tctr_10q.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
☒
Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2020 .
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: 001-34765
Teucrium Commodity Trust
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
27-0724963
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)
Three Main Street, Suite 215
Burlington , VT 05401
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
( 802 ) 540-0019
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
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.
☒ Yes ☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, 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).
☒ Yes ☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
☐
Accelerated filer
☒
Non-accelerated filer
☐
Smaller reporting company
☒
Emerging growth company
☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by a check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
☐ Yes ☒ No
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the last practicable date.
Total Number of
Outstanding Shares as
of November 6, 2020
Teucrium Corn Fund
9,800,004
Teucrium Sugar Fund
1,825,004
Teucrium Soybean Fund
5,700,004
Teucrium Wheat Fund
12,025,004
Teucrium Agricultural Fund
75,002
TEUCRIUM COMMODITY TRUST
Table of Contents
Page
Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
Financial Statements
3
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
107
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
144
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
147
Part II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
148
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
148
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
166
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
168
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
168
Item 5.
Other Information
168
Item 6.
Exhibits
169
2
Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements.
Index to Financial Statements
Documents
Page
TEUCRIUM COMMODITY TRUST
Combined Statements of Assets and Liabilities at September 30, 2020 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2019
4
Combined Schedule of Investments at September 30, 2020 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2019
5
Combined Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
7
Combined Statements of Changes in Net Assets (Unaudited) for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
8
Combined Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
9
Notes to Combined Financial Statements
10
TEUCRIUM CORN FUND
Statements of Assets and Liabilities at September 30, 2020 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2019
22
Schedule of Investments at September 30, 2020 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2019
23
Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
25
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (Unaudited) for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
26
Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
27
Notes to Financial Statements
28
TEUCRIUM SOYBEAN FUND
Statements of Assets and Liabilities at September 30, 2020 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2019
40
Schedule of Investments at September 30, 2020 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2019
41
Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
43
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (Unaudited) for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
44
Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
45
Notes to Financial Statements
46
TEUCRIUM SUGAR FUND
Statements of Assets and Liabilities at September 30, 2020 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2019
58
Schedule of Investments at September 30, 2020 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2019
59
Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
61
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (Unaudited) for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
62
Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
63
Notes to Financial Statements
64
TEUCRIUM WHEAT FUND
Statements of Assets and Liabilities at September 30, 2020 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2019
74
Schedule of Investments at September 30, 2020 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2019
75
Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
77
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (Unaudited) for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
78
Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
79
Notes to Financial Statements
80
TEUCRIUM AGRICULTURAL FUND
Statements of Assets and Liabilities at September 30, 2020 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2019
92
Schedule of Investments at September 30, 2020 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2019
93
Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
95
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (Unaudited) for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
96
Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
97
Notes to Financial Statements
98
3
Table of Contents
TEUCRIUM COMMODITY TRUST
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
September 30,
2020
December 31,
2019
(Unaudited)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 342,685,034
$ 166,081,885
Interest receivable
18,378
250
Other assets
19,737
9,719
Equity in trading accounts:
Commodity futures contracts
21,428,866
7,712,856
Due from broker
4,132,247
4,252
Total equity in trading accounts
25,561,113
7,717,108
Total assets
$ 368,284,262
$ 173,808,962
Liabilities
Management fee payable to Sponsor
254,246
141,898
Payable for purchases of commercial paper
9,999,526
-
Other liabilities
231,855
38,767
Capital shares payable
657,390
-
Equity in trading accounts:
Commodity futures contracts
-
581,574
Due to broker
752,176
5,140,126
Total equity in trading accounts
752,176
5,721,700
Total liabilities
11,895,193
5,902,365
Net Assets
$ 356,389,069
$ 167,906,597
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
4
Table of Contents
TEUCRIUM COMMODITY TRUST
