UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
x | Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010. |
or
¨ | Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the transition period from to . |
Commission file number: 001-33096
United States Natural Gas Fund, LP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 20-5576760 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
1320 Harbor Bay Parkway, Suite 145
Alameda, California 94502
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
(510) 522-9600
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Units of United States Natural Gas Fund, LP | NYSE Arca, Inc. | |
(Title of each class) | (Name of exchange on which registered) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. ¨ Yes x No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. ¨ Yes x No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. x Yes ¨ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). x Yes ¨ No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x |
Accelerated filer |
¨ | ||
Non-accelerated filer ¨ |
Smaller reporting company |
¨ | ||
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ¨ Yes x No
The aggregate market value of the registrants units held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2010 was: $2,787,675,000.
The registrant had 445,100,000 outstanding units as of February 25, 2011.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:
None.
UNITED STATES NATURAL GAS FUND, LP
Table of Contents
Page | ||||
Part I. |
||||
1 | ||||
57 | ||||
73 | ||||
73 | ||||
74 | ||||
74 | ||||
Part II. |
||||
74 | ||||
75 | ||||
Item 7. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. |
76 | |||
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. |
96 | |||
99 | ||||
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. |
121 | |||
121 | ||||
121 | ||||
Part III. |
||||
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance. |
122 | |||
127 | ||||
128 | ||||
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence. |
128 | |||
128 | ||||
Part IV. |
||||
129 | ||||
129 | ||||
131 |
Part I
What is USNG?
The United States Natural Gas Fund, LP (USNG) is a Delaware limited partnership organized on September 11, 2006. USNG maintains its main business office at 1320 Harbor Bay Parkway, Suite 145, Alameda, California 94502. USNG is a commodity pool that issues limited partnership interests (units) traded on the NYSE Arca, Inc. (the NYSE Arca). It operates pursuant to the terms of the Third Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership dated as of December 31, 2010 (as amended from time to time, the LP Agreement), which grants full management control to its general partner, United States Commodity Funds LLC (USCF).
The investment objective of USNG is for the changes in percentage terms of its units net asset value (NAV) to reflect the changes in percentage terms of the spot price of natural gas delivered at the Henry Hub, Louisiana, as measured by the changes in the price of the futures contract for natural gas traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange (the NYMEX), that is the near month contract to expire, except when the near month contract is within two weeks of expiration, in which case it will be measured by the futures contract that is the next month contract to expire, less USNGs expenses. USNGs units began trading on April 18, 2007. USCF is the general partner of USNG and is responsible for the management of USNG.
Who is USCF?
USCF is a single member limited liability company that was formed in the state of Delaware on May 10, 2005. Prior to June 13, 2008, USCF was known as Victoria Bay Asset Management, LLC. It maintains its main business office at 1320 Harbor Bay Parkway, Suite 145, Alameda, California 94502. USCF is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wainwright Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (Wainwright). Mr. Nicholas Gerber (discussed below) controls Wainwright by virtue of his ownership of Wainwrights shares. Wainwright is a holding company. Wainwright previously owned an insurance company organized under Bermuda law, which has been liquidated, and a registered investment adviser firm named Ameristock Corporation, which has been distributed to the Wainwright shareholders. USCF is a member of the National Futures Association (the NFA) and registered as a commodity pool operator (CPO) with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the CFTC) on December 1, 2005.
On May 12, 2005, USCF formed the United States Oil Fund, LP (USOF), another limited partnership that is a commodity pool and issues units traded on the NYSE Arca. The investment objective of USOF is for the changes in percentage terms of its units NAV to reflect the changes in percentage terms of the spot price of light, sweet crude oil delivered to Cushing, Oklahoma, as measured by the changes in the price of the futures contract on light, sweet crude oil traded on the NYMEX, that is the near month contract to expire, except when the near month contract is within two weeks of expiration, in which case it will be measured by the futures contract that is the next month contract to expire, less USOFs expenses. USOFs units began trading on April 10, 2006. USCF is the general partner of USOF and is responsible for the management of USOF.
On June 27, 2007, USCF formed the United States 12 Month Oil Fund, LP (US12OF), also a limited partnership that is a commodity pool and issues units traded on the NYSE Arca. The investment objective of US12OF is for the changes in percentage terms of its units NAV to reflect the changes in percentage terms of the spot price of light, sweet crude oil delivered to Cushing, Oklahoma, as measured by the changes in the average of the prices of 12 futures contracts on light, sweet crude oil traded on the NYMEX, consisting of 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, less US12OFs expenses. When calculating the daily movement of the average price of the 12 contracts, each contract month will be equally weighted. US12OFs units began trading on December 6, 2007. USCF is the general partner of US12OF and is responsible for the management of US12OF.
1
On April 13, 2007, USCF formed the United States Gasoline Fund, LP (UGA), also a limited partnership that is a commodity pool and issues units traded on the NYSE Arca. The investment objective of UGA is for the changes in percentage terms of its units NAV to reflect the changes in percentage terms of the spot price of gasoline, as measured by the changes in the price of the futures contract on unleaded gasoline (also known as reformulated gasoline blendstock for oxygen blending or RBOB), for delivery to the New York harbor, traded on the NYMEX, that is the near month contract to expire, except when the near month contract is within two weeks of expiration, in which case it will be measured by the futures contract that is the next month contract to expire, less UGAs expenses. UGAs units began trading on February 26, 2008. USCF is the general partner of UGA and is responsible for the management of UGA.
On April 13, 2007, USCF formed the United States Heating Oil Fund, LP (USHO), also a limited partnership that is a commodity pool and issues units traded on the NYSE Arca. The investment objective of USHO is for the changes in percentage terms of its units NAV to reflect the changes in percentage terms of the spot price of heating oil (also known as No. 2 fuel oil) delivered to the New York harbor, as measured by the changes in the price of the futures contract on heating oil traded on the NYMEX, that is the near month contract to expire, except when the near month contract is within two weeks of expiration, in which case it will be measured by the futures contract that is the next month contract to expire, less USHOs expenses. USHOs units began trading on April 9, 2008. USCF is the general partner of USHO and is responsible for the management of USHO.
On June 30, 2008, USCF formed the United States Short Oil Fund, LP (USSO), also a limited partnership that is a commodity pool and issues units traded on the NYSE Arca. The investment objective of USSO is for the changes in percentage terms of its units NAV to inversely reflect the changes in percentage terms of the spot price of light, sweet crude oil delivered to Cushing, Oklahoma, as measured by the changes in the price of the futures contract on light, sweet crude oil traded on the NYMEX, that is the near month contract to expire, except when the near month contract is within two weeks of expiration, in which case it will be measured by the futures contract that is the next month contract to expire, less USSOs expenses. USSOs units began trading on September 24, 2009. USCF is the general partner of USSO and is responsible for the management of USSO.
On June 27, 2007, USCF formed the United States 12 Month Natural Gas Fund, LP (US12NG), also a limited partnership that is a commodity pool and issues units traded on the NYSE Arca. The investment objective of US12NG is for the changes in percentage terms of its units NAV to reflect the changes in percentage terms of the spot price of natural gas delivered at the Henry Hub, Louisiana, as measured by the changes in the average of the prices of 12 futures contracts on natural gas traded on the NYMEX, consisting of 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, less US12NGs expenses. When calculating the daily movement of the average price of the 12 contracts, each contract month will be equally weighted. US12NGs units began trading on November 18, 2009. USCF is the general partner of US12NG and is responsible for the management of US12NG.
On September 2, 2009, USCF formed the United States Brent Oil Fund, LP (USBO), also a limited partnership that is a commodity pool and issues units traded on the NYSE Arca. The investment objective of USBO is for the daily changes in percentage terms of its units NAV to reflect the daily changes in percentage terms of the spot price of Brent crude oil, as measured by the changes in the price of the futures contract on Brent crude oil traded on the ICE Futures Exchange (the ICE Futures), that is the near month contract to expire, except when the near month contract is within two weeks of expiration in which case it will be measured by the futures contract that is the next month contract to expire, less USBOs expenses. USBOs units began trading on June 2, 2010. USCF is the general partner of USBO and is responsible for the management of USBO.
On April 1, 2010, USCF, in its role as sponsor, formed the United States Commodity Index Fund (USCI), as a series of the United States Commodity Index Funds Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the Trust). USCI is a commodity pool and issues units traded on the NYSE Arca. The investment objective of USCI is for the daily changes in percentage terms of its units NAV to reflect the daily changes in percentage terms of the SummerHaven Dynamic Commodity Index Total Return (the Commodity Index), less USCIs expenses. USCIs units began trading on August 10, 2010. USCF is the sponsor of USCI and is responsible for the management of USCI.
2
USOF, US12OF, UGA, USHO, USSO, US12NG, USBO and USCI are collectively referred to herein as the Related Public Funds. For more information about each of the Related Public Funds, investors in USNG may call 1-800-920-0259 or go online to www.unitedstatescommodityfunds.com.
USCF has filed a registration statement for three other exchange-traded security funds, the United States Metals Index Fund (USMI), the United States Agriculture Index Fund (USAI) and the United States Copper Index Fund (USCUI), each of which is a series of the Trust. The investment objective of USMI will be for the daily changes in percentage terms of its units NAV to reflect the daily changes in percentage terms of the SummerHaven Dynamic Metals Index Total Return (the Metals Index), less USMIs expenses. The investment objective of USAI will be for the daily changes in percentage terms of its units NAV to reflect the daily changes in percentage terms of the SummerHaven Dynamic Agriculture Index Total Return (the Agriculture Index), less USAIs expenses. The investment objective of USCUI will be for the daily changes in percentage terms of its units NAV to reflect the daily changes in percentage terms of the SummerHaven Copper Index Total Return (the Copper Index), less USCUIs expenses.
USCF is required to evaluate the credit risk of USNG to the futures commission merchant, oversee the purchase and sale of USNGs units by certain authorized purchasers (Authorized Purchasers), review daily positions and margin requirements of USNG and manage USNGs investments. USCF also pays the fees of ALPS Distributors, Inc., which serves as the marketing agent for USNG (the Marketing Agent), and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (BBH&Co.), which serves as the administrator (the Administrator) and the custodian (the Custodian) for USNG.
Limited partners have no right to elect USCF as the general partner on an annual or any other continuing basis. If USCF voluntarily withdraws as general partner, however, the holders of a majority of USNGs outstanding units (excluding for purposes of such determination units owned, if any, by the withdrawing USCF and its affiliates) may elect its successor. USCF may not be removed as general partner except upon approval by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 and 2/3 percent of USNGs outstanding units (excluding units owned, if any, by USCF and its affiliates), subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions set forth in the LP Agreement.
The business and affairs of USCF are managed by a board of directors (the Board), which is comprised of four management directors, some of whom are also its executive officers (the Management Directors), and three independent directors who meet the independent director requirements established by the NYSE Arca and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Management Directors have the authority to manage USCF pursuant to its limited liability company agreement, as amended from time to time. Through its Management Directors, USCF manages the day-to-day operations of USNG. The Board has an audit committee which is made up of the three independent directors (Peter M. Robinson, Gordon L. Ellis and Malcolm R. Fobes III). For additional information relating to the audit committee, please see Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance Audit Committee in this annual report on Form 10-K.
How Does USNG Operate?
The net assets of USNG consist primarily of investments in futures contracts for natural gas, but may also consist of investment contracts for crude oil, heating oil, gasoline, and other petroleum-based fuels that are traded on the NYMEX, ICE Futures or other U.S. and foreign exchanges (collectively, Futures Contracts). USNG may also invest in other natural gas-related investments such as cash-settled options on Futures Contracts, forward contracts for natural gas, cleared swap contracts, and over-the-counter transactions that are based on the price of natural gas, oil and other petroleum-based fuels, Futures Contracts and indices based on the foregoing (collectively, Other Natural Gas-Related Investments). For convenience and unless otherwise specified, Futures Contracts and Other Natural Gas-Related Investments collectively are referred to as Natural Gas Interests in this annual report on Form 10-K.
USNG invests in Natural Gas 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 Natural Gas-Related Investments. In pursuing this objective, the primary focus of USCF is the investment in Futures Contracts and the management of USNGs investments in short-term obligations of the United States of two years or less (Treasuries), cash and/or cash equivalents for margining purposes and as collateral.
3
The investment objective of USNG is for the changes in percentage terms of its units NAV to reflect the changes in percentage terms of the spot price of natural gas delivered at the Henry Hub, Louisiana as measured by the changes in the price of the Futures Contract on natural gas traded on the NYMEX that is the near month contract to expire, except when the near month contract is within two weeks of expiration, in which case the futures contract will be the next month contract to expire, less USNGs expenses. It is not the intent of USNG to be operated in a fashion such that its NAV will equal, in dollar terms, the spot price of natural gas or any particular futures contract based on natural gas.
USNG seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a mix of Futures Contracts and Other Natural Gas-Related Investments such that the changes in its NAV will closely track the changes in the price of the NYMEX Futures Contract for natural gas delivered to Henry Hub Louisiana (the Benchmark Futures Contract). USCF believes changes in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract have historically exhibited a close correlation with the changes in the spot price of natural gas. On any valuation day (a valuation day is any NYSE Arca trading day as of which USNG calculates its NAV as described herein), the Benchmark Futures Contract is the near month contract for natural gas traded on the NYMEX unless the near month contract will expire within two weeks of the valuation day, in which case the Benchmark Futures Contract is the next month contract for natural gas on the NYMEX.
As a specific benchmark, USCF endeavors to place USNGs trades in Futures Contracts and Other Natural Gas-Related Investments and otherwise manage USNGs investments so that A will be within plus/minus 10 percent of B, where:
| A is the average daily change in USNGs NAV for any period of 30 successive valuation days; i.e., any NYSE Arca trading day as of which USNG calculates its NAV, and |
| B is the average daily change in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract over the same period. |
USCF believes that market arbitrage opportunities cause daily changes in USNGs unit price on the NYSE Arca to closely track daily changes in USNGs NAV per unit. USCF further believes that the daily changes in prices of the Benchmark Futures Contract have historically closely tracked the daily changes in the spot price of natural gas. USCF believes that the net effect of these two relationships and the expected relationship described above between USNGs NAV and the Benchmark Futures Contract will be that the daily changes in the price of USNGs units on the NYSE Arca will continue to closely track the daily changes in the spot price of 10,000 million British thermal units (mmBtu) of natural gas, less USNGs expenses.
An investment in the units provides a means for diversifying an investors portfolio or hedging exposure to changes in natural gas prices. An investment in the units allows both retail and institutional investors to easily gain this exposure to the natural gas market in a transparent, cost-effective manner.
4
The expected correlation of the price of USNGs units, USNGs NAV and the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract and the spot price of natural gas is illustrated in the following diagram:
USCF employs a neutral investment strategy intended to track changes in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract regardless of whether the price goes up or goes down. USNGs neutral investment strategy is designed to permit investors generally to purchase and sell USNGs units for the purpose of investing indirectly in natural gas in a cost-effective manner, and/or to permit participants in the natural gas or other industries to hedge the risk of losses in their natural gas-related transactions. Accordingly, depending on the investment objective of an individual investor, the risks generally associated with investing in natural gas and/or the risks involved in hedging may exist. In addition, an investment in USNG involves the risk that the changes in the price of USNGs units will not accurately track the changes in the Benchmark Futures Contract.
From USNGs commencement of operations through March 2009, the Benchmark Futures Contract of USNG was changed from the near month contract to expire to the next month contract to expire, starting on the date two weeks prior to the expiration of the near month contract for contract months commencing after March 2009. The change in the Benchmark Futures Contract occurred in its entirety from one day until the next day.
Since March 2009, the Benchmark Futures Contract has changed each month from the near month contract to the next month contract over a four-day period. The Benchmark Futures Contract changes starting at the end of the day on the date two weeks prior to expiration of the near month contract for that month. During the first three days of the period, the applicable value of the Benchmark Futures Contract is based on a combination of the near month contract and the next month contract as follows: (1) day 1 consists of 75% of the then near month contracts price plus 25% of the price of the next month contract, divided by 75% of the near month contracts prior days price plus 25% of the price of the next month contract, (2) day 2 consists of 50% of the then near month contracts price plus 50% of the price of the next month contract, divided by 50% of the near month contracts prior days price plus 50% of the price of the next month contract, and (3) day 3 consists of 25% of the then near month contracts price plus 75% of the price of the next month contract, divided by 25% of the near month contracts prior days price plus 75% of the price of the next month contract. On day 4, the Benchmark Futures Contract is the next month contract to expire at that time and that contract remains the Benchmark Futures Contract until the beginning of the following months change in the Benchmark Futures Contract over a four-day period.
5
On each day during the four-day period, USCF rolls USNGs positions in Natural Gas Interests by closing, or selling, a percentage of USNGs positions in Natural Gas Interests and reinvesting the proceeds from closing those positions in new Natural Gas Interests that reflect the change in the Benchmark Futures Contract.
The anticipated dates that the monthly four-day roll period will commence for 2011 are posted on USNGs website at www.unitedstatesnaturalgasfund.com, and are subject to change without notice.
USNGs total portfolio composition is disclosed on its website each day that the NYSE Arca is open for trading. The website disclosure of portfolio holdings is made daily and includes, as applicable, the name and value of each Natural Gas Interest, the specific types of Other Natural Gas-Related Investments and characteristics of such Other Natural Gas-Related Investments, Treasuries, and amount of cash and/or cash equivalents held in USNGs portfolio. USNGs website is publicly accessible at no charge. USNGs assets are held in segregated accounts pursuant to the Commodity Exchange Act (the CEA) and CFTC regulations.
The units issued by USNG may only be purchased by Authorized Purchasers and only in blocks of 100,000 units called Creation Baskets. The amount of the purchase payment for a Creation Basket is equal to the aggregate NAV of units in the Creation Basket. Similarly, only Authorized Purchasers may redeem units and only in blocks of 100,000 units called Redemption Baskets. The purchase price for Creation Baskets, and the redemption price for Redemption Baskets is the actual NAV of the units purchased or redeemed calculated at the end of the business day when notice for a purchase or redemption is received by USNG. In addition, Authorized Purchasers pay USNG a $1,000 fee for each order placed to create one or more Creation Baskets or redeem one or more Redemption Baskets. The NYSE Arca publishes an approximate NAV intra-day based on the prior days NAV and the current price of the Benchmark Futures Contract, but the basket price is determined based on the actual NAV at the end of the day.
While USNG issues units only in Creation Baskets, units may also be purchased and sold in much smaller increments on the NYSE Arca. These transactions, however, are effected at the bid and ask prices established by specialist firm(s). Like any listed security, units can be purchased and sold at any time a secondary market is open.
What is USNGs Investment Strategy?
In managing USNGs assets, USCF does not use a technical trading system that issues buy and sell orders. USCF instead employs a quantitative methodology whereby each time a Creation Basket is sold, USCF purchases natural gas interests, such as the Benchmark Futures Contract, that have an aggregate market value that approximates the amount of Treasuries and/or cash received upon the issuance of the Creation Basket.
As an example, assume that a Creation Basket is sold by USNG, and that USNGs closing NAV per unit is $10.00. In that case, USNG would receive $1,000,000 in proceeds from the sale of the Creation Basket ($10.00 NAV per unit multiplied by 100,000 units, and excluding the Creation Basket fee of $1,000). If one were to assume further that USCF wants to invest the entire proceeds from the Creation Basket in the Benchmark Futures Contract and that the market value of the Benchmark Futures Contract is $44,050, USNG would be unable to buy the exact number of Benchmark Futures Contracts with an aggregate market value equal to $1,000,000. Instead, USNG would be able to purchase 22 Benchmark Futures Contracts with an aggregate market value of $969,100. Assuming a margin requirement equal to 10% of the value of the Benchmark Futures Contract, USNG would be required to deposit $96,910 in Treasuries and cash with the futures commission merchant through which the Benchmark Futures Contracts were purchased. The remainder of the proceeds from the sale of the Creation Basket, $903,090, would remain invested in cash, cash equivalents and Treasuries as determined by USCF from time to time based on factors such as potential calls for margin or anticipated redemptions.
The specific Futures Contracts purchased depends on various factors, including a judgment by USCF as to the appropriate diversification of USNGs investments in futures contracts with respect to the month of expiration, and the prevailing price volatility of particular contracts. While USCF has made significant investments in NYMEX Futures Contracts, as USNG reaches certain accountability levels or position limits on the NYMEX, or for other reasons, it may invest in Futures Contracts traded on other exchanges or may invest in Other Natural Gas-Related Investments such as cleared swap contracts and other contracts in the over-the-counter market.
6
USCF does not anticipate letting USNGs Futures Contracts expire and taking delivery of the underlying commodity. Instead, USCF closes existing positions, e.g., when it changes the Benchmark Futures Contract or it otherwise determines it would be appropriate to do so and reinvests the proceeds in new Futures Contracts or Other Natural Gas-Related Investments. Positions may also be closed out to meet orders for Redemption Baskets and in such case proceeds for such baskets will not be reinvested.
By remaining invested as fully as possible in Futures Contracts or Other Natural Gas-Related Investments, USCF believes that the changes in percentage terms in USNGs NAV will continue to closely track the changes in percentage terms in the prices of the Benchmark Futures Contract. USCF believes that certain arbitrage opportunities result in the price of the units traded on the NYSE Arca closely tracking the NAV of USNG. Additionally, natural gas futures contracts traded on the NYMEX have closely tracked the spot price of natural gas. Based on these expected interrelationships, USCF believes that the changes in the price of USNGs units traded on the NYSE Arca have closely tracked and will continue to closely track the changes in the spot price of natural gas. For performance data relating to USNGs ability to track its benchmark, see Item 7. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Tracking USNGs Benchmark in this annual report on Form 10-K.
What are Futures Contracts?
In a Futures Contract, one party agrees to buy a commodity such as natural gas from the other party at a later date at a price and quantity agreed upon when the contract is made. Futures Contracts are traded on futures exchanges, including the NYMEX. For example, the Benchmark Futures Contract is traded on the NYMEX in units of 10,000 mmBtu. The natural gas Futures Contracts traded on the NYMEX are priced by floor brokers and other exchange members both through an open outcry of offers to purchase or sell the contracts and through an electronic, screen-based system that determines the price by matching electronically offers to purchase and sell.
Certain typical and significant characteristics of Futures Contracts are discussed below. Additional risks of investing in Futures Contracts are included in Item 1A. Risk Factors in this annual report on Form 10-K.
Impact of Accountability Levels, Position Limits and Price Fluctuation Limits. Futures Contracts include typical and significant characteristics. Most significantly, the CFTC and U.S. designated contract markets such as the NYMEX have established accountability levels and position limits on the maximum net long or net short futures contracts in commodity interests that any person or group of persons under common trading control (other than as a hedge, which an investment by USNG is not) may hold, own or control. The net position is the difference between an individual or firms open long contracts and open short contracts in any one commodity. In addition, most U.S. futures exchanges, such as the NYMEX, limit the daily price fluctuation for Futures Contracts. Currently, the ICE Futures imposes position and accountability limits that are similar to those imposed by the NYMEX but does not limit the maximum daily price fluctuation.
The accountability levels for the Benchmark Futures Contract and other Futures Contracts traded on the NYMEX are not a fixed ceiling, but rather a threshold above which the NYMEX may exercise greater scrutiny and control over an investors positions. The current accountability level for any one month in the Benchmark Futures Contract is 6,000 net contracts. In addition, the NYMEX imposes an accountability level for all months of 12,000 net futures contracts in natural gas. If USNG and the Related Public Funds exceed these accountability levels for investments in the futures contract for natural gas, the NYMEX will monitor USNGs and the Related Public Funds exposure and ask for further information on their activities, including the total size of all positions, investment and trading strategy, and the extent of liquidity resources of USNG and the Related Public Funds. If deemed necessary by the NYMEX, it could also order USNG and the Related Public Funds to reduce their aggregate net position back to the accountability level. As of December 31, 2010, USNG and the Related Public Funds held a net of 16,974 NYMEX Natural Gas Futures NG contracts and 22,520 NYMEX Natural Gas Futures NN contracts. As of December 31, 2010, USNG held 55,915 natural gas cleared-swap contracts traded on the ICE Futures.
7
If the NYMEX or the ICE Futures orders USNG to reduce its position back to the accountability level, or to an accountability level that the NYMEX or the ICE Futures deems appropriate for USNG, such an accountability level may impact the mix of investments in Natural Gas Interests made by USNG. To illustrate, assume that the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract and the unit price of USNG are each $10, and that the NYMEX has determined that USNG may not own more than 10,000 Benchmark Futures Contracts. In such case, USNG could invest up to $1 billion of its daily net assets in the Benchmark Futures Contract (i.e., $10 per contract multiplied by 10,000 (a Benchmark Futures Contract is a contract for 10,000 mmBtu) multiplied by 10,000 contracts)) before reaching the accountability level imposed by the NYMEX. Once the daily net assets of the portfolio exceed $1 billion in the Benchmark Futures Contract, the portfolio may not be able to make any further investments in the Benchmark Futures Contract. If the NYMEX were to impose limits at the $1 billion level (or another level), USNG anticipates that it would invest the majority of its assets above that level in a mix of other Futures Contracts or Other Natural Gas-Related Investments in order to meet its investment objective.
See Item 1A. Risk FactorsRisks Associated With Investing Directly or Indirectly in Natural GasRegulation of the commodity interests and energy markets is extensive and constantly changing; future regulatory developments are impossible to predict but may significantly and adversely affect USNG in this annual report on Form 10-K.
In addition to accountability levels, the NYMEX and the 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 USNG will run up against such position limits because USNGs investment strategy is to close out its positions and roll from the near month contract to expire to the next month contract during a four-day period beginning two weeks from expiration of the contract.
U.S. futures exchanges, including the NYMEX, also limit the amount of price fluctuation for Futures Contracts. For example, the NYMEX imposes a $3.00 per mmBtu ($30,000 per contract) price fluctuation limit for natural gas Futures Contracts. This limit is initially based off the previous trading days settlement price. If any natural gas Futures Contract is traded, bid, or offered at the limit for five minutes, trading is halted for five minutes. When trading resumes it begins at the point where the limit was imposed and the limit is reset to be $3.00 per mmBtu in either direction of that point. If another halt were triggered, the market would continue to be expanded by $3.00 per mmBtu in either direction after each successive five-minute trading halt. There is no maximum price fluctuation limit during any one trading session.
Currently, U.S. futures exchanges, including the NYMEX, do not implement fixed position limits for futures contracts held outside of the last few days of trading in the near month contract to expire. However, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the Dodd-Frank Act) which was signed into law on July 21, 2010, requires the CFTC to establish aggregate position limits that apply to both cleared and uncleared commodity swaps in addition to exchange-traded futures contracts held by an entity and certain of its affiliates. Such position limits could limit USNGs ability to invest in accordance with its investment objective. On January 13, 2011, the CFTC proposed new rules, which if implemented in their proposed form, would establish position limits and limit formulas for certain physical commodity futures including Futures Contracts and options on Futures Contracts executed pursuant to the rules of designated contract markets (i.e., certain regulated exchanges) and commodity swaps that are economically equivalent to such futures and options contracts. The CFTC has also proposed aggregate position limits that would apply across different trading venues to contracts based on the same underlying commodity. At this time, it is unknown precisely when such position limits would take effect. The CFTCs position limits for futures contracts held during the last few days of trading in the near month contract to expire, which, under the CFTCs proposed rule would be substantially similar to the position limits currently set by the exchanges, could take effect as early as March 2011. Based on the CFTCs current proposal, other position limits would not take effect until March 2012 or later. The effect of this future regulatory change on USNG is impossible to predict, but it could be substantial and adverse.
USNG anticipates that to the extent it invests in Futures Contracts other than natural gas contracts (such as futures contracts for light, sweet crude oil, heating oil, and gasoline) and Other Natural Gas-Related Investments, it will enter into various non-exchange-traded derivative contracts to hedge the short-term price movements of such natural gas Futures Contracts and Other Natural Gas-Related Investments against the current Benchmark Futures Contract.
8
Examples of the position and price limits currently imposed are as follows:
Futures Contract |
Position Accountability Levels and Limits |
Maximum Daily Price Fluctuation | ||
NYMEX Natural Gas |
Any one month: 6,000 net futures / all months: 12,000 net futures, but not to exceed 1,000 contracts in the last three days of trading in the spot month. |
$3.00 per mmBtu ($30,000 per contract) for all months. If any contract is traded, bid, or offered at the limit for five minutes, trading is halted for five minutes. When trading resumes, the limit is expanded by $3.00 per mmBtu in either direction. If another halt were triggered, the market would continue to be expanded by $3.00 per mmBtu in either direction after each successive five-minute trading halt. There will be no maximum price fluctuation limits during any one trading session. | ||
ICE Natural Gas (cleared swaps) |
Any one month: 6,000 net futures / all months: 12,000 net futures, but not to exceed 1,000 contracts in the last three days of trading in the spot month. |
There is no maximum daily price fluctuation limit. | ||
NYMEX Light, Sweet Crude Oil |
Any one month: 10,000 net futures / all months: 20,000 net futures, but not to exceed 3,000 contracts in the last three days of trading in the spot month. |
$10.00 per barrel ($10,000 per contract) for all months. If any contract is traded, bid, or offered at the limit for five minutes, trading is halted for five minutes. When trading resumes, the limit is expanded by $10.00 per barrel in either direction. If another halt were triggered, the market would continue to be expanded by $10.00 per barrel in either direction after each successive five-minute trading halt. There will be no maximum price fluctuation limits during any one trading session. | ||
NYMEX Light, Sweet Crude Oil |
Any one month: 20,000 net futures / all months: 20,000 net futures, but not to exceed 2,000 contracts in the last three days of trading in the spot month. |
There is no maximum daily price fluctuation limit. | ||
ICE West Texas Intermediate |
Any one month: 10,000 net futures / all months: 20,000 net futures, but not to exceed 3,000 contracts in the last three days of trading in the spot month. |
There is no maximum daily price fluctuation limit. | ||
ICE Brent Crude Futures |
There are no position limits. |
There is no maximum daily price fluctuation limit. | ||
NYMEX Heating Oil |
Any one month: 5,000 net futures / all months: 7,000 net futures, but not to exceed 1,000 contracts in the last three days of trading in the spot month. |
$0.25 per gallon ($10,500 per contract) for all months. If any contract is traded, bid, or offered at the limit for five minutes, trading is halted for five minutes. When trading resumes, the limit is expanded by $0.25 per gallon in either direction. If another halt were triggered, the market would continue to be expanded by $0.25 per gallon in either direction after each successive five-minute trading halt. There will be no maximum price fluctuation limits during any one trading session. | ||
NYMEX Gasoline |
Any one month: 5,000 net futures / all months: 7,000 net futures, but not to exceed 1,000 contracts in the last three days of trading in the spot month. |
$0.25 per gallon ($10,500 per contract) for all months. If any contract is traded, bid, or offered at the limit for five minutes, trading is halted for five minutes. When trading resumes, the limit is expanded by $0.25 per gallon in either direction. If another halt were triggered, the market would continue to be expanded by $0.25 per gallon in either direction after each successive five-minute trading halt. There will be no maximum price fluctuation limits during any one trading session. |
9
Price Volatility. Despite daily price limits, the price volatility of Futures Contracts generally has been historically greater than that for traditional securities such as stocks and bonds. Price volatility often is greater day-to-day as opposed to intra-day. Futures Contracts tend to be more volatile than stocks and bonds because price movements for natural gas are more currently and directly influenced by economic factors for which current data is available and are traded by natural gas futures traders throughout the day. These economic factors include changes in interest rates; governmental, agricultural, trade, fiscal, monetary and exchange control programs and policies; weather and climate conditions; changing supply and demand relationships; changes in balances of payments and trade; U.S. and international rates of inflation; currency devaluations and revaluations; U.S. and international political and economic events; and changes in philosophies and emotions of market participants. Because USNG invests a significant portion of its assets in Futures Contracts, the assets of USNG, and therefore the prices of USNG units, may be subject to greater volatility than traditional securities.
Marking-to-Market Futures Positions. Futures Contracts are marked to market at the end of each trading day and the margin required with respect to such contracts is adjusted accordingly. This process of marking-to-market is designed to prevent losses from accumulating in any futures account. Therefore, if USNGs futures positions have declined in value, USNG may be required to post additional variation margin to cover this decline. Alternatively, if USNGs futures positions have increased in value, this increase will be credited to USNGs account.
What is the Natural Gas Market and the Petroleum-Based Fuel Market?
Natural Gas. Natural gas accounts for almost a quarter of U.S. energy consumption. The price of natural gas is established by the supply and demand conditions in the North American market, and more particularly, in the main refining center of the U.S. Gulf Coast. The natural gas market essentially constitutes an auction, where the highest bidder wins the supply. When markets are strong (i.e., when demand is high and/or supply is low), the bidder must be willing to pay a higher premium to capture the supply. When markets are weak (i.e., when demand is low and/or supply is high), a bidder may choose not to outbid competitors, waiting instead for later, possibly lower priced, supplies. Demand for natural gas by consumers, as well as agricultural, manufacturing and transportation industries, determines overall demand for natural gas. Since the precursors of product demand are linked to economic activity, natural gas demand will tend to reflect economic conditions. However, other factors such as weather significantly influence natural gas demand.
The NYMEX is the worlds largest physical commodity futures exchange and the dominant market for the trading of energy and precious metals. The Benchmark Futures Contract trades in units of 10,000 mmBtu and is based on delivery at the Henry Hub in Louisiana, the nexus of 16 intra- and interstate natural gas pipeline systems that draw supplies from the regions prolific gas deposits. The pipelines serve markets throughout the U.S. East Coast, the Gulf Coast, the Midwest, and up to the Canadian border. Because of the volatility of natural gas prices, a vigorous basis market has developed in the pricing relationships between the Henry Hub and other important natural gas market centers in the continental United States and Canada. The NYMEX makes available for trading a series of basis swap futures contracts that are quoted as price differentials between approximately 30 natural gas pricing points and the Henry Hub. The basis contracts trade in units of 2,500 mmBtu on the New York Mercantile Exchange ClearPort® trading platform. The New York Mercantile Exchange ClearPort® is an electronic trading platform through which a slate of energy futures contracts are available for competitive trading. Transactions can also be consummated off-NYMEX and submitted to the NYMEX for clearing via the NYMEX ClearPort® clearing website as an exchange of futures for physicals or an exchange of futures for swaps transactions.
10
Light, Sweet Crude Oil. Crude oil is the worlds most actively traded commodity. The futures contracts for light, sweet crude oil that are traded on the NYMEX are the worlds most liquid forum for crude oil trading, as well as the worlds largest volume futures contract trading on a physical commodity. Due to the liquidity and price transparency of oil futures contracts, they are used as a principal international pricing benchmark. The futures contracts for light, sweet crude oil trade on the NYMEX in units of 1,000 U.S. barrels (42,000 gallons) and, if not closed out before maturity, will result in delivery of oil to Cushing, Oklahoma, which is also accessible to the international spot markets via pipelines.
Demand for petroleum products by consumers, as well as agricultural, manufacturing and transportation industries, determines demand for crude oil by refiners. Since the precursors of product demand are linked to economic activity, crude oil demand will tend to reflect economic conditions. However, other factors such as weather also influence product and crude oil demand.
Crude oil supply is determined by both economic and political factors. Oil prices (along with drilling costs, availability of attractive prospects for drilling, taxes and technology, among other factors) determine exploration and development spending, which influence output capacity with a lag. In the short run, production decisions by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) also affect supply and prices. Oil export embargoes and the current conflict in Iraq represent other routes through which political developments move the market. It is not possible to predict the aggregate effect of all or any combination of these factors.
Heating Oil. Heating oil, also known as No. 2 fuel oil, accounts for approximately 25% of the yield of a barrel of crude oil, the second largest cut from oil after gasoline. The heating oil futures contract listed and traded on the NYMEX trades in units of 42,000 gallons (1,000 barrels) and is based on delivery in the New York harbor, the principal cash market trading center. The price of heating oil has historically been volatile.
Gasoline. Gasoline is the largest single volume refined product sold in the U.S. and accounts for almost half of national oil consumption. The gasoline futures contract listed and traded on the NYMEX trades in units of 42,000 gallons (1,000 barrels) and is based on delivery at petroleum products terminals in the New York harbor, the major East Coast trading center for imports and domestic shipments from refineries in the New York harbor area or from the Gulf Coast refining centers. The price of gasoline has historically been volatile.
Why Does USNG Purchase and Sell Futures Contracts?
USNGs investment objective is for the changes in percentage terms of its units NAV to reflect the changes in percentage terms of the Benchmark Futures Contract, less USNGs expenses. USNG invests primarily in Futures Contracts. USNG seeks to have its aggregate NAV approximate at all times the aggregate market value of the Futures Contracts and Other Natural Gas-Related Investments it holds.
Other than investing in Futures Contracts and Other Natural Gas-Related Investments, USNG only invests in assets to support these investments in Natural Gas Interests. At any given time, most of USNGs investments are in Treasuries, cash and/or cash equivalents that serve as segregated assets supporting USNGs positions in Futures Contracts and Other Natural Gas-Related Investments. For example, the purchase of a Futures Contract with a stated value of $10 million would not require USNG to pay $10 million upon entering into the contract; rather, only a margin deposit, generally of 10% to 30% of the stated value of the Futures Contract, would be required. To secure its Futures Contract obligations, USNG would deposit the required margin with the futures commission merchant and would separately hold, through its Custodian, Treasuries, cash and/or cash equivalents in an amount equal to the balance of the current market value of the contract, which at the contracts inception would be $10 million minus the amount of the margin deposit, or $9 million (assuming a 10% margin).
As a result of the foregoing, typically 10% to 30% of USNGs assets are held as margin in segregated accounts with a futures commission merchant. In addition to the Treasuries or cash it posts with the futures commission merchant for the Futures Contracts it owns, USNG holds, through the Custodian, Treasuries, cash and/or cash equivalents that can be posted as margin or as collateral to support its over-the-counter contracts. USNG earns income from the Treasuries and/or cash equivalents that it purchases, and on the cash it holds through the Custodian. USNG anticipates that the earned income will increase the NAV and limited partners capital contribution accounts. USNG reinvests the earned income, holds it in cash, or uses it to pay its expenses. If USNG reinvests the earned income, it makes investments that are consistent with its investment objective.
