Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The duly authorized officers of the Sponsor performing functions
equivalent to those a principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the Trust would perform if the Trust had any
officers have evaluated the effectiveness of the Trust’s disclosure controls and procedures, and have concluded that the
disclosure controls and procedures of the Trust were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Report to provide reasonable
assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Trust files or submits under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the applicable rules
and forms, and that it is accumulated and communicated to the duly authorized officers of the Sponsor performing functions equivalent
to those a principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the Trust would perform if the Trust had any officers,
as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any
system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the
controls and procedures.
Management ’ s Report on Internal Control over
Financial Reporting
The Sponsor’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining
adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined under Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). The Trust’s
internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial
reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP. Internal control over financial
reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately
and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the Trust’s assets, (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions
are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that the Trust’s receipts
and expenditures are being made only in accordance with appropriate authorizations; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding
prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Trust’s assets that could have a material
effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting
may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to
the risk that controls may become ineffective because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies
or procedures may deteriorate.
The Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting
Officer of the Sponsor assessed the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting as of December
31, 2025. In making this assessment, they used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (COSO) in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013). Their assessment included an evaluation of the design
of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting and testing of the operational effectiveness of its internal control
over financial reporting.
89
Based on their assessment and those criteria, the Principal Executive
Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer of the Sponsor concluded that the Trust maintained effective internal control
over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025.
Item 9B. Other Information.
Not applicable.
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that
Prevent Inspections.
Not applicable.
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
The Trust does not have any directors, officers or employees.
The creation and operation of the Trust has been arranged by the Sponsor. The Sponsor is not governed by a board of directors.
The following persons, in their respective capacities as executive officers of the Sponsor perform certain functions with respect
to the Trust that, if the Trust had directors or executive officers, would typically be performed by them. The principals and executive
officers of the Sponsor are as follows:
Jan F. van Eck
Mr. van Eck, (born 1963), serves as the Chief Executive Officer
and President of the Sponsor and VanEck. Mr. van Eck joined VanEck in 1992 and its Executive Management Team in 1998. Additionally,
he is the President and CEO of Van Eck Securities Corporation. Furthermore, Mr. van Eck is a Trustee, the President and Chief Executive
Officer of VanEck Vectors ETF Trust, VanEck Funds and VanEck VIP Trust. Furthering VanEck’s mission to anticipate asset classes
and trends, Mr. van Eck has created strategic beta, tactical allocation, emerging markets, and commodity-related investment strategies
in mutual fund, ETF, and institutional formats. Mr. van Eck founded the VanEck’s ETF business in 2006. One of the world’s
largest ETF sponsors, the Van Eck offers ETFs, branded VanEck Vectors®, globally across equity and fixed income asset classes.
Mr. van Eck holds a JD from Stanford University and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Williams College with a major in Economics. He
has registrations with the National Futures Association and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Mr. van Eck is a Director
of the National Committee on United States-China Relations. He routinely appears on CNBC and Bloomberg Television, and was a 2013
Finalist for Institutional Investor’s Fund Leader of the Year and a 2019 finalist for ETF.com’s Lifetime Achievement
Award.
John J. Crimmins
Mr. Crimmins (born 1957) serves as Vice President, Treasurer
and Chief Financial Officer of the Sponsor. Mr. Crimmins joined VanEck in 2009 as Vice President of Portfolio Administration. He
is primarily responsible for overseeing portfolio accounting and administration. He also serves as Chief Financial Officer to the
VanEck Funds, VanEck VIP Trust and VanEck ETF Trust. Prior to joining VanEck, Mr. Crimmins was the Chief Financial, Operating and
Compliance Officer for Kern Capital Management LLC from 1997 to 2009 and the Vice President and Director of Mutual Fund Administration
for Evergreen Investment Services from 1987 to 1997. Previously, Mr. Crimmins acted as Vice President and Controller for Pilgrim
Group for three years and was in public accounting for six years. Mr. Crimmins is a Certified Public Accountant and received a
BS in Accounting from St. John’s University.
