United States Brent Oil Fund, LP
For the period ended Dec 31, 2025. Filed Feb 27, 2026.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2025 · Filed Feb 27, 2026
BNO$62.22-0.5%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-02-28.
0001410578-25-000240
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2025-12-31; filed 2026-02-27.
0001104659-26-021521
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 115 previous paragraphs and 119 current paragraphs.
74 unchanged; 34 reworded; 8 added; 7 removed; 0 previous and 3 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 3 previous and 3 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (8)
Current report
This annual report on Form 10-K, including this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” contains “forward-looking statements” which generally relate to future events or future performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. All statements (other than statements of historical fact) included in this annual report on Form 10-K that address activities, events or developments that will or may occur in the future, including such matters as changes in inflation in the United States, movements in the stock market, movements in U.S. and foreign currencies, and market volatility in the commodities markets and futures markets and indexes that track such movements, the Russia-Ukraine war and conflicts in the Middle East, BNO’s operations, USCF’s plans and references to BNO’s future success and other similar matters, are forward-looking statements. These statements are only predictions. Actual events or results may differ materially. These statements are based upon certain assumptions and analyses USCF has made based on its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors appropriate in the circumstances. Whether or not actual results and developments will conform to USCF’s expectations and predictions, however, is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including the special considerations discussed in this annual report on Form 10-K, general economic, market and business conditions, changes in laws or regulations, including those concerning taxes, made by governmental authorities or regulatory bodies, and other world economic and political developments. Consequently, all the forward-looking statements made in this annual report on Form 10-K are qualified by these cautionary statements, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments USCF anticipates will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will result in the expected consequences to, or have the expected effects on, BNO’s operations or the value of its shares.
Current report
Natural disasters, public health disruptions (such as the COVID-19 pandemic), and international armed conflicts could impact the price of commodities and/or the value, pricing and liquidity of BNO’s investments or assets which, in turn, could cause the loss of your investment in BNO.
Current report
Natural or environmental disasters, such as earthquakes, fires, floods, hurricanes, tsunamis and other severe weather-related phenomena generally, and widespread disease, including public health disruptions, pandemics and epidemics (for example, the COVID-19 pandemic), can be highly disruptive to economies and markets. Such events can, directly or indirectly, negatively impact, and/or cause volatility in, the price of Brent crude oil and the value, pricing and liquidity of the investments or other assets held by BNO.
Current report
Geopolitical conflict, including war and armed conflicts (such as the Russia-Ukraine war, conflicts in the Middle East, and the expansion of such conflicts in surrounding areas), sanctions, the introduction of or changes in tariffs or trade barriers, global or local recessions, and acts of terrorism, can also, directly or indirectly, negatively impact, and/or cause volatility in, the price of Brent crude oil and the value, pricing, and liquidity of the investments or other assets held by BNO.
Current report
A negative impact on, or volatility in, the price of Brent crude oil or the value, pricing and liquidity of BNO’s investments or other assets resulting from the occurrence of any of the aforementioned events, or similar events, could cause you to lose all, or substantially all, of your investment in BNO.
Current report
As inflation increases, the present value of BNO’s assets may decline.
Current report
Inflation is a general increase in the overall price level of goods and services in the economy. The United States Federal Reserve has a stated goal of maintaining a two percent increase in inflation over the long run, as measured by the annual change in the price index for personal consumption expenditures. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States experienced inflation above the Federal Reserve’s stated two-percent goal. Other world economies similarly experienced elevated inflation rates. The Federal Reserve increased interest rates and successfully reduced inflation so that it is close to the stated two percent goal. As a result, in 2024, the Federal Reserve began reducing interest rates. However, the rate of inflation in the United States is still above the stated two percent goal. Inflation has the effect of eroding the value of cash or bonds. In a high inflation environment, the value of BNO’s cash and Treasury investments may decline.
Current report
Geopolitics continue to add complexity to the supply-demand equation. Tensions and flare ups supported prices and contributed to price volatility through 2025. As an example, in June of 2025, Israel and the United States attacked Iran’s nuclear facilities, raising speculation that Iran might attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz. As approximately 20% of global petroleum consumption transits the Strait daily, this could have had a significant effect on prices. As it stands, Iran did not close the Strait, and prices fell back to the mid-$65 range after briefly topping $75. Starting off 2026, the U.S.’s latest posturing against Iran and its actions in Venezuela, as well as ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East continue to raise uncertainty about future supply. Ongoing global tensions, with existing and potential conflicts in various regions, remain a flash point for risk to crude oil supply, which could raise prices. Conversely, any resolution of geopolitical conflicts could ease supply disruptions, sanctions, and price volatility, which could lower prices.
Removed paragraphs (7)
Previous report
This annual report on Form 10-K, including this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” contains forward-looking statements regarding the plans and objectives of management for future operations. This information may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause BNO’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements. BNO believes these factors include, but are not limited to, the following: changes in inflation in the United States, movements in U.S. and foreign currencies, market volatility in the commodities markets and futures markets, in part attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic in February 2020, the Russia-Ukraine war and conflicts in the Middle East. Forward-looking statements, which involve assumptions and describe BNO’s future plans, strategies and expectations, are generally identifiable by use of the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “intend” or “project,” the negative of these words, other variations on these words or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that may be incorrect, and BNO cannot assure investors that the projections included in these forward-looking statements will come to pass. BNO’s actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors.
Previous report
Infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19 could negatively affect BNO and the valuation and performance of BNO’s investments.
Previous report
Infectious disease outbreaks like the COVID-19 pandemic may arise in the future and could adversely affect BNO and, more generally, individual issuers and capital markets, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen. For example, COVID-19 resulted in numerous deaths, travel restrictions, closed international borders, enhanced health screenings at ports of entry and elsewhere, disruption of and delays in healthcare service preparation and delivery, prolonged quarantines and the imposition of both local and more widespread “work from home” measures, cancellations, loss of employment, supply chain disruptions, and lower consumer and institutional demand for goods and services, as well as general concern and uncertainty. The COVID-19 pandemic that occurred in 2020 had a material adverse impact on local economies in the affected jurisdictions and also on the global economy, as cross border commercial activity and market sentiment were impacted by the outbreak and government and other measures seeking to contain COVID-19’s spread.
Previous report
An infectious disease outbreak may arise in the future and could have the same or similar effects as the COVID-19 pandemic, or different effects that cannot be foreseen. Moreover, as was the case with the COVID-19 pandemic, actions taken by government and quasi-governmental authorities and regulators throughout the world in response to an infectious disease outbreak, including the potential for significant fiscal and monetary policy changes, may affect the value, volatility, pricing and liquidity of some investments or other assets, including those held by or invested in by BNO. Public health crises caused by infectious disease outbreaks may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social and economic risks in certain countries or globally and their duration cannot be determined with certainty.