COMBINED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)
Percentage of
Description: Assets
Fair Value
Net Assets
Shares
Cash equivalents
Money market funds
First American Government Obligations Fund - Class X (cost $79,082,287)
$ 79,082,287
22.19 %
79,082,287
Blackrock Liquidity FedFund - Institutional Class (cost $8,794,842)
8,794,842
2.47
8,794,842
Total money market funds (cost $87,877,129)
$ 87,877,129
24.66 %
Principal Amount
Commercial Paper
Cigna Corporation 0.15% (cost: $19,998,735 due: 10/01/2020)
$ 20,000,000
5.61 %
20,000,000
Enable Midstream Partners, LP 0.28% (cost: $9,993,469 due: 12/14/2020)
9,994,247
2.80
10,000,000
Enable Midstream Partners, LP 0.34% (cost: $9,992,161 due: 12/15/2020)
9,992,916
2.80
10,000,000
Energy Transfer Operating, L.P. 0.32% (cost: $9,998,223 due: 10/13/2020)
9,998,933
2.81
10,000,000
Energy Transfer Operating, L.P. 0.34% (cost: $9,999,525 due: 10/06/2020)
9,999,525
2.81
10,000,000
General Motors Financial Company, Inc. 0.27% (cost: $5,319,329 due: 10/05/2020)
5,319,842
1.49
5,320,000
General Motors Financial Company, Inc. 0.30% (cost: $4,998,542 due: 10/06/2020)
4,999,792
1.40
5,000,000
General Motors Financial Company, Inc. 0.21% (cost: $3,999,486 due: 10/22/2020)
3,999,510
1.12
4,000,000
General Motors Financial Company, Inc. 0.26% (cost: $4,998,916 due: 10/23/2020)
4,999,206
1.40
5,000,000
Glencore Funding LLC 0.36% (cost: $7,494,525 due: 10/08/2020)
7,499,475
2.10
7,500,000
Glencore Funding LLC 0.30% (cost: $4,997,542 due: 10/08/2020)
4,999,708
1.40
5,000,000
Glencore Funding LLC 0.20% (cost: $7,498,458 due: 10/30/2020)
7,498,791
2.10
7,500,000
Humana Inc. 0.14% (cost: $9,996,653 due: 12/23/2020)
9,996,771
2.81
10,000,000
Hyundai Capital America, Inc. 0.30% (cost: $7,495,500 due: 10/16/2020)
7,499,063
2.10
7,500,000
Hyundai Capital America, Inc. 0.15% (cost: $12,495,312 due: 12/01/2020)
12,496,823
3.51
12,500,000
Jabil Inc. 0.45% (cost: $6,994,138 due: 11/16/2020)
6,995,975
1.96
7,000,000
Jabil Inc. 0.47% (cost: $4,996,018 due: 11/16/2020)
4,996,998
1.40
5,000,000
Jabil Inc. 0.47% (cost: $7,993,213 due: 11/25/2020)
7,994,256
2.24
8,000,000
WGL Holdings, Inc. 0.18% (cost: $9,748,912 due: 10/13/2020)
9,749,406
2.74
9,750,000
Total Commercial Paper (cost: $159,008,657)
$ 159,031,237
44.60 %
Total Cash Equivalents
$ 246,908,366
69.26 %
Notional Amount
(Long Exposure)
Commodity futures contracts
United States corn futures contracts
CBOT corn futures MAR21 (2,760 contracts)
$ 4,313,255
1.21 %
$ 53,578,500
CBOT corn futures MAY21 (2,333 contracts)
1,662,864
0.47
45,901,775
CBOT corn futures DEC21 (2,726 contracts)
2,752,470
0.77
53,361,450
United States soybean futures contracts
CBOT soybean futures JAN21 (875 contacts)
4,270,950
1.20
44,942,188
CBOT soybean futures MAR21 (756 contracts)
1,327,385
0.37
38,593,800
CBOT soybean futures NOV21 (933 contracts)
2,625,764
0.74
45,087,225
United States sugar futures contracts
ICE sugar futures MAY21 (270 contracts)
171,948
0.05
3,997,728
ICE sugar futures JUL21 (238 contracts)
15,583
0.00
3,438,624
ICE sugar futures MAR22 (276 contracts)
177,242
0.05
4,009,286
United States wheat futures contracts
CBOT wheat futures MAR21 (766 contracts)
1,614,291
0.45
22,357,625
CBOT wheat futures MAY21 (652 contracts)
762,978
0.21
19,111,750
CBOT wheat futures DEC21 (742 contracts)
1,734,136
0.49
22,111,600
Total commodity futures contracts
$ 21,428,866
6.01 %
$ 356,491,551
Percentage of
Notional Amount
Description: Liabilities
Fair Value
Net Assets
(Long Exposure)
Exchange-traded funds*
Shares
Teucrium Corn Fund
$ 290,014
0.08 %
22,058
Teucrium Soybean Fund
288,447
0.08
18,181
Teucrium Sugar Fund
286,480
0.08
46,924
Teucrium Wheat Fund
285,997
0.08
50,037
Total exchange-traded funds (cost $1,364,454)
$ 1,150,938
0.32 %
*The Trust eliminates the shares owned by the Teucrium Agricultural Fund from its combined statements of assets and liabilities due to the fact that these represent holdings of the Underlying Funds owned by the Teucrium Agricultural Fund, which are included as shares outstanding of the Underlying Funds.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
5
Table of Contents
TEUCRIUM COMMODITY TRUST
COMBINED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2019
Percentage of
Description: Assets
Fair Value
Net Assets
Shares
Cash equivalents
Money market funds
Fidelity Institutional Money Market Funds - Government Portfolio 1.50% (cost $3,060)
$ 3,060
0.00 %
3,060
Principal Amount
U.S. Treasury Obligations
U.S. Treasury Bills 1.53% (cost: $6,609,673 due 01/30/2020) (a)(b)
$ 6,611,271
3.94 %
6,619,000
Commercial Paper
Broadcom Inc. 2.01% (cost: $4,984,445 due 01/09/20)
$ 4,997,778
2.98 %
5,000,000
CNH Industrial Capital LLC 2.12% (cost: $4,975,210 due 01/10/20)
4,997,375
2.98
5,000,000
CNH Industrial Capital LLC 1.86% (cost: $4,987,924 due 01/06/20)
4,998,716
2.98
5,000,000
Energy Transfer Operating, L.P. 1.99% (cost: $4,987,626 due 01/31/20)
4,991,750
2.97
5,000,000
FMC Technologies, Inc. 1.93% (cost: $12,440,666 due 02/04/20)
12,477,333
7.43
12,500,000
FMC Technologies, Inc. 2.01% (cost: $4,977,779 due 03/06/20)
4,981,945
2.97
5,000,000
FMC Technologies, Inc. 1.86% (cost: $2,494,476 due 01/02/20)
2,499,872
1.49
2,500,000
General Motors Financial Company, Inc. 2.17% (cost: $2,486,562 due 01/02/20)
2,499,851
1.49
2,500,000
General Motors Financial Company, Inc. 2.15% (cost: $7,462,393 due 01/06/20)
7,497,782
4.47
7,500,000
General Motors Financial Company, Inc. 2.16% (cost: $9,947,094 due 01/15/20)
9,991,678
5.95
10,000,000
Jabil Inc. 2.15% (cost: $2,489,202 due 02/28/20)
2,491,421
1.48
2,500,000
Jabil Inc. 2.03% (cost: $2,488,637 due 02/28/20)
2,491,864
1.48
2,500,000
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. 2.12% (cost: $4,975,500 due 01/09/20)
4,997,666
2.98
5,000,000
Total Commercial Paper (total cost: $69,697,514)
$ 69,915,031
41.65 %
Total Cash Equivalents
$ 76,529,362
45.59 %
Notional Amount
(Long Exposure)
Commodity futures contracts
United States corn futures contracts
CBOT corn futures MAY20 (1,334 contracts)
$ 583,610
0.35 %
$ 26,329,825
CBOT corn futures JUL20 (1,126 contracts)
781,445
0.47
22,576,300
United States soybean futures contracts
CBOT soybean futures MAR20 (207 contracts)
