United States Brent Oil Fund, LP
For the period ended Sep 30, 2026. Filed Nov 9, 2026.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.
Sep 30, 2026 · Filed Nov 9, 2026
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-Q
Period ended 2026-06-30; filed 2026-08-07.
0001104659-26-092631
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsCurrent report: 10-Q
Period ended 2026-09-30; filed 2026-11-09.
0001104659-26-123993
Item 2. 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 118 previous paragraphs and 118 current paragraphs.
88 unchanged; 29 reworded; 1 added; 1 removed; 0 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 4 previous and 4 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 (1)
Current report
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2026 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025
Removed paragraphs (1)
Previous report
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2026 Compared to the Six Months Ended June 30, 2025
Reworded paragraphs (29)
Previous wording
The regulation of commodity interest trading in the United States and other countries is an evolving area of the law. Below are certain key regulatory requirements that are, or may be, relevant to BNO. The various statements made in this summary are subject to modification by legislative action and changes in the rules and regulations of the SEC, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), CFTC, NFA, the futures exchanges, clearing organizations and other regulatory bodies. Pending final resolution of all applicable regulatory requirements, some examples of how new rules and regulations could impact BNO are discussed in “Item 1. Business” in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.
Current wording
The regulation of commodity interest trading in the United States and other countries is an evolving area of the law. Below are certain key regulatory requirements that are, or may be, relevant to BNO. The various statements made in this summary are subject to modification by legislative action and changes in the rules and regulations of the SEC, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), CFTC, NFA, the futures exchanges, clearing organizations and other regulatory bodies. Pending final resolution of all applicable regulatory requirements, some examples of how new rules and regulations could impact BNO are discussed in “Item 1. Business” in the most recently filed 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 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 required 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 June 30, 2026, BNO held 7,452 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 six months ended June 30, 2026, 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 required 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 September 30, 2026, BNO held 6,557 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 nine months ended September 30, 2026, 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. 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 six months ended June 30, 2026, 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 nine months ended September 30, 2026, BNO did not exceed any position limits imposed by the ICE Futures or the NYMEX.
Previous wording
Brent crude oil futures prices were volatile and exhibited an uneven trend during the six months ended June 30, 2026. The price of the Benchmark Futures Contract started the period at $60.85 per barrel. The high of the period was on May 4, 2026 when the price reached $114.44 per barrel. The low for the period was on January 7, 2026, which was $59.96 per barrel. The period ended with the Benchmark Futures Contract at $72.95 per barrel, an increase of approximately 19.88% over the period. BNO’s per share NAV began the period at $28.29 and ended the period at $40.41 on June 30, 2026, an increase of approximately 42.84% over the period. The Benchmark Futures Contract prices listed above began with the March 2026 contracts and ended with the September 2026 contracts. The increase of approximately 19.88% 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 period to the end of the period, 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 nine months ended September 30, 2026. The price of the Benchmark Futures Contract started the period at $60.85 per barrel. The high of the period was on May 4, 2026 when the price reached $114.44 per barrel. The low for the period was on January 7, 2026, which was $59.96 per barrel. The period ended with the Benchmark Futures Contract at $98.03 per barrel, an increase of approximately 61.10% over the period. BNO’s per share NAV began the period at $28.29 and ended the period at $60.07 on September 30, 2026, an increase of approximately 112.34% over the period. The Benchmark Futures Contract prices listed above began with the March 2026 contracts and ended with the December 2026 contracts. The increase of approximately 61.10% 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 period to the end of the period, 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 six months ended June 30, 2026, the Brent crude oil futures market was primarily in a state 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.
Current wording
During the nine months ended September 30, 2026, 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.
Previous wording
*Results of Operations.*As of June 30, 2026, BNO had issued 13,450,000 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 September 30, 2026, BNO had issued 10,700,000 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
Average interest rates earned on short-term investments held by BNO, including cash, cash equivalents and Treasuries, were lower during the six months ended June 30, 2026, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2025. As a result, the amount of income earned by BNO as a percentage of average daily total net assets was lower during the six months ended June 30, 2026, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2025. To the degree that the aggregate yield is lower, the net expense ratio, inclusive of income, will be higher.