Previous report
The early 2020’s witnessed extraordinary events in global financial markets, and crude oil offered no exception. During the first half of 2020, simultaneous demand and supply shocks led to unparalleled risk and volatility in oil futures markets. The oil demand shock was caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the oil supply shock was caused by a Saudi-Russia price war. These twin shocks, which had never occurred at the same time before, caused several unprecedented effects. First, the front month WTI Oil Futures Contract traded at negative prices for the first and only time in history. WTI crude oil hit an all-time closing low of $(37.63) on April 20, 2020, while Brent crude reached its lowest level since the early 2000’s, closing at $19.33 on April 21, 2020. Second, annualized volatility of front month WTI crude oil futures prices reached 984% in May 2020 after averaging 25% in the first two months of 2020 and 35% in 2019. The volatility includes several record-breaking returns that occurred between March and May of 2020. Brent futures volatility also rose dramatically but peaked at a much lower 147% annualized. Third, WTI Oil Futures Contracts, which typically move together (i.e., increase or decrease) about 99% of the time, often moved in opposite directions, with daily correlation dropping to (24%). Fourth, futures curves, which can exhibit conditions known as “contango” and “backwardation” (as discussed above), moved into an extreme formation that some market experts referred to as “super contango.” This was a result of extreme bearishness in spot prices, which saw the front month WTI Oil Futures Contract detach from the rest of the futures curve and fall to an extreme position relative to later dated futures contracts. These last two effects did not occur with Brent crude oil futures, however contango did reach record levels.
Previous report
As economies reopened and OPEC+ supply cuts were absorbed by the market, WTI crude oil prices rose from all-time lows and conditions for a new bull market emerged. Bullish fundamentals for crude oil prices were already in place when Russia invaded Ukraine in February of 2022. The war led to another round of heightened volatility and higher prices. Crude oil peaked in May 2022, then declined for the remainder of the year. Since early 2023, crude oil prices have traded mostly between approximately $65 to $80, with several prominent price reversals.
Previous report
The current geopolitical situation adds complexity to the supply-demand equation. While tensions in the Middle East seem to be abating, the region remains a flash point for risk to crude oil supply. Likewise, the Russia-Ukraine war has the potential to create further supply disruptions and price volatility due to sanctions and disruptions. Finally, tariffs and other global trade dynamics could curtail the free flow of supply, potentially increasing prices.
Reworded paragraphs (34)
Previous wording
BNO has based the forward-looking statements included in this annual report on Form 10-K on information available to it on the date of this annual report on Form 10-K, and BNO assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Although BNO undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, investors are advised to consult any additional disclosures that BNO may make directly to them or through reports that BNO files in the future with the SEC, including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8- K.
Current wording
undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, investors are advised to consult any additional disclosures that BNO may make directly to them or through reports that BNO files in the future with the SEC, including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8- K.
Previous wording
BNO, a Delaware limited partnership, is a commodity pool that issues shares that may be purchased and sold on the NYSE Arca. The investment objective of BNO is for the daily changes in percentage terms of its shares’ per share NAV to reflect the daily changes, in percentage terms, of the spot price of Brent crude oil, as measured by the daily changes in the price of a specified short-term futures contract on Brent crude oil as traded on the ICE Futures Europe Exchange (the “ICE Futures”) that is the near month contract to expire, except when the near month contract is within two weeks of expiration, in which case it will be measured by the futures contract that is the next month contract to expire (the “Benchmark Futures Contract”), plus interest earned on BNO’s collateral holdings, less BNO’s expenses. “Near month contract” means the next contract traded on the ICE Futures due to expire. “Next month contract” means the first contract traded on the ICE Futures due to expire after the near month contract. BNO seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing so that the average daily percentage change in BNO’s NAV for any period of 30 successive valuation days will be within plus/minus ten percent (10%) of the average daily percentage changes in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract over the same period. As a result, investors should be aware that BNO would meet its investment objective even if there are significant deviations between changes in its daily NAV and changes in the daily price of the Benchmark Futures Contract, provided that the average daily percentage change in BNO’s NAV over 30 successive valuation days is within plus/minus ten percent (10%) of the average daily percentage change in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contracts over the same period.
Current wording
BNO, a Delaware limited partnership, is a commodity pool that issues shares that may be traded on the NYSE Arca. The investment objective of BNO is for the daily changes in percentage terms of its shares’ per share NAV to reflect the daily changes, in percentage terms, of the spot price of Brent crude oil, as measured by the daily changes in the price of a specified short-term futures contract on Brent crude oil as traded on the ICE Futures Europe Exchange (the “ICE Futures”) that is the near month contract to expire, except when the near month contract is within two weeks of expiration, in which case it will be measured by the futures contract that is the next month contract to expire (the “Benchmark Futures Contract”), plus interest earned on BNO’s collateral holdings, less BNO’s expenses. “Near month contract” means the next contract traded on the ICE Futures due to expire. “Next month contract” means the first contract traded on the ICE Futures due to expire after the near month contract. BNO seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing so that the average daily percentage change in BNO’s NAV for any period of 30 successive valuation days will be within plus/minus ten percent (10%) of the average daily percentage changes in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract over the same period. As a result, investors should be aware that BNO would meet its investment objective even if there are significant deviations between changes in its daily NAV and changes in the daily price of the Benchmark Futures Contract, provided that the average daily percentage change in BNO’s NAV over 30 successive valuation days is within plus/minus ten percent (10%) of the average daily percentage change in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contracts over the same period.
Previous wording
BNO invests primarily in futures contracts for crude oil, diesel-heating oil, gasoline, natural gas and other petroleum-based fuels that are traded on the ICE Futures, the New York Mercantile Exchange (the “NYMEX”), or other U.S. and foreign exchanges (collectively, “Futures Contracts”) and to a lesser extent, in order to comply with regulatory requirements, risk mitigation measures (including those that may be taken by BNO, BNO’s FCMs, counterparties or other market participants), liquidity requirements, or in view of market conditions, other oil-related investments such as cash-settled options on Futures Contracts, forward contracts for crude oil, cleared swap contracts and OTC swaps that are based on the price of crude oil, petroleum-based fuels, Futures Contracts and indices based on the foregoing (collectively, “Other Crude Oil-Related Investments”). For convenience and unless otherwise specified, Futures Contracts and Other Crude Oil-Related Investments collectively are referred to as “Crude Oil Interests” in this annual report on Form 10-K.
Current wording
BNO invests primarily in futures contracts for crude oil, diesel-heating oil, gasoline, natural gas and other petroleum-based fuels that are traded on the ICE Futures, the New York Mercantile Exchange (the “NYMEX”), or other U.S. and foreign exchanges (collectively, “Futures Contracts”) and to a lesser extent, in order to comply with regulatory requirements, risk mitigation measures (including those that may be taken by BNO, BNO’s FCMs, counterparties or other market participants), liquidity requirements, or in view of market conditions, other oil-related investments such as cash-settled options on Futures Contracts, forward contracts for crude oil, cleared swap contracts and OTC swaps that are based on the price of crude oil, other petroleum-based fuels, Futures Contracts and indices based on the foregoing (collectively, “Other Crude Oil-Related Investments”). For convenience and unless otherwise specified, Futures Contracts and Other Crude Oil-Related Investments collectively are referred to as “Crude Oil Interests” in this annual report on Form 10-K.