Insider Trading Policy
VanEck has adopted an insider trading policy which applies
to its employees. VanEck believes that the insider trading policy is reasonably designed to promote compliance with insider trading
laws, rules and regulations with respect to the purchase, sale and/or other dispositions of securities, including Shares of the
Trust, as well as the applicable rules and regulations of the Exchange. A copy of VanEck’s insider trading policy is filed
as Exhibit 19.1 to this Report.
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
The Trust has no employees, officers or directors. The Trust
is managed by the Sponsor and pays the Sponsor the Sponsor’s Fee. For the period from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025,
the Trust incurred a Sponsor Fee of $205,350
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
90
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation
Plans
Not applicable.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
Not applicable.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions,
and Director Independence.
See Item 11 above.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.
Audit and Non-Audit Fees
The table below summarizes the fees for services performed
by Cohen & Company, Ltd. for the year ended December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024.
2025
2024
Audit fees
$
76,250
$79,500
Audit-related Fees
$
0
$0
Tax fees
$
0
$0
All other fees
$
0
$0
Total
$
76,250
$79,500
Audit fees for the year ended December 31, 2024 and December
31, 2025, consist of contractual fees payable to Cohen for quarterly financial statement information included on Form 10-Q and
the audit of the Trust’s annual financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December
31, 2024 and December 31, 2025.
Approval of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Services and Fees
The Trust has no board
of directors, and as a result, has no audit committee or pre-approval policy with respect to fees paid to its principal
accounting firm. Such determinations are made by the Sponsor.
91
Part IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.
Financial Statements
See Index to Financial Statements on Page F-1 for a list of
the financial statements being filed as part of this report.
Financial Statement Schedules
Schedules have been omitted since they are either not required,
not applicable or the information has otherwise been included.
Exhibits
The following documents are filed herewith or incorporated
herein and made a part of this Report:
Exhibit No.
Description
3.1
Certificate
of Trust incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by the Registrant on May
7, 2021
3.2
Certificate
of Amendment incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by the Registrant on
July 8, 2024
4.1
Second
Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust and Trust Agreement incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registration
Statement on Form S-1 filed by the Registrant on July 8, 2024
4.2
Description
of the Registrant’s Securities Registered Under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 4.2 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by the Registrant on March 26, 2025 .
10.1
Form
of Initial Authorized Participant Agreement incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the report on Form 8-K filed by the
Registrant on November 20, 2025
10.2
Marketing
Agent Agreement incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by the Registrant
on May 23, 2024
10.3
Custodial
Services Agreement incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by the Registrant
on May 23, 2024
10.4
Trust
Administration and Accounting Agreement incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Registration Statement on Form S-1
filed by the Registrant on May 23, 2024
10.5
Transfer
Agency Agreement incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by the Registrant
on May 23, 2024
10.6
Index
Sub-Licensing Agreement incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by the Registrant
on May 23, 2024
10.7
Cash
Custody Agreement incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by the Registrant
on May 23, 2024
10.8
Subscription
Agreement incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by the Registrant on May
23, 2024
92
10.9
Clearing
Agreement incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by the Registrant on May
31, 2024
10.10
Additional
ETH Custodian Agreement incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by the
Registrant on June 21, 2024
19.1
Insider
Trading Policy incorporated by reference to Exhibit 19.1 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by the Registrant on March
26, 2025 .
31.1*
Certification by Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2*
Certification by Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1*
Certification by Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2*
Certification by Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
97.1*
Executive
Officer Incentive-Based Compensation Clawback Policy incorporated by reference to Exhibit 97.1 of the Annual Report on Form
10-K filed by the Registrant on March 26, 2025
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 Document
104*
Cover Page Interactive Data File included as Exhibit 101 (embedded
within the Inline XBRL document)
* Filed
herewith.
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary.
None.
