UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

Commission File Number: 001-14965

 

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

(212) 902-1000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     x  Yes  o  No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a
non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer x     Accelerated filer o

 

Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) o  Smaller reporting company o

                 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).     o  Yes  x  No

 

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS

 

As of March 28, 2008, there were 394,203,409 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.

 

 

THE GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP, INC.

 

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE FISCAL QUARTER ENDED FEBRUARY 29, 2008

 

INDEX

 

 

 

THE GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES:

 

Cash payments for interest, net of capitalized interest, were $10.64 billion and $9.51 billion during the three months ended February 2008 and February 2007, respectively.

 

Cash payments for income taxes, net of refunds, were $670 million and $1.51 billion during the three months ended February 2008 and February 2007, respectively.

 

Non-cash activities:

The firm assumed $534 million of debt in connection with business acquisitions during the three months ended February 2008. The firm issued $17 million of common stock in connection with business acquisitions for the three months ended February 2007.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (Group Inc.), a Delaware corporation, together with its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, the firm), is a leading global investment banking, securities and investment management firm that provides a wide range of services worldwide to a substantial and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions, governments and high-net-worth individuals.

 

The firm’s activities are divided into three segments:

 

 

 

Basis of Presentation

 

These condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Group Inc. and all other entities in which the firm has a controlling financial interest. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

 

The firm determines whether it has a controlling financial interest in an entity by first evaluating whether the entity is a voting interest entity, a variable interest entity (VIE) or a qualifying special-purpose entity (QSPE) under generally accepted accounting principles.

 

 

THE GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

THE GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

partner. These fund investments are included in “Financial instruments owned, at fair value” in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

 

These condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements incorporated by reference in the firm’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2007. The condensed consolidated financial information as of November 30, 2007 has been derived from audited consolidated financial statements not included herein.

 

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. These adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. Interim period operating results may not be indicative of the operating results for a full year.

 

Unless specifically stated otherwise, all references to February 2008 and February 2007 refer to the firm’s fiscal periods ended, or the dates, as the context requires, February 29, 2008 and February 23, 2007, respectively. All references to November 2007, unless specifically stated otherwise, refer to the firm’s fiscal year ended, or the date, as the context requires, November 30, 2007. All references to 2008, unless specifically stated otherwise, refer to the firm’s fiscal year ending, or the date, as the context requires, November 28, 2008. Certain reclassifications have been made to previously reported amounts to conform to the current presentation.

 

Use of Estimates

 

These condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles that require management to make certain estimates and assumptions. The most important of these estimates and assumptions relate to fair value measurements, the accounting for goodwill and identifiable intangible assets and the provision for potential losses that may arise from litigation and regulatory proceedings and tax audits. Although these and other estimates and assumptions are based on the best available information, actual results could be materially different from these estimates.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Investment Banking.  Underwriting revenues and fees from mergers and acquisitions and other financial advisory assignments are recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings when the services related to the underlying transaction are completed under the terms of the engagement. Expenses associated with such transactions are deferred until the related revenue is recognized or the engagement is otherwise concluded. Underwriting revenues are presented net of related expenses. Expenses associated with financial advisory transactions are recorded as non-compensation expenses, net of client reimbursements.

 

Financial Instruments.  “Total financial instruments owned, at fair value” and “Financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased, at fair value” are reflected in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition on a trade-date basis. Related unrealized gains or losses are generally recognized in “Trading and principal investments” in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings. The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (the exit price). Instruments that the firm owns (long positions) are marked to bid prices, and instruments that the firm has sold, but not yet purchased (short positions), are marked to offer prices. Fair value measurements are not adjusted for transaction costs.

 

THE GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under SFAS No. 157 are described below:

 

Basis of Fair Value Measurement

 

 

A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

In determining fair value, the firm separates its “Financial instruments owned, at fair value” and its “Financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased, at fair value” into two categories: cash instruments and derivative contracts.