Previous wording
The accountability levels for the Benchmark Futures Contract and other Futures Contracts traded on U.S.-based futures exchanges, such as the NYMEX, are not a fixed ceiling, but rather a threshold above which the NYMEX may exercise greater scrutiny and control over an investor’s positions. The current accountability level for investments for any one-month in the Benchmark Futures Contract is 10,000 net futures contracts. In addition, the NYMEX imposes an accountability level for all months of 20,000 net futures contracts for investments in futures contracts for Brent crude oil. If BNO and the Related Public Funds exceed these accountability levels for investments in the futures contracts for oil, the NYMEX and ICE Futures will monitor such exposure and may ask for further information on their activities, including the total size of all positions, investment and trading strategy, and the extent of liquidity resources of BNO and the Related Public Funds. If deemed necessary by the NYMEX and/or ICE Futures, BNO could be ordered to reduce its aggregate net futures contracts back to the accountability level. In contrast, the position limits for the ICE Futures maintain that when 100 lots or more are traded, the activity must be reported to the exchange on a daily basis. ICE Futures also maintains that an Expiration Limit of 6,000 lots, long or short, will apply for the five business days up to and including the expiration date. As of December 31, 2024, BNO held 1,535 Futures Contracts for Brent crude oil traded on the ICE Futures Europe and did not hold any Futures Contracts for Brent crude oil traded on the NYMEX. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, BNO did not exceed accountability levels imposed by the ICE Futures Europe or the NYMEX.
Current wording
The accountability levels for the Benchmark Futures Contract and other Futures Contracts traded on U.S.-based futures exchanges, such as the NYMEX, are not a fixed ceiling, but rather a threshold above which the NYMEX may exercise greater scrutiny and control over an investor’s positions. The current accountability level for investments for any one-month in the Benchmark Futures Contract is 10,000 net futures contracts. In addition, the NYMEX imposes an accountability level for all months of 20,000 net futures contracts for investments in futures contracts for Brent crude oil. If BNO and the Related Public Funds exceed these accountability levels for investments in the futures contracts for oil, the NYMEX and ICE Futures will monitor such exposure and may ask for further information on BNO’s and the Related Public Funds’ activities, including the total size of all positions, investment and trading strategy, and the extent of liquidity resources of BNO and the Related Public Funds. If deemed necessary by the NYMEX and/or ICE Futures, BNO could be ordered to reduce its aggregate net futures contracts back to the accountability level. In contrast, the position limits for the ICE Futures maintain that when 100 lots or more are traded, the activity must be reported to the exchange on a daily basis. ICE Futures also maintains that an Expiration Limit of 6,000 lots, long or short, will apply for the five business days up to and including the expiration date. As of December 31, 2025, BNO held 1,651 Futures Contracts traded on the ICE Futures Europe and did not hold any Futures Contracts for Brent crude oil traded on the NYMEX. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, BNO did not exceed accountability levels imposed by the ICE Futures Europe or the NYMEX.
Previous wording
Position limits differ from accountability levels in that they represent fixed limits on the maximum number of futures contracts that any person may hold and cannot allow such limits to be exceeded without express CFTC authority to do so. In addition to accountability levels and position limits that may apply at any time, the NYMEX and ICE Futures impose position limits on contracts held in the last few days of trading in the near month contract to expire. It is unlikely that BNO will run up against such position limits because BNO’s investment strategy is to close out its positions and “roll” from the near month contract to expire to the next month contract beginning two weeks from expiration of the contract. For the year ended December 31, 2024, BNO did not exceed any position limits imposed by the ICE Futures or the NYMEX.
Current wording
Position limits differ from accountability levels in that they represent fixed limits on the maximum number of futures contracts that any person may hold and cannot allow such limits to be exceeded without express CFTC authority to do so. In addition to accountability levels and position limits that may apply at any time, the NYMEX and ICE Futures impose position limits on contracts held in the last few days of trading in the near month contract to expire. It is unlikely that BNO will run up against such position limits because BNO’s investment strategy is to close out its positions and “roll” from the near month contract to expire to the next month contract beginning two weeks from expiration of the contract. Investors should note that the foregoing accountability levels and position limits are subject to change, which in turn could change the amount and type of permitted investments in which BNO invests. For the year ended December 31, 2025, BNO did not exceed any position limits imposed by the ICE Futures or the NYMEX.
Previous wording
BNO may be subject to interest rate risk, which may prevent BNO from investing fully at prevailing rates until any current investments in Treasury Bills mature in order to avoid selling those investments at a loss.
Current wording
BNO may be subject to interest rate risk, which may prevent BNO from investing fully at prevailing rates until any current investments in Treasuries mature in order to avoid selling those investments at a loss.
Previous wording
Interest rate risk is the risk that fixed income securities and other investments in BNO’s portfolio will fluctuate in value because of a change in interest rates. Interest rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable, and BNO may lose money because of movements in interest rates. When interest rates rise, the value of fixed income securities typically falls. In a rising interest rate environment, BNO may not be able to fully invest at prevailing rates until any current investments in Treasury Bills mature in order to avoid selling those investments at a loss. Interest rate risk is generally lower for shorter term investments and higher for longer term investments. In addition, in risk interest rate environments, it is possible that the Treasury Bills held by BNO will decline in value. When interest rates fall, BNO may be required to reinvest the proceeds from the sale, redemption or early prepayment of a Treasury Bill or money market security at a lower interest rate.
Current wording
Interest rate risk is the risk that fixed income securities and other investments in BNO’s portfolio will fluctuate in value because of a change in interest rates. Interest rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable, and BNO may lose money because of movements in interest rates. When interest rates rise, the value of fixed income securities typically falls. In a rising interest rate environment, BNO may not be able to fully invest at prevailing rates until any current investments in Treasuries mature in order to avoid selling those investments at a loss. Interest rate risk is generally lower for shorter term investments and higher for longer term investments. In addition, in risk interest rate environments, it is possible that the Treasuries held by BNO will decline in value. When interest rates fall, BNO may be required to reinvest the proceeds from the sale, redemption or early prepayment of the Treasuries or money market security at a lower interest rate.
Previous wording
Brent crude oil futures prices were volatile and exhibited an uneven trend during the year ended December 31, 2024. The price of the Benchmark Futures Contract started the year at $77.04 per barrel. The high of the year was on April 5, 2024 when the price reached $91.17 per barrel. The low for the year was on September 10, 2024, which was $69.19 per barrel. The year ended with the Benchmark Futures Contract at $74.64 per barrel, a decrease of approximately (3.12)% over the year. BNO’s per share NAV began the year at $27.39 and ended the year at $30.14 on December 31, 2024, an increase of approximately 10.04% over the year. The Benchmark Futures Contract prices listed above began with the March 2024 contracts and ended with the March 2025 contracts. A decrease of approximately (3.12)% on the Benchmark Futures Contract listed above is a hypothetical return only and would not actually be realized by an investor holding Futures Contracts. An investment in Futures Contracts would need to be rolled forward during the time period described in order to simulate such a result. Furthermore, the change in the nominal price of these differing Futures Contracts, measured from the start of the year to the end of the year, does not represent the actual benchmark results that BNO seeks to track, which are more fully described below in the section titled “Tracking BNO’s Benchmark.”