11
What is the Flow of Units?
12
What are the Trading Policies of USNG?
Liquidity
USNG invests only in Futures Contracts and Other Natural Gas-Related Investments that are traded in sufficient volume to permit, in the opinion of USCF, ease of taking and liquidating positions in these financial interests.
Spot Commodities
While certain of the futures contracts traded on the NYMEX can be physically settled, USNG does not intend to take or make physical delivery. USNG may from time to time trade in Other Natural Gas-Related Investments, including contracts based on the spot price of natural gas.
Leverage
While USNGs historical ratio of initial margin to total assets has generally ranged from approximately 10% to 30%, USCF endeavors to have the value of USNGs Treasuries, cash and/or cash equivalents, whether held by USNG or posted as margin or collateral, at all times approximate the aggregate market value of its obligations under USNGs Futures Contracts and Other Natural Gas-Related Investments. While USCF does not intend to leverage USNGs assets, it is not prohibited from doing so under the LP Agreement.
Borrowings
Borrowings are not used by USNG, unless USNG is required to borrow money in the event of physical delivery, USNG trades in cash commodities, or for short-term needs created by unexpected redemptions. USNG maintains the value of its Treasuries, cash and/or cash equivalents, whether held by USNG or posted as margin or collateral, to at all times approximate the aggregate market value of its obligations under its Futures Contracts and Other Natural Gas-Related Investments. USNG has not established and does not plan to establish credit lines.
Over-the-Counter Derivatives (Including Spreads and Straddles)
In addition to Futures Contracts, there are also a number of listed options on the Futures Contracts on the principal futures exchanges. These contracts offer investors and hedgers another set of financial vehicles to use in managing exposure to the natural gas market. Consequently, USNG may purchase options on natural gas Futures Contracts on these exchanges in pursuing its investment objective.
In addition to the Futures Contracts and options on the Futures Contracts, there also exists an active non-exchange-traded market in derivatives tied to natural gas. These derivatives transactions (also known as over-the-counter contracts) are usually entered into between two parties. Unlike most of the exchange-traded Futures Contracts or exchange-traded options on the Futures Contracts, each party to such contract bears the credit risk that the other party may not be able to perform its obligations under its contract.
Some natural gas-based derivatives transactions contain fairly generic terms and conditions and are available from a wide range of participants. Other natural gas-based derivatives have highly customized terms and conditions and are not as widely available. Many of these over-the-counter contracts are cash-settled forwards for the future delivery of natural gas- or petroleum-based fuels that have terms similar to the Futures Contracts. Others take the form of swaps in which the two parties exchange cash flows based on pre-determined formulas tied to the natural gas spot price, forward natural gas price, the Benchmark Futures Contract price, or other natural gas futures contract price. For example, USNG may enter into over-the-counter derivative contracts whose value will be tied to changes in the difference between the natural gas spot price, the Benchmark Futures Contract price, or some other futures contract price traded on the NYMEX or ICE Futures and the price of other Futures Contracts that may be invested in by USNG.
To protect itself from the credit risk that arises in connection with such contracts, USNG may enter into agreements with each counterparty that provide for the netting of its overall exposure to its counterparty, such as the agreements published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. USNG also may require that the counterparty be highly rated and/or provide collateral or other credit support to address USNGs exposure to the counterparty.
13
USCF assesses or reviews, as appropriate, the creditworthiness of each potential or existing counterparty to an over-the-counter contract pursuant to guidelines approved by USCFs Board. Furthermore, USCF, on behalf of USNG, only enters into over-the-counter contracts with counterparties who are, or are affiliates of, (a) banks regulated by a United States federal bank regulator, (b) broker-dealers regulated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), (c) insurance companies domiciled in the United States, or (d) producers, users or traders of energy, whether or not regulated by the CFTC. Any entity acting as a counterparty shall be regulated in either the United States or the United Kingdom unless otherwise approved by USCFs Board after consultation with its legal counsel. Existing counterparties are also reviewed periodically by USCF.
USNG may employ spreads or straddles in its trading to mitigate the differences in its investment portfolio and its goal of tracking the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract. USNG would use a spread when it chooses to take simultaneous long and short positions in futures written on the same underlying asset, but with different delivery months. The effect of holding such combined positions is to adjust the sensitivity of USNG to changes in the price relationship between futures contracts which will expire sooner and those that will expire later. USNG would use such a spread if USCF felt that taking such long and short positions, when combined with the rest of its holdings, would more closely track the investment goals of USNG, or if USCF felt it would lead to an overall lower cost of trading to achieve a given level of economic exposure to movements in natural gas prices. USNG would enter into a straddle when it chooses to take an option position consisting of a long (or short) position in both a call option and put option. The economic effect of holding certain combinations of put options and call options can be very similar to that of owning the underlying futures contracts. USNG would make use of such a straddle approach if, in the opinion of USCF, the resulting combination would more closely track the investment goals of USNG or if it would lead to an overall lower cost of trading to achieve a given level of economic exposure to movements in natural gas prices.
USNG has employed hedging methods to the extent it invested in fully-collateralized over-the-counter swap transactions designed to track percentage changes in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract. USNG has been exposed to counterparty risk on these fully-collateralized over-the-counter swap transactions.
Pyramiding
USNG has not and will not employ the technique, commonly known as pyramiding, in which the speculator uses unrealized profits on existing positions as variation margin for the purchase or sale of additional positions in the same or another commodity interest.
Who are the Service Providers?
BBH&Co. is the registrar and transfer agent for the units. BBH&Co. is also the Custodian for USNG. In this capacity, BBH&Co. holds USNGs Treasuries, cash and/or cash equivalents pursuant to a custodial agreement. In addition, in its capacity as Administrator for USNG, BBH&Co. performs certain administrative and accounting services for USNG and prepares certain SEC and CFTC reports on behalf of USNG. USCF pays BBH&Co.s fees for these services.
BBH&Co.s principal business address is 50 Milk Street, Boston, MA 02109-3661. BBH&Co., a private bank founded in 1818, is not a publicly held company nor is it insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. BBH&Co. is authorized to conduct a commercial banking business in accordance with the provisions of Article IV of the New York State Banking Law, New York Banking Law §§160181, and is subject to regulation, supervision, and examination by the New York State Banking Department. BBH&Co. is also licensed to conduct a commercial banking business by the Commonwealths of Massachusetts and Pennsylvania and is subject to supervision and examination by the banking supervisors of those states.
14
USNG also employs ALPS Distributors, Inc. as a Marketing Agent. USCF pays the Marketing Agent an annual fee. In no event may the aggregate compensation paid to the Marketing Agent and any affiliate of USCF for distribution-related services in connection with the offering of units exceed ten percent (10%) of the gross proceeds of the offering.
ALPSs principal business address is 1290 Broadway, Suite 1100, Denver, CO 80203. ALPS is the marketing agent for USNG. ALPS is a broker-dealer registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation.
UBS Securities LLC (UBS Securities) is USNGs futures commission merchant. USNG and UBS Securities have entered into an Institutional Futures Client Account Agreement. This Agreement requires UBS Securities to provide services to USNG in connection with the purchase and sale of natural gas interests that may be purchased or sold by or through UBS Securities for USNGs account. USNG pays the fees of UBS Securities.
UBS Securities LLC principal business address is 677 Washington Blvd, Stamford, CT 06901. UBS Securities is a futures clearing broker for USNG. UBS Securities is registered in the United States with FINRA as a broker- dealer and with the CFTC as a futures commission merchant. UBS Securities is a member of various U.S. futures and securities exchanges.
Like most securities firms, UBS is and has been a defendant in numerous legal proceedings, including actions brought by regulatory organizations and government agencies, relating to its securities and commodities business that allege various violations of federal and state securities laws. UBS AG, the ultimate parent company to UBS Securities LLC, files annual reports and quarterly reports to the SEC in which it discloses material information about UBS matters, including information about any material litigation or regulatory investigations. Actions with respect to UBS Securities futures commission merchant business are publicly available on the website of the National Futures Association (http://www.nfa.futures.org/).
On June 27, 2007, the Securities Division of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Massachusetts Securities Division) filed an administrative complaint (the Complaint) and notice of adjudicatory proceeding against UBS Securities LLC, captioned In The Matter of UBS Securities, LLC, Docket No. E-2007-0049, which alleged that UBS Securities violated the Massachusetts Uniform Securities Act (the Act) and related regulations by providing the advisers for certain hedge funds with gifts and gratuities in the form of below market office rents, personal loans with below market interest rates, event tickets, and other perks, in order to induce those hedge fund advisers to increase or retain their level of prime brokerage fees paid to UBS Securities. The Complaint seeks a cease and desist order from conduct that violates the Act and regulations, to censure UBS Securities, to require UBS Securities to pay an administrative fine of an unspecified amount, and to find as fact the allegations of the Complaint. The matter is still pending.
In the summer of 2008, the Massachusetts Securities Division, Texas State Securities Board, and the New York Attorney General (NYAG) all brought actions against UBS Securities and UBS Financial Services, Inc. (UBS Financial), alleging violations of various state law anti-fraud provisions in connection with the marketing and sale of auction rate securities.
On August 8, 2008, UBS Securities and UBS Financial reached agreements in principle with the SEC, the NYAG, the Massachusetts Securities Division and other state regulatory agencies represented by the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) to restore liquidity to all remaining clients holdings of auction rate securities by June 30, 2012. On October 2, 2008, UBS Securities and UBS Financial entered into a final consent agreement with the Massachusetts Securities Division settling all allegations in the Massachusetts Securities Divisions administrative proceeding against UBS Securities and UBS Financial with regards to the auction rate securities matter. On December 11, 2008, UBS Securities and UBS Financial executed an Assurance of Discontinuance in the auction rate securities settlement with the NYAG. On the same day, UBS Securities and UBS Financial finalized settlements with the SEC. UBS paid penalties of $75M to NYAG and an additional $75M to be apportioned among the participating NASAA states. In March 2010, UBS and NASAA agreed on final settlement terms, pursuant to which, UBS agreed to provide client liquidity up to an additional $200 million.
15
On August 14, 2008 the New Hampshire Bureau of Securities Regulation filed an administrative action against UBS Securities relating to a student loan issuer, the New Hampshire Higher Education Loan Corp. (NHHELCO). The complaint alleges fraudulent and unethical conduct in violation of New Hampshire state statues. On April 14, 2010, UBS entered into a Consent Order resolving all of the Bureaus claims. UBS paid $750,000 to the Bureau for all costs associated with the Bureaus investigation. UBS entered a separate civil settlement with NHHELCO and provided a total financial benefit of $20M to NHHELCO.
On April 29, 2010, the CFTC issued an order with respect to UBS Securities LLC and levied a fine of $200,000. The Order stated that on February 6, 2009, UBS Securities employee broker aided and abetted UBS Securities customers concealment of material facts from the NYMEX in violation of Section 9(a)(4) of the CEA, 7 U.S.C. § 13(a)(4) (2006). Pursuant to NYMEX Rules, a block trade must be reported to NYMEX within five minutes of the time of execution consistent with the requirements of NYMEX Rule 6.21C(A)(6). Although the block trade in question was executed earlier in the day, UBS Securities employee broker aided and abetted its customers concealment of facts when, in response to the customers request to delay reporting the trade until after the close of trading, UBS Securities employee did not report the trade until after the close. Because the employee broker undertook his actions within the scope of his employment, pursuant to Section 2(a)(1)(B) of the CEA, 7 U.S.C. § 2(a)(1)(B) (2006), and SEC Regulation 1.2, 17 C.F.R. § 1.2 (2009), UBS Securities is liable for the employee brokers aiding and abetting of its customers violation of Section 9(a)(4) of the CEA. The fine has been paid and the matter is now closed.
UBS Securities will act only as clearing broker for USNG and as such will be paid commissions for executing and clearing trades on behalf of USNG. UBS Securities has not passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this annual report on Form 10-K. UBS Securities neither will act in any supervisory capacity with respect to USCF nor participate in the management of USCF or USNG.
UBS Securities is not affiliated with USNG or USCF. Therefore, USNG does not believe that USNG has any conflicts of interest with UBS Securities or their trading principals arising from their acting as USNGs futures commission merchant.
Currently, USCF does not employ commodity trading advisors for the trading of USNG contracts. USCF currently does, however, employ a trading advisor for USCI SummerHaven Investment Management, LLC (SummerHaven). If, in the future, USCF does employ commodity trading advisors for USNG, it will choose each advisor based on arms-length negotiations and will consider the advisors experience, fees and reputation.
Fees of USNG
Fees and Compensation Arrangements with USCF and Non-Affiliated Service Providers*
Service Provider |
Compensation Paid by USCF | |
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., Custodian and Administrator |
Minimum amount of $75,000 annually* for its custody, fund accounting and fund administration services rendered to all funds, as well as a $20,000 annual fee for its transfer agency services. In addition, an asset-based charge of (a) 0.06% for the first $500 million of USNGs and the Related Public Funds combined net assets, (b) 0.0465% for USNGs and the Related Public Funds combined net assets greater than $500 million but less than $1 billion, and (c) 0.035% once USNGs and the Related Public Funds combined net assets exceed $1 billion.** | |
ALPS Distributors, Inc., Marketing Agent |
0.06% on USNGs assets up to $3 billion; and 0.04% on USNGs assets in excess of $3 billion. |
* | USCF pays this compensation. |
** | The annual minimum amount will not apply if the asset-based charge for all accounts in the aggregate exceeds $75,000. USCF also will pay transaction charge fees to BBH&Co., ranging from $7.00 to $15.00 per transaction for the funds. |
16
Compensation to USCF
Assets |
Management Fee | |||
First $1,000,000,000 |
0.60% of NAV | |||
After the first $1,000,000,000 |
0.50% of NAV |
Fees are calculated on a daily basis (accrued at 1/365 of the applicable percentage of NAV on that day) and paid on a monthly basis. NAV is calculated by taking the current market value of USOFs total assets and subtracting any liabilities.
Fees and Compensation Arrangements between USNG and Non-Affiliated Service Providers***
Service Provider |
Compensation Paid by USNG | |||
UBS Securities LLC, Futures Commission Merchant |
|
Approximately $3.50 per buy or sell; charges may vary |
| |
Non-Affiliated Brokers |
Approximately 0.21 % of assets |
*** | USNG pays this compensation. |
New York Mercantile Exchange Licensing Fee****
Assets |
Licensing Fee | |||
First $1,000,000,000 |
0.04% of NAV | |||
After the first $1,000,000,000 |
0.02% of NAV |
**** | Fees are calculated on a daily basis (accrued at 1/365 of the applicable percentage of NAV on that day) and paid on a monthly basis. USNG is responsible for its pro rata share of the assets held by USNG and the Related Public Funds, other than USBO and USCI. |
Expenses Paid by USNG through December 31, 2010 in dollar terms:
Expenses: |
Amount in Dollar Terms | |||
Amount Paid or Accrued to USCF: |
$ | 35,869,980 | ||
Amount Paid or Accrued in Portfolio Brokerage Commissions: |
$ | 18,860,213 | ||
Other Amounts Paid or Accrued*****: |
$ | 11,590,888 | ||
Total Expenses Paid or Accrued: |
$ | 66,321,081 |
***** | Includes expenses relating to the registration of additional units, legal fees, auditing fees, printing expenses, licensing fees, tax reporting fees, prepaid insurance expenses and miscellaneous expenses and fees and expenses paid to the independent directors of USCF. |
Expenses Paid by USNG through December 31, 2010 as a Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets:
Expenses: |
Amount as a
Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets |
|||
Amount Paid or Accrued to USCF: |
0.54% annualized | |||
Amount Paid or Accrued in Portfolio Brokerage Commissions: |
0.29% annualized | |||
Other Amounts Paid or Accrued: |
0.17% annualized | |||
Total Expenses Paid or Accrued: |
1.00% annualized |
17
Other Fees. USNG also pays the fees and expenses associated with its tax accounting and reporting requirements with the exception of certain initial implementation service fees and base service fees which are paid by USCF. These fees were approximately $2,200,000 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010. Commencing January 1, 2011, pursuant to the LP Agreement as amended, USNG will be responsible for all of the fees and expenses associated with its tax accounting and reporting requirements, including the implementation of service fees and base service fees previously paid by USCF. The estimated cost of USNGs base service fees associated with its tax accounting and reporting requirements is $75,000 for the calendar year ending December 31, 2011. In addition, USNG is responsible for the fees and expenses, which may include director and officers liability insurance, of the independent directors of USCF in connection with their activities with respect to USNG. These director fees and expenses may be shared with USOF, US12OF, UGA, USHO, USSO, US12NG and USBO. These fees and expenses for 2010 were $1,107,140, and USNGs portion of such fees and expenses was $629,670.
Form of Units
Registered Form. Units are issued in registered form in accordance with the LP Agreement. The Administrator has been appointed registrar and transfer agent for the purpose of transferring units in certificated form. The Administrator keeps a record of all limited partners and holders of the units in certificated form in the registry (the Register). USCF recognizes transfers of units in certificated form only if done in accordance with the LP Agreement. The beneficial interests in such units are held in book-entry form through participants and/or accountholders in the DTC.
Book Entry. Individual certificates are not issued for the units. Instead, units are represented by one or more global certificates, which are deposited by the Administrator with DTC and registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee for DTC. The global certificates evidence all of the units outstanding at any time. Unitholders are limited to (1) participants in DTC such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies (DTC Participants), (2) those who maintain, either directly or indirectly, a custodial relationship with a DTC Participant (Indirect Participants), and (3) those banks, brokers, dealers, trust companies and others who hold interests in the units through DTC Participants or Indirect Participants, in each case who satisfy the requirements for transfers of units. DTC Participants acting on behalf of investors holding units through such participants accounts in DTC will follow the delivery practice applicable to securities eligible for DTCs Same-Day Funds Settlement System. Units are credited to DTC Participants securities accounts following confirmation of receipt of payment.
DTC. DTC is a limited purpose trust company organized under the laws of the State of New York and is a member of the Federal Reserve System, a clearing corporation within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a clearing agency registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC holds securities for DTC Participants and facilitates the clearance and settlement of transactions between DTC Participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of DTC Participants.
Transfer of Units
Transfers of Units Only Through DTC. The units are only transferable through the book-entry system of DTC. Limited partners who are not DTC Participants may transfer their units through DTC by instructing the DTC Participant holding their units (or by instructing the Indirect Participant or other entity through which their units are held) to transfer the units. Transfers are made in accordance with standard securities industry practice.
Transfers of interests in units with DTC are made in accordance with the usual rules and operating procedures of DTC and the nature of the transfer. DTC has established procedures to facilitate transfers among the participants and/or accountholders of DTC. Because DTC can only act on behalf of DTC Participants, who in turn act on behalf of Indirect Participants, the ability of a person or entity having an interest in a global certificate to pledge such interest to persons or entities that do not participate in DTC, or otherwise take actions in respect of such interest, may be affected by the lack of a definitive security in respect of such interest. DTC has advised USNG that it will take any action permitted to be taken by a unitholder (including, without limitation, the presentation of a global certificate for exchange) only at the direction of one or more DTC Participants in whose account with DTC interests in global certificates are credited and only in respect of such portion of the aggregate principal amount of the global certificate as to which such DTC Participant or Participants has or have given such direction.
18
Transfer/Application Requirements. All purchasers of USNGs units, and potentially any purchasers of units in the future, who wish to become limited partners or other record holders and receive cash distributions, if any, or have certain other rights, must deliver an executed transfer application in which the purchaser or transferee must certify that, among other things, he, she or it agrees to be bound by USNGs LP Agreement and is eligible to purchase USNGs securities. Each purchaser of units must execute a transfer application and certification. The obligation to provide the form of transfer application is imposed on the seller of units or, if a purchase of units is made through an exchange, the form may be obtained directly through USNG. Further, USCF may request each record holder to furnish certain information, including that record holders nationality, citizenship or other related status. A record holder is a unitholder that is, or has applied to be, a limited partner. An investor who is not a U.S. resident may not be eligible to become a record holder or one of USNGs limited partners if that investors ownership would subject USNG to the risk of cancellation or forfeiture of any of USNGs assets under any federal, state or local law or regulation. If the record holder fails to furnish the information or if USCF determines, on the basis of the information furnished by the holder in response to the request, that such holder is not qualified to become one of USNGs limited partners, USCF may be substituted as a holder for the record holder, who will then be treated as a non-citizen assignee, and USNG will have the right to redeem those securities held by the record holder.
A transferees broker, agent or nominee may complete, execute and deliver a transfer application and certification. USNG may, at its discretion, treat the nominee holder of a unit as the absolute owner. In that case, the beneficial holders rights are limited solely to those that it has against the nominee holder as a result of any agreement between the beneficial owner and the nominee holder.
A person purchasing USNGs existing units, who does not execute a transfer application and certify that the purchaser is eligible to purchase those securities acquires no rights in those securities other than the right to resell those securities. Whether or not a transfer application is received or the consent of USCF obtained, USNGs units are securities and are transferable according to the laws governing transfers of securities.
Any transfer of units will not be recorded by the transfer agent or recognized by USCF unless a completed transfer application is delivered to USCF or the Administrator. When acquiring units, the transferee of such units that completes a transfer application will:
| be an assignee until admitted as a substituted limited partner upon the consent and sole discretion of USCF and the recording of the assignment on the books and records of the partnership; |
| automatically request admission as a substituted limited partner; |
| agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of, and execute, USNGs LP Agreement; |
| represent that such transferee has the capacity and authority to enter into USNGs LP Agreement; |
| grant powers of attorney to USCF as USNGs general partner and any liquidator of USNG; and |
| make the consents and waivers contained in USNGs LP Agreement. |
An assignee will become a limited partner in respect of the transferred units upon the consent of USCF as general partner of USNG and the recordation of the name of the assignee on USNGs books and records. Such consent may be withheld in the sole discretion of USCF as general partner of USNG.
If consent of USCF is withheld, such transferee shall be an assignee. An assignee shall have an interest in the partnership equivalent to that of a limited partner with respect to allocations and distributions, including, without limitation, liquidating distributions, of the partnership. With respect to voting rights attributable to units that are held by assignees, USCF shall be deemed to be the limited partner with respect thereto and shall, in exercising the voting rights in respect of such units on any matter, vote such units at the
19
written direction of the assignee who is the record holder of such units. If no such written direction is received, such units will not be voted. An assignee shall have no other rights of a limited partner.
Until a unit has been transferred on USNGs books, USNG and the transfer agent may treat the record holder of the unit as the absolute owner for all purposes, except as otherwise required by law or stock exchange regulations.
Withdrawal of Limited Partners
As discussed in the LP Agreement, if USCF gives at least fifteen (15) days written notice to a limited partner, then USCF may for any reason, in its sole discretion, require any such limited partner to withdraw entirely from the partnership or to withdraw a portion of its partner capital account. If USCF does not give at least fifteen (15) days written notice to a limited partner, then it may only require withdrawal of all or any portion of the capital account of any limited partner in the following circumstances: (i) the unitholder made a misrepresentation to USCF in connection with its purchase of units; or (ii) the limited partners ownership of units would result in the violation of any law or regulations applicable to the partnership or a partner. In these circumstances, USCF without notice may require the withdrawal at any time, or retroactively. The limited partner thus designated shall withdraw from the partnership or withdraw that portion of its partner capital account specified, as the case may be, as of the close of business on such date as determined by USCF. The limited partner thus designated shall be deemed to have withdrawn from the partnership or to have made a partial withdrawal from its partner capital account, as the case may be, without further action on the part of the limited partner and the provisions of the LP Agreement shall apply.
Calculating NAV
USNGs NAV is calculated by:
| Taking the current market value of its total assets; and |
| Subtracting any liabilities. |
BBH&Co., the Administrator, calculates the NAV of USNG once each NYSE Arca trading day. The NAV for a particular trading day is released after 4:00 p.m. New York time. Trading during the core trading session on the NYSE Arca typically closes at 4:00 p.m. New York time. The Administrator uses the NYMEX closing price (determined at the earlier of the close of the NYMEX or 2:30 p.m. New York time) for the contracts traded on the NYMEX, but calculates or determines the value of all other USNG investments as of the earlier of the close of the NYSE Arca or 4:00 p.m. New York time in accordance with the current Administrative Agency Agreement among BBH&Co., USNG and USCF, which is incorporated by reference into this annual report on Form 10-K.
In addition, in order to provide updated information relating to USNG for use by investors and market professionals, the NYSE Arca calculates and disseminates throughout the core trading session on each trading day an updated indicative fund value. The indicative fund value is calculated by using the prior days closing NAV per unit of USNG as a base and updating that value throughout the trading day to reflect changes in the most recently reported trade price for the active natural gas Futures Contracts on the NYMEX. The prices reported for those Futures Contract months are adjusted based on the prior days spread differential between settlement values for the relevant contract and the spot month contract. In the event that the spot month contract is also the Benchmark Futures Contract, the last sale price for that contract is not adjusted. The indicative fund value unit basis disseminated during NYSE Arca core trading session hours should not be viewed as an actual real time update of the NAV, because the NAV is calculated only once at the end of each trading day based upon the relevant end of day values of USNGs investments.
The indicative fund value is disseminated on a per unit basis every 15 seconds during regular NYSE Arca core trading session hours of 9:30 a.m. New York time to 4:00 p.m. New York time. The normal trading hours of the NYMEX are 10:00 a.m. New York time to 2:30 p.m. New York time. This means that there is a gap in time at the beginning and the end of each day during which USNGs units are traded on the NYSE Arca, but real-time NYMEX trading prices for futures contracts traded on the NYMEX are not available. As a result, during those gaps there will be no update to the indicative fund value.
20
The NYSE Arca disseminates the indicative fund value through the facilities of CTA/CQ High Speed Lines. In addition, the indicative fund value is published on the NYSE Arcas website and is available through on-line information services such as Bloomberg and Reuters.
Dissemination of the indicative fund value provides additional information that is not otherwise available to the public and is useful to investors and market professionals in connection with the trading of USNG units on the NYSE Arca. Investors and market professionals are able throughout the trading day to compare the market price of USNG and the indicative fund value. If the market price of USNG units diverges significantly from the indicative fund value, market professionals will have an incentive to execute arbitrage trades. For example, if USNG appears to be trading at a discount compared to the indicative fund value, a market professional could buy USNG units on the NYSE Arca and sell short futures contracts. Such arbitrage trades can tighten the tracking between the market price of USNG and the indicative fund value and thus can be beneficial to all market participants.
In addition, other Futures Contracts, Other Natural Gas-Related Investments and Treasuries held by USNG are valued by the Administrator, using rates and points received from client-approved third party vendors (such as Reuters and WM Company) and advisor quotes. These investments are not included in the indicative value. The indicative fund value is based on the prior days NAV and moves up and down solely according to changes in the Benchmark Futures Contract.
Creation and Redemption of Units
USNG creates and redeems units from time to time, but only in one or more Creation Baskets or Redemption Baskets. The creation and redemption of baskets are only made in exchange for delivery to USNG or the distribution by USNG of the amount of Treasuries and any cash represented by the baskets being created or redeemed, the amount of which is based on the combined NAV of the number of units included in the baskets being created or redeemed determined after 4:00 p.m. New York time on the day the order to create or redeem baskets is properly received.
Authorized Purchasers are the only persons that may place orders to create and redeem baskets. Authorized Purchasers must be (1) registered broker-dealers or other securities market participants, such as banks and other financial institutions, that are not required to register as broker-dealers to engage in securities transactions as described below, and (2) DTC Participants. To become an Authorized Purchaser, a person must enter into an Authorized Purchaser Agreement with USCF on behalf of USNG. The Authorized Purchaser Agreement provides the procedures for the creation and redemption of baskets and for the delivery of the Treasuries and any cash required for such creations and redemptions. The Authorized Purchaser Agreement and the related procedures attached thereto may be amended by USNG, without the consent of any limited partner or unitholder or Authorized Purchaser. Authorized Purchasers pay a transaction fee of $1,000 to USNG for each order they place to create or redeem one or more baskets. Authorized Purchasers who make deposits with USNG in exchange for baskets receive no fees, commissions or other form of compensation or inducement of any kind from either USNG or USCF, and no such person will have any obligation or responsibility to USCF or USNG to effect any sale or resale of units. As of December 31, 2010, 16 Authorized Purchasers had entered into agreements with USCF on behalf of USNG. During the year ended December 31, 2010, USNG issued 3,073 Creation Baskets and redeemed 3,122 Redemption Baskets.
Certain Authorized Purchasers are expected to have the facility to participate directly in the physical natural gas market and the natural gas futures market. In some cases, an Authorized Purchaser or its affiliates may from time to time acquire natural gas or sell natural gas and may profit in these instances. USCF believes that the size and operation of the natural gas market make it unlikely that an Authorized Purchasers direct activities in the natural gas or securities markets will impact the price of natural gas, Futures Contracts, or the price of the units.
Each Authorized Purchaser is required to be registered as a broker-dealer under the Exchange Act and is a member in good standing with FINRA, or exempt from being or otherwise not required to be licensed as a broker-dealer or a member of FINRA, and qualified to act as a broker or dealer in the states or other jurisdictions where the nature of its business so requires. Certain Authorized
21
Purchasers may also be regulated under federal and state banking laws and regulations. Each Authorized Purchaser has its own set of rules and procedures, internal controls and information barriers as it determines is appropriate in light of its own regulatory regime.
Under the Authorized Purchaser Agreement, USCF has agreed to indemnify the Authorized Purchasers against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to contribute to the payments the Authorized Purchasers may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.
The following description of the procedures for the creation and redemption of baskets is only a summary and an investor should refer to the relevant provisions of the LP Agreement and the form of Authorized Purchaser Agreement for more detail, each of which is incorporated by reference into this annual report on Form 10-K.
Creation Procedures
On any business day, an Authorized Purchaser may place an order with the Marketing Agent to create one or more baskets. For purposes of processing purchase and redemption orders, a business day means any day other than a day when any of the NYSE Arca, the NYMEX or the NYSE is closed for regular trading. Purchase orders must be placed by 12:00 p.m. New York time or the close of regular trading on the NYSE Arca, whichever is earlier. The day on which the Marketing Agent receives a valid purchase order is the purchase order date.
By placing a purchase order, an Authorized Purchaser agrees to deposit Treasuries, cash, or a combination of Treasuries and cash with USNG, as described below. Prior to the delivery of baskets for a purchase order, the Authorized Purchaser must also have wired to the Custodian the non-refundable transaction fee due for the purchase order. Authorized Purchasers may not withdraw a creation request.
Determination of Required Deposits
The total deposit required to create each basket (Creation Basket Deposit) is the amount of Treasuries and/or cash that is in the same proportion to the total assets of USNG (net of estimated accrued but unpaid fees, expenses and other liabilities) on the date the order to purchase is accepted as the number of units to be created under the purchase order is in proportion to the total number of units outstanding on the date the order is received. USCF determines, directly in its sole discretion or in consultation with the Administrator, the requirements for Treasuries and the amount of cash, including the maximum permitted remaining maturity of a Treasury and proportions of Treasury and cash that may be included in deposits to create baskets. The Marketing Agent will publish such requirements at the beginning of each business day. The amount of cash deposit required is the difference between the aggregate market value of the Treasuries required to be included in a Creation Basket Deposit as of 4:00 p.m. New York time on the date the order to purchase is properly received and the total required deposit.
Delivery of Required Deposits
An Authorized Purchaser who places a purchase order is responsible for transferring to USNGs account with the Custodian the required amount of Treasuries and cash by the end of the third business day following the purchase order date. Upon receipt of the deposit amount, the Administrator directs DTC to credit the number of baskets ordered to the Authorized Purchasers DTC account on the third business day following the purchase order date. The expense and risk of delivery and ownership of Treasuries until such Treasuries have been received by the Custodian on behalf of USNG is borne solely by the Authorized Purchaser.
Because orders to purchase baskets must be placed by 12:00 p.m., New York time, but the total payment required to create a basket during the continuous offering period will not be determined until after 4:00 p.m. New York time on the date the purchase order is received, Authorized Purchasers will not know the total amount of the payment required to create a basket at the time they submit an irrevocable purchase order for the basket. USNGs NAV and the total amount of the payment required to create a basket could rise or fall substantially between the time an irrevocable purchase order is submitted and the time the amount of the purchase price in respect thereof is determined.
22
Rejection of Purchase Orders
USCF acting by itself or through the Marketing Agent may reject a purchase order or a Creation Basket Deposit if:
| it determines that the investment alternative available to USNG at that time will not enable it to meet its investment objective; |
| it determines that the purchase order or the Creation Basket Deposit is not in proper form; |
| it believes that the purchase order or the Creation Basket Deposit would have adverse tax consequences to USNG or its unitholders; |
| the acceptance or receipt of the Creation Basket Deposit would, in the opinion of counsel to USCF, be unlawful; or |
| circumstances outside the control of USCF, Marketing Agent or Custodian make it, for all practical purposes, not feasible to process creations of baskets. |
None of USCF, Marketing Agent or Custodian will be liable for the rejection of any purchase order or Creation Basket Deposit.
Redemption Procedures
The procedures by which an Authorized Purchaser can redeem one or more baskets mirror the procedures for the creation of baskets. On any business day, an Authorized Purchaser may place an order with the Marketing Agent to redeem one or more baskets. Redemption orders must be placed by 12:00 p.m. New York time or the close of regular trading on the NYSE, whichever is earlier. A redemption order so received will be effective on the date it is received in satisfactory form by the Marketing Agent. The redemption procedures allow Authorized Purchasers to redeem baskets and do not entitle an individual unitholder to redeem any units in an amount less than a Redemption Basket, or to redeem baskets other than through an Authorized Purchaser. By placing a redemption order, an Authorized Purchaser agrees to deliver the baskets to be redeemed through DTCs book-entry system to USNG not later than 3:00 p.m. New York time on the third business day following the effective date of the redemption order. Prior to the delivery of the redemption distribution for a redemption order, the Authorized Purchaser must also have wired to USNGs account at the Custodian the non-refundable transaction fee due for the redemption order. Authorized Purchasers may not withdraw a redemption request.
Determination of Redemption Distribution
The redemption distribution from USNG consists of a transfer to the redeeming Authorized Purchaser of an amount of Treasuries and cash that is in the same proportion to the total assets of USNG (net of estimated accrued but unpaid fees, expenses and other liabilities) on the date the order to redeem is properly received as the number of units to be redeemed under the redemption order is in proportion to the total number of units outstanding on the date the order is received. USCF, directly or in consultation with the Administrator, determines the requirements for Treasuries and the amounts of cash, including the maximum permitted remaining maturity of a Treasury, and the proportions of Treasuries and cash that may be included in distributions to redeem baskets. The Marketing Agent will publish such requirements as of 4:00 p.m. New York time on the redemption order date.
Delivery of Redemption Distribution
The redemption distribution due from USNG will be delivered to the Authorized Purchaser by 3:00 p.m. New York time on the third business day following the redemption order date if, by 3:00 p.m. New York time on such third business day, USNGs DTC account has been credited with the baskets to be redeemed. If USNGs DTC account has not been credited with all of the baskets to be redeemed by such time, the redemption distribution will be delivered to the extent of whole baskets received. Any remainder of the redemption distribution will be delivered on the next business day to the extent of remaining whole baskets received if USNG receives the fee applicable to the extension of the redemption distribution date which USCF may, from time to time, determine and the remaining baskets to be redeemed are credited to USNGs DTC account by 3:00 p.m. New York time on such next business day. Any further outstanding amount of the redemption order shall be cancelled. Pursuant to information from USCF, the Custodian will also be authorized to deliver the redemption distribution notwithstanding that the baskets to be redeemed are not credited to USNGs DTC account by 3:00 p.m. New York time on the third business day following the redemption order date if the Authorized Purchaser has collateralized its obligation to deliver the baskets through DTCs book entry-system on such terms as USCF may from time to time determine.
23
Suspension or Rejection of Redemption Orders
USCF may, in its discretion, suspend the right of redemption, or postpone the redemption settlement date, (1) for any period during which the NYSE Arca or the NYMEX is closed other than customary weekend or holiday closings, or trading on the NYSE Arca or the NYMEX is suspended or restricted, (2) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which delivery, disposal or evaluation of Treasuries is not reasonably practicable, or (3) for such other period as USCF determines to be necessary for the protection of the limited partners. For example, USCF may determine that it is necessary to suspend redemptions to allow for the orderly liquidation of USNGs assets at an appropriate value to fund a redemption. If USCF has difficulty liquidating its positions, e.g., because of a market disruption event in the futures markets, a suspension of trading by the exchange where the futures contracts are listed or an unanticipated delay in the liquidation of a position in an over-the-counter contract, it may be appropriate to suspend redemptions until such time as such circumstances are rectified. None of USCF, the Marketing Agent, the Administrator, or the Custodian will be liable to any person or in any way for any loss or damages that may result from any such suspension or postponement.
Redemption orders must be made in whole baskets. USCF will reject a redemption order if the order is not in proper form as described in the Authorized Purchaser Agreement or if the fulfillment of the order, in the opinion of its counsel, might be unlawful. USCF may also reject a redemption order if the number of units being redeemed would reduce the remaining outstanding units to 100,000 units (i.e., one basket) or less, unless USCF has reason to believe that the placer of the redemption order does in fact possess all the outstanding units and can deliver them.
Creation and Redemption Transaction Fee
To compensate USNG for its expenses in connection with the creation and redemption of baskets, an Authorized Purchaser is required to pay a transaction fee to USNG of $1,000 per order to create or redeem baskets. An order may include multiple baskets. The transaction fee may be reduced, increased or otherwise changed by USCF. USCF shall notify DTC of any change in the transaction fee and will not implement any increase in the fee for the redemption of baskets until 30 days after the date of the notice.
Tax Responsibility
Authorized Purchasers are responsible for any transfer tax, sales or use tax, stamp tax, recording tax, value added tax or similar tax or governmental charge applicable to the creation or redemption of baskets, regardless of whether or not such tax or charge is imposed directly on the Authorized Purchaser, and agree to indemnify USCF and USNG if they are required by law to pay any such tax, together with any applicable penalties, additions to tax or interest thereon.
