United States 12 Month Oil Fund LP
For the period ended Sep 30, 2024. Filed Nov 8, 2024.
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, 2024 · Filed Nov 8, 2024
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-Q
Period ended 2024-06-30; filed 2024-08-08.
0001410578-24-001231
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsCurrent report: 10-Q
Period ended 2024-09-30; filed 2024-11-08.
0001410578-24-001823
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 135 previous paragraphs and 139 current paragraphs.
94 unchanged; 36 reworded; 2 added; 2 removed; 3 previous and 7 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 (2)
Current report
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Current report
The imminent U.S. presidential election may impact prices, though the president’s influence is more limited than either candidate conveys. The election could briefly affect investor sentiment, but fundamental energy market changes will depend on enacted policies, not campaign promises. Ultimately, any administration’s energy policy is constrained by various factors and external variables like a recession or OPEC policy typically have more impact.
Removed paragraphs (2)
Previous report
An outbreak of infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus known as COVID-19 was first detected in China in December 2019 and spread globally.
Previous report
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 Compared to the Six Months Ended June 30, 2023
Reworded paragraphs (36)
Previous wording
This quarterly report on Form 10-Q, 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 USL’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements. USL 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 crude oil 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 each USL’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 USL cannot assure investors that the projections included in these forward-looking statements will come to pass. USL’s actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors.
Current wording
This quarterly report on Form 10-Q, 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 USL’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements. USL 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 crude oil 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 USL’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 USL cannot assure investors that the projections included in these forward-looking statements will come to pass. USL’s actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors.
Previous wording
USL, a Delaware limited partnership, is a commodity pool that issues shares that are traded on the NYSE Arca. The investment objective of USL 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 light, sweet crude oil delivered to Cushing, Oklahoma, as measured by the daily changes in the average of the prices of 12 futures contracts for light, sweet crude oil traded on the NYMEX that is the near month contract to expire and the contracts for the following 11 months for a total of 12 consecutive months’ contracts, 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 and the contracts for the following 11 consecutive months, (the “Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts”), plus interest earned on USL’s collateral holdings, less USL’s expenses. “Near month contract” means the next contract traded on the NYMEX due to expire. “Next month contract” means the first contract traded on the NYMEX due to expire after the near month contract. When calculating the daily movement of the average price of the 12 contracts, each contract month is equally weighted. USL seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing so that the average daily percentage in USL’s NAV for any period of 30 successive valuation days will be within plus/minus ten percent (10%) of the average daily percentage change in the price of the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts over the same period. As a result, USL would meet its investment objective even if there are significant deviations between changes in its daily NAV and changes in the daily prices of the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts, provided that the average daily percentage change in USL’s NAV over 30 successive valuation days is within plus/minus ten percent (10%) of the average daily percentage change in the prices of the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts over the same period.
Current wording
USL, a Delaware limited partnership, is a commodity pool that issues shares that are traded on the NYSE Arca. The investment objective of USL 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 light, sweet crude oil delivered to Cushing, Oklahoma, as measured by the daily changes in the average of the prices of 12 futures contracts for light, sweet crude oil traded on the NYMEX that is the near month contract to expire and the contracts for the following 11 months for a total of 12 consecutive months’ contracts, 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 and the contracts for the following 11 consecutive months, (the “Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts”), plus interest earned on USL’s collateral holdings, less USL’s expenses. “Near month contract” means the next contract traded on the NYMEX due to expire. “Next month contract” means the first contract traded on the NYMEX due to expire after the near month contract. When calculating the daily movement of the average price of the 12 contracts, each contract month is equally weighted. USL seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing so that the average daily percentage in USL’s NAV for any period of 30 successive valuation days will be within plus/minus ten percent (10%) of the average daily percentage change in the price of the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts over the same period. As a result, investors should be aware that USL would meet its investment objective even if there are significant deviations between changes in its daily NAV and changes in the daily prices of the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts, provided that the average daily percentage change in USL’s NAV over 30 successive valuation days is within plus/minus ten percent (10%) of the average daily percentage change in the prices of the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts over the same period.
