UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
For the quarterly period ended
or
For the transition period from ______ to ______ |
Commission File Number
SPONSORED BY GRAYSCALE INVESTMENTS, LLC
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
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(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
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(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
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Title of each class |
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Name of each exchange on which registered |
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer |
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Non-accelerated filer |
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Emerging growth company |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes
Number of Shares of the registrant outstanding as of April 30, 2024:
Grayscale® Ethereum classic Trust (ETC)
Table of Contents
2
Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” with respect to the financial conditions, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of Grayscale Ethereum Classic Trust (ETC) (the “Trust”). Statements preceded by, followed by or that include words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential” or “continue,” the negative of these terms and other similar expressions are intended to identify some of the forward-looking statements. All statements (other than statements of historical fact) included in this Quarterly Report that address activities, events or developments that will or may occur in the future, including such matters as changes in market prices and conditions, the Trust’s operations, the plans of Grayscale Investments, LLC (the “Sponsor”) and references to the Trust’s future success and other similar matters are forward-looking statements. These statements are only predictions. Actual events or results may differ materially from such statements. These statements are based upon certain assumptions and analyses the Sponsor made based on its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors appropriate in the circumstances. Whether or not actual results and developments will conform to the Sponsor’s expectations and predictions, however, is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those described in “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K and in “Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors” herein. Forward-looking statements are made based on the Sponsor’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and neither the Trust nor the Sponsor is under a duty or undertakes an obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, other than as required by applicable laws. Investors are therefore cautioned against relying on forward-looking statements.
Unless otherwise stated or the context otherwise requires, the terms “we,” “our” and “us” in this Quarterly Report refer to the Sponsor acting on behalf of the Trust.
A glossary of industry and other defined terms is included in this Quarterly Report, beginning on page 25.
This Quarterly Report supplements and where applicable amends the Memorandum, as defined in the Trust’s Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust and Trust Agreement, for general purposes.
Industry and Market Data
Although we are responsible for all disclosure contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, in some cases we have relied on certain market and industry data obtained from third-party sources that we believe to be reliable. Market estimates are calculated by using independent industry publications in conjunction with our assumptions regarding the Ethereum Classic (“ETC”) industry and market. While we are not aware of any misstatements regarding any market, industry or similar data presented herein, such data involves risks and uncertainties and is subject to change based on various factors, including those discussed under the headings “Forward-Looking Statements,” “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on February 23, 2024 (the “Annual Report”), and “Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
3
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)
GRAYSCALE Ethereum Classic TRUST (ETC)
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (UNAUDITED)
(Amounts in thousands, except Share and per Share amounts)
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March 31, 2024 |
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December 31, 2023 |
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Assets: |
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Investment in ETC, at fair value (cost $ |
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$ |
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$ |
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Total assets |
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$ |
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$ |
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Liabilities: |
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Sponsor’s Fee payable, related party |
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$ |
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$ |
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Total liabilities |
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Net assets |
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$ |
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$ |
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Net Assets consists of: |
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Paid-in-capital |
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Accumulated net investment loss |
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Accumulated net realized gain on investment in ETC |
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Accumulated net change in unrealized appreciation on investment in ETC |
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$ |
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$ |
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Shares issued and outstanding, no par value (unlimited Shares authorized) |
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Principal market net asset value per Share |
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$ |
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$ |
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See accompanying notes to the unaudited financial statements.
4
GRAYSCALE Ethereum Classic TRUST (ETC)
SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENT (UNAUDITED)
(Amounts in thousands, except quantity of ETC and percentages)
March 31, 2024 |
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Quantity of ETC |
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Cost |
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Fair Value |
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% of Net |
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$ |
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$ |
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% |
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Net assets |
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$ |
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$ |
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% |
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December 31, 2023 |
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Quantity of ETC |
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Cost |
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Fair Value |
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% of Net |
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$ |
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$ |
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% |
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Net assets |
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$ |
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$ |
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% |
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See accompanying notes to the unaudited financial statements.
5
GRAYSCALE Ethereum Classic TRUST (ETC)
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
(Amounts in thousands)
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Three Months Ended March 31, |
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2024 |
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2023 |
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Investment income: |
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Investment income |
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$ |
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$ |
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Expenses: |
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Sponsor’s Fee, related party |
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Net investment loss |
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Net realized and unrealized gain from: |
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Net realized gain on investment in ETC |
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Net change in unrealized appreciation on investment in ETC |
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Net realized and unrealized gain on investment |
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Net increase in net assets resulting from operations |
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$ |
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$ |
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See accompanying notes to the unaudited financial statements.
6
GRAYSCALE Ethereum Classic TRUST (ETC)
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (UNAUDITED)
(Amounts in thousands, except change in Shares outstanding)
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Three Months Ended March 31, |
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2024 |
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2023 |
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Increase in net assets from operations: |
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Net investment loss |
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$ |
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$ |
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Net realized gain on investment in ETC |
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Net change in unrealized appreciation on investment in ETC |
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Net increase in net assets resulting from operations |
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Increase in net assets from capital share transactions: |
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Shares issued |
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Net increase in net assets resulting from capital share transactions |
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Total increase in net assets from operations and capital share transactions |
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Net assets: |
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Beginning of period |
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End of period |
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$ |
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$ |
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Change in Shares outstanding: |
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Shares outstanding at beginning of period |
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Shares issued |
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Net increase in Shares |
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Shares outstanding at end of period |
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See accompanying notes to the unaudited financial statements.
7
GRAYSCALE Ethereum Classic TRUST (ETC)
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Organization
Grayscale Ethereum Classic Trust (ETC) (the “Trust”) is a Delaware Statutory Trust that was formed on April 18, 2017 and commenced operations on April 24, 2017. In general, the Trust holds Ether Classic (“ETC”) and, from time to time, issues common units of fractional undivided beneficial interest (“Shares”) (in minimum baskets of
Incidental Rights are rights to claim, or otherwise establish dominion and control over, any virtual currency or other asset or right, which rights are incident to the Trust’s ownership of ETC and arise without any action of the Trust, or of the Sponsor or Trustee on behalf of the Trust; IR Virtual Currency is any virtual currency tokens, or other asset or right, received by the Trust through the exercise (subject to the applicable provisions of the Trust Agreement) of any Incidental Right.