 

 

The types of instruments that trade in markets that are not considered to be active, but are valued based on quoted market prices, broker or dealer quotations, or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency include most government agency securities, investment-grade corporate bonds, certain mortgage products, certain corporate bank and bridge loans, less liquid listed equities, state, municipal and provincial obligations, most physical commodities and certain loan commitments. Such instruments are generally classified within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

Certain cash instruments are classified within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy because they trade infrequently and therefore have little or no price transparency. Such instruments include private equity and real estate fund investments, certain corporate loans (including certain mezzanine financing, leveraged loans arising from capital market transactions and other corporate bank debt), less liquid corporate debt securities and other debt obligations (including high-yield corporate bonds, distressed debt instruments and collateralized debt obligations (CDOs) backed by corporate obligations), less liquid mortgage whole loans and securities (backed by either commercial or residential real estate), and acquired portfolios of distressed loans. The transaction price is initially used as the best estimate of fair value. Accordingly, when a pricing model is used to value such an instrument, the model is adjusted so that the model value at inception equals the transaction price. This valuation is adjusted only when

 

THE GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

changes to inputs and assumptions are corroborated by evidence such as transactions in similar instruments, completed or pending third-party transactions in the underlying investment or comparable entities, subsequent rounds of financing, recapitalizations and other transactions across the capital structure, offerings in the equity or debt capital markets, and changes in financial ratios or cash flows.

 

For positions that are not traded in active markets or are subject to transfer restrictions, valuations are adjusted to reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability, and such adjustments are generally based on available market evidence. In the absence of such evidence, management’s best estimate is used.

 

 

OTC derivatives are valued using market transactions and other market evidence whenever possible, including market-based inputs to models, model calibration to market-clearing transactions, broker or dealer quotations, or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. Where models are used, the selection of a particular model to value an OTC derivative depends upon the contractual terms of, and specific risks inherent in, the instrument as well as the availability of pricing information in the market. The firm generally uses similar models to value similar instruments. Valuation models require a variety of inputs, including contractual terms, market prices, yield curves, credit curves, measures of volatility, prepayment rates and correlations of such inputs. For OTC derivatives that trade in liquid markets, such as generic forwards, swaps and options, model inputs can generally be verified and model selection does not involve significant management judgment. Such instruments are typically classified within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

Certain OTC derivatives trade in less liquid markets with limited pricing information, and the determination of fair value for these derivatives is inherently more difficult. Such instruments are classified within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Where the firm does not have corroborating market evidence to support significant model inputs and cannot verify the model to market transactions, transaction price is initially used as the best estimate of fair value. Accordingly, when a pricing model is used to value such an instrument, the model is adjusted so that the model value at inception equals the transaction price. The valuations of these less liquid OTC derivatives are typically based on level 1 and/or level 2 inputs that can be observed in the market, as well as unobservable level 3 inputs. Subsequent to initial recognition, the firm updates the level 1 and level 2 inputs to reflect observable market changes, with resulting gains and losses reflected within level 3. Level 3 inputs are only changed when corroborated by evidence such as similar market transactions, third-party pricing services and/or broker or dealer quotations, or other empirical market data. In circumstances where the firm cannot verify the model value to market transactions, it is possible that a different valuation model could produce a materially different estimate of fair value.

 

When appropriate, valuations are adjusted for various factors such as liquidity, bid/offer spreads and credit considerations. Such adjustments are generally based on available market evidence. In the absence of such evidence, management’s best estimate is used.

 

THE GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

Other Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities at Fair Value.  The firm has elected to account for certain of the firm’s other financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value under SFAS No. 155, “Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments — an amendment of FASB Statements No. 133 and 140,” or SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” The primary reasons for electing the fair value option are mitigating volatility in earnings from using different measurement attributes, simplification and cost-benefit considerations.

 

Such financial assets and financial liabilities accounted for at fair value include (i) certain unsecured short-term borrowings, consisting of all promissory notes and commercial paper and certain hybrid financial instruments; (ii) certain other secured financings, primarily transfers accounted for as financings rather than sales under SFAS No. 140, debt raised through the firm’s William Street program and certain other nonrecourse financings; (iii) certain unsecured long-term borrowings, including prepaid physical commodity transactions; (iv) resale and repurchase agreements; (v) securities borrowed and loaned within Trading and Principal Investments, consisting of the firm’s matched book and certain firm financing activities; (vi) corporate loans, loan commitments and certain certificates of deposit issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA (GS Bank USA) as well as securities held by GS Bank USA (which would otherwise be accounted for as available-for-sale); (vii) receivables from customers and counterparties arising from transfers accounted for as secured loans rather than purchases under SFAS No. 140; and (viii) in general, investments acquired after the adoption of SFAS No. 159 where the firm has significant influence over the investee and would otherwise apply the equity method of accounting.

