Ark 21Shares Bitcoin ETF
For the period ended Mar 31, 2025. Filed May 13, 2025.
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A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.
Mar 31, 2025 · Filed May 13, 2025
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-Q
Period ended 2024-09-30; filed 2024-11-12.
0001213900-24-096769
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsCurrent report: 10-Q
Period ended 2025-03-31; filed 2025-05-13.
0001213900-25-042727
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 31 previous paragraphs and 31 current paragraphs.
13 unchanged; 12 reworded; 5 added; 6 removed; 0 previous and 1 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 1 previous and 0 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (5)
Current report
As of March 31, 2025, the Trust had a net closing balance of 47,501.0671 bitcoin with a value of $3,941,769, based on the Index Price of $82,982.75 on March 31, 2025 (CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate – New York Variant). As of March 31, 2025, the total market value of the Trust’s bitcoin was $3,916,212, based on the price of a bitcoin in the principal market (Coinbase) of $82,444.71 on March 31, 2025.
Current report
Net realized and change in unrealized loss on investment in bitcoin for the period December 31, 2024 through March 31, 2025, was $(585,181) which includes a net change in unrealized depreciation on investment in bitcoin of $(907,296). Net realized and unrealized gain on investment in bitcoin for the period was driven by bitcoin price depreciation throughout the period from $93,390.22 per bitcoin as of December 31, 2024, to $82,444.71 per bitcoin as of March 31, 2025. Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations was $(587,548) for the period ended March 31, 2025, primarily driven by the aforementioned net realized and change in unrealized loss on investment in bitcoin despite the net increase in the number of shares outstanding.
Current report
Net realized and unrealized gain on investment in bitcoin for the three months ended March 31, 2024, was $845,238 which includes a realized loss of $(85) on the sale of bitcoins associated with the disposition of the initial seed creation shares, a loss for the removal of bitcoin mark-to-market from the daily Sponsor’s Fee accrual, and a net change in unrealized appreciation on investment in bitcoin of $845,323. Net realized and unrealized gain on investment in bitcoin for the period was driven by bitcoin price appreciation from $46,666.89 per bitcoin as of January 11, 2024, to $70,761.62 per bitcoin as of March 31, 2024. Net increase in net assets resulting from operations was $844,610 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, which consisted of the net realized and unrealized gain on investment in bitcoin, less the Sponsor’s Fee of $628.
Current report
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Current report
The Trust does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
Removed paragraphs (6)
Previous report
The Trust’s net asset value increased from $2,849,575 on June 30, 2024 to $3,206,095 on September 30, 2024. The increase in the Trust’s net asset value resulted primarily from an increase in bitcoin price of 2.48% (from $61,929.29 per bitcoin as of June 30, 2024 to $63,464.76 per bitcoin as of September 30, 2024) and an increase of number of shares outstanding from 46,050,000 on June 30, 2024 to 50,585,000 on September 30, 2024.
Previous report
The Trust’s net increase in net assets resulting from operations for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 was $46,097. This number is largely the result of a realized gain of $83 on the sale of bitcoin for purposes of distributing to the Sponsor as the Sponsor’s fee and, net realized gain on investment in bitcoin sold for redemptions of $53,132 partially offset by a change in unrealized depreciation on investment in bitcoin of $(5,609). The Trust expenses for the quarter were $1,509, relating to the Sponsor’s fees.
Previous report
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
Previous report
The Trust’s net asset value increased from $-1 on December 31, 2023 to $3,206,095 on September 30, 2024. The increase in the Trust’s net asset value resulted primarily from an increase in the price of bitcoin of 36% (from $46,666.89 per bitcoin on January 11, 2024 to $63,464.76 per bitcoin on September 30, 2024) and a net increase in the number of shares outstanding of 50,584,998 from December 31, 2023 to September 30, 2024.
Previous report
The Trust’s net increase in net assets resulting from operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $481,493. This was the result of a change in unrealized appreciation on investment in bitcoin of $296,403, a net realized gain of $410, on the sale of bitcoins for purposes of distributing to the Sponsor as the Sponsor’s fee, and net realized gain on investment in bitcoin sold for redemptions of $188,372. The Trust expenses for the nine-month period were $3,692, relating to the Sponsor’s fees.
