Document And Entity Information
Document And Entity Information - USD ($) | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2022 | Feb. 22, 2023 | Jun. 30, 2022 | |
Document And Entity Information | |||
Document Type | 10-K | ||
Document Annual Report | true | ||
Document Period End Date | Dec. 31, 2022 | ||
Document Transition Report | false | ||
Entity File Number | 001-33096 | ||
Entity Registrant Name | United States Natural Gas Fund, LP | ||
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE | ||
Entity Tax Identification Number | 20-5576760 | ||
Entity Address, Address Line One | 1850 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Suite 640 | ||
Entity Address, City or Town | Walnut Creek | ||
Entity Address, State or Province | CA | ||
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 94596 | ||
City Area Code | 510 | ||
Local Phone Number | 522-9600 | ||
Title of 12(b) Security | Shares of United States Natural Gas Fund, LP | ||
Trading Symbol | UNG | ||
Security Exchange Name | NYSE | ||
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer | No | ||
Entity Voluntary Filers | No | ||
Entity Current Reporting Status | Yes | ||
Entity Interactive Data Current | Yes | ||
Entity Filer Category | Accelerated Filer | ||
Entity Small Business | false | ||
Entity Emerging Growth Company | false | ||
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag | true | ||
Entity Shell Company | false | ||
Entity Public Float | $ 414,815,293 | ||
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 154,684,588 | ||
Auditor Name | Spicer Jeffries LLP | ||
Auditor Firm ID | 349 | ||
Auditor Location | Denver | ||
Amendment Flag | false | ||
Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2022 | ||
Document Fiscal Period Focus | FY | ||
Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 | ||
Entity Central Index Key | 0001376227 |
Statements of Financial Conditi
Statements of Financial Condition - USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Assets | |||
Cash and cash equivalents (at cost $317,868,749 and $248,404,703, respectively) | $ 317,868,749 | $ 248,404,703 | |
Equity in trading accounts: | |||
Cash and cash equivalents (at cost $241,622,902 and $127,265,650, respectively) | 241,622,902 | 127,265,650 | |
Unrealized gain (loss) on open commodity futures contracts | (144,765,937) | 1,362,413 | |
Receivable for shares sold | 14,488,801 | ||
Dividends receivable | 1,108,561 | 5,336 | |
Interest receivable | 334,804 | 5,280 | |
Prepaid insurance | [1] | 16,624 | 13,105 |
ETF transaction fees receivable | 1,000 | ||
Total Assets | 430,675,504 | 377,056,487 | |
Liabilities and Partners' Capital | |||
General Partner management fees payable | 240,448 | 200,355 | |
Professional fees payable | 922,743 | 634,674 | |
Brokerage commissions payable | 160,052 | 166,514 | |
Directors' fees payable | [1] | 8,056 | 8,046 |
License fees payable | 5,729 | 12,507 | |
Payable to related party | 4,500,000 | ||
Total Liabilities | 1,337,028 | 5,522,096 | |
Commitments and Contingencies | |||
Partners' Capital | |||
General Partners | 0 | 0 | |
Limited Partners | 429,338,476 | 371,534,391 | |
Total Partners' Capital | 429,338,476 | 371,534,391 | |
Total Liabilities and Partners' Capital | $ 430,675,504 | $ 377,056,487 | |
Limited Partners' shares outstanding | 30,184,588 | 29,984,588 | |
Net asset value per share | $ 14.22 | $ 12.39 | |
Market value per share | $ 14.10 | $ 12.49 | |
[1]Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified for consistency with the current presentation. |
Statements of Financial Condi_2
Statements of Financial Condition (Parenthetical) - USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 |
Statements of Financial Condition | |||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 317,868,749 | $ 248,404,703 | $ 342,942,967 |
Cash and cash equivalents equity in trading accounts | $ 241,622,902 | $ 127,265,650 |
Schedule of Investments
Schedule of Investments | Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($) contract | Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($) contract | |||
Number of Contracts | contract | 9,597 | ||||
Fair Value/ Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Open Commodity Contracts | $ (144,765,937) | $ 1,362,413 | |||
Open Commodity Futures Contracts, Long | United States | NYMEX Natural Gas Futures NG February 2023 contracts, expiring January 2023 | |||||
Notional Amount | [1] | $ 574,231,687 | |||
Number of Contracts | contract | [1] | 9,597 | |||
Fair Value/ Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Open Commodity Contracts | [1] | $ (144,765,937) | |||
% of Partners' Capital | [1] | (33.72%) | |||
Open Commodity Futures Contracts, Long | United States | NYMEX Natural Gas Futures NG February 2022 contracts, expiring January 2022 | |||||
Notional Amount | [2] | $ 370,182,887 | |||
Number of Contracts | contract | [2] | 9,961 | |||
Fair Value/ Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Open Commodity Contracts | [2] | $ 1,362,413 | |||
% of Partners' Capital | [2] | 0.37% | |||
Cash Equivalents | United States | Money Market Funds | |||||
Market Value | $ 317,800,000 | $ 243,443,000 | |||
% of Partners' Capital | 74.02% | 65.52% | |||
Cash Equivalents | United States | Money Market Funds | Goldman Sachs Financial Square Government Fund - Institutional Shares | |||||
Shares/Principal Amount | [3] | $ 23,103,000 | |||
Market Value | [3] | $ 23,103,000 | |||
% of Partners' Capital | [3] | 6.22% | |||
Cash Equivalents | United States | Money Market Funds | Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds - Government Portfolio - Institutional Shares | |||||
Shares/Principal Amount | $ 317,800,000 | [4] | $ 163,800,000 | [3] | |
Market Value | $ 317,800,000 | [4] | $ 163,800,000 | [3] | |
% of Partners' Capital | 74.02% | [4] | 44.08% | [3] | |
Cash Equivalents | United States | Money Market Funds | RBC U.S. Government Money Market Fund - Institutional Shares | |||||
Shares/Principal Amount | [3] | $ 56,540,000 | |||
Market Value | [3] | $ 56,540,000 | |||
% of Partners' Capital | [3] | 15.22% | |||
[1]Collateral amounted to $241,622,902 on open commodity futures contracts.[2]Collateral amounted to $127,265,650 on open commodity futures contracts.[3]Reflects the 7-day yield at December 31, 2021.[4]Reflects the 7-day yield at December 31, 2022. |
Schedule of Investments (Parent
Schedule of Investments (Parenthetical) - USD ($) | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Expiration date | 7-day | 7-day |
Collateral amount on open commodity futures contracts | $ 241,622,902 | $ 127,265,650 |
Cash Equivalents | United States | Money Market Funds | Goldman Sachs Financial Square Government Fund - Institutional Shares | ||
Investment interest rate | 0.03% | |
Cash Equivalents | United States | Money Market Funds | Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds - Government Portfolio - Institutional Shares | ||
Investment interest rate | 4.12% | 0.03% |
Cash Equivalents | United States | Money Market Funds | RBC U.S. Government Money Market Fund - Institutional Shares | ||
Investment interest rate | 0.03% |
Statements of Operations
Statements of Operations - USD ($) | 12 Months Ended | |||
Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 | ||
Gain (loss) on trading of commodity futures contracts: | ||||
Realized gain (loss) on closed commodity futures contracts | $ 218,669,630 | $ 6,104,950 | $ (206,518,620) | |
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on open commodity futures contracts | (146,128,350) | 15,817,312 | 6,313,791 | |
Dividend income | 5,230,113 | 48,789 | 832,573 | |
Interest income | [1] | 2,036,445 | 70,125 | 1,846,120 |
ETF transaction fees | 209,000 | 107,000 | 158,070 | |
Total Income (Loss) | 80,016,838 | 22,148,176 | (197,368,066) | |
Expenses | ||||
General Partner management fees | 2,824,586 | 2,024,410 | 2,413,189 | |
Professional fees | 1,283,049 | 693,849 | 647,911 | |
Brokerage commissions | 702,686 | 794,337 | 1,879,043 | |
Directors' fees and insurance | 106,413 | 81,479 | 83,030 | |
License Fees | 70,615 | 50,610 | 60,330 | |
Registration fees | 103,290 | 364,200 | ||
Total Expenses | 4,987,349 | 3,747,975 | 5,447,703 | |
Net Income (Loss) | $ 75,029,489 | $ 18,400,201 | $ (202,815,769) | |
Net Income (Loss) per limited partner share | $ 1.83 | $ 3.19 | $ (7.71) | |
Net Income (Loss) per weighted average limited partner share | $ 3.43 | $ 0.69 | $ (6.11) | |
Weighted average limited partner shares outstanding | 21,883,766 | 26,747,876 | 33,208,424 | |
[1]Interest income does not exceed paid in kind of 5%. |
Statements of Operations (Paren
Statements of Operations (Parenthetical) | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 | |
Statements of Operations | |||
Interest income | 5% | 5% | 5% |
Statement of Changes in Partner
Statement of Changes in Partners' Capital - USD ($) | Limited Partners | Total | ||
Balances at beginning of year at Dec. 31, 2019 | [1] | $ 444,573,254 | ||
Addition of 63,400,000, 30,400,000 and 86,500,000 partnership shares, respectively | [1] | 996,648,674 | ||
Redemption of (63,200,000), (45,500,000) and (67,700,000) partnership shares, respectively | [1] | (823,809,652) | ||
Net income (loss) | [1] | (202,815,769) | ||
Balances at end of year at Dec. 31, 2020 | [1] | 414,596,507 | ||
Addition of 63,400,000, 30,400,000 and 86,500,000 partnership shares, respectively | [1] | 474,128,846 | ||
