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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 10-Q

 

☒

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2023

 

or

 

☐

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Transition Period from ____________________ to ____________________

 

Commission File Number: 001-34412 

 

 

abrdn Silver ETF Trust

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

New York   26-4586763
(State or other jurisdiction of  incorporation or
organization)		   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

c/o abrdn ETFs Sponsor LLC    
1900 Market Street, Suite 200
Philadelphia, PA
(Address of principal executive offices)		   19103
(Zip Code)

 

(844) 383-7289

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class   Trading Symbol(s)  

Name of each exchange on which registered

abrdn Physical Silver Shares ETF   SIVR   NYSE Arca

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒   No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒   No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company”, and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large Accelerated Filer ☒   Accelerated Filer ☐
         
Non-Accelerated Filer ☐   Smaller Reporting Company ☐
         
      Emerging Growth Company ☐

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ☐ Yes    ☒ No

 

As of August 7, 2023 abrdn Silver ETF Trust had 49,150,000 abrdn Physical Silver Shares ETF outstanding.

 

 

 

 

 

abrdn Silver ETF Trust

 

FORM 10-Q

 

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2023

 

INDEX

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
   
Item 1. Financial Statements 1
   
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 13
   
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 15
   
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 15
   
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION  
   
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 16
   
Item 1A. Risk Factors 16
   
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 16
   
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 16
   
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 16
   
Item 5. Other Information 16
   
Item 6. Exhibits 17
     
SIGNATURES 18

 

 

 

 

abrdn Silver ETF Trust

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

At June 30, 2023 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2022

 

   June 30, 2023   December 31, 2022 
(Amounts in 000’s of US$, except for Share and per Share data)          
ASSETS          
Investment in silver (cost: June 30, 2023: $1,027,132; December 31, 2022: $998,547)  $1,064,761   $1,113,348 
Silver receivable   —    5,749 
Total assets   1,064,761    1,119,097 
           
LIABILITIES          
Fees payable to Sponsor   264    280 
Total liabilities   264    280 
           
NET ASSETS(1)  $1,064,497   $1,118,817 

 

(1) Authorized share capital is unlimited with no par value per Share. Shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2023 were 49,400,000 and at December 31, 2022 were 48,650,000. Net asset values per Share at June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were $21.55 and $23.00, respectively.

 

See Notes to the Financial Statements

 

1

 

 

abrdn Silver ETF Trust

 

Schedules of Investments

At June 30, 2023 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2022

 

    June 30, 2023  
Description   oz     Cost     Fair Value     % of Net Assets  
Investment in silver (in 000’s of US$, except for oz and percentage data)
Silver     47,385,900.9     $ 1,027,132     $ 1,064,761       100.02 %
Total investment in silver     47,385,900.9     $ 1,027,132     $ 1,064,761       100.02 %
Less liabilities                     (264 )     (0.02 )%
Net Assets                   $ 1,064,497       100.00 %

 

    December 31, 2022  
Description   oz     Cost     Fair Value     % of Net Assets  
Investment in silver (in 000’s of US$, except for oz and percentage data)
Silver     46,496,067.9     $ 998,547     $ 1,113,348       99.51 %
Total investment in silver     46,496,067.9     $ 998,547     $ 1,113,348       99.51 %
Other assets less liabilities                     5,469       0.49 %
Net Assets                   $ 1,118,817       100.00 %

 

See Notes to the Financial Statements

 

2

 

abrdn Silver ETF Trust

 

Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022

 

   Three Months
Ended
June 30, 2023		   Three Months
Ended
June 30, 2022		   Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2023		   Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2022		 
(Amounts in 000’s of US$, except for Share and per Share data)                    
EXPENSES                    
Sponsor’s Fee  $1,233   $1,265   $2,425   $2,433 
Less: Waiver   (411)   (421)   (808)   (811)
Total expenses   822    844    1,617    1,622 
                     
Net investment loss   (822)   (844)   (1,617)   (1,622)
                     
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS / (LOSSES)                    
Realized gain on silver transferred to pay expenses   73    92    134    169 
Realized gain on silver distributed for the redemption of Shares   2,404    779    5,214    779 
Change in unrealized (loss) on investment in silver   (71,724)   (225,906)   (77,172)   (152,856)
Total (loss) on investment in silver   (69,247)   (225,035)   (71,824)   (151,908)
                     
Change in net assets from operations  $(70,069)  $(225,879)  $(73,441)  $(153,530)
                     
Net increase / (decrease) in net assets per Share  $(1.42)  $(4.35)  $(1.51)  $(3.14)
                     
Weighted average number of Shares   49,348,352    51,967,582    48,694,751     48,944,199 

 

See Notes to the Financial Statements 

 

3

 

 

abrdn Silver ETF Trust

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (Unaudited)

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022

 

   Three Months Ended June 30, 2023   Three Months Ended June 30, 2022 
(Amounts in 000’s of US$, except for Share data)  Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount 
Opening balance   48,450,000   $1,110,603    50,500,000   $1,206,286 
Net investment loss        (822)        (844)
Realized gain on investment in silver        2,477         871 
Change in unrealized (loss) on investment in silver        (71,724)        (225,906)
Creations   2,050,000    49,204    5,500,000    126,094 
Redemptions   (1,100,000)   (25,241)   (5,700,000)   (118,775)
Closing balance   49,400,000   $1,064,497    50,300,000   $987,726 

 

   Six Months Ended June 30, 2023   Six Months Ended June 30, 2022 
(Amounts in 000’s of US$, except for Share data)  Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount 
Opening balance   48,650,000   $1,118,817    44,750,000   $995,152 
Net investment loss        (1,617)        (1,622)
Realized gain on investment in silver        5,348         948 
Change in unrealized (loss) on investment in silver        (77,172)        (152,856)
Creations   4,500,000    101,904    11,250,000    264,879 
Redemptions   (3,750,000)   (82,783)   (5,700,000)   (118,775)
Closing balance   49,400,000   $1,064,497    50,300,000   $987,726 

 

See Notes to the Financial Statements

 

4

 

 

abrdn Silver ETF Trust

 

Financial Highlights (Unaudited)

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022

 

   Three Months
Ended
June 30, 2023		   Three Months
Ended
June 30, 2022		   Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2023		   Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2022		 
Per Share Performance (for a Share outstanding throughout the entire period)                    
Net asset value per Share at beginning of period  $22.92   $23.89   $23.00   $22.24 
Income from investment operations:                    
Net investment loss   (0.02)   (0.02)   (0.03)   (0.03)
Total realized and unrealized gains or losses on
investment in silver		   (1.35)   (4.23)   (1.42)   (2.57)
Change in net assets from operations   (1.37)   (4.25)   (1.45)   (2.60)
                     
Net asset value per Share at end of period  $21.55   $19.64   $21.55   $19.64 
                     
Weighted average number of Shares   49,348,352    51,967,582    48,694,751    48,944,199 
                     
Expense ratio(1)(2)   0.30%   0.30%   0.30%   0.30%
                     
Net investment loss ratio(1)(2)   (0.30)%   (0.30)%   (0.30)%   (0.30)%
                     
Total return, net asset value(3)   (5.98)%   (17.79)%   (6.30)%   (11.69)%

 

(1) Annualized for periods less than one year.
(2) The expense ratio is calculated net of the voluntary waiver (refer to Note 2.7). The Gross Expense Ratio is 0.45%.
(3) Total return is not annualized.

 

See Notes to the Financial Statements

 

5

 

 

abrdn Silver ETF Trust

 

Notes to the Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

1.    Organization

 

The abrdn Silver ETF Trust (the “Trust”) is a common law trust formed on July 20, 2009 (the “Date of Inception”) under New York law pursuant to a depositary trust agreement (the “Trust Agreement”) executed by abrdn ETFs Sponsor LLC (the “Sponsor”) and The Bank of New York Mellon as Trustee (the “Trustee”). The Trust holds silver  and issues abrdn Physical Silver Shares ETF (“Shares”) in minimum blocks of 50,000 Shares (also referred to as “Baskets”) in exchange for deposits of silver and distributes silver in connection with the redemption of Baskets. Shares represent units of fractional undivided beneficial interest in and ownership of the Trust which are issued by the Trust. The Sponsor is a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of abrdn Inc. abrdn Inc. is a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of abrdn plc. The Trust is governed by the Trust Agreement.

 

Effective February 28, 2023, Andrea Melia resigned as Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Sponsor. Ms. Melia had served as Principal Financial Officer of the Registrant. Effective February 28, 2023, Brian Kordeck was appointed Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Sponsor. Mr. Kordeck serves as Principal Financial Officer of the Registrant. 

 

The investment objective of the Trust is for the Shares to reflect the performance of the price of silver, less the Trust’s expenses and liabilities. The Trust is designed to provide an individual owner of beneficial interests in the Shares (a “Shareholder”) an opportunity to participate in the silver market through an investment in securities. The fiscal year end for the Trust is December 31.

 

The accompanying financial statements were prepared in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions for Form 10-Q. In the opinion of the Trust’s management, all adjustments (which consist of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position and results of operations as of June 30, 2023, and for the three and six month periods then ended have been made.

 

These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Trust’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year.

 

2.    Significant Accounting Policies

 

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires those responsible for preparing financial statements to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Trust. 

