Valued at $179.8 billion by market cap, The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS) operates as a leading global financial holding company. The New York-based capital markets giant provides a range of services for corporations, institutions, governments, and individuals. It operates through Global Banking & Markets, Asset & Wealth Management, and Platform Solutions segments. Goldman is set to release its Q4 earnings before the market opens on Wednesday, Jan. 15.

Ahead of the event, analysts expect Goldman to report an adjusted profit of $7.94 per share, up 44.9% from $5.48 per share reported in the year-ago quarter. Furthermore, the company has exceeded analysts' earnings estimates in each of the past four quarters. Its adjusted EPS for the last reported quarter surged 53.6% year-over-year to $8.40, exceeding analysts’ estimates by 22.6%.

For fiscal 2024, analysts expect Goldman to report an adjusted EPS of $37.05, up a staggering 62% from $22.87 in fiscal 2023. In fiscal 2025, its adjusted EPS is expected to grow 16.2% year-over-year to $43.04.

GS stock has soared over 48.4% in the past 52 weeks, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 Index’s ($SPX) 23.3% returns and the Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund’s (XLF) 28.5% surge during the same time frame.

Goldman Sachs’ stock prices remained mostly flat after the release of its mixed Q3 results on Oct. 15. The company has continued to observe robust growth in its investment banking and investment management divisions driven by strong performance in advisory, underwriting, equities, and record quarterly net revenues in fixed income. However, its market-making revenues plunged 19.2% year-over-year to $4 billion, which led to a 1.9% dip in total non-interest revenues to $10.1 billion. Nevertheless, its net interest income surged 69.6% to $2.6 billion, which led to a 7.5% growth in total net revenue to $12.7 billion.

Meanwhile, it showcased robust expense discipline, reducing its total operating expenses by 8.2% year-over-year to $8.3 billion which boosted its profitability and led to a 47.7% growth in GAAP-based net earnings, reaching $2.8 billion.

The consensus opinion on GS stock is moderately bullish with an overall “Moderate Buy” rating. Out of the 22 analysts covering the stock, 13 recommend “Strong Buy,” one advises “Moderate Buy,” and eight suggest “Hold” rating. Its mean price target of $605 indicates a modest 5.7% upside potential from current price levels.