Previous wording
As of June 30, 2024, USL held 835 futures contracts for light, sweet crude oil traded on the NYMEX and did not hold any Oil Futures Contracts traded on the ICE Futures. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, USL did not exceed the accountability levels imposed by the NYMEX or ICE Futures, however, the aggregated total of certain of the Related Public Funds did exceed the accountability levels. No action was taken by NYMEX and USL did not reduce the number of Oil Futures Contracts held as a result.
Current wording
As of September 30, 2024, USL held 802 futures contracts for light, sweet crude oil traded on the NYMEX and did not hold any Oil Futures Contracts traded on the ICE Futures. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, USL did not exceed the accountability levels imposed by the NYMEX or ICE Futures, however, the aggregated total of certain of the Related Public Funds did exceed the accountability levels. No action was taken by NYMEX and USL did not reduce the number of Oil Futures Contracts held as a result.
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 USL will run up against such position limits because USL’s investment strategy is to close out its positions and “roll” from the near month contract to expire and the eleven following months to the next month contract to expire and the eleven following months during a one day each month. The foregoing accountability levels and position limits are subject to change. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, USL did not exceed any position limits.
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 USL will run up against such position limits because USL’s investment strategy is to close out its positions and “roll” from the near month contract to expire and the eleven following months to the next month contract to expire and the eleven following months during a one day each month. The foregoing accountability levels and position limits are subject to change. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, USL did not exceed any position limits.
Previous wording
Part 150 of the CFTC’s regulations (the “Position Limits Rule”) establishes federal position limits for 25 core referenced futures contracts (comprised of agricultural, energy and metals futures contracts), futures and options linked to the core referenced futures contracts, and swaps that are economically equivalent to the core referenced futures contracts that all market participants must comply with, with certain exemptions. Certain of the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts are subject to position limits under the Position Limits Rule, and USL’s trading does not qualify for an exemption therefrom. Accordingly, the Position Limits Rule could inhibit USL’s ability to invest in the relevant Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts and thereby could negatively impact the ability of USL to meet its investment objective.
Current wording
Part 150 of the CFTC’s regulations (the “Position Limits Rule”) establishes federal position limits for 25 core referenced futures contracts (comprised of agricultural, energy and metals futures contracts), futures and options linked to the core referenced futures contracts, and swaps that are economically equivalent to the core referenced futures contracts that all market participants must comply with, with certain exemptions. Certain of the Benchmark Futures Oil Contracts are subject to position limits under the Position Limits Rule, and USL’s trading does not qualify for an exemption therefrom. Accordingly, the Position Limits Rule could inhibit USL’s ability to invest in the relevant Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts and thereby could negatively impact the ability of USL to meet its investment objective.
Previous wording
Infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19 could negatively affect the valuation and performance of USL’s investments.
Current wording
Infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19 could negatively affect USL and the valuation and performance of USL’s investments.
Previous wording
In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic. 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 spread of COVID-19 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 its spread. COVID-19 had a material adverse impact on the crude oil markets and oil futures markets to the extent economic activity and the use of crude oil continues to be curtailed, which in turn had a significant adverse effect on the prices of Oil Futures Contracts, including the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts, and Other Oil-Related Investments. Infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19 may arise in the future and could adversely affect individual issuers and capital markets in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen. In addition, actions taken by government and quasi-governmental authorities and regulators throughout the world in response to such an 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 USL. 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.
Current wording
Infectious disease outbreaks like the COVID-19 pandemic may arise in the future and could adversely affect USL 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 wording
USL invests in government money market funds. Although such government money market funds seek to preserve the value of an investment at $1.00 per share, there is no guarantee that they will be able to do so and USL may lose money by investing in a government money market fund. An investment in a government money market fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”), or any other government agency. The share price of a government money market fund can fall below the $1.00 share price. USL cannot rely on or expect a government money market fund’s adviser or its affiliates to enter into support agreements or take other actions to maintain the government money market fund’s $1.00 share price. The credit quality of a government money market fund’s holdings can change rapidly in certain markets, and the default of a single holding could have an adverse impact on the government money market fund’s share price. Due to fluctuations in interest rates, the market value of securities held by a government money market fund may vary. A government money market fund’s share price can also be negatively affected during periods of high redemption pressures and/or illiquid markets.