Secondary Market Transactions
As noted, USNG creates and redeems units from time to time, but only in one or more Creation Baskets or Redemption Baskets. The creation and redemption of baskets are only made in exchange for delivery to USNG or the distribution by USNG of the amount of Treasuries and cash represented by the baskets being created or redeemed, the amount of which will be based on the aggregate NAV of the number of units included in the baskets being created or redeemed determined on the day the order to create or redeem baskets is properly received.
24
As discussed above, Authorized Purchasers are the only persons that may place orders to create and redeem baskets. Authorized Purchasers must be registered broker-dealers or other securities market participants, such as banks and other financial institutions that are not required to register as broker-dealers to engage in securities transactions. An Authorized Purchaser is under no obligation to create or redeem baskets, and an Authorized Purchaser is under no obligation to offer to the public units of any baskets it does create. Authorized Purchasers that do offer to the public units from the baskets they create will do so at per-unit offering prices that are expected to reflect, among other factors, the trading price of the units on the NYSE Arca, the NAV of USNG at the time the Authorized Purchaser purchased the Creation Baskets and the NAV of the units at the time of the offer of the units to the public, the supply of and demand for units at the time of sale, and the liquidity of the Futures Contract market and the market for Other Natural Gas-Related Investments. The prices of units offered by Authorized Purchasers are expected to fall between USNGs NAV and the trading price of the units on the NYSE Arca at the time of sale. Units initially comprising the same basket but offered by Authorized Purchasers to the public at different times may have different offering prices. An order for one or more baskets may be placed by an Authorized Purchaser on behalf of multiple clients. Authorized Purchasers who make deposits with USNG in exchange for baskets receive no fees, commissions or other form of compensation or inducement of any kind from either USNG or USCF, and no such person has any obligation or responsibility to USCF or USNG to effect any sale or resale of units. Units trade in the secondary market on the NYSE Arca. Units may trade in the secondary market at prices that are lower or higher relative to their NAV per unit. The amount of the discount or premium in the trading price relative to the NAV per unit may be influenced by various factors, including the number of investors who seek to purchase or sell units in the secondary market and the liquidity of the Futures Contracts market and the market for Other Natural Gas-Related Investments. While the units trade during the core trading session on the NYSE Arca until 4:00 p.m. New York time, liquidity in the market for Futures Contracts and Other Natural Gas-Related Investments may be reduced after the close of the NYMEX at 2:30 p.m. New York time. As a result, during this time, trading spreads, and the resulting premium or discount, on the units may widen.
Prior Performance of USNG
USNGs units began trading on the American Stock Exchange (the AMEX) on April 18, 2007 and are offered on a continuous basis. As a result of the acquisition of the AMEX by NYSE Euronext, USNGs units commenced trading on the NYSE Arca on November 25, 2008. As of December 31, 2010, the total amount of money raised by USNG from Authorized Purchasers was $12,418,966,355; the total number of Authorized Purchasers was 16; the number of baskets purchased by Authorized Purchasers was 8,894; the number of baskets redeemed by Authorized Purchasers was 4,448; and the aggregate amount of units purchased was 889,400,000. For more information on the performance of USNG, see the Performance Tables below.
Since its initial offering of 30,000,000 units, USNG has registered four subsequent offerings of its units: 50,000,000 units which were registered with the SEC on November 21, 2007, 100,000,000 units which were registered with the SEC on August 28, 2008, 300,000,000 units which were registered with the SEC on May 6, 2009 and 1,000,000,000 units which were registered with the SEC on August 12, 2009. Units offered by USNG in the subsequent offerings were sold by it for cash at the units NAV as described in the applicable prospectus. As of December 31, 2010, USNG had issued 889,400,000 units, 444,600,000 of which were outstanding. As of December 31, 2010, there were 590,600,000 units registered but not yet issued.
Since the commencement of the offering of USNG units to the public on April 18, 2007 to December 31, 2010, the simple average daily change in its Benchmark Futures Contract was -0.1771%, while the simple average daily change in the NAV of USNG over the same time period was -0.1766%. The average daily difference was 0.0005% (or 0.05 basis points, where 1 basis point equals 1/100 of 1%). As a percentage of the daily movement of the Benchmark Futures Contract, the average error in daily tracking by the NAV was 0.022%, meaning that over this time period USNGs tracking error was within the plus or minus 10% range established as its benchmark tracking goal.
25
Experience in Raising and Investing in USNG through December 31, 2010
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
Dollar Amount Offered*: |
$ | 24,056,500,000 | ||
Dollar Amount Raised: |
$ | 12,418,966,355 | ||
Organizational and Offering Expenses**: |
||||
SEC registration fee: |
$ | 1,361,084 | ||
FINRA registration fee: |
$ | 377,500 | ||
Listing fee: |
$ | 5,000 | ||
Auditors fees and expenses: |
$ | 10,350 | ||
Legal fees and expenses: |
$ | 95,965 | ||
Printing expenses: |
$ | 15,357 | ||
Length of USNG Offering: |
Continuous |
* | Reflects the offering price per unit set forth on the cover page of the registration statement registering such units filed with the SEC. |
** | Through April 18, 2007, these expenses were paid for by USCF. Following April 18, 2007, USNG has recorded these expenses. |
Compensation to USCF and Other Compensation USNG:
Expenses paid by USNG through December 31, 2010 in dollar terms:
Expenses: |
Amount in Dollar Terms | |||
Amount Paid or Accrued to USCF: |
$ | 35,869,980 | ||
Amount Paid or Accrued in Portfolio Brokerage Commissions: |
$ | 18,860,213 | ||
Other Amounts Paid or Accrued*: |
$ | 11,590,888 | ||
Total Expenses Paid or Accrued: |
$ | 66,321,081 |
* | Includes expenses relating to the registration of additional units, legal fees, auditing fees, printing expenses, licensing fees, tax reporting fees, prepaid insurance expenses and miscellaneous expenses and fees and expenses paid to the independent directors of USCF. |
Expenses paid by USNG through December 31, 2010 as a Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets:
Expenses: |
Amount as a
Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets |
|||
Amount Paid or Accrued to USCF: |
0.54% annualized | |||
Amount Paid or Accrued in Portfolio Brokerage Commissions: |
0.29% annualized | |||
Other Amounts Paid or Accrued: |
0.17% annualized | |||
Total Expenses Paid or Accrued: |
1.00% annualized | |||
USNG Performance: |
||||
Name of Commodity Pool: |
USNG | |||
Type of Commodity Pool: |
Exchange traded security | |||
Inception of Trading: |
April 18, 2007 | |||
Aggregate Subscriptions (from inception through December 31, 2010): |
$ | 12,418,966,355 | ||
Total Net Assets as of December 31, 2010: |
$ | 2,667,356,837 | ||
Initial NAV per Unit as of Inception: |
$ | 50.00 | ||
NAV per Unit as of December 31, 2010: |
$ | 6.00 | ||
Worst Monthly Percentage Draw-down: |
July 2008 (32.13)% | |||
Worst Peak-to-Valley Draw-down: |
|
June 2008 December 2010 (90.42)% |
| |
Number of Unitholders (as of December 31, 2010) |
393,887 |
26
COMPOSITE PERFORMANCE DATA FOR USNG
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
Rates of return* | ||||||||||||||||
Month |
2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | ||||||||||||
January |
| 8.87 | % | (21.49) | % | (7.65) | % | |||||||||
February |
| 15.87 | % | (5.47) | % | (6.02) | % | |||||||||
March |
| 6.90 | % | (11.81) | % | (21.05) | % | |||||||||
April |
4.30 | % | 6.42 | % | (13.92) | % | (0.87) | % | ||||||||
May |
(0.84) | % | 6.53 | % | 10.37 | % | 8.19 | % | ||||||||
June |
(15.90) | % | 13.29 | % | (4.63) | % | 5.14 | % | ||||||||
July |
(9.68) | % | (32.13) | % | (8.70) | % | 6.43 | % | ||||||||
August |
(13.37) | % | (13.92) | % | (27.14) | % | (22.95) | % | ||||||||
September |
12.28 | % | (9.67) | % | 26.03 | % | (3.13) | % | ||||||||
October |
12.09 | % | (12.34) | % | (13.31) | % | (5.83) | % | ||||||||
November |
(16.16) | % | (6.31) | % | (11.86) | % | (1.37) | % | ||||||||
December |
0.75 | % | (14.32) | % | 13.91 | % | 4.53 | % | ||||||||
Annual Rate of Return |
(27.64) | %** | (35.68) | % | (56.73) | % | (40.42) | % |
* | The monthly rate of return is calculated by dividing the ending NAV of a given month by the ending NAV of the previous month, subtracting 1 and multiplying this number by 100 to arrive at a percentage increase or decrease. |
** | Partial from April 18, 2007. |
Terms Used in Performance Tables
Draw-down: Losses experienced over a specified period. Draw-down is measured on the basis of monthly returns only and does not reflect intra-month figures.
Worst Monthly Percentage Draw-down: The largest single month loss sustained since inception of trading.
Worst Peak-to-Valley Draw-down: The largest percentage decline in the NAV per unit over the history of the fund. This need not be a continuous decline, but can be a series of positive and negative returns where the negative returns are larger than the positive returns. Worst Peak-to-Valley Draw-down represents the greatest percentage decline from any month-end NAV per unit that occurs without such month-end NAV per unit being equaled or exceeded as of a subsequent month-end. For example, if the NAV per unit declined by $1 in each of January and February, increased by $1 in March and declined again by $2 in April, a peak-to-trough drawdown analysis conducted as of the end of April would consider that drawdown to be still continuing and to be $3 in amount, whereas if the NAV per unit had increased by $2 in March, the January-February drawdown would have ended as of the end of February at the $2 level.
Prior Performance of the Related Public Funds
USCF is also currently the general partner of USOF, US12OF, UGA, USHO, USSO, US12NG and USBO and the sponsor of USCI. Each of the General Partner and the Related Public Funds is located in California.
USOF is a commodity pool and issues units traded on the NYSE Arca. The investment objective of USOF is for the changes in percentage terms of its units NAV to reflect the changes in percentage terms of the spot price of light, sweet crude oil delivered to Cushing, Oklahoma, as measured by the changes in the price of the futures contract on light, sweet crude oil traded on the NYMEX,
27
less USOFs expenses. USOFs units began trading on April 10, 2006 and are offered on a continuous basis. USOF may invest in a mixture of listed crude oil futures contracts, other non-listed oil related investments, Treasuries, cash and cash equivalents. As of December 31, 2010, the total amount of money raised by USOF from its authorized purchasers was $27,304,449,711; the total number of authorized purchasers of USOF was 21; the number of baskets purchased by authorized purchasers of USOF was 5,608; the number of baskets redeemed by authorized purchasers of USOF was 5,149; and the aggregate amount of units purchased was 560,800,000. USOF employs an investment strategy in its operations that is similar to the investment strategy of USNG, except that its benchmark is the near month contract to expire for light, sweet crude oil delivered to Cushing, Oklahoma.
Since the commencement of the offering of USOF units to the public on April 10, 2006 to December 31, 2010, the simple average daily change in its benchmark oil futures contract was -0.018%, while the simple average daily change in the NAV of USOF over the same time period was -0.014%. The average daily difference was -0.004% (or -0.4 basis points, where 1 basis point equals 1/100 of 1%). As a percentage of the daily movement of the benchmark oil futures contract, the average error in daily tracking by the NAV was 1.04%, meaning that over this time period USOFs tracking error was within the plus or minus 10% range established as its benchmark tracking goal.
US12OF is a commodity pool and issues units traded on the NYSE Arca. The investment objective of US12OF is for the changes in percentage terms of its units NAV to reflect the changes in percentage terms of the spot price of light, sweet crude oil delivered to Cushing, Oklahoma, as measured by the changes in the average of the prices of 12 futures contracts on light, sweet crude oil traded on the NYMEX, consisting of the near month contract to expire and the contracts for the following 11 months, for a total of 12 consecutive months contracts, less US12OFs expenses. US12OFs units began trading on December 6, 2007 and are offered on a continuous basis. US12OF may invest in a mixture of listed crude oil futures contracts, other non-listed oil related investments, Treasuries, cash and cash equivalents. As of December 31, 2010, the total amount of money raised by US12OF from its authorized purchasers was $263,331,815; the total number of authorized purchasers of US12OF was 9; the number of baskets purchased by authorized purchasers of US12OF was 85; the number of baskets redeemed by authorized purchasers of US12OF was 43; and the aggregate amount of units purchased was 8,500,000. US12OF employs an investment strategy in its operations that is similar to the investment strategy of USNG, except that its benchmark is the average of the prices of the near month contract to expire and the following eleven months contracts for light, sweet crude oil delivered to Cushing, Oklahoma.
Since the commencement of the offering of US12OF units to the public on December 6, 2007 to December 31, 2010, the simple average daily change in the average price of its benchmark futures contracts was 0.0104%, while the simple average daily change in the NAV of US12OF over the same time period was 0.0101%. The average daily difference was -0.0003% (or -0.03 basis points, where 1 basis point equals 1/100 of 1%). As a percentage of the daily movement of the average price of the benchmark futures contracts, the average error in daily tracking by the NAV was -0.169%, meaning that over this time period US12OFs tracking error was within the plus or minus 10% range established as its benchmark tracking goal.
UGA is a commodity pool and issues units traded on the NYSE Arca. The investment objective of UGA is for the changes in percentage terms of its units NAV to reflect the changes in percentage terms in the spot price of unleaded gasoline for delivery to the New York harbor, as measured by the changes in the price of the futures contract on gasoline traded on the NYMEX, less UGAs expenses. UGAs units began trading on February 26, 2008 and are offered on a continuous basis. UGA may invest in a mixture of listed gasoline futures contracts, other non-listed gasoline related investments, Treasuries, cash and cash equivalents. As of December 31, 2010, the total amount of money raised by UGA from its authorized purchasers was $166,768,788; the total number of authorized purchasers of UGA was 10; the number of baskets purchased by authorized purchasers of UGA was 53; the number of baskets redeemed by authorized purchasers of UGA was 37; and the aggregate amount of units purchased was 5,300,000. UGA employs an investment strategy in its operations that is similar to the investment strategy of USNG, except that its benchmark is the near month contract for unleaded gasoline delivered to the New York harbor.
Since the commencement of the offering of UGA units to the public on February 26, 2008 to December 31, 2010, the simple average daily change in its benchmark futures contract was 0.019%, while the simple average daily change in the NAV of UGA over the same
28
time period was 0.017%. The average daily difference was -0.002% (or -0.2 basis points, where 1 basis point equals 1/100 of 1%). As a percentage of the daily movement of the benchmark futures contract, the average error in daily tracking by the NAV was -0.472%, meaning that over this time period UGAs tracking error was within the plus or minus 10% range established as its benchmark tracking goal.
USHO is a commodity pool and issues units traded on the NYSE Arca. The investment objective of USHO is for the changes in percentage terms of its units NAV to reflect the changes in percentage terms of the spot price of heating oil for delivery to the New York harbor, as measured by the changes in the price of the futures contract on heating oil traded on the NYMEX, less USHOs expenses. USHOs units began trading on April 9, 2008 and are offered on a continuous basis. USHO may invest in a mixture of listed heating oil futures contracts, other non-listed heating oil-related investments, Treasuries, cash and cash equivalents. As of December 31, 2010, the total amount of money raised by USHO from its authorized purchasers was $30,496,989; the total number of authorized purchasers of USHO was 10; the number of baskets purchased by authorized purchasers of USHO was 9; the number of baskets redeemed by authorized purchasers of USHO was 5; and the aggregate amount of units purchased was 900,000. USHO employs an investment strategy in its operations that is similar to the investment strategy of USNG, except that its benchmark is the near month contract for heating oil delivered to the New York harbor.
Since the commencement of the offering of USHO units to the public on April 9, 2008 to December 31, 2010, the simple average daily change in its benchmark futures contract was -0.042%, while the simple average daily change in the NAV of USHO over the same time period was -0.043%. The average daily difference was -0.0001% (or -0.01 basis points, where 1 basis point equals 1/100 of 1%). As a percentage of the daily movement of the benchmark futures contract, the average error in daily tracking by the NAV was -0.671%, meaning that over this time period USHOs tracking error was within the plus or minus 10% range established as its benchmark tracking goal.
USSO is a commodity pool and issues units traded on the NYSE Arca. The investment objective of USSO is for the changes in percentage terms of its units NAV to inversely reflect the changes in percentage terms of the spot price of light, sweet crude oil delivered to Cushing, Oklahoma as measured by the changes in the price of the futures contract for light, sweet crude oil traded on the NYMEX, less USSOs expenses. USSOs units began trading on September 24, 2009 and are offered on a continuous basis. USSO may invest in short positions in listed crude oil futures contracts, other non-listed oil related investments, Treasuries, cash and cash equivalents. As of December 31, 2010, the total amount of money raised by USSO from its authorized purchasers was $36,929,471; the total number of authorized purchasers of USSO was 11; the number of baskets purchased by authorized purchasers of USSO was 8; the number of baskets redeemed by authorized purchasers of USSO was 6; and the aggregate amount of units purchased was 800,000. USSO employs an investment strategy in its operations that is similar to the investment strategy of USNG, except that its benchmark is the inverse of the near month contract for light, sweet crude oil delivered to Cushing, Oklahoma.
Since the commencement of the offering of USSO units to the public on September 24, 2009 to December 31, 2010, the inverse of the simple average daily change in its benchmark futures contract was 0.047%, while the simple average daily change in the NAV of USSO over the same time period was -0.051%. The average daily difference was -0.004% (or -0.4 basis points, where 1 basis point equals 1/100 of 1%). As a percentage of the inverse of the daily movement of the benchmark futures contract, the average error in daily tracking by the NAV was -1.562%, meaning that over this time period USSOs tracking error was within the plus or minus 10% range established as its benchmark tracking goal.
US12NG is a commodity pool and issues units traded on the NYSE Arca. The investment objective of US12NG is for the changes in percentage terms of its units NAV to reflect the changes in percentage terms of the spot price of natural gas delivered at the Henry Hub, Louisiana, as measured by the changes in the average of the prices of 12 futures contracts on natural gas traded on the NYMEX, consisting of the near month contract to expire and the contracts for the following 11 months, for a total of 12 consecutive months contracts, less US12NGs expenses. US12NGs units began trading on November 18, 2009 and are offered on a continuous basis. US12NG may invest in a mixture of listed natural gas futures contracts, other non-listed natural gas related investments, Treasuries, cash and cash equivalents. As of December 31, 2010, the total amount of money raised by US12NG from its authorized purchasers was $71,441,409; the total number of authorized purchasers of US12NG was 6; the number of baskets purchased by authorized purchasers of US12NG was 15; the number of baskets redeemed by authorized purchasers of US12NG was 6; and the aggregate
29
amount of units purchased was 1,600,000. US12NG employs an investment strategy in its operations that is similar to the investment strategy of USNG, except that its benchmark is the average of the prices of the near month contract to expire and the following eleven months contracts for natural gas delivered at the Henry Hub, Louisiana.
Since the commencement of the offering of US12NG units to the public on November 18, 2009 to December 31, 2010, the simple average daily change in the average price of its benchmark futures contracts was -0.103%, while the simple average daily change in the NAV of US12NG over the same time period was -0.107%. The average daily difference was -0.003% (or -0.3 basis points, where 1 basis point equals 1/100 of 1%). As a percentage of the daily movement of the average price of the benchmark futures contracts, the average error in daily tracking by the NAV was -0.531%, meaning that over this time period US12NGs tracking error was within the plus or minus 10% range established as its benchmark tracking goal.
USBO is a commodity pool and issues units traded on the NYSE Arca. The investment objective of USBO is for the daily changes in percentage terms of its units NAV to reflect the daily changes in percentage terms of the spot price of Brent crude oil as measured by the changes in the price of the futures contract for Brent crude oil traded on the ICE Futures, less USBOs expenses. USBOs units began trading on June 2, 2010 and are offered on a continuous basis. USBO may invest in a mixture of listed oil futures contracts, other non-listed oil related investments, Treasuries, cash and cash equivalents. As of December 31, 2010, the total amount of money raised by USBO from its authorized purchasers was $10,000,000; the total number of authorized purchasers of USBO was 5; the number of baskets purchased by authorized purchasers of USBO was 2; the number of baskets redeemed by authorized purchasers of USBO was 0; and the aggregate amount of units purchased was 200,000. USBO employs an investment strategy in its operations that is similar to the investment strategy of USNG, except that its benchmark is the near month contract for Brent crude oil.
Since the commencement of the offering of USBO units to the public on June 2, 2010 to December 31, 2010, the simple average daily change in its benchmark futures contract was 0.172%, while the simple average daily change in the NAV of USBO over the same time period was 0.168%. The average daily difference was -0.004% (or -0.4 basis points, where 1 basis point equals 1/100 of 1%). As a percentage of the daily movement of the benchmark futures contract, the average error in daily tracking by the NAV was -1.526%, meaning that over this time period USBOs tracking error was within the plus or minus 10% range established as its benchmark tracking goal.
USCI is a commodity pool and issues units traded on the NYSE Arca. The investment objective of USCI is for the daily changes in percentage terms of its units NAV to reflect the daily changes in percentage terms of the Commodity Index, less USCIs expenses. USCIs units began trading on August 10, 2010 and are offered on a continuous basis. USCI may invest in a mixture of listed futures contracts, other non-listed related investments, Treasuries, cash and cash equivalents. As of December 31, 2010, the total amount of money raised by USCI from its authorized purchasers was $97,618,317; the total number of authorized purchasers of USCI was 5; the number of baskets purchased by authorized purchasers of USCI was 17; the number of baskets redeemed by authorized purchasers of USCI was 1; and the aggregate amount of units purchased was 1,700,020.
Since the commencement of the offering of USCI units to the public on August 10, 2010 to December 31, 2010, the simple average daily change in the Commodity Index was 0.259%, while the simple average daily change in the NAV of USCI over the same time period was 0.256%. The average daily difference was -0.003% (or -0.3 basis points, where 1 basis point equals 1/100 of 1%). As a percentage of the daily movement of the Commodity Index, the average error in daily tracking by the NAV was 1.420%, meaning that over this time period USCIs tracking error was within the plus or minus 10% range established as its benchmark tracking goal.
USCF has filed a registration statement for three other exchange-traded security funds, USMI, USAI and USCUI, each of which is a series of the Trust. The investment objective of USMI will be for the daily changes in percentage terms of its units NAV to reflect the daily changes in percentage terms of the Metals Index, less USMIs expenses. The investment objective of USAI will be for the daily changes in percentage terms of its units NAV to reflect the daily changes in percentage terms of the Agriculture Index, less USAIs expenses. The investment objective of USCUI will be for the daily changes in percentage terms of its units NAV to reflect the daily changes in percentage terms of the Copper Index, less USCUIs expenses.
30
There are significant differences between investing in USNG and the Related Public Funds and investing directly in the futures market. USCFs results with USNG and the Related Public Funds may not be representative of results that may be experienced with a fund directly investing in futures contracts or other managed funds investing in futures contracts. Moreover, given the different investment objectives of USNG and the Related Public Funds, the performance of USNG may not be representative of results that may be experienced by the other Related Public Funds. For more information on the performance of the Related Public Funds, see the Performance Tables below.
USOF:
Experience in Raising and Investing in USOF through December 31, 2010
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
Dollar Amount Offered*: |
$ | 71,257,630,000 | ||
Dollar Amount Raised: |
$ | 27,304,449,711 | ||
Organizational and Offering Expenses**: |
||||
SEC registration fee: |
$ | 2,480,174 | ||
FINRA registration fee: |
$ | 603,500 | ||
Listing fee: |
$ | 5,000 | ||
Auditors fees and expenses: |
$ | 10,350 | ||
Legal fees and expenses: |
$ | 140,107 | ||
Printing expenses: |
$ | 14,011 | ||
Length of USOF Offering: |
Continuous |
* | Reflects the offering price per unit set forth on the cover page of the registration statement registering such units filed with the SEC. |
** | Through December 31, 2006, these expenses were paid for by an affiliate of USCF in connection with the initial public offering. Following December 31, 2006, USOF has recorded these expenses. |
Compensation to USCF and Other Compensation USOF:
Expenses paid by USOF through December 31, 2010 in dollar terms:
Expenses: |
Amount in Dollar Terms | |||
Amount Paid or Accrued to USCF: |
$ | 29,475,681 | ||
Amount Paid or Accrued in Portfolio Brokerage Commissions: |
$ | 9,088,209 | ||
Other Amounts Paid or Accrued*: |
$ | 10,827,341 | ||
Total Expenses Paid or Accrued: |
$ | 49,391,231 |
* | Includes expenses relating to the registration of additional units, legal fees, auditing fees, printing expenses, licensing fees, tax reporting fees, prepaid insurance expenses and miscellaneous expenses and fees and expenses paid to the independent directors of USCF. |
Expenses paid by USOF through December 31, 2010 as a Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets:
Expenses: |
Amount as a Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets | |
Amount Paid or Accrued to USCF: |
0.46% annualized | |
Amount Paid or Accrued in Portfolio Brokerage Commissions: |
0.14% annualized | |
Other Amounts Paid or Accrued: |
0.17% annualized | |
Total Expenses Paid or Accrued: |
0.77% annualized | |
USOF Performance: |
||
Name of Commodity Pool: |
USOF | |
Type of Commodity Pool: |
Exchange traded security | |
Inception of Trading: |
April 10, 2006 | |
Aggregate Subscriptions (from inception through December 31, 2010): |
$27,304,449,711 | |
Total Net Assets as of December 31, 2010: |
$1,788,607,572 | |
Initial NAV per Unit as of Inception: |
$67.39 | |
NAV per Unit as of December 31, 2010: |
$38.97 | |
Worst Monthly Percentage Draw-down: |
October 2008 (31.57)% | |
Worst Peak-to-Valley Draw-down: |
June 2008 January 2009 (74.14)% | |
Number of Unitholders (as of December 31, 2010) |
176,111 |
31
COMPOSITE PERFORMANCE DATA FOR USOF
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
Rates of return* | ||||||||||||||||||||
Month |
2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | |||||||||||||||
January |
| (6.55 | )% | (4.00 | )% | (14.60 | )% | (8.78 | )% | |||||||||||
February |
| 5.63 | % | 11.03 | % | (6.55 | )% | 8.62 | % | |||||||||||
March |
| 4.61 | % | 0.63 | % | 7.23 | % | 4.61 | % | |||||||||||
April |
3.47 | %** | (4.26 | )% | 12.38 | % | (2.38 | )% | 2.04 | % | ||||||||||
May |
(2.91 | )% | (4.91 | )% | 12.80 | % | 26.69 | % | (17.96 | )% | ||||||||||
June |
3.16 | % | 9.06 | % | 9.90 | % | 4.16 | % | 0.47 | % | ||||||||||
July |
(0.50 | )% | 10.57 | % | (11.72 | )% | (2.30 | )% | 3.57 | % | ||||||||||
August |
(6.97 | )% | (4.95 | )% | (6.75 | )% | (1.98 | )% | (9.47 | )% | ||||||||||
September |
(11.72 | )% | 12.11 | % | (12.97 | )% | 0.25 | % | 8.97 | % | ||||||||||
October |
(8.45 | )% | 16.98 | % | (31.57 | )% | 8.43 | % | 0.89 | % | ||||||||||
November |
4.73 | % | (4.82 | )% | (20.65 | )% | (0.51 | )% | 2.53 | % | ||||||||||
December |
(5.21 | )% | 8.67 | % | (22.16 | )% | (0.03 | )% | 8.01 | % | ||||||||||
Annual Rate of Return |
(23.03 | )%** | 46.17 | % | (54.75 | )% | 14.14 | % | (0.49 | )% |
* | The monthly rate of return is calculated by dividing the ending NAV of a given month by the ending NAV of the previous month, subtracting 1 and multiplying this number by 100 to arrive at a percentage increase or decrease. |
** | Partial from April 10, 2006. |
For a definition of draw-down, please see text below Composite Performance Data for USNG.
US12OF:
Experience in Raising and Investing in US12OF through December 31, 2010
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
Dollar Amount Offered*: |
$ | 5,550,000,000 | ||
Dollar Amount Raised: |
$ | 263,331,815 | ||
Organizational and Offering Expenses**: |
||||
SEC registration fee: |
$ | 129,248 | ||
FINRA registration fee: |
$ | 151,000 | ||
Listing fee: |
$ | 5,000 | ||
Auditors fees and expenses: |
$ | 10,700 | ||
Legal fees and expenses: |
$ | 259,912 | ||
Printing expenses: |
$ | 44,402 | ||
Length of US12OF Offering: |
Continuous |
* | Reflects the offering price per unit set forth on the cover page of the registration statement registering such units filed with the SEC. |
** | Through March 31, 2009, a portion of these expenses were paid for by an affiliate of USCF in connection with the initial public offering. Following March 31, 2009, US12OF has recorded these expenses. |
32
Compensation to USCF and Other Compensation US12OF:
Expenses paid by US12OF through December 31, 2010 in dollar terms:
Expenses: |
Amount in Dollar Terms | |||
Amount Paid or Accrued to USCF: |
$ | 1,853,841 | ||
Amount Paid or Accrued in Portfolio Brokerage Commissions: |
$ | 66,104 | ||
Other Amounts Paid or Accrued*: |
$ | 1,153,940 | ||
Total Expenses Paid or Accrued |
$ | 3,073,885 | ||
Expenses Waived**: |
$ | (108,246 | ) | |
Total Expenses Paid or Accrued Including Expenses Waived: |
$ | 2,965,639 |
* | Includes expenses relating to the registration of additional units, legal fees, auditing fees, printing expenses, licensing fees, tax reporting fees, prepaid insurance expenses and miscellaneous expenses and fees and expenses paid to the independent directors of USCF. |
** | USCF, though under no obligation to do so, agreed to pay certain expenses, to the extent that such expenses exceeded 0.15% (15 basis points) of US12OFs NAV, on an annualized basis through March 31, 2009, after which date such payments were no longer necessary. USCF has no obligation to continue such payments into subsequent periods. |
Expenses paid by US12OF through December 31, 2010 as a Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets:
Expenses: |
Amount as a
Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets |
|||
Amount Paid or Accrued to USCF: |
0.60% annualized | |||
Amount Paid or Accrued in Portfolio Brokerage Commissions: |
0.02% annualized | |||
Other Amounts Paid or Accrued: |
0.38% annualized | |||
Total Expenses Paid or Accrued: |
1.00% annualized | |||
Expenses Waived: |
(0.04)% annualized | |||
Total Expenses Paid or Accrued Including Expenses Waived: |
0.96% annualized | |||
US12OF Performance: |
||||
Name of Commodity Pool: |
US12OF | |||
Type of Commodity Pool: |
Exchange traded security | |||
Inception of Trading: |
December 6, 2007 | |||
Aggregate Subscriptions (from inception through December 31, 2010): |
$ | 263,331,815 | ||
Total Net Assets as of December 31, 2010: |
$ | 180,203,262 | ||
Initial NAV per Unit as of Inception: |
$ | 50.00 | ||
NAV per Unit as of December 31, 2010: |
$ | 42.91 | ||
Worst Monthly Percentage Draw-down: |
October 2009 (29.59) | % | ||
Worst Peak-to-Valley Draw-down: |
June 2008 January 2009 (64.47) | % | ||
Number of Unitholders (as of December 31, 2010) |
13,837 |
33
COMPOSITE PERFORMANCE DATA FOR US12OF
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
Rates of return* | ||||||||||||||||
Month |
2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | ||||||||||||
January |
| (2.03 | )% | (7.11 | )% | (8.40 | )% | |||||||||
February |
| 10.48 | % | (4.34 | )% | 6.73 | % | |||||||||
March |
| (0.66 | )% | 9.22 | % | 4.16 | % | |||||||||
April |
| 11.87 | % | (1.06 | )% | 6.37 | % | |||||||||
May |
| 15.47 | % | 20.40 | % | (15.00 | )% | |||||||||
June |
| 11.59 | % | 4.51 | % | (1.00 | )% | |||||||||
July |
| (11.39 | )% | 1.22 | % | 4.16 | % | |||||||||
August |
| (6.35 | )% | (2.85 | )% | (5.92 | )% | |||||||||
September |
| (13.12 | )% | (0.92 | )% | 7.02 | % | |||||||||
October |
| (29.59 | )% | 8.48 | % | 0.05 | % | |||||||||
November |
| (16.17 | )% | 2.31 | % | 1.86 | % | |||||||||
December |
8.46 | %** | (12.66 | )% | (1.10 | )% | 9.10 | % | ||||||||
Annual Rate of Return |
8.46 | %** | (42.39 | )% | 29.23 | % | 6.29 | % |
* | The monthly rate of return is calculated by dividing the ending NAV of a given month by the ending NAV of the previous month, subtracting 1 and multiplying this number by 100 to arrive at a percentage increase or decrease. |
** | Partial from December 6, 2007. |
For a definition of draw-down, please see text below Composite Performance Data for USNG.
UGA:
Experience in Raising and Investing in UGA through December 31, 2010
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
Dollar Amount Offered*: |
$ | 3,431,000,000 | ||
Dollar Amount Raised: |
$ | 166,768,788 | ||
Organizational and Offering Expenses**: |
||||
SEC registration fee: |
$ | 184,224 | ||
FINRA registration fee: |
$ | 151,000 | ||
Listing fee: |
$ | 5,000 | ||
Auditors fees and expenses: |
$ | 2,500 | ||
Legal fees and expenses: |
$ | 192,407 | ||
Printing expenses: |
$ | 10,532 | ||
Length of UGA Offering: |
Continuous |
* | Reflects the offering price per unit set forth on the cover page of the registration statement registering such units filed with the SEC. |
** | Through August 31, 2009, initial offering costs and a portion of ongoing expenses were paid for by USCF. Following August 31, 2009, UGA has recorded these expenses. |
34
Compensation to USCF and Other Compensation UGA:
Expenses paid by UGA through December 31, 2010 in dollar terms:
Expenses: |
Amount in Dollar Terms | |||
Amount Paid or Accrued to USCF: |
$ | 905,511 | ||
Amount Paid or Accrued in Portfolio Brokerage Commissions: |
$ | 158,051 | ||
Other Amounts Paid or Accrued*: |
$ | 949,661 | ||
Total Expenses Paid or Accrued: |
$ | 2,013,223 | ||
Expenses Waived**: |
$ | (649,587 | ) | |
Total Expenses Paid or Accrued Including Expenses Waived: |
$ | 1,363,636 |
* | Includes expenses relating to the registration of additional units, legal fees, auditing fees, printing expenses, licensing fees, tax reporting fees, prepaid insurance expenses and miscellaneous expenses and fees and expenses paid to the independent directors of USCF. |
** | USCF, though under no obligation to do so, agreed to pay certain expenses, to the extent that such expenses exceeded 0.15% (15 basis points) of UGAs NAV, on an annualized basis, through at least June 30, 2011. USCF has no obligation to continue such payments into subsequent periods. |
Expenses paid by UGA through December 31, 2010 as a Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets:
Expenses: |
Amount as a
Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets |
|||
Amount Paid or Accrued to USCF: |
0.60% annualized | |||
Amount Paid or Accrued in Portfolio Brokerage Commissions: |
0.10% annualized | |||
Other Amounts Paid or Accrued: |
0.63% annualized | |||
Total Expenses Paid or Accrued: |
1.33% annualized | |||
Expenses Waived: |
(0.43)% annualized | |||
Total Expenses Paid or Accrued Including Expenses Waived: |
0.90% annualized | |||
UGA Performance: |
||||
Name of Commodity Pool: |
UGA | |||
Type of Commodity Pool: |
Exchange traded security | |||
Inception of Trading: |
February 26, 2008 | |||
Aggregate Subscriptions (from inception through December 31, 2010): |
$ | 166,768,788 | ||
Total Net Assets as of December 31, 2010: |
$ | 67,294,584 | ||
Initial NAV per Unit as of Inception: |
$ | 50.00 | ||
NAV per Unit as of December 31, 2010: |
$ | 42.06 | ||
Worst Monthly Percentage Draw-down: |
October 2008 (38.48) | % | ||
Worst Peak-to-Valley Draw-down: |
June 2008 December 2010 (35.24) | % | ||
Number of Unitholders (as of December 31, 2010) |
23,115 |
35
COMPOSITE PERFORMANCE DATA FOR UGA
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
Rates of return* | ||||||||||||
Month |
2008 | 2009 | 2010 | |||||||||
January |
| 16.23 | % | (7.47 | )% | |||||||
February |
(0.56 | )%** | 0.26 | % | 7.33 | % | ||||||
March |
(2.39 | )% | 2.59 | % | 5.42 | % | ||||||
April |
10.94 | % | 2.07 | % | 3.15 | % | ||||||
May |
15.60 | % | 30.41 | % | (15.54 | )% | ||||||
June |
4.80 | % | 1.65 | % | 1.93 | % | ||||||
July |
(12.79 | )% | 6.24 | % | 2.95 | % | ||||||
August |
(3.88 | )% | (3.71 | )% | (10.42 | )% | ||||||
September |
(9.36 | )% | (3.38 | )% | 9.45 | % | ||||||
October |
(38.48 | )% | 10.96 | % | 2.19 | % | ||||||
November |
(21.35 | )% | 1.00 | % | 8.19 | % | ||||||
December |
(15.72 | )% | 0.55 | % | 11.33 | % | ||||||
Annual Rate of Return |
(59.58 | )%** | 80.16 | % | 15.52 | % |
* | The monthly rate of return is calculated by dividing the ending NAV of a given month by the ending NAV of the previous month, subtracting 1 and multiplying this number by 100 to arrive at a percentage increase or decrease. |
** | Partial from February 26, 2008. |
For a definition of draw-down, please see text below Composite Performance Data for USNG.
