10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2000

GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP INC Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended May 26, 2000

Filed July 5, 2000For Securities:GSGS-PAGS-PCGS-PDGSCE

Summary

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. reported strong financial performance for the quarter and six months ended May 26, 2000. Net revenues increased to $4.16 billion for the quarter and $8.65 billion for the six months, up from $3.47 billion and $6.46 billion in the prior year periods, respectively. Net earnings also saw significant growth, reaching $755 million for the quarter and $1.64 billion for the six months, compared to $340 million and $1.35 billion in the prior year. The Global Capital Markets segment demonstrated robust performance, driven by a substantial increase in Investment Banking revenues, which grew 59% for the quarter and 49% year-to-date, reflecting strong activity in Financial Advisory and Underwriting. While Trading and Principal Investments saw a dip in quarterly revenues primarily due to market declines in technology and telecommunications stocks, year-to-date revenues in this segment remained strong, supported by growth in Equities. The Asset Management and Securities Services segment also exhibited impressive growth, with revenues up 55% for the quarter and 57% year-to-date, driven by an increase in assets under management and strong performance in securities services and commissions.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues increased significantly to $4.16 billion for the quarter and $8.65 billion for the six months, demonstrating broad-based growth across business segments.
  • 2Net earnings showed robust growth, reaching $755 million for the quarter and $1.64 billion for the six months, indicating improved profitability.
  • 3Investment Banking revenues surged by 59% (quarterly) and 49% (year-to-date), driven by strong M&A activity and underwriting, highlighting the firm's advisory and capital raising capabilities.
  • 4Asset Management and Securities Services revenue grew substantially by 55% (quarterly) and 57% (year-to-date), reflecting successful asset gathering and client service offerings.
  • 5Diluted earnings per share rose to $1.48 for the quarter and $3.23 for the six months, reflecting enhanced shareholder value.
  • 6The firm maintained a strong regulatory capital position, with its U.S. broker-dealer subsidiary exceeding net capital requirements.
  • 7Assets under supervision grew significantly, reaching $511.7 billion as of May 2000, indicating an expanding client asset base.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revenue growth was primarily driven by a significant increase in Investment Banking activities, particularly in Financial Advisory and Underwriting, reflecting a strong M&A market and robust equity new issue activity. Additionally, the Asset Management and Securities Services segment experienced substantial growth due to an increase in assets under management and strong performance in its securities services and commissions businesses.

While overall Trading and Principal Investments revenues showed a year-to-date increase, the quarter-over-quarter performance was impacted by market declines, particularly in technology and telecommunications stocks, which led to negative net revenues in Principal Investments. However, the Equities business saw strong growth driven by increased customer flow and market volatility.

The conversion to a corporation in May 1999 has significantly impacted the financial reporting. Key changes include the inclusion of managing director compensation as an operating expense (previously a distribution of partners' capital), the accounting for stock-based compensation, amortization of initial public offering awards, and the imposition of corporate income taxes. While these factors influence period-over-period comparisons, the underlying operational performance shows strong growth.

Goldman Sachs emphasizes a strong liquidity position, maintaining a highly liquid balance sheet and diversified funding sources. They manage liquidity by overseeing funding policies, ensuring broad access to global funding markets, maintaining a liquid asset base, and employing dynamic liquidity management. The firm also aims to maintain a 'liquidity ratio' of at least 100% to ensure it can cover short-term unsecured liabilities with unencumbered assets.