Current wording
Average interest rates earned on short-term investments held by BNO, including cash, cash equivalents and Treasuries, were lower during the nine months ended September 30, 2026, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2025. As a result, the amount of income earned by BNO as a percentage of average daily total net assets was lower during the nine months ended September 30, 2026, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2025. 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 six months ended June 30, 2026, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2025, was due primarily to an increase in commissions and professional fees.
Current wording
The increase in total fees and other expenses excluding management fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2026, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was due primarily to an increase in commissions and professional fees.
Previous wording
The increase in total commissions accrued to brokers for the six months ended June 30, 2026, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2025, was due primarily to a higher number of Brent Crude Oil Futures Contracts being held and traded.
Current wording
The increase in total commissions accrued to brokers for the nine months ended September 30, 2026, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was due primarily to a higher number of Brent Crude Oil Futures Contracts being held and traded.
Previous wording
The increase in total fees and other expenses excluding management fees for the three months ended June 30, 2026, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2025, was due primarily to an increase in commissions and professional fees.
Current wording
The increase in total fees and other expenses excluding management fees for the three months ended September 30, 2026, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2025, was due primarily to a increase in commissions and professional fees.
Previous wording
The increase in total commissions accrued to brokers for the three months ended June 30, 2026, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2025, was due primarily to a higher of Brent Crude Oil Futures Contracts being held and traded.
Current wording
The increase in total commissions accrued to brokers for the three months ended September 30, 2026, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2025, was due primarily to a higher number of Brent Crude Oil Futures Contracts being held and traded.
Previous wording
For the 30-valuation days ended June 30, 2026, the average daily change in price of the Benchmark Futures Contract was (1.154)%, while the average daily change in the per share NAV of BNO over the same time period was (1.145)%. The average daily difference was 0.009% (or 0.9 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
For the 30-valuation days ended September 30, 2026, the average daily change in price of the Benchmark Futures Contract was 0.490%, while the average daily change in the per share NAV of BNO over the same time period was 0.500%. The average daily difference was 0.010% (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 June 30, 2026, the average daily change in the Benchmark Futures Contract was 0.036%, while the average daily change in the per share NAV of BNO over the same time period was 0.037%. 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 September 30, 2026, the average daily change in the Benchmark Futures Contract was 0.045%, while the average daily change in the per share NAV of BNO over the same time period was 0.047%. The average daily difference was 0.002% (or 0.2 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
For the six months ended June 30, 2026, the actual total return of BNO as measured by changes in its per share NAV was 42.84%. This is based on an initial per share NAV of $28.29 as of December 31, 2025 and an ending per share NAV as of June 30, 2026 of $40.41. 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 $39.92 as of June 30, 2026, for a total return over the relevant time period of 41.10%. The difference between the actual per share NAV total return of BNO of 42.84% and the expected total return based on the Benchmark Futures Contract of 41.10% was a difference over the time period of 1.74%, 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 nine months ended September 30, 2026, the actual total return of BNO as measured by changes in its per share NAV was 112.34%. This is based on an initial per share NAV of $28.29 as of December 31, 2025 and an ending per share NAV as of September 30, 2026 of $60.07. 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 $58.96 as of September 30, 2026, for a total return over the relevant time period of 108.42%. The difference between the actual per share NAV total return of BNO of 112.34% and the expected total return based on the Benchmark Futures Contract of 108.42% was a difference over the time period of 3.92%, 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
By comparison, for the six months ended June 30, 2025, the actual total return of BNO as measured by changes in its per share NAV was (2.99)%. This was based on an initial per share NAV of $30.14 as of December 31, 2024 and an ending per share NAV as of June 30, 2025 of $29.24. 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 $28.81 as of June 30, 2025, for a total return over the relevant time period of (4.41)%. The difference between the actual per share NAV total return of BNO of (2.99)% and the expected total return based on the Benchmark Futures Contract of (4.41)% was a difference over the time period of 1.42%, 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 nine months ended September 30, 2025, the actual total return of BNO as measured by changes in its per share NAV was (0.50)%. This was based on an initial per share NAV of $30.14 as of December 31, 2024 and an ending per share NAV as of September 30, 2025 of $29.99. 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 $29.34 as of September 30, 2025, for a total return over the relevant time period of (2.66)%. The difference between the actual per share NAV total return of BNO of (0.50)% and the expected total return based on the Benchmark Futures Contract of (2.66)% was a difference over the time period of 2.16%, 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
First, BNO may buy or sell its holdings in the then current Benchmark Futures Contract at a price other than the closing settlement price of that contract on the day during which BNO executes the trade. In that case, BNO may pay a price that is higher, or lower, than the closing settlement price of the Benchmark Futures Contract, which could cause the changes in the daily per share NAV of BNO to either be higher or lower relative to the daily changes in the Benchmark Futures Contract. During the six months ended June 30, 2026, USCF attempted to minimize the effect of these transactions by seeking to execute its purchase or sale of the Benchmark Futures Contract at, or as close as possible to, the end of the day settlement price. However, it may not always be possible for BNO to obtain the settlement price and there is no assurance that failure to obtain the closing settlement price in the future will not adversely impact BNO’s attempt to track the Benchmark Futures Contract.
