Grayscale Ethereum Staking Mini ETF

Previous wording

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.

Current wording

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 Report, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). Unless otherwise stated, the terms “we,” “our” and “us” in this Report refer to Grayscale Investments Sponsors, LLC (the “Sponsor”) acting on behalf of 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 Report that address activities, events or developments that will or may occur in the future, including such matters as changes in prices and market conditions (for Ether and the Shares), the operations of the Trust, the plans of 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. These statements are based upon certain assumptions and analyses made by the Sponsor on the basis of its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Whether or not actual results and developments will conform to the Sponsor’s expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including the special considerations discussed in this Report, general economic, market and business conditions, changes in laws or regulations, including those concerning taxes, made by governmental authorities or regulatory bodies, and other world economic and political developments. Consequently, all the forward-looking statements made in this Report are qualified by these cautionary statements, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments the Sponsor anticipates will be realized or, even if substantially realized, will result in the expected consequences to, or have the expected effects on, the Trust’s operations or the value of the Shares issued by the Trust. Moreover, neither the Sponsor nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the forward-looking statements. Neither the Trust nor the Sponsor undertakes an obligation to publicly update or conform to actual results any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

Previous wording

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 Ether and, from time to time on a periodic basis, issues Creation Baskets in exchange for deposits of Ether. On July 22, 2024, in connection with the approval of application under Rule 19b-4 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on July 18, 2024 and the effectiveness of the registration statement on Form S-1, the Sponsor authorized the commencement of a redemption program. Shares of the Trust began trading on NYSE Arca on July 23, 2024, following the effectiveness of the Trust’s registration statement on Form S-1. The Trust issues Shares only in one or more blocks of 10,000 Shares (a block of 10,000 Shares is called a “Basket”) to certain Authorized Participants from time to time. Baskets are offered in exchange for Ether. Through its redemption program, the Trust redeems Shares from Authorized Participants on an ongoing basis. As a passive investment vehicle, the Trust’s investment objective is for the value of the Shares (based on Ether per Share) to reflect the value of the Ether held by the Trust, including Ether earned as Staking Consideration, 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 Ether, the Shares are designed to provide investors with a cost-effective and convenient way to gain investment exposure to Ether. The Trust is not managed like a business corporation or an active investment vehicle. The Trust will not utilize leverage, derivatives or any similar arrangements in seeking to meet its investment objective.

Current wording

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 Ethereum tokens (“Ether”), a type of digital asset based on an open-source cryptographic protocol, and, from time to time, issues blocks of 10,000 common units of fractional undivided beneficial interest in, and ownership of, the Trust (each such unit, a “Share,” and collectively, the “Shares”; each such block, a “Basket”) to certain eligible financial institutions that are registered broker-dealers, have entered into agreements with the Trust and the Sponsor concerning the creation and redemption of Shares, and each own a digital wallet address that is known to the Custodian as belonging to the financial institution or a Liquidity Provider (each, an “Authorized Participant”)in exchange for deposits of Ether. On July 22, 2024, in connection with the approval of application under Rule 19b-4 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on July 18, 2024 and the effectiveness of the registration statement on Form S-1, the Sponsor authorized the commencement of a redemption program. Shares of the Trust began trading on NYSE Arca, Inc. (“NYSE Arca”) on July 23, 2024, following the effectiveness of the Trust’s registration statement on Form S-1. Through its redemption program, the Trust redeems Shares from Authorized Participants on an ongoing basis. As a passive investment vehicle, the Trust’s investment objective is for the value ofthe Shares (based on Ether per Share) to reflect the value of the Ether held by the Trust, including Ether earned as Staking Consideration (as defined below), determined by reference to the U.S. dollar value of a Ether derived from the digital asset trading platforms reflected in the CoinDesk Ether Benchmark Rate (the “Index”), calculated at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on each business day (the “Index Price”), less the Trust’s expenses and other liabilities. While an investment in the Shares is not a direct investment in Ether, the Shares are designed to provide investors with a cost-effective and convenient way to gain investment exposure to Ether. The Trust is not managed like a business corporation or an active investment vehicle. The Trust will not utilize leverage, derivatives or any similar arrangements in seeking to meet its investment objective.

Previous wording

Prior to April 1, 2026, the Trust valued the Ether held by the Trust for operational purposes by reference to the CoinDesk Ether Price Index (ETX). As of April 1, 2026, the Index is the CoinDesk Ether Benchmark Rate which is used to calculate the NAV and NAV per Share. Prior to April 1, 2026, references to the “Index” in the Trust’s filings with the SEC, including this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, refer to the CoinDesk Ether Price Index (ETX). From and after April 1, 2026, references to the “Index” in the Trust’s filings with the SEC are to the CoinDesk Ether Benchmark Rate.