 

Collateralized Agreements and Financings.  Collateralized agreements consist of resale agreements and securities borrowed. Collateralized financings consist of repurchase agreements, securities loaned and other secured financings. Interest on collateralized agreements and collateralized financings is recognized in “Interest income” and “Interest expense,” respectively, over the life of the transaction.

 

 

THE GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

borrowed and loaned within Trading and Principal Investments, which are related to the firm’s matched book and certain firm financing activities, are recorded at fair value as allowed by SFAS No. 159. These securities borrowed and loaned transactions are generally valued based on inputs with reasonable levels of price transparency and are classified within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

 

Hybrid Financial Instruments.  Hybrid financial instruments are instruments that contain bifurcatable embedded derivatives under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” and do not require settlement by physical delivery of non-financial assets (e.g., physical commodities). If the firm elects to bifurcate the embedded derivative, it is accounted for at fair value and the host contract is accounted for at amortized cost, adjusted for the effective portion of any fair value hedge accounting relationships. If the firm does not elect to bifurcate, the entire hybrid financial instrument is accounted for at fair value under SFAS No. 155. See Notes 3 and 4 for additional information about hybrid financial instruments.

 

Transfers of Financial Assets.  In general, transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales under SFAS No. 140 when the firm has relinquished control over the transferred assets. For transfers accounted for as sales, any related gains or losses are recognized in net revenues. Transfers that are not accounted for as sales are accounted for as collateralized financings, with the related interest expense recognized in net revenues over the life of the transaction.

 

Commissions.  Commission revenues from executing and clearing client transactions on stock, options and futures markets are recognized in “Trading and principal investments” in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings on a trade-date basis.

 

Insurance Activities.  Revenues from variable annuity and life insurance contracts, and from providing reinsurance of such contracts, generally consist of fees assessed on contract holder account balances for mortality charges, policy administration and surrender charges. These fees are recognized within “Trading and principal investments” in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings in the period that services are provided.

 

Interest credited to variable annuity and life insurance account balances and changes in reserves are recognized in “Other expenses” in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings.

 

Premiums earned for providing property catastrophe reinsurance are recognized within “Trading and principal investments” in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings over the coverage period, net of premiums ceded for the cost of reinsurance. Expenses for liabilities related to property catastrophe reinsurance claims, including estimates of claims that have been incurred but not

 

THE GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

reported, are recognized within “Other expenses” in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings.

 

Merchant Banking Overrides.  The firm is entitled to receive merchant banking overrides (i.e., an increased share of a fund’s income and gains) when the return on the funds’ investments exceeds certain threshold returns. Overrides are based on investment performance over the life of each merchant banking fund, and future investment underperformance may require amounts of override previously distributed to the firm to be returned to the funds. Accordingly, overrides are recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings only when all material contingencies have been resolved. Overrides are included in “Trading and principal investments” in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings.

 

Asset Management.  Management fees are recognized over the period that the related service is provided based upon average net asset values. In certain circumstances, the firm is also entitled to receive incentive fees based on a percentage of a fund’s return or when the return on assets under management exceeds specified benchmark returns or other performance targets. Incentive fees are generally based on investment performance over a 12-month period and are subject to adjustment prior to the end of the measurement period. Accordingly, incentive fees are recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings when the measurement period ends. Asset management fees and incentive fees are included in “Asset management and securities services” in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings.

 

Share-Based Compensation

 

The firm accounts for share-based compensation in accordance with SFAS No. 123-R, “Share-Based Payment.” Under SFAS No. 123-R, the cost of employee services received in exchange for a share-based award is generally measured based on the grant-date fair value of the award. Under SFAS No. 123-R, share-based awards that do not require future service (i.e., vested awards, including awards granted to retirement-eligible employees) are expensed immediately. Share-based employee awards that require future service are amortized over the relevant service period. The firm adopted SFAS No. 123-R under the modified prospective adoption method. Under that method of adoption, the provisions of SFAS No. 123-R are generally applied only to share-based awards granted subsequent to adoption. Share-based awards held by employees that were retirement-eligible on the date of adoption of SFAS No. 123-R must continue to be amortized over the stated service period of the award (and accelerated if the employee actually retires). SFAS No. 123-R requires expected forfeitures to be included in determining share-based employee compensation expense.