Redemption of (63,200,000), (45,500,000) and (67,700,000) partnership shares, respectively | [1] | (535,591,163) | ||
Net income (loss) | [1] | 18,400,201 | ||
Balances at end of year at Dec. 31, 2021 | 371,534,391 | [1] | $ 371,534,391 | |
Addition of 63,400,000, 30,400,000 and 86,500,000 partnership shares, respectively | [1] | 1,312,675,634 | ||
Redemption of (63,200,000), (45,500,000) and (67,700,000) partnership shares, respectively | [1] | (1,329,901,038) | ||
Net income (loss) | [1] | 75,029,489 | ||
Balances at end of year at Dec. 31, 2022 | $ 429,338,476 | [1] | $ 429,338,476 | |
[1]* |
Statement of Changes in Partn_2
Statement of Changes in Partners' Capital (Parenthetical) - USD ($) | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 | |
Addition of partnership units | 63,400,000 | 30,400,000 | 86,500,000 |
Redemption of partnership units | (63,200,000) | (45,500,000) | (67,700,000) |
Partner's Capital | $ 429,338,476 | $ 371,534,391 | |
General Partner | |||
Partner's Capital | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 0 |
Statements of Cash Flows
Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) | 12 Months Ended | |||
Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 | ||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities: | ||||
Net income (loss) | $ 75,029,489 | $ 18,400,201 | $ (202,815,769) | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: | ||||
Change in unrealized (gain) loss on open commodity futures contracts | 146,128,350 | (15,817,312) | (6,313,791) | |
(Increase) decrease in dividends receivable | (1,103,225) | (5,150) | 140,084 | |
(Increase) decrease in interest receivable | (329,524) | 8,906 | (8,959) | |
(Increase) decrease in prepaid insurance | [1] | (3,519) | 479 | (6,015) |
(Increase) decrease in prepaid registration fees | 103,290 | 364,200 | ||
(Increase) decrease in ETF transaction fees receivable | (1,000) | 1,000 | ||
Increase (decrease) in General Partner management fees payable | 40,093 | (11,747) | 4,957 | |
Increase (decrease) in professional fees payable | 288,069 | (29,327) | (122,717) | |
Increase (decrease) in brokerage commissions payable | (6,462) | 22,521 | 107,693 | |
Increase (decrease) in directors' fees payable | [1] | 10 | 2,479 | (5,124) |
Increase (decrease) in license fees payable | (6,778) | 1,694 | 8,180 | |
Increase (decrease) in related party payable | (4,500,000) | 4,500,000 | ||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 215,535,503 | 7,177,034 | (208,647,261) | |
Cash Flows from Financing Activities: | ||||
Addition of partnership shares | 1,298,186,833 | 474,128,846 | 1,003,414,098 | |
Redemption of partnership shares | (1,329,901,038) | (546,118,094) | (813,282,721) | |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (31,714,205) | (71,989,248) | 190,131,377 | |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents | 183,821,298 | (64,812,214) | (18,515,884) | |
Total Cash, Cash Equivalents and Equity in Trading Accounts, beginning of year | 375,670,353 | 440,482,567 | 458,998,451 | |
Total Cash, Cash Equivalents and Equity in Trading Accounts, end of year | $ 559,491,651 | $ 375,670,353 | $ 440,482,567 | |
[1]Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified for consistency with the current presentation. |
Statements of Cash Flows (Paren
Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) - USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 |
Components of Cash and Cash Equivalents: | |||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 317,868,749 | $ 248,404,703 | $ 342,942,967 |
Equity in Trading Accounts: | |||
Cash and cash equivalents | 241,622,902 | 127,265,650 | 97,539,600 |
Total Cash, Cash Equivalents and Equity in Trading Accounts | $ 559,491,651 | $ 375,670,353 | $ 440,482,567 |
ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS
ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2022 | |
ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS | |
ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS | NOTE 1 — ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS The United States Natural Gas Fund, LP (“UNG”) was organized as a limited partnership under the laws of the state of Delaware on September 11, 2006. UNG is a commodity pool that issues limited partnership interests (“shares”) traded on the NYSE Arca, Inc. (the “NYSE Arca”). Prior to November 25, 2008, UNG’s shares traded on the American Stock Exchange (the “AMEX”). UNG will continue in perpetuity, unless terminated sooner upon the occurrence of one or more events as described in its Fifth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership dated as of December 15, 2017 (the “LP Agreement”), which grants full management and control to its general partner, United States Commodity Funds LLC (“USCF”). The investment objective of UNG is for the daily changes in percentage terms of its shares’ per share net asset value (“NAV”) to reflect the daily changes in percentage terms of the price of natural gas delivered at the Henry Hub, Louisiana, as measured by the daily changes in the price of a specified short-term futures contract called the “Benchmark Futures Contract”, plus interest earned on UNG’s collateral holdings, less UNG’s expenses. The Benchmark Futures Contract is the futures contract on natural gas as 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. UNG seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing so that the average daily percentage change in UNG’s NAV for any period of 30 successive valuation days will be within plus/minus ten percent (10)% of the average daily percentage change in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract over the same period. UNG seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in futures contracts for natural gas that are traded on the NYMEX, ICE Futures Europe and ICE Futures U.S. (together, “ICE Futures”) or other U.S. and foreign exchanges (collectively, “Futures Contracts”) and to a lesser extent, in order to comply with regulatory requirements or in view of market conditions, other natural gas-related investments such as cash settled options on Futures Contracts, forward contracts for natural gas, cleared swap contracts, and non-exchange traded (“over-the- counter” or “OTC”) transactions that are based on the price of natural gas, crude oil and other petroleum-based fuels, as well as futures contracts for crude oil, heating oil, gasoline, and other petroleum-based fuels, Futures Contracts and indices based on the foregoing (collectively, “Other Natural Gas-Related Investments”). Market conditions that USCF currently anticipates could cause UNG to invest in Other Natural Gas-Related Investments include those allowing UNG to obtain greater liquidity or to execute transactions with more favorable pricing. For convenience and unless otherwise specified, Futures Contracts and Other Natural Gas-Related Investments collectively are referred to as “Natural Gas Interests” in the notes to the financial statements. As of December 31, 2022, UNG held 9,597 Futures Contracts traded on the NYMEX and did not hold any Natural Gas Futures Contracts traded on the ICE Futures US. In addition, USCF believes that market arbitrage opportunities will cause daily changes in UNG’s share price on the NYSE Arca on a percentage basis to closely track daily changes in UNG’s per share NAV on a percentage basis. USCF further believes that the daily changes in prices of the Benchmark Futures Contract have historically closely tracked the daily changes in spot prices of natural gas. USCF believes that the net effect of these relationships will be that the daily changes in the price of UNG’s shares on the NYSE Arca on a percentage basis will closely track the daily changes in the spot price of natural gas on a percentage basis less UNG’s expenses. Investors should be aware that UNG’s investment objective is not for its NAV or market price of shares to equal, in dollar terms, the spot price of natural gas or any particular futures contract based on natural gas, nor is UNG’s investment objective for the percentage change in its NAV to reflect the percentage change of the price of any particular futures contract as measured over a time period greater than one day. This is because natural market forces called contango and backwardation have impacted the total return on an investment in UNG’s shares during the past year relative to a hypothetical direct investment in natural gas and, in the future, it is likely that the relationship between the market price of UNG’s shares and changes in the spot prices of natural gas will continue to be so impacted by contango and backwardation. (It is important to note that the disclosure above ignores the potential costs associated with physically owning and storing natural gas, which could be substantial.) UNG commenced investment operations on April 18, 2007 and has a fiscal year ending on December 31. USCF is a member of the National Futures Association (the “NFA”) and became registered as a commodity pool operator with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”) effective December 1, 2005 and a swaps firm on August 8, 2013. USCF is also the general partner of the United States Oil Fund, LP (“USO”), the United States 12 Month Oil Fund, LP (“USL”) and the United States Gasoline Fund, LP (“UGA”), which listed their limited partnership shares on the AMEX under the ticker symbols “USO” on April 10, 2006, “USL” on December 6, 2007 and “UGA” on