Grayscale Investments, LLC (“Grayscale” or the “Sponsor”) acts as the Sponsor of the Trust and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Digital Currency Group, Inc. (“DCG”). The Sponsor is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Trust pursuant to the provisions of the Trust Agreement. Grayscale is responsible for preparing and providing annual and quarterly reports on behalf of the Trust to investors and is also responsible for selecting and monitoring the Trust’s service providers. As partial consideration for the Sponsor’s services, the Trust pays Grayscale a Sponsor’s Fee as discussed in Note 6. The Sponsor also acts as the sponsor and manager of other investment products including Grayscale Basic Attention Token Trust (BAT) (OTCQB: GBAT), Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (BTC) (NYSE Arca: GBTC), Grayscale Bitcoin Cash Trust (BCH) (OTCQX: BCHG), Grayscale Chainlink Trust (LINK) (OTCQX: GLNK), Grayscale Decentraland Trust (MANA) (OTCQX: MANA), Grayscale Ethereum Trust (ETH) (OTCQX: ETHE), Grayscale Filecoin Trust (FIL) (OTCQB: FILG), Grayscale Horizen Trust (ZEN) (OTCQX: HZEN), Grayscale Litecoin Trust (LTC) (OTCQX: LTCN), Grayscale Livepeer Trust (LPT) (OTCQX: GLIV), Grayscale Solana Trust (SOL) (OTCQX: GSOL), Grayscale Stellar Lumens Trust (XLM) (OTCQX: GXLM), Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC) (OTCQX: ZCSH), Grayscale Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Fund LLC (OTCQB: DEFG), Grayscale Digital Large Cap Fund LLC (OTCQX: GDLC), and Grayscale Smart Contract Platform Ex Ethereum (ETH) Fund LLC, each of which is an affiliate of the Trust. The following investment products sponsored or managed by the Sponsor are also SEC reporting companies with their shares registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”): Grayscale Bitcoin Cash Trust (BCH), Grayscale Ethereum Trust (ETH), Grayscale Horizen Trust (ZEN), Grayscale Litecoin Trust (LTC), Grayscale Stellar Lumens Trust (XLM), Grayscale Zcash Trust (ZEC), and Grayscale Digital Large Cap Fund LLC. On January 10, 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) approved an application under Rule 19b-4 of the Exchange Act by NYSE Arca, Inc. (“NYSE Arca”) to list the shares of the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (BTC), which began trading on NYSE Arca on January 11, 2024. Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (BTC) is an SEC reporting company with its shares registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act. Grayscale Advisors, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor and an affiliate of the Sponsor, is the advisor to the Grayscale Future of Finance (NYSE Arca: GFOF) product.
Authorized Participants of the Trust are the only entities who may place orders to create or, if permitted, redeem Baskets. Grayscale Securities, LLC (“Grayscale Securities” or, in such capacity, an “Authorized Participant”), a registered broker-dealer and wholly owned subsidiary of the Sponsor, is the only Authorized Participant, and is party to a participant agreement with the Sponsor and the Trust. Additional Authorized Participants may be added at any time, subject to the discretion of the Sponsor. Liquidity Providers who are unaffiliated with the Trust may be engaged from time to time and at any time.
The custodian of the Trust is Coinbase Custody Trust Company, LLC (the “Custodian”), a third-party service provider. The Custodian is responsible for safeguarding the ETC, Incidental Rights, and IR Virtual Currency held by the Trust, and holding the private key(s) that provide access to the Trust’s digital wallets and vaults.
The transfer agent for the Trust (the “Transfer Agent”) is Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company. The responsibilities of the Transfer Agent are to maintain creations, redemptions, transfers, and distributions of the Trust’s Shares which are primarily held in book-entry form.
On May 2, 2018, the Trust received notice that its Shares were qualified for public trading on the OTCQX U.S. Marketplace of the OTC Markets Group, Inc. (“OTCQX”). The Trust’s trading symbol on OTCQX is “ETCG” and the CUSIP number for its Shares is 38963Q107.
8
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
In the opinion of management of the Sponsor of the Trust, all adjustments (which include normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 and results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 have been made. The results of operations for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations expected for the full year. These unaudited financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 included in the Trust’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Trust:
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). The Trust qualifies as an investment company for accounting purposes pursuant to the accounting and reporting guidance under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946, Financial Services—Investment Companies. The Trust uses fair value as its method of accounting for ETC in accordance with its classification as an investment company for accounting purposes. The Trust is not a registered investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates and these differences could be material.
The Trust conducts its transactions in ETC, including receiving ETC for the creation of Shares and delivering ETC for the redemption of Shares and for the payment of the Sponsor’s Fee. At this time, the Trust is not accepting redemption requests from shareholders. Since its inception, the Trust has not held cash or cash equivalents.
Principal Market and Fair Value Determination
To determine which market is the Trust’s principal market (or in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market) for purposes of calculating the Trust’s net asset value in accordance with U.S. GAAP (“Principal Market NAV”), the Trust follows ASC 820-10, which outlines the application of fair value accounting. ASC 820-10 determines fair value to be the price that would be received for ETC in a current sale, which assumes an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. ASC 820-10 requires the Trust to assume that ETC is sold in its principal market to market participants or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market. Market participants are defined as buyers and sellers in the principal or most advantageous market that are independent, knowledgeable, and willing and able to transact.
The Trust only receives ETC in connection with a creation order from the Authorized Participant (or a Liquidity Provider) and does not itself transact on any Digital Asset Markets. Therefore, the Trust looks to market-based volume and level of activity for Digital Asset Markets. The Authorized Participant(s), or a Liquidity Provider, may transact in a Brokered Market, a Dealer Market, Principal-to-Principal Markets and Exchange Markets (referred to as “Trading Platform Markets” in this Quarterly Report), each as defined in the FASB ASC Master Glossary (collectively, “Digital Asset Markets”).
In determining which of the eligible Digital Asset Markets is the Trust’s principal market, the Trust reviews these criteria in the following order:
First, the Trust reviews a list of Digital Asset Markets that maintain practices and policies designed to comply with anti-money laundering (“AML”) and know-your-customer (“KYC”) regulations, and non-Digital Asset Trading Platform Markets that the Trust reasonably believes are operating in compliance with applicable law, including federal and state licensing requirements, based upon information and assurances provided to it by each market.
Second, the Trust sorts these Digital Asset Markets from high to low by market-based volume and level of activity of ETC traded on each Digital Asset Market in the trailing twelve months.
Third, the Trust then reviews pricing fluctuations and the degree of variances in price on Digital Asset Markets to identify any material notable variances that may impact the volume or price information of a particular Digital Asset Market.
Fourth, the Trust then selects a Digital Asset Market as its principal market based on the highest market-based volume, level of activity and price stability in comparison to the other Digital Asset Markets on the list. Based on information reasonably available to the Trust, Trading Platform Markets have the greatest volume and level of activity for the asset. The Trust therefore looks to accessible Trading Platform Markets as opposed to the Brokered Market, Dealer Market and Principal-to-Principal Markets to determine its principal market. As a result of the aforementioned analysis, a Trading Platform Market has been selected as the Trust’s principal market.
The Trust determines its principal market (or in the absence of a principal market the most advantageous market) annually and conducts a quarterly analysis to determine (i) if there have been recent changes to each Digital Asset Market’s trading volume and level of activity
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in the trailing twelve months, (ii) if any Digital Asset Markets have developed that the Trust has access to, or (iii) if recent changes to each Digital Asset Market’s price stability have occurred that would materially impact the selection of the principal market and necessitate a change in the Trust’s determination of its principal market.
The cost basis of ETC received in connection with a creation order is recorded by the Trust at the fair value of ETC at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the creation date for financial reporting purposes. The cost basis recorded by the Trust may differ from proceeds collected by the Authorized Participant from the sale of the corresponding Shares to investors.
Investment Transactions and Revenue Recognition
The Trust considers investment transactions to be the receipt of ETC for Share creations and the delivery of ETC for Share redemptions or for payment of expenses in ETC. At this time, the Trust is not accepting redemption requests from shareholders. The Trust records its investment transactions on a trade date basis and changes in fair value are reflected as net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments. Realized gains and losses are calculated using the specific identification method. Realized gains and losses are recognized in connection with transactions including settling obligations for the Sponsor’s Fee in ETC.
Fair Value Measurement
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the ‘exit price’) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
GAAP utilizes a fair value hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are those that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Trust. Unobservable inputs reflect the Trust’s assumptions about the inputs market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances.
The fair value hierarchy is categorized into three levels based on the inputs as follows:
The availability of valuation techniques and observable inputs can vary by investment. To the extent that valuations are based on sources that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment.