 

The firm pays cash dividend equivalents on outstanding restricted stock units. Dividend equivalents paid on restricted stock units accounted for under SFAS No. 123-R are charged to retained earnings. SFAS No. 123-R requires dividend equivalents paid on restricted stock units expected to be forfeited to be included in compensation expense. Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123-R, dividend equivalents paid on restricted stock units that were later forfeited by employees were reclassified to compensation expense from retained earnings. The tax benefit related to dividend equivalents paid on restricted stock units is accounted for as a reduction of income tax expense (see “— Recent Accounting Developments” for a discussion of Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 06-11, “Accounting for Income Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based Payment Awards”).

 

In certain cases, primarily related to the death of an employee or conflicted employment (as outlined in the applicable award agreements), the firm may cash settle share-based compensation

 

THE GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

awards. For awards accounted for as equity instruments, “Additional paid-in capital” is adjusted to the extent of the difference between the current value of the award and the grant-date value of the award.

 

Goodwill

 

Goodwill is the cost of acquired companies in excess of the fair value of identifiable net assets at acquisition date. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” goodwill is tested at least annually for impairment. An impairment loss is triggered if the estimated fair value of an operating segment, which is a component one level below the firm’s three business segments, is less than its estimated net book value. Such loss is calculated as the difference between the estimated fair value of goodwill and its carrying value.

 

Identifiable Intangible Assets

 

Identifiable intangible assets, which consist primarily of customer lists, specialist rights and the value of business acquired (VOBA) and deferred acquisition costs (DAC) in the firm’s insurance subsidiaries, are amortized over their estimated useful lives in accordance with SFAS No. 142. Identifiable intangible assets are tested for potential impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances suggest that an asset’s or asset group’s carrying value may not be fully recoverable in accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” An impairment loss, calculated as the difference between the estimated fair value and the carrying value of an asset or asset group, is recognized if the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows relating to the asset or asset group is less than the corresponding carrying value.

 

Property, Leasehold Improvements and Equipment

 

Property, leasehold improvements and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization, are included in “Other assets” in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

 

Substantially all property and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the useful life of the asset. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the useful life of the improvement or the term of the lease, whichever is shorter. Certain costs of software developed or obtained for internal use are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the useful life of the software.

 

Property, leasehold improvements and equipment are tested for potential impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances suggest that an asset’s or asset group’s carrying value may not be fully recoverable in accordance with SFAS No. 144. An impairment loss, calculated as the difference between the estimated fair value and the carrying value of an asset or asset group, is recognized if the sum of the expected undiscounted cash flows relating to the asset or asset group is less than the corresponding carrying value.

 

The firm’s operating leases include space held in excess of current requirements. Rent expense relating to space held for growth is included in “Occupancy” in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings. In accordance with SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities,” the firm records a liability, based on the fair value of the remaining lease rentals reduced by any potential or existing sublease rentals, for leases where the firm has ceased using the space and management has concluded that the firm will not derive any future economic benefits. Costs to terminate a lease before the end of its term are recognized and measured at fair value upon termination.

 

THE GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

Foreign Currency Translation

 

Assets and liabilities denominated in non-U.S. currencies are translated at rates of exchange prevailing on the date of the condensed consolidated statement of financial condition, and revenues and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange for the period. Gains or losses on translation of the financial statements of a non-U.S. operation, when the functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar, are included, net of hedges and taxes, in the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The firm seeks to reduce its net investment exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates through the use of foreign currency forward contracts and foreign currency-denominated debt. For foreign currency forward contracts, hedge effectiveness is assessed based on changes in forward exchange rates; accordingly, forward points are reflected as a component of the currency translation adjustment in the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income. For foreign currency-denominated debt, hedge effectiveness is assessed based on changes in spot rates. Foreign currency remeasurement gains or losses on transactions in nonfunctional currencies are included in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings.

 

Income Taxes

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of the firm’s assets and liabilities. Valuation allowances are established to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that more likely than not will be realized. The firm’s tax assets and liabilities are presented as a component of “Other assets” and “Other liabilities and accrued expenses,” respectively, in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Tax provisions are computed in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.”