93
VANECK ETHEREUM ETF
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INDEX
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 925 ) F-2
Statement of Assets and Liabilities F-3
Statement of Operations F-4
Statement of Changes in Net Assets F-5
Notes to Financial Statements F-7
F- 1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Sponsor and Shareholders of
VanEck Ethereum ETF
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statements
of assets and liabilities of VanEck Ethereum ETF (the “Trust”), including the schedules of investment, as of December
31, 2025 and 2024, and the related statements of operations and changes in net assets for the year ended December 31, 2025 and
for the period May 20, 2024 (date of seeding) to December 31, 2024, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the
“financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of the Trust as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, and the results of its operations and changes in its net assets for the
year ended December 31, 2025 and for the period May 20, 2024 (date of seeding) to December 2024, in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Trust’s financial statements
based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)
(“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Trust in accordance with the U.S. federal securities
laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance
with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement whether due to error or fraud. The Trust is not required to
have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are
required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion
on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures
to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures
that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures
in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of cash and digital assets owned as of December 31, 2025 and
2024, by correspondence with the custodians. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits
provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
We have served as the Trust's auditor since 2024.
/s/ Cohen & Company, LTD.
COHEN & COMPANY, LTD.
Towson, Maryland
March 30, 2026
F- 2
VANECK ETHEREUM ETF
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
December 31,
2025
December 31,
2024
Assets
Investment in ether, at fair value (cost $ 181,475,994 , and $ 136,234,086 , respectively)
$ 157,608,454
$ 146,428,902
Receivable for investment in ether sold
14,100,054
—
Total assets
171,708,508
146,428,902
Liabilities
Payable for shares redeemed
14,100,054
—
Accrued Sponsor fee
29,513
—
Total liabilities
14,129,567
—
Net assets
$ 157,578,941
$ 146,428,902
Shares issued and outstanding ( no par value, unlimited amount authorized)
3,625,000
3,000,000
Net Asset Value per Share
$ 43.47
$ 48.81
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F- 3
VANECK ETHEREUM ETF
Statements of Operations
Year Ended
December
31, 2025
For the
Period May
20, 2024
(Date of
Seeding) to
December
31, 2024
Expenses
Sponsor fee, related party
$ 334,700
$ 76,765
Total expenses
334,700
76,765
Sponsor fee waiver, related party
( 129,350 )
( 76,765 )
Net expenses
205,350
—
Net investment loss
( 205,350 )
—
Net realized
gain (loss) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
Net realized gain (loss) on:
Ether sold for redemption of shares
492,055
( 1,567,418 )
Ether distributed for Sponsor fee, related party
16,597
—
Net realized gain (loss) on investment in ether
508,652
( 1,567,418 )
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from investment in ether
( 34,062,356 )
10,194,816
Net realized gain (loss) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
( 33,553,704 )
8,627,398
Net
increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations
$ ( 33,759,054 )
$ 8,627,398
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F- 4
VANECK ETHEREUM ETF
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Year Ended
December
31, 2025
For the
Period May
20, 2024
(Date of
Seeding) to
December
31, 2024
Net increase (decrease) from operations
Net investment loss
$ ( 205,350 )
$ —
Net realized gain (loss) from investment in ether
508,652
( 1,567,418 )
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from investments in ether
( 34,062,356 )
10,194,816
Net increase (decrease) in net
assets resulting from operations
( 33,759,054 )
8,627,398
Capital Share transactions
Contributions for shares issued
172,013,836
154,153,076
Withdrawals for shares redeemed
( 127,104,743 )
( 16,351,572 )
Net increase in capital share
transactions
44,909,093
137,801,504
Net increase in net assets
11,150,039
146,428,902
Net assets:
Beginning of period
146,428,902
—
End of period
$ 157,578,941
$ 146,428,902
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F- 5
VANECK ETHEREUM ETF
Schedules of Investment
December 31, 2025
Description
Quantity
Cost
Fair Value
Ether
53,048.87
$ 181,475,994
$ 157,608,454
Total Investment in Ether – 100.02%
157,608,454
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets – (0.02)%
( 29,513 )
Net Assets – 100.00%
$ 157,578,941
December 31, 2024
Description
Quantity
Cost
Fair Value
Ether
43,935.83
$ 136,234,086
$ 146,428,902
Total Investment in Ether – 100.00%
146,428,902
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets – 0.00%
—
Net Assets – 100.00%
$ 146,428,902
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F- 6
VANECK ETHEREUM ETF
Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 2025
Note 1. Organization:
VanEck
Ethereum ETF (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is an exchange-traded fund that issues common shares of beneficial
interest in an ownership of the Trust (the “Shares”). The Shares are traded on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. (the “Exchange”).
