Goldman Sachs(GS) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, the company generated earnings per share (EPS) of $14.01, with a return on equity (ROE) of 16% and a return on tangible equity (ROTE) of 17.1% [21] - For the full year, EPS was $51.32, representing a 27% increase compared to the previous year, with an ROE of 15% and an ROTE of 16%, improving by 230 and 250 basis points respectively from 2024 [21] - The company reported total revenues of $13.5 billion for Q4 and $51.5 billion for the full year, with a significant increase in total assets under supervision reaching a record $3.6 trillion [21][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global Banking and Markets (GBM) produced record revenues of $41.5 billion for the year, up 18% year-over-year, with investment banking fees rising 25% to $2.6 billion in Q4 [22] - FICC net revenues were $3.1 billion in Q4, up 12% year-over-year, while equities net revenues reached $4.3 billion, with equities financing results hitting a quarterly record of $2.1 billion, up 42% year-over-year [23][24] - Asset and Wealth Management (AWM) revenues were $16.7 billion for 2025, with a pre-tax margin of 25% and record management fees of $3.1 billion in Q4, up 10% year-over-year [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The investment banking backlog rose for the seventh consecutive quarter to a four-year high, primarily driven by advisory activities [23] - The company maintained its number one position in M&A advisory and ranked first in leverage lending, with a strong outlook for investment banking activity in 2026 [22][23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on narrowing its strategic focus and enhancing its client offerings, including the transition of the Apple Card portfolio and the completion of the General Motors credit card program [5][21] - The firm aims to grow its more durable financing revenues, which comprise 37% of total FICC and equity revenues, and has set a target of achieving a pre-tax margin of 30% in AWM [9][11] - The introduction of One Goldman Sachs 3.0, an operating model propelled by AI, aims to improve efficiency and accountability across the organization [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the investment banking outlook for 2026, citing catalysts such as corporate strategic repositioning and increased sponsor activity [7][20] - The company is confident in its ability to deliver strong returns for shareholders, supported by a robust capital position and diversified funding mix [28][29] - Management acknowledged potential challenges from economic growth, policy uncertainty, and market volatility but remains focused on disciplined risk management [28][29] Other Important Information - The company announced a $0.50 increase in its quarterly dividend to $4.50, representing a 50% increase from the previous year, and has $32 billion of remaining buyback capacity [16][28] - Total operating expenses for the year were $37.5 billion, with compensation expenses of $18.9 billion, reflecting a compensation ratio of 31.8% [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the company plan to scale wealth management? - Management highlighted the strength of its ultra-high net worth franchise and plans to expand through third-party wealth channels, including partnerships with RIAs [30][31] Question: What is the level of confidence in maintaining mid-teens returns? - Management believes they have significantly raised the floor for returns, supported by the growth of durable revenues, and expects to operate in the mid-teens through the cycle [34][35] Question: Is there potential for transformational M&A? - Management stated that while they are open to opportunities, the bar for significant transformational M&A remains high due to cultural integration considerations [42] Question: What is the current state of the capital markets cycle? - Management indicated that the environment is set up to be constructive for M&A and capital markets activity in 2026, with expectations of exceeding 2021 activity levels [44][45]