Current wording
money market fund. An investment in a government money market fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”), or any other government agency. The share price of a government money market fund can fall below the $1.00 share price. USL cannot rely on or expect a government money market fund’s adviser or its affiliates to enter into support agreements or take other actions to maintain the government money market fund’s $1.00 share price. The credit quality of a government money market fund’s holdings can change rapidly in certain markets, and the default of a single holding could have an adverse impact on the government money market fund’s share price. Due to fluctuations in interest rates, the market value of securities held by a government money market fund may vary. A government money market fund’s share price can also be negatively affected during periods of high redemption pressures and/or illiquid markets.
Previous wording
Crude oil futures prices were volatile during the six months ended June 30, 2024. The average price of the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts started the period at $71.39 per barrel. The high of the period was on April 5, 2024 when the average price reached $82.01 per barrel. The average low for the period was on January 2, 2024, which was $70.37 per barrel. The period ended with the average price of the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts at $77.73 per barrel, an increase of approximately 8.88% over the period. USL’s per share NAV began the period at $35.23 and ended the period at $40.54 on June 30, 2024, an increase of approximately 15.07% over the period. The average Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts prices listed above began with the February 2024 to January 2025 contracts and ended with the August 2024 to July 2025 contracts. The increase of approximately 8.88% on the average price of the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts listed above is a hypothetical return only and would not actually be realized by an investor holding Oil Futures Contracts. An investment in Oil 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 Oil Futures Contracts, measured from the start of the year to the end of the year, does not represent the actual benchmark results that USL seeks to track, which are more fully described below in the section titled*“Tracking USL’s Benchmark.”*
Current wording
Crude oil futures prices were volatile during the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The average price of the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts started the period at $71.39 per barrel. The high of the period was on April 5, 2024 when the average price reached $82.01 per barrel. The average low for the period was on September 10, 2024, which was $64.14 per barrel. The period ended with the average price of the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts at $67.14 per barrel, an decrease of approximately (5.95)% over the period. USL’s per share NAV began the period at $35.23 and ended the period at $35.91 on September 30, 2024, an increase of approximately 1.93% over the period. The average Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts prices listed above began with the February 2024 to January 2025 contracts and ended with the November 2024 to October 2025 contracts. The decrease of approximately (5.95)% on the average price of the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts listed above is a hypothetical return only and would not actually be realized by an investor holding Oil Futures Contracts. An investment in Oil 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 Oil Futures Contracts, measured from the start of the year to the end of the year, does not represent the actual benchmark results that USL seeks to track, which are more fully described below in the section titled*“Tracking USL’s Benchmark.”*
Previous wording
During the six months ended June 30, 2024, the crude oil futures market experienced states of both mild contango and strong backwardation. On days when the market was in contango the price of the near month crude Oil Futures Contract is lower than the price of the next month crude Oil Futures Contract, or contracts further away from expiration. On days when the market is in backwardation, the price of the near month crude Oil Futures Contract is higher than the price of the next month 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, 2024, the crude oil futures market experienced states of both mild contango and strong backwardation. On days when the market was in contango the price of the near month crude Oil Futures Contract is lower than the price of the next month crude Oil Futures Contract, or contracts further away from expiration. On days when the market is in backwardation, the price of the near month crude Oil Futures Contract is higher than the price of the next month 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, 2024, USL had 1,600,000 shares outstanding. On April 28, 2023, the SEC declared effective a registration statement filed by USL that registered an unlimited number of shares. As a result, USL has an unlimited number of shares that can be issued in the form of Creation Baskets. More shares may have been issued by USL than are outstanding due to the redemption of shares.
Current wording
Results of Operations. As of September 30, 2024, USL had 1,500,000 shares outstanding. On April 28, 2023, the SEC declared effective a registration statement filed by USL that registered an unlimited number of shares. As a result, USL has an unlimited number of shares that can be issued in the form of Creation Baskets. More shares may have been issued by USL than are outstanding due to the redemption of shares.
Previous wording
Average interest rates earned on short-term investments held by USL, including cash, cash equivalents and Treasuries, were higher during the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023. As a result, the amount of income earned by USL as a percentage of average daily total net assets was higher during the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the six months ended June 30, 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 USL, including cash, cash equivalents and Treasuries, were higher during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. As a result, the amount of income earned by USL as a percentage of average daily total net assets was higher during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. To the degree that the aggregate yield is higher, the net expense ratio, inclusive of income, will be lower.