The Trust’s investment objective is to reflect the performance of the price of ether (“ETH”) less the net operating
expenses of the Trust. The Trust is managed and controlled by VanEck Digital Assets, LLC (the “Sponsor”), a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Van Eck Associates Corporation (“VanEck”). The CSC Delaware Trust Company is the “Trustee” of the
Trust.
Note 2. Significant
Accounting Policies:
A. Basis of Preparation and Use of Estimates
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management
to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results could
differ from those estimates.
The
Trust qualifies as an investment company solely for accounting purposes and not for any other purpose and follows accounting and reporting
requirements of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946 Financial Services—Investment Companies (“ASC
Topic 946”) , but is not registered, and is not required to be registered, as an investment company under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended.
B. Cash
Cash,
if any, represents cash deposits held at a major financial institution and is subject to credit risk to the extent its balance exceeds
the federally insured limits. As of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the Trust did no t hold cash.
C. Investment Valuation
The
Trust values its investment in ETH and other assets and liabilities at fair value. Fair value is the price that would be received to
sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.
The
Trust identifies and determines the ETH principal market (or in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market) for
GAAP financial statement purposes consistent with the application of fair value measurement framework in Financial Accounting Standards
Board (“FASB”) ASC 820 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Under ASC 820, a principal market is the market with the greatest volume and activity
level for the asset or liability. The Sponsor on behalf of the Trust will determine in its sole discretion the valuation sources and
policies used to prepare the Trust’s financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
Various
inputs are used in determining the fair value of assets and liabilities. Inputs may be based on independent market data or they may be
internally developed. These inputs are categorized into a disclosure hierarchy consisting of three broad levels for financial reporting
purposes. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
Level
1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level
2 – Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly,
including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities
in markets that are not considered to be active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, and
inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means; and
Level
3 – Unobservable inputs where there are little or no market activity for the asset or liability, including the Trust’s assumptions
used in determining the fair value of investments.
F- 7
VANECK ETHEREUM ETF
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
December 31, 2025
The following is a summary of the fair value
hierarchy as of December 31, 2025, and December 31, 2024:
December 31, 2025
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets
Investment in ETH
$ 157,608,454
$ —
$ —
$ 157,608,454
December 31, 2024
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets
Investment in ETH
$ 146,428,902
$ —
$ —
$ 146,428,902
The following represents the changes in quantity
of ETH and the respective fair value:
ETH
Fair Value
Beginning balance as of January 1, 2025
43,935.83
$ 146,428,902
ETH purchased
47,219.32
172,013,256
ETH sold
( 38,106.28 )
( 127,280,000 )
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from investment in ETH
—
( 34,062,356 )
Net realized gain on investment in ETH
—
508,652
Ending balance as of December 31, 2025
53,048.87
$ 157,608,454
ETH
Fair Value
Beginning balance as of May 20, 2024 (a)
—
$ —
ETH purchased
49,793.94
154,052,853
ETH sold
( 5,858.11 )
( 16,251,349 )
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from investment in ETH
—
10,194,816
Net realized loss on investment in ETH
—
( 1,567,418 )
Ending balance as of December 31, 2024
43,935.83
$ 146,428,902
(a) Date of seeding, the Trust did not hold any ETH as of May 20, 2024.
D. Ether
ETH transactions are
accounted for on trade date. Realized gains and losses on the sale of ETH are determined based on the average cost method. Under
ASC Topic 946, the average cost method is an accepted method to determine realized gains and losses on the sale of ETH. Proceeds
received by the Trust from the issuance of baskets consist of ETH. Deposits of ETH are held by Gemini Trust Company, LLC (the
“ETH Custodian”) and at Coinbase Custody Trust Company, LLC (the “Additional ETH Custodian”, and collectively
the “ETH Custodians”), on behalf of the Trust until (i) delivered out in connection with redemptions of baskets or
cash or (ii) sold by the Sponsor, which may be facilitated by the ETH Custodians, to pay fees due to the Sponsor and Trust expenses
and liabilities not assumed by the Sponsor.
