Summary of Goldman Sachs Conference Call - December 09, 2025 Company Overview - **Company**: The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE: GS) - **CFO**: Dennis Coleman, with the firm since 1996 and CFO since 2022 Industry Insights - **Macroeconomic Outlook**: The U.S. economy is characterized as resilient and conducive to business, with expectations of a 25 basis points pause by the Federal Reserve in early 2026, followed by potential rate cuts [2][3] - **M&A Activity**: Goldman Sachs has maintained a leading position in M&A, advising on over $1.5 trillion of activity in 2025, potentially marking the second biggest year in history for M&A [7][9] - **Sponsor-led Transactions**: There has been a 40% increase in sponsor-led transactions, with sponsors holding $1 trillion in dry powder, indicating a significant opportunity for future M&A activity [12][10] Key Business Segments Global Banking and Markets - **Market Position**: Goldman Sachs holds the number one position in M&A for the past 20 years and has a leading equities and FICC franchise [3][4] - **Client Engagement**: High levels of client engagement have been noted, even amidst broader market uncertainties [6] Asset and Wealth Management - **Growth Focus**: The firm aims to grow durable revenue streams, with a top-five active asset management business and a leading alternatives platform [3][38] - **Recent Performance**: In the last quarter, Goldman Sachs raised $33 billion in alternatives, setting a record and raising full-year guidance to over $100 billion [38] Capital Solutions Group - **Strategic Importance**: The Capital Solutions Group has been successful in consolidating financing activities and is expected to drive growth through large strategic financing transactions [21][22] Financial Performance and Strategy - **Excess Capital**: Goldman Sachs has a significant amount of excess capital, which will be prioritized for client franchise deployment, dividend growth, and shareholder returns [31][32] - **Inorganic Growth**: Recent acquisitions, such as Innovator Capital Management, are aimed at enhancing the firm's position in the ETF and venture capital spaces [34][35] Risk Management - **Focus on Risk**: The firm emphasizes robust risk management practices across its financing activities, with a focus on stress testing and collateral management [26][27] Efficiency and Technology - **1GS 3.0 Initiative**: A comprehensive review of the operating model aimed at driving efficiency and growth, leveraging AI and technology to streamline processes [48][49] Talent Management - **Competitive Environment**: There is a strong demand for talent at Goldman Sachs, with a focus on retaining top performers through competitive compensation and development programs [53][54] Conclusion - **Investment Case**: Goldman Sachs is positioned for growth with a strong market share in key segments, a commitment to durable revenue growth, and favorable regulatory conditions. The firm is optimistic about its ability to drive returns for shareholders moving into 2026 [56][57]