 

The firm adopted the provisions of FIN No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109,” as of December 1, 2007, and recorded a transition adjustment resulting in a reduction of $201 million to beginning retained earnings (see Note 13 for further information regarding the firm’s adoption of FIN No. 48). Under FIN No. 48, a tax position can be recognized in the financial statements only when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination by the relevant taxing authority based on the technical merits of the position. A position that meets this standard is measured at the largest amount of benefit that will more likely than not be realized upon settlement. A FIN No. 48 liability is established for differences between positions taken in a tax return and amounts recognized in the financial statements. FIN No. 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interim period accounting and accounting for interest and penalties. Prior to the adoption of FIN No. 48, contingent liabilities related to income taxes were recorded when the criteria for loss recognition under SFAS No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies,” as amended, had been met.

 

Earnings Per Common Share (EPS)

 

Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net earnings applicable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Common shares outstanding includes common stock and restricted stock units for which no future service is required as a condition to the delivery of the underlying common stock. Diluted EPS includes the determinants of basic EPS and, in addition, reflects the dilutive effect of the common stock deliverable pursuant to stock options and to restricted stock units for which future service is required as a condition to the delivery of the underlying common stock.

 

THE GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The firm defines cash equivalents as highly liquid overnight deposits held in the ordinary course of business.

 

Recent Accounting Developments

 

EITF Issue No. 06-11.  In June 2007, the EITF reached consensus on Issue No. 06-11, “Accounting for Income Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based Payment Awards.” EITF Issue No. 06-11 requires that the tax benefit related to dividend equivalents paid on restricted stock units, which are expected to vest, be recorded as an increase to additional paid-in capital. The firm currently accounts for this tax benefit as a reduction to income tax expense. EITF Issue No. 06-11 is to be applied prospectively for tax benefits on dividends declared in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007, and the firm expects to adopt the provisions of EITF Issue No. 06-11 beginning in the first quarter of 2009. The firm does not expect the adoption of EITF Issue No. 06-11 to have a material effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

FASB Staff Position (FSP) FAS No. 140-3.  In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS No. 140-3, “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets and Repurchase Financing Transactions.” FSP No. 140-3 requires an initial transfer of a financial asset and a repurchase financing that was entered into contemporaneously or in contemplation of the initial transfer to be evaluated as a linked transaction under SFAS No. 140 unless certain criteria are met, including that the transferred asset must be readily obtainable in the marketplace. FSP No. 140-3 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and will be applied to new transactions entered into after the date of adoption. Early adoption is prohibited. The firm is currently evaluating the impact of adopting FSP No. 140-3 on its financial condition and cash flows. Adoption of FSP No. 140-3 will have no effect on the firm’s results of operations.

 

SFAS No. 161.  In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities — an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133.” SFAS No. 161 requires enhanced disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities, and is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged. The firm will adopt SFAS No. 161 in the first quarter of 2009. Since SFAS No. 161 requires only additional disclosures concerning derivatives and hedging activities, adoption of SFAS No. 161 will not affect the firm’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

THE GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The following table sets forth the firm’s financial instruments owned, at fair value, including those pledged as collateral, and financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased, at fair value. At any point in time, the firm may use cash instruments as well as derivatives to manage a long or short risk position.

 

		As of
		February 2008								November 2007
		Assets				Liabilities				Assets				Liabilities
		(in millions)
Commercial paper, certificates of deposit, time deposits and other money market instruments		$	17,731	(1)		$	—			$	8,985	(1)		$	—
U.S. government, federal agency and sovereign obligations			95,241				61,857				70,774				58,637
Mortgage and other asset-backed loans and securities			51,852	(2)			—				54,073	(2)			—
Bank loans			43,188				2,376				49,154				3,563
Corporate debt securities and other debt obligations			37,089				8,544				39,219				8,280
Equities and convertible debentures			111,081				38,277				122,205				45,130
Physical commodities			1,985				230				2,571				35
Derivative contracts			140,688	(3)			118,776	(5)			105,614	(3)			99,378	(5)
Total		$	498,855	(4)		$	230,060			$	452,595	(4)		$	215,023

 

 

 

THE GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

Fair Value Hierarchy

 

The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy “Financial instruments owned, at fair value,” “Financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased, at fair value” and financial assets and financial liabilities accounted for at fair value under SFAS No. 155 and SFAS No. 159 as of February 2008 and November 2007 (see Note 2 for further information on the fair value hierarchy). As required by SFAS No. 157, assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

Total financial assets at fair value classified within level 3 were $96.39 billion and $69.15 billion as of February 2008 and November 2007, respectively. Such amounts were 8% and 6% of “Total assets” on the condensed consolidated statement of financial condition as of February 2008 and November 2007, respectively. Excluding assets for which the firm does not bear economic exposure, level 3 assets were 7% and 5% of “Total assets” as of February 2008 and November 2007, respectively.