February 26, 2008, respectively. As a result of the acquisition of the AMEX by NYSE Euronext, each of USO’s, USL’s and UGA’s shares commenced trading on the NYSE Arca on November 25, 2008. USCF is also the general partner of the United States 12 Month Natural Gas Fund, LP (“UNL”) and the United States Brent Oil Fund, LP (“BNO”), which listed their limited partnership shares on the NYSE Arca under the ticker symbols “UNL” on November 18, 2009 and “BNO” on June 2, 2010, respectively. USCF is also the sponsor of the United States Commodity Index Funds Trust (“USCIFT”), a Delaware statutory trust and each of its series: the United States Commodity Index Fund (“USCI”) and the United States Copper Index Fund (“CPER”). USCI and CPER listed their shares on the NYSE Arca under the ticker symbols “USCI” on August 10, 2010 and “CPER” on November 15, 2011, respectively. UNG, BNO, UGA, UNL, USL, USO, USCI and CPER are referred to collectively herein as the “Related Public Funds.” UNG issues shares to certain authorized purchasers (“Authorized Participants”) by offering baskets consisting of 100,000 shares (“Creation Baskets”) through ALPS Distributors, Inc., as the marketing agent (the “Marketing Agent”). The purchase price for a Creation Basket is based upon the NAV of a share calculated shortly after the close of the core trading session on the NYSE Arca on the day the order to create the basket is properly received. Authorized Participants pay UNG a $1,000 transaction fee for each order placed to create one or more Creation Baskets or to redeem one or more baskets (“Redemption Baskets”), consisting of 100,000 shares. Shares may be purchased or sold on a nationally recognized securities exchange in smaller increments than a Creation Basket or Redemption Basket. Shares purchased or sold on a nationally recognized securities exchange are not purchased or sold at the per share NAV of UNG but rather at market prices quoted on such exchange. In April 2007, UNG initially registered 30,000,000 shares on Form S-1 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). On April 18, 2007, UNG listed its shares on the AMEX under the ticker symbol “UNG” and switched to trading on the NYSE Arca under the same ticker symbol on November 25, 2008. On that day, UNG established its initial per share NAV by setting the price at $50.00 and issued 200,000 shares in exchange for $10,001,000. UNG also commenced investment operations on April 18, 2007, by purchasing Natural Gas Futures Contracts traded on the NYMEX based on natural gas. As of December 31, 2022, UNG had registered a total of 2,280,000,000 shares. |
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTI
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2022 | |
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | |
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | NOTE 2 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Presentation The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP as detailed in the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification. UNG is an investment company for accounting purposes and follows the accounting and reporting guidance in FASB Topic 946. Revenue Recognition Commodity futures contracts, swap and forward contracts, physical commodities and related options are recorded on the trade date. All such transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis and marked to market daily. Unrealized gains or losses on open contracts are reflected in the statements of financial condition and represent the difference between the original contract amount and the market value (as determined by exchange settlement prices for futures contracts and related options and cash dealer prices at a predetermined time for swap and forward contracts, physical commodities, and their related options) as of the last business day of the year or as of the last date of the financial statements. Changes in the unrealized gains or losses between periods are reflected in the statements of operations. UNG earns income on funds held at the custodian or futures commission merchants (“FCMs”) at prevailing market rates earned on such investments. Brokerage Commissions Brokerage commissions on all open commodity futures contracts are accrued on a full-turn basis. Income Taxes UNG is not subject to federal income taxes; each partner reports his/her allocable share of income, gain, loss deductions or credits on his/her own income tax return. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, UNG is required to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution of any tax related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. UNG files an income tax return in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and may file income tax returns in various U.S. states. UNG is not subject to income tax return examinations by major taxing authorities for years before 2019. The tax benefit recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. De-recognition of a tax benefit previously recognized results in UNG recording a tax liability that reduces net assets. However, UNG’s conclusions regarding this policy may be subject to review and adjustment at a later date based on factors including, but not limited to, on-going analysis of and changes to tax laws, regulations and interpretations thereof. UNG recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax fees payable, if assessed. No interest expense or penalties have been recognized as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022. Creations and Redemptions Authorized Participants may purchase Creation Baskets or redeem Redemption Baskets only in blocks of 100,000 shares at a price equal to the NAV of the shares calculated shortly after the close of the core trading session on the NYSE Arca on the day the order is placed. UNG receives or pays the proceeds from shares sold or redeemed within two business days after the trade date of the purchase or redemption. The amounts due from Authorized Participants are reflected in UNG’s statements of financial condition as receivable for shares sold and amounts payable to Authorized Participants upon redemption are reflected as payable for shares redeemed. Authorized Participants pay UNG a $1,000 transaction fee for each order placed to create one or more Creation Baskets or to redeem one or more Redemption Baskets. Partnership Capital and Allocation of Partnership Income and Losses Profit or loss shall be allocated among the partners of UNG in proportion to the number of shares each partner holds as of the close of each month. USCF may revise, alter or otherwise modify this method of allocation as described in the LP Agreement. Calculation of Per Share NAV UNG’s per share NAV is calculated on each NYSE Arca trading day by taking the current market value of its total assets, subtracting any liabilities and dividing that amount by the total number of shares outstanding. UNG uses the closing price for the contracts on the relevant exchange on that day to determine the value of contracts held on such exchange. Net Income (Loss) Per Share Net income (loss) per share is the difference between the per share NAV at the beginning of each period and at the end of each period. The weighted average number of shares outstanding was computed for purposes of disclosing net income (loss) per weighted average share. The weighted average shares are equal to the number of shares outstanding at the end of the period, adjusted proportionately for shares added and redeemed based on the amount of time the shares were outstanding during such period. There were no shares held by USCF at December 31, 2022. Offering Costs Offering costs incurred in connection with the registration of additional shares after the initial registration of shares are borne by UNG. These costs include registration fees paid to regulatory agencies and all legal, accounting, printing and other expenses associated with such offerings. These costs are accounted for as a deferred charge and thereafter amortized to expense over twelve months on a straight-line basis or a shorter period if warranted. Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents include money market funds and overnight deposits or time deposits with original maturity dates of six months or less. Reclassification Certain amounts in the accompanying financial statements were reclassified to conform to the current presentation. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires USCF to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of the revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates and assumptions. Other The audited financial information and pro forma financial information, as well as the historical financial information as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018, was derived from UNG’s historical financial statements. The financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K are presented in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 260 for purposes of presenting the 1 |
FEES PAID BY THE FUND AND RELAT
FEES PAID BY THE FUND AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2022 | |
FEES PAID BY THE FUND AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS | |