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Fair Value Measurement Using |
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(Amounts in thousands) |
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Amount at |
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Level 1 |
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Level 2 |
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Level 3 |
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March 31, 2024 |
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Assets |
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Investment in ETC |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
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December 31, 2023 |
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Assets |
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Investment in ETC |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
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Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-08, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Crypto Assets (Subtopic 350-60): Accounting for and Disclosure of Crypto Assets (“ASU 2023-08”). ASU 2023-08 is intended to improve the accounting for certain crypto assets by requiring an entity to measure those crypto assets at fair value each reporting period with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The amendments also improve the information provided to investors about an entity’s crypto asset holdings by requiring disclosure about significant holdings, contractual sale restrictions, and changes during the reporting period. ASU 2023-08 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted for
10
both interim and annual financial statements that have not yet been issued. The Trust adopted this new guidance on January 1, 2024, with no material impact on its financial statements and disclosures as the Trust historically used fair value as its method of accounting for ETC in accordance with its classification as an investment company for accounting purposes.
3. Fair Value of ETC
ETC is held by the Custodian on behalf of the Trust and is carried at fair value. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Trust held
The Trust determined the fair value per ETC to be $
The following represents the changes in quantity of ETC and the respective fair value:
(Amounts in thousands, except ETC amounts) |
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Quantity |
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Fair Value |
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Balance at December 31, 2022 |
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$ |
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ETC contributed |
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ETC distributed for Sponsor’s Fee, related party |
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Net change in unrealized appreciation on investment in ETC |
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Net realized gain on investment in ETC |
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Balance at December 31, 2023 |
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$ |
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ETC contributed |
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ETC distributed for Sponsor’s Fee, related party |
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Net change in unrealized appreciation on investment in ETC |
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Net realized gain on investment in ETC |
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Balance at March 31, 2024 |
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$ |
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4. Creations and Redemptions of Shares
At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, there were an unlimited number of Shares authorized by the Trust. The Trust creates (and, should the Trust commence a redemption program, redeems) Shares from time to time, but only in one or more Baskets. The creation and redemption of Baskets on behalf of investors are made by the Authorized Participant in exchange for the delivery of ETC to the Trust or the distribution of ETC by the Trust. The amount of ETC required for each creation Basket or redemption Basket is determined by dividing (x) the amount of ETC owned by the Trust at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on such trade date of a creation or redemption order, after deducting the amount of ETC representing the U.S. dollar value of accrued but unpaid fees and expenses of the Trust, by (y) the number of Shares outstanding at such time and multiplying the quotient obtained by 100. Each Share represented approximately
The cost basis of investments in ETC recorded by the Trust is the fair value of ETC, as determined by the Trust, at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the date of transfer to the Trust by the Authorized Participant, or Liquidity Provider, based on the creation Baskets. The cost basis recorded by the Trust may differ from proceeds collected by the Authorized Participant from the sale of each Share to investors. The Authorized Participant or Liquidity Provider may realize significant profits buying, selling, creating, and, if permitted, redeeming Shares as a result of changes in the value of Shares or ETC.
At this time, the Trust is not operating a redemption program and is not accepting redemption requests. Subject to receipt of regulatory approval and approval by the Sponsor in its sole discretion, the Trust may in the future operate a redemption program. The Trust currently has no intention of seeking regulatory approval to operate an ongoing redemption program.
5. Income Taxes
The Sponsor takes the position that the Trust is properly treated as a grantor trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Assuming that the Trust is a grantor trust, the Trust will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax. Rather, if the Trust is a grantor trust, each beneficial owner of Shares will be treated as directly owning its pro rata Share of the Trust’s assets and a pro rata portion of the Trust’s income, gain, losses and deductions will “flow through” to each beneficial owner of Shares.
If the Trust were not properly classified as a grantor trust, the Trust might be classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, due to the uncertain treatment of digital assets, including forks, airdrops and similar occurrences for U.S. federal
11
income tax purposes, there can be no assurance in this regard. If the Trust were classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the tax consequences of owning Shares generally would not be materially different from the tax consequences described herein, although there might be certain differences, including with respect to timing. In addition, tax information reports provided to beneficial owners of Shares would be made in a different form. If the Trust were not classified as either a grantor trust or a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, it would be classified as a corporation for such purposes. In that event, the Trust would be subject to entity-level U.S. federal income tax (currently at the rate of
In accordance with GAAP, the Trust has defined the threshold for recognizing the benefits of tax return positions in the financial statements as “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained by the applicable taxing authority and requires measurement of a tax position meeting the “more-likely-than-not” threshold, based on the largest benefit that is more than 50% likely to be realized. Tax positions not deemed to meet the “more-likely-than-not” threshold are recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current period. As of, and during the periods ended March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Trust did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax amounts. However, the Sponsor’s conclusions concerning its determination of “more-likely-than-not” tax positions may be subject to review and adjustment at a later date based on factors including, but not limited to, further implementation guidance, and ongoing analyses of and changes to tax laws, regulations and interpretations thereof.
The Sponsor of the Trust has evaluated whether or not there are uncertain tax positions that require financial statement recognition and has determined that no reserves for uncertain tax positions related to federal, state and local income taxes existed as of March 31, 2024 or December 31, 2023.
6. Related Parties
The Trust considered the following entities, their directors, and certain employees to be related parties of the Trust as of March 31, 2024: DCG, Genesis, Grayscale and Grayscale Securities. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023,
The Sponsor’s parent, an affiliate of the Trust, holds a minority interest in Coinbase, Inc., the parent company of the Custodian, that represents less than
In accordance with the Trust Agreement governing the Trust, the Trust pays a fee to the Sponsor, calculated as
As partial consideration for receipt of the Sponsor’s Fee, the Sponsor is obligated under the Trust Agreement to assume and pay all fees and other expenses incurred by the Trust in the ordinary course of its affairs, excluding taxes, but including marketing fees; administrator fees, if any; custodian fees; transfer agent fees; trustee fees; the fees and expenses related to the listing, quotation or trading of the Shares on any secondary market (including customary legal, marketing and audit fees and expenses) in an amount up to $
The Trust may incur certain extraordinary, non-recurring expenses that are not Sponsor-paid Expenses, including, but not limited to, taxes and governmental charges, expenses and costs of any extraordinary services performed by the Sponsor (or any other service provider) on behalf of the Trust to protect the Trust or the interests of shareholders (including in connection with any Incidental Rights and any IR Virtual Currency), any indemnification of the Custodian or other agents, service providers or counterparties of the Trust, the fees and expenses related to the listing, quotation or trading of the Shares on any secondary market (including legal, marketing and audit fees and expenses) to the extent exceeding $
12
Trust, cause the Trust (or its delegate) to deliver such ETC, Incidental Rights and/or IR Virtual Currency in kind to the Sponsor, in each case in such quantity as may be necessary to permit payment of such Additional Trust Expenses.
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Trust incurred Sponsor’s Fees of $
On June 21, 2021, the Board of the Sponsor (the “Board”) approved the purchase by DCG, the parent company of the Sponsor, of up to $
7. Risks and Uncertainties
The Trust is subject to various risks including market risk, liquidity risk, and other risks related to its concentration in a single asset, ETC. Investing in ETC is currently highly speculative and volatile.
The Principal Market NAV of the Trust, calculated by reference to the principal market price in accordance with U.S. GAAP, relates primarily to the value of ETC held by the Trust, and fluctuations in the price of ETC could materially and adversely affect an investment in the Shares of the Trust. The price of ETC has a limited history. During such history, ETC prices have been volatile and subject to influence by many factors, including the levels of liquidity. If the Digital Asset Markets continue to experience significant price fluctuations, the Trust may experience losses. Several factors may affect the price of ETC, including, but not limited to, global ETC supply and demand, theft of ETC from global trading platforms or vaults, competition from other forms of digital currency or payment services, global or regional political, economic or financial conditions, and other unforeseen events and situations.