Previous wording
The increase in total fees and other expenses excluding management fees for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023, was due primarily to an increase in professional fees.
Current wording
The increase in total fees and other expenses excluding management fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023, was due primarily to an increase in professional fees and lower brokerage commissions.
Previous wording
The decrease in total commissions accrued to brokers for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2023, was due primarily to a lower number of Oil Futures Contracts being held and traded.
Current wording
The decrease in total commissions accrued to brokers for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023, was due primarily to a lower number of Oil Futures Contracts being held and traded.
Previous wording
earned by USL as a percentage of average daily total net assets was higher during the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended June 30, 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 USL, including cash, cash equivalents and Treasuries, were higher during the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. As a result, the amount of income earned by USL as a percentage of average daily total net assets was higher during the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. To the degree that the aggregate yield is higher, the net expense ratio, inclusive of income, will be lower.
Previous wording
The increase in total fees and other expenses excluding management fees for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2023, was due primarily to an increase in professional fees.
Current wording
The increase in total fees and other expenses excluding management fees for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023, was due primarily to a increase in professional fees and lower brokerage commissions.
Previous wording
For the 30-valuation days ended June 30, 2024, the average daily change in the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts was 0.125%, while the average daily change in the per share NAV of USL over the same time period was 0.142%. The average daily difference was 0.017% (or 1.7 basis points, where 1 basis point equals 1/100 of 1%), meaning that over this time period USL’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, 2024, the average daily change in the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts was (0.243)%, while the average daily change in the per share NAV of USL over the same time period was (0.228)%. The average daily difference was 0.015% (or 1.5 basis points, where 1 basis point equals 1/100 of 1%), meaning that over this time period USL’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 USL’s shares to the public on December 6, 2007 to June 30, 2024, the average daily change in the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts was 0.017%, while the average daily change in the per share NAV of USL over the same time period was 0.017%. The average daily difference was 0.0% (or 0.0 basis points, where 1 basis point equals 1/100 of 1%), meaning that over this time period USL’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 USL’s shares to the public on December 6, 2007 to September 30, 2024, the average daily change in the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts was 0.014%, while the average daily change in the per share NAV of USL over the same time period was 0.014%. The average daily difference was 0.00% (or 0% basis points, where 1 basis point equals 1/100 of 1%), meaning that over this time period USL’s NAV performed within the plus or minus 10% range established as its benchmark tracking goal.
Previous wording
An alternative tracking measurement of the return performance of USL versus the return of its Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts can be calculated by comparing the actual average of the prices of its return of USL, measured by changes in its per share NAV, versus the
Current wording
An alternative tracking measurement of the return performance of USL versus the return of its Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts can be calculated by comparing the actual average of the prices of its return of USL, measured by changes in its per share NAV, versus the expected changes in its per share NAV under the assumption that USL’s returns had been exactly the same as the daily changes in the average of the prices of its Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts.
Previous wording
For the six months ended June 30, 2024, the actual total return of USL as measured by changes in its per share NAV was 15.07%. This is based on an initial per share NAV of $35.23 as of December 31, 2023 and an ending per share NAV as of June 30, 2024 of $40.54. During this time period, USL made no distributions to its shareholders. However, if USL’s daily changes in its per share NAV had instead exactly tracked the changes in the daily total return of the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts, USL would have had an estimated per share NAV of $39.74 as of June 30, 2024, for a total return over the relevant time period of 12.80%. The difference between the actual per share NAV total return of USL of 15.07% and the expected total return based on the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts of 12.80% was a difference over the time period of 2.27%, which is to say that USL’s actual total return outperformed its benchmark by that percentage. USL 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 USL to track slightly lower or higher than daily changes in the price of the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts.
Current wording
estimated per share NAV of $34.87 as of September 30, 2024, for a total return over the relevant time period of (1.02)%. The difference between the actual per share NAV total return of USL of 1.93% and the expected total return based on the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts of (1.02)% was a difference over the time period of 2.95%, which is to say that USL’s actual total return outperformed its benchmark by that percentage. USL 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 USL to track slightly lower or higher than daily changes in the price of the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts.
