David Solomon's 2025 Pay Package Surges Past $47 Million Amid Strong Goldman Sachs Performance

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS) disclosed in regulatory filings that Chief Executive Officer David Solomon received total compensation of $47.00 million during 2025, representing a 20.5% increase from the previous year’s $39 million package. The significant raise reflects the investment banking giant’s robust performance and its commitment to rewarding executive leadership during a period of strong market returns.

Breaking Down the $47 Million Compensation Structure

The $47 million pay package for David Solomon comprises multiple components designed to align executive interests with long-term company performance. His annual base salary remained fixed at $2 million, while the cash portion totaled $10.1 million. The remaining $34.9 million was allocated between two key elements: $31.5 million distributed through performance stock units and $3.4 million through the company’s carried interest program. This structure emphasizes variable compensation tied to measurable business outcomes rather than fixed payments.

Shareholder Returns Drive CEO Compensation Increase

The compensation increase reflects Goldman Sachs’ substantial value delivery to shareholders throughout 2025. The company returned 57% to shareholders during the year, demonstrating the stock’s strong market performance. Additionally, dividend payments grew by 33%, signaling management confidence in sustained earnings power. Over $17 billion was returned to common shareholders, further validating the decision to increase executive compensation linked to these performance metrics. David Solomon’s enhanced pay package thus represents recognition of the firm’s ability to generate meaningful returns for its investor base during a competitive market environment.