 

2.1.    Basis of Accounting 

 

The Sponsor has determined that the Trust falls within the scope of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 946, Financial Services—Investment Companies, and has concluded that for reporting purposes, the Trust is classified as an Investment Company. The Trust is not registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and is not required to register under such act.

 

2.2.    Valuation of Silver

 

The Trust follows the provisions of ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement (“ASC 820”). ASC 820 provides guidance for determining fair value and requires increased disclosure regarding the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. 

 

6

 

 

abrdn Silver ETF Trust

 

Notes to the Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

The Trust’s silver is held by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”). The Trust’s silver may also be held by another firm selected by the Custodian to hold the Trust’s silver in the Trust’s allocated account in the firm’s vault premises on a segregated basis and whose appointment has been approved by the Sponsor. At June 30, 2023, none of the Trust’s silver was held by a sub-custodian.  

 

The Trust’s silver is recorded at fair value. The cost of silver is determined according to the average cost method and the fair value is based on the London Bullion Market Association (“LBMA”) Silver Price. Realized gains and losses on transfers of silver, or silver distributed for the redemption of Shares, are calculated on a trade date basis as the difference between the fair value and average cost of silver transferred.  

 

The ICE Benchmark Administration (“IBA”) conducts an electronic, over-the-counter silver auction in London, England to establish a fixing price for an ounce of silver once each trading day, which is disseminated by major market vendors (the “LBMA Silver Price”). The LBMA Silver Price is established by the LBMA-authorized bullion banks and market makers participating in the auction.

 

Once the value of  silver has been determined, the net asset value (the “NAV”) is computed by the Trustee by deducting all accrued fees, expenses and other liabilities of the Trust, including the remuneration due to the Sponsor (the “Sponsor’s Fee”), from the fair value of the silver and all other assets held by the Trust.

 

The Trust recognizes changes in fair value of the investment in silver as changes in unrealized gains or losses on investment in silver through the Statement of Operations.

 

The per Share amount of silver exchanged for a purchase or redemption is calculated daily by the Trustee using the LBMA Silver Price to calculate the silver amount in respect of any liabilities for which covering silver sales have not yet been made, and represents the per Share amount of silver held by the Trust, after giving effect to its liabilities, to cover expenses and liabilities and any losses that may have occurred.

 

Fair Value Hierarchy

 

ASC 820 establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The three levels of inputs are as follows:

 

– Level 1. Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Trust has the ability to access.

 

– Level 2. Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly. These inputs may include quoted prices for the identical instrument on an inactive market, prices for similar instruments and similar data.

 

– Level 3. Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability to the extent that relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the Trust’s own assumptions about the assumptions that a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and that would be based on the best information available.

 

To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in level 3.

 

7

 

 

abrdn Silver ETF Trust

 

Notes to the Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

 

The Trust’s investment in silver is classified as a level 1 asset, as its value is calculated using unadjusted quoted prices from primary market sources.

 

The categorization of the Trust’s assets is as shown below:

 

(Amounts in 000’s of US$)  June 30, 2023   December 31, 2022 
Level 1          
Investment in silver  $1,064,761   $1,113,348 

 

There were no transfers between levels during the six months ended June 30, 2023 or the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

2.3.    Silver Receivable and Payable

 

Silver receivable or payable represents the quantity of silver covered by contractually binding orders for the creation or redemption of Shares respectively, where the silver has not yet been transferred to or from the Trust’s account. Generally, ownership of silver is transferred within two business days of the trade date. At June 30, 2023, the Trust had no silver receivable or payable for the creation or redemption of Shares. At December 31, 2022, the Trust had $5,749,366 of silver receivable for the creation of Shares and no silver payable for the redemption of Shares.

 

2.4.    Creations and Redemptions of Shares

 

The Trust expects to create and redeem Shares from time to time, but only in one or more Baskets (a Basket equals a block of 50,000 Shares). The Trust issues Shares in Baskets to Authorized Participants on an ongoing basis. Individual investors cannot purchase or redeem Shares in direct transactions with the Trust. An Authorized Participant is a person who (1) is a registered broker-dealer or other securities market participant such as a bank or other financial institution which is not required to register as a broker-dealer to engage in securities transactions; (2) is a participant in The Depository Trust Company; (3) has entered into an Authorized Participant Agreement with the Trustee and the Sponsor; and (4) has established an Authorized Participant Unallocated Account with the Trust’s Custodian or other silver bullion clearing bank. An Authorized Participant Agreement is an agreement entered into by each Authorized Participant, the Sponsor and the Trustee which provides the procedures for the creation and redemption of Baskets and for the delivery of the silver required for such creations and redemptions. An Authorized Participant Unallocated Account is an unallocated silver account established with the Custodian or a silver bullion clearing bank by an Authorized Participant.

 

The creation and redemption of Baskets is only made in exchange for the delivery to the Trust or the distribution by the Trust of the amount of silver represented by the Baskets being created or redeemed, the amount of which is based on the combined NAV of the number of Shares included in the Baskets being created or redeemed determined on the day the order to create or redeem Baskets is properly received.

 

8

 

 

abrdn Silver ETF Trust

 

Notes to the Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Authorized Participants may, on any business day, place an order with the Trustee to create or redeem one or more Baskets. The typical settlement period for Shares is two business days. In the event of a trade date at period end, where a settlement is pending, a respective account receivable and/or payable will be recorded. When silver is exchanged in settlement of a redemption, it is considered a sale of silver for financial statement purposes.

 

The amount of silver represented by the Baskets created or redeemed can only be settled to the nearest 1/1000th of an ounce. As a result, the value attributed to the creation or redemption of Shares may differ from the value of silver to be delivered or distributed by the Trust. In order to ensure that the correct amount of silver is available at all times to back the Shares, the Sponsor accepts an adjustment to its Sponsor Fee in the event of any shortfall or excess on each transaction. For each transaction, this amount is not more than 1/1000th of an ounce of silver.

 

As the Shares of the Trust are subject to redemption at the option of Authorized Participants, the Trust has classified the outstanding Shares as Net Assets. Changes in the number of Shares outstanding are presented in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets.

 

2.5.    Income Taxes

 

The Trust is classified as a “grantor trust” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, the Trust itself will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax. Instead, the Trust’s income and expenses will “flow through” to the Shareholders, and the Trustee will report the Trust’s proceeds, income, deductions, gains, and losses to the Internal Revenue Service on that basis.

 

The Sponsor has evaluated whether or not there are uncertain tax positions that require financial statement recognition and has determined that no reserves for uncertain tax positions are required as of June 30, 2023 or December 31, 2022.

 

2.6.    Investment in Silver

 

Changes in ounces of silver and their respective values for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 are set out below:

 

   Three Months Ended
June 30, 2023		   Three Months Ended
June 30, 2022		 
(Amounts in 000’s of US$, except for ounces data)          
Ounces of silver          
Opening balance   46,509,653.6    48,622,886.3 
Creations   1,966,847.9    5,292,657.1 
Redemptions   (1,055,168.6)   (5,483,972.9)
Transfers of silver to pay expenses   (35,432.0)   (37,329.2)
Closing balance   47,385,900.9    48,394,241.3 

 

9

 

 

abrdn Silver ETF Trust

 

Notes to the Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 
   Three Months Ended
June 30, 2023		   Three Months Ended
June 30, 2022		 
Investment in silver          
Opening balance  $1,110,883   $1,206,577 
Creations   49,204    126,094 
Redemptions   (25,241)   (118,775)
Realized gain on silver distributed for the redemption of Shares   2,404    779 
Transfers of silver to pay expenses   (838)   (893)
Realized gain on silver transferred to pay expenses   73    92 
Change in unrealized (loss) on investment in silver   (71,724)   (225,906)
Closing balance  $1,064,761   $987,968 

 

   Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2023		   Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2022		 
(Amounts in 000’s of US$, except for ounces data)          
Ounces of silver          
Opening balance   46,496,067.9    43,119,101.1 
Creations   4,558,938.0    10,828,356.5 
Redemptions   (3,599,530.1)   (5,483,972.9)
Transfers of silver to pay expenses   (69,574.9)   (69,243.4)
Closing balance   47,385,900.9    48,394,241.3 
           
Investment in silver          
Opening balance  $1,113,348   $995,405 
Creations   107,653    264,879 
Redemptions   (82,783)   (118,775)
Realized gain on silver distributed for the redemption of Shares   5,214    779 
Transfers of silver to pay expenses   (1,633)   (1,633)
Realized gain on silver transferred to pay expenses   134    169 
Change in unrealized (loss) on investment in silver   (77,172)   (152,856)
Closing balance  $1,064,761   $987,968 

 

 

2.7.    Expenses / Realized Gains / Losses

 

The primary expense of the Trust is the Sponsor’s Fee, which is paid by the Trust through in-kind transfers of silver to the Sponsor.

 

The Trust will transfer silver to the Sponsor to pay the Sponsor’s Fee that accrues daily at an annualized rate equal to 0.45% of the adjusted daily net asset value (“ANAV”) of the Trust, paid monthly in arrears.  Presently, the Sponsor is continuing to voluntarily waive a portion of its fee and reduce the Sponsor’s Fee to 0.30% (which it has done since the Date of Inception).