345,319
0.21
9,889,425
CBOT soybean futures MAY20 (175 contracts)
247,987
0.15
8,476,563
CBOT soybean futures NOV20 (200 contracts)
338,590
0.20
9,787,500
United States sugar futures contracts
ICE sugar futures MAY20 (284 contracts)
88,865
0.05
4,306,803
ICE sugar futures JUL20 (241 contracts)
223,677
0.13
3,687,107
ICE sugar futures MAR21 (268 contracts)
34,887
0.02
4,316,301
United States wheat futures contracts
CBOT wheat futures MAY20 (650 contracts)
2,113,350
1.26
18,256,875
CBOT wheat futures JUL20 (556 contracts)
892,498
0.53
15,665,300
CBOT wheat futures DEC20 (634 contracts)
2,062,628
1.23
18,314,675
Total commodity futures contracts
$ 7,712,856
4.60 %
$ 141,606,674
Percentage of
Notional Amount
Description: Liabilities
Fair Value
Net Assets
(Long Exposure)
Commodity futures contracts
United States corn futures contracts
CBOT corn futures DEC20 (1,308 contracts)
$ 581,574
0.35 %
$ 26,323,500
Exchange-traded funds*
Shares
Teucrium Corn Fund
$ 360,286
0.21 %
24,308
Teucrium Soybean Fund
371,397
0.22
23,431
Teucrium Sugar Fund
373,786
0.22
53,124
Teucrium Wheat Fund
371,411
0.22
63,637
Total exchange-traded funds (cost $1,908,649)
$ 1,476,880
0.87 %
*The Trust eliminates the shares owned by the Teucrium Agricultural Fund from its combined statements of assets and liabilities due to the fact that these represent holdings of the Underlying Funds owned by the Teucrium Agricultural Fund, which are included as shares outstanding of the Underlying Funds.
(a) Discount yield at the time of purchase inclusive of collateral fees.
(b) The security is held by the broker as collateral for open futures contracts.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
6
Table of Contents
TEUCRIUM COMMODITY TRUST
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
Three months
ended
Three months
ended
Nine months
ended
Nine months
ended
September 30,
2020
September 30,
2019
September 30,
2020
September 30,
2019
Income
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on trading of commodity futures contracts:
Realized gain (loss) on commodity futures contracts
$ 5,135,178
$ ( 3,640,771 )
$ ( 4,142,159 )
$ ( 15,961,816 )
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on commodity futures contracts
25,250,892
( 8,566,065 )
14,297,584
4,034,630
Interest income
189,590
1,140,175
1,178,703
3,227,990
Total income (loss)
30,575,660
( 11,066,661 )
11,334,128
( 8,699,196 )
Expenses
Management fees
629,881
463,045
1,370,646
1,242,392
Professional fees
203,202
241,424
961,686
876,660
Distribution and marketing fees
768,315
708,227
2,047,260
2,005,420
Custodian fees and expenses
114,154
102,650
298,189
276,070
Business permits and licenses fees
73,705
25,330
182,649
79,636
General and administrative expenses
57,443
68,651
233,715
214,077
Brokerage commissions
-
-
-
41,273
Other expenses
2,734
8,503
2,759
24,064
Total expenses
1,849,434
1,617,830
5,096,904
4,759,592
Expenses waived by the Sponsor
( 401,702 )
( 51,196 )
( 818,719 )
( 283,839 )
Total expenses, net
1,447,732
1,566,634
4,278,185
4,475,753
Net income (loss)
$ 29,127,928
$ ( 12,633,295 )
$ 7,055,943
$ ( 13,174,949 )
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
7
Table of Contents
TEUCRIUM COMMODITY TRUST
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
(Unaudited)
Nine months
ended
Nine months
ended
September 30,
2020
September 30,
2019
Operations
Net income (loss)
$ 7,055,943
$ ( 13,174,949 )
Capital transactions
Issuance of Shares
279,799,802
67,257,986
Redemption of Shares
( 98,585,169 )
( 24,847,563 )
Net change in the cost of the Underlying Funds
211,896
3,329
Total capital transactions
181,426,529
42,413,752
Net change in net assets
188,482,472
29,238,803
Net assets, beginning of period
167,906,597
150,251,160
Net assets, end of period
$ 356,389,069
$ 179,489,963
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
8
Table of Contents
TEUCRIUM COMMODITY TRUST
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
Nine months
ended
Nine months
ended
September 30,
2020
September 30,
2019
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)
$ 7,055,943
$ ( 13,174,949 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:
Net change in unrealized appreciation on commodity futures contracts
( 14,297,584 )
( 4,034,630 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Due from broker
( 4,127,995 )
4,514,061
Interest receivable
( 18,128 )
( 462 )
Other assets
( 10,018 )
( 62,438 )
Due to broker
( 4,387,950 )
-
Management fee payable to Sponsor
112,348
7,988
Payable for purchases of commercial paper
9,999,526
( 14,951,548 )
Capital shares payable
657,390
-
Other liabilities
193,088
60,170
Net cash used in operating activities
( 4,823,380 )
( 27,641,808 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from sale of Shares
279,799,802
67,257,986
Redemption of Shares
( 98,585,169 )
( 24,847,563 )
Net change in cost of the Underlying Funds
211,896
3,329
Net cash provided by financing activities
181,426,529
42,413,752
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
176,603,149
14,771,944
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of period
166,081,885
159,250,322
Cash and cash equivalents end of period
$ 342,685,034
$ 174,022,266
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
9
Table of Contents
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)
Note 1 - Organization and Operation
Teucrium Commodity Trust (“Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust organized on September 11, 2009, is a series trust consisting of five series: Teucrium Corn Fund (“CORN”), Teucrium Sugar Fund (“CANE”), Teucrium Soybean Fund (“SOYB”), Teucrium Wheat Fund (“WEAT”), and Teucrium Agricultural Fund (“TAGS”). All these series of the Trust are collectively referred to as the “Funds” and singularly as the “Fund.” Each Fund is a commodity pool that is a series of the Trust. The Funds issue common units, called the “Shares,” representing fractional undivided beneficial interests in a Fund. Effective as of April 26, 2019, the Trust and the Funds operate pursuant to the Trust’s Fifth Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust and Trust Agreement (the “Trust Agreement”).