USHO:
Experience in Raising and Investing in USHO through December 31, 2010
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
Dollar Amount Offered*: |
$ | 1,940,500,000 | ||
Dollar Amount Raised: |
$ | 30,496,989 | ||
Organizational and Offering Expenses**: |
||||
SEC registration fee: |
$ | 142,234 | ||
FINRA registration fee: |
$ | 151,000 | ||
Listing fee: |
$ | 5,000 | ||
Auditors fees and expenses: |
$ | 2,500 | ||
Legal fees and expenses: |
$ | 127,303 | ||
Printing expenses: |
$ | 31,751 | ||
Length of USHO Offering: |
Continuous |
* | Reflects the offering price per unit set forth on the cover page of the registration statement registering such units filed with the SEC. |
** | Through August 31, 2009, initial offering costs and a portion of ongoing expenses were paid for by USCF. Following August 31, 2009, USHO has recorded these expenses. |
36
Compensation to USCF and Other Compensation USHO:
Expenses paid by USHO through December 31, 2010 in dollar terms:
Expenses: |
Amount in Dollar Terms | |||
Amount Paid or Accrued to USCF: |
$ | 176,441 | ||
Amount Paid or Accrued in Portfolio Brokerage Commissions: |
$ | 28,368 | ||
Other Amounts Paid or Accrued*: |
$ | 540,646 | ||
Total Expenses Paid or Accrued: |
$ | 745,455 | ||
Expenses Waived**: |
$ | (482,193 | ) | |
Total Expenses Paid or Accrued Including Expenses Waived: |
$ | 263,262 |
* | Includes expenses relating to the registration of additional units, legal fees, auditing fees, printing expenses, licensing fees, tax reporting fees, prepaid insurance expenses and miscellaneous expenses and fees and expenses paid to the independent directors of USCF. |
** | USCF, though under no obligation to do so, agreed to pay certain expenses, to the extent that such expenses exceeded 0.15% (15 basis points) of USHOs NAV, on an annualized basis, through at least June 30, 2011. USCF has no obligation to continue such payments into subsequent periods. |
Expenses paid by USHO through December 31, 2010 as a Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets:
Expenses: |
Amount as a
Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets |
|||
Amount Paid or Accrued to USCF: |
0.60% annualized | |||
Amount Paid or Accrued in Portfolio Brokerage Commissions: |
0.10% annualized | |||
Other Amounts Paid or Accrued: |
1.84% annualized | |||
Total Expenses Paid or Accrued: |
2.54% annualized | |||
Expenses Waived: |
(1.64)% annualized | |||
Total Expenses Paid or Accrued Including Expenses Waived: |
0.90% annualized | |||
USHO Performance: |
||||
Name of Commodity Pool: |
USHO | |||
Type of Commodity Pool: |
Exchange traded security | |||
Inception of Trading: |
April 9, 2008 | |||
Aggregate Subscriptions (from inception through December 31, 2010): |
$ | 30,496,989 | ||
Total Net Assets as of December 31, 2010: |
$ | 11,928,209 | ||
Initial NAV per Unit as of Inception: |
$ | 50.00 | ||
NAV per Unit as of December 31, 2010: |
$ | 29.82 | ||
Worst Monthly Percentage Draw-down: |
October 2008 (28.63) | % | ||
Worst Peak-to-Valley Draw-down: |
June 2008 December 2010 (52.76) | % | ||
Number of Unitholders (as of December 31, 2010) |
2,539 |
37
COMPOSITE PERFORMANCE DATA FOR USHO
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
Rates of return* | ||||||||||||
Month |
2008 | 2009 | 2010 | |||||||||
January |
| 0.05 | % | (10.17 | )% | |||||||
February |
| (11.34 | )% | 5.78 | % | |||||||
March |
| 6.73 | % | 6.42 | % | |||||||
April |
2.84 | %** | (3.85 | )% | 5.13 | % | ||||||
May |
15.93 | % | 23.13 | % | (14.14 | )% | ||||||
June |
5.91 | % | 4.55 | % | (0.40 | )% | ||||||
July |
(12.18 | )% | 0.39 | % | 2.48 | % | ||||||
August |
(8.41 | )% | (2.71 | )% | (5.88 | )% | ||||||
September |
(9.77 | )% | (0.48 | )% | 12.75 | % | ||||||
October |
(28.63 | )% | 7.60 | % | (2.20 | )% | ||||||
November |
(18.38 | )% | 0.19 | % | 2.97 | % | ||||||
December |
(17.80 | )% | 2.23 | % | 8.75 | % | ||||||
Annual Rate of Return |
(56.12 | )%** | 25.52 | % | 8.28 | % |
* | The monthly rate of return is calculated by dividing the ending NAV of a given month by the ending NAV of the previous month, subtracting 1 and multiplying this number by 100 to arrive at a percentage increase or decrease. |
** | Partial from April 9, 2008. |
For a definition of draw-down, please see text below Composite Performance Data for USNG.
USSO:
Experience in Raising and Investing in USSO through December 31, 2010
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
Dollar Amount Offered*: |
$ | 1,250,000,000 | ||
Dollar Amount Raised: |
$ | 36,929,471 | ||
Organizational and Offering Expenses**: |
||||
SEC registration fee: |
$ | 49,125 | ||
FINRA registration fee: |
$ | 55,000 | ||
Listing fee: |
$ | 5,000 | ||
Auditors fees and expenses: |
$ | | ||
Legal fees and expenses: |
$ | 408,335 | ||
Printing expenses: |
$ | 23,945 | ||
Length of USSO Offering: |
Continuous |
* | Reflects the offering price per unit set forth on the cover page of the registration statement registering such units filed with the SEC. |
** | These expenses were paid for by USCF. |
Compensation to USCF and Other Compensation USSO:
Expenses paid by USSO through December 31, 2010 in dollar terms:
Expenses: |
Amount in Dollar Terms | |||
Amount Paid or Accrued to USCF: |
$ | 117,825 | ||
Amount Paid or Accrued in Portfolio Brokerage Commissions: |
$ | 26,926 | ||
Other Amounts Paid or Accrued*: |
$ | 419,289 | ||
Total Expenses Paid or Accrued: |
$ | 564,040 | ||
Expenses Waived**: |
$ | (381,891 | ) | |
Total Expenses Paid or Accrued Including Expenses Waived: |
$ | 182,149 |
* | Includes expenses relating to legal fees, auditing fees, printing expenses, licensing fees, tax reporting fees, prepaid insurance expenses and miscellaneous expenses and fees and expenses paid to the independent directors of USCF. |
** | USCF, though under no obligation to do so, agreed to pay certain expenses, to the extent that such expenses exceeded 0.15% (15 basis points) of USSOs NAV, on an annualized basis, through at least June 30, 2011. USCF has no obligation to continue such payments into subsequent periods. |
38
Expenses paid by USSO through December 31, 2010 as a Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets:
Expenses: |
Amount as a
Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets |
|||
Amount Paid or Accrued to USCF: |
0.60% annualized | |||
Amount Paid or Accrued in Portfolio Brokerage Commissions: |
0.14% annualized | |||
Other Amounts Paid or Accrued: |
2.14% annualized | |||
Total Expenses Paid or Accrued: |
2.88% annualized | |||
Expenses Waived: |
(1.95)% annualized | |||
Total Expenses Paid or Accrued Including Expenses Waived: |
0.93% annualized | |||
USSO Performance: |
||||
Name of Commodity Pool: |
USSO | |||
Type of Commodity Pool: |
Exchange traded security | |||
Inception of Trading: |
September 24, 2009 | |||
Aggregate Subscriptions (from inception through December 31, 2010): |
$ | 36,929,471 | ||
Total Net Assets as of December 31, 2010: |
$ | 8,083,801 | ||
Initial NAV per Unit as of Inception: |
$ | 50.00 | ||
NAV per Unit as of December 31, 2010: |
$ | 40.42 | ||
Worst Monthly Percentage Draw-down: |
February 2010 (8.94) | % | ||
Worst Peak-to-Valley Draw-down: |
August 2010 - December 2010 (19.78) | % | ||
Number of Unitholders (as of December 31, 2010) |
1,389 |
COMPOSITE PERFORMANCE DATA FOR USSO
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
Rates of return* | ||||||||
Month |
2009 | 2010 | ||||||
January |
| 9.05 | % | |||||
February |
| (8.94 | )% | |||||
March |
| (4.92 | )% | |||||
April |
| (2.50 | )% | |||||
May |
| 20.18 | % | |||||
June |
| (1.42 | )% | |||||
July |
| (4.17 | )% | |||||
August |
| 9.61 | % | |||||
September |
(2.90 | )%** | (8.75 | )% | ||||
October |
(8.65 | )% | (1.59 | )% | ||||
November |
(0.25 | )% | (3.18 | )% | ||||
December |
(0.57 | )% | (7.74 | )% | ||||
Annual Rate of Return |
(12.02 | )%** | (8.12 | )% |
* | The monthly rate of return is calculated by dividing the ending NAV of a given month by the ending NAV of the previous month, subtracting 1 and multiplying this number by 100 to arrive at a percentage increase or decrease. |
** | Partial from September 24, 2009. |
For a definition of draw-down, please see text below Composite Performance Data for USNG.
39
US12NG:
Experience in Raising and Investing in US12NG through December 31, 2010
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
Dollar Amount Offered*: |
$ | 1,500,000 | ||
Dollar Amount Raised: |
$ | 71,441,409 | ||
Organizational and Offering Expenses**: |
||||
SEC registration fee: |
$ | 80,910 | ||
FINRA registration fee: |
$ | 70,000 | ||
Listing fee: |
$ | 5,000 | ||
Auditors fees and expenses: |
$ | 2,500 | ||
Legal fees and expenses: |
$ | 202,011 | ||
Printing expenses: |
$ | 31,588 | ||
Length of US12NG Offering: |
Continuous |
* | Reflects the offering price per unit set forth on the cover page of the registration statement registering such units filed with the SEC. |
** | These expenses were paid for by USCF. |
Compensation to USCF and Other Compensation US12NG:
Expenses paid by US12NG through December 31, 2010 in dollar terms:
Expenses: |
Amount in Dollar Terms | |||
Amount Paid or Accrued to USCF: |
$ | 265,512 | ||
Amount Paid or Accrued in Portfolio Brokerage Commissions: |
$ | 22,153 | ||
Other Amounts Paid or Accrued*: |
$ | 362,628 | ||
Total Expenses Paid or Accrued: |
$ | 650,293 | ||
Expenses Waived**: |
$ | (288,366 | ) | |
Total Expenses Paid or Accrued Including Expenses Waived: |
$ | 361,927 |
* | Includes expenses relating to legal fees, auditing fees, printing expenses, licensing fees, tax reporting fees, prepaid insurance expenses and miscellaneous expenses and fees and expenses paid to the independent directors of USCF. |
** | USCF, though under no obligation to do so, agreed to pay certain expenses, to the extent that such expenses exceeded 0.15% (15 basis points) of US12NGs NAV, on an annualized basis, through at least June 30, 2011. USCF has no obligation to continue such payments into subsequent periods. |
Expenses paid by US12NG through December 31, 2010 as a Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets:
Expenses: |
Amount as a
Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets |
|||
Amount Paid or Accrued to USCF |
0.69% annualized | |||
Amount Paid or Accrued in Portfolio Brokerage Commissions: |
0.06% annualized | |||
Other Amounts Paid or Accrued: |
0.95% annualized | |||
Total Expenses Paid or Accrued: |
1.70% annualized | |||
Expenses Waived: |
(0.75)% annualized | |||
Total Expenses Paid or Accrued Including Expenses Waived: |
0.95% annualized | |||
US12NG Performance: |
||||
Name of Commodity Pool: |
US12NG | |||
Type of Commodity Pool: |
Exchange traded security | |||
Inception of Trading: |
November 18, 2009 | |||
Aggregate Subscriptions (from inception through December 31, 2010): |
$ | 71,441,409 | ||
Total Net Assets as of December 31, 2010: |
$ | 35,022,013 | ||
Initial NAV per Unit as of Inception: |
$ | 50.00 | ||
NAV per Unit as of December 31, 2010: |
$ | 35.02 | ||
Worst Monthly Percentage Draw-down: |
March 2010 (15.47) | % | ||
Worst Peak-to-Valley Draw-down: |
December 2009 - December 2010 (34.87) | % | ||
Number of Unitholders (as of December 31, 2010) |
4,575 |
40
COMPOSITE PERFORMANCE DATA FOR US12NG
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
Rates of return* | ||||||||
Month |
2009 | 2010 | ||||||
January |
| (5.93 | )% | |||||
February |
| (5.18 | )% | |||||
March |
| (15.47 | )% | |||||
April |
| 0.07 | % | |||||
May |
| 3.11 | % | |||||
June |
| 1.27 | % | |||||
July |
| (0.05 | )% | |||||
August |
| (13.53 | )% | |||||
September |
| (6.23 | )% | |||||
October |
| (1.78 | )% | |||||
November |
(0.02 | )%** | (0.92 | )% | ||||
December |
7.56 | % | 4.82 | % | ||||
Annual Rate of Return |
7.54 | %** | (34.87 | )% |
* | The monthly rate of return is calculated by dividing the ending NAV of a given month by the ending NAV of the previous month, subtracting 1 and multiplying this number by 100 to arrive at a percentage increase or decrease. |
** | Partial from November 18, 2009. |
For a definition of draw-down, please see text below Composite Performance Data for USNG.
USBO:
Experience in Raising and Investing in USBO through December 31, 2010
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
Dollar Amount Offered*: |
$ | 2,500,000,000 | ||
Dollar Amount Raised: |
$ | 10,000,000 | ||
Organizational and Offering Expenses**: |
||||
SEC registration fee: |
$ | 139,500 | ||
FINRA registration fee: |
$ | 75,500 | ||
Listing fee: |
$ | 5,000 | ||
Auditors fees and expenses: |
$ | 2,500 | ||
Legal fees and expenses: |
$ | 268,670 | ||
Printing expenses: |
$ | 39,072 | ||
Length of USBO Offering: |
Continuous |
* | Reflects the offering price per unit set forth on the cover page of the registration statement registering such units filed with the SEC. |
** | These expenses were paid for by USCF. |
41
Compensation to USCF and Other Compensation USBO:
Expenses paid by USBO through December 31, 2010 in dollar terms:
Expenses: |
Amount in Dollar Terms | |||
Amount Paid or Accrued to USCF: |
$ | 47,800 | ||
Amount Paid or Accrued in Portfolio Brokerage Commissions: |
$ | 5,718 | ||
Other Amounts Paid or Accrued*: |
$ | 123,325 | ||
Total Expenses Paid or Accrued: |
$ | 176,843 | ||
Expenses Waived**: |
$ | (113,715 | ) | |
Total Expenses Paid or Accrued Including Expenses Waived: |
63,128 |
* | Includes expenses relating to legal fees, auditing fees, printing expenses, tax reporting fees, prepaid insurance expenses and miscellaneous expenses and fees and expenses paid to the independent directors of USCF. |
** | USCF, though under no obligation to do so, agreed to pay certain expenses, to the extent that such expenses exceeded 0.15% (15 basis points) of USBOs NAV, on an annualized basis, through at least June 30, 2011. USCF has no obligation to continue such payments into subsequent periods. |
Expenses paid by USBO through December 31, 2010 as a Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets:
Expenses: |
Amount as a
Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets |
|||
Amount Paid or Accrued to USCF: |
0.75% annualized | |||
Amount Paid or Accrued in Portfolio Brokerage Commissions: |
0.09% annualized | |||
Other Amounts Paid or Accrued: |
1.93% annualized | |||
Total Expenses Paid or Accrued: |
2.77% annualized | |||
Expenses Waived: |
(1.78)% annualized | |||
Total Expenses Paid or Accrued Including Expenses Waived: |
0.99% annualized | |||
USBO Performance: |
||||
Name of Commodity Pool: |
USBO | |||
Type of Commodity Pool: |
Exchange traded security | |||
Inception of Trading: |
June 2, 2010 | |||
Aggregate Subscriptions (from inception through December 31, 2010): |
$ | 10,000,000 | ||
Total Net Assets as of December 31, 2010: |
$ | 12,615,031 | ||
Initial NAV per Unit as of Inception: |
$ | 50.00 | ||
NAV per Unit as of December 31, 2010: |
$ | 63.08 | ||
Worst Monthly Percentage Draw-down: |
August 2010 (4.84) | % | ||
Worst Peak-to-Valley Draw-down: |
August 2010 - September 2010 (4.84) | % | ||
Number of Unitholders (as of December 31, 2010) |
141 |
42
COMPOSITE PERFORMANCE DATA FOR USBO
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
Rates of return* | ||||
Month |
2010 | |||
January |
| |||
February |
| |||
March |
| |||
April |
| |||
May |
| |||
June |
1.94 | %** | ||
July |
3.83 | % | ||
August |
(4.84 | )% | ||
September |
9.79 | % | ||
October |
0.61 | % | ||
November |
3.00 | % | ||
December |
10.09 | % | ||
Annual Rate of Return |
26.16 | %** |
* | The monthly rate of return is calculated by dividing the ending NAV of a given month by the ending NAV of the previous month, subtracting 1 and multiplying this number by 100 to arrive at a percentage increase or decrease. |
** | Partial from June 2, 2010. |
For a definition of draw-down, please see text below Composite Performance Data for USNG.
USCI:
Experience in Raising and Investing in USCI through December 31, 2010
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
Dollar Amount Offered*: |
$ | 2,500,000,000 | ||
Dollar Amount Raised: |
$ | 97,618,317 | ||
Organizational and Offering Expenses**: |
||||
SEC registration fee: |
$ | 178,247 | ||
FINRA registration fee: |
$ | 75,500 | ||
Listing fee: |
$ | 5,000 | ||
Auditors fees and expenses: |
$ | 2,500 | ||
Legal fees and expenses: |
$ | 625,066 | ||
Printing expenses: |
$ | 50,395 | ||
Length of USCI Offering: |
Continuous |
* | Reflects the offering price per unit set forth on the cover page of the registration statement registering such units filed with the SEC. |
** | These expenses were paid for by USCF. |
43
Compensation to USCF and Other Compensation USCI:
Expenses paid by USCI through December 31, 2010 in dollar terms:
Expenses: |
Amount in Dollar Terms | |||
Amount Paid or Accrued to USCF: |
$ | 148,421 | ||
Amount Paid or Accrued in Portfolio Brokerage Commissions: |
$ | 23,632 | ||
Other Amounts Paid or Accrued*: |
$ | 74,831 | ||
Total Expenses Paid or Accrued: |
$ | 246,884 | ||
Expenses Waived**: |
$ | (51,397 | ) | |
Total Expenses Paid or Accrued Including Expenses Waived: |
$ | 195,487 |
* | Includes expenses relating to legal fees, auditing fees, printing expenses, tax reporting fees and miscellaneous expenses. |
** | USCF, though under no obligation to do so, agreed to pay certain expenses, to the extent that such expenses exceeded 0.15% (15 basis points) of USCIs NAV, on an annualized basis, through at least March 31, 2011. USCF has no obligation to continue such payments into subsequent periods. |
Expenses paid by USCI through December 31, 2010 as a Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets:
Expenses: |
Amount as a
Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets |
|||
Amount Paid or Accrued to USCF: |
0.95% annualized | |||
Amount Paid or Accrued in Portfolio Brokerage Commissions: |
0.15% annualized | |||
Other Amounts Paid or Accrued: |
0.48% annualized | |||
Total Expenses Paid or Accrued: |
1.58% annualized | |||
Expenses Waived: |
(0.33)% annualized | |||
Total Expenses Paid or Accrued Including Expenses Waived: |
1.25% annualized | |||
USCI Performance: |
||||
Name of Commodity Pool: |
USCI | |||
Type of Commodity Pool: |
Exchange traded security | |||
Inception of Trading: |
August 10, 2010 | |||
Aggregate Subscriptions (from inception through December 31, 2010): |
$ | 97,618,317 | ||
Total Net Assets as of December 31, 2010: |
$ | 102,992,334 | ||
Initial NAV per Unit as of Inception: |
$ | 50.00 | ||
NAV per Unit as of December 31, 2010: |
$ | 64.37 | ||
Worst Monthly Percentage Draw-down: |
August 2010 (0.04) | % | ||
Worst Peak-to-Valley Draw-down: |
Inception - August 2010 (4.00) | % | ||
Number of Unitholders (as of December 31, 2010) |
5,456 |
44
COMPOSITE PERFORMANCE DATA FOR USCI
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
Rates of return* | ||||
Month |
2010 | |||
January |
| |||
February |
| |||
March |
| |||
April |
| |||
May |
| |||
June |
| |||
July |
| |||
August |
(0.02 | )%** | ||
September |
8.36 | % | ||
October |
6.31 | % | ||
November |
0.76 | % | ||
December |
10.93 | % | ||
Annual Rate of Return |
28.74 | %** |
* | The monthly rate of return is calculated by dividing the ending NAV of a given month by the ending NAV of the previous month, subtracting 1 and multiplying this number by 100 to arrive at a percentage increase or decrease. |
** | Partial from August 10, 2010. |
For a definition of draw-down, please see text below Composite Performance Data for USNG.
Other Related Commodity Trading and Investment Management Experience
Ameristock Corporation is an affiliate of USCF through common control. Ameristock Corporation is a California-based registered investment advisor registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, that has been sponsoring and providing portfolio management services to mutual funds since 1995. Ameristock Corporation is the investment adviser to the Ameristock Mutual Fund, Inc., a mutual fund registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), that focuses on large cap U.S. equities that has $201,394,335 in assets as of December 31, 2010. Ameristock Corporation was also the investment advisor to the Ameristock ETF Trust, an open-end management investment company registered under the 1940 Act that consisted of five separate investment portfolios, each of which sought investment results, before fees and expenses, that corresponded generally to the price and yield performance of a particular U.S. Treasury securities index owned and compiled by Ryan Holdings LLC and Ryan ALM, Inc. The Ameristock ETF Trust has liquidated each of its investment portfolios as of June 20, 2008 and has wound up its affairs effective September 21, 2009.
Investments
USCF applies substantially all of USNGs assets toward trading in Futures Contracts and Other Natural Gas-Related Investments and investments in Treasuries, cash and/or cash equivalents. USCF has sole authority to determine the percentage of assets that are:
| held on deposit with the futures commission merchant or other custodian, |
| used for other investments, and |
| held in bank accounts to pay current obligations and as reserves. |
USCF deposits substantially all of USNGs net assets with the Custodian or other custodian for trading. When USNG purchases a Futures Contract and certain exchange traded Other Natural Gas-Related Investments, USNG is required to deposit with the selling futures commission merchant on behalf of the exchange a portion of the value of the contract or other interest as security to ensure payment for the obligation under natural gas interests at maturity. This deposit is known as margin. USNG invests the remainder of its assets equal to the difference between the margin deposited and the market value of the Futures Contract and Other Natural Gas-Related Investments in Treasuries, cash and/or cash equivalents.
45
USNGs assets are held in segregated accounts pursuant to the CEA and CFTC regulations. USCF believes that all entities that hold or trade USNGs assets are based in the United States and are subject to United States regulations.
Approximately 10% to 30% of USNGs assets have normally been committed as margin for commodity Futures Contracts. However, from time to time, the percentage of assets committed as margin may be substantially more, or less, than such range. USCF invests the balance of USNGs assets not invested in natural gas interests or held in margin as reserves to be available for changes in margin. All income is used for USNGs benefit.
The futures commission merchant, a government agency or a commodity exchange could increase margins applicable to USNG to hold trading positions at any time. Moreover, margin is merely a security deposit and has no bearing on the profit or loss potential for any positions taken.
USNG must post both collateral and independent amounts to its swap counterparties. The amount of collateral USNG posts changes according to the amounts owed by USNG to its counterparty on a given swap transaction, while independent amounts are fixed amounts posted by USNG at the start of a swap transaction. Collateral and independent amounts posted to swap counterparties are held by a third party custodian.
The Commodity Interest Markets
General
The CEA governs the regulation of commodity interest transactions, markets and intermediaries. In December 2000, the CEA was amended by the Commodity Futures Modernization Act of 2000 (the CFMA), which substantially revised the regulatory framework governing certain commodity interest transactions and the markets on which they trade. The CEA, as amended by the CFMA, now provides for varying degrees of regulation of commodity interest transactions depending upon the variables of the transaction. In general, these variables include (1) the type of instrument being traded (e.g., contracts for future delivery, options, swaps or spot contracts), (2) the type of commodity underlying the instrument (distinctions are made between instruments based on agricultural commodities, energy and metals commodities and financial commodities), (3) the nature of the parties to the transaction (retail, eligible contract participant, or eligible commercial entity), (4) whether the transaction is entered into on a principal-to-principal or intermediated basis, (5) the type of market on which the transaction occurs, and (6) whether the transaction is subject to clearing through a clearing organization. Information regarding commodity interest transactions, markets and intermediaries, and their associated regulatory environment, is provided below.
The regulation of commodity interest transactions in the United States is a rapidly changing area of law and is subject to ongoing modification by governmental and judicial action. Considerable regulatory attention has been focused on non-traditional investment pools that are publicly distributed in the United States. Under the Dodd-Frank Act and otherwise, there is a possibility of future regulatory changes within the United States altering, perhaps to a material extent, the nature of an investment in USNG or the ability of USNG to continue to implement its investment strategy. In addition, various national governments outside the United States have expressed concern regarding the disruptive effects of speculative trading in the energy markets and the need to regulate the derivatives markets in general. The effect of any future regulatory change on USNG is impossible to predict, but it could be substantial and adverse.
In the wake of the economic crisis of 2008 and 2009, the Administration, federal regulators and Congress are revisiting the regulation of the financial sector, including the securities and commodities markets. These efforts are anticipated to result in significant changes in the regulation of these markets.
The Dodd-Frank Act includes provisions altering the regulation of commodity interests. Provisions in the new law include the requirement that position limits be established on a wide range of commodity interests including energy-based and other commodity futures contracts, certain cleared commodity swaps and certain over-the-counter commodity contracts; new registration, recordkeeping, capital and margin requirements for swap dealers and major swap participants as determined by the new law and applicable regulations; and the forced use of clearinghouse mechanisms for most swap transactions that are currently entered into in the over-the-counter market. Additionally, the new law requires the aggregation, for purposes of position limits, of all positions in commodity futures and certain commodity swaps held by a single entity and its affiliates, whether such positions exist on U.S. futures
46
exchanges, non-U.S. futures exchanges, or in over-the-counter swaps. The CFTC, along with the SEC and other federal regulators, has been tasked with developing the rules and regulations enacting the provisions noted above. The new law and the rules that are currently being and are expected to be promulgated thereunder may negatively impact USNGs ability to meet its respective investment objective either through limits or requirements imposed on it or upon its counterparties. In particular, new position limits imposed on USNG or its counterparties may impact USNGs ability to invest in a manner that most efficiently meets its investment objective and new requirements, including capital and mandatory clearing, may increase the cost of USNGs investments and doing business. For a more detailed discussion of the position limits to be imposed by the CFTC and the potential impacts thereof on USNG, please see Item 1. Business What are Futures Contracts? in this annual report on Form 10-K.
Futures Contracts
A futures contract is a standardized contract traded on, or subject to the rules of, an exchange that calls for the future delivery of a specified quantity and type of a commodity at a specified time and place. Futures contracts are traded on a wide variety of commodities, including agricultural products, bonds, stock indices, interest rates, currencies, energy and metals. The size and terms of futures contracts on a particular commodity are identical and are not subject to any negotiation, other than with respect to price and the number of contracts traded between the buyer and seller.
The contractual obligations of a buyer or seller may generally be satisfied by taking or making physical delivery of the underlying commodity or by making an offsetting sale or purchase of an identical futures contract on the same or linked exchange before the designated date of delivery. The difference between the price at which the futures contract is purchased or sold and the price paid for the offsetting sale or purchase, after allowance for brokerage commissions, constitutes the profit or loss to the trader. Some futures contracts, such as stock index contracts, settle in cash (reflecting the difference between the contract purchase/sale price and the contract settlement price) rather than by delivery of the underlying commodity.
In market terminology, a trader who purchases a futures contract is long in the market and a trader who sells a futures contract is short in the market. Before a trader closes out his long or short position by an offsetting sale or purchase, his outstanding contracts are known as open trades or open positions. The aggregate amount of open positions held by traders in a particular contract is referred to as the open interest in such contract.
Forward Contracts
A forward contract is a contractual obligation to purchase or sell a specified quantity of a commodity at or before a specified date in the future at a specified price and, therefore, is economically similar to a futures contract. Unlike futures contracts, however, forward contracts are typically traded in the over-the-counter markets and are not standardized contracts. Forward contracts for a given commodity are generally available for various amounts and maturities and are subject to individual negotiation between the parties involved. Moreover, generally there is no direct means of offsetting or closing out a forward contract by taking an offsetting position as one would a futures contract on a U.S. exchange. If a trader desires to close out a forward contract position, he generally will establish an opposite position in the contract but will settle and recognize the profit or loss on both positions simultaneously on the delivery date. Thus, unlike in the futures contract market where a trader who has offset positions will recognize profit or loss immediately, in the forward market a trader with a position that has been offset at a profit will generally not receive such profit until the delivery date, and likewise a trader with a position that has been offset at a loss will generally not have to pay money until the delivery date. In recent years, however, the terms of forward contracts have become more standardized, and in some instances such contracts now provide a right of offset or cash settlement as an alternative to making or taking delivery of the underlying commodity.
The forward markets provide what has typically been a highly liquid market for foreign exchange trading, and in certain cases the prices quoted for foreign exchange forward contracts may be more favorable than the prices for foreign exchange futures contracts traded on U.S. exchanges. To date, the forward markets have been largely unregulated, forward contracts have been executed bilaterally and, in general, forward contracts have not been cleared or guaranteed by a third party. Commercial banks participating in trading foreign exchange forward contracts often have not required margin deposits, but have relied upon internal credit limitations and their judgments regarding the creditworthiness of their counterparties. In recent years, however, many over-the-counter market participants in foreign exchange trading have begun to require that their counterparties post margin.
47
Forward contracts may be treated differently under the Dodd-Frank Act. The Dodd-Frank Act requires that certain swap transactions be executed on organized exchanges or swap execution facilities and be cleared through regulated clearing organizations (which are referred to in the Dodd-Frank Act as derivatives clearing organizations). However, not all forward contracts will be subject to regulations as swaps under the Dodd-Frank Act. Those forward contracts that will not be regulated as swaps, which include physically-settled non-financial commodity forward contracts, will also not be subject to the Dodd-Frank Acts execution and clearing requirements. With respect to foreign exchange forward contracts, the Dodd-Frank Act contemplates that such contracts may be regulated as swaps but gives the Secretary of the United States Department of Treasury (Treasury) the authority to exempt them from certain regulations under the CEA, including mandatory clearing and margin requirements. To date, the Secretary of Treasury has not made any final determinations on this issue. Absent a clearing facility (whether because of regulatory requirements or otherwise), USNGs trading in foreign exchange and other forward contracts is exposed to the creditworthiness of the counterparties on the other side of the trade.
The organized exchanges and swap execution facilities on which swaps may be traded, the regulation and criteria for such trading and the regulation and criteria for clearing organizations are more fully described below under Futures Exchanges and Clearing Organizations.
Options on Futures Contracts
Options on futures contracts are standardized contracts traded on an exchange. An option on a futures contract gives the buyer of the option the right, but not the obligation, to take a position at a specified price (the striking, strike, or exercise price) in the underlying futures contract or underlying interest. The buyer of a call option acquires the right, but not the obligation, to purchase or take a long position in the underlying interest, and the buyer of a put option acquires the right, but not the obligation, to sell or take a short position in the underlying interest.
The seller, or writer, of an option is obligated to take a position in the underlying interest at a specified price opposite to the option buyer if the option is exercised. Thus, the seller of a call option must stand ready to take a short position in the underlying interest at the strike price if the buyer should exercise the option. The seller of a put option, on the other hand, must stand ready to take a long position in the underlying interest at the strike price.
A call option is said to be in-the-money if the strike price is below current market levels and out-of-the-money if the strike price is above current market levels. Conversely, a put option is said to be in-the-money if the strike price is above the current market levels and out-of-the-money if the strike price is below current market levels.
Options have limited life spans, usually tied to the delivery or settlement date of the underlying interest. Some options, however, expire significantly in advance of such date. The purchase price of an option is referred to as its premium, which consists of its intrinsic value (which is related to the underlying market value) plus its time value. As an option nears its expiration date, the time value shrinks and the market and intrinsic values move into parity. An option that is out-of-the-money and not offset by the time it expires becomes worthless. On certain exchanges, in-the-money options are automatically exercised on their expiration date, but on others unexercised options simply become worthless after their expiration date.
Regardless of how much the market swings, the most an option buyer can lose is the option premium. The option buyer deposits his premium with his broker, and the money goes to the option seller. Option sellers, on the other hand, face risks similar to participants in the futures markets. For example, since the seller of a call option is assigned a short futures position if the option is exercised, his risk is the same as someone who initially sold a futures contract. Because no one can predict exactly how the market will move, the option seller posts margin to demonstrate his ability to meet any potential contractual obligations.
Options on Forward Contracts or Commodities
Options on forward contracts or commodities operate in a manner similar to options on futures contracts. An option on a forward contract or commodity gives the buyer of the option the right, but not the obligation, to take a position
48
at a specified price in the underlying forward contract or commodity. However, similar to forward contracts, options on forward contracts or on commodities are individually negotiated contracts between counterparties and are typically traded in the over-the-counter market. Therefore, options on forward contracts and physical commodities possess many of the same characteristics of forward contracts with respect to offsetting positions and credit risk that are described above.
Swap Contracts
Swap transactions generally involve contracts between two parties to exchange a stream of payments computed by reference to a notional amount and the price of the asset that is the subject of the swap. Swap contracts are principally traded off-exchange, although certain swap contracts are also traded in electronic trading facilities and cleared through clearing organizations.
Swaps are usually entered into on a net basis, that is, the two payment streams are netted out in a cash settlement on the payment date or dates specified in the agreement, with the parties receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. Swaps do not generally involve the delivery of underlying assets or principal. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to swaps is generally limited to the net amount of payments that the party is contractually obligated to make. In some swap transactions one or both parties may require collateral deposits from the counterparty to support that counterpartys obligation under the swap agreement. If the counterparty to such a swap defaults, the risk of loss consists of the net amount of payments that the party is contractually entitled to receive less any collateral deposits it is holding.
Some swap transactions are cleared through central counterparties. These transactions, known as cleared swaps, involve two counterparties first agreeing to the terms of a swap transaction, then submitting the transaction to a clearing house that acts as the central counterparty. Once accepted by the clearing house, the original swap transaction is novated and the central counterparty becomes the counterparty to a trade with each of the original parties based upon the trade terms determined in the original transaction. In this manner each individual swap counterparty reduces its risk of loss due to counterparty nonperformance because the clearing house acts as the counterparty to each transaction.
The Dodd-Frank Act contains many provisions, which, once rules and regulations are implemented, would impact swap transactions. At this time, it is unclear exactly what types of transactions will be regulated as swaps because the CFTC has not implemented regulations with respect to the definition of swap. The Dodd-Frank Act requires that certain transactions ultimately falling within the definition of swap be executed on organized exchanges or swap execution facilities and cleared through clearing organizations, but it is currently unknown which swaps will be subject to such trading and clearing requirements. If a swap is required to be cleared, the initial margin will be set by the clearing organization, subject to certain regulatory requirements and guidelines. Initial and variation margin requirements for swap dealers and major swap participants who enter into both cleared and uncleared trades will be set by the CFTC, the SEC or another regulator, as prescribed by the Dodd-Frank Act. At this time, the CFTC has not promulgated final regulations to determine which entities will be regulated as swap dealers and major swap participants and thus have to comply with these capital and margin requirements (as well as a multitude of other requirements under the Dodd-Frank Act). In general, increased regulation of, and the imposition of additional costs on, swap transactions could have an adverse effect on USNG by, for example, reducing the size of and therefore the liquidity in the derivatives market, increasing transaction costs and decreasing the ability to customize derivative transactions.
Participants
The two broad classes of persons who trade commodities are hedgers and speculators. Hedgers include financial institutions that manage or deal in interest rate-sensitive instruments, foreign currencies or stock portfolios, and commercial market participants, such as farmers and manufacturers, that market or process commodities. Hedging is a protective procedure designed to effectively lock in prices that would otherwise change due to an adverse movement in the price of the underlying commodity, for example, the adverse price movement between the time a merchandiser or processor enters into a contract to buy or sell a raw or processed commodity at a certain price and the time he must perform the contract. In such a case, at the time the hedger contracts to physically sell the
49
commodity at a future date he will simultaneously buy a futures or forward contract for the necessary equivalent quantity of the commodity. At the time for performance of the contract, the hedger may accept delivery under his futures contract and sell the commodity quantity as required by his physical contract or he may buy the actual commodity, sell it under the physical contract and close out his position by making an offsetting sale of a futures contract.
The commodity interest markets enable the hedger to shift the risk of price fluctuations. The usual objective of the hedger is to protect the profit that he expects to earn from farming, merchandising, or processing operations rather than to profit from his trading. However, at times the impetus for a hedge transaction may result in part from speculative objectives and hedgers can end up paying higher prices than they would have, for example, if current market prices are lower than the locked in price.
Unlike the hedger, the speculator generally expects neither to make nor take delivery of the underlying commodity. Instead, the speculator risks his capital with the hope of making profits from price fluctuations in the commodities. The speculator is, in effect, the risk bearer who assumes the risks that the hedger seeks to avoid. Speculators rarely make or take delivery of the underlying commodity; rather they attempt to close out their positions prior to the delivery date. Because the speculator may take either a long or short position in commodities, it is possible for him to make profits or incur losses regardless of whether prices go up or down.
Futures Exchanges and Clearing Organizations
Futures exchanges provide centralized market facilities in which multiple persons have the ability to execute or trade contracts by accepting bids and offers from multiple participants. Futures exchanges may provide for execution of trades at a physical location utilizing trading pits and/or may provide for trading to be done electronically through computerized matching of bids and offers pursuant to various algorithms. Members of a particular exchange and the trades executed on such exchange are subject to the rules of that exchange. Futures exchanges and clearing organizations are given reasonable latitude in promulgating rules and regulations to control and regulate their members. Examples of regulations by exchanges and clearing organizations include the establishment of initial margin levels, rules regarding trading practices, contract specifications, speculative position limits, daily price fluctuation limits, and execution and clearing fees.