E. Calculation of Net Asset Value
The Trust’s net
asset value (“NAV”) is calculated based on the Trust’s net asset holdings, as reconciled to the ETH Custodians’
accounts, on a market approach determined on a daily basis using the MarketVector Ethereum Benchmark Rate price at
4:00 pm EST. The Trust’s NAV per Share is calculated by taking the current market value of its total assets, subtracting
any liabilities, and then dividing that total by the total number of outstanding Shares. The Trust Agreement gives the Sponsor
the exclusive authority to determine the Trust’s NAV and the Trust’s NAV per Share, which it has delegated to the
Administrator.
F- 8
VANECK ETHEREUM ETF
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
December 31, 2025
F. Federal Income Taxes
The
Trust is treated as a grantor trust for federal income tax purposes and, therefore, no provision for federal income taxes is required.
Any interest, expenses, gains and losses are passed through to the holders of Shares of the Trust. The Sponsor has reviewed the tax positions
for the periods presented and has determined that no provision for income tax is required in the Trust’s financial statements.
G. Segment Reporting
The
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Sponsor acts as the Trust’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), assessing
performance and making decisions about resource allocation. The CODM has determined that the Trust has a single operating segment based
on the fact that the Trust’s long-term strategic asset allocation is pre-determined in accordance with the terms of its prospectus,
with a defined investment strategy which is executed by the Sponsor. The financial information provided to and reviewed by the CODM is
presented within the Trust’s financial statements.
Note 3. Trust Expenses
and Other Agreements
The
Trust pays the Sponsor a unified fee (the “Sponsor Fee”) of 0.20 % of average daily net assets that accrues daily and pays
monthly. For the period from July 23, 2024 through July 22, 2025, the Sponsor waived the entire Sponsor Fee for the first $ 1.5 billion
of the Trust’s net assets. The Sponsor has agreed to pay all operating expenses (except for litigation expenses and other extraordinary
expenses) from the Sponsor Fee. The Sponsor from time to time will sell ETH, which may be facilitated by one or more liquidity providers
and/or the ETH Custodians, in such quantity as is necessary to permit payment of the Sponsor Fee and Trust expenses and liabilities not
assumed by the Sponsor.
The
Trustee fee is paid by the Sponsor and is not an expense of the Trust.
The
Trust holds its ETH at the ETH Custodian and at the Additional ETH Custodian, both of which are regulated third-party custodians that
carry insurance (in the case of the Additional ETH Custodian, such insurance is carried by its parent, Coinbase Inc., and is intended
to cover the loss of client assets held by Coinbase Inc. and its subsidiaries, including the Additional ETH Custodian) and are responsible
for safekeeping of ETH owned by the Trust and holding private keys that provide access to the ETH in the Trust’s ETH account.
State Street Bank and
Trust Company serves as the Trust’s administrator, transfer agent and cash custodian.
Note 4. Related
Parties
The Sponsor is considered
to be a related party to the Trust.
MarketVector
Indexes GmbH is the index sponsor and index administrator for the MarketVector Ethereum Benchmark Rate, which is used by the Trust to
determine its NAV. MarketVector Indexes GmbH is an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary of VanEck.
Van Eck Securities
Corporation, a marketing agent to the Trust, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of VanEck.
VanEck
was the initial seed investor (“Seed Capital Investor”) and purchased for cash 2,000 shares at a per-Share price of $ 50.00
on May 20, 2024. On June 25, 2024, the 2,000 Shares held by the Seed Capital Investor were redeemed for cash and the Seed Capital Investor
purchased the Seed Creation Baskets, comprising of 200,000 Shares at a per-Share price of $ 50.00 . Total proceeds to the Trust from the
sale of the Seed Creation Baskets were $ 10,000,000 which resulted in the Trust receiving 2,929.06 ETH. As of December 31, 2025 and December
31, 2024, the Seed Capital Investor’s ownership in the Trust represents approximately 0 % and 13 %, respectively, of net assets.
