Q4 2021 Goldman Sachs Group Inc Earnings Call

Good morning, My name is tomorrow, and I will be your conference facilitator today I would like to welcome everyone to the Goldman Sachs fourth quarter 2021 earnings Conference call. This call is being recorded today January 18th 2022. Thank you Ms. Hallie Oh, you may begin your conference.

Good morning, this is carey.

Investor Relations at Goldman Sachs Welcome to our fourth quarter earnings Conference call. Today, We will reference our earnings presentation, which can be found on the Investor Relations page of our website at Www Dot two dot com no information on forward looking statements and non-GAAP measures appear on the earnings release and presentation.

Audiocast is copyrighted material of the Goldman Sachs Group, Inc, and may not be duplicated reproduced or rebroadcast without our consent.

I am joined by our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, David Solomon and our Chief Financial Officer, Dennis comments, Let me now pass the call to David Thank.

Thank you Carrie and good morning, everybody. Thank you all for joining us.

Goldman Sachs delivered record results in 2021, and I am extremely pleased with our performance.

We generated record full year revenues of $59 billion and record net earnings of $21 $6 billion over 60% greater than the previous all time high.

While our results were supported by healthy operating environment, we delivered the highest annual return among our peer set with an ROE of 23%.

Our record annual revenues demonstrate that our client oriented strategy is working.

Investment banking had an extraordinary year as clients remained incredibly active in turn to Goldman Sachs time, and time again for our industry, leading M&A and capital markets advice and execution.

In this business, where we have been the dominant M&A advisor over the last 25 years, we produced segment revenues that exceeded the previous record by over $5 billion and.

In global markets, we have set out to make this business more client oriented and to improve its return profile. We've made great progress and we now rank in the top three with 72 of the top 100 clients up from 51 in 2019.

And we generated a return of 15% for the year.

Our asset management wealth management business, both had record years, we're advancing our strategy to expand our third party alternatives platform. We are a top five alternative asset manager globally in the last two years, we've raised over $100 billion in commitments against our five year goal of 150 billion.

We are keenly focused on growing this business and we'll be updating our long term goals.

We are also proud to run the fifth largest active asset manager globally with assets under supervision of a record $2 five trillion.

During the year, we generated a record of 130 billion in long term net inflows across the platform.

Despite our strong market position in inflows, we are on a path to grow our asset management wealth management businesses further and drive higher fee related revenues.

Finally, I continue to be excited by our creation of the consumer banking platform of the future, we're enabling over 10 million customers to take control of their financial lives.

Last week, we introduced my GM rewards card and we look forward to the addition of Green Sky later this quarter and the launch of checking later this year.

At our Investor day in early 2020, we committed to do three things grow and strengthen our existing businesses diversifying our franchise into new businesses and operate more efficiently.

Shown by today's results, we are delivering on these objectives underpinned by a relentless focus on our clients.

Notwithstanding the solid progress we've made to date, we remain committed to driving this organization forward with a keen eye on growth and diversifying our business mix.

These efforts will strengthen our ability to elevate the firm's return profile relative to before we took over as a leadership team.

As I look ahead, we have great opportunities to grow the firm as we scale our four growth initiatives. We invested in these initiatives with the belief that each of them is the potential that tens of billions of dollars to our market cap over time.

Given it has now been two years since our Investor day, we plan to address the details of the next phase of our execution next month.

Before I turn it over to Dennis Let me provide some thoughts on the operating environment I'll.

I'll start by saying there continues to be a fair amount of uncertainty. There's no question that the recent surge in omicron cases contributed to market volatility. However.

However, I am encouraged by data that shows the omicron wave is less severe and has already peaked in some countries. Therefore, it is expected to have less of an economic impact.

My view is that COVID-19 will be endemic and as a society, we will find a way to live with it supported by the efficacy of vaccines and new treatments.

For our firm this means being flexible and dynamic with our protocols to adapt to this new state of the world. While also enabling the majority of our people to be back in the office safely.

More broadly there is no surprise that the recent surge in cases is putting even more pressure on supply chains and.

Inflation is persisting in many countries and major central banks are beginning to raise rates, notably the bank of England late last year and the Federal Reserve is now expected by our economist to implement four rate hikes in 2022.

Based on my experience it makes sense to coming out of the recent period of easy monetary policy inflation, maybe above trend for some time and in the near term inflationary pressures may continue to intensify before they start to decrease.

I also believe that we could see more volatility as these easing policies are unwound, which will likely have an impact on economic growth asset prices and client activity.

In such a dynamic environment I want to reiterate the importance they place on investing in the People's Goldman Sachs.

It is their tireless dedication to the firm to our clients and our culture of collaboration that drove our record performance. This year and I want to take this opportunity to express my profound thanks for all their hard work.

It remains a personal priority of mine that we invest in their success.

In 2021, we demonstrated this commitment not only to our pay for performance approach, but also by supporting our people in a variety of other ways, including new benefits and investments in health and safety.

We believe these investments are critical components of our people strategy support our culture and position us for success in the long term.

In conclusion as I said at the outset, we had a very favorable backdrop in 2021 and we outperformed.

But make no mistake as we move into 2022 with excitement and enthusiasm for the opportunities ahead, we remain committed to executing on our strategy and delivering for our shareholders in any market environment let.

Let me now turn it over to Dennis to cover our financial results for the year on the quarter in more detail.

Thank you David good morning.

Let's start with our results on page two of our presentation.

In the fourth quarter, we generated net revenues of $12 6 billion net earnings of $3 9 billion and.

And earnings per share of $10 81.

This contributed to our record performance for the year across revenues earnings and EPS.

Turning to performance by segment starting on page three.

Investment banking delivered outstanding results in 2021 with revenues rising almost 60% versus very strong results last year.

In the fourth quarter investment banking produced its highest quarterly revenues of $3 8 billion.

Advisory revenues of $1 $6 billion were just shy of last quarter's all time record.

We maintained our number one league table position in completed M&A for 2021.

As we have for 22 of the past 23 years and participated in over one eight trillion of announced transactions during the year driving our volume market share of 31%.

M&A activity remains elevated across geographies and industry groups with particular strength in TMT industrials and healthcare. We are also optimistic around the forward outlook for M&A with continued strength in corporate confidence coupled with an accelerated pace of transformation across industries.

Is further bolstered by high levels of Investable capital from financial sponsors.

In equity underwriting, we produced our fifth consecutive quarter with revenues in excess of $1 billion.

We ranked number one globally for the year with volumes of roughly $140 billion across more than 700 deals representing volume market share of 10%.

In debt underwriting net revenues were $948 million with our strong performance supported by record industry leveraged finance volumes as well as solid asset backed activity.

We start the year with an investment banking backlog that is significantly higher than where we started 2021 despite record revenues during the year.

Moving to global markets on page four.

Segment net revenues were $4 billion in the quarter down 7% year on year.

Full year revenues of $22 billion rose, 4% driven by an increase in equities, which posted its best annual results since 2008.

Equities performance was helped by our continued progress in deepening our relationships with the top 100 clients as well as higher financing revenues consistent with our growth strategy.

Turning to page five.

Our FIC business has generated $1 9 billion of net revenues for the fourth quarter the.

The decline in FIC intermediation versus a year ago was largely the result of significantly lower revenues in rates.

Alex amid lower market, making opportunities as well as in credit primarily on decreased activity.

These declines were partially offset by strong revenues in currencies on solid market, making results and as a divergence in global Central Bank policies led to higher client activity, particularly in emerging markets.

<unk> financing revenues of $559 million were up meaningfully year on year, driven by mortgage lending balances consistent with our strategy to support the financing needs of clients across the franchise.

Total equity revenues of $2 1 billion were down 11%.

Solid results in the fourth quarter of 2020 as.

As an increase in equity financing was more than offset by a decline in intermediation.

Average balances in prime rose to a new record, though financing revenues of $819 million were lower sequentially in the absence of outsized opportunities to extend liquidity to clients as mentioned last quarter.