On June 7, 2010, the initial Form S-1 for CORN was declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). On June 8, 2010, four Creation Baskets for CORN were issued representing 200,000 shares and $ 5,000,000 . CORN began trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) Arca on June 9, 2010. The current registration statement for CORN was declared effective by the SEC on October 2, 2020. The registration statement for CORN registered an additional 20,000,000 shares.
On June 13, 2011, the initial Forms S-1 for CANE, SOYB, and WEAT were declared effective by the SEC. On September 16, 2011, two Creation Baskets were issued for each Fund, representing 100,000 shares and $ 2,500,000 , for CANE, SOYB, and WEAT. On September 19, 2011, CANE, SOYB, and WEAT started trading on the NYSE Arca. The current registration statements for CANE was declared effective by the SEC on October 2, 2020. This registration statement for CANE registered an additional 15,000,000 shares. The current registration statements for SOYB was declared effective by the SEC on August 24, 2020. This registration statement for SOYB registered an additional 15,000,000 shares. The current registration statement for WEAT was declared effective on April 29, 2019. This registration statement for WEAT registered an additional 30,000,000 shares.
On February 10, 2012, the Form S-1 for TAGS was declared effective by the SEC. On March 27, 2012, six Creation Baskets for TAGS were issued representing 300,000 shares and $ 15,000,000 . TAGS began trading on the NYSE Arca on March 28, 2012. The current registration statement for TAGS was declared effective by the SEC on April 30, 2018.
The Sponsor is a member of the National Futures Association (the “NFA”) and became a commodity pool operator (“CPO”) registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”) effective November 10, 2009. The Sponsor registered as a Commodity Trading Advisor (“CTA”) with the CFTC effective September 8, 2017.
The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC and, therefore, do not include all information and footnote disclosures required under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The financial information included herein is unaudited; however, such financial information reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for the fair presentation of the Fund’s financial statements for the interim period. It is suggested that these interim financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes included in the Trust’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as the most recent Form S-1 filing, as applicable. The operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2020.
Subject to the terms of the Trust Agreement, Teucrium Trading, LLC in its capacity as the Sponsor (“Sponsor”) may terminate a Fund at any time, regardless of whether the Fund has incurred losses, including, for instance, if it determines that the Fund’s aggregate net assets in relation to its operating expenses make the continued operation of the Fund unreasonable or imprudent. However, no level of losses will require the Sponsor to terminate a Fund.
Note 2 - Principal Contracts and Agreements
The Sponsor employs U.S. Bank N.A. as the Custodian for the Funds. The principal business address for U.S. Bank N.A is 1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212. U.S. Bank N.A. is a Wisconsin state-chartered bank subject to regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Wisconsin State Banking Department. The principal address for U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“Global Fund Services”) is 615 E. Michigan Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202. In addition, effective on the Conversion Date, Global Fund Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of U.S. Bank, commenced serving as administrator for each Fund, performing certain administrative and accounting services and preparing certain SEC reports on behalf of the Funds, and also became the registrar and transfer agent for each Fund’s Shares. For such services, U.S. Bank and Global Fund Services will receive an asset-based fee, subject to a minimum annual fee.
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For custody services, the Funds will pay to U.S. Bank N.A. 0.0075% of average gross assets up to $1 billion, and .0050% of average gross assets over $1 billion, annually, plus certain per-transaction charges. For Transfer Agency, Fund Accounting and Fund Administration services, which are based on the total assets for all the Funds in the Trust, the Funds will pay to Global Fund Services 0.06% of average gross assets on the first $250 million, 0.05% on the next $250 million, 0.04% on the next $500 million and 0.03% on the balance over $1 billion annually. A combined minimum annual fee of up to $64,500 for custody, transfer agency, accounting and administrative services is assessed per Fund. These services are recorded in custodian fees and expenses on the combined statements of operations. A summary of these expenses is included below.