Current wording
Brent crude oil futures prices were volatile and exhibited an uneven trend during the year ended December 31, 2025. The price of the Benchmark Futures Contract started the year at $74.64 per barrel. The high of the year was on January 15, 2025 when the price reached $82.03 per barrel. The low for the year was on December 16, 2025, which was $58.92 per barrel. The year ended with the Benchmark Futures Contract at $60.85 per barrel, a decrease of approximately (18.48)% over the year. BNO’s per share NAV began the year at $30.14 and ended the year at $28.29 on December 31, 2025, a decrease of approximately (6.14)% over the year. The Benchmark Futures Contract prices listed above began with the March 2025 contracts and ended with the March 2026 contracts. A decrease of approximately (18.48)% on the Benchmark Futures Contract listed above is a hypothetical return only and would not actually be realized by an investor holding Futures Contracts. An investment in Futures Contracts would need to be rolled forward during the time period described in order to simulate such a result. Furthermore, the change in the nominal price of these differing Futures Contracts, measured from the start of the year to the end of the year, does not represent the actual benchmark results that BNO seeks to track, which are more fully described below in the section titled “Tracking BNO’s Benchmark.”
Previous wording
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Brent crude oil futures experienced states of both contango and backwardation. When the market is in a state of contango, the near month Brent crude oil futures contract is lower than the price of the next month Brent crude oil futures contract, or contracts further away from expiration. During periods of backwardation, the near month Brent crude oil futures contract is higher than the price of the next month Brent crude oil futures contract, or contracts further away from expiration. For a discussion of the impact of backwardation and contango on total returns, see “Term Structure of Crude Oil Prices and the Impact on Total Returns” below.
Current wording
During the year ended December 31, 2025, the Brent crude oil futures experienced states of backwardation. When the market is in a state of contango, the near month Brent crude oil futures contract is lower than the price of the next month Brent crude oil futures contract, or contracts further away from expiration. During periods of backwardation, the near month Brent crude oil futures contract is higher than the price of the next month Brent crude oil futures contract, or contracts further away from expiration. For a discussion of the impact of backwardation and contango on total returns, see “Term Structure of Crude Oil Prices and the Impact on Total Returns” below.
Previous wording
Results of Operations. As of December 31, 2024, BNO had 3,800,000 shares outstanding. On January 27, 2023, the SEC declared effective a registration statement filed by BNO that registered an unlimited number of shares. As a result, BNO has an unlimited number of shares that can be issued in the form of Creation Baskets. More shares may have been issued by BNO than are outstanding due to the redemption of shares.
Current wording
Results of Operations. As of December 31, 2025, BNO had 3,550,000 shares outstanding. On January 27, 2023, the SEC declared effective a registration statement filed by BNO that registered an unlimited number of shares. As a result, BNO has an unlimited number of shares that can be issued in the form of Creation Baskets. More shares may have been issued by BNO than are outstanding due to the redemption of shares.
Previous wording
The increase in the per share NAV for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, was due primarily to higher prices for Brent crude oil and the related increase in the value of the Crude Oil Futures Contracts in which BNO held and traded.
Current wording
The decrease in the per share NAV for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to the year ended December 31, 2024, was due primarily to lower prices for Brent crude oil and the related decrease in the value of the Crude Oil Futures Contracts in which BNO held and traded.
Previous wording
Average interest rates earned on short-term investments held by BNO, including cash, cash equivalents and Treasuries, were higher during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. As a result, the amount of income earned by BNO as a percentage of average daily total net assets was higher during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. To the degree that the aggregate yield is higher, the net expense ratio, inclusive of income, will be lower.
Current wording
Average interest rates earned on short-term investments held by BNO, including cash, cash equivalents and Treasuries, were lower during the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. As a result, the amount of income earned by BNO as a percentage of average daily total net assets was lower during the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. To the degree that the aggregate yield is lower, the net expense ratio, inclusive of income, will be higher.
Previous wording
The increase in total fees and other expenses excluding management fees for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to the year ended December 31, 2023 was due primarily to an increase in professional fees.
Current wording
The decrease in total fees and other expenses excluding management fees for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to the year ended December 31, 2024 was due primarily to an decrease in professional fees.
Previous wording
The decrease in total commissions accrued to brokers for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, was due primarily to a lower number of Crude Oil Futures Contracts being held and traded.
Current wording
The decrease in total commissions accrued to brokers for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to the year ended December 31, 2024, was due primarily to the number of Crude Oil Futures Contracts being held and traded.
Previous wording
USCF seeks to manage BNO’s portfolio such that changes in its daily per share NAV, on a percentage basis, closely track the daily changes in the average price of the Benchmark Futures Contract, also on a percentage basis. Specifically, USCF seeks to manage the portfolio such that over any rolling period of 30-valuation days, the average daily change in BNO’s per share NAV is within a range of 90% to 110% (0.9 to 1.1) of the average daily change in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract. As an example, if the average daily movement of the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract for a particular 30-valuation day time period was 0.50% per day, USCF would attempt to manage the portfolio such that the average daily movement of the per share NAV during that same time period fell between 0.45% and 0.55% (i.e., between 0.9 and 1.1 of the benchmark’s results). BNO’s portfolio management goals do not include trying to make the nominal price of BNO’s per share NAV equal to the nominal price of the current Benchmark Futures Contract or the spot price for Brent crude oil. USCF believes that it is not practical to manage the portfolio to achieve such an investment goal when investing in Futures Contracts and Other Crude Oil-Related Investments.
Current wording
USCF seeks to manage BNO’s portfolio such that changes in its daily per share NAV, on a percentage basis, closely track the daily changes in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract, also on a percentage basis. Specifically, USCF seeks to manage the portfolio such that over any rolling period of 30-valuation days, the average daily change in BNO’s per share NAV is within a range of 90% to 110% (0.9 to 1.1) of the average daily change in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract. As an example, if the average daily movement of the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract for a particular 30-valuation day time period was 0.50% per day, USCF would attempt to manage the portfolio such that the average daily movement of the per share NAV during that same time period fell between 0.45% and 0.55% (i.e., between 0.9 and 1.1 of the benchmark’s results). BNO’s portfolio management goals do not include trying to make the nominal price of BNO’s per share NAV equal to the nominal price of the current Benchmark Futures Contract or the spot price for Brent crude oil. USCF believes that it is not practical to manage the portfolio to achieve such an investment goal when investing in Futures Contracts and Other Crude Oil-Related Investments.
Previous wording
For the 30-valuation days ended December 31, 2024, the average daily change in the average of the prices of the Benchmark Futures Contracts was 0.204%, while the average daily change in the per share NAV of BNO over the same time period was 0.218%. The average daily difference was 0.014% (or 1.4 basis points, where 1 basis point equals 1/100 of 1%), meaning that over this time period BNO’s NAV performed was within the plus or minus 10% range established as its benchmark tracking goal.