Equities intermediation revenues fell year on year, driven by significantly lower performance in both derivatives and cash amid fewer market making opportunities.

Moving to asset management on page six.

Fourth quarter segment revenues were $2 9 billion.

And for the full year asset management generated record revenues of $14 9 billion helped.

Helped by significant gains in equity investments, particularly in the first half of the year.

Fourth quarter management, and other fees totaled $739 million, which were burdened by approximately $155 million of fee waivers on our money market funds.

As rates rise in the U S. We expect the majority of these waivers to cease.

Equity investments produced net revenues of $1 4 billion drift.

Driven by over $1 3 billion in gains on our $15 billion private investment portfolio and roughly $570 million in operating revenues and gains related to <unk>.

Partially offset by $500 million of losses on our $4 billion public portfolio.

Moving ahead to page eight.

We show the continued progress in harvesting on balance sheet equity investments consistent with our long term strategy to reduce capital in this segment and increased fee related earnings.

Since we laid out this plan at the beginning of 2020, we've actively harvested positions of $18 billion, which have been partially offset by markups on the portfolio of $9 billion and.

And additions of $6 billion, which include early fund facilitation the.

The implied capital associated with the total dispositions across both private and public equity positions since our 2020 Investor day is nearly $10 billion.

Additionally, we continue to have line of sight on $1 5 billion of incremental private asset sales corresponding to $1 billion of capital reduction.

Moving to page nine.

Consumer and wealth management produced revenues of $2 billion in the fourth quarter contributing to record full year revenues of $7 5 billion debt rose 25% versus the prior year.

In wealth management quarter.

Quarterly management and other fees rose to a record of $1 3 billion.

Up 5% versus the third quarter and 24% year on year supported by strong client inflows.

Private banking and lending net revenues of $293 million for the quarter contributed to record full year results of $1 1 billion, which.

Which were helped by increased loan penetration with our ultra high net worth clients.

Consumer banking revenues were 376 million in the fourth quarter, reflecting higher credit card loan and deposit balances year over year.

Sequential results were impacted by higher interest expense on our U K deposits, where we raised rates ahead of the bank of England rate increase.

As David mentioned, we now have over 10 million customers across our global consumer platform up roughly 60% versus last year.

And gross loan balances are up by almost 50%.

We expect loan growth to continue in 2022, given the pending acquisition of Green Sky and the recent launch of the <unk> rewards card.

Page 10 shows the growth in our firm wide assets under supervision and management and other fees, which is a key component of our forward strategy.

As David mentioned total stands at a record $2 five trillion.

Following record long term net inflows of $130 billion during the year strengthening our position as a top five active asset manager and a top five alternative asset manager globally.

Firm wide management and other fees for the fourth quarter rose, 14% year over year to a record $2 billion contributing to full year management and other fees of $7 6 billion.

Importantly, we've been able to grow these fees and a 9% compounded annual growth rate over the last three years.

This fee income is a key component of our strategy to diversify our business mix and deliver more durable revenues for shareholders.

On page 11, we address net interest income and our lending portfolio across all segments.

Firm wide NII was $1 8 billion for the fourth quarter high.

Higher versus a year ago, reflecting lower funding expenses, including a greater reliance on deposits and an increase in interest earning assets.

As we've noted previously our business is modestly asset sensitive we expected higher rates in 2022, along with the continued expansion of interest earning assets will provide a net benefit to our results.

Our total loan portfolio at quarter end was $158 billion.

Up 15 billion sequentially and 42 billion for the full year.

The growth in our loan book this year, primarily reflects higher balances and conservatively structured warehouse lending, where our typical loan to value was 50% and an increase in high quality wealth management loans.

Provision for credit losses of $344 million reflected lending growth during the quarter, primarily in Apple card as we expand our consumer business. We expect the provision to grow next year, reflecting increased lending and financing activities across the firm.

Turning to expenses on page 12.

Our total quarterly operating expenses were $7 3 billion.

For the full year operating expenses were $32 billion draw.

<unk> and efficiency ratio of roughly 54% well below our 60% target and reflecting our ability to exhibit operating leverage.

On compensation, our philosophy remains to pay for performance and we are committed to rewarding top talent in a competitive labor environment.

Our full year compensation ratio net of provision of 30% is 200 basis points lower than 2020.

Quarterly non compensation expenses of $4 billion rose year over year, as we continued to invest across the franchise to accelerate the strategic evolution of the firm.

Nearly two thirds of the increase was driven by higher professional fees technology spend and market development related costs.

We also incurred a $182 million of expenses related to litigation during the quarter.

Turning to capital on Slide 13.

Our common equity tier one ratio was 14, 2% at the end of the fourth quarter under the standardized approach up 10 basis points sequentially.

In the quarter, we returned a total of $1 $2 billion to shareholders, including common stock repurchases of $500 million and nearly $700 million in common stock dividends.

We also adopted <unk> in the fourth quarter, which impacted our CET one ratio by 30 basis points as noted on the last earnings call.

Looking ahead, we expect further pressures on our capital position, including the upcoming closing of the EDA and IP acquisition and other deployment opportunities.

Given these headwinds we currently expect buybacks in the first quarter to be at around the levels in the fourth quarter.

As it relates to our funding plan based on current expectations, we intend to issue materially less benchmark that for this year versus 2021, though we will remain dynamic with respect to business needs and market opportunities.

In conclusion, our solid fourth quarter and record 2021 results reflect the strength of our client franchise and our successful strategic execution as well as the upside inherent in our business model amid a constructive operating environment.

As David noted, we look forward to providing you with an update next month with more detail around our strategic objectives and targets.

Importantly, our results bolster our confidence that the execution of our strategic plan will diversify our business mix and drive more durable revenues for shareholders.

With that we'll now open up the line for questions.

Ladies and gentlemen, we will now take a moment to compile the Q&A roster.

The first question comes from Glenn Schorr from Evercore ISI.

Okay.

I'll try that.

Next question.

Yeah.

Thats helpful.

So the 200 basis points.

Ex provisioning.

Revenues were amazing so.

Thanks.

How should we think about compensation.

Someday capital markets.

Moderator.

Non comp.

Hello.

How much of that.

So people can get.

Thank you Robert.

Revenue. Thank you.

Okay.

Hi, Glenn Dennis here. Thank you very much for the question I think I think I understood that it was regarding compensation and also non compensation expenses.

And as you noted.

For the full year, we were able to take the compensation ratio down by over 200 basis points.

While still being able to.

I have a level of compensation and benefits that we thought was appropriate in light of the firm's performance.

Taking into context, the competitive environment for talent and also wanted to ensure that we had our team in place ready to continue to serve our clients and continue to execute on our plan as we go forward.

To the extent that the environment in 2022 shifts that compensation model is highly variable.

And that is a lever that we can certainly pull to continue to deliver on our targets with respect to efficiency ratio as well as aggregate level of returns.

I think you separately pointed out that non compensation expenses were up and those non compensation expenses were up as we continue to make investments in the firm.

The largest drivers of our non compensation expense in the air with transaction related activity that is our largest non compensation expense and to the extent that activity were to vary and be different we would expect those expenses to be different other drivers were professional fees and then also technology spend.

And these are technology spend in particular technology spend and engineering expense is a strategic expense for the firm.

That's one area, where we expect it to continue to invest but we similarly have a number of levers across our operating expenses that should the environment proved different in 2022, we would look to make adjustments to.

And our next question is from Steven <unk> with Wolfe Research.

Okay.

So David I was hoping you could speak to.

The tremendous growth that <unk> seen in trading revenues. This year. It's also consumed a fair amount of capital standardized <unk> are up about 20% year on year, It's clearly been the right call it to lean into those trading opportunities just given the 15% returns generated in global markets, but the industry activity contract can you speak.

Q, how we should think about the interplay between revenues and allocated capital and whether we should expect some <unk> activity normalizes.

