Grayscale Avalanche Staking 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 “Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements” or other sections of our Registration Statement on Form S-1.

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 AVAX 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 AVAX and, from time to time on a periodic basis, issues Creation Baskets in exchange for deposits of AVAX. On March 11, 2026 in connection with the approval of application under the Generic Listing Standards 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 NASDAQ on March 12, 2026, 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 AVAX. 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 AVAX per Share) to reflect the value of the AVAX held by the Trust, including AVAX 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 AVAX, the Shares are designed to provide investors with a cost-effective and convenient way to gain investment exposure to AVAX. 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 Avalanche tokens (“AVAX”), the native digital asset of an online, permissionless network that uses a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism to validate transactions (the “Avalanche Network”), 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 AVAX. On March 11, 2026 in connection with the approval of application under the Generic Listing Standards 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 The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“NASDAQ”) on March 12, 2026, 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 of the Shares (based on AVAX per Share) to reflect the value of the AVAX held by the Trust, including AVAX earned as Staking Consideration (as defined below), determined by reference to the U.S. dollar value of an AVAX derived from the digital asset trading platforms reflected in the CoinDesk AVAX 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 AVAX, the Shares are designed to provide investors with a cost-effective and convenient way to gain investment exposure to AVAX. 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 October 1, 2025, the Trust valued the AVAX held by the Trust for operational purposes by reference to the CoinDesk AVAX Reference Rate Price. As of October 1, 2025, the Index is the CoinDesk AVAX Benchmark Rate which is used to calculate the NAV and NAV per Share. Prior to October 1, 2025, references to the “Index” in the Trust’s filings with the SEC, including this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, refer to the CoinDesk AVAX Reference Rate. From and after October 1, 2025, references to the “Index” in the Trust’s filings with the SEC are to the CoinDesk Avalanche Benchmark Rate.

Current wording

Prior to October 1, 2025, the Trust valued the AVAX held by the Trust for operational purposes by reference to the CoinDesk AVAX Reference Rate Price, which constituted the Index. From and after October 1, 2025, the Index is the CoinDesk AVAX 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 October 1, 2025, references to the “Index” in the Trust’s filings with the SEC, including this Report on Form 10-Q, refer to the CoinDesk AVAX Reference Rate. From and after October 1, 2025, references to the “Index” in the Trust’s filings with the SEC are to the CoinDesk Avalanche Benchmark Rate.

Previous wording

On March 12, 2026, the Trust began staking its AVAX pursuant to staking arrangements with the Custodian and certain third-party staking providers and earns staking rewards in the form of additional AVAX (“Staking Consideration”). The amount of Staking Consideration received by the Trust is influenced by factors including Avalanche Network conditions, protocol-level reward rates, the amount of AVAX held by the Trust and the portion of the Trust’s AVAX 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 AVAX may be inaccessible for a period of time required to un-stake and withdraw AVAX under Avalanche Network protocols and the Trust’s dependence on third-party staking providers for the execution of staking activities.

Current wording

On March 12, 2026, the Trust began using, or permitting to be used, a portion of its AVAX in the Avalanche 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 AVAX (“Staking Consideration”). The amount of Staking Consideration received by the Trust is influenced by factors including Avalanche Network conditions, protocol-level reward rates, and the portion of the Trust’s AVAX 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 AVAX may be inaccessible for a period of time required to un-stake and withdraw AVAX under Avalanche 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 AVAX holdings, while distributions or sales of AVAX reduce the Trust’s AVAX holdings. The Trust may distribute Staking Consideration (in AVAX or cash from the sale of AVAX) 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 Second 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 AVAX 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 23% 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 AVAX holdings, while distributions or sales of AVAX reduce the Trust’s AVAX 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 AVAX by the Trust in connection with Share creations and the delivery of AVAX by the Trust in connection with Share redemptions or for payment of expenses in AVAX. 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 AVAX.

Current wording

The Trust considers investment transactions to be the receipt of AVAX by the Trust in connection with Share creations and the delivery of AVAX by the Trust in connection with Share redemptions or for payment of expenses in AVAX. 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 AVAX to satisfy the Trust’s obligation to pay the Sponsor a fee that accrues daily in U.S. dollars at an annual rate of 0.35% of the aggregate value of the Trust’s assets, less its liabilities, as calculated and published by the Sponsor, and is payable in AVAX daily in arrears (the “Sponsor’s Fee”).

