** Goldman Sachs GS.N Q2 profit exceeded Wall St expectations, as turbulent markets raised revenue in its equities division to a record, and a pickup in dealmaking boosted investment banking

** Median PT of 22 brokerages is $720, while rating is "hold" - LSEG data

BANKING BIG ON BUYBACKS AND BLOCKCHAIN

** BofA ("buy," PT: $782) says GS well-positioned with significantly stronger investment banking pipeline and improved macro clarity driving deal momentum alongside structural growth in private credit and tech-driven efficiencies

** Citizens ("market perform") cites strong market share gains and effective capital deployment

** Highlights long-term growth potential through asset management and AI leadership and blockchain innovation

** RBC ("sector perform," PT: $700) says with a reduced capital buffer and new $40 bln buyback plan, GS well-positioned for sustained shareholder returns or potential acquisitions

** KBW ("market perform," PT: $790) views GS exit from underperforming ventures like Apple and GM cards allows it to reallocate $4 bln towards higher-margin growth areas like asset management and private banking

(Reporting by Rashika Singh in Bengaluru)

((rashika.singh@thomsonreuters.com))