Current wording
For the 30-valuation days ended December 31, 2025, the average daily change in price of the Benchmark Futures Contracts was (0.128)%, while the average daily change in the per share NAV of BNO over the same time period was (0.118)%. The average daily difference was 0.01% (or 1.0 basis points, where 1 basis point equals 1/100 of 1%), meaning that over this time period BNO’s NAV performed within the plus or minus 10% range established as its benchmark tracking goal.
Previous wording
Since the commencement of the offering of BNO’s shares to the public on June 2, 2010 to December 31, 2024, the average daily change in the Benchmark Futures Contract was 0.029%, while the average daily change in the per share NAV of BNO over the same time period was 0.030%. The average daily difference was 0.001% (or 0.1 basis points, where 1 basis point equals 1/100 of 1%), meaning that over this time period BNO’s NAV performed within the plus or minus 10% range established as its benchmark tracking goal.
Current wording
Since the commencement of the offering of BNO’s shares to the public on June 2, 2010 to December 31, 2025, the average daily change in the Benchmark Futures Contract was 0.026%, while the average daily change in the per share NAV of BNO over the same time period was 0.027%. The average daily difference was 0.001% (or 0.1 basis points, where 1 basis point equals 1/100 of 1%), meaning that over this time period BNO’s NAV performed within the plus or minus 10% range established as its benchmark tracking goal.
Previous wording
By comparison, for the year ended December 31, 2023, the actual total return of BNO as measured by changes in its per share NAV was (3.08)%. This is based on an initial per share NAV of $28.26 as of December 31, 2022 and an ending per share NAV as of December 31, 2023 of $27.39. During this time period, BNO made no distributions to its shareholders. However, if BNO’s daily changes in its per share NAV had instead exactly tracked the changes in the daily total return of the Benchmark Futures Contract, BNO would have had an estimated per share NAV of $26.39 as of December 31, 2023, for a total return over the relevant time period of (6.62)% The difference between the actual per share NAV total return of BNO of (3.08)% and the expected total return based on the Benchmark Futures Contract of (6.62)% was a difference over the time period of 3.54%, which is to say that BNO’s actual total return outperformed its benchmark by that percentage. BNO incurs expenses primarily composed of the management fee, brokerage commissions for the buying and selling of futures contracts, and other expenses. The impact of these expenses, offset by interest and dividend income, and net of positive or negative execution, tends to cause daily changes in the per share NAV of BNO to track slightly lower or higher than daily changes in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract.
Current wording
For the year ended December 31, 2025, the actual total return of BNO as measured by changes in its per share NAV was (6.14)%. This is based on an initial per share NAV of $30.14 as of December 31, 2024 and an ending per share NAV as of December 31, 2025 of $28.29. During this time period, BNO made no distributions to its shareholders. However, if BNO’s daily changes in its per share NAV had instead exactly tracked the changes in the daily total return of the Benchmark Futures Contract, BNO would have had an estimated per share NAV of $27.83 as of December 31, 2025, for a total return over the relevant time period of (7.65)% The difference between the actual per share NAV total return of BNO of (6.14)% and the expected total return based on the Benchmark Futures Contract of (7.65)% was a difference over the time period of 1.51%, which is to say that BNO’s actual total return outperformed its benchmark by that percentage. BNO incurs expenses primarily composed of the management fee, brokerage commissions for the buying and selling
Previous wording
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the actual total return of BNO as measured by changes in its per share NAV was 10.04%. This is based on an initial per share NAV of $27.39 as of December 31, 2023 and an ending per share NAV as of December 31, 2024 of $30.14. During this time period, BNO made no distributions to its shareholders. However, if BNO’s daily changes in its per share NAV had instead exactly tracked the changes in the daily total return of the Benchmark Futures Contract, BNO would have had an estimated per share NAV of $28.49 as of December 31, 2024, for a total return over the relevant time period of 4.03% The difference between the actual per share NAV total return of BNO of 10.04% and the expected total return based on the Benchmark Futures Contract of 4.03% was a difference over the time period of 6.01%, which is to say that BNO’s actual total return outperformed its benchmark by that percentage. BNO incurs expenses primarily composed of the management fee, brokerage commissions for the buying and selling of futures contracts, and other expenses. The impact of these expenses, offset by interest and dividend income, and net of positive or negative execution, tends to cause daily changes in the per share NAV of BNO to track slightly lower or higher than daily changes in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract.
Current wording
By comparison, for the year ended December 31, 2024, the actual total return of BNO as measured by changes in its per share NAV was 10.04%. This is based on an initial per share NAV of $27.39 as of December 31, 2023 and an ending per share NAV as of December 31, 2024 of $30.14. During this time period, BNO made no distributions to its shareholders. However, if BNO’s daily changes in its per share NAV had instead exactly tracked the changes in the daily total return of the Benchmark Futures Contract, BNO would have had an estimated per share NAV of $28.49 as of December 31, 2024, for a total return over the relevant time period of 4.03% The difference between the actual per share NAV total return of BNO of 10.04% and the expected total return based on the Benchmark Futures Contract of 4.03% was a difference over the time period of 6.01%, which is to say that BNO’s actual total return outperformed its benchmark by that percentage. BNO incurs expenses primarily composed of the management fee, brokerage commissions for the buying and selling of futures contracts, and other expenses. The impact of these expenses, offset by interest and dividend income, and net of positive or negative execution, tends to cause daily changes in the per share NAV of BNO to track slightly lower or higher than daily changes in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract.
Previous wording
Second, BNO incurs expenses primarily composed of the management fee, brokerage commissions for the buying and selling of futures contracts, and other expenses. The impact of these expenses tends to cause daily changes in the per share NAV of BNO to track slightly lower than daily changes in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract. At the same time, BNO earns dividend and interest income on its cash, cash equivalents and Treasuries. BNO is not required to distribute any portion of its income to its shareholders and did not make any distributions to shareholders during the year ended December 31, 2024. Interest payments, and any other income, were retained within the portfolio and added to BNO’s NAV. When this income exceeds the level of BNO’s expenses for its management fee, brokerage commissions and other expenses (including ongoing registration fees, licensing fees and the fees and expenses of the independent directors of USCF), BNO will realize a net yield that will tend to cause daily changes in the per share NAV of BNO to track slightly higher than daily changes in the Benchmark Futures Contract. If short-term interest rates rise above these levels, the level of deviation created by the yield would increase. Conversely, if short-term interest rates were to decline, the amount of error created by the yield would decrease. When short-term yields drop to a level lower than the combined expenses of the management fee and the brokerage commissions, then the tracking error becomes a negative number and would tend to cause the daily returns of the per share NAV to underperform the daily returns of the Benchmark Futures Contract. USCF anticipates that interest rates may continue to stagnate over the near future. It is anticipated that fees and expenses paid by BNO may continue to be lower than interest earned by BNO. As such, USCF anticipates that BNO could possibly outperform its benchmark so long as interest earned is greater than the fees and expenses paid by BNO.