Current wording
First, BNO may buy or sell its holdings in the then current Benchmark Futures Contract at a price other than the closing settlement price of that contract on the day during which BNO executes the trade. In that case, BNO may pay a price that is higher, or lower, than the closing settlement price of the Benchmark Futures Contract, which could cause the changes in the daily per share NAV of BNO to either be higher or lower relative to the daily changes in the Benchmark Futures Contract. During the nine months ended September 30, 2026, USCF attempted to minimize the effect of these transactions by seeking to execute its purchase or sale of the Benchmark Futures Contract at, or as close as possible to, the end of the day settlement price. However, it may not always be possible for BNO to obtain the settlement price and there is no assurance that failure to obtain the closing settlement price in the future will not adversely impact BNO’s attempt to track 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 six months ended June 30, 2026. 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.
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 nine months ended September 30, 2026. 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 six months ended June 30, 2026, 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.
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 nine months ended September 30, 2026, 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
Historically, the Brent crude oil futures markets have experienced periods of contango and backwardation. Following the global financial crisis in the fourth quarter of 2008, the crude oil market moved into contango and remained primarily in contango until 2013. In 2014, global crude oil inventories grew rapidly after OPEC voted to defend its market share against U.S. shale-oil producers, resulting in another multi-year period during which the crude oil market remained primarily in contango. In March 2020, contango dramatically increased and reached historic levels during the economic crisis arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, related supply chain disruptions and ongoing disputes among oil producing countries over the potential limits on the production of crude oil, and a corresponding collapse in demand for crude oil and a lack of on-land storage for crude oil. This level of contango was due to significant market volatility that occurred in crude oil markets as well as futures markets. 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 the six months ended June 30, 2026, 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
Historically, the Brent crude oil futures markets have experienced periods of contango and backwardation. Following the global financial crisis in the fourth quarter of 2008, the crude oil market moved into contango and remained primarily in contango until 2013. In 2014, global crude oil inventories grew rapidly after OPEC voted to defend its market share against U.S. shale-oil producers, resulting in another multi-year period during which the crude oil market remained primarily in contango. In March 2020, contango dramatically increased and reached historic levels during the economic crisis arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, related supply chain disruptions and ongoing disputes among oil producing countries over the potential limits on the production of crude oil, and a corresponding collapse in demand for crude oil and a lack of on-land storage for crude oil. This level of contango was due to significant market volatility that occurred in crude oil markets as well as futures markets. 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 the nine months ended September 30, 2026, Brent crude oil futures were in a state of contango as measured by the difference between the front month and the second month contract.
Previous wording
Brent Crude Oil Market. During the six months ended June 30, 2026, the price of the front month Brent crude oil futures contract traded in a range between $114.44 to $59.96. Brent crude prices increased 19.84% from December 31, 2025 through June 30, 2026 to finish the quarter at $72.92.
Current wording
Brent Crude Oil Market. During the nine months ended September 30, 2026, the price of the front month Brent crude oil futures contract traded in a range between $59.96 to $118.35. Brent crude prices increased 70.14% from December 31, 2025 through September 30, 2026 to finish the quarter at $103.53.