FEES PAID BY THE FUND AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS | NOTE 3 — FEES PAID BY THE FUND AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS USCF Management Fee Under the LP Agreement, USCF is responsible for investing the assets of UNG in accordance with the objectives and policies of UNG. In addition, USCF has arranged for one or more third parties to provide administrative, custody, accounting, transfer agency and other necessary services to UNG. For these services, UNG is contractually obligated to pay USCF a fee, which is paid monthly, equal to 0.60% per annum of average daily total net assets of $1,000,000,000 or less and 0.50% per annum of average daily total net assets that are greater than $1,000,000,000. Ongoing Registration Fees and Other Offering Expenses UNG pays all costs and expenses associated with the ongoing registration of its shares subsequent to the initial offering. These costs include registration or other fees paid to regulatory agencies in connection with the offer and sale of shares, and all legal, accounting, printing and other expenses associated with such offer and sale. For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, UNG incurred $0, $103,290, and $364,200 respectively, in registration fees and other offering expenses. Independent Directors’ and Officers’ Expenses UNG is responsible for paying its portion of the directors’ and officers’ liability insurance for UNG and the Related Public Funds and the fees and expenses of the independent directors who also serve as audit committee members of UNG and the Related Public Funds. UNG shares the fees and expenses on a pro rata basis with each Related Public Fund, as described above, based on the relative assets of each Related Public Fund computed on a daily basis. These fees and expenses for the year ending December 31, 2022 totaled $106,413 for UNG and, in the aggregate for UNG and the Related Public Funds, were approximately $1,258,000. For the year ended December 31, 2021 these fees and expenses were $1,081,963 for UNG and the Related Public Funds. UNG’s portion of such fees and expenses for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $81,479. For the year ended December 31, 2020, these fees and expenses were $585,896 for UNG and the Related Public Funds. UNG’s portion of such fees and expenses for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $83,030. Licensing Fees As discussed in Note 4 below, UNG entered into a licensing agreement with the NYMEX on April 10, 2006, as amended on October 20, 2011. Pursuant to the agreement, UNG and the Related Public Funds, other than BNO, USCI and CPER, pay a licensing fee that is equal to 0.015% on all net assets. During the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, UNG incurred $70,615, $50,610 and $60,330, respectively under this arrangement. Investor Tax Reporting Cost The fees and expenses associated with UNG’s audit expenses and tax accounting and reporting requirements are paid by UNG. These costs are estimated to be $1,243,549 for the year ending December 31, 2022. For the years ending December 31, 2021 and 2020 UNG’s investor reporting costs totaled $670,349 and $587,711 respectively. Tax reporting costs fluctuate between years due to the number of shareholders during any given year. Other Expenses and Fees In addition to the fees described above, UNG pays all brokerage fees and other expenses in connection with the operation of UNG, excluding costs and expenses paid by USCF as outlined in Note 4 – Contracts and Agreements |
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2022 | |
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS | |
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS | NOTE 4 — CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS Marketing Agent Agreement UNG is party to a marketing agent agreement, dated as of April 17, 2007, as amended from time to time, with the Marketing Agent and USCF, whereby the Marketing Agent provides certain marketing services for UNG as outlined in the agreement. The fee of the Marketing Agent through December 31, 2022, which is borne by USCF, was equal to 0.06% on UNG’s assets up to $3 billion and 0.04% on UNG’s assets in excess of $3 billion. The agreement with the Marketing Agent has been amended and, commencing October 1, 2022, the fee of the Marketing Agent, which is calculated daily and payable monthly by USCF, is equal to 0.025% of UNG’s total net assets. In no event may the aggregate compensation paid to the Marketing Agent and any affiliate of USCF for distribution-related services exceed 10 percent of the gross proceeds of UNG’s offering. The above fee does not include website construction and development, which are also borne by USCF. Custody, Transfer Agency and Fund Administration and Accounting Services Agreements USCF engaged The Bank of New York Mellon, a New York corporation authorized to do a banking business (“BNY Mellon”), to provide UNG and each of the Related Public Funds with certain custodial, administrative and accounting, and transfer agency services, pursuant to the following agreements with BNY Mellon dated as of March 20, 2020 (together, the “BNY Mellon Agreements”), which were effective as of April 1, 2020: (i) a Custody Agreement; (ii) a Fund Administration and Accounting Agreement; and (iii) a Transfer Agency and Service Agreement. USCF pays the fees of BNY Mellon for its services under the BNY Mellon Agreements and such fees are determined by the parties from time to time. Brown Brothers Harriman and Co. (“BBH&Co.”) previously served as the Administrator, Custodian, Transfer Agent and Fund Accounting Agent for UNG and the Related Public Funds prior to BNY Mellon commencing such services on April 1, 2020. Certain fund accounting and fund administration services rendered by BBH&Co. to UNG and the Related Public Funds terminated on May 31, 2020 to allow for the transition to BNY Mellon. Brokerage and Futures Commission Merchant Agreements UNG entered into a brokerage agreement with RBC Capital Markets LLC (“RBC”) to serve as UNG’s FCM effective October 10, 2013. UNG has engaged each of Marex North America, LLC, formerly, RCG Division of Marex Spectron (“MNA”), E D & F Man Capital Markets Inc. (“MCM”) and Macquarie Futures USA LLC (“MFUSA”) to serve as additional FCMs to UNG effective on May 28, 2020, June 5, 2020, and December 3, 2020, respectively. The agreements with UNG’s FCMs require the FCMs to provide services to UNG in connection with the purchase and sale of Natural Gas Futures Contracts and Other Natural Gas-Related Investments that may be purchased and sold by or through the applicable FCM for UNG’s account. In accordance with the FCM agreements, UNG pays each FCM commissions of approximately $7 to $8 per round-turn trade, including applicable exchange, clearing and NFA fees for Natural Gas Futures Contracts and options on Natural Gas Futures Contracts. Such fees include those incurred when purchasing Natural Gas Futures Contracts and options on Natural Gas Futures Contracts when UNG issues shares as a result of a Creation Basket, as well as fees incurred when selling Natural Gas Futures Contracts and options on Natural Gas Futures Contracts when UNG redeems shares as a result of a Redemption Basket. Such fees are also incurred when Natural Gas Futures Contracts and options on Natural Gas Futures Contracts are purchased or redeemed for the purpose of rebalancing the portfolio. UNG also incurs commissions to brokers for the purchase and sale of Natural Gas Futures Contracts, Other Natural Gas-Related Investments or short-term obligations of the United States of two years or less (“Treasuries”). Year ended Year ended Year ended December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Total commissions accrued to brokers $ 702,686 $ 794,337 $ 1,879,043 Total commissions as annualized percentage of average total net assets 0.15 % 0.24 % 0.47 % Commissions accrued as a result of rebalancing $ 573,331 $ 712,375 $ 1,636,443 Percentage of commissions accrued as a result of rebalancing 81.59 % 89.68 % 87.09 % Commissions accrued as a result of creation and redemption activity $ 129,355 $ 81,961 $ 242,600 Percentage of commissions accrued as a result of creation and redemption activity 18.41 % 10.32 % 12.91 % The decrease in total commissions accrued to brokers for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, was due primarily to a lower number of natural gas futures contracts being held and traded. Swap Dealer Agreements UNG entered into ISDA 2002 Master Agreements with each of Macquarie Bank Limited the (“Macquarie ISDA”) and Société Générale (“Société Générale ISDA”) on November 30, 2021 and June 13, 2022, respectively, pursuant to which each of Macquarie Bank Limited and Société Générale has agreed to serve as an over-the-counter (“OTC”) swap counterparty for UNG. The Macquarie ISDA and Societe Generale ISDA each provide UNG with the ability to invest in OTC swaps in furtherance of UNG’s investment objective by providing it with investment flexibility in light of market conditions, liquidity, regulatory requirements, and risk diversification. UNG may enter into OTC swap transactions under each of the Macquarie ISDA and Société Générale ISDA in light of the foregoing. Any OTC swap transactions of UNG that are outstanding under the Macquarie ISDA and the Société Générale ISDA, along with UNG’s other holdings, will be published on UNG’s webpage, www.uscfinvestments.com. In accordance with each of the swap agreements described above, UNG pays each swap dealer a flat fee in a range between 0.20% and 0.30% on the daily notional value of each OTC swap transaction. NYMEX Licensing Agreement UNG and the NYMEX entered into a licensing agreement on April 10, 2006, as amended on October 20, 2011, whereby UNG was granted a non-exclusive license to use certain of the NYMEX’s settlement prices and service marks. Under the licensing agreement, UNG and the Related Public Funds, other than BNO, USCI, and CPER, pay the NYMEX an asset-based fee for the license, the terms of which are described in Note 3. UNG expressly disclaims any association with the NYMEX or endorsement of UNG by the NYMEX and acknowledges that “NYMEX” and “New York Mercantile Exchange” are registered trademarks of the NYMEX. |
