Investing.com - Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) posted better-than-expected first quarter earnings results ahead of Thursday's opening bell, sending shares higher in the pre-market.
The largest U.S. investment bank said earnings per share came in at $5.94 in the first three months of 2015, easily surpassing expectations for earnings of $4.26 per share.
The firm’s first quarter revenue totaled $10.62 billion, beating estimates for revenue of $9.31 billion.
Investment Banking produced net revenues of $1.91 billion, which is the highest quarterly performance since 2007.
Net revenues in Fixed Income, Currency and Commodities Client Execution were $3.13 billion for the first quarter of 2015, 10% higher than the first quarter of 2014, due to significantly higher net revenues in currencies and interest rate products.
“We are pleased with our results this quarter and the fact that all of our major businesses contributed," said Lloyd C. Blankfein, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
"Given more normalized markets and higher levels of client activity, we remain encouraged about the prospects for continued growth," he added.
Shares of Goldman Sachs were up 1.2% in pre-market trade at $203.50 from Wednesday's closing price of $201.10.
Meanwhile, U.S. stock futures pointed to a modestly lower open. The Dow futures pointed to a decline of 0.35%, the S&P 500 futures shed 0.45%, while the Nasdaq 100 futures shed 0.45%.