 

The Sponsor has agreed to assume administrative and marketing expenses incurred by the Trust, including the Trustee’s monthly fee and out of pocket expenses, the Custodian’s fee and the reimbursement of the Custodian’s expenses, exchange listing fees, United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) registration fees, printing and mailing costs, audit fees and up to $100,000 per annum in legal expenses.

 

10

 

 

abrdn Silver ETF Trust

 

Notes to the Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

For the three months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, the Sponsor’s Fee, net of fees waived by the Sponsor, was $822,253 and $843,504, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, the Sponsor’s Fee, net of fees waived by the Sponsor, was $1,616,831 and $1,622,086, respectively.  

 

At June 30, 2023 and at December 31, 2022, the fees payable to the Sponsor were $264,148 and $280,384, respectively.

 

As a result of the waiver, the Sponsor’s Fee waived for the three months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 was $411,127 and $421,452, respectively. The Sponsor’s Fee waived for the six months ended June 30, 2023, and 2022 was $808,416 and $811,043, respectively.

 

With respect to expenses not otherwise assumed by the Sponsor, the Trustee will, at the direction of the Sponsor or in its own discretion, sell the Trust’s silver as necessary to pay these expenses. When selling silver to pay expenses, the Trustee will endeavor to sell the smallest amounts of silver needed to pay these expenses in order to minimize the Trust’s holdings of assets other than silver. Other than the Sponsor’s Fee, the Trust had no expenses during the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022.

 

Unless otherwise directed by the Sponsor, when selling silver the Trustee will endeavor to sell at the price established by the LBMA. The Trustee will place orders with dealers (which may include the Custodian) through which the Trustee expects to receive the most favorable price and execution of orders. The Custodian may be the purchaser of such silver only if the sale transaction is made at the next LBMA Silver Price or such other publicly available price that the Sponsor deems fair, in each case as set following the sale order. A gain or loss is recognized based on the difference between the selling price and the average cost of the silver sold. Neither the Trustee nor the Sponsor is liable for depreciation or loss incurred by reason of any sale.

 

Realized gains and losses result from the transfer of silver for Share redemptions and / or to pay expenses and are recognized on a trade date basis as the difference between the fair value and average cost of silver transferred.

 

2.8.    Subsequent Events

 

In accordance with the provisions set forth in FASB ASC 855-10, Subsequent Events, the Trust’s management has evaluated the possibility of subsequent events impacting the Trust’s financial statements through the filing date. During this period, no material subsequent events requiring adjustment to or disclosure in the financial statements were identified. 

 

 

3.    Related Parties

 

The Sponsor and the Trustee are considered to be related parties to the Trust. The Trustee and the Custodian and their affiliates may from time to time act as Authorized Participants and purchase or sell Shares for their own account, as agent for their customers and for accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. In addition, the Trustee and the Custodian and their affiliates may from time to time purchase or sell silver directly, for their own account, as agent for their customers and for accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. The Trustee’s and Custodian’s fees are paid by the Sponsor and are not separate expenses of the Trust. 

 

4.    Concentration of Risk

 

The Trust’s sole business activity is the investment in silver, and substantially all the Trust’s assets are holdings of silver, which creates a concentration of risk associated with fluctuations in the price of silver. Several factors could affect the price of silver, including: (i) global silver supply and demand, which is influenced by factors such as forward selling by silver producers, purchases made by silver producers to unwind silver hedge positions, central bank purchases and sales, and production and cost levels in major global silver-producing countries; (ii) investors’ expectations with respect to the rate of inflation; (iii) currency exchange rates; (iv) interest rates; (v) investment and trading activities of hedge funds and commodity funds; and (vi) global or regional political, economic or financial events and situations. In addition, there is no assurance that silver will maintain its long-term value in terms of purchasing power in the future. In the event that the price of silver declines, the Sponsor expects the value of an investment in the Shares to decline proportionately. Each of these events could have a material effect on the Trust’s financial position and results of operations. 

 

11

 

 

abrdn Silver ETF Trust

 

Notes to the Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

5.    Indemnification

 

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, the Trustee (and its directors, employees and agents) and the Sponsor (and its members, managers, directors, officers, employees and affiliates) are indemnified by the Trust against any liability, cost or expense it incurs without gross negligence, bad faith, willful misconduct or willful malfeasance on its part and without reckless disregard on its part of its obligations and duties under the Trust’s organizational documents. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred. 

 

12

 

 

abrdn Silver ETF Trust

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This information should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes to the financial statements included in Item 1 of Part 1 of this Form 10-Q. The discussion and analysis that follows may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and within the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These forward-looking statements may relate to the Trust’s financial condition, operations, future performance and business. These statements can be identified by the use of the words “may”, “should”, “expect”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “predict”, “potential” or similar words and phrases. These statements are based upon certain assumptions and analyses the Sponsor has made based on its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments. Neither the Trust nor the Sponsor is under a duty to update any of the forward-looking statements, to conform such statements to actual results or to reflect a change in management’s expectations or predictions.

 

Introduction

The Trust is a common law trust, formed under the laws of the state of New York on July 20, 2009. The Trust is not managed like a corporation or an active investment vehicle. It does not have any officers, directors, or employees and is administered by the Trustee pursuant to the Trust Agreement. The Trust is not registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and is not required to register under such act. It does not hold or trade in commodity futures contracts, nor is it a commodity pool, or subject to regulation as a commodity pool operator or a commodity trading adviser in connection with issuing Shares.

 

The Trust holds silver and is expected to issue Baskets in exchange for deposits of silver and to distribute silver in connection with redemptions of Baskets. Shares issued by the Trust represent units of undivided beneficial interest in and ownership of the Trust. The investment objective of the Trust is for the Shares to reflect the performance of the price of silver, less the Trust’s expenses. The Sponsor believes that, for many investors, the Shares will represent a cost effective investment relative to traditional means of investing in silver.

 

The Trust issues and redeems Shares only with Authorized Participants in exchange for silver and only in aggregations of 50,000 Shares or integral multiples thereof. A list of current Authorized Participants is available from the Sponsor or the Trustee.

 

Shares of the Trust trade on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) Arca under the symbol “SIVR”.

 

Valuation of Silver and Computation of Net Asset Value

On each day that the NYSE Arca is open for regular trading, as promptly as practicable after 4:00 p.m. New York time on such day (the “Evaluation Time”), the Trustee evaluates the silver held by the Trust and determine both the ANAV and the NAV of the Trust.

 

At the Evaluation Time, the Trustee values the Trust’s silver on the basis of that day’s LBMA Silver Price (the daily price of an ounce of silver as set at approximately 12:00 noon London, England time by LBMA-authorized bullion banks or market makers in an electronic, over-the-counter auction conducted by the ICE Benchmark Administration (“IBA”) and disseminated by major market vendors, or, if no LBMA Silver Price is made on such day or has not been announced by the Evaluation Time, the next most recent LBMA Silver Price determined prior to the Evaluation Time is used, unless the Sponsor determines that such price is inappropriate as a basis for evaluation. In the event the Sponsor determines that the LBMA Silver Price or such other publicly available price as the Sponsor may deem fairly represents the commercial value of the Trust’s silver is not an appropriate basis for evaluation of the Trust’s silver, it shall identify an alternative basis for such evaluation to be employed by the Trustee.

 

Once the value of the silver has been determined, the Trustee subtracts all estimated accrued but unpaid fees (other than the fees accruing for such day on which the valuation takes place that are computed by reference to the value of the Trust or its assets), expenses and other liabilities of the Trust from the total value of the silver and all other assets of the Trust (other than any amounts credited to the Trust’s reserve account, if established). The resulting figure is the adjusted net asset value (the “ANAV”) of the Trust. The ANAV of the Trust is used to compute the Sponsor’s Fee.

 

13

 

 

All fees accruing for the day on which the valuation takes place that are computed by reference to the value of the Trust or its assets are calculated using the ANAV calculated for such day. The Trustee subtracts from the ANAV the amount of the accrued fees so computed for such day and the resulting figure is the NAV of the Trust. The Trustee also determines the NAV per Share by dividing the NAV of the Trust by the number of Shares outstanding as of the close of trading on the NYSE Arca (which includes the net number of any Shares created or redeemed on such evaluation day).

 

The Trustee’s estimation of accrued but unpaid fees, expenses and liabilities is conclusive upon all persons interested in the Trust and no revision or correction in any computation made under the Trust Agreement will be required by reason of any difference in amounts estimated from those actually paid.

 

The NAV of the Trust is obtained by subtracting the Trust’s liabilities on any day from the value of the silver owned and receivable by the Trust on that day; the NAV per Share is obtained by dividing the NAV of the Trust on a given day by the number of Shares outstanding on that day.

 

The Quarter Ended June 30, 2023

The Trust’s NAV decreased from $1,110,602,848 at March 31, 2023 to $1,064,497,046 at June 30, 2023, a 4.15% decrease for the quarter. The change in the Trust’s NAV resulted from a decrease in the price per ounce of silver, which fell 5.92% from $23.89 at March 31, 2023 to $22.47 at June 30, 2023, and an increase in outstanding Shares, which rose from 48,450,000 Shares at March 31, 2023 to 49,400,000 Shares at June 30, 2023, as a result of 2,050,000 Shares (41 Baskets) being created and 1,100,000 Shares (22 Baskets) being redeemed during the quarter.

