Goldman Sachs (GS) sells buffered S&P 500 notes — 150% participation, 10% buffer
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
GS Finance Corp. is offering structured, buffered notes linked to the S&P 500® Index, guaranteed by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. The pricing supplement shows an aggregate face amount of $4,525,000, an upside participation rate of 150% with a maximum settlement amount of $1,197.10 per $1,000, a buffer level of 90% (buffer amount 10%), no interest, a trade date of May 20, 2026, an original issue date of May 26, 2026, a determination date of October 20, 2027 and a stated maturity date of October 25, 2027. Payment at maturity depends on the underlier return between the trade date and the determination date; losses occur if the final underlier level is below the buffer level. The notes are part of the Medium-Term Notes, Series F program and were issued at 100% of face amount.
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Insights
Notes combine capped upside with a 10% downside buffer; payoff is index‑linked and non‑interest bearing.
The notes pay no coupons and provide 150% participation in S&P 500 gains up to a hard cap of $1,197.10 per $1,000 face amount. Losses occur if the final index level falls more than the buffer amount (10%).
Key dependencies are the S&P 500 closing level on the determination date and the stated cap; liquidity and secondary market pricing will reflect model valuation, volatility and dealer spreads.
Payment depends on issuer and guarantor creditworthiness in addition to index performance.
The notes are unsecured obligations of GS Finance Corp. and fully guaranteed by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. Payment at maturity therefore depends on both market outcomes and the issuer/guarantor's ability to pay.
Watch credit‑rating actions or changes in perceived credit spreads, which the pricing models explicitly incorporate and which can materially affect secondary market values.
Federal tax characterization is uncertain; issuer counsel treats the notes as prepaid derivatives.
Sidley Austin LLP opines the notes may be characterized as a pre‑paid derivative contract, with capital gain or loss on sale, exchange or maturity. The supplement also notes potential alternate IRS views and FATCA and 871(m) considerations.
Investors should consult tax advisors because timing and character of income could differ if tax authorities assert a different treatment.