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, OFF-BALA
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISKS AND CONTINGENCIES | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2022 | |
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISKS AND CONTINGENCIES | |
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISKS AND CONTINGENCIES | NOTE 5 — FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISKS AND CONTINGENCIES UNG may engage in the trading of futures contracts, options on futures contracts, cleared swaps and OTC swaps (collectively, “derivatives”). UNG is exposed to both market risk, which is the risk arising from changes in the market value of the contracts, and credit risk, which is the risk of failure by another party to perform according to the terms of a contract. UNG may enter into futures contracts, options on futures contracts, cleared swaps, and OTC-swaps to gain exposure to changes in the value of an underlying commodity. A futures contract obligates the seller to deliver (and the purchaser to accept) the future delivery of a specified quantity and type of a commodity at a specified time and place. Some futures contracts may call for physical delivery of the asset, while others are settled in cash. 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. Cleared swaps are agreements that are eligible to be cleared by a clearinghouse, e.g., ICE Clear Europe, and provide the efficiencies and benefits that centralized clearing on an exchange offers to traders of futures contracts, including credit risk intermediation and the ability to offset positions initiated with different counterparties. OTC swaps are entered into between two parties in private contracts. In an OTC swap, each party bears credit risk to the other party, i.e., the risk that the other party may not be able to perform its obligations under the OTC swap. The purchase and sale of futures contracts, options on futures contracts and cleared swaps require margin deposits with an FCM. Additional deposits may be necessary for any loss on contract value. The Commodity Exchange Act requires FCMs to segregate all customer transactions and assets from the FCM’s proprietary transactions and assets. To reduce the credit risk that arises in connection with OTC swaps, UNG will generally enter into an agreement with each counterparty based on the Master Agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., which provides for the netting of its overall exposure to its counterparty. The Master Agreement is negotiated as between the parties and would address, among other things, the exchange of margin between the parties. Futures contracts, options on futures contracts and cleared swaps involve, to varying degrees, elements of market risk (specifically commodity price risk) and exposure to loss in excess of the amount of variation margin. The face or contract amounts reflect the extent of the total exposure UNG has in the particular classes of instruments. Additional risks associated with the use of futures contracts are an imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the futures contracts and the market value of the underlying securities and the possibility of an illiquid market for a futures contract. Buying and selling options on futures contracts exposes investors to the risks of purchasing or selling futures contracts. As to OTC swaps, valuing OTC derivatives is less certain than valuing actively traded financial instruments such as exchange-traded futures contracts and securities or cleared swaps, because the price and terms on which such OTC derivatives are entered into or can be terminated are individually negotiated, and those prices and terms may not reflect the best price or terms available from other sources. In addition, while market makers and dealers generally quote indicative prices or terms for entering into or terminating OTC contracts, they typically are not contractually obligated to do so, particularly if they are not a party to the transaction. As a result, it may be difficult to obtain an independent value for an outstanding OTC derivatives transaction. Significant market volatility has recently occurred and is continuing in the natural gas markets and the natural gas futures markets. Such volatility is attributable in part to the COVID-19 pandemic, related supply chain disruptions, war, including the war between Russia and the Ukraine, and continuing disputes among natural gas-producing countries. These and other events could cause continuing or increased volatility in the future, which may affect the value, pricing and liquidity of some investments or other assets, including those held by or invested in by UNG and the impact of which could limit UNG’s ability to have a substantial portion of its assets invested in the Benchmark Futures Contract. In such a circumstance, UNG could, if it determined it appropriate to do so in light of market conditions and regulatory requirements, invest in other Futures Contracts and/or Other Natural-Gas Related Investments. All of the futures contracts held by UNG through December 31, 2022 were exchange-traded. The risks associated with exchange-traded contracts are generally perceived to be less than those associated with OTC swaps since, in OTC swaps, a party must rely solely on the credit of its respective individual counterparties. However, in the future, if UNG were to enter into non-exchange traded contracts, it would be subject to the credit risk associated with counterparty non-performance. The credit risk from counterparty non-performance associated with such instruments is the net unrealized gain, if any, on the transaction. UNG has credit risk under its futures contracts since the sole counterparty to all domestic and foreign futures contracts is the clearinghouse for the exchange on which the relevant contracts are traded. In addition, UNG bears the risk of financial failure by the clearing broker. UNG’s cash and other property, such as Treasuries, deposited with its FCMs are considered commingled with all other customer funds, subject to such FCM’s segregation requirements. In the event of an FCM’s insolvency, recovery may be limited to a pro rata share of segregated funds available. It is possible that the recovered amount could be less than the total of cash and other property deposited. The insolvency of an FCM could result in the complete loss of UNG’s assets posted with that FCM; however, the majority of UNG’s assets are held in investments in Treasuries, cash and/or cash equivalents with UNG’s custodian and would not be impacted by the insolvency of an FCM. The failure or insolvency of UNG’s custodian, however, could result in a substantial loss of UNG’s assets. USCF invests a portion of UNG’s cash in money market funds that seek to maintain a stable per share NAV. UNG is exposed to risk of loss associated with an investment in such money market funds. As of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, UNG held investments in money market funds in the amounts of $317,800,000 and $243,443,000, respectively. UNG also holds cash deposits with its custodian. As of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, UNG held cash deposits and investments in Treasuries in the amounts of $241,691,651 and $132,227,353 respectively, with the custodian and FCMs. Some or all of these amounts may be subject to loss should UNG’s custodian and/or FCMs cease operations. For derivatives, risks arise from changes in the market value of the contracts. Theoretically, UNG is exposed to market risk equal to the value of futures contracts purchased and unlimited liability on such contracts sold short or that the value of the futures contract could fall below zero. As both a buyer and a seller of options, UNG pays or receives a premium at the outset and then bears the risk of unfavorable changes in the price of the contract underlying the option. UNG’s policy is to continuously monitor its exposure to market and counterparty risk through the use of a variety of financial, position and credit exposure reporting controls and procedures. In addition, UNG has a policy of requiring review of the credit standing of each broker or counterparty with which it conducts business. The financial instruments held by UNG are reported in its statements of financial condition at market or fair value, or at carrying amounts that approximate fair value, because of their highly liquid nature and short-term maturity. |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2022 | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | NOTE 6 — FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS The following table presents per share performance data and other supplemental financial data for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 for the shareholders. This information has been derived from information presented in the financial statements. Year ended Year ended Year ended December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Per Share Operating Performance: Net asset value, beginning of year $ 12.39 $ 9.20 $ 16.91 Total income (loss) 2.06 3.33 (7.55) Total expenses (0.23) (0.14) (0.16) Net increase (decrease) in net asset value 1.83 3.19 (7.71) Net asset value, end of year $ 14.22 $ 12.39 $ 9.20 Total Return 14.77 % 34.67 % (45.59) % Ratios to Average Net Assets Total income (loss) 17.00 % 6.56 % (49.07) % Management fees 0.60 % 0.60 % 0.60 % Total expenses excluding management fees 0.46 % 0.51 % 0.75 % Net income (loss) 15.94 % 5.45 % (50.42) % Total returns are calculated based on the change in value during the period. An individual shareholder’s total return and ratio may vary from the above total returns and ratios based on the timing of contributions to and withdrawals from UNG. |