VanEck
is a minority interest holder in the parent company of the ETH Custodian, representing less than 1 % of its equity.
F- 9
VANECK ETHEREUM ETF
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
December 31, 2025
Note 5. Capital
Share Transactions
Investors
can buy and sell Shares of the Trust in secondary market transactions through brokers. Shares trade on the Exchange under the ticker
symbol ETHV. Shares are bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded securities.
The
Trust continuously offers the Shares in baskets consisting of 25,000 Shares to authorized participants. Authorized participants pay a
transaction fee for each order they place to create or redeem one or more baskets. The Administrator calculates the cost to purchase
(or sell in the case of a redemption order) the amount of ETH represented by the baskets being created (or redeemed); the amount of ETH
represented is equal to the combined NAV of the number of Shares included in the baskets being created (or redeemed).
The
Trust creates and redeems Shares, but only in one or more baskets. Baskets are only made in exchange for delivery to the Trust or the
distribution by the Trust of the amount of ETH represented by the baskets being created or redeemed, the amount of which is equal to
the combined NAV of the number of Shares included in the baskets being created or redeemed determined as of 4:00 p.m. EST on the day
the order to create or redeem baskets is properly received. The authorized participants deliver cash or ETH to create baskets and receive
cash or ETH when redeeming Shares. For a subscription in cash, an authorized participant will deliver cash to the Trust’s account
at the cash custodian, which the Sponsor will then use to purchase ETH from a liquidity provider chosen by the Sponsor. For a redemption
in cash, the Sponsor will arrange for the ETH represented by the basket to be sold to a liquidity provider chosen by the Sponsor and
the cash proceeds distributed from the Trust’s account at the cash custodian to the authorized participant. For an “in-kind”
subscription, authorized participants will deliver, or arrange for the delivery by the authorized participant’s designee of, ETH
to the Trust’s account with the ETH Custodian or Additional ETH Custodian in exchange for Shares when they purchase Shares. For
an “in-kind” redemption transaction with the Trust, when authorized participants redeem Shares, the Trust through the ETH
Custodian or the Additional ETH Custodian, will deliver ETH to such authorized participants, or a designee thereof, in exchange for their
Shares. Only authorized participants may place orders to create and redeem baskets through the transfer agent. The transfer agent will
coordinate with the Trust’s ETH Custodians to facilitate settlement of the Shares and ETH.
Share and capital activity
is as follows:
Year Ended
December 31, 2025
For the Period May 20,
2024 (Date of Seeding) to
December 31, 2024
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Beginning of period
3,000,000
$ 137,801,504
—
$ —
Shares issued
3,225,000
172,013,836
3,402,000
154,153,076
Shares redeemed
( 2,600,000 )
( 127,104,743 )
( 402,000 )
( 16,351,572 )
End of period
3,625,000
$ 182,710,597
3,000,000
$ 137,801,504
Note 6. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
In the normal course
of business, the Trust enters into contracts that contain a variety of general indemnifications. The Trust’s maximum exposure
under these agreements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.
However, the Sponsor believes the risk of loss under these arrangements to be remote.
Note 7. Concentration Risk
Substantially all of
the Trust’s assets are holdings of ETH, which creates a concentration risk associated with fluctuations in the value of
ETH due to a number of factors. Accordingly, a decline in the value of ETH will have an adverse effect on the value of the Shares
of the Trust. Factors that may have the effect of causing a decline in the value of ETH include high volatility, which could have
a negative impact on the performance of the Trust. ETH platforms are relatively new and may be unregulated or may be subject to
regulation in a relevant jurisdiction, but may not be complying, and therefore, may be more exposed to fraud and security breaches
than established, regulated exchanges for other financial assets or instruments, which could have a negative impact on the performance
of the Trust. The value of
F- 10
VANECK ETHEREUM ETF
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
December 31, 2025
the Shares depends on
the development and acceptance of the ethereum network. The slowing or stopping of the development or acceptance of the ethereum
network may adversely affect an investment in the Trust. The price of ETH on the ETH market has exhibited periods of extreme volatility.