The Sponsor employs Foreside Fund Services, LLC (“Foreside” or the “Distributor”) as the Distributor for the Funds. The Distribution Services Agreement among the Distributor and the Sponsor calls for the Distributor to work with the Custodian in connection with the receipt and processing of orders for Creation Baskets and Redemption Baskets and the review and approval of all Fund sales literature and advertising materials. The Distributor and the Sponsor have also entered into a Securities Activities and Service Agreement (the “SASA”) under which certain employees and officers of the Sponsor are licensed as registered representatives or registered principals of the Distributor, under Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) rules. For its services as the Distributor, Foreside receives a fee of 0.01% of the Fund’s average daily net assets and an aggregate annual fee of $100,000 for all Teucrium Funds, along with certain expense reimbursements. For its services under the SASA, Foreside receives a fee of $5,000 per registered representative and $1,000 per registered location. These services are recorded in distribution and marketing fees on the combined statements of operations. A summary of these expenses is included below. Pursuant to a Consulting Services Agreement, Foreside Consulting Services, LLC, performs certain consulting support services for the Trust’s Sponsor. Additionally, Foreside Distributors, LLC performs certain distribution consulting services pursuant to a Distribution Consulting Agreement with the Trust’s Sponsor.
ED&F Man Capital Markets, Inc. (“ED&F Man”) serves as the Underlying Funds’ clearing broker to execute and clear the Underlying Funds’ futures and provide other brokerage-related services. ED&F Man is registered as an FCM with the U.S. CFTC and is a member of the NFA. ED&F Man is also registered as a broker/dealer with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and is a member of the FINRA. ED&F Man is a clearing member of ICE Futures U.S., Inc., Chicago Board of Trade, Chicago Mercantile Exchange, New York Mercantile Exchange, and all other major United States commodity exchanges. For Corn, Soybean, Sugar and Wheat Futures Contracts ED&F Man is paid $9.00 per round turn . Prior to August 21, 2019, these expenses were recorded in brokerage commissions on the combined statements of operations. Beginning on August 21, 2019, these expenses were recognized on a per-trade basis. The half-turn is recognized as an unrealized loss on the combined statements of operations for contracts that have been purchased since the change in recognition, and a full turn is recognized as a realized loss on the combined statements of operations when a contract is sold. A summary of these expenses as they were included prior to the change is included below. A complete breakdown of brokerage commissions is presented in Note 3.
The sole Trustee of the Trust is Wilmington Trust Company, a Delaware banking corporation. The Trustee will accept service of legal process on the Trust in the State of Delaware and will make certain filings under the Delaware Statutory Trust Act. For its services, the Trustee receives an annual fee of $ 3,300 from the Trust. These services are recorded in business permits and licenses fees on the combined statements of operations. A summary of these expenses is included below.
The Sponsor employs Thales Capital Partners LLC (TCP) as the Marketing Agent. TCP is registered as a Broker-Dealer with the SEC and a member of Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and SIPC. TCP receives an annual fee of $90,000 and an additional 0.0015% of average daily net assets in referred accounts for distribution and solicitation-related services. This additional fee is determined by an agreed upon level of assets at the time of signing the contract. These services are recorded in distribution and marketing fees on the combined statements of operations. A summary of these expenses is included below:
Three months
ended
September 30,
2020
Three months
ended
September 30,
2019
Nine months
ended
September 30,
2020
Nine months
ended
September 30,
2019
Amount Recognized for Custody Services
$ 114,155
$ 102,650
$ 298,189
$ 276,070
Amount of Custody Services Waived
$ 18,742
$ 2,296
$ 34,084
$ 21,863
Amount Recognized for Distribution Services
$ 38,382
$ 39,330
$ 117,804
$ 112,738
Amount of Distribution Services Waived
$ 15,640
$ 1,996
$ 18,115
$ 5,895
Amount Recognized for Brokerage Commissions
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ 41,273
Amount of Brokerage Commissions Waived
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
Amount Recognized for Wilmington Trust
$ -
$ 3,300
$ -
$ 3,300
Amount of Wilmington Trust Waived
$ -
$ 243
$ -
$ 243
Amount Recognized for TCP
$ 22,500
$ -
$ 67,500
$ -
Amount of TCP Waived
$ 6,977
$ -
$ 8,754
$ -
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Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on a combined basis in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) as detailed in the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification and include the accounts of the Trust, CORN, CANE, SOYB, WEAT and TAGS. Refer to the accompanying separate financial statements for each Fund for more detailed information. For the periods represented by the financial statements herein the operations of the Trust contain the results of CORN, SOYB, CANE, WEAT, and TAGS except for eliminations for TAGS as explained below for the months during which each Fund was in operation.
Given the investment objective of TAGS as described in Note 1 above, TAGS will buy, sell and hold, as part of its normal operations, shares of the four Underlying Funds. The Trust eliminates the shares of the other series of the Trust owned by the Teucrium Agricultural Fund from its combined statements of assets and liabilities. The Trust eliminates the net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on securities owned by the Teucrium Agricultural Fund from its combined statements of operations. The combined statements of changes in net assets and cash flows present a net presentation of the purchases and sales of the Underlying Funds of TAGS.
Revenue Recognition
Commodity futures contracts are recorded on the trade date. All such transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis and marked to market daily. Unrealized appreciation or depreciation on commodity futures contracts are reflected in the combined statements of operations as the difference between the original contract amount and the fair market value as of the last business day of the year or as of the last date of the financial statements. Beginning on August 21, 2019, brokerage commission expenses were recognized on a per-trade basis. The half-turn is recognized as an unrealized loss on the combined statements of operations for contracts that have been purchased since the change in recognition, and a full turn is recognized as a realized loss on the combined statements of operations when a contract is sold. Changes in the appreciation or depreciation between periods are reflected in the combined statements of operations. Interest on cash equivalents with financial institutions are recognized on the accrual basis. The Funds earn interest on funds held at the custodian and other financial institutions at prevailing market rates for such investments.
The Sponsor invests a portion of cash in commercial paper, which is deemed a cash equivalent based on the rating and duration of contracts as described in the notes to the combined financial statements and reflected in cash and cash equivalents on the combined statements of assets and liabilities and in cash and cash equivalents cash on the combined statements of cash flows. Accretion on these investments are recognized using the effective interest method in U.S. dollars and included in interest income on the combined statements of operations.