The ETC held by the Trust are commingled, and the Trust’s shareholders have no specific rights to any specific ETC. In the event of the insolvency of the Trust, its assets may be inadequate to satisfy a claim by its shareholders.
There is currently no clearing house for ETC, nor is there a central or major depository for the custody of ETC. There is a risk that some or all of the Trust’s ETC could be lost or stolen. There can be no assurance that the Custodian will maintain adequate insurance or that such coverage will cover losses with respect to the Trust’s ETC. Further, transactions in ETC are irrevocable. Stolen or incorrectly transferred ETC may be irretrievable. As a result, any incorrectly executed ETC transactions could adversely affect an investment in the Shares.
The SEC has stated that certain digital assets may be considered “securities” under the federal securities laws. The test for determining whether a particular digital asset is a “security” is complex and difficult to apply, and the outcome is difficult to predict. Public, though non-binding, statements by senior officials at the SEC have indicated that the SEC did not consider Bitcoin or Ether to be securities, and does not currently consider Bitcoin to be a security. The SEC staff has also provided informal assurances via no-action letter to a handful of promoters that their digital assets are not securities. On the other hand, the SEC has brought enforcement actions against the issuers and promoters of several other digital assets on the basis that the digital assets in question are securities.
If ETC is determined to be a “security” under federal or state securities laws by the SEC or any other agency, or in a proceeding in a court of law or otherwise, it may have material adverse consequences for ETC. For example, it may become more difficult for ETC to be traded, cleared and custodied as compared to other digital assets that are not considered to be securities, which could, in turn, negatively affect the liquidity and general acceptance of ETC and cause users to migrate to other digital assets. As such, any determination that ETC is a security under federal or state securities laws may adversely affect the value of ETC and, as a result, an investment in the Shares.
In addition, if ETC is in fact a security, the Trust could be considered an unregistered “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, which could necessitate the Trust’s liquidation. In this case, the Trust and the Sponsor may be deemed to have participated in an illegal offering of securities and there is no guarantee that the Sponsor will be able to register the Trust under the Investment Company Act of 1940 at such time or take such other actions as may be necessary to ensure the Trust’s activities comply with applicable law, which could force the Sponsor to liquidate the Trust.
13
To the extent a private key required to access an ETC address is lost, destroyed or otherwise compromised and no backup of the private keys are accessible, the Trust may be unable to access the ETC controlled by the private key and the private key will not be capable of being restored by the Ethereum Classic Network. The processes by which ETC transactions are settled are dependent on the peer-to-peer network, and as such, the Trust is subject to operational risk. A risk also exists with respect to previously unknown technical vulnerabilities, which may adversely affect the value of ETC.
The Trust relies on third-party service providers to perform certain functions essential to its operations. Any disruptions to the Trust’s service providers’ business operations resulting from business failures, financial instability, security failures, government mandated regulation or operational problems could have an adverse impact on the Trust’s ability to access critical services and be disruptive to the operations of the Trust.
The Sponsor and the Trust may be subject to various litigation, regulatory investigations, and other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of its business.
8. Financial Highlights Per Share Performance
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|||||
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||
Per Share Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Principal market net asset value, beginning of period |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Net increase in net assets from investment operations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Net investment loss |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Net realized and unrealized gain |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Principal market net asset value, end of period |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Total return |
|
|
% |
|
|
% |
||
Ratios to average net assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Net investment loss |
|
|
- |
% |
|
|
- |
% |
Expenses |
|
|
- |
% |
|
|
- |
% |
Ratios of net investment loss and expenses to average net assets have been annualized.
An individual shareholder’s return, ratios, and per Share performance may vary from those presented above based on the timing of Share transactions. The amount shown for a Share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the number of Shares issued in Creations occurring at an operational value derived from an operating metric as defined in the Trust Agreement.
Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the Principal Market NAV at the beginning of the period and assuming redemption on the last day of the period.
9. Indemnifications
In the normal course of business, the Trust enters into certain contracts that provide a variety of indemnities, including contracts with the Sponsor and affiliates of the Sponsor, DCG and its officers, directors, employees, subsidiaries and affiliates, and the Custodian as well as others relating to services provided to the Trust. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these and its other indemnities is unknown. However, no liabilities have arisen under these indemnities in the past and, while there can be no assurances in this regard, there is no expectation that any will occur in the future. Therefore, the Sponsor does not consider it necessary to record a liability in this regard.
10. Subsequent Events
As of the close of business on
There are no known events that have occurred that require disclosure other than that which has already been disclosed in these notes to the financial statements.
14
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, our unaudited financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). The following discussion may contain forward-looking statements based on assumptions we believe to be reasonable. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include, but are not limited to, those set forth under “Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this Quarterly Report, or in “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements” or other sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Trust Overview
The Trust is a passive entity that is managed and administered by the Sponsor and does not have any officers, directors or employees. The Trust holds ETC and, from time to time on a periodic basis, issues Creation Baskets in exchange for deposits of ETC. As a passive investment vehicle, the Trust’s investment objective is for the value of the Shares (based on ETC per Share) to reflect the value of ETC held by the Trust, determined by reference to the Index Price, less the Trust’s expenses and other liabilities. While an investment in the Shares is not a direct investment in ETC, the Shares are designed to provide investors with a cost-effective and convenient way to gain investment exposure to ETC. To date, the Trust has not met its investment objective and the Shares quoted on OTCQX have not reflected the value of ETC held by the Trust, less the Trust’s expenses and other liabilities, but instead have traded at both premiums and discounts to such value, which at times have been substantial. The Trust is not managed like a business corporation or an active investment vehicle.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Investment Transactions and Revenue Recognition
The Trust considers investment transactions to be the receipt of ETC for Share creations and the delivery of ETC for Share redemptions or for payment of expenses in ETC. At this time, the Trust is not accepting redemption requests from shareholders. The Trust records its investment transactions on a trade date basis and changes in fair value are reflected as net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments. Realized gains and losses are calculated using the specific identification method. Realized gains and losses are recognized in connection with transactions including settling obligations for the Sponsor’s Fee in ETC.
Principal Market and Fair Value Determination
To determine which market is the Trust’s principal market (or in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market) for purposes of calculating the Trust’s net asset value in accordance with U.S. GAAP (“Principal Market NAV”), the Trust follows Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820-10, which outlines the application of fair value accounting. ASC 820-10 determines fair value to be the price that would be received for ETC in a current sale, which assumes an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. ASC 820-10 requires the Trust to assume that ETC is sold in its principal market to market participants or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market. Market participants are defined as buyers and sellers in the principal or most advantageous market that are independent, knowledgeable, and willing and able to transact.
The Trust only receives ETC in connection with a creation order from the Authorized Participant (or a Liquidity Provider) and does not itself transact on any Digital Asset Markets. Therefore, the Trust looks to market-based volume and level of activity for Digital Asset Markets. The Authorized Participant(s), or a Liquidity Provider, may transact in a Brokered Market, a Dealer Market, Principal-to-Principal Markets and Exchange Markets (referred to as “Trading Platform Markets” in this Quarterly Report), each as defined in the FASB ASC Master Glossary (collectively, “Digital Asset Markets”).