Thanks, Steven I'll start and there might be some some stuff that Dennis ads.

But I think the most important thing and you highlighted it and we feel very good about it and I think it's one of the reasons why we were able to deliver 23% returns for the year is always a client opportunity and activity opportunity.

And we allocated to it resources, including capital and therefore, driving <unk> in a different environment. If this normalized we think we have the nimble ability to be reactive and adjust we've always been relatively nimble on our capital allocation to the business I think we've made the right decision this year and captured a lot of upside and therefore, a lot of book value growth, but in.

In an environment, where the market opportunity and a client opportunity was different it would be reflected in changes and our balance sheet position at <unk>.

Listening to the first two questions.

Just again highlight we look through everything this management team is looking through everything through the lens of the fact that we laid out our strategic plan two years ago to drive higher returns.

And invest in our businesses grow certain platforms around the firm more efficiently.

When we had that Investor day, two years ago, none of us could have anticipated the environment that we've lived through over the last two years and particular the environment. This year, which was obviously a significant tailwind for our business I think we've done a very good job being nimble and capturing the opportunity that existed because of the increase in client activity, but we in no way see.

That is a permanent.

A permanent environment, that's going to continue at this pace, we continue to be focused on doing exactly what we set out at the Investor day to deliver a higher more durable returns we're going to update you on what we think that looks like but we remain very confident of what we set out our investor day I think there's more that we can do and so obviously if some of the market activity that we saw in 2012.

One dissipated in 2022, we would change our capital allocation, our RW ways and our expense base accordingly.

Okay.

Our next question comes from Betsy <unk> with Morgan Stanley .

Betsy we can't hear you.

Hi, sorry, this is Mike <unk> on for Betsy graphic.

I was wondering can you talk a little bit about the collaboration you recently announced with AWS.

What functionality does that give you on your platform.

And do you think that that will drive more wallet share with existing clients, bringing new clients or is it a combination of the two.

Sure.

And.

We continue to find more ways to migrate certain platforms to the cloud, which gives us more efficiency and ability to connect with our clients and build our resources to our clients. This partnership with AWS allows us to take our datasets inside Goldman Sachs and if you think about SEC DB or all the trading datasets and.

Information that we have inside.

Old model clients come to us, we use that data and we give them feedback so they can transact and the new model, we're allowing an ability for clients to connect directly into that so they can develop directly on that platform with our datasets, which will allow them to think differently about their execution decisions and priorities. There are different things that can have.

And from that one with certain very large clients. We've got direct feedback from those clients that that can improve our wallet share because we're delivering real value to them and secondarily, we actually think there can be opportunities for people to pay for that as a service given the size of our data set and the resources that we can deploy.

Great. Thank you.

If I can ask an unrelated follow up.

You had a very strong quarter and year on the M&A Advisory side I know you said the pipelines are still strong across investment banking and you have a very positive outlook on M&A.

But can you talk about how you expect the environment to evolve as the fed starts of high grades and as we get into the back half of VR.

And are there any differences in how you see spa.

Sponsor activity playing out versus strategic activity.

I think strategic activity is going to continue to be very high and one of the things I touched on in my opening comments, we have a very very interesting macro environment, because you have all the supply chain disruptions.

And I think those supply chain disruptions are real having a big effect on business and so people are looking for opportunities to strategically accelerate in a changing environment people are looking for further opportunities for scale looking for further opportunities to consolidate.

And that's one of the reasons why the activity levels across our M&A platform are quite active and so both from a backlog perspective, and real time activity and just getting around with CEO is broadly we think theres a good tailwind for continued M&A activity.

And the uncertainty in the environment Interestingly is actually helping.

That tailwind because it's forcing people to look hard at ways. They can strengthen their competitive position and so I think we have a big reset going on coming out of Covid around supply change the way businesses are positioned and I think that's going to create a significant amount of client activity.

Now when you get back into the latter part of the year you talked about different economic environments, it's very hard to see that far out but at the moment the M&A activity tailwind looks looks reasonably good.

Your next question comes from Mike Mayo with Wells Fargo Securities.

Portfolio Securities Hi, just a clarification you said next month, we will get an update would that be in the form of a brokerage firm conference or a special one off Goldman Sachs event.

Mike we'll put out a press release in the next couple of weeks with the details Mike.

Okay.

Then to my my questions.

I guess the first question is conceptually how do you think about.

Taking.

The benefits of the higher level of revenues and reinvesting in the business.

Certainly your efficiency ratio improved from.

<unk> from 65% to 54% year over year, but in the fourth quarter backed up.

Quite a bit and more than expected and so trying to get a sense for how much you're willing to invest whether it's employees technology.

Complete that list at the expense of showing positive operating leverage.

Well Mike.

I appreciate the question and again I just wanted to take you back we laid out a plan and we set some targets and we are very confident of our ability to deliver on those targets.

And we're going to provide more information based on what.

Speaker 1: go in the coming months as to how we think we're going forward. But we're committed to that efficiency ratio target, and I said this clearly in my remarks in any environment.

What we know in the coming months as to how we think we're going forward, but we're committed to that efficiency ratio target and I said. This is clearly in my remarks in any environment.

Speaker 1: And so look, this was certainly a very interesting year, and I feel very good about the fact that there was an enormous opportunity given client activity for us to capture more of that activity, make some investments around it, and deliver really extraordinary returns and really extraordinary book value growth for our shareholders.

So look this was certainly a very very interesting year and I feel very good about the fact that there was an enormous opportunity given client activity for us to capture more of that activity make some investments around it and deliver really extraordinary returns in really extraordinary book value growth for our shareholders in a different environment.

Speaker 1: In a different environment, I'm confident that there are a number of different levers that we can pull in a different environment to continue to deliver on the targets we set.

I am confident that there are a number of different levers that we can pull in that different environment to continue to deliver on the targets, we set and make the firm more durable and continue to grow our returns and so we're focused on that we're not we're not wrapped up in the quarter were focused on are one two and three year version a vision of how we can continue.

Speaker 1: and make the firm more durable and continue to grow our returns.

Speaker 1: So we're focused on that. We're not wrapped up in the quarter. We're focused on our one, two, and three-year version, a vision of how we can continue to drive the firm forward.

To drive the firm forward and so I hope that I hope that's helpful.

Speaker 1: And so I hope that's helpful. But that's the way we're thinking about it. That's what we're focused on. And there was an extraordinary opportunity this year where we feel like we kept

It's the way we're thinking about it that's what we're focused on and there was an extraordinary opportunity this year and we feel like we captured it.

And then the tougher question, but you are in a better seat to forecast. This how much longer should capital markets stay elevated versus pre pandemic and this is a relevant question because you're allocating resources. You said the backlog is close to the record level at the start of last year.

Speaker 2: And then the tougher question, but you're in a better seat to forecast this, how much longer should capital markets stay elevated versus pre-pandemic? And this is a relevant question because you're allocating resources. You said the backlog is close to the record level at the start of last year. But I think the concern is really around the markets businesses. And if you get more volatility, maybe that's good on the other hand.

But I think the concern is really around the markets businesses and if you get more volatility maybe thats good on the other hand.

Speaker 2: Maybe the best days are behind us, but with higher rates do you get a lot of money moving in and Goldman Sachs acts as an intermediary. How do you think about the ins and outs as it relates to the capital markets level?

The best days are behind us.

But with higher rates do you get a lot of money moving in and Goldman Sachs acts as an intermediary just how do you think about.

Ins and outs as it relates to the capital markets levels.

Sure.

Speaker 1: Sure. And look, I don't have a crystal ball mic. And so there's certainly

Look I don't have a crystal ball, Mike and so they're certainly.

Speaker 1: You know, there certainly could be volatility in activity levels, but I think the important thing is to step back again.

There certainly could be volatility in activity levels, but I think the important thing is to step back again and think about our franchise and I harken back to our Investor day, we talked about our position in global markets and we said we wanted to grow our wallet share. We wanted to increase the scalability of our client franchise, we wanted to be more important to our clients we have materially grown our wall.