The Sponsor invests a portion of the cash held by the broker in short term Treasury Bills as collateral for open futures contracts. Accretion on these investments are recognized using the effective interest method in U.S. dollars and included in interest income on the combined statements of operations.
The Sponsor adopted ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts With Customers, for the year ended December 31, 2018. The adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements of the Trust or the Funds.
Brokerage Commissions
Beginning on August 21, 2019, the Sponsor began recognizing the expense for brokerage commissions for futures contract trades on a per-trade basis. Prior to the change, brokerage commissions on all open commodity futures contracts were accrued on the trade date and on a full-turn basis. The below table shows the amounts included on the combined statements of operations as unrealized losses attributed to brokerage commissions as of September 30, 2020 and 2019.
CORN
SOYB
CANE
WEAT
TAGS
TRUST
September 30, 2020
September 30, 2020
September 30, 2020
September 30, 2020
September 30, 2020
September 30, 2020
Unrealized Loss Attributed to Brokerage Commissions
$ 35,186
$ 11,538
$ 3,528
$ 9,720
$ -
$ 73,014
Total Brokerage Commissions paid including unrealized loss
$ 113,925
$ 25,211
$ 13,554
$ 29,059
$ 1
$ 299,011
CORN
SOYB
CANE
WEAT
TAGS
TRUST
September 30, 2019
September 30, 2019
September 30, 2019
September 30, 2019
September 30, 2019
September 30, 2019
Unrealized Loss Attributed to Brokerage Commissions
$ 7,443
$ 950
$ 1,355
$ 3,294
$ -
$ 13,042
Total Brokerage Commissions paid including unrealized loss
$ 64,228
$ 10,035
$ 11,816
$ 33,915
$ -
$ 119,994
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Income Taxes
The Trust is organized and will be operated as a Delaware statutory trust. For federal income tax purposes, each Fund will be treated as a publicly traded partnership. A publicly traded partnership is generally treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes unless 90% or more of the publicly traded partnership’s gross income for each taxable year of its existence consists of qualifying income as defined in section 7704(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Qualifying income is defined as generally including, in pertinent part, interest (other than from a financial business), dividends, and gains from the sale or disposition of capital assets held for the production of interest or dividends. In the case of a partnership of which a principal activity is the buying and selling of commodities, other than as inventory, or of futures, forwards and options with respect to commodities, qualifying income also includes income and gains from commodities and from futures, forwards, options with respect to commodities and, provided the partnership is a trader or investor with respect to such assets, swaps and other notional principal contracts with respect to commodities. Each Fund expects that at least 90% of the Fund’s gross income for each taxable year will consist of qualifying income and that the Fund will be taxed as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. Therefore, the Funds do not record a provision for income taxes because the shareholders report their share of a Fund’s income or loss on their income tax returns. The financial statements reflect the Funds’ transactions without adjustment, if any, required for income tax purposes.
The Funds are 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 related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Funds file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and may file income tax returns in various U.S. states and foreign jurisdictions. For all tax years 2017 to 2019, the Funds remain subject to income tax examinations by major taxing authorities. 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 the Funds recording a tax liability that reduces net assets. Based on their analysis, the Funds have determined that they have not incurred any liability for unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 2020 and for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017. However, the Funds’ conclusions regarding this policy may be subject to review and adjustment at a later date based on factors including, but not limited to, ongoing analysis of and changes to tax laws, regulations, and interpretations thereof.
The Funds recognize 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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.
The Funds may be subject to potential examination by U.S. federal, U.S. state, or foreign jurisdictional authorities in the area of income taxes. These potential examinations may include questioning the timing and amount of deductions, the nexus of income among various tax jurisdictions, and compliance with U.S. federal, U.S. state and foreign tax laws.
Creations and Redemptions
Authorized Purchasers may purchase Creation Baskets from each Fund. The amount of the proceeds required to purchase a Creation Basket will be equal to the NAV of the shares in the Creation Basket determined as of 4:00 p.m. (EST) time on the day the order to create the basket is properly received.
Authorized Purchasers may redeem shares from each Fund only in blocks of shares called “Redemption Baskets.” The amount of the redemption proceeds for a Redemption Basket will be equal to the NAV of the shares in the Redemption Basket determined as of 4:00 p.m. (EST) on the day the order to redeem the basket is properly received.
Each Fund receives or pays the proceeds from shares sold or redeemed within three business days after the trade date of the purchase or redemption. The amounts due from Authorized Purchasers are reflected in the statements of assets and liabilities as receivable for shares sold. Amounts payable to Authorized Purchasers upon redemption are reflected in the statements of assets and liabilities as payable for shares redeemed.
There are a minimum number of baskets and associated Shares specified for each Fund in the Fund’s respective prospectus, as amended from time to time. If a Fund experienced redemptions that caused the number of Shares outstanding to decrease to the minimum level of Shares required to be outstanding, until the minimum number of Shares is again exceeded through the purchase of a new Creation Basket, there can be no more redemptions by an Authorized Purchaser. These minimum levels are as follows:
CORN: 50,000 shares representing 2 baskets
SOYB: 50,000 shares representing 2 baskets
CANE: 50,000 shares representing 2 baskets
WEAT: 50,000 shares representing 2 baskets
TAGS: 50,000 shares representing 4 baskets
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Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments with maturity dates of 90 days or less when acquired. The Trust reported its cash equivalents in the combined statements of assets and liabilities at market value, or at carrying amounts that approximate fair value, because of their highly liquid nature and short-term maturities. Each Fund that is a series of the Trust has the balance of its cash equivalents on deposit with financial institutions. The Trust holds a balance in money market funds that is included in cash and cash equivalents on the combined statements of assets and liabilities. The Sponsor invests a portion of the available cash for the Funds in alternative demand deposit savings accounts, which is classified as cash and not as cash equivalents. Assets deposited with the bank may, at times, exceed federally insured limits. The Sponsor invested a portion of the available cash for the Funds in investment grade commercial paper with durations of 90 days or less, which is classified as a cash equivalent and is not FDIC insured. The Sponsor invests a portion of the cash held by the broker in short term Treasury Bills as collateral for open futures contracts, which is classified as a cash equivalent and is not FDIC insured.