Clearing organizations provide services designed to mutualize or transfer the credit risk arising from the trading of contracts on an exchange or other electronic trading facility. Once trades made between members of an exchange or electronic trading facility have been confirmed, the clearing organization becomes substituted for the clearing member acting on behalf of each buyer and each seller of contracts traded on the exchange or trading platform and in effect becomes the other party to the trade. Thereafter, each clearing member party to the trade looks only to the clearing organization for performance. The clearing organization generally establishes some sort of security or guarantee fund to which all clearing members of the exchange must contribute; this fund acts as an emergency buffer that is intended to enable the clearing organization to meet its obligations with regard to the other side of an insolvent clearing members contracts. Furthermore, the clearing organization requires margin deposits and continuously marks positions to market to provide some assurance that its members will be able to fulfill their contractual obligations. Thus, a central function of the clearing organization is to ensure the integrity of trades, and members effecting transactions on an exchange need not concern themselves with the solvency of the party on the opposite side of the trade; their only remaining concerns are the respective solvencies of their own customers, their clearing broker and the clearing organization. The clearing organizations do not deal with customers, but only with their member firms and the guarantee of performance for open positions provided by the clearing organization does not run to customers.
As required under the Dodd-Frank Act, the CFTC has recently issued several proposed rules pertaining to clearing organizations (referred to in the Dodd-Frank Act as derivatives clearing organizations) to address the clearing organization application process, recordkeeping and reporting obligations for clearing organizations, and implement the following six core principles for clearing organizations: participant and product eligibility, risk management, settlement procedures, treatment of funds, default rules and procedures and system safeguards. The proposed rules require the clearing organizations to establish margin methodologies and require that margin be based on trades at the individual customer level as opposed to the clearing member level. The proposed rules also require the clearing organization to report end-of-day positions at the customer level, as opposed to the clearing member level.
50
To date, the CFTC has not implemented any final rules or regulations pertaining to the application process, recordkeeping and reporting core principles, margin or any other requirements for clearing organizations.
U.S. Futures Exchanges
Futures exchanges in the United States are subject to varying degrees of regulation by the CFTC based on their designation as one of the following: a designated contract market, a derivatives transaction execution facility, an exempt board of trade or an electronic trading facility.
A designated contract market is the most highly regulated level of futures exchange. Designated contract markets may offer products to retail customers on an unrestricted basis. To be designated as a contract market, the exchange must demonstrate that it satisfies specified general criteria for designation, such as having the ability to prevent market manipulation, rules and procedures to ensure fair and equitable trading, position limits, dispute resolution procedures, minimization of conflicts of interest and protection of market participants. Among the principal designated contract markets in the United States are the Chicago Board of Trade, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the NYMEX. Each of the designated contract markets in the United States must provide for the clearance and settlement of transactions with a CFTC-registered clearing organization.
A derivatives transaction execution facility (a DTEF) is a type of exchange that is subject to fewer regulatory requirements than a designated contract market but is subject to both commodity interest and participant limitations. DTEFs limit access to eligible traders that qualify as either eligible contract participants or eligible commercial entities for futures and option contracts on commodities that have a nearly inexhaustible deliverable supply, are highly unlikely to be susceptible to the threat of manipulation, or have no cash market, security futures products, and futures and option contracts on commodities that the CFTC may determine, on a case-by-case basis, are highly unlikely to be susceptible to the threat of manipulation. In addition, certain commodity interests excluded or exempt from the CEA, such as swaps, etc. may be traded on a DTEF. There is no requirement that a DTEF use a clearing organization, except with respect to trading in security futures contracts, in which case the clearing organization must be a securities clearing agency. However, if futures contracts and options on futures contracts on a DTEF are cleared, then it must be through a CFTC-registered clearing organization, except that some excluded or exempt commodities traded on a DTEF may be cleared through a clearing organization other than one registered with the CFTC.
An exempt board of trade is also a designated form of exchange. An exempt board of trade is substantially unregulated, subject only to CFTC anti-fraud and anti-manipulation authority. An exempt board of trade is permitted to trade futures contracts and options on futures contracts provided that the underlying commodity is not a security or securities index and has an inexhaustible deliverable supply or no cash market. All traders on an exempt board of trade must qualify as eligible contract participants. Contracts deemed eligible to be traded on an exempt board of trade include contracts on interest rates, exchange rates, currencies, credit risks or measures, debt instruments, measures of inflation, or other macroeconomic indices or measures. There is no requirement that an exempt board of trade use a clearing organization. However, if contracts on an exempt board of trade are cleared, then it must be through a CFTC-registered clearing organization. A board of trade electing to operate as an exempt board of trade must file a written notification with the CFTC.
An electronic trading facility is a form of trading platform that operates by means of an electronic or telecommunications network and maintains an automated audit trail of bids, offers, and the matching of orders or the execution of transactions on the electronic trading facility. The CEA does not apply to, and the CFTC has no jurisdiction over, transactions on an electronic trading facility in certain excluded commodities that are entered into between principals that qualify as eligible contract participants, subject only to CFTC anti-fraud and anti-manipulation authority. In general, excluded commodities include interest rates, currencies, securities, securities indices or other financial, economic or commercial indices or measures.
USCF intends to monitor the development of and opportunities and risks presented by the less-regulated exchanges and exempt boards as well as other trading platforms currently in place or that are being considered by regulators and may, in the future, allocate a percentage of USNGs assets to trading in products on these exchanges. Provided USNG maintains assets exceeding $5 million, USNG would qualify as an eligible contract participant and thus would be able to trade on such exchanges.
51
Non-U.S. Futures Exchanges
Non-U.S. futures exchanges differ in certain respects from their U.S. counterparts. Importantly, non-U.S. futures exchanges are not subject to regulation by the CFTC, but rather are regulated by their home country regulator. In contrast to U.S. designated contract markets, some non-U.S. exchanges are principals markets, where trades remain the liability of the traders involved, and the exchange or an affiliated clearing organization, if any, does not become substituted for any party. Due to the absence of a clearing system, such exchanges are significantly more susceptible to disruptions. Further, participants in such markets must often satisfy themselves as to the individual creditworthiness of each entity with which they enter into a trade. Trading on non-U.S. exchanges is often in the currency of the exchanges home jurisdiction. Consequently, USNG is subject to the additional risk of fluctuations in the exchange rate between such currencies and U.S. dollars and the possibility that exchange controls could be imposed in the future. Trading on non-U.S. exchanges may differ from trading on U.S. exchanges in a variety of ways and, accordingly, may subject USNG to additional risks.
Accountability Levels and Position Limits
The CFTC and U.S. designated contract markets have established accountability levels and position limits on the maximum net long or net short futures contracts in commodity interests that any person or group of persons under common trading control (other than a hedger, which USNG is not) may hold, own or control. Among the purposes of accountability levels and position limits is to prevent a corner or squeeze on a market or undue influence on prices by any single trader or group of traders. The position limits currently established by the CFTC apply to certain agricultural commodity interests, such as grains (oats, barley, and flaxseed), soybeans, corn, wheat, cotton, eggs, rye, and potatoes, but not to interests in energy products. In addition, U.S. exchanges may set accountability levels and position limits for all commodity interests traded on that exchange. For example, the current accountability level for investments at any one time in natural gas Futures Contracts (including investments in the Benchmark Futures Contract) on the NYMEX is 12,000 contracts. The NYMEX also imposes position limits on contracts held in the last few days of trading in the near month contract to expire. The ICE Futures has recently adopted similar accountability levels and position limits for certain of its Futures Contracts that are traded on the ICE Futures and settled against the price of a contract listed for trading on a U.S. designated contract market such as NYMEX. In particular, the Henry Hub natural gas contract on the ICE Futures is subject to the same accountability levels and positions limits as the NYMEX Henry Hub natural gas contract upon which it settles as a result of the CFTCs determination in July 2009 that the ICE Futures Henry Hub contract was a significant price discovery contract. Certain exchanges or clearing organizations also set limits on the total net positions that may be held by a clearing broker. In general, no position limits are in effect in forward or other over-the-counter contract trading or in trading on non-U.S. futures exchanges, although the principals with which USNG and the clearing brokers may trade in such markets may impose such limits as a matter of credit policy. For purposes of determining accountability levels and position limits, USNGs commodity interest positions will not be attributable to investors in their own commodity interest trading.
The Dodd-Frank Act requires the CFTC to promulgate rules establishing position limits for futures and option contracts on commodities as well as for swaps that are economically equivalent to futures or options. Currently, the exchanges impose position limits and accountability levels for certain commodity futures and options, but the CFTC does not impose such limits.
On January 13, 2011, the CFTC proposed new rules, which if implemented in their proposed form, would establish position limits and limit formulas for certain physical commodity futures including Futures Contracts and options on Futures Contracts executed pursuant to the rules of designated contract markets (i.e., certain regulated exchanges) and commodity swaps that are economically equivalent to such futures and options contracts. The CFTC has also proposed aggregate position limits that would apply across different trading venues to contracts based on the same underlying commodity. At this time, it is unknown precisely when such position limits would take effect. The CFTCs position limits for futures contracts held during the last few days of trading in the near month contract to expire, which, under the CFTCs proposed rule would be substantially similar to the position limits currently set by the exchanges, could take effect as early as March 2011. Based on the CFTCs current proposal, other position limits would not take effect until March 2012 or later. The effect of this future regulatory change on USNG is impossible to predict, but it could be substantial and adverse.
52
Daily Price Limits
Currently, U.S. futures exchanges (but generally not non-U.S. exchanges) may limit the amount of fluctuation in some futures contract or options on a futures contract prices during a single trading day by regulations. These regulations specify what are referred to as daily price fluctuation limits or, more commonly, daily limits. The daily limits establish the maximum amount that the price of a futures or options on futures contract may vary either up or down from the previous days settlement price. Once the daily limit has been reached in a particular futures or options on a futures contract, no trades may be made at a price beyond the limit. Positions in the futures or options contract may then be taken or liquidated, if at all, only at inordinate expense or if traders are willing to effect trades at or within the limit during the period for trading on such day. Because the daily limit rule governs price movement only for a particular trading day, it does not limit losses and may in fact substantially increase losses because it may prevent the liquidation of unfavorable positions. Futures contract prices have occasionally moved to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days, thus preventing prompt liquidation of positions and subjecting the trader to substantial losses for those days. The concept of daily price limits is not relevant to over-the-counter contracts, including forwards and swaps, and thus such limits are not imposed by banks and others who deal in those markets.
In contrast, the NYMEX does not impose daily limits but rather limits the amount of price fluctuation for natural gas futures contracts. For example, the NYMEX imposes a $3.00 per mmBtu ($30,000 per contract) price fluctuation limit for the Benchmark Futures Contract. This limit is initially based off the previous trading days settlement price. If any Benchmark Futures Contract is traded, bid, or offered at the limit for five minutes, trading is halted for five minutes. When trading resumes it begins at the point where the limit was imposed and the limit is reset to be $3.00 per mmBtu in either direction of that point. If another halt were triggered, the market would continue to be expanded by $3.00 per mmBtu in either direction after each successive five-minute trading halt. There is no maximum price fluctuation limit during any one trading session.
Commodity Prices
Commodity prices are volatile and, although ultimately determined by the interaction of supply and demand, are subject to many other influences, including the psychology of the marketplace and speculative assessments of future world and economic events. Political climate, interest rates, treaties, balance of payments, exchange controls and other governmental interventions as well as numerous other variables affect the commodity markets, and even with comparatively complete information it is impossible for any trader to predict reliably commodity prices.
Regulation
Futures exchanges in the United States are subject to varying degrees of regulation under the CEA depending on whether such exchange is a designated contract market, DTEF, exempt board of trade or electronic trading facility. Clearing organizations are also subject to the CEA and CFTC regulation. The CFTC is the governmental agency charged with responsibility for regulation of futures exchanges and commodity interest trading conducted on those exchanges. The CFTCs function is to implement the CEAs objectives of preventing price manipulation and excessive speculation and promoting orderly and efficient commodity interest markets. In addition, the various exchanges and clearing organizations themselves exercise regulatory and supervisory authority over their member firms.
The CFTC possesses exclusive jurisdiction to regulate the activities of CPOs and commodity trading advisors and has adopted regulations with respect to the activities of those persons and/or entities. Under the CEA, a registered CPO, such as USCF, is required to make annual filings with the CFTC describing its organization, capital structure, management and controlling persons. In addition, the CEA authorizes the CFTC to require and review books and records of, and documents prepared by, registered CPOs. Pursuant to this authority, the CFTC requires CPOs to keep accurate, current and orderly records for each pool that they operate. The CFTC may suspend the registration of a CPO (1) if the CFTC finds that the operators trading practices tend to disrupt orderly market conditions, (2) if any controlling person of the operator is subject to an order of the CFTC denying such person trading privileges on any exchange, and (3) in certain other circumstances. Suspension, restriction or termination of USCFs registration as a CPO would prevent it, until that registration were to be reinstated, from managing USNG, and might result in the termination of USNG. USNG itself is not required to be registered with the CFTC in any capacity.
53
The CEA gives the CFTC similar authority with respect to the activities of commodity trading advisors. If a trading advisors commodity trading advisor registration were to be terminated, restricted or suspended, the trading advisor would be unable, until the registration were to be reinstated, to render trading advice to USNG.
The CEA requires all futures commission merchants, such as USNGs clearing brokers, to meet and maintain specified fitness and financial requirements, to segregate customer funds from proprietary funds and account separately for all customers funds and positions, and to maintain specified books and records open to inspection by the staff of the CFTC. The CFTC has similar authority over introducing brokers, or persons who solicit or accept orders for commodity interest trades but who do not accept margin deposits for the execution of trades. The CEA authorizes the CFTC to regulate trading by futures commission merchants and by their officers and directors, permits the CFTC to require action by exchanges in the event of market emergencies, and establishes an administrative procedure under which customers may institute complaints for damages arising from alleged violations of the CEA. The CEA also gives the states powers to enforce its provisions and the regulations of the CFTC.
USNGs investors are afforded prescribed rights for reparations under the CEA. Investors may also be able to maintain a private right of action for violations of the CEA. The CFTC has adopted rules implementing the reparation provisions of the CEA, which provide that any person may file a complaint for a reparations award with the CFTC for violation of the CEA against a floor broker or a futures commission merchant, introducing broker, commodity trading advisor, CPO, and their respective associated persons.
Pursuant to authority in the CEA, the NFA has been formed and registered with the CFTC as a registered futures association. At the present time, the NFA is the only self-regulatory organization for commodity interest professionals, other than futures exchanges. The CFTC has delegated to the NFA responsibility for the registration of commodity trading advisors, CPOs, futures commission merchants, introducing brokers, and their respective associated persons and floor brokers. USCF, each trading advisor, the selling agents and the clearing brokers are members of the NFA. As such, they are subject to NFA standards relating to fair trade practices, financial condition and consumer protection. USNG itself is not required to become a member of the NFA. As the self-regulatory body of the commodity interest industry, the NFA promulgates rules governing the conduct of professionals and disciplines those professionals that do not comply with these rules. The NFA also arbitrates disputes between members and their customers and conducts registration and fitness screening of applicants for membership and audits of its existing members.
The regulations of the CFTC and the NFA prohibit any representation by a person registered with the CFTC or by any member of the NFA, that registration with the CFTC, or membership in the NFA, in any respect indicates that the CFTC or the NFA, as the case may be, has approved or endorsed that person or that persons trading program or objectives. The registrations and memberships of the parties described in this summary must not be considered as constituting any such approval or endorsement. Likewise, no futures exchange has given or will give any similar approval or endorsement.
The regulation of commodity interest trading in the United States and other countries is an evolving area of the law. The various statements made in this summary are subject to modification by legislative action and changes in the rules and regulations of the CFTC, the NFA, the futures exchanges, clearing organizations and other regulatory bodies.
The function of the CFTC is to implement the objectives of the CEA of preventing price manipulation and other disruptions to market integrity, avoiding systemic risk, preventing fraud and promoting innovation, competition and financial integrity of transactions. As mentioned above, this regulation, among other things, provides that the trading of commodity interest contracts generally must be upon exchanges designated as contract markets or DTEFs and that all trading on those exchanges must be done by or through exchange members. Under the CFMA, commodity interest trading in some commodities between sophisticated persons may be traded on a trading facility not regulated by the CFTC. As a general matter, trading in spot contracts, forward contracts, options on forward contracts or commodities, or swap contracts between eligible contract participants is not within the jurisdiction of
54
the CFTC and may therefore be effectively unregulated. The trading advisors may engage in those transactions on behalf of USNG in reliance on this exclusion from regulation. However, legislation currently under consideration by the U.S. Congress would remove the exclusion provided to these transactions and place them under federal regulation. The proposed legislation would subject these contracts to new capital, margin, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements.
In general, the CFTC does not regulate the interbank and forward foreign currency markets with respect to transactions in contracts between certain sophisticated counterparties such as USNG or between certain regulated institutions and retail investors. Although U.S. banks are regulated in various ways by the Federal Reserve Board, the Comptroller of the Currency and other U.S. federal and state banking officials, banking authorities do not regulate the forward markets.
While the U.S. government does not currently impose any restrictions on the movements of currencies, it could choose to do so. The imposition or relaxation of exchange controls in various jurisdictions could significantly affect the market for that and other jurisdictions currencies. Trading in the interbank market also exposes USNG to a risk of default since failure of a bank with which USNG had entered into a forward contract would likely result in a default and thus possibly substantial losses to USNG.
The CFTC is prohibited by statute from regulating trading on non-U.S. futures exchanges and markets. The CFTC, however, has adopted regulations relating to the marketing of non-U.S. futures contracts in the United States. These regulations permit certain contracts traded on non-U.S. exchanges to be offered and sold in the United States.
Commodity Margin
Original or initial margin is the minimum amount of funds that must be deposited by a commodity interest trader with the traders broker to initiate and maintain an open position in futures contracts. Maintenance margin is the amount (generally less than the original margin) to which a traders account may decline before he must deliver additional margin. A margin deposit is like a cash performance bond. It helps assure the traders performance of the futures contracts that he or she purchases or sells. Futures contracts are customarily bought and sold on initial margin that represents a very small percentage (ranging upward from less than 2%) of the aggregate purchase or sales price of the contract. Because of such low margin requirements, price fluctuations occurring in the futures markets may create profits and losses that, in relation to the amount invested, are greater than are customary in other forms of investment or speculation. As discussed below, adverse price changes in the futures contract may result in margin requirements that greatly exceed the initial margin. In addition, the amount of margin required in connection with a particular futures contract is set from time to time by the exchange on which the contract is traded and may be modified from time to time by the exchange during the term of the contract.
Brokerage firms, such as USNGs clearing brokers, carrying accounts for traders in commodity interest contracts may not accept lower, and generally require higher, amounts of margin as a matter of policy to further protect themselves. The clearing brokers require USNG to make margin deposits equal to exchange minimum levels for all commodity interest contracts. This requirement may be altered from time to time in the clearing brokers discretion.
Trading in the over-the-counter markets where no clearing facility is provided generally does not require margin but generally does require the extension of credit between counterparties. This extension of credit generally takes the form of transfers of collateral and/or independent amounts. Collateral is transferred between counterparties during the term of an over-the-counter transaction based upon the changing value of the transaction, while independent amounts are fixed amounts posted by one or both counterparties at the start of an over-the-counter transaction.
When a trader purchases an option, there is no margin requirement; however, the option premium must be paid in full. When a trader sells an option, on the other hand, he or she is required to deposit margin in an amount determined by the margin requirements established for the underlying interest and, in addition, an amount substantially equal to the current premium for the option. The margin requirements imposed on the selling of options, although adjusted to reflect the probability that out-of-the-money options will not be exercised, can in fact be higher than those imposed in dealing in the futures markets directly. Complicated margin requirements apply to spreads and conversions, which are complex trading strategies in which a trader acquires a mixture of options positions and positions in the underlying interest.
55
Margin requirements are computed each day by a traders clearing broker. When the market value of a particular open commodity interest position changes to a point where the margin on deposit does not satisfy maintenance margin requirements, a margin call is made by the broker. If the margin call is not met within a reasonable time, the broker may close out the traders position. With respect to USNGs trading, USNG (and not its investors personally) is subject to margin calls.
Finally, many major U.S. exchanges have passed certain cross margining arrangements involving procedures pursuant to which the futures and options positions held in an account would, in the case of some accounts, be aggregated and margin requirements would be assessed on a portfolio basis, measuring the total risk of the combined positions.
The Dodd-Frank Act requires the CFTC and SEC to establish both initial and variation margin requirements on all swaps that are not cleared by a derivatives clearing organization (i.e., uncleared swaps). In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act provides parties who post initial margin to a swap dealer or major swap participant with a statutory right to insist that such margin be held in a segregated account with an independent custodian. At this time, the CFTC has proposed a rule addressing this statutory right of certain market participants but has not implemented any rules on this issue and has not implemented any regulations regarding the margin requirements for uncleared swaps.
SEC Reports
USNG makes available, free of charge, on its website, its annual reports on Form 10-K, its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, its current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to these reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after these forms are filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. These reports are also available from the SEC though its website at: www.sec.gov.
CFTC Reports
USNG also makes available its monthly reports and its annual reports required to be prepared and filed with the NFA under the CFTC regulations.
Intellectual Property
USCF owns trademark registrations for UNITED STATES NATURAL GAS FUND (U.S. Reg. No. 3407494) for fund investment services in the field of natural gas futures contracts, cash-settled options on natural gas futures contracts, forward contracts for natural gas, over-the-counter transactions based on the price of natural gas, and indices based on the foregoing, in use since April 18, 2007, and UNG UNITED STATES NATURAL GAS FUND, LP (and Flame Design) (U.S. Reg. No. 3683574) for fund investment services in the field of natural gas futures contracts, cash-settled options on natural gas futures contracts, forward contracts for natural gas, over-the-counter transactions based on the price of natural gas, and indices based on the foregoing, in use since April 18, 2007. USNG relies upon these trademarks through which it markets its services and strives to build and maintain brand recognition in the market and among current and potential investors. So long as USNG continues to use these trademarks to identify its services, without challenge from any third party, and properly maintains and renews the trademark registrations under applicable laws, rules and regulations, it will continue to have indefinite protection for these trademarks under current laws, rules and regulations. USCF has been granted a patent (U.S. Patent No. 7,739,186) and is pursuing a patent application for systems and methods for an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that tracks the price of one or more commodities.
56
Item 1A. | Risk Factors. |
The risk factors should be read in connection with the other information included in this annual report on Form 10-K, including Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and USNGs financial statements and the related notes.
Risks Associated With Investing Directly or Indirectly in Natural Gas
Investing in Natural Gas Interests subjects USNG to the risks of the natural gas industry and this could result in large fluctuations in the price of USNGs units.
USNG is subject to the risks and hazards of the natural gas industry because it invests in Natural Gas Interests. The risks and hazards that are inherent in the natural gas industry may cause the price of natural gas to widely fluctuate. If the changes in percentage terms of USNGs units accurately track the changes in percentage terms of the Benchmark Futures Contract or the spot price of natural gas, then the price of its units may also fluctuate. The exploration for, and production of, natural gas is an uncertain process with many risks. The cost of drilling, completing and operating wells for natural gas is often uncertain, and a number of factors can delay or prevent drilling operations or production, including:
| unexpected drilling conditions; |
| pressure or irregularities in formations; |
| equipment failures or repairs; |
| fires or other accidents; |
| adverse weather conditions; |
| pipeline ruptures or spills or other supply disruptions; and |
| shortages or delays in the availability of drilling rigs and the delivery of equipment. |
Natural gas transmission, distribution, gathering, and processing activities involve numerous risks that may affect the price of natural gas.
There are a variety of hazards inherent in natural gas transmission, distribution, gathering, and processing, such as leaks, explosions, pollution, release of toxic substances, adverse weather conditions (such as hurricanes and flooding), pipeline failure, abnormal pressures, uncontrollable flows of natural gas, scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, physical damage to the gathering or transportation system, and other hazards which could affect the price of natural gas. To the extent these hazards limit the supply or delivery of natural gas, natural gas prices will increase.
The price of natural gas may fluctuate on a seasonal and quarterly basis and this would result in fluctuations in the price of USNGs units.
Natural gas prices fluctuate seasonally. For example, in some parts of the United States and other markets, the natural gas demand for power peaks during the cold winter months, with market prices peaking at that time. As a result, in the future, the overall price of natural gas may fluctuate substantially on a seasonal and quarterly basis and thus make consecutive period to period comparisons less relevant.
Natural gas transmission and storage operations are subject to government regulations and rate proceedings which could have an impact on the price of natural gas.
Natural gas transmission and storage operations in North America are subject to regulation and oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, various state regulatory agencies, and Canadian regulatory authorities. These regulatory bodies have the authority to effect rate settlements on natural gas storage, transmission and distribution services. As a consequence, the price of natural gas may be affected by a change in the rate settlements effected by one or more of these regulatory bodies.
57
The price of USNGs units may be influenced by factors such as the short-term supply and demand for natural gas and the short-term supply and demand for USNGs units. This may cause the units to trade at a price that is above or below USNGs NAV per unit. Accordingly, changes in the price of units may substantially vary from the changes in the spot price of natural gas. If this variation occurs, then investors may not be able to effectively use USNG as a way to hedge against natural gas-related losses or as a way to indirectly invest in natural gas.
While it is expected that the trading prices of the units will fluctuate in accordance with changes in USNGs NAV, the prices of units may also be influenced by other factors, including the short-term supply and demand for natural gas and the units. There is no guarantee that the units will not trade at appreciable discounts from, and/or premiums to, USNGs NAV. This could cause changes in the price of the units to substantially vary from changes in the spot price of natural gas. This may be harmful to investors because if changes in the price of units vary substantially from changes in the spot price of natural gas, then investors may not be able to effectively use USNG as a way to hedge the risk of losses in their natural gas-related transactions or as a way to indirectly invest in natural gas.
Changes in USNGs NAV may not correlate with changes in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract. If this were to occur, investors may not be able to effectively use USNG as a way to hedge against natural gas-related losses or as a way to indirectly invest in natural gas.
USCF endeavors to invest USNGs assets as fully as possible in short-term Futures Contracts and Other Natural Gas-Related Investments so that the changes in percentage terms of the NAV closely correlate with the changes in percentage terms in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract. However, changes in USNGs NAV may not correlate with the changes in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract for several reasons as set forth below:
| USNG (i) may not be able to buy/sell the exact amount of Futures Contracts and Other Natural Gas-Related Investments to have a perfect correlation with NAV; (ii) may not always be able to buy and sell Futures Contracts or Other Natural Gas-Related Investments at the market price; (iii) may not experience a perfect correlation between the spot price of natural gas and the underlying investments in Futures Contracts, Other Natural Gas-Related Investments and Treasuries, cash and/or cash equivalents; and (iv) is required to pay fees, including brokerage fees and the management fee, which will have an effect on the correlation. |
| Short-term supply and demand for natural gas may cause the changes in the market price of the Benchmark Futures Contract to vary from the changes in USNGs NAV if USNG has fully invested in Futures Contracts that do not reflect such supply and demand and it is unable to replace such contracts with Futures Contracts that do reflect such supply and demand. In addition, there are also technical differences between the two markets, e.g., one is a physical market while the other is a futures market traded on exchanges, that may cause variations between the spot price of natural gas and the prices of related futures contracts. |
| USNG sells and buys only as many Futures Contracts and Other Natural Gas-Related Investments that it can to get the changes in percentage terms of the NAV as close as possible to the changes in percentage terms in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract. The remainder of its assets are invested in Treasuries, cash and/or cash equivalents and are used to satisfy initial margin and additional margin requirements, if any, and to otherwise support its investments in Natural Gas Interests. Investments in Treasuries, cash and/or cash equivalents, both directly and as margin, provide rates of return that vary from changes in the value of the spot price of natural gas and the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract. |
| In addition, because USNG incurs certain expenses in connection with its investment activities, and holds most of its assets in more liquid short-term securities for margin and other liquidity purposes and for redemptions that may be necessary on an ongoing basis, USCF is generally not able to fully invest USNGs assets in Futures Contracts or Other Natural Gas-Related Investments and there cannot be perfect correlation between changes in USNGs NAV and changes in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract. |
| As USNG grows, there may be more or less correlation. For example, if USNG only has enough money to buy three Benchmark Futures Contracts and it needs to buy four contracts to track the price of natural gas then the correlation will be lower, but if it buys 20,000 Benchmark Futures Contracts and it needs to buy 20,001 contracts then the correlation will be higher. At certain asset levels, USNG may be limited in its ability to purchase the Benchmark Futures Contract or other Futures Contracts due to accountability levels |
58
imposed by the relevant exchanges. To the extent that USNG invests in these other Futures Contracts or Other Natural Gas-Related Investments, the correlation with the Benchmark Futures Contract may be lower. If USNG is required to invest in other Futures Contracts and Other Natural Gas-Related Investments that are less correlated with the Benchmark Futures Contract, USNG would likely invest in over-the-counter contracts to increase the level of correlation of USNGs assets. Over-the-counter contracts entail certain risks described below under Over-the-Counter Contract Risk. |
| USNG may not be able to buy the exact number of Futures Contracts and Other Natural Gas-Related Investments to have a perfect correlation with the Benchmark Futures Contract if the purchase price of Futures Contracts required to be fully invested in such contracts is higher than the proceeds received for the sale of a Creation Basket on the day the basket was sold. In such case, USNG could not invest the entire proceeds from the purchase of the Creation Basket in such Futures Contracts (for example, assume USNG receives $4,000,000 for the sale of a Creation Basket and assume that the price of a Futures Contract for natural gas is $59,950, then USNG could only invest in 66 Futures Contracts with an aggregate value of $3,956,700), USNG would be required to invest a percentage of the proceeds in cash, Treasuries or other liquid securities to be deposited as margin with the futures commission merchant through which the contracts were purchased. The remainder of the purchase price for the Creation Basket would remain invested in Treasuries, cash and/or cash equivalents or other liquid securities as determined by USCF from time to time based on factors such as potential calls for margin or anticipated redemptions. If the trading market for Futures Contracts is suspended or closed, USNG may not be able to purchase these investments at the last reported price for such investments. |
If changes in USNGs NAV do not correlate with changes in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract, then investing in USNG may not be an effective way to hedge against natural gas-related losses or indirectly invest in natural gas.
The Benchmark Futures Contract may not correlate with the spot price of natural gas and this could cause changes in the price of the units to substantially vary from the changes in the spot price of natural gas. If this were to occur, then investors may not be able to effectively use USNG as a way to hedge against natural gas-related losses or as a way to indirectly invest in natural gas.
When using the Benchmark Futures Contract as a strategy to track the spot price of natural gas, at best the correlation between changes in prices of such Natural Gas Interests and the spot price of natural gas can be only approximate. The degree of imperfection of correlation depends upon circumstances such as variations in the speculative natural gas market, supply of and demand for such Natural Gas Interests and technical influences in futures trading. If there is a weak correlation between the Natural Gas Interests and the spot price of natural gas, then the price of units may not accurately track the spot price of natural gas and investors may not be able to effectively use USNG as a way to hedge the risk of losses in their natural gas-related transactions or as a way to indirectly invest in natural gas.
USNG may experience a loss if it is required to sell Treasuries at a price lower than the price at which they were acquired.
The value of Treasuries generally moves inversely with movements in interest rates. If USNG is required to sell Treasuries at a price lower than the price at which they were acquired, USNG will experience a loss. This loss may adversely impact the price of the units and may decrease the correlation between the price of the units, the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract and Other Natural Gas-Related Investments, and the spot price of natural gas.
Certain of USNGs investments could be illiquid which could cause large losses to investors at any time or from time to time.
USNG may not always be able to liquidate its positions in its investments at the desired price. It is difficult to execute a trade at a specific price when there is a relatively small volume of buy and sell orders in a market. A market disruption, such as a foreign government taking political actions that disrupt the market in its currency, its natural gas production or exports, or in another major export, can also make it difficult to liquidate a position.
59
Alternatively, limits imposed by futures exchanges or other regulatory organizations, such as accountability levels, position limits and daily price fluctuation limits, may contribute to a lack of liquidity with respect to some commodity interests.
Unexpected market illiquidity may cause major losses to investors at any time or from time to time. In addition, USNG has not and does not intend at this time to establish a credit facility, which would provide an additional source of liquidity and instead relies only on the Treasuries, cash and/or cash equivalents that it holds. The anticipated large value of the positions in Futures Contracts that USCF will acquire or enter into for USNG increases the risk of illiquidity. The Other Natural Gas-Related Investments that USNG invests in, such as negotiated over-the-counter contracts, may have a greater likelihood of being illiquid since they are contracts between two parties that take into account not only market risk, but also the relative credit, tax, and settlement risks under such contracts. Such contracts also have limited transferability that results from such risks and the contracts express limitations.
Because both Futures Contracts and Other Natural Gas-Related Investments may be illiquid, USNGs Natural Gas Interests may be more difficult to liquidate at favorable prices in periods of illiquid markets and losses may be incurred during the period in which positions are being liquidated.
If the nature of hedgers and speculators in futures markets has shifted such that natural gas purchasers are the predominant hedgers in the market, USNG might have to reinvest at higher futures prices or choose Other Natural Gas-Related Investments.
The changing nature of the hedgers and speculators in the natural gas market influences whether futures prices are above or below the expected future spot price. In order to induce speculators to take the corresponding long side of the same futures contract, natural gas producers must generally be willing to sell futures contracts at prices that are below expected future spot prices. Conversely, if the predominant hedgers in the futures market are the purchasers of the natural gas who purchase futures contracts to hedge against a rise in prices, then speculators will only take the short side of the futures contract if the futures price is greater than the expected future spot price of natural gas. This can have significant implications for USNG when it is time to reinvest the proceeds from a maturing Futures Contract into a new Futures Contract.
While USNG does not intend to take physical delivery of natural gas under its Futures Contracts, physical delivery under such contracts impacts the value of the contracts.
While it is not the current intention of USNG to take physical delivery of natural gas under its Futures Contracts, futures contracts are not required to be cash-settled and it is possible to take delivery under some of these contracts. Storage costs associated with purchasing natural gas could result in costs and other liabilities that could impact the value of Futures Contracts or Other Natural Gas-Related Investments. Storage costs include the time value of money invested in natural gas as a physical commodity plus the actual costs of storing the natural gas less any benefits from ownership of natural gas that are not obtained by the holder of a futures contract. In general, Futures Contracts have a one-month delay for contract delivery and the back month (the back month is any future delivery month other than the spot month) includes storage costs. To the extent that these storage costs change for natural gas while USNG holds Futures Contracts or Other Natural Gas-Related Investments, the value of the Futures Contracts or Other Natural Gas-Related Investments, and therefore USNGs NAV, may change as well.
The price relationship between the near month contract and the next month contract that compose the Benchmark Futures Contract will vary and may impact both the total return over time of USNGs NAV, as well as the degree to which its total return tracks other natural gas price indices total returns.
The design of USNGs Benchmark Futures Contract is such that every month it begins by using the near month contract to expire until the near month contract is within two weeks of expiration, when, over a four-day period, it transitions to the next month contract to expire as its benchmark contract and keeps that contract as its benchmark until it becomes the near month contract and close to expiration. In the event of a natural gas futures market where near month contracts trade at a higher price than next month to expire contracts, a situation described as backwardation in the futures market, then absent the impact of the overall movement in natural
60
gas prices the value of the benchmark contract would tend to rise as it approaches expiration. As a result, the total return of the Benchmark Futures Contract would tend to track higher. Conversely, in the event of a natural gas futures market where near month contracts trade at a lower price than next month contracts, a situation described as contango in the futures market, then absent the impact of the overall movement in natural gas prices the value of the benchmark contract would tend to decline as it approaches expiration. As a result the total return of the Benchmark Futures Contract would tend to track lower. When compared to total return of other price indices, such as the spot price of natural gas, the impact of backwardation and contango may lead the total return of USNGs NAV to vary significantly. In the event of a prolonged period of contango, and absent the impact of rising or falling natural gas prices, this could have a significant negative impact on USNGs NAV and total return.
Regulation of the commodity interests and energy markets is extensive and constantly changing; future regulatory developments are impossible to predict but may significantly and adversely affect USNG.
The futures markets are subject to comprehensive statutes, regulations, and margin requirements. In addition, the CFTC and the exchanges are authorized to take extraordinary actions in the event of a market emergency, including, for example, the retroactive implementation of speculative position limits or higher margin requirements, the establishment of daily price limits and the suspension of trading.
The regulation of commodity interest transactions in the United States is a rapidly changing area of law and is subject to ongoing modification by governmental and judicial action. Considerable regulatory attention has been focused on non-traditional investment pools that are publicly distributed in the United States. Under the Dodd-Frank Act, there is a possibility of future regulatory changes within the United States altering, perhaps to a material extent, the nature of an investment in USNG or the ability of USNG to continue to implement its investment strategy. In addition, various national governments outside the United States have expressed concern regarding the disruptive effects of speculative trading in the energy markets and the need to regulate the derivatives markets in general. The effect of any future regulatory change on USNG is impossible to predict, but it could be substantial and adverse.
In the wake of the economic crisis of 2008 and 2009, the Administration, federal regulators and Congress are revisiting the regulation of the financial sector, including securities and commodities markets. These efforts are anticipated to result in significant changes in the regulation of these markets.