Previous wording
By comparison, for the six months ended June 30, 2023, the actual total return of USL as measured by changes in its per share NAV was (7.76)%. This was based on an initial per share NAV of $35.45 as of December 31, 2022 and an ending per share NAV as of June 30, 2023 of $32.70. During this time period, USL made no distributions to its shareholders. However, if USL’s daily changes in its per share NAV had instead exactly tracked the changes in the daily total return of the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts, USL would have had an estimated per share NAV of $32.15 as of June 30, 2023, for a total return over the relevant time period of (9.31)%. The difference between the actual per share NAV total return of USL of (7.76)% and the expected total return based on the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts of (9.31)% was a difference over the time period of 1.55%, which is to say that USL’s actual total return outperformed its benchmark by that percentage. USL incurred 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, tended to cause daily changes in the per share NAV of USL to track slightly lower or higher than daily changes in the price of the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts.
Current wording
By comparison, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the actual total return of USL as measured by changes in its per share NAV was 13.00%. This was based on an initial per share NAV of $35.45 as of December 31, 2022 and an ending per share NAV as of September 30, 2023 of $40.06. During this time period, USL made no distributions to its shareholders. However, if USL’s daily changes in its per share NAV had instead exactly tracked the changes in the daily total return of the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts, USL would have had an estimated per share NAV of $38.98 as of September 30, 2023, for a total return over the relevant time period of 9.96%. The difference between the actual per share NAV total return of USL of 13.00% and the expected total return based on the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts of 9.96% was a difference over the time period of 3.04%, which is to say that USL’s actual total return outperformed its benchmark by that percentage. USL incurred 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, tended to cause daily changes in the per share NAV of USL to track slightly lower or higher than daily changes in the price of the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts.
Previous wording
First, USL may buy or sell its holdings in the then current Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts at a price other than the closing settlement price of that contract on the day during which USL executes the trade. In that case, USL may pay a price that is higher, or lower, than the closing settlement price of the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts, which could cause the changes in the daily per share NAV of USL to either be higher or lower to the daily changes in the average of the prices of the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts. During the six months ended June 30, 2024, USCF attempted to minimize the effect of these transactions by seeking to execute its purchase or sale of the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts at, or as close as possible to, the end of the day settlement price. However, it may not always be possible for USL 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 USL’s attempt to track the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts.
Current wording
First, USL may buy or sell its holdings in the then current Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts at a price other than the closing settlement price of that contract on the day during which USL executes the trade. In that case, USL may pay a price that is higher, or lower, than the closing settlement price of the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts, which could cause the changes in the daily per share NAV of USL to either be higher or lower relative to the daily changes in the average of the prices of the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, USCF attempted to minimize the effect of these transactions by seeking to execute its purchase or sale of the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts at, or as close as possible to, the end of the day settlement price. However, it may not always be possible for USL 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 USL’s attempt to track the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts.
Previous wording
Second, USL 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 USL to track slightly lower than daily changes in the average of the prices of the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts. At the same time, USL earns dividend and interest income on its cash, cash equivalents and Treasuries. USL 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, 2024. Interest payments, and any other income, were retained within the portfolio and added to USL’s NAV. When this income exceeds the level of USL’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), USL will realize a net yield that will tend to cause daily changes in the per share NAV of USL to track slightly higher than daily changes in the average of the prices of the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts. 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 Oil Futures Contracts. USCF anticipates that interest rates may continue to stagnate over the near future. It is anticipated that fees and expenses paid by USL may continue to be lower than interest earned by USL. As such, USCF anticipates that USL could possibly outperform its benchmark so long as interest earned is greater than fees and expenses paid by USL.
Current wording
Second, USL 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 USL to track slightly lower than daily changes in the average of the prices of the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts. At the same time, USL earns dividend and interest income on its cash, cash equivalents and Treasuries. USL 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, 2024. Interest payments, and any other income, were retained within the portfolio and added to USL’s NAV. When this income exceeds the level of USL’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), USL will realize a net yield that will tend to cause daily changes in the per share NAV of USL to track slightly higher than daily changes in the average of the prices of the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts. 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 Oil Futures Contracts. USCF anticipates that interest rates may continue to stagnate over the near future. It is anticipated that fees and expenses paid by USL may continue to be lower than interest earned by USL. As such, USCF anticipates that USL could possibly outperform its benchmark so long as interest earned is greater than fees and expenses paid by USL.
