Goldman Sachs Stocks Surge 70% on M&A Mayhem, Dumps Apple Card Like a Deprecated API

Goldman Sachs, a leading Wall Street giant, has experienced a significant surge in its shares, with a nearly 70% increase over the past year, driven by the robust performance of its M&A, trading, and advisory activities, which have been fueled by volatile markets and elevated debt issuance. The company's strong Q4 performance, which included $14.01 EPS and a 17.1% return on tangible equity, was further boosted by the divestiture of the Apple Card portfolio, demonstrating its ability to capitalize on strategic opportunities. As a result, Goldman Sachs' fee-based revenue and capital efficiency have shown improvement, with the company's asset and wealth management growth, cost discipline, and 30% pre-tax margin target all contributing to its positive outlook. With its valuation currently considered full after an exceptional 2025 performance, analyst Seeking Profits has maintained a "Hold" rating on the company, citing macro tailwinds and capital returns as supportive factors, despite the lack of significant upside potential in the near term. Overall, Goldman Sachs' strong performance over the past year has been driven by a combination of internal strategic initiatives and favorable market conditions, with the company's Q4 results and future growth prospects reflecting its position as a leading player in the financial services industry.