SEC Filing Report: Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) 10-K for FY2024
Executive Summary
This report analyzes the Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund’s (FBTC) 10-K filing for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. FBTC, a passively managed exchange-traded product (ETP) seeking to track the performance of Bitcoin, commenced operations on January 11, 2024. The fund experienced significant growth in assets and share price, mirroring Bitcoin’s price appreciation. Key risks include Bitcoin’s inherent volatility, regulatory uncertainty, and cybersecurity threats. Opportunities lie in the increasing adoption of Bitcoin as an investment asset and FBTC’s accessibility through traditional brokerage accounts. Overall, the fund’s performance is directly tied to Bitcoin’s price movements, making it a high-risk, high-reward investment.
Company Overview
Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) is a Delaware statutory trust launched on January 11, 2024. Its primary objective is to mirror the performance of Bitcoin, as measured by the Fidelity Bitcoin Reference Rate (Index), net of expenses. The fund operates passively, holding Bitcoin as its primary asset. Shares of FBTC are listed on the Cboe BZX Exchange. FD Funds Management LLC (a subsidiary of FMR LLC) serves as the Sponsor, while Fidelity Digital Asset Services, LLC (FDAS) acts as the Custodian.
Detailed Analysis
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A)
The MD&A highlights the fund’s substantial growth in net assets, driven by increased share issuance and Bitcoin’s price surge. Management emphasizes the passive nature of the fund and its commitment to tracking the Index. The narrative aligns with the financial data, showcasing a direct correlation between Bitcoin’s performance and FBTC’s value.
Financial Statement Analysis
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
* **Assets:** The fund’s primary asset is Bitcoin, valued at $18.82 billion as of December 31, 2024.
* **Liabilities:** Liabilities are minimal, primarily consisting of sponsor fee payables.
* **Net Assets:** Total net assets reached $18.81 billion, reflecting the fund’s growth.
* **NAV per Share:** The Net Asset Value (NAV) per share increased significantly from $40.00 on December 31, 2023, to $81.56 on December 31, 2024.
Statement of Operations
* **Expenses:** The primary expense is the sponsor fee, which was waived for a portion of the year.
* **Net Investment Income (Loss):** The fund reported a net investment loss due to the sponsor fee.
* **Net Realized and Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss):** The fund experienced a substantial net change in unrealized appreciation on Bitcoin, driving overall profitability.
Statement of Cash Flows
* **Operating Activities:** The fund’s operating cash flow is primarily influenced by Bitcoin purchases and sales related to share creation and redemption.
* **Financing Activities:** Cash flow from financing activities reflects proceeds from share issuance and cash paid for share redemptions.
Key Ratios and Metrics
* **Expense Ratio:** The net expense ratio was 0.14% after waivers.
* **Bitcoin Holdings:** The fund held 201,556.08413894 Bitcoin as of December 31, 2024.
* **NAV per Share Growth:** The NAV per share grew by 104.50% during the year.
Uncommon Metrics
The filing highlights the importance of the Fidelity Bitcoin Reference Rate (Index) in valuing the fund’s assets. The Index’s methodology, which uses a volume-weighted median price from multiple spot markets, is designed to mitigate manipulation and idiosyncratic market risk.
Risk and Opportunity Assessment
Risks
* **Bitcoin Volatility:** The fund’s performance is highly susceptible to Bitcoin’s price fluctuations.
* **Regulatory Uncertainty:** Evolving regulations surrounding digital assets could significantly impact the fund.
* **Cybersecurity Threats:** The fund relies on third-party custodians and service providers, making it vulnerable to cyberattacks.
* **Concentration Risk:** The fund’s investment strategy is concentrated in a single asset, Bitcoin, maximizing exposure to market risks.
Opportunities
* **Increasing Bitcoin Adoption:** Growing acceptance of Bitcoin as an investment asset could drive demand for FBTC shares.
* **Accessibility:** FBTC provides investors with a convenient way to access the Bitcoin market through traditional brokerage accounts.
* **Passive Management:** The fund’s passive management strategy offers a cost-effective approach to investing in Bitcoin.
Red Flags
* The fund’s reliance on a single asset (Bitcoin) creates significant concentration risk.
* The potential for regulatory changes in the digital asset space could adversely affect the fund.
Conclusion and Actionable Insights
FBTC’s performance is intrinsically linked to Bitcoin’s price movements. While the fund offers a convenient and cost-effective way to invest in Bitcoin, it also carries substantial risks due to Bitcoin’s volatility and regulatory uncertainty.
**Overall Assessment:** The fund is a high-risk, high-reward investment suitable for investors with a strong belief in Bitcoin’s long-term potential and a high-risk tolerance.
**Recommendations:**
* **Monitor Bitcoin’s Price:** Closely track Bitcoin’s price movements and understand the factors driving its volatility.
* **Stay Informed on Regulations:** Keep abreast of regulatory developments in the digital asset space.
* **Assess Risk Tolerance:** Carefully evaluate your risk tolerance before investing in FBTC.
* **Consider Diversification:** Diversify your investment portfolio to mitigate the risks associated with a concentrated investment in Bitcoin.