September 30,
2020
December 31,
2019
Money Market Funds
$ 87,877,129
$ 3,060
Demand Deposit Savings Accounts
95,776,668
89,552,523
Commercial Paper
159,031,237
69,915,031
Treasury Bills
-
6,611,271
Total cash and cash equivalents as presented on the combined Statement of Assets and Liabilities
$ 342,685,034
$ 166,081,885
Payable for Purchases of Commercial Paper
The amount recorded by the Trust for commercial paper transactions awaiting settlement, which represents the amount payable for contracts purchased but not yet settled as of the reporting date. The value of the contract is included in cash and cash equivalents, and the payable amount is included as a liability.
Due from/to Broker
The amount recorded by the Trust for the amount due from and to the clearing broker includes, but is not limited to, cash held by the broker, amounts payable to the clearing broker related to open transactions, payables for commodities futures accounts liquidating to an equity balance on the clearing broker’s records, and amounts of brokerage commissions paid and recognized as unrealized losses.
Margin is the minimum amount of funds that must be deposited by a commodity interest trader with the trader’s broker to initiate and maintain an open position in futures contracts. A margin deposit acts to assure the trader’s performance of the futures contracts purchased or sold. Futures contracts are customarily bought and sold on initial margin that represents a very small percentage 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 the Funds’ clearing brokers, carrying accounts for traders in commodity interest contracts generally require higher amounts of margin as a matter of policy to further protect themselves. Over-the-counter trading generally involves the extension of credit between counterparties, so the counterparties may agree to require the posting of collateral by one or both parties to address credit exposure.
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.
Ongoing or “maintenance” margin requirements are computed each day by a trader’s clearing broker. When the market value of a particular open futures contract 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 trader’s position. With respect to the Funds’ trading, the Funds (and not their shareholders personally) are 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.
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Payable/Receivable for Securities Purchased/Sold
Due from/to broker for investments in securities are securities transactions pending settlement. The Trust and the Funds are subject to credit risk to the extent any broker with whom it conducts business is unable to fulfill contractual obligations on its behalf. The management of the Trust and the Funds monitors the financial condition of such brokers and does not anticipate any losses from these counterparties. From inception through September 11, 2019, the principal broker through which the Trust and TAGS can execute securities transaction for TAGS was the Bank of New York Mellon Capital Markets. Effective September 11, 2019, the principal broker through which the Trust and TAGS can execute securities transactions for TAGS is U.S. Bank N.A.
Sponsor Fee, Allocation of Expenses and Related Party Transactions
The Fund’s sponsor is Teucrium Trading, LLC (the “Sponsor”). The Sponsor is responsible for investing the assets of the Funds in accordance with the objectives and policies of each Fund. In addition, the Sponsor arranges for one or more third parties to provide administrative, custodial, accounting, transfer agency and other necessary services to the Trust and the Funds. In addition, the Sponsor elected not to outsource services directly attributable to the Trust and the Funds such as accounting, financial reporting, regulatory compliance and trading activities. In addition, the Funds, except for TAGS which has no such fee, are contractually obligated to pay a monthly management fee to the Sponsor, based on average daily net assets, at a rate equal to 1.00% per annum.
The Funds pay for all brokerage fees, taxes and other expenses, including licensing fees for the use of intellectual property, registration or other fees paid to the SEC, FINRA (formerly the National Association of Securities Dealers) or any other regulatory agency in connection with the offer and sale of subsequent Shares, after its initial registration, and all legal, accounting, printing and other expenses associated therewith. The Funds also pay the fees and expenses associated with the Trust’s tax accounting and reporting requirements. Certain aggregate expenses common to all Funds within the Trust are allocated by the Sponsor to the respective Fund based on activity drivers deemed most appropriate by the Sponsor for such expenses, including but not limited to relative assets under management and creation order activity.
These aggregate common expenses include, but are not limited to, legal, auditing, accounting and financial reporting, tax-preparation, regulatory compliance, trading activities, and insurance costs, as well as fees paid to the Distributor, which are included in the related line item in the combined statements of operations. A portion of these aggregate common expenses are related to the Sponsor or related parties of principals of the Sponsor; these are necessary services to the Trust and the Funds, which are primarily the cost of performing accounting and financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and trading activities that are directly attributable to the Trust and the Funds. Such expenses are primarily included as distribution and marketing fees.
Three months
ended
September 30,
2020
Three months
ended
September 30,
2019
Nine months
ended
September 30,
2020
Nine months
ended
September 30,
2019
Recognized Related Party Transactions
$ 478,615
$ 438,631
$ 1,550,852
$ 1,556,231
Waived Related Party Transactions
$ 253,990
$ 36,859
$ 438,897
$ 113,416
The Sponsor has the ability to elect to pay certain expenses on behalf of the Funds or waive the management fee. This election is subject to change by the Sponsor, at its discretion. Expenses paid by the Sponsor and Management fees waived by the Sponsor are, if applicable, presented as waived expenses in the statements of operations for each Fund. The Sponsor has determined that there would be no recovery sought for the amounts below in any future period.
