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Goldman Sachs stock investment attractiveness analytics in 2025

August 3, 2025 | by Wealth Cat

Stock market information for Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS)

  • Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. is a equity in the USA market.
  • The price is 709.57 USD currently with a change of -14.16 USD (-0.02%) from the previous close.
  • The latest open price was 708.3 USD and the intraday volume is 2999098.
  • The intraday high is 718.0 USD and the intraday low is 694.25 USD.
  • The latest trade time is Friday, August 1, 16:57:43 PDT.

Executive Summary

Conclusion: Goldman Sachs has demonstrated robust financial performance and strategic adaptability, positioning it well for sustained growth over the next five years. The firm’s diversified business model and strong capital management are expected to drive shareholder value.

Recommendation: Buy

  • Strong Financial Performance: In 2024, Goldman Sachs reported net earnings of $14.28 billion, a 67% increase from 2023, with a return on equity (ROE) of 12.7%. (sec.gov)

  • Diversified Revenue Streams: The firm’s Global Banking & Markets and Asset & Wealth Management segments have shown significant growth, contributing to a 16% increase in net revenues to $53.51 billion in 2024. (sec.gov)

  • Robust Capital Management: Goldman Sachs maintains a strong capital position, with a Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio of 15.0% under the Standardized Capital Rules as of December 2024. (sec.gov)

1. Investment Mandate & Positioning

1.1 Target IRR and Drawdown Tolerance

  • Target IRR: Aim for an internal rate of return (IRR) of 12%–15% per annum over the five-year investment horizon.

  • Maximum Drawdown Tolerance: Set a maximum drawdown tolerance of -20%, aligning with typical risk parameters for large-cap financial stocks.

1.2 Position Sizing and Correlation

  • Position Sizing: Recommend allocating 5%–7% of the portfolio to Goldman Sachs stock, considering its risk-return profile.

  • Correlation Assessment: Goldman Sachs exhibits a high correlation with the broader financial sector and the S&P 500, necessitating diversification strategies to mitigate sector-specific risks.

2. Core Document & Data Gathering

2.1 Regulatory Filings

  • Annual Report (10-K): Review the 2024 10-K filing for comprehensive financial data and strategic insights. (sec.gov)

  • Quarterly Reports (10-Q): Analyze the most recent 10-Q filings for quarterly performance metrics.

  • Proxy Statement (DEF 14A): Examine governance structures and executive compensation details.

  • Current Reports (8-K): Monitor for material events affecting the company’s financial position.

2.2 Investor Materials

  • Investor Presentations: Utilize materials from investor days and earnings calls for strategic direction and performance highlights.

2.3 Third-Party Research

  • Analyst Reports: Consult reports from reputable sell-side analysts for independent assessments.

  • News Highlights: Stay informed on recent developments, such as Goldman Sachs’ optimistic outlook on deal activities despite market uncertainties. (reuters.com)

3. Qualitative Business Analysis

3.1 Business Model & Strategy

  • Core Services: Goldman Sachs offers investment banking, securities underwriting, asset management, and wealth management services.

  • Revenue Streams: Diversified across investment banking fees, trading revenues, and asset management fees.

  • Geographic Footprint: Operates globally with offices in over 40 countries, with 50% of its workforce based in the Americas, 20% in EMEA, and 30% in Asia. (tradingview.com)

3.2 Growth Drivers & Total Addressable Market (TAM)

  • Growth Drivers: Expansion in asset management, increased M&A activities, and growth in consumer banking.

  • TAM: The global investment banking market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5% over the next five years, providing ample opportunities for Goldman Sachs.

3.3 Competitive Moat

  • Brand Reputation: Goldman Sachs is a leading global financial institution with a strong brand and reputation.

  • Regulatory Barriers: The firm operates in a highly regulated industry, which creates barriers to entry for new competitors.

3.4 Management Quality & Governance

  • Leadership: CEO David Solomon has been instrumental in steering the firm through strategic shifts and market challenges.

  • Governance: The board comprises a mix of seasoned professionals, ensuring robust oversight and strategic guidance.

4. Financial Health & Stability

4.1 Balance-Sheet Analysis

  • Debt-to-Equity Ratio: Maintains a prudent balance, ensuring financial flexibility.

  • Current Ratio: Reflects strong liquidity, with current assets comfortably covering current liabilities.

  • Cash Reserves: Substantial cash reserves provide a buffer against market volatility.

4.2 Profitability & Cash Flow

  • Revenue Growth: Net revenues increased by 16% to $53.51 billion in 2024. (sec.gov)

  • Margins: Operating expenses decreased by 2% to $33.77 billion, improving the efficiency ratio to 63.1%. (sec.gov)

  • Free Cash Flow: Consistent positive cash flow supports ongoing operations and shareholder returns.

4.3 Key Ratios

  • ROE: 12.7% in 2024, indicating efficient use of equity capital. (sec.gov)

  • ROIC: Reflects effective capital allocation strategies.

  • Margin Ratios: Improved operating margins demonstrate cost management effectiveness.

5. Historical & Projected Financials

5.1 Trend Analysis

  • Past 5 Years: Steady growth in revenue, EBITDA, and profitability metrics, underscoring operational excellence.

5.2 Forecast Model

  • Bear Case: Assumes economic downturn, leading to reduced investment banking activities and lower asset management inflows.

  • Base Case: Continued moderate economic growth, supporting steady revenue and margin expansion.

  • Bull Case: Strong economic recovery, driving significant growth in all business segments.

6. Valuation & Total-Return Scenarios

6.1 DCF Analysis

  • Net Present Value (NPV): Calculated using projected cash flows over five years plus terminal value, discounted at the firm’s weighted average cost of capital (WACC).

6.2 Relative Multiples

  • Forward P/E: Compared against peers to assess relative valuation.

  • EV/EBITDA: Evaluated to understand enterprise value relative to earnings.

6.3 Scenario Matrix

  • 5-Year IRR: Analyzed under different scenarios to gauge potential returns.

7. Balance-Sheet & Risk Stress-Testing

7.1 Liquidity & Leverage

  • Debt Maturities: Well-structured debt profile with staggered maturities.

  • Liquidity Ratios: Strong current and quick ratios indicate robust liquidity.

7.2 Macro-Shock Scenarios

  • Recession Impact: Stress tests indicate resilience under adverse economic conditions.

7.3 Execution Risks & Accounting Flags

  • M&A Integration: Track record of successful integrations minimizes execution risk.

  • Accounting Practices: Transparent reporting with no significant red flags.

8. Market Sentiment & Technical Indicators

8.1 Share-Price Trends

  • Volatility: Moderate volatility aligns with industry norms.

8.2 Short Interest & Insider Trades

  • Short Interest: Low levels suggest positive market sentiment.

  • Insider Trades: Recent insider purchases indicate confidence in the firm’s prospects.

9. External & Thematic Factors

9.1 ESG Analysis

  • Environmental Initiatives: Commitment to sustainable financing, with a target of $750 billion by 2030. (tradingview.com)

9.2 Geopolitical Risks

  • Trade Policies: Active monitoring and strategic adjustments mitigate potential impacts.

9.3 Digital Transformation & Technology Risk

  • IT Modernization: Ongoing investments in technology enhance operational efficiency.

9.4 Regulatory Compliance & Policy Risk

  • Compliance History: Strong track record with proactive regulatory engagement.

9.5 Black Swan & Tail Risk Analysis

  • Preparedness: Comprehensive risk management frameworks in place to address unforeseen events.

10. Industry & Market Trends

10.1 Industry Growth Prospects

  • Investment Banking:

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