Previous report
1 Amount rounds to less than $1,000.
Reworded paragraphs (12)
Previous wording
This information should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q. This Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. All statements (other than statements of historical fact) included in this Form 10-Q that address activities, events or developments that may occur in the future, the Trust’s operations, the Sponsor’s plans and references to the Trust’s future success and other similar matters are forward-looking statements. Words such as “could,” “would,” “may,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “predict,” and variations on such words or negatives thereof, and similar expressions that reflect our current views with respect to future events and Trust performance, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are only predictions, subject to risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control, and actual results could differ materially from those discussed. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed therein. We express our estimates, expectations, beliefs, and projections in good faith and believe them to have a reasonable basis. However, we make no assurances that management’s estimates, expectations, beliefs, or projections will be achieved or accomplished. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions about many important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. We do not intend to update any forward-looking statements even if new information becomes available or other events occur in the future, except as required by the federal securities laws.
Current wording
This information should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q. This Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, and such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. All statements (other than statements of historical fact) included in this Form 10-Q that address activities, events or developments that may occur in the future, the Trust’s operations, the Sponsor’s plans and references to the Trust’s future success and other similar matters are forward-looking statements. Words such as “could,” “would,” “may,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “predict,” and variations on such words or negatives thereof, and similar expressions that reflect our current views with respect to future events and Trust performance, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are only predictions, subject to risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control, and actual results could differ materially from those discussed. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed therein. We express our estimates, expectations, beliefs, and projections in good faith and believe them to have a reasonable basis. However, we make no assurances that management’s estimates, expectations, beliefs, or projections will be achieved or accomplished. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions about many important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. We do not intend to update any forward-looking statements even if new information becomes available or other events occur in the future, except as required by the federal securities laws.
Previous wording
The ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (the “Trust”) is a Delaware statutory trust, formed on June 22, 2021, pursuant to the Delaware Statutory Trust Act (“DSTA”). The Trust operates pursuant to an Amended and Restated Trust Agreement (the “Trust Agreement”). The Trust is not registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”) and is not a commodity pool for purposes of the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”). The Trust is managed and controlled by 21Shares US LLC (the “Sponsor”). The Sponsor is a limited liability company formed in the state of Delaware on June 16, 2021, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Jura Pentium Inc., whose ultimate parent company is 21co Holdings Limited (formerly known as Amun Holdings Limited). The Sponsor is not subject to regulation by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) as a commodity pool operator with respect to the Trust, or a commodity trading advisor with respect to the Trust. The Trust is an exchange-traded fund (“ETF”) that issues units of beneficial interest (the “Shares”) representing fractional undivided beneficial interests in its net assets that trade on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. (the “Exchange”). The Shares are listed for trading on the Exchange under a ticker symbol “ARKB”.
Current wording
The Trust is a Delaware statutory trust, formed on June 22, 2021, pursuant to the DSTA. The Trust operates pursuant to the Trust Agreement. The Trust is not registered as an investment company under the 1940 Act and is not a commodity pool for purposes of the CEA. The Trust is managed and controlled by the Sponsor. The Sponsor is a limited liability company formed in the state of Delaware on June 16, 2021, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Jura Pentium Inc., whose ultimate parent company is 21co Holdings Limited (formerly known as Amun Holdings Limited). The Sponsor is not subject to regulation by the CFTC as a commodity pool operator with respect to the Trust, or a commodity trading advisor with respect to the Trust. The Trust is an exchange-traded fund that issues units of beneficial interest representing fractional undivided beneficial interests in its net assets that trade on the Exchange. The Shares are listed for trading on the Exchange under a ticker symbol “ARKB”.
Previous wording
On December 12, 2023, the Sponsor, in its capacity as Seed Capital Investor, subject to conditions, purchased the initial Seed Creation Baskets comprising 2 Shares at a per-Share price of $50.00, as described in “Seed Capital Investor.” Total proceeds to the Trust from the sale of these Seed Creation Baskets were $100. Delivery of the Seed Creation Baskets was made on December 12, 2023. These Seed Creation Baskets were redeemed for cash on or about January 5, 2024.
Current wording
On December 12, 2023, the Sponsor, in its capacity as Seed Capital Investor, subject to conditions, purchased the initial Seed Shares comprising 2 Shares at a per-Share price of $50.00, as described in “Seed Capital Investor.” Total proceeds to the Trust from the sale of these Seed Shares were $100. Delivery of the Seed Shares was made on December 12, 2023. These Seed Shares were redeemed for cash on or about January 5, 2024.
