Grayscale Ethereum Staking ETF 8-K

What Happened

• Grayscale Investments Sponsors, LLC filed amendments on Jan 2, 2026 to change the trust’s name from “Grayscale Ethereum Trust ETF” to “Grayscale Ethereum Staking ETF,” effective 12:01 a.m. (NY time) on Jan 5, 2026. Shares are expected to continue trading on NYSE Arca under the symbol "ETHE." Outstanding stock certificates remain valid and need not be exchanged.
• The Sponsor also announced a distribution of $9,397,326 to shareholders of record as of 4:00 p.m. (NY time) on Jan 5, 2026, payable on Jan 6, 2026. The cash distribution represents net USD proceeds from staking rewards earned under the Trust’s staking program (Oct 6, 2025–Dec 31, 2025), after applicable fees and allocations. The Distribution was converted to USD by a liquidity provider on Jan 2, 2026 (4:00 p.m., NY time) by reference to the Index Price.

Key Details

• Name change effective: Jan 5, 2026 at 12:01 a.m. (NY time); trading symbol remains ETHE on NYSE Arca.
• Distribution amount: $9,397,326 payable Jan 6, 2026 to holders of record as of Jan 5, 2026 (4:00 p.m. NY time). Shares expected to trade ex-distribution on the Record Date.
• Distribution source: Net U.S. dollar cash proceeds of staking consideration earned Oct 6–Dec 31, 2025, after the Sponsor’s staking portion, custodian fee, staking provider share, and Sponsor’s Fee.
• Formal amendments (Amendment No. 1 and Certificate of Amendment) were filed and are attached as exhibits to the 8-K.

Why It Matters

• The name change signals the Trust’s formal emphasis on Ethereum staking activities, which may affect investor perception and indexing/searchability for staking-focused products.
• The immediate cash distribution gives shareholders a tangible payout from staking rewards and confirms the Trust’s staking program is operational and generating returns.
• Future distributions are discretionary and subject to Sponsor approval and conditions set out in the Trust’s Staking Policy; shareholders should review tax implications and consult advisors as noted in the filing.