 

The NAV per Share decreased 5.98% from $22.92 at March 31, 2023 to $21.55 at June 30, 2023. The Trust’s NAV per Share fell slightly more than the price per ounce of silver on a percentage basis due to the Sponsor’s Fee, net of waiver, which was $822,253 for the quarter, or 0.30% of the Trust’s ANAV on an annualized basis.

 

The NAV per Share of $24.97 at April 16, 2023 was the highest during the quarter, compared with a low of $21.42 at June 24, 2023.

 

The decrease in net assets from operations for the quarter ended June 30, 2023 was $70,068,730, resulting from a realized gain of $73,611 on the transfer of silver to pay expenses and a realized gain on silver distributed for the redemption of Shares of $2,403,744, offset by a change in unrealized loss on investment in silver of $71,723,832 and the Sponsor’s Fee, net of waiver, of $822,253. Other than the Sponsor’s Fee, the Trust had no expenses during the quarter ended June 30, 2023.

 

The Six Months Ended June 30, 2023

The Trust’s NAV decreased from $1,118,817,327 at December 31, 2022 to $1,064,497,046 at June 30, 2023, a 4.86% decrease for the period. The change in the Trust’s NAV resulted from a decrease in the price per ounce of silver, which fell 6.16% from $23.95 at December 31, 2022 to $22.47 at June 30, 2023, and an increase in outstanding Shares, which rose from 48,650,000 Shares at December 31, 2022 to 49,400,000 Shares at June 30, 2023, as a result of 4,500,000 Shares (90 Baskets) being created and 3,750,000 Shares (75 Baskets) being redeemed during the period.

 

The NAV per Share decreased 6.30% from $23.00 at December 31, 2022 to $21.55 at June 30, 2023. The Trust’s NAV per Share fell slightly more than the price per ounce of silver on a percentage basis due to the Sponsor’s Fee, net of waiver, which was $1,616,831 for the period, or 0.30% of the Trust’s ANAV on an annualized basis.

 

The NAV per Share of $24.97 at April 16, 2023 was the highest during the period, compared with a low of $19.28 at March 10, 2023.

 

The decrease in net assets from operations for the period ended June 30, 2023 was $73,440,437, resulting from a realized gain of $134,075 on the transfer of silver to pay expenses and a realized gain on silver distributed for the redemption of Shares of $5,214,435, offset by a change in unrealized loss on investment in silver of $77,172,026 and the Sponsor’s Fee, net of waiver, of $1,616,831. Other than the Sponsor’s Fee, the Trust had no expenses during the period ended June 30, 2023.

 

14

 

 

Liquidity & Capital Resources

The Trust is not aware of any trends, demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that are reasonably likely to result in material changes to its liquidity needs. 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 expense of the Trust during the period covered by this report was the Sponsor’s Fee.

 

The Trustee will, at the direction of the Sponsor or in its own discretion, sell the Trust’s silver as necessary to pay the Trust’s expenses not otherwise assumed by the Sponsor. The Trustee will not sell silver to pay the Sponsor’s Fee but will pay the Sponsor’s Fee through in-kind transfers of silver to the Sponsor. At June 30, 2023, the Trust did not have any cash balances.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Trust has no off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

The financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements relies on estimates and assumptions that impact the Trust’s financial position and results of operations. These estimates and assumptions affect the Trust’s application of accounting policies. Refer to Note 2 to the Financial Statements for further information on accounting policies.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Not applicable.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

The Trust maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in its reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Sponsor, and to the audit committee, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Sponsor, the Sponsor conducted an evaluation of the Trust’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined under Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e). Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Sponsor concluded that, as of June 30, 2023, the Trust’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

 

There have been no changes in the Trust’s or Sponsor’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended June 30, 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Trust’s or Sponsor’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

15

 

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

None.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in the Trust’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Item 2(a). None.

Item 2(b). Not applicable.

Item 2(c). For the three months ended June 30, 2023:

41 Baskets were created.

22 Baskets were redeemed.

 

Period  

Total Baskets

Redeemed

   Total Shares
Redeemed		   Average ounces of
silver per Share
April 2023   5   250,000   0.960
May 2023   6   300,000   0.960
June 2023   11   550,000   0.960
    22   1,100,000   0.960

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

 

Item 5. Other Information

No officers or directors of the Trust have adopted, modified or terminated trading plans under either a Rule 10b5-1 or non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement for the three months ended June 30, 2023.

 

16

 

 

Item 6. Exhibits

   
31.1 Chief Executive Officer’s Certificate, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2 Chief Financial Officer’s Certificate, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1 Chief Executive Officer’s Certificate, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2 Chief Financial Officer’s Certificate, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101 The following financial statements from the Trust’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2023 , formatted in Inline XBRL: (i) Statements of Assets and Liabilities, (ii) Statements of Operations, (iii) Statements of Changes in Net Assets, and (iv) Notes to the Financial Statements.
101.SCH Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Document
101.DEF Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definitions Document
101.LAB Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Document
101.PRE Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Document
104 The cover page from the Trust’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2023, formatted in Inline XBRL (included as Exhibit 101).
   

17

 

 

abrdn Silver ETF Trust

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements 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 thereunto duly authorized.

 

  abrdn ETFs Sponsor LLC
   
Date: August 8, 2023 /s/ Steven Dunn *
  Steven Dunn **
  President and Chief Executive Officer
  (Principal Executive Officer)
   
Date: August 8, 2023 /s/ Brian Kordeck *
  Brian Kordeck **
  Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
  (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

 

* The originally executed copy of this Certification will be maintained at the Sponsor’s offices and will be made available for inspection upon request.
** The Registrant is a trust and the persons are signing in their capacities as officers of abrdn ETFs Sponsor LLC, the Sponsor of the Registrant.

 

18

 

abrdn Silver ETF Trust - 10-Q

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT
TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Steven Dunn, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Report on Form 10-Q of abrdn Silver ETF Trust;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

   
   
Date: August 8, 2023 /s/ Steven Dunn*
  Steven Dunn**
  President and Chief Executive Officer
  (Principal Executive Officer)

 

   
*

The originally executed copy of this Certification will be maintained at the Sponsor’s offices and will be made available for inspection upon request.

 

** The Registrant is a trust and Mr. Dunn is signing in his capacity as an officer of abrdn ETFs Sponsor LLC, the Sponsor of the Registrant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

abrdn Silver ETF Trust - 10-Q

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT
TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Brian Kordeck, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Report on Form 10-Q of abrdn Silver ETF Trust;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

   
   
Date: August 8, 2023 /s/ Brian Kordeck*
  Brian Kordeck**
  Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
  (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

 

   
*

The originally executed copy of this Certification will be maintained at the Sponsor’s offices and will be made available for inspection upon request.

 

** The Registrant is a trust and Mr. Kordeck is signing in his capacity as an officer of abrdn ETFs Sponsor LLC, the Sponsor of the Registrant.

 

 

 

 

 

abrdn Silver ETF Trust - 10-Q

 

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of abrdn Silver ETF Trust (the “Registrant”) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2023 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), the undersigned, in the capacity and on the date indicated below, hereby certifies pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.

     
     
Date: August 8, 2023 /s/ Steven Dunn*  
  Steven Dunn**  
  President and Chief Executive Officer  
  (Principal Executive Officer)  

 

*The originally executed copy of this Certification will be maintained at the Sponsor’s offices and will be made available for inspection upon request.
**The Registrant is a trust and Mr. Dunn is signing in his capacity as an officer of abrdn ETFs Sponsor LLC, the Sponsor of the Registrant.

 

 

 

 

abrdn Silver ETF Trust - 10-Q

 

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of abrdn Silver ETF Trust (the “Registrant”) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2023 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), the undersigned, in the capacity and on the date indicated below, hereby certifies pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.

     
     
Date: August 8, 2023 /s/ Brian Kordeck*  
  Brian Kordeck**  
  Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer  
  (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)  

 

*The originally executed copy of this Certification will be maintained at the Sponsor’s offices and will be made available for inspection upon request.
**The Registrant is a trust and Mr. Kordeck is signing in his capacity as an officer of abrdn ETFs Sponsor LLC, the Sponsor of the Registrant.