Speaker 1: And you know, think about our franchise and I harken back to our investor day, we talked about our position in global markets and we said we wanted to grow our wallet share, we wanted to increase the scalability of our client franchise, we wanted to be more important to our clients, we've materially grown our wallet share, we've materially increased our position and there was definitely more client activity last year and this year and so we were able to capture that.

What share we have materially increased our position and there was definitely more client activity last year and this year and so we were able to capture that.

Speaker 1: In a more normalized environment, that opportunity might be different, but we think we have the right resources to continue to be a leader and to capture what that puts forward and deliver reasonable returns against our overall package of returns as a firm.

In a in a more normalized environment that opportunity might be different but we think we have the right resources to continue to be a leader and to capture what that puts forward and deliver reasonable returns against our overall package of returns as a firm.

Speaker 1: I do think that market levels and activity levels, given we're in a very, very unusual macro environment, are going to continue to be reasonable as we start into this year. I'm not going to predict what things look like in the second half of the year or next year, but you've still got a lot of volatility around the pandemic. You've got big changes in supply chain. You've got changes in interest rates. There's a lot going on. And so we still see clients being relatively active.

I do think that market levels and activity levels given we're in a very very unusual macro environment are going to continue to be reasonable as we start into this year I'm not going to predict what things look like in the second half of the year or next year, but you've still got a lot of volatility around the pandemic, you've got big changes in supply.

Chain, you've got changes in interest rates Theres, a lot going on and so we still see clients being relatively active but what I feel best about is over the last two years, we've been executing on our plan. It's strengthened our franchise. It has increased our wallet share we're in better position with our clients and so and we've also done a lot from an efficiency.

Speaker 1: But what I feel best about is over the last two years, we've been executing on our plan.

Speaker 1: It's strengthened our franchise, it's increased our wallet share, we're in better position with our clients.

Speaker 1: And so, and we've also done a lot from an efficiency perspective in that business.

Perspective in that business and so I feel very good about how that business has progressed since we laid out our plan on Investor day in 2019, and I expect we will continue to perform well as we move forward from here.

Speaker 1: And so I feel very good about how that business has progressed since we laid out our plan on Investor Day in 2019, and I expect we'll continue to perform well as we move forward from here.

Speaker 3: Your next question comes from Kayan Abu-Hassan with JP Morgan.

Your next question comes from Kai in Abu Hossein with JP Morgan.

Speaker 4: Yeah, thanks for taking my question. The first question is just coming back to the comp ratio if I X provision from the comp ratio actually get to 30% that's actually flat year in year. Can you just confirm that?

Yes. Thanks for taking my question. The first question is just coming back to the <unk> provision.

The comp ratio actually get to 30% flat year on year can you just confirm that.

Speaker 4: In context of comp, if I just take a simple calculation of taking comp increase minus staff increase, you're up around 20% year-to-year. And if I compare that to peers looking at nine months or what has been reported so far, it's 10% or less.

In.

In context.

If.

If I just take a simple calculation of taking home.

Increase minus staff increase you're up around 20% year on year, if I compare that to peers looking at nine months of what has been reported so far.

10% or less.

Speaker 4: So just trying to understand your driver to pay more than what we're going to see and what we expect to see from the street in terms of global peers on the competition.

So just trying to understand.

Your drive to pay more than once.

What is going to see and what do you expect to see from from the street in terms of global peer.

Okay. Thank thank you Ken a couple of comments I would make.

Speaker 5: Thank you, Ken. A couple comments I would make. You referenced the ratio without taking account of the provisions, and you're correct. That's roughly flat at 30 percent year over year. However, we look at paying out compensation.

You referenced the ratio without taking account of the provisions and you are correct, that's roughly flat at 30%.

Year over year, how we look at paying out compensation.

Speaker 5: on the basis of revenues, net of provisions. These provisions are real, and that's the basis on which we set our compensation ratio. And 30% is more than 200 basis points lower than it was last year. It's also the lowest comp ratio in our history. So we continue to drive that down, drive efficiency on behalf of our clients.

On the basis of <unk> of revenues net of provisions these provisions are real.

And that's the basis on which we set our compensation ratio and 30, 30% is more than 200 basis points lower than it was last year. It's also the lowest comp ratio in our history. So.

So we continue to drive that down drive efficiency on behalf of our clients.

Speaker 5: You made some reference to changes in headcount, I mean, something I would offer you up just by way of a perspective. If you look at the roughly 3,400 incremental heads that we have on headcount on a year-over-year basis, approximately 90 percent of those heads were located in strategic locations.

You made some reference to changes in head count I mean, something I would offer you up just by way of a perspective. If you look at the roughly 3400 incremental heads that we have on head count on a year over year basis.

Approximately 90% of those heads were located in strategic locations of the firm only 10% of those heads in hub locations like New York, London, Hong Kong. So there's a lot of things going on as we continue to evolve the complexion of our employee base and grow the firm and as a matter of efficiency and strategic priority in terms of sort.

Speaker 5: only 10% of those heads in hub locations like New York, London, Hong Kong. So there's a lot of things going on as we continue to evolve the complexion of our employee base and grow the firm. And as a matter of efficiency and strategic priority in terms of sourcing talent and sort of redundancies around the world, we're very deliberately growing headcount in different places. And obviously, as you can appreciate, the expense associated with headcount varies very much by location. So that may help you with your numbers.

<unk> talent and sort of redundancies around the world, we're very deliberately growing head count in different places and obviously as you can appreciate the expense associated with head count varies very much by location. So that may help you with your numbers.

Speaker 3: Your next question comes from Brennan Hawken with UBS.

Your next question comes from Brennan Hawken with UBS.

Speaker 6: Good morning. Thanks for taking my questions. I'm just curious about some of the different lines in the new businesses, specifically the consumer and wealth segment and the corporate lending line. How should we think about rate sensitivity in those lines? Can you give us any kind of parameters around how we would calibrate magnitude, given we're likely to see some rate increases here in the coming year?

Good morning, Thanks for taking my questions just curious about the.

Some of the different lines in the new businesses that specifically, the consumer and wealth segment and the corporate lending line, how should we think about rate sensitivity in those lines can you give us any kind of parameters around how we would calibrate magnitude given we're likely to see.

Some rate increases here in the coming year.

Speaker 5: Sure. Thank you, Brennan. It's Dennis. And look, I obviously recognize we have a different business than some of our large commercial bank peers. But that being said, given our expectation for the rate environment, we see ourselves as remaining modestly asset-sensitive. We are focused on continuing to drive lending, increase our net interest-earning assets. So we would expect a benefit in that environment, in that context.

Sure. Thank you Brian it's Dennis.

Look obviously recognize we are a different business than some of our large commercial bank peers, but that being said given our expectation for the rate environment, we see ourselves as remaining modestly asset sensitive.

We are focused on continuing to drive lending increase our net interest earning assets. So we would expect a benefit.

In that environment in that context, I mean, the other thing I would point out to you. We mentioned in the script that with the first alright, I should say with the first 25 basis point rate hike, we would expect to be able to roll off the majority of our fee waivers or money market funds and just for context that total number in two.

Speaker 5: I mean, the other thing I would point out to you, we mentioned in the script that with the first, or I should say with the first 25 basis point rate hike, we would expect to be able to roll off, you know, the majority of our fee waivers, our money market funds. And just for context.

Speaker 5: That total number in 2021 was 565 million. Thanks.

'twenty, one was $565 million.

Okay. Thanks for that Dennis I appreciate it.

Speaker 6: Also, if I could just sneak in one more, you guys gave some great color around the non-comp.

Also if I could if I could just sneak in one more you guys gave some great color on the non comp.

Speaker 6: And clearly, there was some noisy items in the fourth quarter. But when we think about building out our outlook into 2022, based on what you can see now, it seems like the environment is still solid. You've talked about good backlogs and whatnot, even though they're down a little sequentially, which is understandable. Should we, is the 4Q backing out the charitable contribution and the litigation?