 

THE GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

THE GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

 

THE GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

THE GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

 

THE GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

Level 3 Gains and Losses

 

The tables below set forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the firm’s level 3 financial assets and financial liabilities for the three months ended February 2008 and February 2007. The tables reflect gains and losses for each quarter for all financial assets and financial liabilities categorized as level 3 as of February 2008 and February 2007, respectively. As reflected in the tables below, the net unrealized gain on level 3 financial assets and financial liabilities was $2.07 billion (principally comprised of $5.09 billion of unrealized gains on derivative contracts and $3.23 billion of unrealized losses on cash instruments) and $1.22 billion (principally comprised of $1.06 billion of unrealized gains on cash instruments and $193 million of unrealized gains on derivative contracts) for the three months ended February 2008 and February 2007, respectively. This net unrealized gain should be considered in the context of the factors discussed below.

 

Cash Instruments

 

The net unrealized loss on level 3 cash instruments was $3.23 billion for the three months ended February 2008 (which included $2.91 billion of unrealized losses on assets and $318 million of unrealized losses on liabilities), primarily consisting of unrealized losses on loans and securities backed by commercial and residential real estate as well as certain bank loans, reflecting continued deterioration in the broader credit markets. The net unrealized gain on level 3 cash instruments was $1.06 billion for the three months ended February 2007 (which included $1.08 billion of unrealized gains on assets and $25 million of unrealized losses on liabilities), primarily consisting of unrealized gains relating to the firm’s private principal investments.

 

Level 3 cash instruments are frequently hedged with instruments classified within level 1 and level 2, and accordingly, gains or losses that have been reported in level 3 are frequently offset by gains or losses attributable to instruments classified within level 1 or level 2 or by gains or losses on derivative contracts classified in level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

Derivative Contracts

 

The net unrealized gain on level 3 derivative contracts was $5.09 billion, primarily attributable to observable changes in credit spreads reflecting continued deterioration in the broader credit markets, and $193 million for the three months ended February 2008 and February 2007, respectively. Level 3 gains and losses on derivative contracts should be considered in the context of the following factors:

 

 

The unrealized gains referenced above principally resulted from changes in level 2 inputs, as opposed to changes in level 3 inputs.

 

THE GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

 

 

THE GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

For the three months ended February 2008 and February 2007, the changes in the fair value of receivables (including securities borrowed and resale agreements) for which the fair value option was elected that were attributable to changes in instrument-specific credit spreads were not material. During the three months ended February 2008, the firm recognized a gain of $333 million, net of hedges ($518 million before hedges), attributable to the observable impact of the market’s widening of the firm’s own credit spread on liabilities for which the fair value option was elected. During the three months ended February 2007, the observable impact of the market’s widening of the firm’s own credit spread on liabilities for which the fair value option was elected was $26 million. The firm calculates the impact of its own credit spread on liabilities carried at fair value by discounting future cash flows at a rate which incorporates the firm’s observable credit spreads. As of February 2008 and November 2007, the difference between the fair value and the aggregate contractual principal amount of both long-term receivables and long-term debt instruments (principal and non-principal protected) for which the fair value option was elected was not material.

 

The following table sets forth the gains and (losses) included in earnings for the three months ended February 2008 and February 2007 related to financial assets and financial liabilities for which the firm has elected to apply the fair value option under SFAS No. 155 and SFAS No. 159. The table does not reflect the impact to the firm’s earnings of applying SFAS No. 159 because a significant amount of these gains and losses would have also been recognized under previously issued generally accepted accounting principles, or are economically hedged with instruments accounted for at fair value under other generally accepted accounting principles that are not reflected in the table below.