In determining which of the eligible Digital Asset Markets is the Trust’s principal market, the Trust reviews these criteria in the following order:
15
The Trust determines its principal market (or in the absence of a principal market the most advantageous market) annually and conducts a quarterly analysis to determine (i) if there have been recent changes to each Digital Asset Market’s trading volume and level of activity in the trailing twelve months, (ii) if any Digital Asset Markets have developed that the Trust has access to, or (iii) if recent changes to each Digital Asset Market’s price stability have occurred that would materially impact the selection of the principal market and necessitate a change in the Trust’s determination of its principal market.
The cost basis of ETC received in connection with a creation order is recorded by the Trust at the fair value of ETC at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the creation date for financial reporting purposes. The cost basis recorded by the Trust may differ from proceeds collected by the Authorized Participant from the sale of the corresponding Shares to investors.
Investment Company Considerations
The Trust is an investment company for GAAP purposes and follows accounting and reporting guidance in accordance with the FASB ASC Topic 946, Financial Services—Investment Companies. The Trust uses fair value as its method of accounting for ETC in accordance with its classification as an investment company for accounting purposes. The Trust is not a registered investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates and these differences could be material.
Review of Financial Results (unaudited)
Financial Highlights for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 and 2023
(All amounts in the following table and the subsequent paragraphs, except Share, per Share, ETC and price of ETC amounts, are in thousands)
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|||||
|
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||
Net realized and unrealized gain on investment in ETC |
|
|
$ |
139,176 |
|
|
$ |
57,554 |
|
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations |
|
|
$ |
137,185 |
|
|
$ |
56,043 |
|
Net assets(1) |
|
|
$ |
391,143 |
|
|
$ |
243,370 |
|
Net realized and unrealized gain on investment in ETC for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was $139,176, which includes a realized gain of $1,450 on the transfer of ETC to pay the Sponsor’s Fee and net change in unrealized appreciation on investment in ETC of $137,726. Net realized and unrealized gain on investment in ETC for the period was driven by ETC price appreciation from $21.99 per ETC as of December 31, 2023, to $34.08 per ETC as of March 31, 2024. Net increase in net assets resulting from operations was $137,185 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, which consisted of the net realized and unrealized gain on investment in ETC, less the Sponsor’s Fee of $1,991. Net assets increased to $391,143 at March 31, 2024, a 54% increase for the three-month period. The increase in net assets resulted from the aforementioned ETC price appreciation, partially offset by the withdrawal of approximately 71,565 ETC to pay the foregoing Sponsor’s Fee.
Net realized and unrealized gain on investment in ETC for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was $57,554, which includes a realized gain of $962 on the transfer of ETC to pay the Sponsor’s Fee and net change in unrealized appreciation on investment in ETC of $56,592. Net realized and unrealized gain on investment in ETC for the period was driven by ETC price appreciation from $15.82 per ETC as of December 31, 2022, to $20.68 per ETC as of March 31, 2023. Net increase in net assets resulting from operations was $56,043 for the three months ended March 31, 2023, which consisted of the net realized and unrealized gain on investment in ETC, less the Sponsor’s Fee of $1,511. Net assets increased to $243,370 at March 31, 2023, a 30% increase for the three-month period. The increase in net assets resulted from the aforementioned ETC price appreciation, partially offset by the withdrawal of approximately 72,771 ETC to pay the foregoing Sponsor’s Fee.
16
Cash Resources and Liquidity
The Trust has not had a cash balance at any time since inception. When selling ETC, Incidental Rights and/or IR Virtual Currency in the Digital Asset Market to pay Additional Trust Expenses on behalf of the Trust, the Sponsor endeavors to sell the exact amount of ETC, Incidental Rights and/or IR Virtual Currency needed to pay expenses in order to minimize the Trust’s holdings of assets other than ETC. As a consequence, the Sponsor expects that the Trust will not record any cash flow from its operations and that its cash balance will be zero at the end of each reporting period. Furthermore, the Trust is not a party to any off-balance sheet arrangements.
In exchange for the Sponsor’s Fee, the Sponsor has agreed to assume most of the expenses incurred by the Trust. As a result, the only ordinary expense of the Trust during the periods covered by this Quarterly Report was the Sponsor’s Fee. The Trust is not aware of any trends, demands, conditions or events that are reasonably likely to result in material changes to its liquidity needs.
Selected Operating Data
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|||||
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||
|
|
(All ETC balances are rounded to the nearest whole ETC) |
|
|||||
ETC: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Opening balance |
|
|
11,548,776 |
|
|
|
11,841,145 |
|
Creations |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Sponsor’s Fee, related party |
|
|
(71,565 |
) |
|
|
(72,771 |
) |
Closing balance |
|
|
11,477,211 |
|
|
|
11,768,374 |
|
Accrued but unpaid Sponsor’s Fee, related party |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Net closing balance |
|
|
11,477,211 |
|
|
|
11,768,374 |
|
Number of Shares: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Opening balance |
|
|
13,993,800 |
|
|
|
13,993,800 |
|
Creations |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Closing balance |
|
|
13,993,800 |
|
|
|
13,993,800 |
|
|
|
As of March 31, |
|
|||||
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||
Price of ETC on principal market(1) |
|
$ |
34.08 |
|
|
$ |
20.68 |
|
Principal Market NAV per Share(2) |
|
$ |
27.95 |
|
|
$ |
17.39 |
|
Index Price |
|
$ |
34.09 |
|
|
$ |
20.69 |
|
NAV per Share(3) |
|
$ |
27.96 |
|
|
$ |
17.40 |
|
For accounting purposes, the Trust reflects creations and the ETC receivable with respect to such creations on the date of receipt of a notification of a creation but does not issue Shares until the requisite amount of ETC is received. At this time, the Trust is not accepting redemption requests from shareholders. Subject to receipt of regulatory approval from the SEC and approval by the Sponsor in its sole discretion, the Trust may in the future operate a redemption program. The Trust currently has no intention of seeking regulatory approval to operate an ongoing redemption program.
17
As of March 31, 2024, the Trust had a net closing balance with a value of $391,258,121, based on the Index Price (non-GAAP methodology). As of March 31, 2024, the Trust had a total market value of $391,143,349, based on the Digital Asset Market price of ETC on the Trust’s principal market (Coinbase).
As of March 31, 2023, the Trust had a net closing balance with a value of $243,487,651, based on the Index Price (non-GAAP methodology). As of March 31, 2023, the Trust had a total market value of $243,369,967, based on the Digital Asset Market price of ETC on the Trust’s principal market (Coinbase).
Historical NAV and ETC Prices
As movements in the price of ETC will directly affect the price of the Shares, investors should understand recent movements in the price of ETC. Investors, however, should also be aware that past movements in the ETC price are not indicators of future movements. Movements may be influenced by various factors, including, but not limited to, government regulation, security breaches experienced by service providers, as well as political and economic uncertainties around the world.
