10-KPeriod: FY2008

GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP INC Annual Report, Year Ended Nov 28, 2008

Filed January 27, 2009For Securities:GSGS-PAGS-PCGS-PDGSCE

Summary

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. reported a challenging fiscal year ended November 28, 2008, marked by a significant downturn in global financial markets and economic conditions. Net revenues plummeted by 52% to $22.22 billion from $45.99 billion in the prior year, primarily driven by substantial losses in the Trading and Principal Investments segment, which experienced a pre-tax loss of $2.75 billion compared to pre-tax earnings of $13.23 billion in 2007. This decline was largely attributed to losses in credit products, mortgages, and principal investments, reflecting the severe impact of asset price declines, reduced liquidity, and market dislocations. Despite the challenging environment, the firm bolstered its capital position by raising $20.75 billion in equity during the fourth quarter of 2008, including a significant issuance under the U.S. Treasury's TARP Capital Purchase Program. The firm also successfully transitioned to a bank holding company, regulated by the Federal Reserve Board. While the Investment Banking segment saw a decline in net revenues, the Asset Management and Securities Services segment demonstrated resilience with an 11% increase in net revenues. The firm's management highlighted its focus on reducing risk exposure and maintaining a strong capital position to navigate the adverse market conditions and prepare for future opportunities.

Financial Highlights

20 data points
Beta

Net Income

$2.32B

EPS (Diluted)

$4.47

Total Assets

$1.11T

Free Cash Flow

$1.89B

Financial Statements
Beta
Net Income$2.32B
EPS (Basic)$4.67
EPS (Diluted)$4.47
Shares Outstanding (Basic)437.00M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)456.20M

Key Highlights

  • 1Net revenues decreased by 52% to $22.22 billion in FY2008, significantly impacted by market turmoil.
  • 2The Trading and Principal Investments segment incurred a pre-tax loss of $2.75 billion, a stark contrast to the $13.23 billion pre-tax earnings in FY2007.
  • 3Significant losses were recorded in credit products, mortgages, and principal investments within the Trading and Principal Investments segment.
  • 4Goldman Sachs raised $20.75 billion in equity during Q4 2008, including $10 billion from the U.S. Treasury's TARP Capital Purchase Program, strengthening its capital base.
  • 5The firm became a bank holding company in September 2008, regulated by the Federal Reserve Board.
  • 6Asset Management and Securities Services segment net revenues increased by 11% to $7.97 billion, showing relative resilience.
  • 7Investment Banking net revenues declined by 31% to $5.19 billion, reflecting reduced mergers and acquisitions and underwriting activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver was the severe downturn in global financial markets and economic conditions, particularly during the second half of 2008. This led to significant declines in asset values, reduced liquidity, and widening credit spreads, which heavily impacted the firm's Trading and Principal Investments segment, resulting in substantial losses.

Goldman Sachs raised a substantial amount of capital, totaling $20.75 billion in equity during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008. This included a $5.75 billion public offering of common stock, a $5 billion issuance to Berkshire Hathaway Inc., and a $10 billion issuance to the U.S. Treasury under the TARP Capital Purchase Program. These actions significantly bolstered the firm's capital base.

Becoming a bank holding company in September 2008 brought Goldman Sachs under the direct supervision of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. This transition subjects the firm to a different regulatory framework, including capital requirements and oversight, compared to its previous status as a Consolidated Supervised Entity regulated by the SEC.

The Trading and Principal Investments segment experienced a significant pre-tax loss due to market turmoil. The Investment Banking segment saw a substantial decline in net revenues. However, the Asset Management and Securities Services segment demonstrated resilience, with net revenues increasing by 11%, indicating relative stability in that area of the business.