Current wording
Second, BNO incurs expenses primarily composed of the management fee, brokerage commissions for the buying and selling of futures contracts, and other expenses. The impact of these expenses tends to cause daily changes in the per share NAV of BNO to track slightly lower than daily changes in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract. At the same time, BNO earns dividend and interest income on its cash, cash equivalents and Treasuries. BNO is not required to distribute any portion of its income to its shareholders and did not make any distributions to shareholders during the year ended December 31, 2025. Interest payments, and any other income, were retained within the portfolio and added to BNO’s NAV. When this income exceeds the level of BNO’s expenses for its management fee, brokerage commissions and other expenses (including ongoing registration fees, licensing fees and the fees and expenses of the independent directors of USCF), BNO will realize a net yield that will tend to cause daily changes in the per share NAV of BNO to track slightly higher than daily changes in the Benchmark Futures Contract. If short-term interest rates rise above these levels, the level of deviation created by the yield would increase. Conversely, if short-term interest rates were to decline, the amount of error created by the yield would decrease. When short-term yields drop to a level lower than the combined expenses of the management fee and the brokerage commissions, then the tracking error becomes a negative number and would tend to cause the daily returns of the per share NAV to underperform the daily returns of the Benchmark Futures Contract. USCF anticipates that interest rates may continue to stagnate over the near future. It is anticipated that fees and expenses paid by BNO may be lower than interest earned by BNO. As such, USCF anticipates that BNO could possibly outperform its benchmark so long as interest earned is greater than the fees and expenses paid by BNO.
Previous wording
Third, BNO may hold Other Crude Oil-Related Investments in its portfolio that may fail to closely track the Benchmark Futures Contract’s total return movements. In that case, the error in tracking the Benchmark Futures Contract could result in daily changes in the per share NAV of BNO that are either too high, or too low, relative to the daily changes in the Benchmark Futures Contract. During the year ended December 31, 2024, BNO did not hold any Other Crude Oil-Related Investments. If BNO increases in size, and due to its obligations to comply with market conditions, regulatory limits, and risk mitigation measures imposed by its FCMs, BNO may invest in Other Crude Oil-Related Investments, such as OTC swaps, which may have the effect of increasing transaction related expenses and may result in increased tracking error. OTC swaps increase transaction-related expenses due to the fact that BNO must pay to the swap counterparty certain fees that BNO does not have to pay for transactions executed on exchange.
Current wording
Third, BNO may hold Other Crude Oil-Related Investments in its portfolio that may fail to closely track the Benchmark Futures Contract’s total return movements. In that case, the error in tracking the Benchmark Futures Contract could result in daily changes in the per share NAV of BNO that are either too high, or too low, relative to the daily changes in the Benchmark Futures Contract. During the year ended December 31, 2025, BNO did not hold any Other Crude Oil-Related Investments. If BNO increases in size, and due to its obligations to comply with market conditions, regulatory limits, and risk mitigation measures imposed by its FCMs, BNO may invest in Other Crude Oil-Related Investments, such as OTC swaps, which may have the effect of increasing transaction related expenses and may result in increased tracking error. OTC swaps increase transaction-related expenses due to the fact that BNO must pay to the swap counterparty certain fees that BNO does not have to pay for transactions executed on an exchange.
Previous wording
Term Structure of Crude Oil Futures Prices and the Impact on Total Returns. Several factors determine the total return from investing in futures contracts. One factor arises from “rolling” futures contracts that will expire at the end of the current month (the “near” or “front” month contract) forward each month prior to expiration. For a strategy that entails holding the near month contract, the price relationship between that futures contract and the next month futures contract will impact returns. For example, if the price of the near month futures contract is higher than the next futures month contract (a situation referred to as “backwardation”), then absent any other change, the price of a next month futures contract tends to rise in value as it becomes the near month futures contract and approaches expiration. Conversely, if the price of a near month futures contract is lower than the next month futures contract (a situation referred to as “contango”), then absent any other change, the price of a next month futures contract tends to decline in value as it becomes the near month futures contract and approaches expiration.
Current wording
relationship between that futures contract and the next month futures contract will impact returns. For example, if the price of the near month futures contract is higher than the next futures month contract (a situation referred to as “backwardation”), then absent any other change, the price of a next month futures contract tends to rise in value as it becomes the near month futures contract and approaches expiration. Conversely, if the price of a near month futures contract is lower than the next month futures contract (a situation referred to as “contango”), then absent any other change, the price of a next month futures contract tends to decline in value as it becomes the near month futures contract and approaches expiration.
Previous wording
The chart below compares the daily price of the near month Brent crude oil futures contract to the price of 13 th month Brent crude oil futures contract (i.e., a contract one year forward) over the last 10 years. When the price of the near month futures contract is higher than the price of the 13 th month futures contract, the market would be described as being in backwardation. When the price of the near month futures contract is lower than the 13 th month futures contract, the market would be described as being in contango. Although the price of the near month futures contract and the price of the 13 th month futures contract tend to move together, it can be seen that at times the near month futures contract prices are higher than the 13 th month futures contract prices (backwardation) and, at other times, the near month futures contract prices are lower than the 13 th month futures contract prices (contango).
Current wording
The chart below compares the daily price of the near month Brent crude oil futures contract to the price of the 13 th month Brent crude oil futures contract (i.e., a contract one year forward) over the last 10 years. When the price of the near month futures contract is higher than the price of the 13 th month futures contract, the market would be described as being in backwardation. When the price of the near month futures contract is lower than the 13 th month futures contract, the market would be described as being in contango. Although the price of the near month futures contract and the price of the 13 th month futures contract tend to move together, it can be seen that at times the near month futures contract prices are higher than the 13 th month futures contract prices (backwardation) and, at other times, the near month futures contract prices are lower than the 13 th month futures contract prices (contango).
Previous wording
Crude oil prices collapsed in the wake of the COVID-19 demand shock, which reduced global petroleum consumption, and the price war launched by Saudi Arabia at the beginning of March 2020 in response to Russia’s unwillingness to participate in extending previously agreed upon supply cuts. An estimated twenty million barrels a day of crude demand evaporated as a result of quarantines and massive drops in industrial and manufacturing activity. Eventually, the United States, OPEC, Russia, and other oil producers around the world agreed to a historic 9.7 million barrel per day cut to crude supply. The supply cut along with the partial reopening of economies during the third quarter of 2020 reduced some of the unprecedented volatility that oil markets experienced in the Spring 2020. Likewise, contango returned to moderate levels in May of 2020. During year ended December 31, 2024, Brent crude oil futures were in a state of backwardation as measured by the difference between the front month and the second month contract.
Current wording
Crude oil prices collapsed in the wake of the COVID-19 demand shock, which reduced global petroleum consumption, and the price war launched by Saudi Arabia at the beginning of March 2020 in response to Russia’s unwillingness to participate in extending previously agreed upon supply cuts. An estimated twenty million barrels a day of crude demand evaporated as a result of quarantines and massive drops in industrial and manufacturing activity. Eventually, the United States, OPEC, Russia, and other oil producers around the world agreed to a historic 9.7 million barrel per day cut to crude supply. The supply cut along with the partial reopening of economies during the third quarter of 2020 reduced some of the unprecedented volatility that oil markets experienced in the Spring of 2020. Likewise, contango returned to moderate levels in May of 2020. During year ended December 31, 2025, Brent oil futures were in a state of backwardation as measured by the difference between the front month and the second month contract.