The following chart illustrates the movement in the Trust’s NAV per Share versus the Index Price and the Trust’s Principal Market NAV per Share from April 24, 2017 to March 31, 2024. For more information on the determination of the Trust’s NAV, see “Item 1. Business—Overview of the ETC Industry and Market—ETC Value—The Index and the Index Price” in the Trust’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The following table illustrates the movements in the Index Price from April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2024. During such period, the Index Price has ranged from $3.43 to $148.63, with the straight average being $21.18 through March 31, 2024. The Sponsor has not observed a material difference between the Index Price and average prices from the constituent Digital Asset Trading Platforms individually or as a group.
|
|
|
|
|
High |
|
Low |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Period |
|
Average |
|
|
Index Price |
|
|
Date |
|
Index Price |
|
|
Date |
|
End of period |
|
|
Last business day |
|
|||||
Twelve months ended March 31, 2020 |
|
$ |
6.39 |
|
|
$ |
12.31 |
|
|
1/29/2020 |
|
$ |
3.43 |
|
|
12/17/2019 |
|
$ |
4.94 |
|
|
$ |
4.94 |
|
Twelve months ended March 31, 2021 |
|
$ |
7.16 |
|
|
$ |
16.93 |
|
|
2/13/2021 |
|
$ |
4.86 |
|
|
11/3/2020 |
|
$ |
13.55 |
|
|
$ |
13.55 |
|
Twelve months ended March 31, 2022 |
|
$ |
47.27 |
|
|
$ |
148.63 |
|
|
5/6/2021 |
|
$ |
14.19 |
|
|
4/3/2021 |
|
$ |
47.19 |
|
|
$ |
47.19 |
|
Twelve months ended March 31, 2023 |
|
$ |
24.63 |
|
|
$ |
47.16 |
|
|
4/1/2022 |
|
$ |
12.80 |
|
|
6/18/2022 |
|
$ |
20.69 |
|
|
$ |
20.69 |
|
Twelve months ended March 31, 2024 |
|
$ |
20.49 |
|
|
$ |
38.44 |
|
|
3/8/2024 |
|
$ |
14.52 |
|
|
9/11/2023 |
|
$ |
34.09 |
|
|
$ |
32.46 |
|
April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2024 |
|
$ |
21.18 |
|
|
$ |
148.63 |
|
|
5/6/2021 |
|
$ |
3.43 |
|
|
12/17/2019 |
|
$ |
34.09 |
|
|
$ |
32.46 |
|
18
The following table illustrates the movements in the Digital Asset Market price of ETC, as reported on the Trust’s principal market, from April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2024. During such period, the price of ETC has ranged from $3.43 to $148.51, with the straight average being $21.21 through March 31, 2024.
|
|
|
|
|
High |
|
Low |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Period |
|
Average |
|
|
Digital Asset Market Price |
|
|
Date |
|
Digital Asset Market Price |
|
|
Date |
|
End of period |
|
|
Last business day |
|
|||||
Twelve months ended March 31, 2020 |
|
$ |
6.40 |
|
|
$ |
12.33 |
|
|
2/5/2020 |
|
$ |
3.43 |
|
|
12/17/2019 |
|
$ |
4.93 |
|
|
$ |
4.93 |
|
Twelve months ended March 31, 2021 |
|
$ |
7.24 |
|
|
$ |
16.93 |
|
|
2/13/2021 |
|
$ |
4.86 |
|
|
11/3/2020 |
|
$ |
13.53 |
|
|
$ |
13.53 |
|
Twelve months ended March 31, 2022 |
|
$ |
47.32 |
|
|
$ |
148.51 |
|
|
5/6/2021 |
|
$ |
14.23 |
|
|
4/4/2021 |
|
$ |
47.20 |
|
|
$ |
47.20 |
|
Twelve months ended March 31, 2023 |
|
$ |
24.63 |
|
|
$ |
47.16 |
|
|
4/1/2022 |
|
$ |
12.77 |
|
|
6/18/2022 |
|
$ |
20.68 |
|
|
$ |
20.68 |
|
Twelve months ended March 31, 2024 |
|
$ |
20.49 |
|
|
$ |
38.47 |
|
|
3/8/2024 |
|
$ |
14.53 |
|
|
9/11/2023 |
|
$ |
34.08 |
|
|
$ |
32.44 |
|
April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2024 |
|
$ |
21.21 |
|
|
$ |
148.51 |
|
|
5/6/2021 |
|
$ |
3.43 |
|
|
12/17/2019 |
|
$ |
34.08 |
|
|
$ |
32.44 |
|
19
The following chart sets out the historical closing prices for the Shares as reported by OTCQX and the Trust’s NAV per Share from May 10, 2018 to March 31, 2024.
ETCG Premium/(Discount): ETCG Share Price vs. NAV per Share (Non-GAAP) ($)
The following chart sets out the historical premium and discount for the Shares as reported by OTCQX and the Trust’s NAV per Share from May 10, 2018 to March 31, 2024.
ETCG Premium/(Discount): ETCG Share Price vs. NAV per Share (Non-GAAP) (%)
20
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
The Trust Agreement does not authorize the Trust to borrow for payment of the Trust’s ordinary expenses. The Trust does not engage in transactions in foreign currencies which could expose the Trust or holders of Shares to any foreign currency related market risk. The Trust does not invest in derivative financial instruments and has no foreign operations or long-term debt instruments.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
The Trust maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in its Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer of the Sponsor, and to the audit committee of the board of directors of the Sponsor, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Under the supervision and with the participation of the Principal Executive Officer and the Principal Financial and Accounting Officer of the Sponsor, the Sponsor conducted an evaluation of the Trust’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined under Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e). Based on this evaluation, the Principal Executive Officer and the Principal Financial and Accounting Officer of the Sponsor concluded that the Trust’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There was no change in the Trust’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the Trust’s most recently completed fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, these internal controls.
21
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION:
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
The Sponsor and an affiliate of the Trust, Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (BTC) (“Grayscale Bitcoin Trust”), are currently parties to certain legal proceedings. Although the Trust is not a party to these proceedings, the Trust may in the future be subject to legal proceedings or disputes.
On January 30, 2023, Osprey Funds, LLC (“Osprey”) filed a suit in Connecticut Superior Court against the Sponsor alleging that statements the Sponsor made in its advertising and promotion of Grayscale Bitcoin Trust violated the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act, and seeking statutory damages and injunctive relief. On April 17, 2023, the Sponsor filed a motion to dismiss the complaint and, following briefing, a hearing on the motion to dismiss was held on June 26, 2023. On October 23, 2023, the Court denied the Sponsor’s motion to dismiss. On November 6, 2023, the Sponsor filed a motion for reargument of the Court’s order denying the Sponsor’s motion to dismiss. On November 16, 2023, Osprey filed an opposition to the Sponsor’s motion for reargument, and on November 30, 2023, the Sponsor filed a reply in further support of its motion for reargument. On March 11, 2024, the Court denied the Sponsor’s motion for reargument. On March 25, 2024, the Sponsor filed an application for interlocutory appeal. On March 28, 2024, Osprey filed an opposition to the Sponsor’s application for interlocutory appeal. On April 1, 2024, the Court denied the Sponsor’s application for interlocutory appeal. On April 10, 2024, Osprey filed a motion to amend the complaint. The Sponsor and Grayscale Bitcoin Trust believe this lawsuit is without merit and intend to vigorously defend against it.
In October 2021, NYSE Arca filed a proposal with the SEC pursuant to Rule 19b-4 under the Exchange Act for a rule change to list the shares of Grayscale Bitcoin Trust on NYSE Arca as an exchange-traded product, and in June 2022, the SEC issued a final order disapproving NYSE Arca’s proposed rule change. In June 2022, the Sponsor filed a petition for review of the SEC’s final order in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. In August 2023, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals granted the Sponsor’s petition and vacated the SEC’s order as arbitrary and capricious. The SEC did not seek panel rehearing or rehearing en banc. In October 2023, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals remanded the matter to the SEC. Ultimately, on January 10, 2024, the SEC approved NYSE Arca’s 19b-4 application to list the shares of the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust on NYSE Arca as an exchange-traded product. However, even though NYSE Arca’s request with respect to Grayscale Bitcoin Trust was approved, there is no guarantee that a similar application to list Shares of the Trust on NYSE Arca, or another national securities exchange, if any, would also be approved.