The Dodd-Frank Act includes provisions altering the regulation of commodity interests. Provisions in the new law include the requirement that position limits be established on a wide range of commodity interests including energy-based and other commodity futures contracts, certain cleared commodity swaps and certain over-the-counter commodity contracts; new registration, recordkeeping, capital and margin requirements for swap dealers and major swap participants as determined by the new law and applicable regulations; and the forced use of clearinghouse mechanisms for most swap transactions that are currently entered into in the over-the-counter market. Additionally, the new law requires the aggregation, for purposes of position limits, of all positions in commodity futures and certain commodity swaps held by a single entity and its affiliates, whether such positions exist on U.S. futures exchanges, non-U.S. futures exchanges, or in over-the-counter swaps. The CFTC, along with the SEC and other federal regulators, has been tasked with developing the rules and regulations enacting the provisions noted above. The new law and the rules that are currently being and are expected to be promulgated thereunder may negatively impact USNGs ability to meet its investment objective either through limits or requirements imposed on it or upon its counterparties. In particular, new position limits imposed on USNG or its counterparties may impact USNGs ability to invest in a manner that most efficiently meets its investment objective, and new requirements, including capital and mandatory clearing, may increase the cost of USNGs investments and doing business, which could adversely affect USNGs investors. For a more detailed discussion of the position limits to be imposed by the CFTC and the potential impacts thereof on USNG, please see Item 1. Business What are Futures Contracts? in this annual report on
Form 10-K.
61
Investing in USNG for purposes of hedging may be subject to several risks including the possibility of losing the benefit of favorable market movement.
Participants in the natural gas or in other industries may use USNG as a vehicle to hedge the risk of losses in their natural gas-related transactions. There are several risks in connection with using USNG as a hedging device. While hedging can provide protection against an adverse movement in market prices, it can also preclude a hedgers opportunity to benefit from a favorable market movement. In a hedging transaction, the hedger may be concerned that the hedged item will increase in price, but must recognize the risk that the price may instead decline and if this happens he will have lost his opportunity to profit from the change in price because the hedging transaction will result in a loss rather than a gain. Thus, the hedger foregoes the opportunity to profit from favorable price movements.
In addition, if the hedge is not a perfect one, the hedger can lose on the hedging transaction and not realize an offsetting gain in the value of the underlying item being hedged.
When using futures contracts as a hedging technique, at best, the correlation between changes in prices of futures contracts and of the items being hedged can be only approximate. The degree of imperfection of correlation depends upon circumstances such as: variations in speculative markets, demand for futures and for natural gas products, technical influences in futures trading, and differences between anticipated energy costs being hedged and the instruments underlying the standard futures contracts available for trading. Even a well-conceived hedge may be unsuccessful to some degree because of unexpected market behavior as well as the expenses associated with creating the hedge.
In addition, using an investment in USNG as a hedge for changes in energy costs (e.g., investing in natural gas, crude oil, gasoline, or other fuels, or electricity) may not correlate because changes in the spot price of natural gas may vary from changes in energy costs because the changes in the spot price of natural gas may not be at the same rate as changes in the price of other energy products, and, in any case, the spot price of natural gas does not reflect the refining, transportation, and other costs that may impact the hedgers energy costs.
An investment in USNG may provide little or no diversification benefits. Thus, in a declining market, USNG may have no gains to offset losses from other investments, and an investor may suffer losses on an investment in USNG while incurring losses with respect to other asset classes.
Historically, Futures Contracts and Other Natural Gas-Related Investments have generally been non-correlated to the performance of other asset classes such as stocks and bonds. Non-correlation means that there is a low statistically valid relationship between the performance of futures and other commodity interest transactions, on the one hand, and stocks or bonds, on the other hand. However, there can be no assurance that such non-correlation will continue during future periods. If, contrary to historic patterns, USNGs performance were to move in the same general direction as the financial markets, investors will obtain little or no diversification benefits from an investment in the units. In such a case, USNG may have no gains to offset losses from other investments, and investors may suffer losses on their investment in USNG at the same time they incur losses with respect to other investments.
Variables such as drought, floods, weather, embargoes, tariffs and other political events may have a larger impact on natural gas prices and natural gas-linked instruments, including Futures Contracts and Other Natural Gas-Related Investments, than on traditional securities. These additional variables may create additional investment risks that subject USNGs investments to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities.
Non-correlation should not be confused with negative correlation, where the performance of two asset classes would be opposite of each other. There is no historic evidence that the spot price of natural gas and prices of other financial assets, such as stocks and bonds, are negatively correlated. In the absence of negative correlation, USNG cannot be expected to be automatically profitable during unfavorable periods for the stock market, or vice versa.
62
USNGs Operating Risks
USNG is not a registered investment company so unitholders do not have the protections of the 1940 Act.
USNG is not an investment company subject to the 1940 Act. Accordingly, investors do not have the protections afforded by that statute which, for example, requires investment companies to have a majority of disinterested directors and regulates the relationship between the investment company and its investment manager.
USCF is leanly staffed and relies heavily on key personnel to manage trading activities.
In managing and directing the day-to-day activities and affairs of USNG, USCF relies heavily on Messrs. Howard Mah and John Hyland. If Messrs. Mah or Hyland were to leave or be unable to carry out their present responsibilities, it may have an adverse effect on the management of USNG. Furthermore, Messrs. Mah and Hyland are currently involved in the management of the Related Public Funds, and USCF has filed a registration statement for three other exchange traded security funds, USMI, USAI and USCUI. Mr. Mah is also employed by Ameristock Corporation, a registered investment adviser that manages a public mutual fund. It is estimated that Mr. Mah will spend approximately 90% of his time on USNG and Related Public Fund matters. Mr. Hyland will spend approximately 100% of his time on USNG and Related Public Fund matters. To the extent that USCF establishes additional funds, even greater demands will be placed on Messrs. Mah and Hyland, as well as the other officers of USCF and its Board.
Accountability levels, position limits, and daily price fluctuation limits set by the exchanges have the potential to cause a tracking error, which could cause the price of units to substantially vary from the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract and prevent investors from being able to effectively use USNG as a way to hedge against natural gas-related losses or as a way to indirectly invest in natural gas.
U.S. designated contract markets such as the NYMEX have established accountability levels and position limits on the maximum net long or net short futures contracts in commodity interests that any person or group of persons under common trading control (other than as a hedge, which an investment by USNG is not) may hold, own or control. For example, the current accountability level for investments at any one time in natural gas futures contracts (including investments in the Benchmark Futures Contract) is 12,000. While this is not a fixed ceiling, it is a threshold above which the NYMEX may exercise greater scrutiny and control over an investor, including limiting an investor to holding no more than 12,000 natural gas futures contracts. With regard to position limits, the NYMEX limits an investor from holding more than 1,000 net futures in the last 3 days of trading in the near month contract to expire.
In addition to accountability levels and position limits, the NYMEX also sets daily price fluctuation limits on futures contracts. The daily price fluctuation limit establishes the maximum amount that the price of a futures contract may vary either up or down from the previous days settlement price. Once the daily price fluctuation limit has been reached in a particular futures contract, no trades may be made at a price beyond that limit.
For example, the NYMEX imposes a $3.00 per mmBtu ($30,000 per contract) price fluctuation limit for natural gas futures contracts. This limit is initially based off of the previous trading days settlement price. If any natural gas futures contract is traded, bid, or offered at the limit for five minutes, trading is halted for five minutes. When trading resumes it begins at the point where the limit was imposed and the limit is reset to be $3.00 per mmBtu in either direction of that point. If another halt were triggered, the market would continue to be expanded by $3.00 per mmBtu in either direction after each successive five-minute trading halt. There is no maximum price fluctuation limit during any one trading session.
Currently, U.S. futures exchanges, including the NYMEX, do not implement fixed position limits for futures contracts held outside of the last few days of trading in the near month contract to expire. However, the Dodd-Frank Act requires the CFTC to promulgate rules establishing position limits for futures and options contracts on commodities as well as for swaps that are economically equivalent to futures or options. On January 13, 2011, the CFTC proposed new rules, which if implemented in their proposed form, would establish position limits and limit formulas for certain physical commodity futures including Futures Contracts and options on Futures Contracts executed pursuant to the rules of designated contract markets (i.e., certain regulated exchanges) and commodity swaps that are economically equivalent to such futures and options contracts. The CFTC has also proposed aggregate position limits that would apply across different trading venues to contracts based on the same underlying commodity. At this time, it is unknown
63
precisely when such position limits would take effect. CFTC set position limits for futures contracts held during the last few days of trading in the near month contract to expire, which, under the CFTCs proposed rule would be substantially similar to the position limits currently set by the exchanges, could take effect as early as March 2011. Based on the CFTCs current proposal, other position limits would not take effect until March 2012 or later. The effect of this future regulatory change on USNG is impossible to predict, but it could be substantial and adverse.
All of these limits may potentially cause a tracking error between the price of the units and the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract. This may in turn prevent investors from being able to effectively use USNG as a way to hedge against natural gas-related losses or as a way to indirectly invest in natural gas.
USNG has not limited the size of its offering and is committed to utilizing substantially all of its proceeds to purchase Futures Contracts and Other Natural Gas-Related Investments. If USNG encounters accountability levels, position limits, or price fluctuation limits for Futures Contracts on the NYMEX, it may then, if permitted under applicable regulatory requirements, purchase Futures Contracts and Other Natural Gas-Related Investments on the ICE Futures or other exchanges that trade listed natural gas futures. The Futures Contracts available on the ICE Futures are comparable to the contracts on the NYMEX, but they may have different underlying commodities, sizes, deliveries, and prices. In addition, certain of the Futures Contracts available on the ICE Futures are subject to accountability levels and position limits.
There are technical and fundamental risks inherent in the trading system USCF employs.
USCFs trading system is quantitative in nature and it is possible that USCF might make a mathematical error. In addition, it is also possible that a computer or software program may malfunction and cause an error in computation.
To the extent that USCF uses spreads and straddles as part of its trading strategy, there is the risk that the NAV may not closely track the changes in the Benchmark Futures Contract.
Spreads combine simultaneous long and short positions in related futures contracts that differ by commodity (e.g., long crude oil and short gasoline), by market (e.g., long WTI crude futures, short Brent crude futures), or by delivery month (e.g., long December, short November). Spreads gain or lose value as a result of relative changes in price between the long and short positions. Spreads often reduce risk to investors, because the contracts tend to move up or down together. However, both legs of the spread could move against an investor simultaneously, in which case the spread would lose value. Certain types of spreads may face unlimited risk, e.g., because the price of a futures contract underlying a short position can increase by an unlimited amount and the investor would have to take delivery or offset at that price.
A commodity straddle takes both long and short option positions in the same commodity in the same market and delivery month simultaneously. The buyer of a straddle profits if either the long or the short leg of the straddle moves further than the combined cost of both options. The seller of a straddle profits if both the long and short positions do not trade beyond a range equal to the combined premium for selling both options.
If USCF were to utilize a spread or straddle position and the spread performed differently than expected, the results could impact USNGs tracking error. This could affect USNGs investment objective of having its NAV closely track the changes in the Benchmark Futures Contract. Additionally, a loss on a spread position would negatively impact USNGs absolute return.
USNG and USCF may have conflicts of interest, which may permit them to favor their own interests to the detriment of unitholders.
USNG and USCF may have inherent conflicts to the extent USCF attempts to maintain USNGs asset size in order to preserve its fee income and this may not always be consistent with USNGs objective of having the value of its units NAV track changes in the Benchmark Futures Contract. USCFs officers, directors and employees do not devote their time exclusively to USNG. These persons are directors, officers or employees of other entities that may compete with USNG for their services. They could have a conflict between their responsibilities to USNG and to those other entities.
64
In addition, USCFs principals, officers, directors or employees may trade futures and related contracts for their own account. A conflict of interest may exist if their trades are in the same markets and at the same time as USNG trades using the clearing broker to be used by USNG. A potential conflict also may occur if USCFs principals, officers, directors or employees trade their accounts more aggressively or take positions in their accounts which are opposite, or ahead of, the positions taken by USNG.
USCF has sole current authority to manage the investments and operations of USNG, and this may allow it to act in a way that furthers its own interests which may create a conflict with the best interests of investors. Limited partners have limited voting control, which will limit the ability to influence matters such as amendment of the LP Agreement, change in USNGs basic investment policy, dissolution of this fund, or the sale or distribution of USNGs assets.
USCF serves as the general partner to each of USNG, USOF, US12OF, UGA, USHO, USSO, US12NG and USBO and the sponsor for USCI, and will serve as the sponsor for USMI, USAI and USCUI, if such funds offer their securities to the public or begin operations. USCF may have a conflict to the extent that its trading decisions for USNG may be influenced by the effect they would have on the other funds it manages. These trading decisions may be influenced since USCF also serves as the general partner or sponsor for all of the funds and is required to meet all of the funds investment objectives as well as USNGs. If USCF believes that a trading decision it made on behalf of USNG might (i) impede its other funds from reaching their investment objectives, or (ii) improve the likelihood of meeting its other funds objectives, then USCF may choose to change its trading decision for USNG, which could either impede or improve the opportunity for USNG to meet its investment objective. In addition, USCF is required to indemnify the officers and directors of its other funds if the need for indemnification arises. This potential indemnification will cause USCFs assets to decrease. If USCFs other sources of income are not sufficient to compensate for the indemnification, then USCF may terminate and investors could lose their investment.
Unitholders may only vote on the removal of USCF and limited partners have only limited voting rights. Unitholders and limited partners will not participate in the management of USNG and do not control USCF so they will not have influence over basic matters that affect USNG.
Unitholders that have not applied to become limited partners have no voting rights, other than to remove USCF as the general partner of USNG. Limited partners will have limited voting rights with respect to USNGs affairs. Unitholders may remove USCF only if 66 2/3% of the unitholders elect to do so. Unitholders and limited partners will not be permitted to participate in the management or control of USNG or the conduct of its business. Unitholders and limited partners must therefore rely upon the duties and judgment of USCF to manage USNGs affairs.
USCF may manage a large amount of assets and this could affect USNGs ability to trade profitably.
Increases in assets under management may affect trading decisions. In general, USCF does not intend to limit the amount of assets of USNG that it may manage. The more assets USCF manages, the more difficult it may be for it to trade profitably because of the difficulty of trading larger positions without adversely affecting prices and performance and of managing risk associated with larger positions.
USNG could terminate at any time and cause the liquidation and potential loss of an investors investment and could upset the overall maturity and timing of an investors investment portfolio.
USNG may terminate at any time, regardless of whether USNG has incurred losses, subject to the terms of the LP Agreement. In particular, unforeseen circumstances, including the death, adjudication of incompetence, bankruptcy, dissolution, or removal of USCF as the general partner of USNG could cause USNG to terminate unless a majority interest of the limited partners within 90 days of the event elects to continue the partnership and appoints a successor general partner, or the affirmative vote of a majority in interest of the limited partners subject to certain conditions. However, no level of losses will require USCF to terminate USNG. USNGs termination would cause the liquidation and potential loss of an investors investment. Termination could also negatively affect the overall maturity and timing of an investors investment portfolio.
65
Limited partners may not have limited liability in certain circumstances, including potentially having liability for the return of wrongful distributions.
Under Delaware law, a limited partner might be held liable for USNGs obligations as if it were a general partner if the limited partner participates in the control of the partnerships business and the persons who transact business with the partnership think the limited partner is the general partner.
A limited partner will not be liable for assessments in addition to its initial capital investment in any of USNGs capital securities representing units. However, a limited partner may be required to repay to USNG any amounts wrongfully returned or distributed to it under some circumstances. Under Delaware law, USNG may not make a distribution to limited partners if the distribution causes USNGs liabilities (other than liabilities to partners on account of their partnership interests and nonrecourse liabilities) to exceed the fair value of USNGs assets. Delaware law provides that a limited partner who receives such a distribution and knew at the time of the distribution that the distribution violated the law will be liable to the limited partnership for the amount of the distribution for three years from the date of the distribution.
With adequate notice, a limited partner may be required to withdraw from the partnership for any reason.
If USCF gives at least fifteen (15) days written notice to a limited partner, then USCF may for any reason, in its sole discretion, require any such limited partner to withdraw entirely from the partnership or to withdraw a portion of its partner capital account. USCF may require withdrawal even in situations where the limited partner has complied completely with the provisions of the LP Agreement.
USNGs existing units are, and any units USNG issues in the future will be, subject to restrictions on transfer. Failure to satisfy these requirements will preclude a transferee from being able to have all the rights of a limited partner.
No transfer of any unit or interest therein may be made if such transfer would (a) violate the then applicable federal or state securities laws or rules and regulations of the SEC, any state securities commission, the CFTC or any other governmental authority with jurisdiction over such transfer, or (b) cause USNG to be taxable as a corporation or affect USNGs existence or qualification as a limited partnership. In addition, investors may only become limited partners if they transfer their units to purchasers that meet certain conditions outlined in the LP Agreement, which provides that each record holder or limited partner or unitholder applying to become a limited partner (each a record holder) may be required by USCF to furnish certain information, including that holders nationality, citizenship or other related status. A transferee who is not a U.S. resident may not be eligible to become a record holder or a limited partner if its ownership would subject USNG to the risk of cancellation or forfeiture of any of its assets under any federal, state or local law or regulation. All purchasers of USNGs units, who wish to become limited partners or record holders, and receive cash distributions, if any, or have certain other rights, must deliver an executed transfer application in which the purchaser or transferee must certify that, among other things, he, she or it agrees to be bound by USNGs LP Agreement and is eligible to purchase USNGs securities. Any transfer of units will not be recorded by the transfer agent or recognized by USNG unless a completed transfer application is delivered to USCF or the Administrator. A person purchasing USNGs existing units, who does not execute a transfer application and certify that the purchaser is eligible to purchase those securities acquires no rights in those securities other than the right to resell those securities. Whether or not a transfer application is received or the consent of USCF obtained, USNGs units will be securities and will be transferable according to the laws governing transfers of securities. See Transfer of Units.
66
USNG does not expect to make cash distributions.
USNG has not previously made any cash distributions and intends to re-invest any realized gains in Natural Gas Interests rather than distributing cash to limited partners. Therefore, unlike mutual funds, commodity pools or other investment pools that actively manage their investments in an attempt to realize income and gains from their investing activities and distribute such income and gains to their investors, USNG generally does not expect to distribute cash to limited partners. An investor should not invest in USNG if it will need cash distributions from USNG to pay taxes on its share of income and gains of USNG, if any, or for any other reason. Although USNG does not intend to make cash distributions, the income earned from its investments held directly or posted as margin may reach levels that merit distribution, e.g., at levels where such income is not necessary to support its underlying investments in Natural Gas Interests and investors adversely react to being taxed on such income without receiving distributions that could be used to pay such tax. If this income becomes significant then cash distributions may be made.
There is a risk that USNG will not earn trading gains sufficient to compensate for the fees and expenses that it must pay and as such USNG may not earn any profit.
USNG pays brokerage charges of approximately 0.21%, based on futures commission merchant fees of $3.50 per buy or sell, management fees of 0.60% of NAV on the first $1,000,000,000 of assets and 0.50% of NAV after the first $1,000,000,000 of its average net assets, and over-the-counter spreads and extraordinary expenses (e.g., subsequent offering expenses, other expenses not in the ordinary course of business, including the indemnification of any person against liabilities and obligations to the extent permitted by law and required under the LP Agreement and under agreements entered into by USCF on USNGs behalf and the bringing and defending of actions at law or in equity and otherwise engaging in the conduct of litigation and the incurring of legal expenses and the settlement of claims and litigation) that cannot be quantified. These fees and expenses must be paid in all cases regardless of whether USNGs activities are profitable. Accordingly, USNG must earn trading gains sufficient to compensate for these fees and expenses before it can earn any profit.
If offerings of the units do not raise sufficient funds to pay USNGs future expenses and no other source of funding of expenses is found, USNG may be forced to terminate and investors may lose all or part of their investment.
Prior to the offering of units that commenced on April 18, 2007, all of USNGs expenses were funded by USCF and its affiliates. These payments by USCF and its affiliates were designed to allow USNG the ability to commence the public offering of its units. USNG now directly pays certain of these fees and expenses. USCF will continue to pay other fees and expenses, as set forth in the LP Agreement. If USCF and USNG are unable to raise sufficient funds to cover their expenses or locate any other source of funding, USNG may be forced to terminate and investors may lose all or part of their investment.
USNG may incur higher fees and expenses upon renewing existing or entering into new contractual relationships.
The clearing arrangements between the clearing brokers and USNG generally are terminable by the clearing brokers once the clearing broker has given USNG notice. Upon termination, USCF may be required to renegotiate or make other arrangements for obtaining similar services if USNG intends to continue trading in Futures Contracts or Other Natural Gas-Related Investments at its present level of capacity. The services of any clearing broker may not be available, or even if available, these services may not be available on the terms as favorable as those of the expired or terminated clearing arrangements.
USNG may miss certain trading opportunities because it will not receive the benefit of the expertise of independent trading advisors.
USCF does not employ trading advisors for USNG; however, it reserves the right to employ them in the future. The only advisor to USNG is USCF. A lack of independent trading advisors may be disadvantageous to USNG because it will not receive the benefit of a trading advisors expertise.
67
An unanticipated number of redemption requests during a short period of time could have an adverse effect on the NAV of USNG.
If a substantial number of requests for redemption of Redemption Baskets are received by USNG during a relatively short period of time, USNG may not be able to satisfy the requests from USNGs assets not committed to trading. As a consequence, it could be necessary to liquidate positions in USNGs trading positions before the time that the trading strategies would otherwise dictate liquidation.
The financial markets are currently in a period of disruption and USNG does not expect these conditions to improve in the near future.
Currently and throughout 2008, 2009 and the first half of 2010, the financial markets have experienced very difficult conditions and volatility as well as significant adverse trends. The conditions in these markets have resulted in a decrease in availability of corporate credit and liquidity and have led indirectly to the insolvency, closure or acquisition of a number of major financial institutions and have contributed to further consolidation within the financial services industry. Although the financial markets saw signs of a recovery beginning in late 2010, the financial markets are still fragile and could fall into another recession. Another recession could adversely affect the financial condition and results of operations of USNGs service providers and Authorized Purchasers which would impact the ability of USCF to achieve USNGs investment objective.
The failure or bankruptcy of a clearing broker could result in a substantial loss of USNGs assets; the clearing broker could be subject to proceedings that impair its ability to execute USNGs trades.
Under CFTC regulations, a clearing broker maintains customers assets in a bulk segregated account. If a clearing broker fails to do so, or even if the customers funds are segregated by the clearing broker if the clearing broker is unable to satisfy a substantial deficit in a customer account, the clearing brokers other customers may be subject to risk of a substantial loss of their funds in the event of that clearing brokers bankruptcy. In that event, the clearing brokers customers, such as USNG, are entitled to recover, even in respect of property specifically traceable to them, only a proportional share of all property available for distribution to all of that clearing brokers customers. The bankruptcy of a clearing broker could result in the complete loss of USNGs assets posted with the clearing broker; though the vast majority of USNGs assets are held in Treasuries, cash and/or cash equivalents with USNGs custodian and would not be impacted by the bankruptcy of a clearing broker. USNG also may be subject to the risk of the failure of, or delay in performance by, any exchanges and markets and their clearing organizations, if any, on which commodity interest contracts are traded.
In addition, to the extent USNGs clearing broker is required to post USNGs assets as margin to a clearinghouse, the margin will be maintained in an omnibus account containing the margin of all the clearing brokers customers. If USNGs clearing broker defaults to a clearinghouse because of a default by one of the clearing brokers other customers or otherwise, then the clearinghouse can look to all of the margin in the omnibus account, including margin posted by USNG and any other non-defaulting customers of the clearing broker to satisfy the obligations of the clearing broker.
From time to time, the clearing brokers may be subject to legal or regulatory proceedings in the ordinary course of their business. A clearing brokers involvement in costly or time-consuming legal proceedings may divert financial resources or personnel away from the clearing brokers trading operations, which could impair the clearing brokers ability to successfully execute and clear USNGs trades.
The failure or insolvency of USNGs custodian could result in a substantial loss of USNGs assets.
As noted above, the vast majority of USNGs assets are held in Treasuries, cash and/or cash equivalents with USNGs custodian. The insolvency of the custodian could result in a complete loss of USNGs assets held by that custodian, which, at any given time, would likely comprise a substantial portion of USNGs total assets.
68
Third parties may infringe upon or otherwise violate intellectual property rights or assert that USCF has infringed or otherwise violated their intellectual property rights, which may result in significant costs and diverted attention.
Third parties may utilize USNGs intellectual property or technology, including the use of its business methods, trademarks and trading program software, without permission. USCF has a patent pending for USNGs business method and it is registering its trademarks. USNG does not currently have any proprietary software. However, if it obtains proprietary software in the future, then any unauthorized use of USNGs proprietary software and other technology could also adversely affect its competitive advantage. USNG may have difficulty monitoring unauthorized uses of its patents, trademarks, proprietary software and other technology. Also, third parties may independently develop business methods, trademarks or proprietary software and other technology similar to that of USCF or claim that USCF has violated their intellectual property rights, including their copyrights, trademark rights, trade names, trade secrets and patent rights. As a result, USCF may have to litigate in the future to protect its trade secrets, determine the validity and scope of other parties proprietary rights, defend itself against claims that it has infringed or otherwise violated other parties rights, or defend itself against claims that its rights are invalid. Any litigation of this type, even if USCF is successful and regardless of the merits, may result in significant costs, divert its resources from USNG, or require it to change its proprietary software and other technology or enter into royalty or licensing agreements.
The success of USNG depends on the ability of USCF to accurately implement trading systems, and any failure to do so could subject USNG to losses on such transactions.
USCF uses mathematical formulas built into a generally available spreadsheet program to decide whether it should buy or sell Natural Gas Interests each day. Specifically, USCF uses the spreadsheet to make mathematical calculations and to monitor positions in Natural Gas Interests and Treasuries and correlations to the Benchmark Futures Contract. USCF must accurately process the spreadsheets outputs and execute the transactions called for by the formulas. In addition, USNG relies on USCF to properly operate and maintain its computer and communications systems. Execution of the formulas and operation of the systems are subject to human error. Any failure, inaccuracy or delay in implementing any of the formulas or systems and executing USNGs transactions could impair its ability to achieve USNGs investment objective. It could also result in decisions to undertake transactions based on inaccurate or incomplete information. This could cause substantial losses on transactions.
USNG may experience substantial losses on transactions if the computer or communications system fails.
USNGs trading activities, including its risk management, depend on the integrity and performance of the computer and communications systems supporting them. Extraordinary transaction volume, hardware or software failure, power or telecommunications failure, a natural disaster or other catastrophe could cause the computer systems to operate at an unacceptably slow speed or even fail. Any significant degradation or failure of the systems that USCF uses to gather and analyze information, enter orders, process data, monitor risk levels and otherwise engage in trading activities may result in substantial losses on transactions, liability to other parties, lost profit opportunities, damages to USCFs and USNGs reputations, increased operational expenses and diversion of technical resources.
If the computer and communications systems are not upgraded, USNGs financial condition could be harmed.
The development of complex computer and communications systems and new technologies may render the existing computer and communications systems supporting USNGs trading activities obsolete. In addition, these computer and communications systems must be compatible with those of third parties, such as the systems of exchanges, clearing brokers and the executing brokers. As a result, if these third parties upgrade their systems, USCF will need to make corresponding upgrades to continue effectively its trading activities. USNGs future success will depend on USNGs ability to respond to changing technologies on a timely and cost-effective basis.
USNG depends on the reliable performance of the computer and communications systems of third parties, such as brokers and futures exchanges, and may experience substantial losses on transactions if they fail.
USNG depends on the proper and timely function of complex computer and communications systems maintained and operated by the futures exchanges, brokers and other data providers that USCF uses to conduct trading activities. Failure or inadequate performance of any of these systems could adversely affect USCFs ability to complete transactions, including its ability to close out positions, and result in lost profit opportunities and significant losses on commodity interest transactions. This could have a material adverse effect on revenues and materially reduce USNGs available capital. For example, unavailability of price quotations from third parties may
69
make it difficult or impossible for USCF to use its proprietary software that it relies upon to conduct its trading activities. Unavailability of records from brokerage firms may make it difficult or impossible for USCF to accurately determine which transactions have been executed or the details, including price and time, of any transaction executed. This unavailability of information also may make it difficult or impossible for USCF to reconcile its records of transactions with those of another party or to accomplish settlement of executed transactions.
The occurrence of a terrorist attack, or the outbreak, continuation or expansion of war or other hostilities could disrupt USNGs trading activity and materially affect USNGs profitability.
The operations of USNG, the exchanges, brokers and counterparties with which USNG does business, and the markets in which USNG does business could be severely disrupted in the event of a major terrorist attack or the outbreak, continuation or expansion of war or other hostilities. Global anti-terrorism initiatives and political unrest in the Middle East and Southeast Asia continue to fuel this concern.
Risk of Leverage and Volatility
If USCF permits USNG to become leveraged, investors could lose all or substantially all of their investment if USNGs trading positions suddenly turn unprofitable.
Commodity pools trading positions in futures contracts or other commodity interests are typically required to be secured by the deposit of margin funds that represent only a small percentage of a futures contracts (or other commodity interests) entire market value. This feature permits commodity pools to leverage their assets by purchasing or selling futures contracts (or other commodity interests) with an aggregate value in excess of the commodity pools assets. While this leverage can increase the pools profits, relatively small adverse movements in the price of the pools futures contracts can cause significant losses to the pool. While USCF has not and does not currently intend to leverage USNGs assets, it is not prohibited from doing so under the LP Agreement or otherwise.
The price of natural gas is volatile which could cause large fluctuations in the price of units.
Movements in the price of natural gas may be the result of factors outside of USCFs control and may not be anticipated by USCF. Among the factors that can cause volatility in the price of natural gas are:
| worldwide or regional demand for energy, which is affected by economic conditions; |
| the domestic and foreign supply and inventories of oil and gas; |
| weather conditions, including abnormally mild winter or summer weather, and abnormally harsh winter or summer weather; |
| availability and adequacy of pipeline and other transportation facilities; |
| domestic and foreign governmental regulations and taxes; |
| political conditions in gas or oil producing regions; |
| technological advances relating to energy usage or relating to technology for exploration, production, refining and petrochemical manufacturing; |
| the ability of members of OPEC to agree upon and maintain oil prices and production levels; |
| the price and availability of alternative fuels; and |
| the impact of energy conservation efforts. |
70
Since USNGs commencement of operations on April 18, 2007, there has been tremendous volatility in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract. For example, the price of the NYMEX Futures Contract on natural gas rose to a high of $13.577 on July 3, 2008 and dropped to a low of $2.508 on September 3, 2009 and subsequently rose to $4.405 by December 31, 2010. USCF anticipates that there will be continued volatility in the price of the NYMEX Futures Contract for natural gas and futures contracts for other petroleum-based commodities. Consequently, investors should know that this volatility can lead to a loss of all or substantially all of their investment in USNG.
The impact of environmental and other governmental laws and regulations may affect the price of natural gas.
Environmental and other governmental laws and regulations have increased the costs to plan, design, drill, install, operate and abandon natural gas and oil wells. Other laws have prevented exploration and drilling of natural gas in certain environmentally sensitive federal lands and waters. Several environmental laws that have a direct or an indirect impact on the price of natural gas include, but are not limited to, the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980.
The limited method for transporting and storing natural gas may cause the price of natural gas to increase.
Natural gas is primarily transported and stored throughout the United States by way of pipeline and underground storage facilities. These systems may not be adequate to meet demand, especially in times of peak demand or in areas of the United States where gas service is already limited due to minimal pipeline and storage infrastructure. As a result of the limited method for transporting and storing natural gas, the price of natural gas may increase.
Over-the-Counter Contract Risk
Currently, over-the-counter transactions are subject to little regulation.
A portion of USNGs assets may be used to trade over-the-counter natural gas interest contracts, such as forward contracts or swap or spot contracts. Over-the-counter contracts are typically traded on a principal-to-principal basis through dealer markets that are dominated by major money center and investment banks and other institutions and are essentially unregulated by the CFTC. Investors therefore do not receive the protection of CFTC regulation or the statutory scheme of the CEA in connection with this trading activity by USNG. The markets for over-the-counter contracts primarily rely upon the integrity of market participants in lieu of the additional regulation imposed by the CFTC on participants in the futures markets. The limited regulation in these markets could expose USNG in certain circumstances to significant losses in the event of trading abuses or financial failure by participants.
USNG will be subject to credit risk with respect to counterparties to over-the-counter contracts entered into by USNG or held by special purpose or structured vehicles.
USNG faces the risk of non-performance by the counterparties to the over-the-counter contracts. Unlike in futures contracts, the counterparty to these contracts is generally a single bank or other financial institution, rather than a clearing organization backed by a group of financial institutions. As a result, there will be greater counterparty credit risk in these transactions. A counterparty may not be able to meet its obligations to USNG, in which case USNG could suffer significant losses on these contracts.
If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations due to financial difficulties, USNG may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery in a bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. USNG may obtain only limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances.
USNG may be subject to liquidity risk with respect to its over-the-counter contracts.
Over-the-counter contracts may have terms that make them less marketable than Futures Contracts. Over-the-counter contracts are less marketable because they are not traded on an exchange, do not have uniform terms and conditions, and are entered into based upon the creditworthiness of the parties and the availability of credit support, such as collateral, and in general, they are not transferable without the consent of the counterparty. These conditions diminish the ability to realize the full value of such contracts.
71
In addition, even if collateral is used to reduce counterparty credit risk, sudden changes in the value of over-the-counter transactions may leave a party open to financial risk due to a counterparty default since the collateral held may not cover a partys exposure on the transaction in such situations.
The Dodd-Frank Act requires the CFTC and SEC to establish both initial and variation margin requirements on all swaps that are not cleared by a registered clearing organization (i.e., uncleared swaps). In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act provides parties who post initial margin to a swap dealer or major swap participant with a statutory right to insist that such margin be held in a segregated account with an independent custodian. At this time, the CFTC has proposed a rule addressing this statutory right of certain market participants but has not implemented any rules on this issue and has not implemented any regulations regarding the margin requirements for uncleared swaps.
Risk of Trading in International Markets
Trading in international markets could expose USNG to credit and regulatory risk.
USNG invests primarily in Futures Contracts, a significant portion of which are traded on United States exchanges, including the NYMEX. However, a portion of USNGs trades may take place on markets and exchanges outside the United States. Some non-U.S. markets present risks because they are not subject to the same degree of regulation as their U.S. counterparts. The CFTC, NFA and the domestic exchanges have little, if any, regulatory authority over the activities of any foreign boards of trade or exchanges, including the execution, delivery and clearing of transactions, and have little, if any, power to compel enforcement of the rules of a foreign board of trade or exchange or of any applicable non-U.S. laws. Similarly, the rights of market participants, such as USNG, in the event of the insolvency or bankruptcy of a non-U.S. market or broker are also likely to be more limited than in the case of U.S. markets or brokers. As a result, in these markets, USNG has less legal and regulatory protection than it does when it trades domestically.
In some of these non-U.S. markets, the performance on a contract is the responsibility of the counterparty and is not backed by an exchange or clearing corporation and therefore exposes USNG to credit risk. Trading in non-U.S. markets also leaves USNG susceptible to swings in the value of the local currency against the U.S. dollar. Additionally, trading on non-U.S. exchanges is subject to the risks presented by exchange controls, expropriation, increased tax burdens and exposure to local economic declines and political instability. An adverse development with respect to any of these variables could reduce the profit or increase the loss earned on trades in the affected international markets.
International trading activities subject USNG to foreign exchange risk.
The price of any non-U.S. Futures Contract, option on any non-U.S. Futures Contract, or other non-U.S. Natural Gas-Related Investment, and, therefore, the potential profit and loss on such contract, may be affected by any variance in the foreign exchange rate between the time the order is placed and the time it is liquidated, offset or exercised. As a result, changes in the value of the local currency relative to the U.S. dollar may cause losses to USNG even if the contract traded is profitable.
USNGs international trading could expose it to losses resulting from non-U.S. exchanges that are less developed or less reliable than United States exchanges.
Some non-U.S. exchanges may be in a more developmental stage so that prior price histories may not be indicative of current price dynamics. In addition, USNG may not have the same access to certain positions on foreign trading exchanges as do local traders, and the historical market data on which USCF bases its strategies may not be as reliable or accessible as it is for U.S. exchanges.
72
Tax Risk
An investors tax liability may exceed the amount of distributions, if any, on its units.
Cash or property will be distributed at the sole discretion of USCF. USCF has not and does not currently intend to make cash or other distributions with respect to units. Investors will be required to pay U.S. federal income tax and, in some cases, state, local, or foreign income tax, on their allocable share of USNGs taxable income, without regard to whether they receive distributions or the amount of any distributions. Therefore, the tax liability of an investor with respect to its units may exceed the amount of cash or value of property (if any) distributed.
An investors allocable share of taxable income or loss may differ from its economic income or loss on its units.
Due to the application of the assumptions and conventions applied by USNG in making allocations for tax purposes and other factors, an investors allocable share of USNGs income, gain, deduction or loss may be different than its economic profit or loss from its units for a taxable year. This difference could be temporary or permanent and, if permanent, could result in it being taxed on amounts in excess of its economic income.
Items of income, gain, deduction, loss and credit with respect to units could be reallocated if the IRS does not accept the assumptions and conventions applied by USNG in allocating those items, with potential adverse consequences for an investor.
The U.S. tax rules pertaining to partnerships are complex and their application to large, publicly traded partnerships such as USNG is in many respects uncertain. USNG applies certain assumptions and conventions in an attempt to comply with the intent of the applicable rules and to report taxable income, gains, deductions, losses and credits in a manner that properly reflects unitholders economic gains and losses. These assumptions and conventions may not fully comply with all aspects of the Internal Revenue Code (the Code) and applicable Treasury Regulations, however, and it is possible that the U.S. Internal Revenue Service will successfully challenge USNGs allocation methods and require USNG to reallocate items of income, gain, deduction, loss or credit in a manner that adversely affects investors. If this occurs, investors may be required to file an amended tax return and to pay additional taxes plus deficiency interest.
USNG could be treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, which may substantially reduce the value of the units.