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaud
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2022 | |
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited) | |
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited) | NOTE 7 - QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited) The following summarized (unaudited) quarterly financial information presents the results of operations and other data for the three-month periods ended March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31, 2022 and 2021. First Second Third Fourth Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter 2022 2022 2022 2022 Total Income (Loss) $ 210,949,307 $ (53,073,030) $ 115,944,781 $ (193,804,220) Total Expenses 910,354 1,228,320 1,438,980 1,409,695 Net Income (Loss) $ 210,038,953 $ (54,301,350) $ 114,505,801 $ (195,213,915) Net Income (Loss) per Share $ 7.30 $ (1.24) $ 4.83 $ (9.06) First Second Third Fourth Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter 2021 2021 2021 2021 Total Income (Loss) $ 29,808,098 $ 76,635,015 $ 134,756,130 $ (219,051,067) Total Expenses 1,016,829 908,693 755,392 1,067,061 Net Income (Loss) $ 28,791,269 $ 75,726,322 $ 134,000,738 $ (220,118,128) Net Income (Loss) per Share $ 0.41 $ 3.14 $ 7.54 $ (7.90) |
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUM
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2022 | |
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS | |
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS | NOTE 8 — FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS UNG values its investments in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 820 – Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”). ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurement. The changes to past practice resulting from the application of ASC 820 relate to the definition of fair value, the methods used to measure fair value, and the expanded disclosures about fair value measurement. ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between: (1) market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of UNG (observable inputs) and (2) UNG’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions developed based on the best information available under the circumstances (unobservable inputs). The three levels defined by the ASC 820 hierarchy are as follows: Level I – Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical Level II – Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level I that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level II assets include the following: quoted prices for similar Level III – Unobservable pricing input at the measurement date for the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs shall be used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available. In some instances, the inputs used to measure fair value might fall within different levels of the fair value hierarchy. The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls shall be determined based on the lowest input level that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The following table summarizes the valuation of UNG’s securities at December 31, 2022 using the fair value hierarchy: At December 31, 2022 Total Level I Level II Level III Short-Term Investments $ 317,800,000 $ 317,800,000 $ — $ — Exchange-Traded Futures Contracts United States Contracts (144,765,937) (144,765,937) — — The following table summarizes the valuation of UNG’s securities at December 31, 2021 using the fair value hierarchy: At December 31, 2021 Total Level I Level II Level III Short-Term Investments $ 243,443,000 $ 243,443,000 $ — $ — Exchange-Traded Futures Contracts United States Contracts 1,362,413 1,362,413 — — Effective January 1, 2009, UNG adopted the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification 815 — Derivatives and Hedging, which require presentation of qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts and gains and losses on derivatives. Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Statements of Financial Fair Value at Fair Value at Condition December 31, December 31, Derivatives not Accounted for as Hedging Instruments Location 2022 2021 Futures - Commodity Contracts Assets $ (144,765,937) $ 1,362,413 The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statements of Operations For the year ended For the year ended For the year ended December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Change in Change in Change in Location of Realized Unrealized Realized Unrealized Realized Unrealized Gain (Loss) Gain (Loss) Gain (Loss) on Gain (Loss) Gain (Loss) on Gain (Loss) Gain (Loss) on Derivatives not on Derivatives on Derivatives Derivatives on Derivatives Derivatives on Derivatives Derivatives Accounted for as Recognized in Recognized in Recognized in Recognized in Recognized in Recognized in Recognized in Hedging Instruments Income Income Income Income Income Income Income Futures - Commodity Contracts Realized gain (loss) on closed positions $ 218,669,630 $ 6,104,950 $ (206,518,620) Change in unrealized gain (loss) on open positions $ (146,128,350) $ 15,817,312 $ 6,313,791 |
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2022 | |
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS | |
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS | NOTE 9 — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS UNG has performed an evaluation of subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued. This evaluation did not result in any subsequent events that necessitated disclosures and/or adjustments. |
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_2
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2022 | |
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | |
Basis of Presentation | Basis of Presentation The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP as detailed in the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification. UNG is an investment company for accounting purposes and follows the accounting and reporting guidance in FASB Topic 946. |
Revenue Recognition | Revenue Recognition Commodity futures contracts, swap and forward contracts, physical commodities and related options are recorded on the trade date. All such transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis and marked to market daily. Unrealized gains or losses on open contracts are reflected in the statements of financial condition and represent the difference between the original contract amount and the market value (as determined by exchange settlement prices for futures contracts and related options and cash dealer prices at a predetermined time for swap and forward contracts, physical commodities, and their related options) as of the last business day of the year or as of the last date of the financial statements. Changes in the unrealized gains or losses between periods are reflected in the statements of operations. UNG earns income on funds held at the custodian or futures commission merchants (“FCMs”) at prevailing market rates earned on such investments. |
Brokerage Commissions | Brokerage Commissions Brokerage commissions on all open commodity futures contracts are accrued on a full-turn basis. |
Income Taxes | Income Taxes UNG is not subject to federal income taxes; each partner reports his/her allocable share of income, gain, loss deductions or credits on his/her own income tax return. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, UNG is required to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution of any tax related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. UNG files an income tax return in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and may file income tax returns in various U.S. states. UNG is not subject to income tax return examinations by major taxing authorities for years before 2019. The tax benefit recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. De-recognition of a tax benefit previously recognized results in UNG recording a tax liability that reduces net assets. However, UNG’s conclusions regarding this policy may be subject to review and adjustment at a later date based on factors including, but not limited to, on-going analysis of and changes to tax laws, regulations and interpretations thereof. UNG recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax fees payable, if assessed. No interest expense or penalties have been recognized as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022. |