On March 6, 2023, Alameda Research, Ltd. (“Alameda”) filed a suit against the Sponsor, DCG, Michael Sonnenshein and Barry Silbert, the Chief Executive Officer of DCG, in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware alleging various breach of contract and fiduciary duty claims, including that the defendants had breached the terms of the trust agreements of Grayscale Bitcoin Trust and Grayscale Ethereum Trust (ETH) for failing to reduce the Sponsor’s fees and operate a redemption program (the “Initial Complaint”). On April 4, 2023, the Sponsor, DCG, Michael Sonnenshein and Barry Silbert moved to dismiss the Initial Complaint. On May 19, 2023, the Sponsor filed a brief in support of its motion to dismiss. On September 15, 2023, Alameda filed an amended complaint (the “Amended Complaint”) alleging breach of contract and fiduciary duty claims concerning the Sponsor’s purported failure to operate a redemption program that are substantially similar to those alleged in the Initial Complaint. The Amended Complaint eliminated certain causes of action asserted in the Initial Complaint concerning the defendants’ purported breaches of the terms of the trust agreements and breaches of fiduciary duty based on the Sponsor’s fees for the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust and Grayscale Ethereum Trust (ETH). On December 8, 2023, the Sponsor filed a motion to dismiss the Amended Complaint and its supporting brief. On January 19, 2024, Alameda voluntarily dismissed the action without prejudice, thereby terminating the action. No consideration of any kind was offered or exchanged in connection with Alameda’s voluntary dismissal.
As of the date of this Quarterly Report, the Sponsor does not expect the foregoing proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on the Trust’s business, financial condition or results of operations.
The Sponsor and/or the Trust may be subject to additional legal proceedings and disputes in the future.
22
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes to the Risk Factors last reported under “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” of the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Purchases of equity securities by the issuer and affiliated purchasers —The table below sets forth information regarding open market purchases of Shares of Grayscale Ethereum Classic Trust (ETC) (OTCQX: ETCG) by DCG, the parent company of the Sponsor, on a monthly basis during the three months ended March 31, 2024:
Period |
|
(a) Total Number of Shares of ETCG Purchased |
|
|
(b) Average Price Paid per Share of ETCG |
|
|
(c) Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs(1) |
|
|
(d) Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs(1) |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
||||
January 1, 2024 - January 31, 2024 |
|
|
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
$ |
204.7 |
|
February 1, 2024 - February 29, 2024 |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
204.7 |
|
March 1, 2024 - March 31, 2024 |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
204.7 |
|
Total |
|
|
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
$ |
204.7 |
|
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Information
None.
23
Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibit Number
|
Exhibit Description
|
4.1 |
|
|
|
31.1 |
|
|
|
31.2 |
|
|
|
32.1 |
|
|
|
32.2 |
|
|
|
101.INS* |
Inline XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. |
|
|
101.SCH* |
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema With Embedded Linkbase Documents |
|
|
104 |
Cover Page Interactive Data File—The cover page interactive data file does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document. |
* |
Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections. |
24
Glossary of Defined Terms
“Actual Exchange Rate”—With respect to any particular asset, at any time, the price per single unit of such asset (determined net of any associated fees) at which the Trust is able to sell such asset for U.S. dollars (or other applicable fiat currency) at such time to enable the Trust to timely pay any Additional Trust Expenses, through use of the Sponsor’s commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the highest such price.
“Additional Trust Expenses”—Together, any expenses incurred by the Trust in addition to the Sponsor’s Fee that are not Sponsor-paid Expenses, including, but not limited to, (i) taxes and governmental charges, (ii) expenses and costs of any extraordinary services performed by the Sponsor (or any other service provider) on behalf of the Trust to protect the Trust or the interests of shareholders (including in connection with any Incidental Rights and any IR Virtual Currency), (iii) any indemnification of the Custodian or other agents, service providers or counterparties of the Trust, (iv) the fees and expenses related to the listing, quotation or trading of the Shares on any Secondary Market (including legal, marketing and audit fees and expenses) to the extent exceeding $600,000 in any given fiscal year and (v) extraordinary legal fees and expenses, including any legal fees and expenses incurred in connection with litigation, regulatory enforcement or investigation matters.
“Administrator Fee”—The fee payable to any administrator of the Trust for services it provides to the Trust, which the Sponsor will pay such administrator as a Sponsor-paid Expense.
“Agent”—A Person appointed by the Trust to act on behalf of the shareholders in connection with any distribution of Incidental Rights and/or IR Virtual Currency.
“Authorized Participant”—Certain eligible financial institutions that have entered into an agreement with the Trust and the Sponsor concerning the creation of Shares. Each Authorized Participant (i) is a registered broker-dealer, (ii) has entered into a Participant Agreement with the Sponsor and (iii) owns a digital wallet address that is known to the Custodian as belonging to the Authorized Participant or a Liquidity Provider.
“Basket”—A block of 100 Shares.
“Basket Amount”—On any trade date, the amount of ETC required as of such trade date for each Creation Basket, as determined by dividing (x) the amount of ETC owned by the Trust at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on such trade date, after deducting the amount of ETC representing the U.S. dollar value of accrued but unpaid fees and expenses of the Trust (converted using the Index Price at such time, and carried to the eighth decimal place), by (y) the number of Shares outstanding at such time (with the quotient so obtained calculated to one one-hundred-millionth of one ETC (i.e., carried to the eighth decimal place)), and multiplying such quotient by 100.
“Blockchain” or “Ethereum Classic Blockchain”—The public transaction ledger of the Ethereum Classic Network on which transactions in ETC are recorded.
“Creation Basket”—Basket of Shares issued by the Trust in exchange for deposits of the Basket Amount required for each such Creation Basket.
“Custodial Services”—The Custodian’s services that (i) allow ETC to be deposited from a public blockchain address to the Trust’s Digital Asset Account and (ii) allow the Trust and the Sponsor to withdraw ETC from the Trust’s Digital Asset Account to a public blockchain address the Trust or the Sponsor controls pursuant to instructions the Trust or the Sponsor provides to the Custodian.
“Custodian”—Coinbase Custody Trust Company, LLC.
“Custodian Agreement”—The Amended and Restated Custodial Services Agreement, dated as of June 29, 2022, by and between the Trust and the Sponsor and Custodian that governs the Trust’s and the Sponsor’s use of the Custodial Services provided by the Custodian as a fiduciary with respect to the Trust’s assets.
“Custodian Fee”—Fee payable to the Custodian for services it provides to the Trust, which the Sponsor shall pay to the Custodian as a Sponsor-paid Expense.
“DCG”—Digital Currency Group, Inc.
“Digital Asset Account”—A segregated custody account controlled and secured by the Custodian to store private keys, which allow for the transfer of ownership or control of the Trust’s ETC on the Trust’s behalf.
25
“Digital Asset Market”—A “Brokered Market,” “Dealer Market,” “Principal-to-Principal Market” or “Exchange Market” (referred to as “Trading Platform Market” in this Quarterly Report), as each such term is defined in the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Master Glossary.
“Digital Asset Trading Platform”—An electronic marketplace where trading platform participants may trade, buy and sell ETC based on bid-ask trading. The largest Digital Asset Trading Platforms are online and typically trade on a 24-hour basis, publishing transaction price and volume data.
“Digital Asset Trading Platform Market”—The global trading platform market for the trading of ETC, which consists of transactions on electronic Digital Asset Trading Platforms.
“DSTA”—The Delaware Statutory Trust Act, as amended.