Current wording

Prior to April 1, 2026, the Trust valued the Ether held by the Trust for operational purposes by reference to the CoinDesk Ether Price Index (ETX), which constituted the Index. From and after April 1, 2026, the Index is the CoinDesk Ether Benchmark Rate which is used to calculate the Trust’s non-GAAP net asset value (“NAV”) and NAV per Share. NAV is 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); NAV per Share is NAV divided by the number of Shares outstanding. Prior to April 1, 2026, references to the “Index” in the Trust’s filings with the SEC, including this Report on Form 10-Q, refer to the CoinDesk Ether Price Index (ETX). From and after April 1, 2026, references to the “Index” in the Trust’s filings with the SEC are to the CoinDesk Ether Benchmark Rate.

Previous wording

On October 6, 2025, the Trust began staking its Ether pursuant to staking arrangements with the Custodian and certain third-party staking providers and earns staking rewards in the form of additional Ether (“Staking Consideration”). The amount of Staking Consideration received by the Trust is influenced by factors including Ethereum Network conditions, protocol-level reward rates, the amount of Ether held by the Trust and the portion of the Trust’s Ether that is staked, and the Trust does not expect Staking Consideration to be earned at a consistent rate. Staking also introduces operational and liquidity considerations, including that staked Ether may be inaccessible for a period of time required to un-stake and withdraw Ether under Ethereum Network protocols and the Trust’s dependence on third-party staking providers for the execution of staking activities.

Current wording

On October 6, 2025, the Trust began using, or permitting to be used, a portion of its Ether in the Ethereum Network’s proof-of-stake validation protocol (“Staking”) pursuant to staking arrangements with Coinbase Custody Trust Company, LLC (the “Custodian”) and certain third-party staking providers and earns consideration in exchange for Staking, currently in the form of additional Ether (“Staking Consideration”). The amount of Staking Consideration received by the Trust is influenced by factors including Ethereum Network conditions, protocol-level reward rates, and the portion of the Trust’s Ether that is staked, and the Trust does not expect Staking Consideration to be earned at a consistent rate. Staking also introduces operational and liquidity considerations, including that staked Ether may be inaccessible for a period of time required to un-stake and withdraw Ether under Ethereum Network protocols and the Trust’s dependence on third-party staking providers for the execution of staking activities.

Previous wording

Pursuant to the Trust’s staking arrangements and the Trust Agreement, a portion of gross Staking Consideration is allocated among the Custodian, the applicable staking providers and the Sponsor (the “Sponsor’s Staking Fee”), with the remainder retained by the Trust. Staking Consideration retained by the Trust increases the Trust’s Ether holdings, while distributions or sales of Ether reduce the Trust’s Ether holdings. The Trust may distribute Staking Consideration (in Ether or cash from the sale of Ether) to shareholders at the Sponsor’s discretion and subject to the Trust Agreement.

Current wording

Pursuant to the Trust’s staking arrangements and the Trust’s Third Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust and Trust Agreement, as amended (the “Trust Agreement”), a portion of gross Staking Consideration is allocated to the Custodian and the applicable staking providers. A separate portion payable to the Sponsor for facilitating Staking accrues daily in U.S. dollars, is calculated as a per annum percentage of Staking Consideration received by the Trust and is payable in Ether daily in arrears (the “Sponsor’s Staking Fee”). As of the date of this Report, the Sponsor’s Staking Fee, the Custodian’s fee and the applicable staking providers’ share comprise an aggregate of 6% of gross Staking Consideration generated under the Trust’s staking arrangements, with the remainder retained by the Trust. Staking Consideration retained by the Trust increases the Trust’s Ether holdings, while distributions or sales of Ether reduce the Trust’s Ether holdings. The Trust is required under the Trust Agreement to convert Staking Consideration held by the Trust to cash no less often than quarterly and promptly distribute the cash proceeds, net of the Sponsor’s Staking Fee and other applicable Trust expenses, to shareholders. The Trust currently intends to make such distributions on a monthly, but no less than quarterly, basis. The amount of future distributions will depend on the Staking Consideration received by the Trust and applicable deductions and therefore cannot be predicted with certainty.

Previous wording

The Trust considers investment transactions to be the receipt of Ether by the Trust in connection with Share creations and the delivery of Ether by the Trust in connection with Share redemptions or for payment of expenses in Ether. 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 Ether.

Current wording

The Trust considers investment transactions to be the receipt of Ether by the Trust in connection with Share creations and the delivery of Ether by the Trust in connection with Share redemptions or for payment of expenses in Ether. 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 transfers of Ether to satisfy the Trust’s obligation to pay the Sponsor a fee that accrues daily in U.S. dollars at an annual rate of 0.15% of the aggregate value of the Trust’s assets, less its liabilities, as calculated and published by the Sponsor, and is payable in Ether daily in arrears(the “Sponsor’s Fee”).

Previous wording

The Trust only receives Ether 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”).

Current wording

The Trust receives Ether only in connection with a creation order from an Authorized Participant or an unaffiliated service provider that facilitates the purchase or sale of Ether in connection with creations or redemptions of Baskets (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. Authorized Participants and Liquidity Providers may transact in Digital Asset Markets.