USNG has received an opinion of counsel that, under current U.S. federal income tax laws, USNG will be treated as a partnership that is not taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, provided that (i) at least 90 percent of USNGs annual gross income consists of qualifying income as defined in the Code, (ii) USNG is organized and operated in accordance with its governing agreements and applicable law and (iii) USNG does not elect to be taxed as a corporation for federal income tax purposes. Although USCF anticipates that USNG has satisfied and will continue to satisfy the qualifying income requirement for all of its taxable years, that result cannot be assured. USNG has not requested and will not request any ruling from the IRS with respect to its classification as a partnership not taxable as a corporation for federal income tax purposes. If the IRS were to successfully assert that USNG is taxable as a corporation for federal income tax purposes in any taxable year, rather than passing through its income, gains, losses and deductions proportionately to unitholders, USNG would be subject to tax on its net income for the year at corporate tax rates. In addition, although USCF does not currently intend to make distributions with respect to units, any distributions would be taxable to unitholders as dividend income. Taxation of USNG as a corporation could materially reduce the after-tax return on an investment in units and could substantially reduce the value of the units.
Item 1B. | Unresolved Staff Comments. |
Not applicable.
Item 2. | Properties. |
Not applicable.
73
Item 3. | Legal Proceedings. |
Although USNG may, from time to time, be involved in litigation arising out of its operations in the normal course of business or otherwise, USNG is currently not a party to any pending material legal proceedings.
Item 4. | Reserved. |
Part II
Item 5. | Market for Registrants Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities. |
Price Range of Units
USNGs units have traded on the NYSE Arca under the symbol UNG since November 25, 2008. Prior to trading on the NYSE Arca, USNGs units previously traded on the AMEX under the symbol UNG since its initial public offering on April 18, 2007. The following table sets forth the range of reported high and low sales prices of the units as reported on the AMEX and NYSE Arca, as applicable, for the periods indicated below.
High | Low | |||||||
Fiscal year 2010 |
||||||||
First quarter |
$ | 10.86 | $ | 6.90 | ||||
Second quarter |
$ | 8.84 | $ | 6.84 | ||||
Third quarter |
$ | 8.28 | $ | 6.18 | ||||
Fourth quarter |
$ | 6.33 | $ | 5.28 | ||||
Fiscal year 2009 |
||||||||
First quarter |
$ | 25.23 | $ | 15.16 | ||||
Second quarter |
$ | 17.46 | $ | 13.01 | ||||
Third quarter |
$ | 14.04 | $ | 9.01 | ||||
Fourth quarter |
$ | 12.10 | $ | 8.51 |
As of December 31, 2010, USNG had 393,887 holders of units.
Dividends
USNG has not made and does not currently intend to make cash distributions to its unitholders.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
USNG does not purchase units directly from its unitholders; however, in connection with its redemption of baskets held by Authorized Purchasers, USNG redeemed 3,122 baskets (comprising 312,200,000 units) during the year ended December 31, 2010.
74
Item 6. | Selected Financial Data. |
Financial Highlights (for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, 2008 and 2007)
Year
ended December 31, 2010 |
Year ended December 31, 2009 |
Year ended December 31, 2008 |
Year ended December 31, 2007 |
|||||||||||||
Total assets |
$ | 2,766,732 | $ | 4,549,304 | $ | 706,337 | $ | 594,010 | ||||||||
Net realized and unrealized loss on futures transactions, inclusive of commissions |
$ | (662,503) | $ | (1,489,203) | $ | (498,471) | $ | (20,247) | ||||||||
Net realized and unrealized loss on swap contracts |
$ | (839,052) | $ | (78,423) | $ | | $ | | ||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (1,519,570) | $ | (1,584,776) | $ | (492,205) | $ | (13,592) | ||||||||
Weighted-average limited partnership units |
409,143,562 | 229,963,288 | 19,303,825 | 7,644,574 | ||||||||||||
Net loss per unit |
$ | (4.07) | $ | (13.20) | $ | (12.91) | $ | (13.82) | ||||||||
Net loss per weighted average unit |
$ | (3.71) | $ | (6.89) | $ | (25.50) | $ | (1.78) | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
$ | 2,320,746 | $ | 3,896,493 | $ | 419,930 | $ | 488,067 | ||||||||
(Dollar amounts in 000s except for per unit information) |
75
Item 7. | Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. |
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto of USNG included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K.
Forward-Looking Information
This annual report on Form 10-K, including this Managements 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 USNGs actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements, which involve assumptions and describe USNGs 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 USNG cannot assure investors that the projections included in these forward-looking statements will come to pass. USNGs actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors.
USNG has based the forward-looking statements included in this annual report on Form 10-K on information available to it on the date of this annual report on Form 10-K, and USNG assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Although USNG undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, investors are advised to consult any additional disclosures that USNG may make directly to them or through reports that USNG in the future files with the SEC, including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K.
Introduction
USNG, a Delaware limited partnership, is a commodity pool that issues units that may be purchased and sold on the NYSE Arca. The investment objective of USNG is for the changes in percentage terms of its units NAV to reflect the changes in percentage terms of the spot price of natural gas delivered at the Henry Hub, Louisiana, as measured by the changes in the price of the futures contract for natural gas traded on the NYMEX that is the near month contract to expire, except when the near month contract is within two weeks of expiration, in which case it will be measured by the futures contract that is the next month contract to expire, less USNGs expenses.
USNG seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a combination of natural gas Futures Contracts and Other Natural Gas-Related Investments such that changes in its NAV, measured in percentage terms, will closely track the changes in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract, also measured in percentage terms. USCF believes the changes in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract have historically exhibited a close correlation with the changes in the spot price of natural gas. It is not the intent of USNG to be operated in a fashion such that the NAV will equal, in dollar terms, the spot price of natural gas or any particular futures contract based on natural gas. Management believes that it is not practical to manage the portfolio to achieve such an investment goal when investing in listed natural gas Futures Contracts and Other Natural Gas Related Investments.
On any valuation day, the Benchmark Futures Contract is the near month futures contract for natural gas traded on the NYMEX unless the near month contract is within two weeks of expiration in which case the Benchmark Futures Contract becomes, over a 4-day period, the next month contract for natural gas traded on the NYMEX. 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.
USNG invests in Futures Contracts for crude oil, heating oil, gasoline and other petroleum-based fuels that are traded on the NYMEX, ICE Futures or other U.S. and foreign exchanges and Other Natural Gas-Related Investments. Due, in part, to the increased size of USNG over the last several quarters and its obligation to comply with regulatory limits, it is likely that it will invest in increased numbers of Other Natural Gas-Related Investments in order to fulfill its investment objective.
76
The regulation of commodity interests in the United States is a rapidly changing area of law and is subject to ongoing modification by governmental and judicial action. On July 21, 2010, a broad financial regulatory reform bill, The Dodd-Frank Act, was signed into law that includes provisions altering the regulation of commodity interests. Provisions in the new law include the requirement that position limits be established on a wide range of commodity interests including energy-based and other commodity futures contracts, certain cleared commodity swaps and certain over-the-counter commodity contracts; new registration, recordkeeping, capital and margin requirements for swap dealers and major swap participants as determined by the new law and applicable regulations; and the forced use of clearinghouse mechanisms for most swap transactions that are currently entered into in the over-the-counter market. The new law and the rules that are currently being and are expected to be promulgated thereunder may negatively impact USNGs ability to meet its investment objective either through limits or requirements imposed on it or upon its counterparties. Further, increased regulation of, and the imposition of additional costs on, swap transactions under the new legislation and implementing regulations could cause a reduction in the swap market and the overall derivatives market, which could restrict liquidity and adversely affect USNG. In particular, new position limits imposed on USNG or its counterparties may impact USNGs ability to invest in a manner that most efficiently meets its investment objective, and new requirements, including capital and mandatory clearing, may increase the cost of USNGs investments and doing business, which could adversely affect USNGs investors.
On January 13, 2011, the CFTC proposed new rules, which if implemented in their proposed form, would establish position limits and limit formulas for certain physical commodity futures, including Futures Contracts and options on Futures Contracts, executed pursuant to the rules of designated contract markets (i.e., certain regulated exchanges) and commodity swaps that are economically equivalent to such futures and options contracts. The CFTC has also proposed aggregate position limits that would apply across different trading venues to contracts based on the same underlying commodity. At this time, it is unknown precisely when such position limits would take effect. The CFTCs position limits for futures contracts held during the last few days of trading in the near month contract to expire, which, under the CFTCs proposed rule would be substantially similar to the position limits currently set by the exchanges, could take effect as early as March 2011. Based on the CFTCs current proposal, other position limits would not take effect until March 2012 or later. The effect of this future regulatory change on USNG is impossible to predict, but it could be substantial and adverse.
In addition, due to potential regulatory limitations, USNG may determine to hold greater amounts of cash and cash equivalents and lesser amounts of Natural Gas Interests, or greater amounts of Other Natural Gas-Related Investments if it determines that will most appropriately satisfy USNGs investment objective. Holding more cash and cash equivalents and less Natural Gas Interests, or more Other Natural Gas-Related Investments for some period of time may result in increased tracking error. Increasing USNGs investments in Other Natural Gas-Related Investments, such as through increased investments in over-the-counter swaps, may result in increased tracking error due to the fact that transaction costs for over-the-counter swaps are significantly higher as compared to those for exchange-traded Natural Gas Interests, which to date are the principal investment of USNG. In the event that USNG determines that suitable Other Natural Gas-Related Investments are not obtainable, USNG will need to consider other actions to protect its unitholders and to permit USNG to achieve its investment objective.
USCF, which is registered as a CPO with the CFTC, is authorized by the LP Agreement to manage USNG. USCF is authorized by USNG in its sole judgment to employ and establish the terms of employment for, and termination of, commodity trading advisors or futures commission merchants.
Price Movements
Natural gas futures prices exhibited a general downtrend during the year ended December 31, 2010. The price of the Benchmark Futures Contract started the year at $5.572. It hit a peak on January 6, 2010 of $6.009 and fell over the course of the year. The low price of the year was on October 11, 2010, when the Benchmark Futures Contract was $3.601. The Benchmark Futures Contract on December 31, 2010 was $4.405, for a return of approximately -20.94% over the year. USNGs NAV initially rose during the year ended December 31, 2010 from a starting level of $10.07 per unit to a high on January 6, 2010 of $10.86 per unit. USNGs NAV reached its low for the year on October 25, 2010 at $5.28 per unit. The NAV on December 31, 2010 was $6.00, down approximately 40.42% over the year. The Benchmark Futures Contract prices listed above began with the February 2010 contract and ended with the February 2011 contract. The return of approximately -20.94% on the Benchmark Futures Contract listed above is a hypothetical
77
return only and could not actually be achieved by an investor holding Futures Contracts. An investment in natural gas Futures Contracts would need to be rolled forward during the time period described in order to achieve such a result. Furthermore, the change in the nominal price of these differing natural gas Futures Contracts, measured from the start of the year to the end of the year, does not represent the actual benchmark results that USNG seeks to track, which are more fully described below, in the section titled Tracking USNGs Benchmark.
The natural gas futures market remained in a state of backwardation through mid-February 2010, meaning that the price of the near month natural gas Futures Contract was typically higher than the price of the next month natural gas Futures Contract, or contracts further away from expiration. For the rest of the year, except for a brief period in late July 2010, the natural gas futures market moved into a contango market. A contango market is one in which the price of the near month natural gas Futures Contract is less than the price of the next month natural gas 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 Natural Gas Futures Prices and the Impact on Total Returns below.
Valuation of Futures Contracts and the Computation of the NAV
The NAV of USNGs units is calculated once each NYSE Arca trading day. The NAV for a particular trading day is released after 4:00 p.m. New York time. Trading during the core trading session on the NYSE Arca typically closes at 4:00 p.m. New York time. The Administrator uses the NYMEX closing price (determined at the earlier of the close of the NYMEX or 2:30 p.m. New York time) for the contracts held on the NYMEX, but calculates or determines the value of all other USNG investments, including cleared swaps or other futures contracts, as of the earlier of the close of the NYSE Arca or 4:00 p.m. New York time.
Results of Operations and the Natural Gas Market
Results of Operations. On April 18, 2007, USNG listed its units on the AMEX under the ticker symbol UNG. On that day, USNG established its initial offering price at $50.00 per unit and issued 200,000 units to the initial Authorized Purchaser, Merrill Lynch Professional Clearing Corp., in exchange for $10,001,000 in cash. As a result of the acquisition of the AMEX by NYSE Euronext, USNGs units no longer trade on the AMEX and commenced trading on the NYSE Arca on November 25, 2008.
Since its initial offering of 30,000,000 units, USNG has registered four subsequent offerings of its units: 50,000,000 units which were registered with the SEC on November 21, 2007, 100,000,000 units which were registered with the SEC on August 28, 2008, 300,000,000 units which were registered with the SEC on May 6, 2009 and 1,000,000,000 units which were registered with the SEC on August 12, 2009. Units offered by USNG in the subsequent offerings were sold by it for cash at the units NAV as described in the applicable prospectus. As of December 31, 2010, USNG had issued 889,400,000 units, 444,600,000 of which were outstanding. As of December 31, 2010, there were 590,600,000 units registered but not yet issued.
More units may have been issued by USNG than are outstanding due to the redemption of units. Unlike funds that are registered under the 1940 Act, units that have been redeemed by USNG cannot be resold by USNG. As a result, USNG contemplates that additional offerings of its units will be registered with the SEC in the future in anticipation of additional issuances and redemptions.
For the Year Ended December 31, 2010 Compared to the Years Ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
As of December 31, 2010, the total unrealized gain on natural gas Futures Contracts, cleared swap contracts and over-the-counter swap contracts owned or held on that day was $114,605,506 and USNG established cash deposits, including cash investments in money market funds, that were equal to $2,635,369,994. USNG held 88.06% of its cash assets in overnight deposits and money market funds at the Custodian, while 11.94% of the cash balance was held as margin deposits for the Futures Contracts purchased. The ending per unit NAV on December 31, 2010 was $6.00.
By comparison, as of December 31, 2009, the total unrealized loss on natural gas Futures Contracts, cleared swap contracts and over-the-counter swap contracts owned or held on that day was $81,185,953 and USNG established cash deposits, including cash
78
investments in money market funds, that were equal to $4,630,186,857. USNG held 84.15% of its cash assets in overnight deposits and money market funds at the Custodian, while 15.85% of the cash balance was held as margin deposits for the Futures Contracts purchased. The ending per unit NAV on December 31, 2009 was $10.07. The decrease in the per unit NAV for December 31, 2010, as compared to December 31, 2009 was primarily a result of sharply lower prices for natural gas and the related decline in the value of the Futures Contracts that USNG had invested in between the year ended December 31, 2009 and the year ended December 31, 2010.
By comparison, as of December 31, 2008, the total unrealized loss on natural gas Futures Contracts owned or held on that day was $7,704,870 and USNG established cash deposits, including cash investments in money market funds, that were equal to $713,549,385. USNG held 58.85% of its cash assets in overnight deposits and money market funds at the Custodian, while 41.15% of the cash balance was held as margin deposits for the Futures Contracts purchased. The ending per unit NAV on December 31, 2008 was $23.27. The decrease in the per unit NAV for December 31, 2009, as compared to December 31, 2008, was primarily a result of sharply lower prices for natural gas and the related decline in the value of the Futures Contracts that USNG had invested in between the year ended December 31, 2008 and the year ended December 31, 2009.
Portfolio Expenses. USNGs expenses consist of investment management fees, brokerage fees and commissions, certain offering costs, licensing fees, the fees and expenses of the independent directors of USCF and expenses relating to tax accounting and reporting requirements. The management fee that USNG pays to USCF is calculated as a percentage of the total net assets of USNG. For total net assets up to $1 billion, the management fee is 0.60%. For total net assets over $1 billion, the management fee is 0.50% on the incremental amount of assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.
During the year ended December 31, 2010, the daily average total net assets of USNG were $3,013,443,744. The management fee incurred by USNG during the year ended December 31, 2010 amounted to $16,067,219, which was calculated at the 0.60% rate for total net assets up to and including $1 billion and at the rate of 0.50% on total net assets over $1 billion and accrued daily. By comparison, during the year ended December 31, 2009, the daily average total net assets of USNG were $2,654,193,655. The management fee paid by USNG during the year ended December 31, 2009 amounted to $14,189,176, which was calculated at the 0.60% rate for total net assets up to and including $1 billion and at the rate of 0.50% on total net assets over $1 billion, and accrued daily. Management fees as a percentage of total net assets averaged 0.53% over the course of the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009. By comparison, during the year ended December 31, 2008, the daily average total net assets of USNG were $732,301,901. The management fee paid by USNG for the year ended December 31, 2008 amounted to $4,373,723, which was calculated at the 0.60% rate for total net assets up to and including $1 billion and at the rate of 0.50% on total net assets over $1 billion, and accrued daily. Management fees as a percentage of total net assets averaged 0.60% over the course of the year ended December 31, 2008. USNGs management fee as a percentage of total net assets were lower for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2008 due to USNG having higher daily average total net assets during the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, a significant portion of which were calculated at the lower rate of 0.50% on total net assets over $1 billion.
In addition to the management fee, USNG pays all brokerage fees, transaction costs for over-the-counter swaps and other expenses, including certain tax reporting costs, licensing fees for the use of intellectual property, ongoing registration or other fees paid to the SEC, FINRA and any other regulatory agency in connection with offers and sales of its units subsequent to the initial offering and all legal, accounting, printing and other expenses associated therewith. The total of these fees and expenses for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $9,773,026, as compared to $17,217,527 for the year ended December 31, 2009 and $2,655,089 for the year ended December 31, 2008. The decrease in expenses for the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2009 was primarily due to reduced activity in USNG, resulting in reduced costs associated with the registration and offering of additional units and decreased brokerage fees, legal expenses and tax reporting costs. The increase in expenses for the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2008 was primarily due to the relative size of USNG and activity that resulted from its increased size, including the registration and offering of additional units, increased brokerage fees, increased transaction costs for over-the-counter swaps, increased licensing fees and increased tax reporting costs due to the greater number of unitholders during each year. For the year ended December 31, 2010, USNG incurred $93,970 in ongoing registration fees and other expenses relating to the registration and offering of additional units. By comparison, for the years ended December 31, 2009
79
and 2008, USNG incurred $1,223,978 and $348,874, respectively, in ongoing registration fees and other expenses relating to the registration and offering of additional units. The decrease in registration fees and expenses incurred by USNG for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2009 was primarily due to reduced creation activity in the units of USNG. The increase in registration fees and expenses incurred by USNG for the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2008 was primarily due to ongoing registration fees and other expenses relating to the registration and offering of additional units.
USNG is responsible for paying its portion of the directors and officers liability insurance of USCF and the fees and expenses of the independent directors of USCF who are also USCFs audit committee members. USNG shares these fees and expenses with USOF, US12OF, UGA, USHO, USSO, US12NG and USBO based on the relative assets of each fund computed on a daily basis. These fees and expenses for the year ended December 31, 2010 amounted to a total of $1,107,140 for all funds, other than USCI, and USNGs portion of such fees and expenses was $629,670.
By comparison, for the year ended December 31, 2009, these fees and expenses amounted to a total of $433,406 for all funds, and USNGs portion of such fees and expenses was $159,942. The increase in directors fees and expenses for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2009 was primarily due to an increase in the amount of directors and officers liability insurance coverage and the incurrence of the independent directors deferred compensation expense. Effective as of March 3, 2009, USCF obtained directors and officers liability insurance covering all of the directors and officers of USCF. Previously, USCF did not have liability insurance for its directors and officers; instead, the independent directors received a payment in lieu of directors and officers liability insurance coverage. Effective as of April 1, 2010, USNG also became responsible for paying its portion of any payments that may become due to the independent directors pursuant to the deferred compensation agreements entered into between the independent directors, USCF and USNG, USOF, US12OF, UGA, USHO, USSO, US12NG and USBO.
By comparison, for the year ended December 31, 2008, these fees and expenses amounted to a total of $282,000 for all funds, and USNGs portion of such fees and expenses was $130,107. The increase in directors fees and expenses for the year ended December 31, 2009, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2008 was primarily due to payment for directors and officers liability insurance and an increase in the compensation awarded to the independent directors of USCF. As described above, effective as of March 3, 2009, USCF obtained directors and officers liability insurance covering all of the directors and officers of USCF. Previously, USCF did not have liability insurance for its directors and officers; instead, the independent directors received a payment in lieu of directors and officers liability insurance coverage.
USNG also incurs commissions to brokers for the purchase and sale of Futures Contracts, Other Natural Gas-Related Investments or Treasuries. During the year ended December 31, 2010, total commissions paid to brokers amounted to $6,257,135. By comparison, during the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, total commissions paid to brokers amounted to $11,384,593 and $867,175, respectively. The decrease in the total commissions paid to brokers for the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2009 was primarily a function of decreased brokerage fees due to a fewer number of Natural Gas Interests being held and traded and as a result of the replacement of those Natural Gas Interests with investments in over-the-counter swap transactions.
The increase in the total commissions paid to brokers for the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2008 was primarily a function of increased brokerage fees due to a higher number if Natural Gas Interests being held and traded as a result of the increase in USNGs average total net assets and the increase in creations and redemptions of units during 2009. As an annualized percentage of total net assets, the figure for the year ended December 31, 2010 represents approximately 0.21% of total net assets. By comparison, the figure for the year ended December 31, 2009 represented approximately 0.43% of total net assets and the figure for the year ended December 31, 2008 represented approximately 0.12% of total net assets. However, there can be no assurance that commission costs and portfolio turnover will not cause commission expenses to rise in future quarters.
USNGs transaction fees also increased during the year ended December 31, 2010, due to continued investment in Other Natural Gas-Related Investments, including over-the-counter swaps, during the period. The increase in transaction fees during the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2009 was primarily the result of holding Other Natural Gas-Related
80
Investments for the entire calendar year in 2010 as opposed to only part of the year in 2009. Over time, the transaction costs for over-the-counter swaps, including up front fees and spreads charged by counterparties, may be significantly higher as compared to those for exchange-traded Natural Gas Interests. USNG incurred $5,679,435 in transaction costs for the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to $3,752,890 in transactions costs for the year ended December 31, 2009 and no transaction costs for the year ended December 31, 2008.
The fees and expenses associated with USNGs audit expenses and tax accounting and reporting requirements are paid by USNG. These costs are estimated to be $2,200,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010.
Dividend and Interest Income. USNG seeks to invest its assets such that it holds Futures Contracts and Other Natural Gas-Related Investments in an amount equal to the total net assets of its portfolio. Typically, such investments do not require USNG to pay the full amount of the contract value at the time of purchase, but rather require USNG to post an amount as a margin deposit against the eventual settlement of the contract. As a result, USNG retains an amount that is approximately equal to its total net assets, which USNG invests in Treasuries, cash and/or cash equivalents. This includes both the amount on deposit with the futures commission merchant as margin, as well as unrestricted cash and cash equivalents held with USNGs Custodian. The Treasuries, cash and/or cash equivalents earn income that accrues on a daily basis. For the year ended December 31, 2010, USNG earned $1,364,576 in dividend and interest income on such Treasuries, cash and /or cash equivalents. Based on USNGs average daily total net assets, this was equivalent to an annualized yield of 0.05%. USNG purchased Treasuries during the year ended December 31, 2010 and held cash and/or cash equivalents during this time period. By comparison, for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, USNG earned $2,687,716 and $12,225,534, respectively, in dividend and interest income on such Treasuries, cash and/or cash equivalents. Based on USNGs average daily total net assets, this was equivalent to an annualized yield of 0.10% and 1.67%, respectively. USNG purchased Treasuries during the year ended December 31, 2009 and held cash and/or cash equivalents during this time. USNG did not purchase Treasuries during the year ended December 31, 2008 and held only cash and/or cash equivalents during this time period. Interest rates on short-term investments, including cash, cash equivalents and Treasuries, were lower during the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008. As a result, the amount of income earned by USNG as a percentage of total net assets was lower during the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.
For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2010 Compared to the Three Months Ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
Portfolio Expenses. During the three months ended December 31, 2010, the daily average total net assets of USNG were $2,592,712,195. The management fee incurred by USNG during the period amounted to $3,519,583, which was calculated at the 0.60% rate for total net assets up to and including $1 billion and at the rate of 0.50% on total net assets over $1 billion, and accrued daily. Management fees as a percentage of total net assets averaged 0.54% over the course of the three months ended December 31, 2010.
By comparison, during the three months ended December 31, 2009, the daily average total net assets of USNG were $3,978,328,152. The management fee paid by USNG during the period amounted to $5,265,838, which was calculated at the 0.60% rate for total net assets up to and including $1 billion and at the rate of 0.50% of total net assets over $1 billion, and accrued daily. Management fees as a percentage of total net assets averaged 0.53% over the course of the three months ended December 31, 2009.
By comparison, during the three months ended December 31, 2008, the daily average total net assets of USNG were $794,047,075. During the three months ended December 31, 2008, the total net assets of USNG exceeded $1 billion. The management fee paid by USNG for the three months ended December 31, 2008 amounted to $1,196,109, which was calculated at the 0.60% rate for total net assets up to and including $1 billion and at the rate of 0.50% of total net assets over $1 billion, and accrued daily. Management fees as a percentage of total net assets averaged 0.60% over the course of the three months ended December 31, 2008. USNGs management fees as a percentage of total net assets were lower for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 compared to the three months ended December 31, 2008 due to USNG having higher daily average total net assets during the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, a significant portion of which were calculated at the lower rate of 0.50% on total net assets over $1 billion.
81
In addition to the management fee, USNG pays all brokerage fees, transaction costs for over-the-counter swaps, and other expenses, including certain tax reporting costs, licensing fees for the use of intellectual property, ongoing registration or other fees paid to the SEC, FINRA and any other regulatory agency in connection with offers and sales of its units subsequent to the initial offering and all legal, accounting, printing and other expenses associated therewith. The total of these fees and expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2010 was $2,118,484, as compared to $3,357,523 for the three months ended December 31, 2009 and $912,384 for the three months ended December 31, 2008. The decrease in expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2010, as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2009 was primarily due to the relative size of USNG and activity that resulted from its decreased size, including decreased brokerage fees, decreased transaction costs for over-the-counter swaps, decreased licensing fees and decreased tax reporting costs due to the fewer number of unitholders during the three months ended December 31, 2010. The increase in expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2009 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2008 was primarily due to the relative size of USNG and activity that resulted from its increased size, increased brokerage fees, increased transaction costs for over-the-counter swaps, increased licensing fees and increased tax reporting costs due to the greater number of unitholders during the three months ended December 31, 2009. For the three months ended December 31, 2010, USNG incurred $25,760 in ongoing registration fees and other expenses relating to the registration and offering of additional units. By comparison, for the three months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, USNG incurred $137,500 and $132,175, respectively, in ongoing registration fees and other expenses relating to the registration and offering of additional units. The decrease in registration fees and expenses incurred by USNG for the three months ended December 31, 2010 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 was primarily due to reduced creation activity in the units of USNG.
USNG is responsible for paying its portion of the directors and officers liability insurance of USCF and the fees and expenses of the independent directors of USCF who are also USCFs audit committee members. USNG shares these fees and expenses with USOF, US12OF, UGA, USHO, USSO, US12NG and USBO based on the relative assets of each fund computed on a daily basis. These fees and expenses for the year ended December 31, 2010 amounted to a total of $1,107,140 for all funds, other than USCI, and USNGs portion of such fees and expenses was $629,670.
USNG also incurs commissions to brokers for the purchase and sale of Futures Contracts, Other Natural Gas-Related Investments or Treasuries. During the three months ended December 31, 2010, total commissions paid to brokers amounted to $1,553,047. By comparison, during the three months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, total commissions paid to brokers amounted to $1,680,131 and $262,441, respectively. The decrease in total commissions paid to brokers for the three months ended December 31, 2010, as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2009 was primarily a function of decreased brokerage fees due to a lower number of Natural Gas Interests being held and traded as a result of USNGs decreased size during the three months ended December 31, 2010. The increase in total commissions paid to brokers for the three month ended December 31, 2009 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2008 was primarily a function of increased brokerage fees due to a greater number of Natural Gas Interests being held and traded as a result of USNGs increased size. As an annualized percentage of total net assets, the figure for the three months ended December 31, 2010 represents approximately 0.24% of total net assets. By comparison, the figure for the three months ended December 31, 2009 represented approximately 0.17% of total net assets and the figure for the three months ended December 31, 2008 represented approximately 0.13% of total net assets. However, there can be no assurance that commission costs and portfolio turnover will not cause commission expenses to rise in future quarters.
USNGs transaction fees also decreased during the three months ended December 31, 2010 due to lower counterparty rates and a reduced amount of assets in Other Natural Gas-Related Investments, including over-the-counter swaps, during the period. USNG incurred $869,650 in transaction costs for the three months ended December 31, 2010 as compared to $2,400,873 in transaction costs for the three months ended December 31, 2009 and no transaction costs for the three months ended December 31, 2008.
The fees and expenses associated with USNGs audit expenses and tax accounting and reporting requirements are paid by USNG.
82
Dividend and Interest Income. USNG seeks to invest its assets such that it holds Futures Contracts and Other Natural Gas-Related Investments in an amount equal to the total net assets of its portfolio. Typically, such investments do not require USNG to pay the full amount of the contract value at the time of purchase, but rather require USNG to post an amount as a margin deposit against the eventual settlement of the contract. As a result, USNG retains an amount that is approximately equal to its total net assets, which USNG invests in Treasuries, cash and/or cash equivalents. This includes both the amount on deposit with the futures commission merchant as margin, as well as unrestricted cash and cash equivalents held with USNGs Custodian. The Treasuries, cash and/or cash equivalents earn income that accrues on a daily basis. For the three months ended December 31, 2010, USNG earned $346,092 in dividend and interest income on such Treasuries, cash and/or cash equivalents. Based on USNGs average daily total net assets, this was equivalent to an annualized yield of 0.05%. USNG purchased Treasuries during the three months ended December 31, 2010 and held cash and/or cash equivalents during this time period. By comparison, for the three months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, USNG earned $446,184 and $1,845,515, respectively, in dividend and interest income on such Treasuries, cash and/or cash equivalents. Based on USNGs average daily total net assets, this was equivalent to an annualized yield of 0.04% and 0.92%, respectively. USNG purchased Treasuries during the three months ended December 31, 2009 and held cash and/or cash equivalents during this time period. USNG did not purchase Treasuries during the three months ended December 31, 2008 and held only cash and/or cash equivalents during this time period. Interest rates on short-term investments, including cash, cash equivalents and Treasuries, were lower during the three months ended December 31, 2010 compared to the three months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008. As a result, the amount of income earned by USNG as a percentage of total net assets was lower during the three months ended December 31, 2010 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.
Tracking USNGs Benchmark. USNGs management seeks to manage USNGs portfolio such that changes in its average daily NAV, on a percentage basis, closely track the changes in the average daily price of the Benchmark Futures Contract, also on a percentage basis. Specifically, USNGs management seeks to manage the portfolio such that over any rolling period of 30 valuation days, the average daily change in USNGs NAV is within a range of 90% to 110% (0.9 to 1.1) of the average daily change in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract. As an example, if the average daily movement of the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract for a particular 30-valuation day time period was 0.5% per day, USNG management would attempt to manage the portfolio such that the average daily movement of the NAV during that same time period fell between 0.45% and 0.55% (i.e., between 0.9 and 1.1 of the benchmarks results). USNGs portfolio management goals do not include trying to make the nominal price of USNGs NAV equal to the nominal price of the current Benchmark Futures Contract or the spot price for natural gas. Management believes that it is not practical to manage the portfolio to achieve such an investment goal when investing in listed natural gas Futures Contracts and Other Natural Gas-Related Investments.
For the 30 valuation days ended December 31, 2010, the simple average daily change in the Benchmark Futures Contract was 0.171%, while the simple average daily change in the NAV of USNG over the same time period was 0.168%. The average daily difference was -0.003% (or -0.3 basis points, where 1 basis point equals 1/100 of 1%). As a percentage of the daily movement of the Benchmark Futures Contract, the average error in daily tracking by the NAV was 2.824%, meaning that over this time period USNGs tracking error was within the plus or minus 10% range established as its benchmark tracking goal. The first chart below shows the daily movement of USNGs NAV versus the daily movement of the Benchmark Futures Contract for the 30-valuation day period ended December 31, 2010. The second chart below shows the monthly total returns of USNG as compared to the monthly value of the Benchmark Futures Contract since inception.
Since the commencement of the offering of USNG units to the public on April 18, 2007 to December 31, 2010, the simple average daily change in the Benchmark Futures Contract was -0.177%, while the simple average daily change in the NAV of USNG over the same time period was -0.177%. The average daily difference was 0.0005% (or 0.05 basis points, where 1 basis point equals 1/100 of 1%). As a percentage of the daily movement of the Benchmark Futures Contract, the average error in daily tracking by the NAV was 0.022%, meaning that over this time period USNGs tracking error was within the plus or minus 10% range established as its benchmark tracking goal.
83
*PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
An alternative tracking measurement of the return performance of USNG versus the return of its Benchmark Futures Contract can be calculated by comparing the actual return of USNG, measured by changes in its NAV, versus the expected changes in its NAV under the assumption that USNGs returns had been exactly the same as the daily changes in its Benchmark Futures Contract.
For the year ended December 31, 2010, the actual total return of USNG as measured by changes in its NAV was -40.42%. This is based on an initial NAV of $10.07 on December 31, 2009 and an ending NAV as of December 31, 2010 of $6.00. During this time period, USNG made no distributions to its unitholders. However, if USNGs daily changes in its NAV had instead exactly tracked the changes in the daily return of the Benchmark Futures Contract, USNG would have had an estimated NAV of $6.07 as of December 31, 2010, for a total return over the relevant time period of -39.72%. The difference between the actual NAV total return of USNG of -40.42% and the expected total return based on the Benchmark Futures Contract of -39.72% was an error over the time period of -0.70%, which is to say that USNGs actual total return underperformed the benchmark result by that percentage. Management believes that a portion of the difference between the actual return and the expected benchmark return can be attributed to the net impact of the expenses that USNG pays, offset in part by the income that USNG collects on its cash and cash equivalent holdings. During the year ended December 31, 2010, USNG received dividend and interest income of $1,364,576, which is equivalent to a weighted average income rate of 0.05% for such period. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2010, USNG also collected $204,000 from its Authorized Purchasers for creating or redeeming baskets of units. This income also contributed to USNGs actual return. During the year ended December 31, 2010, USNG incurred total expenses of $25,840,245. Income from dividends and interest and Authorized Purchaser collections net of expenses was $(24,271,669), which is equivalent to a weighted average net income rate of -0.81% for the year ended December 31, 2010.
By comparison, for the year ended December 31, 2009, the actual total return of USNG as measured by changes in its NAV was -56.73%. This was based on an initial NAV of $23.27 on December 31, 2008 and an ending NAV as of December 31, 2009 of $10.07. During this time period, USNG made no distributions to its unitholders. However, if USNGs daily changes in its NAV had instead exactly tracked the changes in the daily return of the Benchmark Futures Contract, USNG would have had an estimated NAV of $10.19 as of December 31, 2009, for a total return over the relevant time period of -56.19%. The difference between the actual NAV total return of USNG of -56.73% and the expected total return based on the Benchmark Futures Contract
84
of -56.19% was an error over the time period of -0.54%, which is to say that USNGs actual total return underperformed the benchmark result by that percentage. Management believes that a portion of the difference between the actual return and the expected benchmark return can be attributed to the net impact of the expenses that USNG paid, offset in part by the income that USNG collected on its cash and cash equivalent holdings. During the year ended December 31, 2009, USNG received dividend and interest income of $2,687,716, which is equivalent to a weighted average income rate of 0.10% for such period. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2009, USNG also collected $185,000 from its Authorized Purchasers for creating or redeeming baskets of units. This income also contributed to USNGs actual return. During the year ended December 31, 2009, USNG incurred total expenses of $31,406,703. Income from dividends and interest and Authorized Purchaser collections net of expenses was $(28,533,987), which is equivalent to a weighted average net income rate of -1.08% for the year ended December 31, 2009.
By comparison, for the year ended December 31, 2008, the actual total return of USNG as measured by changes in its NAV was -35.68%. This was based on an initial NAV of $36.18 on December 31, 2007 and an ending NAV as of December 31, 2008 of $23.27. During this time period, USNG made no distributions to its unitholders. However, if USNGs daily changes in its NAV had instead exactly tracked the changes in the daily return of the Benchmark Futures Contract, USNG would have had an estimated NAV of $23.13 as of December 31, 2008, for a total return over the relevant time period of -36.08%. The difference between the actual NAV total return of USNG of -35.68% and the expected total return based on the Benchmark Futures Contract of -36.08% was an error over the time period of 0.40%, which is to say that USNGs actual total return exceeded the benchmark result by that percentage. Management believes that a portion of the difference between the actual return and the expected benchmark return can be attributed to the net impact of the expenses that USNG paid, offset in part by the income that USNG collected on its cash and cash equivalent holdings. During the year ended December 31, 2008, USNG received dividend and interest income of $12,225,534, which is equivalent to a weighted average income rate of 1.67% for such period. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2008, USNG also collected $202,000 from its Authorized Purchasers for creating or redeeming baskets of units. This income also contributed to USNGs actual return. During the year ended December 31, 2008, USNG incurred total expenses of $7,028,812. Income from dividends and interest and Authorized Purchaser collections net of expenses was $5,398,722, which is equivalent to a weighted average net income rate of 0.74% for the year ended December 31, 2008.
*PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
85
There are currently three factors that have impacted or are most likely to impact USNGs ability to accurately track its Benchmark Futures Contract.
First, USNG 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 USNG executes the trade. In that case, USNG may pay a price that is higher, or lower, than that of the Benchmark Futures Contract, which could cause the changes in the daily NAV of USNG to either be too high or too low relative to the changes in the Benchmark Futures Contract. In 2010, management 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 USNG to obtain the closing settlement price and there is no assurance that failure to obtain the closing settlement price in the future will not adversely impact USNGs attempt to track the Benchmark Futures Contract over time.
