer are amplified by the buffer rate (1.25% loss of face per 1% index decline beyond the buffer).
Key dependencies include final S&P 500 closing level on the determination date and issuer/guarantor credit; secondary market liquidity is uncertain and the notes pay no interest.
U.S. federal tax treatment is uncertain; counsel treats the notes as pre‑paid derivative contracts.
Sidley Austin LLP advises that the notes may be characterized as a pre‑paid derivative contract, producing capital gain or loss on sale or maturity, but the characterization is not settled and the IRS could take a different view.
FATCA withholding applies generally and 871(m) dividend‑equivalent rules were not expected to apply as of issue date; holders should consult tax advisors.
Key Figures
Key Terms
Upside participation rate financial
Buffer level / Buffer amount financial
Maximum settlement amount financial
Pre‑paid derivative contract regulatory
Determination date financial
Offering Details
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.


