10-QPeriod: Q2 FY1999

GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP INC Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended May 28, 1999

Filed July 9, 1999For Securities:GSGS-PAGS-PCGS-PDGSCE

Summary

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS) filed its 10-Q for the quarterly period ending May 28, 1999, marking a significant transition period as the company converted from a partnership to a corporation and completed its Initial Public Offering (IPO) on May 7, 1999. The IPO generated net proceeds of $2.64 billion. The financial results for the period reflect this transition, with a notable non-recurring charge of $2.26 billion related to employee IPO awards impacting operating expenses and a significant tax benefit in the provision for taxes. Despite the one-time charges and the shift in tax structure, the core business segments showed resilience. Revenues increased year-over-year across Investment Banking, Trading and Principal Investments, and Asset Management and Securities Services. The firm is actively managing its liquidity, maintaining diversified funding sources and a liquid balance sheet. Investors should note the substantial impact of IPO-related costs and the change in tax status on reported earnings, which necessitates careful consideration of pro forma results for a clearer view of ongoing operational performance.

Key Highlights

  • 1Goldman Sachs completed its Initial Public Offering (IPO) on May 7, 1999, raising $2.64 billion in net proceeds and converting from a partnership to a corporation.
  • 2Total revenues for the six months ended May 28, 1999, increased by 18% to $6.46 billion compared to the prior year period.
  • 3Investment Banking revenues grew 20% for the first six months, driven by strong M&A and equity underwriting activity.
  • 4Trading and Principal Investments revenues saw a 19% increase for the first six months, with strong performance in equities.
  • 5Asset Management and Securities Services revenues rose 15% for the first six months, primarily due to growth in asset management fees.
  • 6Operating expenses significantly increased in the current period due to non-recurring IPO-related charges ($2.26 billion for employee awards) and a charitable contribution ($200 million).
  • 7The company reported a net earnings of $340 million for the three months ended May 28, 1999, and $1.35 billion for the six months ended May 28, 1999, but these figures were significantly impacted by the IPO-related expenses and tax adjustments.

Frequently Asked Questions

The IPO and conversion to a corporation on May 7, 1999, is the most significant event. This transition involved raising substantial capital ($2.64 billion net proceeds) and fundamentally changed the company's tax structure, impacting reported earnings and expenses due to IPO-related awards and a shift to corporate income taxes.

The IPO led to significant non-recurring expenses, notably $2.26 billion for employee IPO awards and $200 million for a charitable contribution, which substantially increased operating expenses for the period. These one-time charges masked some of the underlying operational performance.

The core business segments showed growth. Investment Banking revenues increased 20% for the first six months, driven by M&A and equity underwriting. Trading and Principal Investments were up 19%, with equities being a strong contributor. Asset Management and Securities Services revenue grew 15%, primarily due to higher asset management fees.

Goldman Sachs emphasizes maintaining a strong liquidity position through diversified funding sources, including bank and non-bank lenders, repurchase agreements, commercial paper, and public debt. The company also maintains a liquid balance sheet with a significant portion of its assets being readily fundable.