Second, USNG earns dividend and interest income on its cash, cash equivalents and Treasury holdings. USNG is not required to distribute any portion of its income to its unitholders and did not make any distributions to unitholders in 2010. Interest payments, and any other income, were retained within the portfolio and added to USNGs NAV. When this income exceeds the level of USNGs 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), USNG will realize a net yield that will tend to cause daily changes in the NAV of USNG to track slightly higher than daily changes in the Benchmark Futures Contract. During the year ended December 31, 2010, USNG earned, on an annualized basis, approximately 0.05% on its cash holdings. It also incurred cash expenses on an annualized basis of 0.53% for management fees and approximately 0.21% in brokerage commission costs related to the purchase and sale of futures contracts, and 0.12% for other expenses. The foregoing fees and expenses resulted in a net yield on an annualized basis of approximately -0.81% and affected USNGs ability to track its benchmark. If short-term interest rates rise above the current levels, the level of deviation created by the yield would decrease. Conversely, if short-term interest rates were to decline, the amount of error created by the yield would increase. 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 NAV to underperform the daily returns of the Benchmark Futures Contract.
Third, USNG may hold Other Natural Gas-Related Investments in its portfolio that may fail to closely track the Benchmark Futures Contracts total return movements. In that case, the error in tracking the Benchmark Futures Contract could result in daily changes in the NAV of USNG that are either too high, or too low, relative to the daily changes in the Benchmark Futures Contract. During the year ended December 31, 2010, USNG held Other Natural Gas-Related Investments. These holdings included a financially settled natural gas futures contract traded on NYMEX whose settlement price tracks the settlement price of the Benchmark Futures Contract. USNG also held investments in cleared swaps traded on the ICE Futures whose settlement price also tracks the settlement price of the Benchmark Futures Contract and fully-collateralized over-the-counter swaps designed to track the settlement price of the Benchmark Futures Contract. Due, in part, to the increased size of USNG over the last several quarters and its obligations to comply with regulatory limits, USNG has invested in Other Natural Gas-Related Investments, such as over-the-counter swaps, which have increased transaction-related expenses and may result in increased tracking error. Over-the-counter swaps increase transaction-related expenses due to the fact that USNG must pay to the swap counterparty certain fees that USNG does not have to pay for transactions executed on an exchange. Finally, due to potential regulatory limitations, USNG may determine to hold greater amounts of cash and cash equivalents and lesser amounts of Natural Gas Interests, if it determines that will most appropriately satisfy USNGs investment objective. Holding more cash and cash equivalents and less Natural Gas Interests for some period of time may result in increased tracking error. There are additional Other Natural Gas-Related Investments that USNG is permitted to invest in whose price movements may not track the settlement price of the Benchmark Futures Contract.
On August 12, 2009, USNGs management determined to suspend offerings of USNGs units since it could not invest the proceeds from such offerings in investments that would permit it to meet USNGs investment objective due to current and anticipated new regulatory restrictions and limitations. As a result of this suspension of creation activity, USNGs shares may have been trading at a premium during a portion of the period from August 12, 2009 to September 28, 2009, when creation activity resumed subject to certain limitations. These limitations included the following: (1) USNG may require Authorized Purchasers of its units to sell USNG
86
specified investments, including the arrangement of an over-the-counter swap contract between the Authorized Purchaser and USNG, (2) USNG may limit its issuance of Creation Baskets to an Authorized Purchaser to a specified minimum or maximum number of baskets, (3) USNGs management may vary the terms and conditions of investments to be delivered or arranged by an Authorized Purchaser in order to purchase a Creation Basket and (4) USNGs management may decide to offer Creation Baskets only on particular days. The trading of USNGs units at a premium may have caused an increase in tracking error.
Term Structure of Natural Gas Futures Prices and the Impact on Total Returns. Several factors determine the total return from investing in a futures contract position. One factor that impacts the total return that will result from investing in near month natural gas Futures Contracts and rolling those contracts forward each month is the price relationship between the current near month contract and the next month contract. For example, if the price of the near month contract is higher than the next month contract (a situation referred to as backwardation in the futures market), then absent any other change there is a tendency for the price of a next month contract to rise in value as it becomes the near month contract and approaches expiration. Conversely, if the price of a near month contract is lower than the next month contract (a situation referred to as contango in the futures market), then absent any other change there is a tendency for the price of a next month contract to decline in value as it becomes the near month contract and approaches expiration.
As an example, assume that the price of natural gas for immediate delivery (the spot price), was $7 per 10,000 mmBtu, and the value of a position in the near month futures contract was also $7. Over time, the price of 10,000 mmBtu of natural gas will fluctuate based on a number of market factors, including demand for natural gas relative to its supply. The value of the near month contract will likewise fluctuate in reaction to a number of market factors. If investors seek to maintain their position in a near month contract and not take delivery of the natural gas, every month they must sell their current near month contract as it approaches expiration and invest in the next month contract.
If the futures market is in backwardation, e.g., when the expected price of natural gas in the future would be less, the investor would be buying a next month contract for a lower price than the current near month contract. Hypothetically, and assuming no other changes to either prevailing natural gas prices or the price relationship between the spot price, the near month contract and the next month contract (and ignoring the impact of commission costs and the income earned on Treasuries, cash and/or cash equivalents), the value of the next month contract would rise as it approaches expiration and becomes the new near month contract. In this example, the value of the $7 investment would tend to rise faster than the spot price of natural gas, or fall slower. As a result, it would be possible in this hypothetical example for the spot price of natural gas to have risen to $9 after some period of time, while the value of the investment in the futures contract would have risen to $10, assuming backwardation is large enough or enough time has elapsed. Similarly, the spot price of natural gas could have fallen to $5 while the value of an investment in the futures contract could have fallen to only $6. Over time, if backwardation remained constant, the difference would continue to increase.
If the futures market is in contango, the investor would be buying a next month contract for a higher price than the current near month contract. Hypothetically, and assuming no other changes to either prevailing natural gas prices or the price relationship between the spot price, the near month contract and the next month contract (and ignoring the impact of commission costs and the income earned on cash and/or cash equivalents), the value of the next month contract would fall as it approaches expiration and becomes the new near month contract. In this example, it would mean that the value of the $7 investment would tend to rise slower than the spot price of natural gas, or fall faster. As a result, it would be possible in this hypothetical example for the spot price of natural gas to have risen to $9 after some period of time, while the value of the investment in the futures contract will have risen to only $8, assuming contango is large enough or enough time has elapsed. Similarly, the spot price of natural gas could have fallen to $6 while the value of an investment in the futures contract could have fallen to $7. Over time, if contango remained constant, the difference would continue to increase.
The chart below compares the price of the near month contract to the average price of the near 12 month contracts over the last 10 years (2001-2010) for natural gas. When the price of the near month contract is higher than the average price of the near 12 month contracts, the market would be described as being in backwardation. When the price of the near month contract is lower than the average price of the near 12 month contracts, the market would be described as being in contango. Although the prices of the near
87
month contract and the average price of the near 12 month contracts do tend to move up or down together, it can be seen that at times the near month prices are clearly higher than the average price of the near 12 month contracts (backwardation), and other times they are below the average price of the near 12 month contracts (contango). In addition, investors can observe that natural gas prices, both front month and second month, often display a seasonal pattern in which the price of natural gas tends to rise in the early winter months and decline in the summer months. This mirrors the physical demand for natural gas, which typically peaks in the winter.
*PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
An alternative way to view backwardation and contango data over time is to subtract the dollar price of the near month natural gas Futures Contract from the dollar price of the near 12 month natural gas Futures Contracts. If the resulting number is a positive number, then the near month price is higher than the average price of the near 12 months and the market could be described as being in backwardation. If the resulting number is a negative number, then the near month price is lower than the average price of the near 12 months and the market could be described as being in contango. The chart below shows the results from subtracting the average dollar price of the near 12 month contracts from the near month price for the 10 year period between 2001 and 2010. Investors will note that the natural gas market spent time in both backwardation and contango. Investors will further note that the markets display a seasonal pattern that corresponds to the seasonal demand patterns for natural gas above. That is, in many, but not all, cases the average price of the near 12 month contracts is higher than the near month during the approach to the winter months as the price of natural gas for delivery in those winter months rises on expectations of demand. At the same time, the price of the near month, when that month is just before the onset of winter, does not rise as far or as fast as the average price of the near 12 month contracts whose delivery falls during the winter season.
88
*PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
An investment in a portfolio that involved owning only the near month contract would likely produce a different result than an investment in a portfolio that owned an equal number of each of the near 12 months worth of contracts. Generally speaking, when the natural gas futures market is in backwardation, the near month only portfolio would tend to have a higher total return than the 12 month portfolio. Conversely, if the natural gas futures market was in contango, the portfolio containing 12 months worth of contracts would tend to outperform the near month only portfolio. The chart below shows the annual results of owning a portfolio consisting of the near month contract and a portfolio containing the near 12 months worth of contracts. In this example, each month, the near month only portfolio would sell the near month contract at expiration and buy the next month out contract. The portfolio holding an equal number of the near 12 months worth of contracts would sell the near month contract at expiration and replace it with the contract that becomes the new twelfth month contract.
89
*PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
As seen in the chart above, there have been periods of both positive and negative annual total returns for both hypothetical portfolios over the last 10 years. In addition, there have been periods during which the near month only approach had higher returns, and periods where the 12 month approach had higher total returns. The above chart does not represent the performance history of USNG or any affiliated funds.
Historically, the natural gas futures markets have experienced periods of contango and backwardation. Because natural gas demand is seasonal, it is possible for the price of Futures Contracts for delivery within one or two months to rapidly move from backwardation into contango and back again within a relatively short period of time of less than one year. While the investment objective of USNG is not to have the market price of its units match, dollar for dollar, changes in the spot price of natural gas, contango impacted the total return on an investment in USNG units during the year ended December 31, 2010 relative to a hypothetical direct investment in natural gas. For example, an investment in USNG units made on December 31, 2009 and held to December 31, 2010 decreased, based upon the changes in the NAV for USNG units on those days, by approximately 40.42%, while the spot price of natural gas for immediate delivery during the same period decreased by approximately 20.94% (note: this comparison ignores the potential costs associated with physically owning and storing natural gas, which could be substantial). By comparison, an investment made in USNG units on December 31, 2008 and held to December 31, 2009 decreased, based upon the changes in the NAV for USNG units on those days, by approximately 56.73%, while the spot price of natural gas for immediate delivery during the same period decreased by approximately 0.89% (note: this comparison ignores the potential costs associated with physically owning and storing natural gas, which could be substantial).
Periods of contango or backwardation do not materially impact USNGs investment objective of having the percentage changes in its per unit NAV track the percentage changes in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract since the impact of backwardation and contango tend to equally impact the percentage changes in price of both USNGs units and the Benchmark Futures Contract. It is impossible to predict with any degree of certainty whether backwardation or contango will occur in the future. It is likely that both conditions will occur during different periods and, because of the seasonal nature of natural gas demand, both may occur within a single years time.
90
Natural Gas Market. During the year ended December 31, 2010, natural gas prices in the United States were impacted by several factors. At the beginning of 2010, the amount of natural gas in storage was at higher than average levels versus the previous five years and versus 2009 levels. During all of 2010, the seasonally adjusted inventory levels of stored natural gas remained above five-year averages and above 2009 levels. In addition, a combination of mild U.S. economic growth and increased natural gas production all contributed to a very significant decline in natural gas prices during most of 2010, with prices reaching a low of $3.292 near the end of October 2010 before finally ending the year with a price of $4.405.
By comparison, during the year ended December 31, 2009, natural gas prices in the United States were impacted by several factors. At the beginning of the first quarter of 2009, the amount of natural gas in storage was at higher than average levels versus the previous five years. During all of 2009, the seasonally adjusted inventory levels of stored natural gas remained above five-year averages. In addition, a combination of slowing U.S. economic growth and increased natural gas production all contributed to a very significant decline in natural gas prices during most of 2009, with prices reaching a low of $2.508 near the end of the third quarter before finally ending the year with a price of $5.572.
By comparison, during the year ended December 31, 2008, natural gas prices in the United States were impacted by several factors and demonstrated a great deal of price volatility. At the beginning of the first quarter of 2008, the amount of natural gas in storage was at higher than average levels versus the previous five years. The winter weather in the United States was moderate through much of the first quarter of 2008. A major use of natural gas in winter months is the generation of heat for residential and commercial buildings. A major variable in the use of natural gas is weather, and the amount of natural gas burned for heating purposes. The mild weather had the effect of reducing the rate at which the storage levels of natural gas fell. During the entire first quarter of 2008, the seasonally adjusted inventory levels of stored natural gas remained above five-year averages. However, natural gas usage increased in the second quarter of 2008 and storage levels trended downwards. As a result of all the factors mentioned above, the natural gas market in the United States started the year reasonably well supplied but grew tighter towards the middle of the second quarter of 2008. In addition, the price of natural gas was also strongly influenced by the rise in the price of crude oil, which rose sharply during the second quarter and early third quarter of 2008. Finally, demand for natural gas outside of the United States also influenced prices upward. The price of natural gas rose sharply at the end of the second quarter and the start of the third quarter of 2008. Natural gas reached a peak price during the year for the front month contract of $13.57 in early July 2008. However, a combination of slowing U.S. economic growth, increased natural gas production, as well as the sharp drop-off in crude oil prices starting in July 2008, all contributed to a very significant decline in natural gas prices during the balance of 2008, with prices reaching a low of $5.48 near the end of the year before finally ending the year with a price of $5.62.
Natural Gas Price Movements in Comparison to Other Energy Commodities and Investment Categories. USCF believes that investors frequently measure the degree to which prices or total returns of one investment or asset class move up or down in value in concert with another investment or asset class. Statistically, such a measure is usually done by measuring the correlation of the price movements of the two different investments or asset classes over some period of time. The correlation is scaled between 1 and -1, where 1 indicates that the two investment options move up or down in price or value together, known as positive correlation, and -1 indicating that they move in completely opposite directions, known as negative correlation. A correlation of 0 would mean that the movements of the two are neither positively or negatively correlated, known as non-correlation. That is, the investment options sometimes move up and down together and other times move in opposite directions.
For the ten year time period between 2000 and 2010, the chart below compares the monthly movements of natural gas prices versus the monthly movements of the prices of several other energy commodities, such as crude oil, heating oil, and unleaded gasoline, as well as several major non-commodity investment asset classes, such as large cap U.S. equities, U.S. government bonds and global equities. It can be seen that over this particular time period, the movement of natural gas on a monthly basis was not strongly correlated, positively or negatively, with the movements of large cap U.S. equities, U.S. government bonds or global equities. However, movements in natural gas had a positive, but weak, correlation to movements in both heating oil and crude oil. Natural gas did not strongly correlate, either positively or negatively, with unleaded gasoline.
91
Correlation Matrix 10 Years |
Large Cap U.S. Equities (S&P 500) |
U.S. Govt. Bonds (EFFAS U.S. Govt. Bond Index) |
Global Equities (FTSE World Index) |
Crude Oil | Heating Oil |
Unleaded Gasoline |
Natural Gas | |||||||||||||||||||||
Large Cap U.S. Equities (S&P 500) |
1.000 | -0.338 | 0.969 | 0.228 | 0.169 | 0.185 | 0.051 | |||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. Govt. Bonds (EFFAS U.S. Govt. Bond Index) |
1.000 | -0.305 | -0.185 | -0.135 | -0.256 | 0.108 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Global Equities (FTSE World Index) |
1.000 | 0.312 | 0.252 | 0.238 | 0.108 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Crude Oil |
1.000 | 0.829 | 0.745 | 0.307 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Heating Oil |
1.000 | 0.699 | 0.451 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unleaded Gasoline |
1.000 | 0.253 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural Gas |
1.000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Source: Bloomberg, NYMEX |
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
The chart below covers a more recent, but much shorter, range of dates than the above chart. It can be seen that over this particular time period, the movement of natural gas on a monthly basis was not strongly correlated, positively or negatively, with the movements of large-cap U.S. equities, U.S. government bonds, global equities, or the other three energy commodities of crude oil, gasoline or heating oil.
Correlation Matrix 1 Year |
Large Cap U.S. Equities (S&P 500) |
U.S. Govt. Bonds (EFFAS U.S. Govt. Bond Index) |
Global Equities (FTSE World Index) |
Crude Oil | Heating Oil |
Unleaded Gasoline |
Natural Gas | |||||||||||||||||||||
Large Cap U.S. Equities (S&P 500) |
1.000 | -0.766 | 0.974 | 0.846 | 0.826 | 0.796 | 0.016 | |||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. Govt. Bonds (EFFAS U.S. Govt. Bond Index) |
1.000 | -0.693 | -0.714 | -0.692 | -0.779 | -0.117 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Global Equities (FTSE World Index) |
1.000 | 0.827 | 0.814 | 0.754 | -0.006 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Crude Oil |
1.000 | 0.937 | 0.953 | 0.118 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Heating Oil |
1.000 | 0.896 | -0.051 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unleaded Gasoline |
1.000 | 0.005 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural Gas |
1.000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Source: Bloomberg, NYMEX |
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS
Investors are cautioned that the historical price relationships between natural gas and various other energy commodities, as well as other investment asset classes, as measured by correlation may not be reliable predictors of future price movements and correlation results. The results pictured above would have been different if a different range of dates had been selected. USCF believes that natural gas has historically not demonstrated a strong correlation with equities or bonds over long periods of time. However, USCF also believes that in the future it is possible that natural gas could have long term correlation results that indicate prices of natural gas more closely track the movements of equities or bonds. In addition, USCF believes that, when measured over time periods shorter than ten years, there will always be some periods where the correlation of natural gas to equities and bonds will be either more strongly positively correlated or more strongly negatively correlated than the long term historical results suggest.
92
The correlations between natural gas, crude oil, heating oil and gasoline are relevant because USCF endeavors to invest USNGs assets in natural gas Futures Contracts and Other Natural Gas-Related Investments so that daily changes in percentage terms in USNGs NAV correlate as closely as possible with daily changes in percentage terms in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract. If certain other fuel-based commodity futures contracts do not closely correlate with the natural gas Futures Contracts, then their use could lead to greater tracking error. As noted above, USCF also believes that the changes in percentage terms in the price of the Benchmark Oil Futures Contract will closely correlate with changes in percentage terms in the spot price of natural gas.
Critical Accounting Policies
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. USNGs application of these policies involves judgments and actual results may differ from the estimates used.
USCF has evaluated the nature and types of estimates that it makes in preparing USNGs 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 over-the-counter contracts) involves a critical accounting policy. The values which are used by USNG for its Futures Contracts are provided by its commodity broker who uses market prices when available, while over-the-counter contracts 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, USNG 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.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
USNG has not made, and does not anticipate making, use of borrowings or other lines of credit to meet its obligations. USNG has met, and it is anticipated that USNG will continue to meet, its liquidity needs in the normal course of business from the proceeds of the sale of its investments or from the Treasuries, cash and/or cash equivalents that it intends to hold at all times. USNGs liquidity needs include: redeeming units, providing margin deposits for its existing natural gas Futures Contracts or the purchase of additional natural gas Futures Contracts and posting collateral for its over-the-counter contracts and payment of its expenses, summarized below under Contractual Obligations.
USNG currently generates cash primarily from: (i) the sale of Creation Baskets and (ii) income earned on Treasuries, cash and/or cash equivalents. USNG has allocated substantially all of its net assets to trading in Natural Gas Interests. USNG invests in Natural Gas 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 Natural Gas-Related Investments. A significant portion of USNGs NAV is held in cash and cash equivalents that are used as margin and as collateral for its trading in Natural Gas Interests. The balance of the net assets is held in USNGs account at the Custodian. Income received from USNGs money market funds is paid to USNG. In 2008 and in prior periods, the amount of cash earned by USNG from the sale of Creation Baskets and from income earned has exceeded the amount of cash required to pay USNGs expenses. However, during the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, USNGs expenses exceeded the income USNG earned and the cash earned from the sale of Creation Baskets. During the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, USNG was forced to use other assets to pay expenses, which could cause a drop in USNGs NAV over time. To the extent expenses exceed income, USNGs NAV will be negatively impacted.
93
USNGs investments in Natural Gas 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. In addition, USNGs over-the-counter contracts have very limited liquidity since they are negotiated agreements that are not transferable by USNG except with the consent of its counterparty, and even if consent were granted, there may not be an available transferee. Such market conditions or contractual limits could prevent USNG from promptly liquidating its positions in Natural Gas Interests. During the year ended December 31, 2010, USNG was not forced to purchase or liquidate any of its positions while daily limits were in effect; however, USNG cannot predict whether such an event may occur in the future.
Since the initial offering of units, USNG has been responsible for expenses relating to: (i) management fees, (ii) brokerage fees and commissions and fees associated with its over-the-counter transactions, (iii) licensing fees for the use of intellectual property, (iv) ongoing registration expenses in connection with offers and sales of its units subsequent to the initial offering, (v) other expenses, including certain tax reporting costs, (vi) fees and expenses of the independent directors of USCF and (vii) other extraordinary expenses not in the ordinary course of business, while USCF has been responsible for expenses relating to the fees of the Marketing Agent, the Administrator and the Custodian. If USCF and USNG are unsuccessful in raising sufficient funds to cover these respective expenses or in locating any other source of funding, USNG will terminate and investors may lose all or part of their investment.
Market Risk
Trading in Futures Contracts and Other Natural Gas-Related Investments, such as forwards, involves USNG entering into contractual commitments to purchase or sell natural gas at a specified date in the future. The aggregate market value of the contracts will significantly exceed USNGs future cash requirements since USNG intends to close out its open positions prior to settlement. As a result, USNG is generally only subject to the risk of loss arising from the change in value of the contracts. USNG considers the fair value of its derivative instruments to be the unrealized gain or loss on the contracts. The market risk associated with USNGs commitments to purchase natural gas is limited to the aggregate market value of the contracts held. However, should USNG enter into a contractual commitment to sell natural gas, it would be required to make delivery of the natural gas at the contract price, repurchase the contract at prevailing prices or settle in cash. Since there are no limits on the future price of natural gas, the market risk to USNG could be unlimited.
USNGs exposure to market risk depends on a number of factors, including the markets for natural gas, the volatility of interest rates and foreign exchange rates, the liquidity of the Futures Contracts and Other Natural Gas-Related Investments markets and the relationships among the contracts held by USNG. Drastic market occurrences could ultimately lead to the loss of all or substantially all of an investors capital.
Credit Risk
When USNG enters into Futures Contracts and Other Natural Gas-Related Investments, it is exposed to the credit risk that the counterparty will not be able to meet its obligations. The counterparty for the Futures Contracts traded on the NYMEX and on most other foreign futures exchanges is the clearinghouse associated with the particular exchange. In general, in addition to margin required to be posted by the clearinghouse in connection with cleared trades, clearinghouses are backed by their members who may be required to share in the financial burden resulting from the nonperformance of one of their members and, therefore, this additional member support should significantly reduce credit risk. Some foreign exchanges are not backed by their clearinghouse members but may be backed by a consortium of banks or other financial institutions. There can be no assurance that any counterparty, clearinghouse, or their members or their financial backers will satisfy their obligations to USNG in such circumstances.
During the year ended December 31, 2010, USNG entered into fully-collateralized over-the-counter transactions with three counterparties. Unlike most of the exchange-traded Futures Contracts, cleared swaps or exchange-traded options on such futures, each party to an over-the-counter contract bears the credit risk that the other party may not be able to perform its obligations under its contract. See Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk in this annual report on Form 10-K for a discussion of over-the-counter contracts.
94
USCF attempts to manage the credit risk of USNG by following various trading limitations and policies. In particular, USNG generally posts margin and/or holds liquid assets that are approximately equal to the market value of its obligations to counterparties under the Futures Contracts and Other Natural Gas-Related Investments it holds. USCF has implemented procedures that include, but are not limited to, executing and clearing trades only with creditworthy parties and/or requiring the posting of collateral or margin by such parties for the benefit of USNG to limit its credit exposure. UBS Securities, USNGs commodity broker, or any other broker that may be retained by USNG in the future, when acting as USNGs futures commission merchant in accepting orders to purchase or sell Futures Contracts on United States exchanges, is required by CFTC regulations to separately account for and segregate as belonging to USNG, all assets of USNG relating to domestic Futures Contracts trading. These futures commission merchants are not allowed to commingle USNGs assets with their other assets. In addition, the CFTC requires commodity brokers to hold in a secure account USNGs assets related to foreign Futures Contracts trading and, in some cases, to cleared swaps executed through the Futures Commission Merchant. Similarly, under its current over-the-counter agreements, USNG requires that collateral it posts or receives be posted with the Custodian, and under agreements among the Custodian, USNG and its counterparties, such collateral is segregated.
See Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk in this annual report on Form 10-K for a discussion of over-the-counter contracts.
As of December 31, 2010, USNG had deposits in domestic and foreign financial institutions, including cash investments in money market funds, in the amount of $2,635,369,994. This amount is subject to loss should these institutions cease operations.
Off Balance Sheet Financing
As of December 31, 2010, USNG has no loan guarantee, credit support or other off-balance sheet arrangements of any kind other than agreements entered into in the normal course of business, which may include indemnification provisions relating to certain risks that service providers undertake in performing services which are in the best interests of USNG. While USNGs exposure under these indemnification provisions cannot be estimated, they are not expected to have a material impact on USNGs financial position.
Redemption Basket Obligation
In order to meet its investment objective and pay its contractual obligations described below, USNG requires liquidity to redeem units, which redemptions must be in blocks of 100,000 units called Redemption Baskets. USNG has to date satisfied this obligation by paying from the cash or cash equivalents it holds or through the sale of its Treasuries in an amount proportionate to the number of units being redeemed.
Contractual Obligations
USNGs primary contractual obligations are with USCF. In return for its services, USCF is entitled to a management fee calculated monthly as a fixed percentage of USNGs NAV, currently 0.60% for a NAV of $1 billion or less, and thereafter at a rate of 0.50% for a NAV above $1 billion.
USCF agreed to pay the start-up costs associated with the formation of USNG, primarily its legal, accounting and other costs in connection with USCFs registration with the CFTC as a CPO and the registration and listing of USNG and its units with the SEC, FINRA and the AMEX, respectively. However, since USNGs initial offering of units, offering costs incurred in connection with registering and listing additional units of USNG have been directly borne on an ongoing basis by USNG, and not by USCF.
USCF pays the fees of the Marketing Agent and the fees of the Custodian and transfer agent, BBH&Co., as well as BBH&Co.s fees for performing administrative services, including those in connection with the preparation of USNGs financial statements and its SEC and CFTC reports. USCF and USNG have also entered into a licensing agreement with the NYMEX pursuant to which USNG and the affiliated funds managed by USCF, other than USBO and USCI, pay a licensing fee to the NYMEX. USNG also pays the fees and expenses associated with its tax accounting and reporting requirements.
95
In addition to USCFs management fee, USNG pays its brokerage fees (including fees to a futures commission merchant), over-the-counter dealer spreads, any licensing fees for the use of intellectual property, and, subsequent to the initial offering, registration and other fees paid to the SEC, FINRA, or other regulatory agencies in connection with the offer and sale of units, as well as legal, printing, accounting and other expenses associated therewith, and extraordinary expenses. The latter are expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of USNGs business, including expenses relating to the indemnification of any person against liabilities and obligations to the extent permitted by law and under the LP Agreement, the bringing or defending of actions in law or in equity or otherwise conducting litigation and incurring legal expenses and the settlement of claims and litigation. Commission payments to a futures commission merchant are on a contract-by-contract, or round turn, basis. USNG also pays a portion of the fees and expenses of the independent directors of USCF. See Note 3 to the Notes to Financial Statements in Item 8 of this annual report on Form 10-K.
The parties cannot anticipate the amount of payments that will be required under these arrangements for future periods, as USNGs NAVs and trading levels to meet its investment objective will not be known until a future date. These agreements are effective for a specific term agreed upon by the parties with an option to renew, or, in some cases, are in effect for the duration of USNGs existence. Either party may terminate these agreements earlier for certain reasons described in the agreements.
As of December 31, 2010, USNGs portfolio consisted of 22,520 Natural Gas NG Futures Contracts traded on the NYMEX, 16,218 Natural Gas NN Futures Contracts traded on the NYMEX, 55,915 cleared swaps traded on the ICE Futures and total return swaps with an aggregate market value of $27,200,226. For a list of USNGs current holdings, please see USNGs website at www.unitedstatesnaturalgasfund.com.
Item 7A. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. |
Over-the-Counter Derivatives
During the year ended December 31, 2010, USNG maintained fully-collateralized over-the-counter swap transactions with three counterparties. Unlike most exchange-traded Futures Contracts, cleared swaps or exchange-traded options on such futures, each party to an over-the-counter contract bears the credit risk that the other party may not be able to perform its obligations under its contract.
Some natural gas-based derivatives transactions contain fairly generic terms and conditions and are available from a wide range of participants. Other natural gas-based derivatives have highly customized terms and conditions and are not as widely available. Many of these over-the-counter contracts are cash-settled forwards for the future delivery of natural gas- or petroleum-based fuels that have terms similar to the Futures Contracts. Others take the form of swaps in which the two parties exchange cash flows based on pre-determined formulas tied to the spot price of natural gas, forward natural gas prices or natural gas futures prices. For example, USNG may enter into over-the-counter derivative contracts whose value will be tied to changes in the difference between the spot price of natural gas, the price of Futures Contracts traded on the NYMEX and the prices of other Futures Contracts in which USNG may invest.
To protect itself from the credit risk that arises in connection with such contracts, USNG has entered into agreements with each counterparty that provide for the netting of its overall exposure to such counterparty, such as the agreements published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. USNG also requires that the counterparty be highly rated and/or provide collateral or other credit support to address USNGs exposure to the counterparty (i.e., the amount the counterparty would have to pay to USNG if the transaction with the counterparty were to terminate on that day). USNG must, to the extent its counterparty has exposure to it under the transaction, also post collateral. In addition, it is also possible for USNG and its counterparty to agree to clear their transactions under the agreement through an established futures clearinghouse such as those connected to the NYMEX or the ICE Futures. In that event, USNG would no longer bear the credit risk of its original counterparty, as the clearinghouse would now be USNGs counterparty. USNG would still retain any price risk associated with its transaction and would be required to deposit margin to secure the clearinghouses exposure to USNG.
96
The creditworthiness of each potential counterparty is assessed by USCF. USCF assesses or reviews, as appropriate, the creditworthiness of each potential or existing counterparty to an over-the-counter contract pursuant to guidelines approved by the Board. Furthermore, USCF on behalf of USNG only enters into over-the-counter contracts with counterparties who are, or are affiliates of, (a) banks regulated by a United States federal bank regulator, (b) broker-dealers regulated by the SEC, (c) insurance companies domiciled in the United States, or (d) producers, users or traders of energy, whether or not regulated by the CFTC. Any entity acting as a counterparty shall be regulated in either the United States or the United Kingdom unless otherwise approved by the Board after consultation with its legal counsel. Existing counterparties are also reviewed periodically by USCF.
USNG anticipates that the use of Other Natural Gas-Related Investments together with its investments in Futures Contracts will produce price and total return results that closely track the investment goals of USNG. However, there can be no assurance of this. Over-the-counter contracts may result in higher transaction-related expenses than the brokerage commissions paid in connection with the purchase of Futures Contracts, which may impact USNGs ability to successfully track the Benchmark Futures Contract.
USNG may employ spreads or straddles in its trading to mitigate the differences in its investment portfolio and its goal of tracking the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract. USNG would use a spread when it chooses to take simultaneous long and short positions in futures written on the same underlying asset, but with different delivery months. The effect of holding such combined positions is to adjust the sensitivity of USNG to changes in the price relationship between futures contracts which will expire sooner and those that will expire later. USNG would use such a spread if USCF felt that taking such long and short positions, when combined with the rest of its holdings, would more closely track the investment goals of USNG, or if USCF felt it would lead to an overall lower cost of trading to achieve a given level of economic exposure to movements in natural gas prices. USNG would enter into a straddle when it chooses to take an option position consisting of a long (or short) position in both a call option and put option. The economic effect of holding certain combinations of put options and call options can be very similar to that of owning the underlying futures contracts. USNG would make use of such a straddle approach if, in the opinion of USCF, the resulting combination would more closely track the investment goals of USNG or if it would lead to an overall lower cost of trading to achieve a given level of economic exposure to movements in natural gas prices.
During the year ended December 31, 2010, USNG employed hedging methods such as those described above to the extent it invested in fully-collateralized over-the-counter swap transactions designed to track percentage changes in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract. During the year ended December 31, 2010, USNG was exposed to counterparty risk on its fully-collateralized over-the-counter swap transactions with three counterparties.
97
The counterparty credit ratings for the exposure on over-the-counter swap transactions to which USNG was a party that would be owed to USNG due to a default or early termination by USNGs counterparties as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 were:
December 31, 2010 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Moodys Credit Rating |
Number of Counterparties |
Notional Amount |
Credit Exposure |
Collateral Held |
Exposure, Net of Collateral* |
|||||||||||||||
Aa3 |
2 | $ | 682,253,294 | $ | 27,427,071 | $ | 15,389,043 | $ | 12,038,028 | |||||||||||
A2 |
1 | 397,600,265 | | 6,239,881 | (6,239,881 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Total |
3 | $ | 1,061,853,559 | $ | 27,427,071 | $ | 21,628,924 | $ | 5,798,147 | |||||||||||
December 31, 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Moodys Credit Rating |
Number of Counterparties |
Notional Amount |
Credit Exposure |
Collateral Held |
Exposure, Net of Collateral* |
|||||||||||||||
Aa1 |
1 | $ | 1,031,083,313 | $ | | $ | | $ | | |||||||||||
A2 |
1 | 197,724,486 | 24,272,748 | 33,708,890 | (9,436,142 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Aa3 |
1 | 614,340,863 | | | | |||||||||||||||
Unrated |
3 | 630,898,411 | | | | |||||||||||||||
Total |
6 | $ | 2,474,070,073 | $ | 24,272,748 | $ | 33,708,890 | $ | (9,436,142 | ) | ||||||||||
* | The difference reflects minimum transfer amounts for collateral and potentially one days movement in the underlying total return, which would be collateralized the following business day. |
The aggregate notional amount of USNGs over-the-counter derivative transactions, all of which consisted of total return swaps, decreased to $1,061,853,559 at December 31, 2010, as compared with $2,474,047,073 at December 31, 2009. The aggregate notional amount of these derivative transactions, which is not included in the Schedule of Investments, is indicative of USNGs activities in derivative transactions, but is not an indicator of the level of credit risk associated with these transactions.
At December 31, 2010, USNGs counterparties posted $18,640,134 in cash and no securities as collateral with USNGs custodian, as compared with $14,450,000 for the prior period. Under these over-the-counter swap agreements, USNG posted collateral with respect to its obligations of $187,483,732 at December 31, 2010, as compared to $336,379,130 for the prior period.
98
Item 8. | Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. |
United States Natural Gas Fund, LP
Index to Financial Statements
99
Managements Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.
USNGs management assessed the effectiveness of USNGs internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010. In making this assessment, it used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control Integrated Framework. Based on the assessment, USNGs management believes that, as of December 31, 2010, its internal control over financial reporting is effective.
100
Attestation Report of Registered Public Accounting Firm.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Auditors Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
To the Partners of
United States Natural Gas Fund, LP
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of United States Natural Gas Fund, LP (the Fund) as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Funds management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Managements Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
An entitys internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. An entitys internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the entity; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the entity are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the entity; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the entitys assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Fund maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on the criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2010, of the Fund and our report dated March 1, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
/s/ SPICER JEFFRIES LLP
Greenwood Village, Colorado
March 1, 2011
101
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Partners of
United States Natural Gas Fund, LP
We have audited the accompanying statements of financial condition of United States Natural Gas Fund, LP (the Fund) as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, including the schedule of investments as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related statements of operations, changes in partners capital and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Funds management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of United States Natural Gas Fund, LP as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We also have audited, in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Funds internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 1, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Funds internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ SPICER JEFFRIES LLP
Greenwood Village, Colorado
March 1, 2011
102
United States Natural Gas Fund, LP
Statements of Financial Condition
At December 31, 2010 and 2009
2010 | 2009 | |||||||
Assets |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents (Note 5) |
$ | 2,320,745,778 | $ | 3,896,493,193 | ||||
Equity in UBS Securities LLC trading accounts: |
||||||||
Cash |
314,624,216 | 733,693,664 | ||||||
Unrealized gain (loss) on open commodity futures and cleared swap contracts |
87,405,280 | (41,777,265 | ) | |||||
Unrealized gain (loss) on open swap contracts |
27,200,226 | (39,408,688 | ) | |||||
Investment receivable |
16,538,472 | | ||||||
Dividend receivable |
54,186 | 110,235 | ||||||
Other assets |
163,424 | 192,758 | ||||||
Total assets |
$ | 2,766,731,582 | $ | 4,549,303,897 | ||||
Liabilities and Partners Capital |
||||||||
Investment payable |
$ | | $ | 19,112,096 | ||||
General Partner management fees payable (Note 3) |
1,223,496 | 1,918,167 | ||||||
Payable for units redeemed |
95,399,015 | | ||||||
Professional fees payable |
2,332,979 | 2,609,981 | ||||||
Brokerage commissions payable |
236,250 | 256,250 | ||||||
License fees payable |
158,697 | 231,345 | ||||||
Directors fees payable |
24,308 | 48,144 | ||||||
Interest payable |
| 20,751 | ||||||
Total liabilities |
99,374,745 | 24,196,734 | ||||||
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 3, 4 and 5) |
||||||||
Partners Capital |
||||||||
General Partner |
| | ||||||
Limited Partners |
2,667,356,837 | 4,525,107,163 | ||||||
Total Partners Capital |
2,667,356,837 | 4,525,107,163 | ||||||
Total liabilities and partners capital |
$ | 2,766,731,582 | $ | 4,549,303,897 | ||||
Limited Partners units outstanding |
444,600,000 | 449,500,000 | ||||||
Net asset value per unit |
$ | 6.00 | $ | 10.07 | ||||
Market value per unit |
$ | 5.99 | $ | 10.08 | ||||
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
103
United States Natural Gas Fund, LP
Schedule of Investments
At December 31, 2010
Number of Contracts |
Gain on Open Commodity Contracts |