Previous wording
The Trust’s investment objective is to seek to track the performance of bitcoin, as measured by the performance of the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate—New York Variant (the “Index”), adjusted for the Trust’s expenses and other liabilities. CF Benchmarks Ltd. is the administrator for the Index (the “Index Provider”). The Index is designed to reflect the performance of bitcoin in U.S. dollars. In seeking to achieve its investment objective, the Trust holds bitcoin at its Custodians and values its Shares daily based on the Index. The Trust is a passive investment vehicle and is not a leveraged product. The Sponsor does not actively manage the bitcoin held by the Trust.
Current wording
The Trust’s investment objective is to seek to track the performance of bitcoin, as measured by the performance of the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate—New York Variant, adjusted for the Trust’s expenses and other liabilities. CF Benchmarks Ltd. is the administrator for the Index (the “Index Provider”). The Index is designed to reflect the performance of bitcoin in U.S. dollars. In seeking to achieve its investment objective, the Trust holds bitcoin at its Custodians and values its Shares daily based on the Index. The Trust is a passive investment vehicle and is not a leveraged product. The Sponsor does not actively manage the bitcoin held by the Trust.
Previous wording
The Trust issues Shares only in Creation Units of 5,000 or multiples thereof. Creation Units are issued and redeemed in exchange for cash. Individual Shares will not be redeemed by the Trust but are listed and traded on the Exchange under the ticker symbol “ARKB.” The Trust issues Shares in Creation Units on a continuous basis at the applicable NAV per Share on the creation order date.
Current wording
The Trust issues Shares only in Creation Baskets of 5,000 or multiples thereof. Creation Baskets are issued and redeemed in exchange for cash. Individual Shares will not be redeemed by the Trust but are listed and traded on the Exchange under the ticker symbol “ARKB”. The Trust issues Shares in Creation Baskets on a continuous basis at the applicable NAV per Share on the creation order date.
Previous wording
The Trust pays the unitary Sponsor Fee of 0.21% of the Trust’s bitcoin holdings. The Sponsor Fee is paid by the Trust to the Sponsor as compensation for services performed under the Trust Agreement. The Sponsor agreed to waive the entire Sponsor Fee for (i) a nine-month period which commenced on January 11, 2024 (the day the Trust’s Shares were initially listed on the Exchange), or (ii) the first $1 billion of Trust assets, whichever came first. The Trust assets exceeded $1 billion prior to the end of the nine-month period, at which time the waiver period ended.
Current wording
The Trust pays the unitary Sponsor Fee of 0.21% of the Trust’s bitcoin holdings. The Sponsor Fee is paid by the Trust to the Sponsor as compensation for services performed under the Trust Agreement. The Sponsor agreed to waive the entire Sponsor Fee for (i) a nine-month period which commenced on January 11, 2024 (the day the Trust’s Shares were initially listed on the Exchange), or (ii) the first $1 billion of Trust assets, whichever came first. The Trust assets exceeded $1 billion in April 2024, at which time the waiver period ended. The Trust incurred Sponsor Fees for the quarters ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 of $2,367,167 and $627,659 net of Sponsor Fee waived of $93,111, respectively.
Previous wording
The NAV of the Trust is used by the Trust in its day-to-day operations to measure the net value of the Trust’s assets. The NAV is calculated on each business day and is equal to the aggregate value of the Trust’s assets less its liabilities based on the Index price. In determining the NAV of the Trust on any business day, the Administrator calculates the price of the bitcoin held by the Trust as of 4:00 p.m. ET on such day. The Administrator also calculates the “NAV per Share” of the Trust, which equals the NAV of the Trust divided by the number of outstanding Shares. For purposes of making these calculations, a business day means any day other than a day when the Exchange is closed for regular trading.
Current wording
The NAV of the Trust is used by the Trust in its day-to-day operations to measure the net value of the Trust’s assets. The NAV is calculated on each Business Day and is equal to the aggregate value of the Trust’s assets less its liabilities based on the Index price. In determining the NAV of the Trust on any Business Day, the Administrator calculates the price of the bitcoin held by the Trust as of 4:00 p.m. ET on such day. The Administrator also calculates the “NAV per Share” of the Trust, which equals the NAV of the Trust divided by the number of outstanding Shares.