Digital assets such as ETH were only introduced within the past decade, and the medium-to-long term value of the Shares is subject
to a number of factors relating to the capabilities and development of block-chain technologies and to the fundamental investment
characteristics of digital assets that are uncertain and difficult to evaluate. The Trust is subject to risks due to its concentration
of investments in a single asset class. Possible illiquid markets may exacerbate losses or increase the variability between the
Trust’s NAV and its market price. The amount of ETH represented by the Shares may decline over time. ETH with a fair value
of $ 157,608,454 and $ 146,428,902 were held by the ETH Custodians at December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively.
Future and current regulations
by a United States or foreign government or quasi-governmental agency could have an adverse effect on an investment in the Trust.
Shareholders do not have the protections associated with ownership of Shares in an investment company registered under the 1940
Act or the protections afforded by the Commodity Exchange Act. Future legal or regulatory developments may negatively affect the
value of ETH or require the Trust or the Sponsor to become registered with the SEC or CFTC, which may cause the Trust to liquidate.
The Exchange on which
the Shares are listed may halt trading in the Trust’s Shares, which would adversely impact a Shareholder’s ability
to sell Shares. The market infrastructure of the ETH spot market could result in the absence of active authorized participants
able to support the trading activity of the Trust.
Shareholders that are
not authorized participants may only purchase or sell their Shares in secondary trading markets, and the conditions associated
with trading in secondary markets may adversely affect Shareholders’ investment in the Shares.
Note 8. Financial Highlights
The financial highlights
summarize certain per share operating information and financial ratios of net investment loss and expenses, to daily average net
assets for the periods below. An individual investor’s return and ratios may vary based on the timing of capital transactions:
Year Ended
December 31,
2025
For the Period
May 20, 2024
(Date of
Seeding) to
December 31,
2024
Net asset value per share, beginning of period
$ 48.81
$ 50.00
From investment operations:
Net investment loss (a)
( 0.06 )
—
Net realized gain (loss) and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from
investments in ether (b)
( 5.28 )
( 1.19 )
Net decrease resulting from operations
( 5.34 )
( 1.19 )
Net asset value per share, end of period
$ 43.47
$ 4 8.81
Total return (c)
( 10.94 )%
( 2.38 )%
Ratios to average net assets
Expenses before fee waiver
0.20 %
0.20 % (d)(e)
Expenses after fee waiver
0.12 %
0.00 % (d)(e)
Net investment loss
( 0.12 )%
0.00 % (d)(e)
(a) Net investment loss per share has been calculated based upon an average of daily shares outstanding.
(b) The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not agree with the change
in the aggregate gains and losses for the period because of the timing of sales and repurchases of the Trust’s shares in
relation to fluctuating market values for the Trust.
(c) Returns are not annualized and include adjustments required by GAAP. Returns for financial statements
purposes may differ from net asset values and performance reported elsewhere by the Trust.
(d) Annualized.
(e) Calculated based upon daily average net assets from July 22, 2024 (Date of Effectiveness) to December 31, 2024.
F- 11
VANECK ETHEREUM ETF
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
December 31, 2025
Note 9. Subsequent Event Review
The Trust has evaluated
subsequent events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through the date the financial statements were issued
and has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure.
F- 12
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.
VanEck Ethereum ETF
By:
VanEck Digital Assets, LLC, as Sponsor of the Trust (registrant)
By:
/s/ Jonathan R. Simon
Name: Jonathan R. Simon
Title: Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Date:
March 30, 2026
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1933, this Report has been signed by the following persons in the capacities* and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
Jan F. van Eck
/s/ Jan F. van Eck
President and Chief Executive Officer
March 30, 2026
(Principal Executive Officer)
John J. Crimmins
/s/ John J. Crimmins
Vice President, Chief Financial
March 30, 2026
Officer and Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer and
Principal Accounting Officer)
*
The registrant is a trust and the persons are signing in their capacities as officers
of VanEck Digital Assets, LLC, the Sponsor of the registrant.
Text extracted from the filing as submitted to EDGAR. Formatting, tables and exhibits are simplified for reading; the original document is authoritative for anything you rely on.