And clearly there was some noisy items in the fourth quarter.

But when we think about building out our outlook into 2022 based on what you can see now it seems like the environment is still solid you've talked about good backlogs and whatnot, even though theyre down a widow sequentially, which is understandable.

Should we is the <unk> backing out the charitable contribution and the litigation charge is that the right jumping off point as we think about 2022 or should we make further adjustments.

Speaker 6: charge, is that the right jumping off point as we think about 2022, or should we make further adjustments?

Speaker 5: Look, so I think as we think about non-compensation expense on the forward, and taking all of it in totality, and again, all within the framework of our efficiency ratio, our return targets, etc.

So I think.

As we think about non compensation expense on the forward.

And taking all of it in totality and again all within the framework of our efficiency ratio, our return targets et cetera.

Speaker 5: Where we sit today, we don't see taking our operating expenses up materially from where they are right now. There will be puts and takes within the portfolio of expenses and as an item of consistent focus for the market and certainly for us.

Where we sit today, we don't see taking a R.

Operating expenses up materially.

From where they are right now there will be puts and takes within the portfolio of expenses and as it is an item of consistent focus for the market and certainly for us.

Speaker 5: You know one area that you should expect us to continue to invest in is across technology and engineering expense. That that number for us this past year was between four and a half and five billion dollars. And that's a number that you should see us to continue to invest in. But across the balance of the portfolio we'll make adjustments based on the environment.

One area that you should expect us to continue to invest in is across technology and engineering expense that that number for us.

This past year was between four five and $5 billion and Thats a number that you should see us to continue to invest in.

Across the balance of the portfolio, we'll make adjustments based on the environment.

Speaker 3: Your next question is from Devin Ryan with JMP Securities.

Your next question is from Devin Ryan with JMP Securities.

Speaker 7: Thanks. Good morning, David and Dennis. Thanks for taking the question. I guess first question here just on the M&A backdrop. David, I heard your comments loud and clear just around.

Thanks.

David Dennis Thanks for taking the question.

First question here just on the M&A backdrop, David I heard your comments loud and clear to surround.

Speaker 7: you know, companies looking to kind of improve their strategic position. And so when we think about, I guess, Goldman Sachs' M&A strategy, you know, the firm has been reasonably active over the past, you know, couple years here, and we are seeing a little bit of a reset in valuations, particularly in the fintech space. So I know that price isn't the first consideration here, but are there any areas that...

Companies looking to kind of improve their strategic position and so when we think about I guess Goldman sachs's.

M&A strategy.

Your firm has been reasonably active over the past couple of years here and we are seeing a little bit of a reset in valuations, particularly in the Fintech space I know the prices in the first consideration here, but are there any areas that.

Speaker 7: with more maybe attractive pricing or more reasonable valuations that, you know, it makes sense to get into through M&A versus organic.

With more maybe attractive pricing.

They are more reasonable valuations that make sense to get into through M&A versus organic growth.

Speaker 1: Yeah, so Devin, I appreciate it. And my, you know, my message here is going to be relatively, you know, relatively consistent. We have these areas of the firm in particular, you know, asset management, wealth management, digital consumer banking platform, where we see real opportunity to expand and grow, you know, Goldman Sachs franchise, real opportunity to, to, you know, ultimately, diversify the earnings mix. And

Yes, so devin I appreciate it and Mike.

The message here is going to be relatively relatively consistent.

We have these areas of the firm in particular.

Asset management wealth management digital consumer banking platform, where we see real opportunity to expand and grow.

Goldman Sachs franchise real opportunity to two ultimately diversify the earnings mix.

And.

Speaker 1: and make the firm more durable, more diversified, and drive higher returns.

And make the firm more durable more diversified and drive higher returns and in that context. If there are opportunities to accelerate that plan and add onto those businesses or accelerate the growth of those businesses. We will certainly consider them, but we always consider them with discipline.

Speaker 1: to accelerate that plan and add on to those businesses or accelerate the growth of those businesses, we'll certainly consider them. But we always consider them with discipline. You know, the lens through which we'd ever think about doing something that was significant or transformative would be extremely high. But you saw this year we had an opportunity in the asset management business through NN.

And for which we would ever think about doing something that was significant our transformative would be extremely high but you saw this year, we had an opportunity to asset management business through an end to really strengthen our position in Europe open up some additional distribution channels and we think we made a very smart move and that so that's the that's the lens that we're looking at is either way.

Speaker 1: to really strengthen our position in Europe , open up some additional distribution channels, and we think we made a very smart move in that. So that's the lens that we're looking at, is are there ways to accelerate some of the growth and the diversification of the firm that are appropriate? When you get to, you know, some of the growthy fintech stuff.

To accelerate some of the growth and the diversification of the firm that are appropriate.

When you get to some of the growth of Fintech stuff.

Speaker 1: I think it gets more complicated. What was interesting about Green Sky to us was the merchant network. We were thinking about how we were going to build a merchant network, and we thought it would take a very long time, and this allowed us to acquire a merchant network at what we thought was a very attractive price, very attractive merchant network, and so we decided that that was an appropriate way to accelerate that strategy.

I think it gets it gets more complicated what was interesting about green Sky to US was the merchant network, we're thinking about how we're going to build our merchant network and we thought it would take a very long time and this allowed us to both of them to acquire our merchant network at what we thought was a very attractive price very attractive merchant network and so we decided that that was an appropriate way to accelerate that.

<unk> and so that's the lens that we're going to look through as we continue to think about ways that we can execute on the strategy. The way we laid out in Investor day.

Speaker 1: And so that's the lens that we're going to look through as we continue to think about ways that we can execute on the strategy the way we laid out an investment.

Speaker 3: Your next question is from Ibrahim Poonawalla with Bank of America.

Your next question is from Ebrahim <unk> with Bank of America.

Hey, good morning.

Speaker 8: I guess just one question, David, around the consumer strategy. So you mentioned about being opportunistic, I guess, as things come up. But when we talk to investors, it doesn't feel like the stock is getting the credit or the re-rating as you diversify those earnings. One, do you think the consumer business and the strategy needs a rethink? Or are you happy with the progress that you've made? I guess would be the first part of the question.

I guess.

Just one question David around the consumer strategy. So you mentioned about being.

Opportunistic I guess as things come up but.

When you talk to investors it doesn't feel like the stock is getting the credit or the rebating.

As you diversify those earnings one like do you think the consumer business and the strategy needs to rethink where are you happy with the progress that you've made.

I guess it would be the first part of the question.

Speaker 1: So the first part of the question we're very happy with the progress we're making. But again and you know I've said this repeatedly. This is something we're building for the long term that we think could be a very very big business for the firm. We're building it with a lens that we set out return.

So on the first part of the question, we're very happy with the progress we're making.

But again and I've said this repeatedly this is something we're building for the long term that we think can be a very very big business for the firm. We're building it with a lens that we set out return targets.

Speaker 1: for the business, and we're making these investments knowing that we're hugely committed to meet our return targets and move our return targets forward.

For the business and we're making these investments knowing that we are hugely committed to meet our return targets and move our return targets forward.

Speaker 1: And this is going to take some time, but we feel like the progress is good. We, as we said, you know, on the call already today, we've grown to 10 million customers. We're expanding the product offering. We have plans to continue to broaden what we're doing and we feel very, very good about it. I don't think the strategy, we're very, very clear on what we're doing and how we're doing it. In the short term, I don't expect to get a lot of, you know, for us to get a lot of credit for it, but we're doing the right thing.

And this is going to take some time, but we feel like the progress is good we as we said on the call already today, we've grown to 10 million customers. We're expanding the product offering we have plans to continue to broaden what we're doing and we feel very very good about it I don't think the strategy, we're very very clear on what we're doing and how we're doing it in the short term I don't expect to get.

For us to get a lot of credit for it but we're doing the right thing for the long term for Goldman Sachs and our broad franchise and we feel very good about the progress that we're making.