 

 

v3.23.2
Cover - shares
 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2023
Aug. 07, 2023
Cover [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Transition Report false  
Document Period End Date Jun. 30, 2023  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2023  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity File Number 001-34412  
Entity Registrant Name abrdn Silver ETF Trust  
Entity Central Index Key 0001450922  
Entity Tax Identification Number 26-4586763  
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code NY  
Entity Address, Address Line One 1900 Market Street  
Entity Address, Address Line Two Suite 200  
Entity Address, City or Town Philadelphia  
Entity Address, State or Province PA  
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 19103  
City Area Code (844)  
Local Phone Number 383-7289  
Title of 12(b) Security abrdn Physical Silver Shares ETF  
Trading Symbol SIVR  
Security Exchange Name NYSEArca  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Small Business false  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   49,150,000
v3.23.2
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (Unaudited) - USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
ASSETS    
Investment in silver (cost: June 30, 2023: $1,027,132; December 31, 2022: $998,547) $ 1,064,761,000 $ 1,113,348,000
Silver receivable 0 5,749,366
Total assets 1,064,761,000 1,119,097,000
LIABILITIES    
Fees payable to Sponsor 264,148 280,384
Total liabilities 264,000 280,000
NET ASSETS [1] $ 1,064,497,000 $ 1,118,817,000
[1] Authorized share capital is unlimited with no par value per Share. Shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2023 were 49,400,000 and at December 31, 2022 were 48,650,000. Net asset values per Share at June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were $21.55 and $23.00, respectively.
v3.23.2
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Schedule of Investments [Abstract]    
Investment in silver at cost $ 1,027,132 $ 998,547
Common stock, shares authorized Unlimited Unlimited
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 0  
Common stock, shares issued 49,400,000 48,650,000
Common stock, shares issued 49,400,000 48,650,000
Net asset value per share (in dollars per share) $ 21.55 $ 23.00
v3.23.2
Schedules of Investments (Unaudited)
$ in Thousands
Jun. 30, 2023
USD ($)
oz
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
oz
Investment in silver | oz 47,385,900.9 46,496,067.9
Cost $ 1,027,132 $ 998,547
Fair Value $ 1,064,761 $ 1,113,348
% of Net Assets 100.02% 99.51%
Less liabilities $ (264) $ 5,469
Less liabilities, % of Net Assets (0.02%) 0.49%
Net Assets [1] $ 1,064,497 $ 1,118,817
Net Assets, % of Net Assets 100.00% 100.00%
Silver, Ounces    
Investment in silver | oz 47,385,900.9 46,496,067.9
Cost $ 1,027,132 $ 998,547
Fair Value $ 1,064,761 $ 1,113,348
% of Net Assets 100.02% 99.51%
[1] Authorized share capital is unlimited with no par value per Share. Shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2023 were 49,400,000 and at December 31, 2022 were 48,650,000. Net asset values per Share at June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were $21.55 and $23.00, respectively.
v3.23.2
Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($)
 3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2023
Jun. 30, 2022
Jun. 30, 2023
Jun. 30, 2022
EXPENSES        
Sponsor’s Fee $ 1,233,000 $ 1,265,000 $ 2,425,000 $ 2,433,000
Less: Waiver (411,127) (421,452) (808,416) (811,043)
Total expenses 822,000 844,000 1,617,000 1,622,000
Net investment loss (822,000) (844,000) (1,617,000) (1,622,000)
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS / (LOSSES)        
Realized gain on silver transferred to pay expenses 73,000 92,000 134,000 169,000
Realized gain on silver distributed for the redemption of Shares 2,404,000 779,000 5,214,000 779,000
Change in unrealized (loss) on investment in silver (71,724,000) (225,906,000) (77,172,000) (152,856,000)
Total (loss) on investment in silver (69,247,000) (225,035,000) (71,824,000) (151,908,000)
Change in net assets from operations $ (70,069,000) $ (225,879,000) $ (73,441,000) $ (153,530,000)
Net increase / (decrease) in net assets per Share $ (1.42) $ (4.35) $ (1.51) $ (3.14)
Weighted average number of Shares 49,348,352 51,967,582 48,694,751 48,944,199
v3.23.2
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (Unaudited) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2023
Jun. 30, 2022
Jun. 30, 2023
Jun. 30, 2022
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]        
Opening balance (in shares) 48,450,000 50,500,000 48,650,000 44,750,000
Opening balance $ 1,110,603 $ 1,206,286 $ 1,118,817 $ 995,152
Net investment loss (822) (844) (1,617) (1,622)
Realized gain on investment in silver 2,477 871 5,348 948
Change in unrealized (loss) on investment in silver $ (71,724) $ (225,906) $ (77,172) $ (152,856)
Creations (in shares) 2,050,000 5,500,000 4,500,000 11,250,000
Creations $ 49,204 $ 126,094 $ 101,904 $ 264,879
Redemptions (in shares) (1,100,000) (5,700,000) (3,750,000) (5,700,000)
Redemptions $ (25,241) $ (118,775) $ (82,783) $ (118,775)
Closing balance (in shares) 49,400,000 50,300,000 49,400,000 50,300,000
Closing balance $ 1,064,497 $ 987,726 $ 1,064,497 $ 987,726
v3.23.2
Financial Highlights (Unaudited) - $ / shares
 3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2023
Jun. 30, 2022
Jun. 30, 2023
Jun. 30, 2022
Per Share Performance (for a Share outstanding throughout the entire period)        
Net asset value per Share at beginning of period $ 22.92 $ 23.89 $ 23.00 $ 22.24
Income from investment operations:        
Net investment loss (0.02) (0.02) (0.03) (0.03)
Total realized and unrealized gains or losses on investment in silver (1.35) (4.23) (1.42) (2.57)
Change in net assets from operations (1.37) (4.25) (1.45) (2.60)
Net asset value per Share at end of period $ 21.55 $ 19.64 $ 21.55 $ 19.64
Weighted average number of Shares 49,348,352 51,967,582 48,694,751 48,944,199
Expense ratio [1],[2] 0.30% 0.30% 0.30% 0.30%
Net investment loss ratio [1],[2] (0.30%) (0.30%) (0.30%) (0.30%)
Total return, net asset value [3] (5.98%) (17.79%) (6.30%) (11.69%)
[1] Annualized for periods less than one year.
[2] The expense ratio is calculated net of the voluntary waiver (refer to Note 2.7). The Gross Expense Ratio is 0.45%.
[3] Total return is not annualized.
v3.23.2
Financial Highlights (Unaudited) (Parenthetical)
 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2023
Financial Highlights Unaudited  
Gross Expense Ratio 0.45%
v3.23.2
Organization
 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2023
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Organization

1.    Organization

 

The abrdn Silver ETF Trust (the “Trust”) is a common law trust formed on July 20, 2009 (the “Date of Inception”) under New York law pursuant to a depositary trust agreement (the “Trust Agreement”) executed by abrdn ETFs Sponsor LLC (the “Sponsor”) and The Bank of New York Mellon as Trustee (the “Trustee”). The Trust holds silver  and issues abrdn Physical Silver Shares ETF (“Shares”) in minimum blocks of 50,000 Shares (also referred to as “Baskets”) in exchange for deposits of silver and distributes silver in connection with the redemption of Baskets. Shares represent units of fractional undivided beneficial interest in and ownership of the Trust which are issued by the Trust. The Sponsor is a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of abrdn Inc. abrdn Inc. is a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of abrdn plc. The Trust is governed by the Trust Agreement.

 

Effective February 28, 2023, Andrea Melia resigned as Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Sponsor. Ms. Melia had served as Principal Financial Officer of the Registrant. Effective February 28, 2023, Brian Kordeck was appointed Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Sponsor. Mr. Kordeck serves as Principal Financial Officer of the Registrant. 

 

The investment objective of the Trust is for the Shares to reflect the performance of the price of silver, less the Trust’s expenses and liabilities. The Trust is designed to provide an individual owner of beneficial interests in the Shares (a “Shareholder”) an opportunity to participate in the silver market through an investment in securities. The fiscal year end for the Trust is December 31.

 

The accompanying financial statements were prepared in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions for Form 10-Q. In the opinion of the Trust’s management, all adjustments (which consist of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position and results of operations as of June 30, 2023, and for the three and six month periods then ended have been made.

 

These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Trust’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year.
v3.23.2
Significant Accounting Policies
 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Significant Accounting Policies

2.    Significant Accounting Policies

 

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires those responsible for preparing financial statements to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Trust. 

 

2.1.    Basis of Accounting 

 

The Sponsor has determined that the Trust falls within the scope of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 946, Financial Services—Investment Companies, and has concluded that for reporting purposes, the Trust is classified as an Investment Company. The Trust is not registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and is not required to register under such act.

 

2.2.    Valuation of Silver

 

The Trust follows the provisions of ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement (“ASC 820”). ASC 820 provides guidance for determining fair value and requires increased disclosure regarding the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. 

 

The Trust’s silver is held by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”). The Trust’s silver may also be held by another firm selected by the Custodian to hold the Trust’s silver in the Trust’s allocated account in the firm’s vault premises on a segregated basis and whose appointment has been approved by the Sponsor. At June 30, 2023, none of the Trust’s silver was held by a sub-custodian.  

 

The Trust’s silver is recorded at fair value. The cost of silver is determined according to the average cost method and the fair value is based on the London Bullion Market Association (“LBMA”) Silver Price. Realized gains and losses on transfers of silver, or silver distributed for the redemption of Shares, are calculated on a trade date basis as the difference between the fair value and average cost of silver transferred.  

 

The ICE Benchmark Administration (“IBA”) conducts an electronic, over-the-counter silver auction in London, England to establish a fixing price for an ounce of silver once each trading day, which is disseminated by major market vendors (the “LBMA Silver Price”). The LBMA Silver Price is established by the LBMA-authorized bullion banks and market makers participating in the auction.

 

Once the value of  silver has been determined, the net asset value (the “NAV”) is computed by the Trustee by deducting all accrued fees, expenses and other liabilities of the Trust, including the remuneration due to the Sponsor (the “Sponsor’s Fee”), from the fair value of the silver and all other assets held by the Trust.

 

The Trust recognizes changes in fair value of the investment in silver as changes in unrealized gains or losses on investment in silver through the Statement of Operations.

 

The per Share amount of silver exchanged for a purchase or redemption is calculated daily by the Trustee using the LBMA Silver Price to calculate the silver amount in respect of any liabilities for which covering silver sales have not yet been made, and represents the per Share amount of silver held by the Trust, after giving effect to its liabilities, to cover expenses and liabilities and any losses that may have occurred.