Creations and Redemptions | Creations and Redemptions Authorized Participants may purchase Creation Baskets or redeem Redemption Baskets only in blocks of 100,000 shares at a price equal to the NAV of the shares calculated shortly after the close of the core trading session on the NYSE Arca on the day the order is placed. UNG receives or pays the proceeds from shares sold or redeemed within two business days after the trade date of the purchase or redemption. The amounts due from Authorized Participants are reflected in UNG’s statements of financial condition as receivable for shares sold and amounts payable to Authorized Participants upon redemption are reflected as payable for shares redeemed. Authorized Participants pay UNG a $1,000 transaction fee for each order placed to create one or more Creation Baskets or to redeem one or more Redemption Baskets. |
Partnership Capital and Allocation of Partnership Income and Losses | Partnership Capital and Allocation of Partnership Income and Losses Profit or loss shall be allocated among the partners of UNG in proportion to the number of shares each partner holds as of the close of each month. USCF may revise, alter or otherwise modify this method of allocation as described in the LP Agreement. |
Calculation of Per Share NAV | Calculation of Per Share NAV UNG’s per share NAV is calculated on each NYSE Arca trading day by taking the current market value of its total assets, subtracting any liabilities and dividing that amount by the total number of shares outstanding. UNG uses the closing price for the contracts on the relevant exchange on that day to determine the value of contracts held on such exchange. |
Net Income (Loss) Per Share | Net Income (Loss) Per Share Net income (loss) per share is the difference between the per share NAV at the beginning of each period and at the end of each period. The weighted average number of shares outstanding was computed for purposes of disclosing net income (loss) per weighted average share. The weighted average shares are equal to the number of shares outstanding at the end of the period, adjusted proportionately for shares added and redeemed based on the amount of time the shares were outstanding during such period. There were no shares held by USCF at December 31, 2022. |
Offering Costs | Offering Costs Offering costs incurred in connection with the registration of additional shares after the initial registration of shares are borne by UNG. These costs include registration fees paid to regulatory agencies and all legal, accounting, printing and other expenses associated with such offerings. These costs are accounted for as a deferred charge and thereafter amortized to expense over twelve months on a straight-line basis or a shorter period if warranted. |
Cash Equivalents | Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents include money market funds and overnight deposits or time deposits with original maturity dates of six months or less. |
Reclassification | Reclassification Certain amounts in the accompanying financial statements were reclassified to conform to the current presentation. |
Use of Estimates | Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires USCF to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of the revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates and assumptions. |
Other | Other The audited financial information and pro forma financial information, as well as the historical financial information as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018, was derived from UNG’s historical financial statements. The financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K are presented in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 260 for purposes of presenting the 1 |
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS (Table
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2022 | |
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS | |
Summary of brokerage commissions | Year ended Year ended Year ended December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Total commissions accrued to brokers $ 702,686 $ 794,337 $ 1,879,043 Total commissions as annualized percentage of average total net assets 0.15 % 0.24 % 0.47 % Commissions accrued as a result of rebalancing $ 573,331 $ 712,375 $ 1,636,443 Percentage of commissions accrued as a result of rebalancing 81.59 % 89.68 % 87.09 % Commissions accrued as a result of creation and redemption activity $ 129,355 $ 81,961 $ 242,600 Percentage of commissions accrued as a result of creation and redemption activity 18.41 % 10.32 % 12.91 % |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Tables)
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2022 | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | |
Summary of per share performance data and other supplemental financial data | Year ended Year ended Year ended December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Per Share Operating Performance: Net asset value, beginning of year $ 12.39 $ 9.20 $ 16.91 Total income (loss) 2.06 3.33 (7.55) Total expenses (0.23) (0.14) (0.16) Net increase (decrease) in net asset value 1.83 3.19 (7.71) Net asset value, end of year $ 14.22 $ 12.39 $ 9.20 Total Return 14.77 % 34.67 % (45.59) % Ratios to Average Net Assets Total income (loss) 17.00 % 6.56 % (49.07) % Management fees 0.60 % 0.60 % 0.60 % Total expenses excluding management fees 0.46 % 0.51 % 0.75 % Net income (loss) 15.94 % 5.45 % (50.42) % |
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Una_2
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited) (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2022 | |
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited) | |
Summary of quarterly financial information | The following summarized (unaudited) quarterly financial information presents the results of operations and other data for the three-month periods ended March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31, 2022 and 2021. First Second Third Fourth Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter 2022 2022 2022 2022 Total Income (Loss) $ 210,949,307 $ (53,073,030) $ 115,944,781 $ (193,804,220) Total Expenses 910,354 1,228,320 1,438,980 1,409,695 Net Income (Loss) $ 210,038,953 $ (54,301,350) $ 114,505,801 $ (195,213,915) Net Income (Loss) per Share $ 7.30 $ (1.24) $ 4.83 $ (9.06) First Second Third Fourth Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter 2021 2021 2021 2021 Total Income (Loss) $ 29,808,098 $ 76,635,015 $ 134,756,130 $ (219,051,067) Total Expenses 1,016,829 908,693 755,392 1,067,061 Net Income (Loss) $ 28,791,269 $ 75,726,322 $ 134,000,738 $ (220,118,128) Net Income (Loss) per Share $ 0.41 $ 3.14 $ 7.54 $ (7.90) |
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTR_2
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2022 | |
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS | |
Summary of valuation of securities using fair value hierarchy | At December 31, 2022 Total Level I Level II Level III Short-Term Investments $ 317,800,000 $ 317,800,000 $ — $ — Exchange-Traded Futures Contracts United States Contracts (144,765,937) (144,765,937) — — At December 31, 2021 Total Level I Level II Level III Short-Term Investments $ 243,443,000 $ 243,443,000 $ — $ — Exchange-Traded Futures Contracts United States Contracts 1,362,413 1,362,413 — — |
Summary of fair value of derivative instruments | Statements of Financial Fair Value at Fair Value at Condition December 31, December 31, Derivatives not Accounted for as Hedging Instruments Location 2022 2021 Futures - Commodity Contracts Assets $ (144,765,937) $ 1,362,413 |
Summary of the effect of derivative instruments on the statements of operation | For the year ended For the year ended For the year ended December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Change in Change in Change in Location of Realized Unrealized Realized Unrealized Realized Unrealized Gain (Loss) Gain (Loss) Gain (Loss) on Gain (Loss) Gain (Loss) on Gain (Loss) Gain (Loss) on Derivatives not on Derivatives on Derivatives Derivatives on Derivatives Derivatives on Derivatives Derivatives Accounted for as Recognized in Recognized in Recognized in Recognized in Recognized in Recognized in Recognized in Hedging Instruments Income Income Income Income Income Income Income Futures - Commodity Contracts Realized gain (loss) on closed positions $ 218,669,630 $ 6,104,950 $ (206,518,620) Change in unrealized gain (loss) on open positions $ (146,128,350) $ 15,817,312 $ 6,313,791 |
ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS (Deta
ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS (Details) | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||||||
Jan. 04, 2018 | Apr. 30, 2007 shares | Apr. 18, 2007 USD ($) $ / shares shares | Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($) contract $ / shares shares | Dec. 31, 2021 $ / shares | Dec. 31, 2020 $ / shares | Dec. 31, 2019 $ / shares | Dec. 31, 2018 $ / shares | |
ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS | ||||||||
Number of successive valuation days | 30 days | |||||||
Average daily percentage change in the price of the Benchmark Futures Contract considered | 10% | |||||||
Number of Contracts | contract | 9,597 | |||||||
Number of units per basket | 100,000 | |||||||