Speaker 1: for the long term, for Goldman Sachs and our broad franchise, and we feel very good about the progress that we're making.

Speaker 8: And I guess just one follow-up, Dennis, and I apologize if this is making you repeat it, but just on credit, like, do you worry about taking on a lot more credit risk given the loan growth outlook that you talked about as we are probably close to the peak of the cycle in terms of the health of the consumer? Just talk to us about in terms of credit quality two, three years out, how do you think about

Noted and I guess, just one follow up Dennis and apologize.

This is.

Making ODP did but just on credit like do you worry about taking on a lot more credit risk given the loan growth outlook that you talked about.

As we have probably close to the peak of the cycle in terms of the health of the consumer just talked about in terms of credit quality two three years out how do you think about it.

Speaker 5: So, thank you for the question. We are, we're very focused on credit risk. We're very focused on risk management across all the risk stripes.

So thank you for the question.

We are very focused on credit risk.

We're very focused on risk management across all of the risk stripes and.

Speaker 5: And while David has highlighted our strategic objectives to grow the firm.

David has highlighted our strategic objectives to grow the firm.

Speaker 5: drive no more you know recurring durable revenues more financing and lending

Driving more recurring durable revenues do more financing and lending activities and there is an attractiveness to the stability and predictability of that but all provided that you.

Speaker 5: There is an attractiveness to the stability and predictability of that, but all provided that you remain disciplined on credit. And so that is something that we take into account as we think about the growth of our various businesses within the consumer business, within the wholesale business, and as we think about extension of credit across other segments of the firm.

We remain disciplined on on credit and so that is something that we take into account as we think about the growth of our various businesses within the consumer business within the wholesale business and as we think about extension of credit across other segments of the firm I would point out for example that where we grow in the area of <unk>.

Speaker 5: I would point out, for example, that where we grow in the area of FIC financing.

Fixed financing, we're doing so with secured structures at reasonable ltvs as we deploy into the wealth segment. These are high quality.

Speaker 5: We're doing so with secured structures at reasonable LTVs.

Speaker 5: As we deploy into the wealth segment, these are high quality wealth management loans.

Wealth management loans, and so and as David just referenced in the consumer sector. One of the things beyond the value of the 10000 merchants for Green Sky is the high FICO characteristics of the customer base and so segment by segment, we're making an effort to grow these types of revenues grow our balances.

Speaker 5: And so, and as David just referenced, in the consumer sector, one of the things beyond the value of the $10,000 merchants for Greensky is the high FICO characteristics of the customer base. And so, segment by segment, we're making an effort to grow these types of revenues, grow our balances, but to do so in a credit-sensitive fashion.

But to do so in a credit sensitive fashion.

Speaker 3: Your next question is from Dan Fannin with Jeffreys.

Your next question is from Dan Fannon with Jefferies.

Speaker 7: Thanks. Good morning. I wanted to follow up on the global markets business and how you're thinking about market share gains from here, given, you know, the levels are a bit more under, a little more uncertain at this point. And then also, if you could clarify the fourth quarter sequential decline in the equities trading part, given the market backdrop seemed to be more constructive than, you know, kind of your results.

Thanks, Good morning, I wanted to follow up on the global markets business, and how youre thinking about market share gains from here given levels are a bit more.

A little more uncertain at this point and then also if you could clarify the fourth quarter sequential decline in the equities trading part given the market backdrop seem to be more constructive than kind of yield results.

Speaker 1: So I'll start broadly, and Daniel can make a comment on fourth quarter equities.

So I'll start broadly and dental so Nick comment on the fourth quarter equities, but again I'll take you back we built our global markets business as our client franchise and that's been something we've been very very focused on over the last couple of years as you appropriately pointed out and we've materially moved our position with many clients.

Speaker 1: But I, you know, again, I'll take you back. We've built our global markets business as a client franchise, and that's been something we've been very, very focused on over the last couple of years. As you appropriately point out, Dan, we've materially moved our position with many clients.

Speaker 1: in a very, very meaningful way. I think there's still upside for us from a wallet and a share perspective, looking at the broad client base.

In a very very meaningful way I think there is still upside for us from a wallet share perspective looking at the broad client base.

Speaker 1: But as we look at it going forward, we'll take more sustainable share from what opportunity the market presents. And that's the nature of that business. And I think we've shown over a long period of time that we're very, very good at adapting and capturing the upside that exists in that business. But we do it now from a stronger position of strength, both in terms of the nature of our client franchise, the relationships we have with our clients, and also the efficiencies we have in that business.

But as we look at it going forward, we will take more sustainable share from what opportunity the market presents and Thats the nature of that business and I think we've shown over a long period of time that were very very good at adapting and capturing the upside that exists in that business, but we do it now from a stronger position of strength both in terms of the nature of our client franchise the <unk>.

Asian shifts we have with our clients and also the efficiencies we have in that business and so we're going to continue to focus on that and we will see what environment has put forward as we move forward, but my guess is that this business will be continue to be a very large business and probably a more consistent business than than the general narrative around the business. When you go.

Speaker 1: And so we're going to continue to focus on that, and we'll see what environment is put forward as we move forward. But my guess is that this business will continue to be a very large business, and probably a more consistent business than the general narrative around the business when you go back and look at it over the course of the last year.

I can look at it over the course of the last 10 years.

Sure maybe just add some context on the fourth quarter. So looking at the fourth quarter versus third quarter of 'twenty, one and also frankly versus fourth quarter of 'twenty.

Speaker 5: Sure, and maybe just add some context on the fourth quarter. So, you know, looking at the fourth quarter versus third quarter of 21, and also, frankly, versus fourth quarter of 20, the comparison is such that the performance in the prior periods was what was really stronger. And when we looked at the fourth quarter of 2021, we didn't have the exact same opportunities to deploy capital, as we saw in the third quarter. And some of the market making for us was less attractive on a quarter over quarter basis, both versus the third quarter and fourth quarter in 20.

The comparison is such that the performance in the prior periods.

What was really stronger and when we looked at the fourth quarter of 2021, we didn't have the exact same opportunities to deploy capital.

Capital.

We saw in the third quarter and some of the market, making for US was less attractive on a quarter over quarter basis, both versus the third quarter and fourth quarter in 'twenty, but again stepping back equity still to deliver its second best performance ever.

Speaker 1: But again, stepping back, equity still did deliver its second best performance ever. So from the state of the franchise, the quality of the client dialogue, the investments we're making in the efficiencies of that business, and our focus on growing the financing component of that, that all feels very good to us. Yeah, and also, just the only other thing I'd highlight, Dan, on that, just to put in perspective.

So from a state of the franchise the quality of the client dialogue. The investments, we are making and the efficiencies of that business and our focus on growing the financing component of that that all feels very good to US. Yes. I'd also add just the only other thing I'd highlight Dan on that just to put in perspective.

Speaker 1: You know, our, our, you know, and I know everybody wants to focus on the quarter and that's obviously appropriate, but the markets business was up 4% year over year. And when we started the year, nobody believed that the markets business could be up from last year, given the activity level last year and last year set.

And I know everybody wants to focus on the quarter and Thats, obviously appropriate, but the markets business was up 4% year over year and when we started the year nobody believed that the market's business could be up from last year, given the activity level last year and last year's set. So I think there's some structural things that have gone on that have improved the opportunity for all the participants.

Speaker 1: So I think there's some structural things that have gone on that have improved the opportunity for all the participants in that business. I'm not saying it's going to level out at the level it's been the last two years, but I do think we've sometimes got to step out of the quarter and think about what's going on in bigger bites of time.

And in that business I'm, not saying, it's going to it's going to level out at the level its been the last two years.

But I do think we've sometimes you got to step out of the quarter and think about what's going on in bigger bites of time, especially in that business.

Speaker 3: Your next question is from Matt O'Connor with Deutsche Bank.