 

Fair Value Hierarchy

 

ASC 820 establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The three levels of inputs are as follows:

 

– Level 1. Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Trust has the ability to access.

 

– Level 2. Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly. These inputs may include quoted prices for the identical instrument on an inactive market, prices for similar instruments and similar data.

 

– Level 3. Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability to the extent that relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the Trust’s own assumptions about the assumptions that a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and that would be based on the best information available.

 

To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in level 3.

 

The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

 

The Trust’s investment in silver is classified as a level 1 asset, as its value is calculated using unadjusted quoted prices from primary market sources.

 

The categorization of the Trust’s assets is as shown below:

 

(Amounts in 000’s of US$)  June 30, 2023   December 31, 2022 
Level 1          
Investment in silver  $1,064,761   $1,113,348 

 

There were no transfers between levels during the six months ended June 30, 2023 or the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

2.3.    Silver Receivable and Payable

 

Silver receivable or payable represents the quantity of silver covered by contractually binding orders for the creation or redemption of Shares respectively, where the silver has not yet been transferred to or from the Trust’s account. Generally, ownership of silver is transferred within two business days of the trade date. At June 30, 2023, the Trust had no silver receivable or payable for the creation or redemption of Shares. At December 31, 2022, the Trust had $5,749,366 of silver receivable for the creation of Shares and no silver payable for the redemption of Shares.

 

2.4.    Creations and Redemptions of Shares

 

The Trust expects to create and redeem Shares from time to time, but only in one or more Baskets (a Basket equals a block of 50,000 Shares). The Trust issues Shares in Baskets to Authorized Participants on an ongoing basis. Individual investors cannot purchase or redeem Shares in direct transactions with the Trust. An Authorized Participant is a person who (1) is a registered broker-dealer or other securities market participant such as a bank or other financial institution which is not required to register as a broker-dealer to engage in securities transactions; (2) is a participant in The Depository Trust Company; (3) has entered into an Authorized Participant Agreement with the Trustee and the Sponsor; and (4) has established an Authorized Participant Unallocated Account with the Trust’s Custodian or other silver bullion clearing bank. An Authorized Participant Agreement is an agreement entered into by each Authorized Participant, the Sponsor and the Trustee which provides the procedures for the creation and redemption of Baskets and for the delivery of the silver required for such creations and redemptions. An Authorized Participant Unallocated Account is an unallocated silver account established with the Custodian or a silver bullion clearing bank by an Authorized Participant.

 

The creation and redemption of Baskets is only made in exchange for the delivery to the Trust or the distribution by the Trust of the amount of silver represented by the Baskets being created or redeemed, the amount of which is based on the combined NAV of the number of Shares included in the Baskets being created or redeemed determined on the day the order to create or redeem Baskets is properly received.

 

Authorized Participants may, on any business day, place an order with the Trustee to create or redeem one or more Baskets. The typical settlement period for Shares is two business days. In the event of a trade date at period end, where a settlement is pending, a respective account receivable and/or payable will be recorded. When silver is exchanged in settlement of a redemption, it is considered a sale of silver for financial statement purposes.

 

The amount of silver represented by the Baskets created or redeemed can only be settled to the nearest 1/1000th of an ounce. As a result, the value attributed to the creation or redemption of Shares may differ from the value of silver to be delivered or distributed by the Trust. In order to ensure that the correct amount of silver is available at all times to back the Shares, the Sponsor accepts an adjustment to its Sponsor Fee in the event of any shortfall or excess on each transaction. For each transaction, this amount is not more than 1/1000th of an ounce of silver.

 

As the Shares of the Trust are subject to redemption at the option of Authorized Participants, the Trust has classified the outstanding Shares as Net Assets. Changes in the number of Shares outstanding are presented in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets.

 

2.5.    Income Taxes

 

The Trust is classified as a “grantor trust” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, the Trust itself will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax. Instead, the Trust’s income and expenses will “flow through” to the Shareholders, and the Trustee will report the Trust’s proceeds, income, deductions, gains, and losses to the Internal Revenue Service on that basis.

 

The Sponsor has evaluated whether or not there are uncertain tax positions that require financial statement recognition and has determined that no reserves for uncertain tax positions are required as of June 30, 2023 or December 31, 2022.

 

2.6.    Investment in Silver

 

Changes in ounces of silver and their respective values for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 are set out below:

 

   Three Months Ended
June 30, 2023		   Three Months Ended
June 30, 2022		 
(Amounts in 000’s of US$, except for ounces data)          
Ounces of silver          
Opening balance   46,509,653.6    48,622,886.3 
Creations   1,966,847.9    5,292,657.1 
Redemptions   (1,055,168.6)   (5,483,972.9)
Transfers of silver to pay expenses   (35,432.0)   (37,329.2)
Closing balance   47,385,900.9    48,394,241.3 

 

   Three Months Ended
June 30, 2023		   Three Months Ended
June 30, 2022		 
Investment in silver          
Opening balance  $1,110,883   $1,206,577 
Creations   49,204    126,094 
Redemptions   (25,241)   (118,775)
Realized gain on silver distributed for the redemption of Shares   2,404    779 
Transfers of silver to pay expenses   (838)   (893)
Realized gain on silver transferred to pay expenses   73    92 
Change in unrealized (loss) on investment in silver   (71,724)   (225,906)
Closing balance  $1,064,761   $987,968 

 

   Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2023		   Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2022		 
(Amounts in 000’s of US$, except for ounces data)          
Ounces of silver          
Opening balance   46,496,067.9    43,119,101.1 
Creations   4,558,938.0    10,828,356.5 
Redemptions   (3,599,530.1)   (5,483,972.9)
Transfers of silver to pay expenses   (69,574.9)   (69,243.4)
Closing balance   47,385,900.9    48,394,241.3 
           
Investment in silver          
Opening balance  $1,113,348   $995,405 
Creations   107,653    264,879 
Redemptions   (82,783)   (118,775)
Realized gain on silver distributed for the redemption of Shares   5,214    779 
Transfers of silver to pay expenses   (1,633)   (1,633)
Realized gain on silver transferred to pay expenses   134    169 
Change in unrealized (loss) on investment in silver   (77,172)   (152,856)
Closing balance  $1,064,761   $987,968 

 

 

2.7.    Expenses / Realized Gains / Losses

 

The primary expense of the Trust is the Sponsor’s Fee, which is paid by the Trust through in-kind transfers of silver to the Sponsor.

 

The Trust will transfer silver to the Sponsor to pay the Sponsor’s Fee that accrues daily at an annualized rate equal to 0.45% of the adjusted daily net asset value (“ANAV”) of the Trust, paid monthly in arrears.  Presently, the Sponsor is continuing to voluntarily waive a portion of its fee and reduce the Sponsor’s Fee to 0.30% (which it has done since the Date of Inception).

 

The Sponsor has agreed to assume administrative and marketing expenses incurred by the Trust, including the Trustee’s monthly fee and out of pocket expenses, the Custodian’s fee and the reimbursement of the Custodian’s expenses, exchange listing fees, United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) registration fees, printing and mailing costs, audit fees and up to $100,000 per annum in legal expenses.

 

For the three months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, the Sponsor’s Fee, net of fees waived by the Sponsor, was $822,253 and $843,504, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, the Sponsor’s Fee, net of fees waived by the Sponsor, was $1,616,831 and $1,622,086, respectively.  

 

At June 30, 2023 and at December 31, 2022, the fees payable to the Sponsor were $264,148 and $280,384, respectively.

 

As a result of the waiver, the Sponsor’s Fee waived for the three months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 was $411,127 and $421,452, respectively. The Sponsor’s Fee waived for the six months ended June 30, 2023, and 2022 was $808,416 and $811,043, respectively.

 

With respect to expenses not otherwise assumed by the Sponsor, the Trustee will, at the direction of the Sponsor or in its own discretion, sell the Trust’s silver as necessary to pay these expenses. When selling silver to pay expenses, the Trustee will endeavor to sell the smallest amounts of silver needed to pay these expenses in order to minimize the Trust’s holdings of assets other than silver. Other than the Sponsor’s Fee, the Trust had no expenses during the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022.

 

Unless otherwise directed by the Sponsor, when selling silver the Trustee will endeavor to sell at the price established by the LBMA. The Trustee will place orders with dealers (which may include the Custodian) through which the Trustee expects to receive the most favorable price and execution of orders. The Custodian may be the purchaser of such silver only if the sale transaction is made at the next LBMA Silver Price or such other publicly available price that the Sponsor deems fair, in each case as set following the sale order. A gain or loss is recognized based on the difference between the selling price and the average cost of the silver sold. Neither the Trustee nor the Sponsor is liable for depreciation or loss incurred by reason of any sale.

 

Realized gains and losses result from the transfer of silver for Share redemptions and / or to pay expenses and are recognized on a trade date basis as the difference between the fair value and average cost of silver transferred.