Previous wording
Periods of contango or backwardation have not materially impacted BNO’s investment objective of having the daily percentage changes in its per share NAV track the daily percentage changes in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract. This is because since the impact of backwardation and contango tended to equally impact the daily percentage changes in price of both BNO’s shares and the Benchmark Futures Contract. It is impossible to predict with any degree of certainty whether backwardation or contango will occur in the future. It is likely that both conditions will occur during different periods.
Current wording
Periods of contango or backwardation have not materially impacted BNO’s investment objective of having the daily percentage changes in its per share NAV track the daily percentage changes in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract. This is because the impact of backwardation and contango tended to equally impact the daily percentage changes in price of both BNO’s shares and the Benchmark Futures Contract. It is impossible to predict with any degree of certainty whether backwardation or contango will occur in the future. It is likely that both conditions will occur during different periods.
Previous wording
Brent Crude Oil Market. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the price of the front month Brent crude oil future contract traded in a range between $69.19 to $91.17. Brent crude prices decreased (3.12)% from December 31, 2023 through December 31, 2024 to finish the year at $74.64.
Current wording
Brent Crude Oil Market. During the year ended December 31, 2025, the price of the front month Brent crude oil futures contract traded in a range between $58.92 to $82.03. Brent crude declined (18.48)% from December 31, 2024 through December 31, 2025 to finish the year at $60.85.
Previous wording
In the fourth quarter of 2024, U.S. crude oil production averaged 13.5 mbd. U.S. production has risen since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. OPEC crude production has mostly declined since late 2022 as the cartel has supported prices with voluntary output cuts. Globally, the U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that crude oil supply will slightly exceed demand in 2025 by 0.3 mbd, while the International Energy Agency expects a 0.7 mbd supply surplus. Russia and OPEC have still not returned to pre-pandemic production levels, while the U.S. has become the world’s largest crude oil producing nation and other oil producing nations have also increased their output. OPEC has fiercely supported prices with voluntary cuts and production quotas over the last several years. The cartel announced plans to begin unwinding voluntary cuts and increasing quotas in 2024, but delayed and made adjustments to these plans several times. OPEC may continue to restrict production if conditions warrant. However, pressure from the Trump administration may tip the scales in favor of those in the cartel who wish to increase production sooner than later. If OPEC’s strategic focus shifts from price support to market share defense, prices could come under pressure. Even if OPEC continues to postpone the unwinding of its cuts and voluntary quotas, any sluggishness in the global economy could weigh on prices. In the U.S., the Trump administration has aggressively called for increased domestic production and its actions have and will make more drilling possible. However, U.S. drillers have shown restraint in recent years, and it is likely that ongoing growth in U.S. production will continue along the same trajectory. Technology, geology, and economics tend to be larger determinants of U.S. production levels than political policy.
Current wording
In 2025, growing supplies weighed on crude oil prices. Supply exceeded demand throughout the year and the gap between output and consumption widened significantly from 0.6 mbd excess supply at the end of 2024 to 2.8 mbd by the end of 2025. U.S. crude oil production averaged 13.5 mbd. U.S. production rose significantly over the last five years. OPEC crude production declined from late 2022 through the third quarter of 2024 as the cartel supported prices with overall quotas and voluntary output cuts by certain countries, particularly Saudi Arabia. OPEC output rose from approximately 27.5 mbd to 29.0 mbd during 2025 but remained below pre- and post-pandemic highs. The cartel announced plans to begin unwinding voluntary cuts and increasing quotas in 2024 and began to do so after delaying and adjusting these plans several times. While OPEC steadily increased output several times in 2025, it also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining oil market stability and retains the flexibility to change plans as market conditions warrant. Nevertheless, the long-expected and repeatedly delayed reduction of quotas and voluntary cuts is finally underway. While not a complete policy reversal, the “OPEC put” which kept a floor on prices over the last several years has likely moved lower. Russia and OPEC have still not returned to pre-pandemic production levels, while the U.S. has become the world’s largest crude oil producing nation and other oil producing nations have also increased their output. In the U.S., the Trump administration has aggressively called for increased domestic production, and its actions have and will continue to make more drilling possible. However, U.S. drillers have shown restraint in recent years, and production may not rise as much in the future as it has in the recent past. Technology, geology, and economics tend to be larger determinants of U.S. production levels than political policy. Other Trump administration policies have introduced uncertainty into crude oil markets, including on-and-off tariffs and tariff threats. The overall impact of the administration’s actions could increase the risk of a global economic slowdown or recession, which would reduce demand for crude oil.
Previous wording
The comparison of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 can be found in BNO’sannual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 located within Part II,Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, which is incorporated by reference herein.
Current wording
The comparison of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 can be found in BNO’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 located within Part II,Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, which is incorporated by reference herein.
Previous wording
BNO currently generates cash primarily from: (i) the sale of baskets consisting of 50,000 shares (“Creation Baskets”) and (ii) income earned on Treasuries, cash and/or cash equivalents. BNO has allocated substantially all of its net assets to trading in Crude Oil Interests. BNO invests in Crude Oil Interests to the fullest extent possible without being leveraged or unable to satisfy its current or potential margin or collateral obligations with respect to its investments in Futures Contracts and Other Crude Oil-Related Investments. A significant portion of BNO’s NAV is held in cash and cash equivalents that are used as margin and as collateral for its trading in Crude Oil Interests. The balance of the assets is held in BNO’s account at its custodian bank and in investments in money market funds and Treasuries at the FCMs. Income received from BNO’s investments in money market funds and Treasuries is paid to BNO. During the year ended December 31, 2024, BNO’s expenses did not exceed the income BNO earned and the cash earned from the sale of Creation Baskets and the redemption of Redemption Baskets. During the year ended December 31, 2024, BNO did not use other assets to expenses. To the extent income exceeds expenses, BNO’s NAV will be positively impacted.
Current wording
BNO currently generates cash primarily from: (i) the sale of baskets consisting of 50,000 shares (“Creation Baskets”) and (ii) income earned on Treasuries, cash and/or cash equivalents. BNO has allocated substantially all of its net assets to trading in Crude Oil Interests. BNO invests in Crude Oil Interests to the fullest extent possible without being leveraged or unable to satisfy its current or potential margin or collateral obligations with respect to its investments in Futures Contracts and Other Crude Oil-Related Investments. A significant portion of BNO’s NAV is held in cash and cash equivalents that are used as margin and as collateral for its trading in Crude Oil Interests. The balance of the assets is held in BNO’s account at its custodian bank and in investments in money market funds and Treasuries at the FCMs. Income received from BNO’s investments in money market funds and Treasuries is paid to BNO.During the year ended December 31, 2025, BNO’s expenses did not exceed the income BNO earned and the cash earned from the sale of Creation Baskets and the redemption of Redemption Baskets. During the year ended December 31, 2025, BNO did not use other assets to pay expenses. To the extent income exceeds expenses, BNO’s NAV will be positively impacted.