Previous wording

The Trust only receives AVAX 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

For purposes of this Report, a “Digital Asset Market” is a Brokered Market, Dealer Market, Principal-to-Principal Market or Exchange Market, each as defined in the FASB ASC Master Glossary. An Exchange Market is referred to as a “Trading Platform Market” in this Report. The Trust receives AVAX only in connection with a creation order from an Authorized Participant or an unaffiliated service provider that facilitates the purchase or sale of AVAX 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 AVAX 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 AVAX on an electronic marketplace where participants may trade, buy and sell AVAX 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 increase in net assets resulted from the contribution of approximately 508,440 AVAX with a value of $12,815 to the Trust in connection with Share creations during the period, partially offset by the aforementioned AVAX price depreciation and the withdrawal of approximately 2,614 AVAX to pay the foregoing Sponsor’s Fee.

Current wording

Net realized and unrealized gain for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 was $1,981, which includes a realized loss of ($11) on the sale of AVAX to pay expenses and net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of $1,992. While the price of AVAX depreciated from $35.81 per AVAX as of December 31, 2024, to $30.03 per AVAX as of September 30, 2025, the net realized and unrealized gain for the period was driven by price fluctuations and timing of Share creations. Net increase in net assets resulting from operations was $1,834 for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, which consisted of the net realized and unrealized gain, and the net investment loss of ($147). Net assets increased to $17,323 at September 30, 2025, a 548% increase for the nine-month period. The increase in net assets resulted from the contribution of approximately 508,440 AVAX with a value of $12,815 to the Trust in connection with Share creations during the period, partially offset by the aforementioned AVAX price depreciation and the withdrawal of approximately 6,261 AVAX to pay the foregoing Sponsor’s Fee.

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 inception. When selling AVAX in the Digital Asset Market to pay Additional Trust Expenses on behalf of the Trust, the Sponsor endeavors to sell the exact amount of AVAX needed to pay expenses in order to minimize the Trust’s holdings of assets other than AVAX. 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 inception. When selling AVAX 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 AVAX needed to pay expenses in order to minimize the Trust’s holdings of assets other than AVAX. 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 March 12, 2026, the Sponsor determined to waive a portion of the Sponsor’s Fee until the earlier of (x)June 12, 2026 and (y) the first date on which the NAV of the Trust exceeds $1.0 billion (such period, the “Fee Waiver Period”). Following the expiration date of the three-month waiver period on June 12, 2026 (the “Sponsor’s Fee Waiver Expiration Date”), the Sponsor’s Fee is 0.35%.

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 March 12, 2026, the Sponsor determined to waive a portion of the Sponsor’s Fee until the earlier of (x)June 12, 2026 and (y) the first date on which the NAV of the Trust exceeds $1.0 billion. The three-month waiver expired on June 12, 2026, and the Sponsor’s Fee thereafter is 0.35%.

Previous wording

Shares and per Share amounts for periods presented prior to the Reverse Share Split have been retroactively adjusted for the 1-for-5 Reverse Share Split of the Trust’s issued and outstanding Shares completed on March 6, 2026.

Current wording

Share and per Share amounts for periods presented prior to the Reverse Share Split have been retroactively adjusted for the 1-for-5 Reverse Share Split of the Trust’s issued and outstanding Shares completed on March 6, 2026.

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 and OKX. The Digital Asset Trading Platforms included in the Index as of June 30, 2025 were Coinbase, Kraken, and Crypto.com. See “Business—Overview of the Avalanche Industry and Market—The Index and the Index Price” in our Registration Statement on Form S-1 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 and OKX. The Digital Asset Trading Platforms included in the Index as of September 30, 2025 were Bitfinex, Bitstamp by Robinhood, Bullish, Bybit, Crypto.com, Gemini, Kraken, and OKX. See “Business—Overview of the Avalanche Industry and Market—The Index and the Index Price” in our Registration Statement on Form S-1 for a description of the Index and the Index Price.