“DTC”—The Depository Trust Company. DTC is a limited purpose trust company organized under New York law, a member of the U.S. Federal Reserve System and a clearing agency registered with the SEC. DTC will act as the securities depository for the Shares.
“ETC” or “Ethereum Classic”—Ether Classic tokens, which are a type of digital asset based on an open-source cryptographic protocol existing on the Ethereum Classic Network, comprising units that constitute the assets underlying the Trust’s Shares.
“Ethereum Classic Network”—The online, end-user-to-end-user network hosting the public transaction ledger, known as the Ethereum Classic Blockchain, and the source code comprising the basis for the cryptographic and algorithmic protocols governing the Ethereum Classic Network. See “Item 1. Business—Overview of the ETC Industry and Market” in our Annual Report.
“Exchange Act”—The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
“FINRA”—The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., which is the primary regulator in the United States for broker-dealers, including Authorized Participants.
“GAAP”—United States generally accepted accounting principles.
“Genesis”—Genesis Global Trading, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Digital Currency Group, Inc., which served as a Liquidity Provider from October 3, 2022 to September 12, 2023.
“Grayscale Securities”—Grayscale Securities, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Sponsor, which as of the date of this Quarterly Report, is the only acting Authorized Participant.
“Incidental Rights”—Rights to acquire, or otherwise establish dominion and control over, any virtual currency or other asset or right, which rights are incident to the Trust’s ownership of ETC and arise without any action of the Trust, or of the Sponsor or Trustee on behalf of the Trust.
“Index”—The CoinDesk Ether Classic Price Index (ECX).
“Index License Agreement”—The license agreement, dated as of February 1, 2022, between the Index Provider and the Sponsor governing the Sponsor’s use of the Index for calculation of the Index Price, as amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto and as the same may be amended from time to time.
“Index Price”—The U.S. dollar value of an ETC derived from the Digital Asset Trading Platforms that are reflected in the Index, calculated at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on each business day. See “Item 1. Business—Overview of the ETC Industry and Market—ETC Value—The Index and the Index Price” in our Annual Report for a description of how the Index Price is calculated. For purposes of the Trust Agreement, the term ETC Index Price shall mean the Index Price as defined herein.
“Index Provider”—CoinDesk Indices, Inc., a Delaware corporation that publishes the Index. Prior to its sale to an unaffiliated third party on November 20, 2023, DCG was the indirect parent company of CoinDesk Indices, Inc. As a result, CoinDesk Indices, Inc. was an affiliate of the Sponsor and the Trust and was considered a related party of the Trust.
“Investment Advisers Act”—Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.
“Investment Company Act”—Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
26
“Investor”—Any investor that has entered into a subscription agreement with an Authorized Participant, pursuant to which such Authorized Participant will act as agent for the investor.
“IR Virtual Currency”—Any virtual currency tokens, or other asset or right, acquired by the Trust through the exercise (subject to the applicable provisions of the Trust Agreement) of any Incidental Right.
“Liquidity Provider”—A service provider that facilitates the purchase of ETC in connection with the creation of Baskets.
“Marketing Fee”—Fee payable to the marketer for services it provides to the Trust, which the Sponsor will pay to the marketer as a Sponsor-paid Expense.
“NAV”—The aggregate value, expressed in U.S. dollars, of the Trust’s assets (other than U.S. dollars or other fiat currency), less its liabilities (which include estimated accrued but unpaid fees and expenses), a Non-GAAP metric, calculated in the manner set forth under “Item 1. Business—Valuation of ETC and Determination of NAV” in our Annual Report. See also “Item 1. Business—Investment Objective” in our Annual Report for a description of the Trust’s Principal Market NAV, as calculated in accordance with GAAP. Prior to February 23, 2024, NAV was referred to as Digital Asset Holdings.
“NAV Fee Basis Amount”—The amount on which the Sponsor’s Fee for the Trust is based, as calculated in the manner set forth under “Item 1. Business—Valuation of ETC and Determination of NAV” in our Annual Report.
“OTCQX”—The OTCQX tier of OTC Markets Group Inc.
“Participant Agreement”—An agreement entered into by an Authorized Participant with the Sponsor that provides the procedures for the creation of Baskets and for the delivery of ETC required for Creation Baskets.
“Principal Market NAV”—The net asset value of the Trust determined on a GAAP basis. Prior to February 23, 2024, Principal Market NAV was referred to as NAV.
“SEC”—The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Secondary Market”—Any marketplace or other alternative trading system, as determined by the Sponsor, on which the Shares may then be listed, quoted or traded, including but not limited to, the OTCQX tier of the OTC Markets Group Inc.
“Securities Act”—The Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
“Shares”—Common units of fractional undivided beneficial interest in, and ownership of, the Trust.
“Sponsor”—Grayscale Investments, LLC.
“Sponsor-paid Expenses”—The fees and expenses incurred by the Trust in the ordinary course of its affairs that the Sponsor is obligated to assume and pay, excluding taxes, but including: (i) the Marketing Fee, (ii) the Administrator Fee, (iii) the Custodian Fee and fees for any other security vendor engaged by the Trust, (iv) the Transfer Agent fee, (v) the Trustee fee, (vi) the fees and expenses related to the listing, quotation or trading of the Shares on any Secondary Market (including customary legal, marketing and audit fees and expenses) in an amount up to $600,000 in any given fiscal year, (vii) ordinary course, legal fees and expenses, (viii) audit fees, (ix) regulatory fees, including, if applicable, any fees relating to the registration of the Shares under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, (x) printing and mailing costs, (xi) costs of maintaining the Trust’s website and (xii) applicable license fees.
“Sponsor’s Fee”—A fee, payable in ETC, which accrues daily in U.S. dollars at an annual rate of 2.5% of the NAV Fee Basis Amount of the Trust as of 4:00 p.m., New York time, on each day; provided that for a day that is not a business day, the calculation of the Sponsor’s Fee will be based on the NAV Fee Basis Amount from the most recent business day, reduced by the accrued and unpaid Sponsor’s Fee for such most recent business day and for each day after such most recent business day and prior to the relevant calculation date.
“Transfer Agent”—Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, a Delaware corporation.
“Transfer Agent Fee”—Fee payable to the Transfer Agent for services it provides to the Trust, which the Sponsor will pay to the Transfer Agent as a Sponsor-paid Expense.
27
“Trust”—Grayscale Ethereum Classic Trust (ETC), a Delaware statutory trust, formed on April 18, 2017 under the DSTA and pursuant to the Trust Agreement.
“Trust Agreement”—The Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust and Trust Agreement between the Trustee and the Sponsor establishing and governing the operations of the Trust, as amended by Amendments No. 1, No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4 thereto and as the same may be amended from time to time.
“Trustee”—Delaware Trust Company (formerly known as CSC Trust Company of Delaware), a Delaware trust company, is the Delaware trustee of the Trust.
“U.S.”—United States.
“U.S. dollar” or “$”—United States dollar or dollars.
28
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned in the capacities* indicated, thereunto duly authorized.
|
|
Grayscale Investments, LLC as Sponsor of Grayscale Ethereum Classic Trust (ETC) |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Michael Sonnenshein |
|
|
|
|
Name: |
Michael Sonnenshein |
|
|
|
Title: |
Member of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)* |
|
|
By: |
/s/ Edward McGee |
|
|
|
|
Name: |
Edward McGee |
|
|
|
Title: |
Member of the Board of Directors and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)* |
Date: May 3, 2024
* The Registrant is a trust and the persons are signing in their capacities as officers or directors of Grayscale Investments, LLC, the Sponsor of the Registrant.
29