GS Autocallable Notes Linked to Palo Alto Networks
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
GS Finance Corp. offers $1,000 face amount Autocallable Equity-Linked Notes due 2029, guaranteed by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. The notes reference Palo Alto Networks, Inc. stock with a 150% upside participation rate, a 65% trigger buffer level and an automatic call feature that pays $1,189 per $1,000 if the underlier is at or above the initial level on the call observation date. If not called, maturity payoffs vary: gains if the final level is at or above the initial level, a positive cash payment equal to the absolute underlier return if the final level is below initial but at or above the 65% trigger, and a proportional loss (underlier return × $1,000) if the final level is below the trigger. The notes pay no interest, are subject to issuer and guarantor credit risk, and may lose the entire investment if the final underlier level is below the trigger buffer level. Trade date is May 1, 2026, original issue date May 6, 2026, call observation date May 3, 2027, and stated maturity May 4, 2029.
Positive
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Negative
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Insights
Autocallable payoff trades off capped early call benefit against full downside exposure below the 65% buffer.
The note offers 150% upside participation on gains above the initial level but caps the early-call cash payment at $1,189 per $1,000 if the call condition is met on May 3, 2027. Investors accepting the capped early call trade continued upside potential for a defined early payout.
Downside is asymmetric: if the final underlier level falls below the 65% trigger, losses equal the underlier decline multiplied by $1,000. The investor’s return profile is highly path- and level-dependent; secondary market liquidity, credit spreads, and volatility will materially affect mark-to-market values.
Tax treatment is uncertain; counsel treats notes as pre-paid derivatives but IRS could disagree.
Sidley Austin LLP opines the notes will likely be characterized as a pre-paid derivative contract for U.S. federal income tax purposes, with capital gain or loss on sale, redemption, or maturity. This is an opinion, not binding precedent.
Section 871(m) withholding does not apply as of issue date, but FATCA withholding generally applies; non-U.S. holders should consult tax advisors about potential withholding and characterization risks.
Key Figures
Key Terms
Autocallable financial
Upside participation rate financial
Trigger buffer level financial
Pre-paid derivative contract regulatory
Section 871(m) regulatory
FAQ
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AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