Fee paid by authorized participants for each order placed to create one or more Creation Baskets or to redeem one or more baskets | $ | $ 1,000 | |||||||
Number of initially registered units on Form S-1 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission | 30,000,000 | |||||||
Reverse share split | 0.25 | |||||||
Net asset value per unit | $ / shares | $ 50 | $ 14.22 | $ 12.39 | $ 9.20 | $ 9.20 | $ 16.91 | ||
Number of units issued | 200,000 | |||||||
Value of unit issued | $ | $ 10,001,000 | |||||||
Number of registered units | 2,280,000,000 | |||||||
Creation Baskets | ||||||||
ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS | ||||||||
Number of units per basket | 100,000 | |||||||
Redemption Baskets | ||||||||
ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS | ||||||||
Number of units per basket | 100,000 |
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_3
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) | 12 Months Ended | |
Jan. 04, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($) shares | |
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | ||
Amount of interest expense or penalties recognized | $ | $ 0 | |
Number of units per basket | shares | 100,000 | |
Fee paid by authorized participants for each order placed to create one or more Creation Baskets or to redeem one or more baskets | $ | $ 1,000 | |
Reverse share split | 0.25 | |
Redemption Baskets | ||
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | ||
Number of units per basket | shares | 100,000 |
FEES PAID BY THE FUND AND REL_2
FEES PAID BY THE FUND AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Details) | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($) | |
FEES PAID BY THE FUND AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS | |||
Directors fees and expenses | $ 106,413 | $ 81,479 | $ 83,030 |
Licensing fee incurred | 70,615 | 50,610 | 60,330 |
Investor tax reporting cost | 1,243,549 | 670,349 | 587,711 |
UNG and the Related Public Funds | |||
FEES PAID BY THE FUND AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS | |||
Directors fees and expenses | $ 1,258,000 | 1,081,963 | 585,896 |
UNG | |||
FEES PAID BY THE FUND AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS | |||
Monthly fee obligated to pay on average daily total net assets, maximum base fee 1,000,000,000 (as a percentage) | 0.60 | ||
Average daily total net assets | $ 1,000,000,000 | ||
Monthly fee obligated to pay on average daily total net assets (as a percentage) | 0.50 | ||
Directors fees and expenses | $ 106,413 | 81,479 | 83,030 |
Licensing Agreements | |||
FEES PAID BY THE FUND AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS | |||
Fee percentage | 0.015% | ||
United States Oil Fund LP | |||
FEES PAID BY THE FUND AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS | |||
Registration fees and offering expenses | $ 0 | $ 103,290 | $ 364,200 |
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS - Brok
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS - Brokerage Commission (Details) - USD ($) | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 | |
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS | |||
Commissions accrued to brokers | $ 702,686 | $ 794,337 | $ 1,879,043 |
Percentage of commissions accrued | 0.15% | 0.24% | 0.47% |
Rebalancing Investments Transaction | |||
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS | |||
Commissions accrued to brokers | $ 573,331 | $ 712,375 | $ 1,636,443 |
Percentage of commissions accrued | 81.59% | 89.68% | 87.09% |
Creation And Redemption Activity | |||
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS | |||
Commissions accrued to brokers | $ 129,355 | $ 81,961 | $ 242,600 |
Percentage of commissions accrued | 18.41% | 10.32% | 12.91% |
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS (Detai
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS (Details) $ in Billions | 12 Months Ended | |
Oct. 01, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($) $ / item | |
Maximum | ||
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS | ||
Commissions per round-turn trade, including applicable exchange and NFA fees for Futures Contracts and options on Futures Contracts | $ / item | 8 | |
Percentage of flat fee | 0.30% | |
Minimum | ||
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS | ||
Commissions per round-turn trade, including applicable exchange and NFA fees for Futures Contracts and options on Futures Contracts | $ / item | 7 | |
Percentage of flat fee | 0.20% | |
Marketing Agreement | USNG's assets up to $3 billion | ||
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS | ||
Fee percentage | 0.06% | |
Base amount for determining fee percentage | $ | $ 3 | |
Marketing Agreement | USNG's assets in excess of $3 billion | ||
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS | ||
Fee percentage | 10% | |
Percentage of total net assets | 0.025% | |
Marketing Agreement | USNG's assets in excess of $3 billion | Minimum | ||
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS | ||
Fee percentage | 0.04% | |
Base amount for determining fee percentage | $ | $ 3 |
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, OFF-BA_2
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISKS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) - USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 |
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISKS AND CONTINGENCIES | ||
Investments in money market funds | $ 317,800,000 | $ 243,443,000 |
Cash deposits and investments in Treasuries | $ 241,691,651 | $ 132,227,353 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Details)
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Details) - $ / shares | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 | |
Per Share Operating Performance: | |||
Net asset value, beginning of year | $ 12.39 | $ 9.20 | $ 9.20 |
Total income (loss) | 2.06 | 3.33 | (7.55) |
Total expenses | (0.23) | (0.14) | (0.16) |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value | 1.83 | 3.19 | (7.71) |
Net asset value, end of year | $ 14.22 | $ 12.39 | $ 9.20 |
Total Return | 14.77% | 34.67% | (45.59%) |
Ratios to Average Net Assets | |||
Total income (loss) | 17% | 6.56% | (49.07%) |
Management fees | 0.60% | 0.60% | 0.60% |
Total expenses excluding management fees | 0.46% | 0.51% | 0.75% |
Net income (loss) | 15.94% | 5.45% | (50.42%) |
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Una_3
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited) - Summarized (unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||
Dec. 31, 2022 | Sep. 30, 2022 | Jun. 30, 2022 | Mar. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | Sep. 30, 2021 | Jun. 30, 2021 | Mar. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 | |
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited) | |||||||||||
Total Income (Loss) | $ (193,804,220) | $ 115,944,781 | $ (53,073,030) | $ 210,949,307 | $ (219,051,067) | $ 134,756,130 | $ 76,635,015 | $ 29,808,098 | $ 80,016,838 | $ 22,148,176 | $ (197,368,066) |
Total Expenses | 1,409,695 | 1,438,980 | 1,228,320 | 910,354 | 1,067,061 | 755,392 | 908,693 | 1,016,829 | $ 4,987,349 | $ 3,747,975 | $ 5,447,703 |
Net Income (Loss) | $ (195,213,915) | $ 114,505,801 | $ (54,301,350) | $ 210,038,953 | $ (220,118,128) | $ 134,000,738 | $ 75,726,322 | $ 28,791,269 | |||
Net Income (Loss) per Share | $ (9.06) | $ 4.83 | $ (1.24) | $ 7.30 | $ (7.90) | $ 7.54 | $ 3.14 | $ 0.41 |
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTR_3
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Valuation of UNG's securities using the fair value hierarchy (Details) - USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 |
Short-Term Investments | ||
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS | ||
Fair value of securities | $ 317,800,000 | $ 243,443,000 |
Exchange-Traded Futures Contracts | United States Contracts | ||
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS | ||
Fair value of securities | (144,765,937) | 1,362,413 |
Level 1 | Short-Term Investments | ||
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS | ||
Fair value of securities | 317,800,000 | 243,443,000 |
Level 1 | Exchange-Traded Futures Contracts | United States Contracts | ||
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS | ||
Fair value of securities | $ (144,765,937) | $ 1,362,413 |
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTR_4
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Fair Value of Derivative Instruments (Details) - USD ($) | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | |
Commodity Contracts | Futures Contracts | Assets | ||
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS | ||
Derivatives not Accounted for as Hedging Instruments | $ (144,765,937) | $ 1,362,413 |
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTR_5
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statements of Operations (Details) - USD ($) | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 | |
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS | |||
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on open positions | $ (146,128,350) | $ 15,817,312 | $ 6,313,791 |
Commodity Contracts | Futures Contracts | |||
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS | |||
Realized gain (loss) on closed positions | 218,669,630 | 6,104,950 | (206,518,620) |
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on open positions | $ (146,128,350) | $ 15,817,312 | $ 6,313,791 |