Previous wording
Third, USL may hold Other Oil-Related Investments in its portfolio that may fail to closely track the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts’ total return movements. In that case, the error in tracking the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts could result in daily changes in the per share NAV of USL that are either too high, or too low, relative to the daily changes in the average of the prices of the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts. During the six months ended June 30, 2024, USL did not hold any Other Oil-Related Investments. If USL increases in size, and due to its obligations to comply with market conditions, regulatory limits, and risk mitigation measures imposed by its FCMs, USL may invest in Other Oil-Related Investments which may have the effect of increasing transaction related expenses and may result in increased tracking error.
Current wording
Third, USL may hold Other Oil-Related Investments in its portfolio that may fail to closely track the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts’ total return movements. In that case, the error in tracking the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts could result in daily changes in the per share NAV of USL that are either too high, or too low, relative to the daily changes in the average of the prices of the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, USL did not hold any Other Oil-Related Investments. If USL increases in size, and due to its obligations to comply with market conditions, regulatory limits, and risk mitigation measures imposed
Previous wording
The chart below compares the daily price of the near month crude oil futures contract to the price of the 13 th month 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 crude oil futures contract to the price of the 13 th month 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
Previous wording
Historically, the crude oil futures markets have experienced periods of contango and backwardation, with backwardation being in place somewhat less often than contango since oil futures trading started in 1983. 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 late 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 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 oil 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
Current wording
during the economic crisis arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, related supply chain disruptions and 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 oil 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, 2024, 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
*Crude Oil Market.*During the six months ended June 30, 2024, the average price of the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts traded in a range between $70.37 to $82.01. The average price of the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts increased 8.88% from the end of 2022 through June 30, 2024 finishing the quarter at $77.73.
Current wording
*Crude Oil Market.*During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the average price of the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts traded in a range between $64.14 to $82.01. The average price of the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts decreased (5.95)% from the end of 2023 through September 30, 2024 finishing the quarter at $67.14.
Previous wording
Crude oil prices struggled to find direction during the first half of 2023 with seventeen notable price reversals, most of which exceeded $5. Prices rose dramatically in the third quarter, from approximately $70 to over $90. This strong bull market completely reversed in the fourth quarter and by December crude had plunged back to the $70 to $75 range. U.S. crude oil production growth accelerated in late July and rose until the end of the year, finally surpassing pre-pandemic levels and reaching a record of 13.3 mbd in December.
Current wording
Crude oil prices struggled to find direction during the first half of 2023 with seventeen notable price reversals, most of which exceeded $5. Prices rose dramatically in the third quarter of 2023, from approximately $70 to over $90. This strong bull market completely reversed in the fourth quarter and by December crude had plunged back to the $70 to $75 range. U.S. crude oil production growth accelerated in late July and rose until the end of the year, finally surpassing pre-pandemic levels and reaching a record of 13.3 mbd in December 2023.
Previous wording
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, global crude oil demand exceeded supply during June of 2024 after falling below supply during April and May of 2024. U.S. crude oil production was relatively flat in the second quarter of 2024, rising from 13.1 mbd to match a record high of 13.3 mbd that was reached in 2023 and again in February of 2024. OPEC crude production mostly declined since late 2022 but began to rise in February of 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. OPEC has fiercely supported prices with voluntary cuts and production quotas over the last several years. In June of 2024, OPEC announced that it would extend 1.65 mbd of previously agreed upon quotas until the end of 2025. OPEC also announced an extension of 2.2 mbd of voluntary cuts by some members until September of 2024, after which these voluntary reductions would be phased out over the following twelve months. Statements by oil ministers, particularly Saudi Arabia, emphasized that OPEC could change its plans if warranted by the data, reflecting the cartel’s current preference for higher prices rather than market share. If OPEC’s strategic focus shifts from price support to market share defense, prices could come under pressure. The unwinding of cuts and quotas also poses some risk to prices if demand growth fails to compensate, or if supply from other producers, especially the United States, increases. Ongoing demand growth during a time when OPEC continues to restrain supply could lead to stable or higher prices over time. Supply constraints, worker shortages, infrastructure and manufacturing energy usage, the Russia-Ukraine war, the terror attacks by Hamas on Israel, the Israel/Iran conflict, and other conflict in the Middle East, and other geopolitical tensions, political unrest, and attacks or threats of attack by terrorists, are other factors that could contribute to future increases in crude oil prices. Conversely, changes in OPEC policy, further non-OPEC production growth, and any sluggishness in the global economy could weigh on prices.