Previous wording
The Iran war was the principal factor affecting crude oil prices during the first half of 2026. Prices for the U.S. crude oil benchmark rose to approximately $106 per barrel in early April, while Brent crude oil, the international benchmark, approached $106 per barrel in early May. Global crude oil supply exceeded demand in January and February 2026; however, supply declined materially following the outbreak of hostilities and Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply is transported. Global output continued to decline through May, reaching approximately 93.5 million barrels per day (“mbd”), compared with approximately 108.7 mbd in February, a decrease of approximately 15%. Although the reduction in supply exerted significant upward pressure on prices, forecasts of even higher crude oil prices did not fully materialize during the first half of 2026 due to several offsetting factors. These factors included: demand destruction and conservation in Asia and other regions, reduced purchases of oil by China at elevated prices and China’s increased reliance on previously accumulated inventories of oil, the rerouting of certain crude oil supplies by producers such as Saudi Arabia through pipelines to the Red Sea, and a coordinated release of strategic petroleum reserves by member countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. The U.S. also drew down its strategic petroleum reserve to 340 million barrels, the lowest level since the early 1980’s. U.S. and global commercial inventories have also drawn down to the low end of ranges that have been in place since 2015. Global crude oil supply rebounded to approximately 97.5 mbd in June as the U.S. and Iran negotiated and signed a memorandum of understanding to negotiate a permanent settlement, and some traffic through the Strait of Hormuz resumed. Subsequent events in July, however, disrupted that process. In addition to the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and the resumption of hostilities between the U.S. and Iran, the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen declared the Red Sea closed to shipping, expanding the potential supply disruption to two critical maritime chokepoints. The factors that moderated crude oil prices during the Spring of 2026 may be less effective under current conditions.
Current wording
The Iran war was the principal factor affecting crude oil futures prices during the first three quarters of 2026. Prices for the U.S. crude oil futures benchmark closed at $112.95 per barrel in early April, while Brent crude oil futures, the international benchmark, approached $120 per barrel in March and May. Prices declined in June as a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was negotiated and signed between the United States and Iran. By early July, prices for both benchmarks had reached pre-war levels. However, the terms of the MOU were quickly violated, and prices rose during the third quarter, peaking above $100 per barrel in September. Global crude oil supply exceeded demand in January and February 2026; however, supply declined materially following the outbreak of hostilities and Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply is transported. Global output continued to decline through May, reaching approximately 94.6 million barrels per day (“mbd”), compared with approximately 108.7 mbd in February, a decrease of approximately 13%. Although the reduction in supply exerted significant upward pressure on prices, forecasts of even higher crude oil prices did not fully materialize during the first half of 2026 due to several offsetting factors. These factors included: demand destruction and conservation in Asia and other regions, reduced purchases of oil by China at elevated prices and China’s increased reliance on previously accumulated inventories of oil, the rerouting of certain crude oil supplies by producers such as Saudi Arabia through pipelines to the Red Sea, and a coordinated release of strategic petroleum reserves by member countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. The U.S. also drew down its strategic petroleum reserve to 340 million barrels, the lowest level since the early 1980’s. U.S. and global commercial inventories have also drawn down to the low end of ranges that have been in place since 2015. Global crude oil supply rebounded to approximately 101.3 mbd by the end of September as some traffic through the Strait of Hormuz resumed. Globally, inventories have been reduced by over 500 million barrels of crude, OPEC production and exports are still below pre-war levels, and significant threats from Iran and the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen may continue to disrupt supply. Additionally, the factors that moderated crude oil prices during the Spring of 2026 may be less effective under current conditions. Conversely, any resolution of geopolitical conflicts could further ease supply disruptions, sanctions, and price volatility, which could lower prices.