Your next question is from Matt O'connor with Deutsche Bank.

Speaker 9: Good morning, there's obviously been a lot of focus on cost this quarter this year, but if some of it just catch up from last year, there's been a number of media reports that. Goldman Sachs and other firms showed a lot of restraint last year, and we're looking to catch up a bit. And, you know, I was just double checking my model. I think your revenues were up over 20% last year and conflict up only 8. so. Is that part of the equation here that we should just better appreciate.

Good morning.

We have been a lot of focus on costs this quarter this year.

Some of it just catch up from last year.

A number of media reports that.

Goldman Sachs and other firms so a lot of strength last year, and we're looking to catch up on that.

I was just double checking my model I think your revenues were up about 20% last year, our comp was up only eight so is that part of the equation here that we should just better appreciate it.

I think.

Speaker 1: I think there's a component of that. I mean, I wouldn't, I'd say there's a component where the component of that is most evident.

I think there is a component of that.

I would say there is a component where the where the component of that is most evident.

Speaker 1: is that there is real wage inflation everywhere in the economy.

Is that there is there is real wage inflation everywhere in the economy.

Speaker 1: everywhere. And if you talk to any CEO , and most CEOs obviously run.

Everywhere and if you talk to any CEO and most of those obviously run different employee basis than we do but still at Goldman Sachs. When you look at our 45000 people around the world. The vast majority of those 45000 people fall into what you call a more traditional corporate compensation.

Speaker 1: your different point basis that we do but still a call the fact that you look at our forty five thousand people around the world the vast majority of those forty five thousand people

Speaker 1: fall into what you call a more traditional corporate compensation model.

Model.

Speaker 1: And I think there definitely was, coming out of last year after we went through the compensation process, there were definitely places where I think with hindsight and with the constantly evolving environment of COVID and supply chain changes, the monetary and fiscal policy environment, what they did to saving rates, et cetera, where there was a real base.

And I think there definitely was coming out of last year. After we went through the compensation process. So we are definitely places, where where I think with hindsight and with the constantly evolving environment of Covid supply chain changes the monetary and fiscal policy environment, what that did to savings rates et cetera, where there was a real base.

Speaker 1: pressure on what I call base kind of compensation and wage levels, and so that's a component of it, for sure. There's also, and I think it's got to be put, you know, when people are looking at it, especially in the fourth quarter.

Pressure on what I call base kind of compensation and wage levels and so that's a component of it for sure. There is also and I think it's got to be what people are looking at it especially in the fourth quarter.

Speaker 1: uh... you know when they look at the top numbers in the fourth quarter of people doing their modeling

When they're looking at the comp numbers in the fourth quarter and people are doing their modeling.

Speaker 1: You know, we told everyone that we were going to try to do.

<unk> told everyone that we were going to try to do better at really estimating on a quarter to quarter basis, where the compensation levels needed to be and last year. For example through three quarters, our comp ratio was 36% through three quarters, and then we wound up going to 32% for the year, which made us.

Speaker 1: better at really estimating on a quarter-to-quarter basis where the compensation levels needed to be.

Speaker 1: And last year, for example, through three quarters, our comp ratio was 36 percent through three quarters, and then we wound up going to 32 percent for the year, which made us, I think, don't hold me to this exactly, approximately 24 percent in the fourth quarter last year. If we had been this year, we obviously moved more aggressively through the year. We were at 31 percent through three quarters. If we were at 36 percent like we were last year, the comp ratio in the fourth quarter would have been 7 percent.

Think don't hold me to this exactly approximately 24%.

In the fourth quarter last year, if we did this year, we obviously moved more aggressively through the year, we were at 31% through three quarters. If we were at 36% like we were last year the comp ratio in the fourth quarter would have been 7% and then people would have would have seen that differently. So again, we're seeing.

Speaker 1: And then people would have would have seen that, you know, differently. So, again, we're thinking about the year. We're trying to do what's right for the year, all through the lens of our strategy to deliver the appropriate returns in any environment, you know, over time. But I think, you know, the I think the question is right, Matt, that there was a component of a reset given the macro environment that I think is affecting business everywhere. And I think we've done a good job kind of addressing that and taking care of that this year. And so that's part of our base going forward.

About the year, we're trying to do what's right for the year all through the lines of our strategy to deliver the appropriate returns in any environment over time, but I think I.

The question is right that that there was a component of our reset given the macro environment that I think is affecting business everywhere and I think we've done a good job kind of addressing that and taking care of that this year and so that's part of our base going forward.

Your next question is from Gerard Cassidy with RBC.

Thank you.

David you pointed out in your opening remarks about moving up to the top three position with 72 of your top 100 clients.

Two part question, one can you share with us or elaborate on what was the driver I mean, where does the success is coming from better execution is it coming from using your balance sheet.

Relationships and second will these reasons that drove you up to 72 from 51, B a real strength in a disruptive market, where maybe we have markets down this year and not being up as you pointed out earlier.

Speaker 1: Yeah, so thanks for the question, Gerard. And again, you know, this goes back to the one Goldman Sachs strategy and some things we laid out in a very clear fashion a couple of years ago about the way we wanted to evolve the firm.

Yes. So thanks for the question Gerard and again this goes back to the one Goldman Sachs strategy and some things we laid out in a very clear fashion a couple of years ago about the way we wanted to evolve the firm in a while.

There have been parts of our organization.

Particularly the investment banking franchise that have always been extremely clear.

Client centric, we didn't feel like in our markets business, we were focused enough on the quality of those relationships, we werent Metro Cana and I know a lot of this is going to sound like very basic stuff, we werent metric and targeting it appropriately and Theres a lot that we've learned as an organization over time that we thought could apply to the global markets business and really improve our position.

Speaker 1: The move from 51 to I think it's 71 or 72, 72 right now, comes from the execution over the last two years of that strategy.

Move from 51, so I think its 71 or 70 272 right now comes from the execution over the last two years of that strategy.

Speaker 1: We are actively taking feedback and looking at metrics on our performance against these client base. The feedback is very, very strong from our clients that they see a change in the way we're interacting with them, and that's benefiting our wallet share. I think there's still some upside in that, you know, moving, if you're not top three, from with

We are actively taking feedback and looking at metrics on our performance against these client base. The feedback is very very strong from our clients that they see a change in the way we are interacting with them and that's benefiting our wallet share I think theres still some upside in that moving if youre not top three from with with more than 51 of them and now you go to 70.

Speaker 1: more than 51 of them. And now you go to 71, you're top three. Well, for some of them, you know, you're number three, you can still be number two or number one. And we think the base number of 72 can be higher. You're not gonna get to be top three with all 100, but we think it can be higher than 72.

One of your top three while for some of them you're number three you could still be number two or number one and we think the base number of 72 can be higher youre not going to get to be top three with all 100, but we think it can be higher than 72. So we do think there's still some more upside in that if we continue to execute on a very client centric strategy of clients have a good experience with us if they feel.

Speaker 1: So we do think there's still some more upside in that if we continue to execute on a very client-centric strategy, if clients have a good experience with us, if they feel like we're taking their long-term interests at heart in every interaction and everything we do, it improves our activity with them.

Like we're taking their long term interests at heart and every interaction and everything we do it improves our activity with them to the latter part of your question I do think in any environment, we have a more sustainable franchise and we will benefit from that and so I think we'll continue to benefit from that investment, but more work to do for sure.

Speaker 1: To the latter part of your question, I do think in any environment, we have a more sustainable franchise and we will benefit from that. And so, I think we'll continue to benefit from that investment, but more work to do for sure.

Your next question is from Jim Mitchell with Seaport Global.

Speaker 3: Your next question is from Jim Mitchell with Seaport Global.

Speaker 10: Hey, good morning. Maybe a question on the acquisitions as we get closer to the closing of NNIP and Greensky. Are you feeling better, worse about the strategic synergies? And do you see these deals having any noticeable impact on earnings and returns in the intermediate term? Or these are longer term projects? Thanks.