Current wording
U.S. crude oil production averaged 13.3 mbd and peaked at a record 13.4 mbd in the third quarter of 2024. OPEC crude production has mostly declined since late 2022. Globally, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that crude oil demand exceeded supply in the third quarter of 2024. However, the International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts that world demand for crude oil will rise 1 mbd in 2025 while supply in non-OPEC countries alone will rise by 1.5 mbd. Should the IEA’s forecast prove correct, crude oil prices will largely depend on OPEC’s actions. 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. In June of 2024, OPEC announced that it would extend 1.65
Previous wording
Geopolitical risk remains particularly high in 2024. The Russia-Ukraine war and Middle East conflict have the potential to create further supply disruptions and sanctions, which could lead to further volatility. However, if a resolution to the conflicts were to occur, volatility could decrease and prices could decline somewhat in a short period of time. Even short-term changes in perceived geopolitical risk can cause the market to change swiftly. Crude oil prices may also be highly reactive to developments as global buyers and sellers of crude reposition their relationships.
Current wording
The current geopolitical situation adds complexity to the supply-demand equation. Escalation of the crisis in the Middle East or the Russia-Ukraine war would increase the geopolitical risk premium and volatility in crude prices as these conflicts have the potential to create further supply disruptions and sanctions, as has been apparent during recent escalations between Israel and Iran. Crude oil prices may also be highly reactive to developments if global buyers and sellers of crude reposition relationships more than has already occurred, and which remains a possibility with geopolitical tensions between many nations rising. However, if a resolution to the conflicts were to occur, volatility could decrease, and prices could decline somewhat in a short period of time. Even short-term changes in perceived geopolitical risk can cause the market to change swiftly.
Previous wording
Preparation of the financial statements and related disclosures in compliance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires the application of appropriate accounting rules and guidance, as well as the use of estimates. USL’s application of these policies involves judgments and actual results may differ from the estimates used.
Current wording
Preparation of the financial statements and related disclosures in compliance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires the application of appropriate accounting rules and guidance, as well as the use of estimates. USL’s application of these policies involves judgments and actual results may differ from the estimates used. During the nine-month reporting period ended September 30, 2024, USL limited its OTCs activities to EFRP transactions.Ð_
Previous wording
USL 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. USL has allocated substantially all of its net assets to trading in Oil Interests. USL invests in 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 Oil Futures Contracts and Other Oil-Related Investments. A significant portion of USL’s NAV is held in cash and cash equivalents that are used as margin and as collateral for its trading in Oil Interests. The balance of the assets is held in USL’s account at its custodian bank and in investments in money market funds and Treasuries at the FCMs. Income received from USL’s investments in money market funds and Treasuries is paid to USL. During the six months ended June 30, 2024, USL’s expenses did not exceed the income USL earned and the cash earned from the sale of Creation Baskets and the redemption of Redemption Baskets. During the six months ended June 30, 2024, USL did not use other assets to pay expenses. To the extent income exceeds expenses, USL’s NAV will be positively impacted.
Current wording
USL 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. USL has allocated substantially all of its net assets to trading in Oil Interests. USL invests in 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 Oil Futures Contracts and Other Oil-Related Investments. A significant portion of USL’s NAV is held in cash and cash equivalents that are used as margin and as collateral for its trading in Oil Interests. The balance of the assets is held in USL’s account at its custodian bank and in investments in money market funds and Treasuries at the FCMs. Income received from USL’s investments in money market funds and Treasuries is paid to USL. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, USL’s expenses did not exceed the income USL earned and the cash earned from the sale of Creation Baskets and the redemption of Redemption Baskets. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, USL did not use other assets to pay expenses. To the extent income exceeds expenses, USL’s NAV will be positively impacted.
Previous wording
Although permitted to do so under its Limited Partnership Agreement, USL has not leveraged, and does not intend to leverage, its assets through borrowings or otherwise, and makes its investments accordingly. Consistent with the foregoing, USL’s investment decisions will take into account the need for USL to maintain adequate liquidity to meet its margin and collateral requirements and to avoid, to the extent reasonably possible, USL becoming leveraged. If the market conditions require it, these risk reduction procedures, including changes to USL’s investments, may occur on short notice.