Previous wording
NAV and NAV per Share are not measures calculated in accordance with GAAP and are not intended as substitute for Principal Market and Principal Market NAV per Share, respectively.
Current wording
NAV and NAV per Share are not measures calculated in accordance with GAAP and are not intended as substitutes for Principal Market and Principal Market NAV per Share, respectively.
Previous wording
The financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements relies on estimates and assumptions that impact the Trust’s financial position and results of operations. These estimates and assumptions affect the Trust’s application of accounting policies. Below is a summary of accounting policies on cash and investment valuation. There were no material estimates involving a significant level of estimation uncertainty that had or are reasonably likely to have had a material impact on the Trust’s financial condition used in the preparation of the financial statements. In addition, please refer to Note 2 to the Financial Statements included in this report for further discussion of the Trust’s accounting policies.
Current wording
The financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements relies on estimates and assumptions that impact the Trust’s financial position and results of operations. These estimates and assumptions affect the Trust’s application of accounting policies. Below is a summary of accounting policies on cash and investment valuation. There were no material estimates involving a significant level of estimation uncertainty that had or are reasonably likely to have had a material impact on the Trust’s financial condition used in the preparation of the financial statements. In addition, please refer to Note 2 to the Financial Statements included in this report for further discussion of the Trust’s accounting policies.
Previous wording
The Trust utilizes an exchange traded price from the Trust’s principal market for bitcoin as of 4:00 p.m. ET on the Trust’s financial statement measurement date.
Current wording
Trust utilizes an exchange traded price from the Trust’s principal market for bitcoin as of 4:00 p.m. ET on the Trust’s financial statement measurement date.
Previous wording
For the Three Months ended on September 30, 2024
Current wording
For the three months ended March 31, 2025
Previous wording
The Trust is not aware of any trends, demands, commitments, events, or uncertainties that are reasonably likely to result in material changes to its liquidity needs. The Trust’s only ordinary recurring expense is the fee paid to the Sponsor at an annual rate of 0.21% of the daily net asset value of the Trust. The Sponsor agreed to waive the entire Sponsor Fee for (i) a six-month period which commenced on January 11, 2024 (the day the Trust’s Shares were initially listed on the Exchange), or (ii) the first $1 billion of Trust assets, whichever came first. The Trust assets exceeded $1 billion prior to the end of the six month period, at which time the waiver period ended. In exchange for the Sponsor’s fee, the Sponsor has agreed to assume the ordinary fees and expenses incurred by the Trust, including but not limited to the following: fees charged by the Sub-Adviser, Administrator, the Custodians, Transfer Agent and the Trustee, the Marketing Fee, Cboe BZX Exchange listing fees, typical maintenance and transaction fees of the DTC, SEC registration fees, printing and mailing costs, website fees, tax reporting fees, audit fees, license fees and expenses, up to $100,000 per annum in ordinary legal fees and expenses. The Sponsor bears expenses in connection with the Trust’s organization and initial offering costs.
Current wording
The Trust is not aware of any trends, demands, commitments, events, or uncertainties that are reasonably likely to result in material changes to its liquidity needs. The Trust’s only ordinary recurring expense is the fee paid to the Sponsor at an annual rate of 0.21% of the daily net asset value of the Trust. The Sponsor agreed to waive the entire Sponsor Fee for (i) a nine-month period which commenced on January 11, 2024 (the day the Trust’s Shares were initially listed on the Exchange), or (ii) the first $1 billion of Trust assets, whichever came first. The Trust assets exceeded $1 billion in April 2024, at which time the waiver period ended. The aggregate Sponsor Fee paid to the Sponsor for the period ended March 31, 2025 was $(2,585,000). In exchange for the Sponsor’s fee, the Sponsor has agreed to assume the ordinary fees and expenses incurred by the Trust, including but not limited to the following: fees charged by the Sub-Adviser, Administrator, the Custodians, Transfer Agent and the Trustee, the Marketing Fee, the Exchange’s listing fees, typical maintenance and transaction fees of the DTC, SEC registration fees, printing and mailing costs, website fees, tax reporting fees, audit fees, license fees and expenses, up to $100,000 per annum in ordinary legal fees and expenses. The Sponsor bears expenses in connection with the Trust’s organization and initial offering costs.
Rearranged current paragraphs (1)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
For the three months ended March 31, 2024