 

		Three Months
		Ended February
		2008				2007
		(in millions)
Other secured financings		$	1,031	(1)		$	(130	)
Financial instruments owned, at fair value (2)			(305	)			7
Unsecured short-term borrowings			262				(244	)
Unsecured long-term borrowings			(218	)			(792	)
Other (3)			6				(1	)
Total (4)		$	776			$	(1,160	)

 

 

 

THE GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

Derivative Activities

 

Derivative contracts are instruments, such as futures, forwards, swaps or option contracts, that derive their value from underlying assets, indices, reference rates or a combination of these factors. Derivative instruments may be privately negotiated contracts, which are often referred to as OTC derivatives, or they may be listed and traded on an exchange. Derivatives may involve future commitments to purchase or sell financial instruments or commodities, or to exchange currency or interest payment streams. The amounts exchanged are based on the specific terms of the contract with reference to specified rates, securities, commodities, currencies or indices.

 

Certain cash instruments, such as mortgage-backed securities, interest-only and principal-only obligations, and indexed debt instruments, are not considered derivatives even though their values or contractually required cash flows are derived from the price of some other security or index. However, certain commodity-related contracts are included in the firm’s derivatives disclosure, as these contracts may be settled in cash or the assets to be delivered under the contract are readily convertible into cash.

 

The firm enters into derivative transactions to facilitate client transactions, to take proprietary positions and as a means of risk management. Risk exposures are managed through diversification, by controlling position sizes and by entering into offsetting positions. For example, the firm may manage the risk related to a portfolio of common stock by entering into an offsetting position in a related equity-index futures contract.

 

The firm applies hedge accounting under SFAS No. 133 to certain derivative contracts. The firm uses these derivatives to manage certain interest rate and currency exposures, including the firm’s net investment in non-U.S. operations. The firm designates certain interest rate swap contracts as fair value hedges. These interest rate swap contracts hedge changes in the relevant benchmark interest rate (e.g., London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)), effectively converting a substantial portion of the firm’s unsecured long-term and certain unsecured short-term borrowings into floating rate obligations. See Note 2 for information regarding the firm’s accounting policy for foreign currency forward contracts used to hedge its net investment in non-U.S. operations.

 

The firm applies a long-haul method to all of its hedge accounting relationships to perform an ongoing assessment of the effectiveness of these relationships in achieving offsetting changes in fair value or offsetting cash flows attributable to the risk being hedged. The firm utilizes a dollar-offset method, which compares the change in the fair value of the hedging instrument to the change in the fair value of the hedged item, excluding the effect of the passage of time, to prospectively and retrospectively assess hedge effectiveness. The firm’s prospective dollar-offset assessment utilizes scenario analyses to test hedge effectiveness via simulations of numerous parallel and slope shifts of the relevant yield curve. Parallel shifts change the interest rate of all maturities by identical amounts. Slope shifts change the curvature of the yield curve. For both the prospective assessment, in response to each of the simulated yield curve shifts, and the retrospective assessment, a hedging relationship is deemed to be effective if the fair value of the hedging instrument and the hedged item change inversely within a range of 80% to 125%.

 

For fair value hedges, gains or losses on derivative transactions are recognized in “Interest expense” in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings. The change in fair value of the hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged is reported as an adjustment to its carrying value and is subsequently amortized into interest expense over its remaining life. Gains or losses related to hedge ineffectiveness for all hedges are generally included in “Interest expense.” These gains or losses and the component of gains or losses on derivative transactions excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness (e.g., the effect of the passage of time on fair value hedges of the firm’s borrowings) were not material to the firm’s results of operations for the three months ended

 

THE GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

February 2008 or February 2007. Gains and losses on derivatives used for trading purposes are included in “Trading and principal investments” in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings.

 

The fair value of the firm’s derivative contracts is reflected net of cash paid or received pursuant to credit support agreements and is reported on a net-by-counterparty basis in the firm’s condensed consolidated statements of financial condition when management believes a legal right of setoff exists under an enforceable netting agreement. The fair value of derivative financial instruments, computed in accordance with the firm’s netting policy, is set forth below:

 

		As of
		February 2008								November 2007
		Assets				Liabilities				Assets				Liabilities
		(in millions)
Contract Type
Forward settlement contracts		$	25,778			$	28,983			$	22,561			$	27,138
Swap agreements			145,997				77,392				104,793				62,697
Option contracts			63,593				60,133				53,056				53,047
Subtotal		$	235,368			$	166,508			$	180,410			$	142,882
Netting across contract types (1)			(17,107	)			(17,107	)			(15,746	)			(15,746	)
Cash collateral netting (2)			(77,573	)			(30,625	)			(59,050	)			(27,758	)
Total		$	140,688			$	118,776			$	105,614			$	99,378