Current wording
Although permitted to do so under its Limited Partnership Agreement, USL has not leveraged, and does not intend to leverage, its assets through borrowings or otherwise, and makes its investments accordingly. Consistent with the foregoing, USL’s investments will take into account the need for USL to maintain adequate liquidity to meet its margin and collateral requirements and to avoid, to the extent reasonably possible, USL becoming leveraged. If market conditions require it, these risk reduction procedures, including changes to USL’s investments, may occur on short notice.
Previous wording
USL’s investments in 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 USL from promptly liquidating its positions in Oil Futures Contracts. During the six months ended June 30, 2024, USL did not purchase or liquidate any of its positions while daily limits were in effect; however, USL cannot predict whether such an event may occur in the future.
Current wording
USL’s investments in 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 USL from promptly liquidating its positions in Oil Futures Contracts. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, USL did not purchase or liquidate any of its positions while daily limits were in effect; however, USL cannot predict whether such an event may occur in the future.
Previous wording
As of June 30, 2024, USL held cash deposits and investments in Treasuries and money market funds in the amount of $61,267,331 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 USL’s custodian or FCMs, as applicable, cease operations.
Current wording
As of September 30, 2024, USL held cash deposits and investments in Treasuries and money market funds in the amount of $57,682,194 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 USL’s custodian or FCMs, as applicable, cease operations.
Previous wording
As of June 30, 2024, USL’s portfolio held 835 Crude Oil Futures CL Contracts traded on the NYMEX. As of June 30, 2024, USL did not hold any Futures Contracts traded on the ICE Futures. For a list of USL’s current holdings, please see USL’s website at www.uscfinvestments.com.
Current wording
As of September 30, 2024, USL’s portfolio held 802 Crude Oil Futures CL Contracts traded on the NYMEX. As of September 30, 2024, USL did not hold any Futures Contracts traded on the ICE Futures. For a list of USL’s current holdings, please see USL’s website at www.uscfinvestments.com.
Rearranged current paragraphs (7)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
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 USL. 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.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
USL invests in government money market funds. Although such government money market funds seek to preserve the value of an investment at $1.00 per share, there is no guarantee that they will be able to do so and USL may lose money by investing in a government
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the actual total return of USL as measured by changes in its per share NAV was 1.93%. This is based on an initial per share NAV of $35.23 as of December 31, 2023 and an ending per share NAV as of September 30, 2024 of $35.91. During this time period, USL made no distributions to its shareholders. However, if USL’s daily changes in its per share NAV had instead exactly tracked the changes in the daily total return of the Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts, USL would have had an
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
by its FCMs, USL may invest in Other Oil-Related Investments which may have the effect of increasing transaction related expenses and may result in increased tracking error.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
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 report — wording carried from elsewhere
Historically, the crude oil futures markets have experienced periods of contango and backwardation, with backwardation being in place somewhat less often than contango since oil futures trading started in 1983. 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 late 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
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
mbd of previously agreed upon quotas until the end of 2025. OPEC also announced an extension of 2.2 mbd of voluntary cuts by some members until September of 2024, after which these voluntary reductions would be phased out over the following twelve months. Statements by oil ministers, particularly Saudi Arabia, emphasized that OPEC could change its plans if warranted by the data, reflecting the cartel’s current preference for higher prices rather than market share. Indeed, in November, OPEC pushed the extension of voluntary cuts through December of 2024. 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. If the IEA’s forecast proves accurate, OPEC or other producers would have to limit more production to maintain stable prices. Since demand and demand growth remain healthy for now, any new reductions in global output could be bullish for crude prices.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (3)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Average interest rates earned on short-term investments held by USL, including cash, cash equivalents and Treasuries, were higher during the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2023. As a result, the amount of income
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
expected changes in its per share NAV under the assumption that USL’s returns had been exactly the same as the daily changes in the average of the prices of its Benchmark Oil Futures Contracts.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
in the Spring of 2020. Likewise, contango returned to moderate levels in May of 2020. During the six months ended June 30, 2024, crude oil futures were in a state of contango as measured by the difference between the front month and the second month contract.