Previous wording

Financial Highlights for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2026 and 2025

Current wording

Financial Highlights for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2026 and 2025

Previous wording

Net assets in the above table and subsequent paragraphs are calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP based on the Digital Asset Market price of Ether on the Digital Asset Trading Platform that the Trust considered its principal market, as of 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the valuation date.

Current wording

Net assets in the above table and subsequent paragraphs are calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP based on the Digital Asset Market price of Ether on an electronic marketplace where participants may trade, buy and sell Ether based on bid-ask trading (a “Digital Asset Trading Platform”) that the Trust considered its principal market, as of 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the valuation date.

Previous wording

The Trust only receives and holds cash in order to facilitate creations and redemptions pursuant to Cash Orders, and has not otherwise had or maintained a cash balance at any time since the commencement of operations. When selling Ether in the Digital Asset Market to pay Additional Trust Expenses on behalf of the Trust, the Sponsor endeavors to sell the exact amount of Ether needed to pay expenses in order to minimize the Trust’s holdings of assets other than Ether. In addition, upon the consummation or deemed failure of a Cash Order to create or redeem Baskets, the Trust will promptly return any excess cash it continues to hold with respect to such Cash Order to the applicable counterparty. 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.

Current wording

The Trust receives and holds cash only to facilitate (i) creation or redemption orders effected through cash transactions (“Cash Orders”) and (ii) distributions to shareholders related to staking activities, and otherwise has not had or maintained a cash balance since the commencement of operations. When selling Ether in the Digital Asset Market on behalf of the Trust to pay expenses incurred by the Trust in addition to the Sponsor’s Fee that the Sponsor is not obligated to assume, the Sponsor endeavors to sell the exact amount of Ether needed to pay expenses in order to minimize the Trust’s holdings of assets other than Ether. In addition, upon the consummation or deemed failure of a Cash Order to create or redeem Baskets, the Trust will promptly return any excess cash it continues to hold with respect to such Cash Order to the applicable counterparty. 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.

Previous wording

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 expenses of the Trust during the periods covered by this Quarterly Report were the Sponsor’s Fee and Sponsor’s Staking Fee.

Current wording

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 expenses of the Trust during the periods covered by this Report were the Sponsor’s Fee and Sponsor’s Staking Fee.

Previous wording

The Sponsor, from time to time, may temporarily waive all or a portion of the Sponsor’s Fee of the Trust in its discretion for stated periods of time. Effective July 23, 2024, the Sponsor determined to waive a portion of the Sponsor’s Fee for the first six months of the Trust’s operation, so that the fee was 0% of the NAV of the Trust for the first $2.0 billion of the Trust’s assets. Following the expiration date of the six-month waiver period on January 23, 2025 (the “Sponsor’s Fee Waiver Expiration Date”), the Sponsor’s Fee is now 0.15%. For the period from the Sponsor’s Fee Waiver Expiration Date through December 31, 2025, the Trust incurred Sponsor’s Fees of $2,659,142.

Current wording

The Sponsor, from time to time, may temporarily waive all or a portion of the Sponsor’s Fee of the Trust in its discretion for stated periods of time. Effective July 23, 2024, the Sponsor determined to waive a portion of the Sponsor’s Fee for the first six months of the Trust’s operation, so that the fee was 0% of the NAV of the Trust for the first $2.0 billion of the Trust’s assets. The six-month waiver expired on January 23, 2025, and the Sponsor’s Fee thereafter is 0.15%.

Previous wording

The Trust’s NAV and NAV per Share are derived from the Index Price as represented by the Index as of 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the valuation date. The Trust’s NAV per Share is calculated using a non-GAAP methodology where the price is derived from multiple Digital Asset Trading Platforms. The Digital Asset Trading Platforms included in the Index (the “Constituent Trading Platforms”) as of June 30, 2026, were Binance, Bitstamp by Robinhood, Bullish, Bybit, Crypto.com, Gate, Gemini, HashKey, Kraken, LMAX Digital, OKX and OSL. The Digital Asset Trading Platforms included in the Index as of June 30, 2025, were Coinbase, Kraken, Bullish, Crypto.com and LMAX Digital. See “Item 1. Business—Overview of the Ethereum Industry and Market—Ether Value—The Index and the Index Price” in our Annual Report for a description of the Index and the Index Price.

Current wording

The Trust’s NAV and NAV per Share are derived from the Index Price as represented by the Index as of 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the valuation date. The Trust’s NAV per Share is calculated using a non-GAAP methodology where the price is derived from multiple Digital Asset Trading Platforms. The Digital Asset Trading Platforms included in the Index (the “Constituent Trading Platforms”) as of September 30, 2026, were Binance, Bitstamp by Robinhood, Bullish, Bybit, Crypto.com, Gate, Gemini, HashKey, Kraken, LMAX Digital, OKX and OSL. The Digital Asset Trading Platforms included in the Index as of September 30, 2025, were Coinbase, Kraken, Crypto.com, LMAX Digital and Gemini. See “Item 1. Business—Overview of the Ethereum Industry and Market—Ether Value—The Index and the Index Price” in our Annual Report for a description of the Index and the Index Price.