 

2.8.    Subsequent Events

 

In accordance with the provisions set forth in FASB ASC 855-10, Subsequent Events, the Trust’s management has evaluated the possibility of subsequent events impacting the Trust’s financial statements through the filing date. During this period, no material subsequent events requiring adjustment to or disclosure in the financial statements were identified. 

 
v3.23.2
Related Parties
 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2023
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]  
Related Parties

3.    Related Parties

 

The Sponsor and the Trustee are considered to be related parties to the Trust. The Trustee and the Custodian and their affiliates may from time to time act as Authorized Participants and purchase or sell Shares for their own account, as agent for their customers and for accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. In addition, the Trustee and the Custodian and their affiliates may from time to time purchase or sell silver directly, for their own account, as agent for their customers and for accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. The Trustee’s and Custodian’s fees are paid by the Sponsor and are not separate expenses of the Trust. 
v3.23.2
Concentration of Risk
 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2023
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]  
Concentration of Risk

4.    Concentration of Risk

 

The Trust’s sole business activity is the investment in silver, and substantially all the Trust’s assets are holdings of silver, which creates a concentration of risk associated with fluctuations in the price of silver. Several factors could affect the price of silver, including: (i) global silver supply and demand, which is influenced by factors such as forward selling by silver producers, purchases made by silver producers to unwind silver hedge positions, central bank purchases and sales, and production and cost levels in major global silver-producing countries; (ii) investors’ expectations with respect to the rate of inflation; (iii) currency exchange rates; (iv) interest rates; (v) investment and trading activities of hedge funds and commodity funds; and (vi) global or regional political, economic or financial events and situations. In addition, there is no assurance that silver will maintain its long-term value in terms of purchasing power in the future. In the event that the price of silver declines, the Sponsor expects the value of an investment in the Shares to decline proportionately. Each of these events could have a material effect on the Trust’s financial position and results of operations. 
v3.23.2
Indemnification
 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2023
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Indemnification

5.    Indemnification

 

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, the Trustee (and its directors, employees and agents) and the Sponsor (and its members, managers, directors, officers, employees and affiliates) are indemnified by the Trust against any liability, cost or expense it incurs without gross negligence, bad faith, willful misconduct or willful malfeasance on its part and without reckless disregard on its part of its obligations and duties under the Trust’s organizational documents. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred. 
v3.23.2
Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Accounting

2.1.    Basis of Accounting 

 

The Sponsor has determined that the Trust falls within the scope of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 946, Financial Services—Investment Companies, and has concluded that for reporting purposes, the Trust is classified as an Investment Company. The Trust is not registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and is not required to register under such act.
Valuation of Silver

2.2.    Valuation of Silver

 

The Trust follows the provisions of ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement (“ASC 820”). ASC 820 provides guidance for determining fair value and requires increased disclosure regarding the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. 

 

The Trust’s silver is held by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”). The Trust’s silver may also be held by another firm selected by the Custodian to hold the Trust’s silver in the Trust’s allocated account in the firm’s vault premises on a segregated basis and whose appointment has been approved by the Sponsor. At June 30, 2023, none of the Trust’s silver was held by a sub-custodian.  

 

The Trust’s silver is recorded at fair value. The cost of silver is determined according to the average cost method and the fair value is based on the London Bullion Market Association (“LBMA”) Silver Price. Realized gains and losses on transfers of silver, or silver distributed for the redemption of Shares, are calculated on a trade date basis as the difference between the fair value and average cost of silver transferred.  

 

The ICE Benchmark Administration (“IBA”) conducts an electronic, over-the-counter silver auction in London, England to establish a fixing price for an ounce of silver once each trading day, which is disseminated by major market vendors (the “LBMA Silver Price”). The LBMA Silver Price is established by the LBMA-authorized bullion banks and market makers participating in the auction.

 

Once the value of  silver has been determined, the net asset value (the “NAV”) is computed by the Trustee by deducting all accrued fees, expenses and other liabilities of the Trust, including the remuneration due to the Sponsor (the “Sponsor’s Fee”), from the fair value of the silver and all other assets held by the Trust.

 

The Trust recognizes changes in fair value of the investment in silver as changes in unrealized gains or losses on investment in silver through the Statement of Operations.

 

The per Share amount of silver exchanged for a purchase or redemption is calculated daily by the Trustee using the LBMA Silver Price to calculate the silver amount in respect of any liabilities for which covering silver sales have not yet been made, and represents the per Share amount of silver held by the Trust, after giving effect to its liabilities, to cover expenses and liabilities and any losses that may have occurred.

 

Fair Value Hierarchy

 

ASC 820 establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The three levels of inputs are as follows:

 

– Level 1. Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Trust has the ability to access.

 

– Level 2. Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly. These inputs may include quoted prices for the identical instrument on an inactive market, prices for similar instruments and similar data.

 

– Level 3. Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability to the extent that relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the Trust’s own assumptions about the assumptions that a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and that would be based on the best information available.

 

To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in level 3.

 

The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

 

The Trust’s investment in silver is classified as a level 1 asset, as its value is calculated using unadjusted quoted prices from primary market sources.

 

The categorization of the Trust’s assets is as shown below:

 

(Amounts in 000’s of US$)  June 30, 2023   December 31, 2022 
Level 1          
Investment in silver  $1,064,761   $1,113,348 

 

There were no transfers between levels during the six months ended June 30, 2023 or the year ended December 31, 2022.
Silver Receivable and Payable

2.3.    Silver Receivable and Payable

 

Silver receivable or payable represents the quantity of silver covered by contractually binding orders for the creation or redemption of Shares respectively, where the silver has not yet been transferred to or from the Trust’s account. Generally, ownership of silver is transferred within two business days of the trade date. At June 30, 2023, the Trust had no silver receivable or payable for the creation or redemption of Shares. At December 31, 2022, the Trust had $5,749,366 of silver receivable for the creation of Shares and no silver payable for the redemption of Shares.
Creations and Redemptions of Shares

2.4.    Creations and Redemptions of Shares

 

The Trust expects to create and redeem Shares from time to time, but only in one or more Baskets (a Basket equals a block of 50,000 Shares). The Trust issues Shares in Baskets to Authorized Participants on an ongoing basis. Individual investors cannot purchase or redeem Shares in direct transactions with the Trust. An Authorized Participant is a person who (1) is a registered broker-dealer or other securities market participant such as a bank or other financial institution which is not required to register as a broker-dealer to engage in securities transactions; (2) is a participant in The Depository Trust Company; (3) has entered into an Authorized Participant Agreement with the Trustee and the Sponsor; and (4) has established an Authorized Participant Unallocated Account with the Trust’s Custodian or other silver bullion clearing bank. An Authorized Participant Agreement is an agreement entered into by each Authorized Participant, the Sponsor and the Trustee which provides the procedures for the creation and redemption of Baskets and for the delivery of the silver required for such creations and redemptions. An Authorized Participant Unallocated Account is an unallocated silver account established with the Custodian or a silver bullion clearing bank by an Authorized Participant.

 

The creation and redemption of Baskets is only made in exchange for the delivery to the Trust or the distribution by the Trust of the amount of silver represented by the Baskets being created or redeemed, the amount of which is based on the combined NAV of the number of Shares included in the Baskets being created or redeemed determined on the day the order to create or redeem Baskets is properly received.

 

Authorized Participants may, on any business day, place an order with the Trustee to create or redeem one or more Baskets. The typical settlement period for Shares is two business days. In the event of a trade date at period end, where a settlement is pending, a respective account receivable and/or payable will be recorded. When silver is exchanged in settlement of a redemption, it is considered a sale of silver for financial statement purposes.

 

The amount of silver represented by the Baskets created or redeemed can only be settled to the nearest 1/1000th of an ounce. As a result, the value attributed to the creation or redemption of Shares may differ from the value of silver to be delivered or distributed by the Trust. In order to ensure that the correct amount of silver is available at all times to back the Shares, the Sponsor accepts an adjustment to its Sponsor Fee in the event of any shortfall or excess on each transaction. For each transaction, this amount is not more than 1/1000th of an ounce of silver.

 

As the Shares of the Trust are subject to redemption at the option of Authorized Participants, the Trust has classified the outstanding Shares as Net Assets. Changes in the number of Shares outstanding are presented in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets.
Income Taxes

2.5.    Income Taxes

 

The Trust is classified as a “grantor trust” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, the Trust itself will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax. Instead, the Trust’s income and expenses will “flow through” to the Shareholders, and the Trustee will report the Trust’s proceeds, income, deductions, gains, and losses to the Internal Revenue Service on that basis.