Previous wording
Although permitted to do so under its LP Agreement, BNO has not leveraged, and does not intend to leverage, its assets through borrowings or otherwise, and makes its investments accordingly. Consistent with the foregoing, BNO’s investments will take into account the need for BNO to maintain adequate liquidity to meet its margin and collateral requirements and to avoid, to the extent reasonably possible, BNO becoming leveraged. If market conditions require it, these risk reduction procedures, including changes to BNO’s investments, may occur on short notice.
Current wording
Although permitted to do so under its LP Agreement, BNO has not leveraged, and does not intend to leverage, its assets through borrowings or otherwise, and makes BNO its investments accordingly. Consistent with the foregoing, BNO’s investments will take into account the need for BNO to maintain adequate liquidity to meet its margin and collateral requirements and to avoid, to the extent reasonably possible, BNO becoming leveraged. If market conditions require it, these risk reduction procedures, including changes to BNO’s investments, may occur on short notice.
Previous wording
BNO’s investments in Crude Oil Interests may be subject to periods of illiquidity because of market conditions, regulatory considerations and other reasons. For example, most commodity exchanges limit the fluctuations in futures contracts prices during a single day by regulations referred to as “daily limits.” During a single day, no trades may be executed at prices beyond the daily limit. Once the price of a futures contract has increased or decreased by an amount equal to the daily limit, positions in the contracts can neither be taken nor liquidated unless the traders are willing to effect trades at or within the specified daily limit. Such market conditions could prevent BNO from promptly liquidating its positions in Oil Futures Contracts. During the year ended December 31, 2024, BNO did not purchase or liquidate any of its positions while daily limits were in effect; however, BNO cannot predict whether such an event may occur in the future.
Current wording
BNO’s investments in Crude Oil Interests may be subject to periods of illiquidity because of market conditions, regulatory considerations and other reasons. For example, most commodity exchanges limit the fluctuations in futures contracts prices during a single day by regulations referred to as “daily limits.” During a single day, no trades may be executed at prices beyond the daily limit. Once the price of a futures contract has increased or decreased by an amount equal to the daily limit, positions in the contracts can neither be taken nor liquidated unless the traders are willing to effect trades at or within the specified daily limit. Such market conditions could prevent BNO from promptly liquidating its positions in Futures Contracts. During the year ended December 31, 2025, BNO did not purchase or liquidate any of its positions while daily limits were in effect; however, BNO cannot predict whether such an event may occur in the future.
Previous wording
USCF attempts to manage the credit risk of BNO by following various trading limitations and policies. In particular, BNO generally posts margin and/or holds liquid assets that are approximately equal to the market value of its obligations to counterparties under the Oil Futures Contracts and Other Crude Oil-Related Investments it holds. USCF has implemented procedures that include, but are not limited to, executing and clearing trades only with creditworthy parties and/or requiring the posting of collateral or margin by such parties for the benefit of BNO to limit its credit exposure. An FCM, when acting on behalf of BNO in accepting orders to purchase or sell Oil Futures Contracts on United States exchanges, is required by CFTC regulations to separately account for and segregate as belonging to BNO, all assets of BNO relating to domestic Oil Futures Contracts trading. These FCMs are not allowed to commingle BNO’s assets with their other assets. In addition, the CFTC requires FCMs to hold in a secure account BNO’s assets related to foreign Futures Contracts.
Current wording
USCF attempts to manage the credit risk of BNO by following various trading limitations and policies. In particular, BNO generally posts margin and/or holds liquid assets that are approximately equal to the market value of its obligations to counterparties under the Futures Contracts and Other Crude Oil-Related Investments it holds. USCF has implemented procedures that include, but are not limited to, executing and clearing trades only with creditworthy parties and/or requiring the posting of collateral or margin by such parties for the benefit of BNO to limit its credit exposure. An FCM, when acting on behalf of BNO in accepting orders to purchase or sell Futures Contracts on United States exchanges, is required by CFTC regulations to separately account for and segregate as belonging to BNO, all assets of BNO relating to domestic Futures Contracts trading. These FCMs are not allowed to commingle BNO’s assets with their other assets. In addition, the CFTC requires FCMs to hold in a secure account BNO’s assets related to foreign Futures Contracts.
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2024, BNO held cash deposits and investments in Treasuries and money market funds in the amount of $111,818,839 with the custodian and FCMs. Some or all of these amounts held by a custodian or an FCM, as applicable, may be subject to loss should BNO’s custodian or FCMs, as applicable, cease operations.
Current wording
As of December 31, 2025, BNO held cash deposits and short-term investments in the amount of $98,086,646 with the custodian and FCMs. Some or all of these amounts held by a custodian or an FCM, as applicable, may be subject to loss should BNO’s custodian or FCMs, as applicable, cease operations.
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2024, BNO held 1,535 Futures Contracts for Brent crude oil traded on the ICE Futures Europe and did not hold any Futures Contracts for Brent crude oil traded on the NYMEX. For a list of BNO’s current holdings, please see BNO’s website at www.uscfinvestments.com. The end of day portfolio disclosed on BNO’s website would reflect any investments in Futures Contracts beyond the Benchmark Futures Contract, and/or Other Crude Oil-Related Investments, including any made in light of market conditions, regulatory requirements, risk mitigation measures (including those that may be taken by BNO, BNO’s FCMs, counterparties or other market participants), liquidity requirements, or other factors. Independent of the BNO website, BNO may make available portfolio holdings information to Authorized Participants that reflects BNO’s anticipated holdings.
Current wording
As of December 31, 2025, BNO held 1,651 Futures Contracts for Brent crude oil traded on the ICE Futures Europe and did not hold any Futures Contracts for Brent crude oil traded on the NYMEX. For a list of BNO’s current holdings, please see BNO’s website at www.uscfinvestments.com. The end of day portfolio disclosed on BNO website would reflect any investments in Futures Contracts beyond the Benchmark Futures Contract, and/or Other Crude Oil-Related Investments, including any made in light of market conditions, regulatory requirements, risk mitigation measures (including those that may be taken by BNO, BNO’s FCMs, counterparties or other market participants), liquidity requirements, or other factors. Independent of the BNO website, BNO may make available portfolio holdings information to Authorized Participants that reflects BNO’s anticipated holdings.
Rearranged current paragraphs (3)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
BNO has based the forward-looking statements included in this annual report on Form 10-K on information available to it on the date of this annual report on Form 10-K, and BNO assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Although BNO
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
of futures contracts, and other expenses. The impact of these expenses, offset by interest and dividend income, and net of positive or negative execution, tends to cause daily changes in the per share NAV of BNO to track slightly lower or higher than daily changes in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Term Structure of Crude Oil Futures Prices and the Impact on Total Returns. Several factors determine the total return from investing in futures contracts. One factor arises from “rolling” futures contracts that will expire at the end of the current month (the “near” or “front” month contract) forward each month prior to expiration. For a strategy that entails holding the near month contract, the price