Hey, good morning, maybe a question on the acquisitions as we get closer to the closing and in IP and Green Sky are you feeling better worse about the strategic synergies and do you see these deals having any noticeable impact on earnings and returns in the intermediate term or is it these are longer term projects. Thanks.

Speaker 1: I appreciate the question, Jim. I mean, we absolutely feel just as good about them, you know, today as when we decided to do them. I think what I can report is whenever you do something like this, you start planning integration. And we have integration teams on both deals. And the work that we're doing to prepare for integration as these deals come to close is going very well. And, you know, in sync with what we expected in some places, you know, some upside to what we expected.

I appreciate the question Jim I mean, we absolutely feel we feel just as good about them.

Today is when we decided to do them I think what I can report is whenever you do something like this you start planning integration and we have integration teams on both deals and the work that we're doing to prepare for integration as these deals come to close is going very well.

And in sync with what we expected in some places.

Some upside to what we expected.

Speaker 1: That said, these are medium- to longer-term acquisitions. In the short term, you know, there's expense pressure and things that come through the P&L, which obviously we're accounting for as we talk about our return targets. But we feel very good about the medium- and longer-term contribution that these will make, just as I said earlier, to strengthen and bolster and accelerate these franchises.

That said these are medium to longer term acquisitions in the short term, there's expense pressure and things that come through the P&L, which obviously, we're accounting for as we talk about our return targets, but we feel very good about the medium and longer term contribution that these will make just as I said earlier to strengthen a bolster and accelerate these franchises.

Speaker 3: Your next question is from Jeremy Sigi with BNP Paribas Exane.

Your next question is from Jeremy <unk> with BNP Paribas Exane.

Speaker 11: Morning, thank you. You talked about headwinds to the capital ratio. I just wondered if you could scope for us what, how big the main ones are, what are the major items and how big they are and sort of link to that, how soon would you expect to move back up to a higher pace of share buybacks? Is that a 2Q reality or is that too soon? Will it take longer?

Good morning. Thank you you talked about headwinds to the capital ratio I was just wondering if you could scope for us what how big the main ones are what are the major items and how big they are and sort of linked to that.

Soon would you expect to move back up to a higher pace of share buybacks is that Ah <unk> reality or is that too soon will it take longer.

Speaker 5: So a couple of things I would mention to you as we think about capital ratio. So obviously ending at ending the year at 14.2 percent.

So a couple of things I would <unk>.

Mentioned to you as we think about capital ratios, so obviously ending at ending the year at 14, 2%.

I was focused on in particular in terms of a discernible headwind is actually the announced but not yet closed acquisition of <unk> and IP.

Speaker 5: You know, we expect that to close in the beginning part of the second quarter, and that would take sort of 20 basis points off the ratio to address that. And as it relates to sizing up our share buybacks, I mentioned an expectation that for the first quarter we would be at or around the level of the fourth quarter, and the reason for that is to ensure that we do have the capacity to support client activity. And having referenced that, you know, our investment banking backlog is up significantly year over year, and given, you know, the outlook for markets where we have, you know, path towards rate normalization, ongoing energy transition, single stock volatility, you know, we see lots of opportunities. We want to make sure we're available to support our clients.

We expect that to close in the beginning part of the second quarter and that would that would take sort of 20 basis points off the write off the ratio.

To address that.

And as it relates to sizing up our share buybacks I mentioned, an expectation that for the first quarter, we'd be at or around the level of the fourth quarter.

And the reason for that is to ensure that we do have the capacity to support client activity and having referenced that our investment banking backlog is up significantly year over year and given the outlook for markets, where we have <unk>.

Speaker 5: path towards rate normalization, ongoing energy transition, single-stock volatility. You know, we see lots of opportunities. We want to make sure we're available to support our clients' strategic objectives. So, hopefully, that's helpful context for you.

<unk> towards rate normalization ongoing energy transition single stock volatility, we see lots of opportunities we want to make sure we're available to support our clients' strategic objectives. So hopefully that's helpful context for you.

Great. Thank you.

Speaker 3: Your next question is a follow-up from Stephen Chubek with Wolf Research.

Your next question is a follow up from Stephen Ju with credit Suisse.

Yeah.

Speaker 7: Hi, thanks for accommodating the follow-up. Just wanted to ask on the transaction banking business. It's not one that got much airplay on this call, but it's admittedly tough to ignore the firm-wide deposit growth of 40% year-on-year, and certainly this business is contributing to that momentum. I was hoping you could speak to the revenue contribution from the business today or in the most recent quarter and the success you're having specifically in attracting operational deposits from these clients.

Hi, Thanks for accommodating the follow up.

I just wanted to ask on the transaction banking business is one that got much airplay on this call, but admittedly tough to ignore the firm wide deposit growth of 40% year on year and certainly this business is contributing to that momentum I was hoping you could speak to the revenue contribution from the business today or in the most recent quarter.

And the success you are having specifically in attracting operational deposits from these clients.

Speaker 5: OK, I'll take that. Thank you for that question. I mean, obviously, transaction banking, one of the four initiatives that David highlighted and an opportunity from an addressable market perspective that is very, very large and one where we're seeing very good momentum.

Okay.

I'll take that thank you for that question I mean, obviously transaction banking one of the four initiatives that David highlighted.

An opportunity from an addressable market perspective that is very very large and one where we're seeing very good momentum. So we focused obviously on our tech on the platform on the user interface. That's now been well validated by clients coming on board. The platform, we have active clients in excess of 350.

Speaker 5: We focused obviously on our tech, on the platform, on the user interface.

Speaker 5: That's now been well validated by clients coming on board the platform. We have active clients in excess of 350 at this point in time. The deposit growth as you noted over 50 billion and ahead of target. Feeling very very good about that. On the last.

This point in time, the deposit growth as you noted over $50 billion and.

And ahead of target feeling very very good about that on the last quarter's call, we mentioned that operational and insured deposits as a percentage of core deposits had ticked up over 25% that's now ticked up over 30%.

Speaker 5: quarters call, we mentioned that operational and insured deposits, a percentage of core deposits, had ticked up over 25%. That's now ticked up over 30%. So again, as David indicated, in terms of metrics and management and targets and the way in which we look to grow and build these strategic businesses.

So again as David indicated in terms of metrics and management and targets in the way in which we look to grow and build these strategic businesses. We're trying to provide these benchmarks, which we hold ourselves accountable to make progress.

Speaker 5: we're trying to provide these benchmarks which we hold ourselves accountable to to make progress

Speaker 5: time over time. I guess on the revenue front, we've also made very good progress. So revenues for 2021 are up more than 50%.

Time over time, I guess on the revenue front. We've also made very good progress. So revenues for 2021 are up more than 50%.

Speaker 5: uh... and uh... now north of you know proximate two hundred twenty five million for the year so across each of the aspects of that build and that business and in light of what we see the very very attractive addressable market that leverages our core competency with the corporate

And now north of approximately $225 million for the year, so across each of the aspects of that build in that business and in light of what we see is a very very attractive addressable market that leverages, our core competency with the corporates, we feel good about the progress to date and on the forward.

Speaker 5: i would feel good about the progress uh... to date and on the floor

Speaker 12: At this time, there are no further questions. Please continue with any closing remarks. Great. So, since there are no more questions, we'd just like to thank everyone for joining the call. And if additional questions do arise, please don't hesitate to reach out to me or others on the Investor Relations team. And otherwise, please stay healthy, and we look forward to speaking with

At this time there are no further questions. Please continue with any closing remarks.

So since there are no more questions. We just like to thank everyone for joining the call and if additional questions do arise. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me or others on the Investor Relations team and otherwise please stay healthy and we look forward to speaking with you soon.

Speaker 3: Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes the Goldman Sachs 4th Quarter 2021 Earnings Conference Call. Thank you for your participation. You may now disconnect.

Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes the Goldman Sachs first quarter 2021 earnings Conference call. Thank you for your participation you may now disconnect.

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