Previous wording
U.S. crude oil production remained near record levels, averaging approximately 13.7 mbd in the second quarter of 2026. U.S. production has increased significantly over the last five years. Conversely, Bloomberg data shows that OPEC crude production dropped from 29.6 mbd in February to a low of 16.4 mbd in late spring. OPEC output had been rising prior to the war as the cartel continued to gradually unwind voluntary cuts and quotas that were established to support market prices between 2022 and 2024. 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 encouraged increased domestic production, and its actions may facilitate more drilling activity. However, U.S. drillers have shown restraint in recent years, so production may not rise as much in the future as it has in the recent past. Technology, geology, and economics tend to be significant determinants of U.S. production levels. Increased global demand for U.S. crude, if it is sustained over the long-term, could also motivate increased drilling. Other Trump administration policies have introduced uncertainty into crude oil markets, including tariffs and tariff threats. If the administration’s actions increase the risk of a global economic slowdown or recession, demand for crude oil could decline. Ongoing global tensions, with existing and potential conflicts in various regions, could increase supply disruptions, which could raise prices. Conversely, any resolution of geopolitical conflicts could further ease supply disruptions, sanctions, and price volatility, which could lower prices.
Current wording
U.S. crude oil production reached an all time high and averaged approximately 13.9 mbd in the third quarter of 2026. U.S. production has increased significantly over the last five years. Conversely, OPEC crude production dropped from 29.6 mbd in February to a low of 16.4 mbd in late spring before rebounding to 20.7 mbd by the end of September. OPEC output had been rising prior to the war as the cartel continued to gradually unwind voluntary cuts and quotas that were established to support market prices between 2022 and 2024. 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.
Previous wording
USCF has evaluated the nature and types of estimates that it makes in preparing BNO’s financial statements and related disclosures and has determined that the valuation of its investments, which are not traded on a United States or internationally recognized futures exchange (such as forward contracts and OTC swaps) involves a critical accounting policy. The values which are used by BNO for its Futures Contracts are provided by its commodity broker who uses market prices when available, while OTC swaps are valued based on the present value of estimated future cash flows that would be received from or paid to a third party in settlement of these derivative contracts prior to their delivery date and valued on a daily basis. In addition, BNO estimates interest and dividend income on a daily basis using prevailing rates earned on its cash and cash equivalents. These estimates are adjusted to the actual amount received on a monthly basis and the difference, if any, is not considered material.
Current wording
USCF has evaluated the nature and types of estimates that it makes in preparing BNO’s financial statements and related disclosures and has determined that the valuation of its investments, which are not traded on a United States or internationally recognized futures exchange (such as forward contracts and OTC swaps) involves a critical accounting policy. The values which are used by BNO for its Futures Contracts are provided by its commodity broker who uses market prices when available, while OTC swaps are valued based on the present value of estimated future cash flows that would be received from or paid to a third party in settlement of these derivative contracts prior to their delivery date and valued on a daily basis. In addition, BNO estimates interest and dividend income on a daily basis using prevailing rates earned on its cash and cash equivalents. For U.S. Treasury Obligations the effective interest method is used to estimate interest income, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, and accrued when earned. These estimates are adjusted to the actual amount received on a monthly basis and the difference, if any, is not considered material.
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 six months ended June 30, 2026, 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 six months ended June 30, 2026, BNO did not use other assets to pay 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 nine months ended September 30, 2026, 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 nine months ended September 30, 2026, 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 BNO 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 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
USCF endeavors to have the value of BNO’s Treasuries, cash and cash equivalents, whether held by BNO or posted as margin or other collateral, at all times approximate the aggregate market value of its obligations under its Futures Contracts and Other Crude Oil - Related Investments.
Current wording
USCF endeavors to have the value of BNO’s Treasuries, cash and cash equivalents, whether held by BNO or posted as margin or other collateral, at all times approximate the aggregate market value of its obligations under its Oil Futures Contracts and Other Crude Oil - Related Investments.
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 Futures Contracts. During the six months ended June 30, 2026, 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 nine months ended September 30, 2026, 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
As of June 30, 2026, BNO held cash deposits and short-term investments in the amount of $585,691,341 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 September 30, 2026, BNO held cash deposits, cash equivalents and short-term investments in the amount of $651,152,358 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 June 30, 2026, BNO’s portfolio held 7,452 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.
Current wording
As of September 30, 2026, BNO’s portfolio held 6,557 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.