 

The Sponsor has evaluated whether or not there are uncertain tax positions that require financial statement recognition and has determined that no reserves for uncertain tax positions are required as of June 30, 2023 or December 31, 2022.
Investment in Silver

2.6.    Investment in Silver

 

Changes in ounces of silver and their respective values for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 are set out below:

 

   Three Months Ended
June 30, 2023		   Three Months Ended
June 30, 2022		 
(Amounts in 000’s of US$, except for ounces data)          
Ounces of silver          
Opening balance   46,509,653.6    48,622,886.3 
Creations   1,966,847.9    5,292,657.1 
Redemptions   (1,055,168.6)   (5,483,972.9)
Transfers of silver to pay expenses   (35,432.0)   (37,329.2)
Closing balance   47,385,900.9    48,394,241.3 

 

   Three Months Ended
June 30, 2023		   Three Months Ended
June 30, 2022		 
Investment in silver          
Opening balance  $1,110,883   $1,206,577 
Creations   49,204    126,094 
Redemptions   (25,241)   (118,775)
Realized gain on silver distributed for the redemption of Shares   2,404    779 
Transfers of silver to pay expenses   (838)   (893)
Realized gain on silver transferred to pay expenses   73    92 
Change in unrealized (loss) on investment in silver   (71,724)   (225,906)
Closing balance  $1,064,761   $987,968 

 

   Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2023		   Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2022		 
(Amounts in 000’s of US$, except for ounces data)          
Ounces of silver          
Opening balance   46,496,067.9    43,119,101.1 
Creations   4,558,938.0    10,828,356.5 
Redemptions   (3,599,530.1)   (5,483,972.9)
Transfers of silver to pay expenses   (69,574.9)   (69,243.4)
Closing balance   47,385,900.9    48,394,241.3 
           
Investment in silver          
Opening balance  $1,113,348   $995,405 
Creations   107,653    264,879 
Redemptions   (82,783)   (118,775)
Realized gain on silver distributed for the redemption of Shares   5,214    779 
Transfers of silver to pay expenses   (1,633)   (1,633)
Realized gain on silver transferred to pay expenses   134    169 
Change in unrealized (loss) on investment in silver   (77,172)   (152,856)
Closing balance  $1,064,761   $987,968 

 
Expenses / Realized Gains / Losses

2.7.    Expenses / Realized Gains / Losses

 

The primary expense of the Trust is the Sponsor’s Fee, which is paid by the Trust through in-kind transfers of silver to the Sponsor.

 

The Trust will transfer silver to the Sponsor to pay the Sponsor’s Fee that accrues daily at an annualized rate equal to 0.45% of the adjusted daily net asset value (“ANAV”) of the Trust, paid monthly in arrears.  Presently, the Sponsor is continuing to voluntarily waive a portion of its fee and reduce the Sponsor’s Fee to 0.30% (which it has done since the Date of Inception).

 

The Sponsor has agreed to assume administrative and marketing expenses incurred by the Trust, including the Trustee’s monthly fee and out of pocket expenses, the Custodian’s fee and the reimbursement of the Custodian’s expenses, exchange listing fees, United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) registration fees, printing and mailing costs, audit fees and up to $100,000 per annum in legal expenses.

 

For the three months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, the Sponsor’s Fee, net of fees waived by the Sponsor, was $822,253 and $843,504, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, the Sponsor’s Fee, net of fees waived by the Sponsor, was $1,616,831 and $1,622,086, respectively.  

 

At June 30, 2023 and at December 31, 2022, the fees payable to the Sponsor were $264,148 and $280,384, respectively.

 

As a result of the waiver, the Sponsor’s Fee waived for the three months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 was $411,127 and $421,452, respectively. The Sponsor’s Fee waived for the six months ended June 30, 2023, and 2022 was $808,416 and $811,043, respectively.

 

With respect to expenses not otherwise assumed by the Sponsor, the Trustee will, at the direction of the Sponsor or in its own discretion, sell the Trust’s silver as necessary to pay these expenses. When selling silver to pay expenses, the Trustee will endeavor to sell the smallest amounts of silver needed to pay these expenses in order to minimize the Trust’s holdings of assets other than silver. Other than the Sponsor’s Fee, the Trust had no expenses during the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022.

 

Unless otherwise directed by the Sponsor, when selling silver the Trustee will endeavor to sell at the price established by the LBMA. The Trustee will place orders with dealers (which may include the Custodian) through which the Trustee expects to receive the most favorable price and execution of orders. The Custodian may be the purchaser of such silver only if the sale transaction is made at the next LBMA Silver Price or such other publicly available price that the Sponsor deems fair, in each case as set following the sale order. A gain or loss is recognized based on the difference between the selling price and the average cost of the silver sold. Neither the Trustee nor the Sponsor is liable for depreciation or loss incurred by reason of any sale.

 

Realized gains and losses result from the transfer of silver for Share redemptions and / or to pay expenses and are recognized on a trade date basis as the difference between the fair value and average cost of silver transferred.
Subsequent Events

2.8.    Subsequent Events

 

In accordance with the provisions set forth in FASB ASC 855-10, Subsequent Events, the Trust’s management has evaluated the possibility of subsequent events impacting the Trust’s financial statements through the filing date. During this period, no material subsequent events requiring adjustment to or disclosure in the financial statements were identified. 
v3.23.2
Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)
 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
The categorization of the Trust’s assets is as shown below:

The categorization of the Trust’s assets is as shown below:

 

(Amounts in 000’s of US$)  June 30, 2023   December 31, 2022 
Level 1          
Investment in silver  $1,064,761   $1,113,348 
Changes in ounces of silver and their respective values for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 are set out below:

Changes in ounces of silver and their respective values for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 are set out below:

 

   Three Months Ended
June 30, 2023		   Three Months Ended
June 30, 2022		 
(Amounts in 000’s of US$, except for ounces data)          
Ounces of silver          
Opening balance   46,509,653.6    48,622,886.3 
Creations   1,966,847.9    5,292,657.1 
Redemptions   (1,055,168.6)   (5,483,972.9)
Transfers of silver to pay expenses   (35,432.0)   (37,329.2)
Closing balance   47,385,900.9    48,394,241.3 

 

   Three Months Ended
June 30, 2023		   Three Months Ended
June 30, 2022		 
Investment in silver          
Opening balance  $1,110,883   $1,206,577 
Creations   49,204    126,094 
Redemptions   (25,241)   (118,775)
Realized gain on silver distributed for the redemption of Shares   2,404    779 
Transfers of silver to pay expenses   (838)   (893)
Realized gain on silver transferred to pay expenses   73    92 
Change in unrealized (loss) on investment in silver   (71,724)   (225,906)
Closing balance  $1,064,761   $987,968 

 

   Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2023		   Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2022		 
(Amounts in 000’s of US$, except for ounces data)          
Ounces of silver          
Opening balance   46,496,067.9    43,119,101.1 
Creations   4,558,938.0    10,828,356.5 
Redemptions   (3,599,530.1)   (5,483,972.9)
Transfers of silver to pay expenses   (69,574.9)   (69,243.4)
Closing balance   47,385,900.9    48,394,241.3 
           
Investment in silver          
Opening balance  $1,113,348   $995,405 
Creations   107,653    264,879 
Redemptions   (82,783)   (118,775)
Realized gain on silver distributed for the redemption of Shares   5,214    779 
Transfers of silver to pay expenses   (1,633)   (1,633)
Realized gain on silver transferred to pay expenses   134    169 
Change in unrealized (loss) on investment in silver   (77,172)   (152,856)
Closing balance  $1,064,761   $987,968 
v3.23.2
Organization (Details Narrative)
 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2023
shares
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Minimum block of shares issued redeemed against silver 50,000
v3.23.2
The categorization of the Trust’s assets is as shown below: (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Jun. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Investment in silver $ 1,064,761 $ 1,113,348
v3.23.2
Changes in ounces of silver and their respective values for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 are set out below: (Details)
$ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2023
USD ($)
oz
Jun. 30, 2022
USD ($)
oz
Jun. 30, 2023
USD ($)
oz
Jun. 30, 2022
USD ($)
oz
Accounting Policies [Abstract]        
Opening balance | oz 46,509,653.6 48,622,886.3 46,496,067.9 43,119,101.1
Creations | oz 1,966,847.9 5,292,657.1 4,558,938.0 10,828,356.5
Redemptions | oz (1,055,168.6) (5,483,972.9) (3,599,530.1) (5,483,972.9)
Transfers of silver to pay expenses | oz (35,432.0) (37,329.2) (69,574.9) (69,243.4)
Closing balance | oz 47,385,900.9 48,394,241.3 47,385,900.9 48,394,241.3
Opening balance $ 1,110,883 $ 1,206,577 $ 1,113,348 $ 995,405
Creations 49,204 126,094 107,653 264,879
Redemptions (25,241) (118,775) (82,783) (118,775)
Realized gain on silver distributed for the redemption of Shares 2,404 779 5,214 779
Transfers of silver to pay expenses (838) (893) (1,633) (1,633)
Realized gain on silver transferred to pay expenses 73 92 134 169
Change in unrealized (loss) on investment in silver (71,724) (225,906) (77,172) (152,856)
Closing balance $ 1,064,761 $ 987,968 $ 1,064,761 $ 987,968
v3.23.2
Significant Accounting Policies (Details Narrative) - USD ($)
 3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2023
Jun. 30, 2022
Jun. 30, 2023
Jun. 30, 2022
Dec. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]          
Percentage of silver held by sub-custodians 0.00%   0.00%    
Silver receivable $ 0   $ 0   $ 5,749,366
Silver payable 0   $ 0   0
Minimum block of shares issued redeemed against silver     50,000    
Reserve for uncertain tax positions $ 0   $ 0   0
Annualized rate of Sponsor's Fee before waiver     0.45%    
Expense Ratio [1],[2] 0.30% 0.30% 0.30% 0.30%  
Maximum sponsor fee for legal expenses     $ 100,000    
Sponsor's Fee $ 822,253 $ 843,504 1,616,831 $ 1,622,086  
Fees payable to sponsor 264,148   264,148   $ 280,384
Sponsor's Fee waived 411,127 421,452 808,416 811,043  
All other expenses $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0  
[1] Annualized for periods less than one year.
[2] The expense ratio is calculated net of the voluntary waiver (refer to Note 2.7). The Gross Expense Ratio is 0.45%.
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