CORN
SOYB
CANE
WEAT
TAGS
TRUST
Three months ended September 30, 2020
$ 190,244
$ 159,329
$ 32,961
$ 16,384
$ 2,784
$ 401,702
Three months ended September 30, 2019
$ 10,000
$ -
$ 37,193
$ -
$ 4,003
$ 51,196
Nine months ended September 30, 2020
$ 385,819
$ 236,376
$ 146,853
$ 16,384
$ 33,287
$ 818,719
Nine months ended September 30, 2019
$ 15,639
$ 96,303
$ 136,629
$ 2,500
$ 32,768
$ 283,839
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management 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 could differ from those estimates.
Fair Value - Definition and Hierarchy
In accordance with U.S. GAAP, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
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Table of Contents
In determining fair value, the Trust uses various valuation approaches. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, a fair value hierarchy for inputs is used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are those that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Trust. Unobservable inputs reflect the Trust’s assumptions about the inputs market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The fair value hierarchy is categorized into three levels based on the inputs as follows:
Level 1 - Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Trust has the ability to access. Valuation adjustments and block discounts are not applied to Level 1 futures contracts held by CORN, SOYB, CANE and WEAT, the securities of the Underlying Funds held by TAGS, and any other securities held by any Fund, together referenced throughout this filing as “financial instruments.” Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these securities does not entail a significant degree of judgment.
Level 2 - Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3 - Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.
The availability of valuation techniques and observable inputs can vary from financial instrument to financial instrument and is affected by a wide variety of factors including, the type of financial instrument, whether the financial instrument is new and not yet established in the marketplace, and other characteristics particular to the transaction. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Those estimated values do not necessarily represent the amounts that may be ultimately realized due to the occurrence of future circumstances that cannot be reasonably determined. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, those estimated values may be materially higher or lower than the values that would have been used had a ready market for the financial instruments existed. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Fund in determining fair value is greatest for financial instruments categorized in Level 3. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy, within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls, is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant rather than an entity-specific measure. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, the Trust’s own assumptions are set to reflect those that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. The Trust uses prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date, including periods of market dislocation. In periods of market dislocation, the observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for many financial instruments. This condition could cause a financial instrument to be reclassified to a lower level within the fair value hierarchy. For instance, when Corn Futures Contracts on the Chicago Board of Trade (“CBOT”) are not actively trading due to a “limit-up” or ‘limit-down” condition, meaning that the change in the Corn Futures Contracts has exceeded the limits established, the Trust and the Fund will revert to alternative verifiable sources of valuation of its assets. When such a situation exists on a quarter close, the Sponsor will calculate the NAV on a particular day using the Level 1 valuation, but will later recalculate the NAV for the impacted Fund based upon the valuation inputs from these alternative verifiable sources (Level 2 or Level 3) and will report such NAV in its applicable financial statements and reports.
On September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, in the opinion of the Trust, the reported value at the close of the market for each commodity contract fairly reflected the value of the futures and no alternative valuations were required. The determination is made as of the settlement of the futures contracts on the last day of trading for the reporting period. In making the determination of a Level 1 or Level 2 transfer, the Funds consider the average volume of the specific underlying futures contracts traded on the relevant exchange for the periods being reported.
For the quarter ending June 30, 2020, the DEC21 Wheat Futures Contracts traded on the CBOT did not, in the opinion of the Trust and WEAT, trade in an actively traded futures market as defined in the policy of the Trust and WEAT for the entire period during which they were held. Accordingly, the Trust and WEAT classified these as a Level 2 asset. The DEC21 Wheat Contracts were, in the opinion of the Trust and WEAT, fairly valued at settlement on June 30, 2020. The value of these contracts was $533,160, these transferred back to a Level 1 asset for the quarter ending September 30, 2020 as shown in Note 4.
The Funds and the Trust record their derivative activities at fair value. Gains and losses from derivative contracts are included in the statements of operations. Derivative contracts include futures contracts related to commodity prices. Futures, which are listed on a national securities exchange, such as the CBOT and the ICE, or reported on another national market, are generally categorized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. OTC derivatives contracts (such as forward and swap contracts), which may be valued using models, depending on whether significant inputs are observable or unobservable, are categorized in Levels 2 or 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
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Table of Contents
Investments in the securities of the Underlying Funds are freely traded and listed on the NYSE Arca. These investments are valued at the NAV of the Underlying Fund as of the valuation date as calculated by the administrator based on the exchange-quoted prices of the commodity futures contracts held by the Underlying Fund.
Expenses
Expenses are recorded using the accrual method of accounting.
New Accounting Pronouncements
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2020-02: “Financial Instruments Credit Losses (Topic 326) and Leases (Topic 842): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 119 and Update to SEC Section on Effective Date Related to Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The amendment updates and adds language to ASU 2016-02. The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended March 31, 2020; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Funds.
The FASB issued ASU 2020-01: Investments Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) Clarifying the Interactions between Topic 321, Topic 323, and Topic 815. The amendments clarify the treatment of transactions that require a company to apply or discontinue the equity method of accounting. The amendments were adopted early for the quarter ended March 31, 2020; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Funds.
The FASB issued 2019-07: “Codification Updates to SEC Sections: Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Final Rule Releases No. 3310532, Disclosure Update and Simplification, and Nos. 33-10231 and 33-10442, Investment Company Reporting Modernization, and Miscellaneous Updates.” The amendments improve, update, and simplify the SEC’s regulations on financial reporting and disclosure. The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended September 30, 2019; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Funds.
The FASB issued ASU 2019-04: “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments.” The amendments clarify and improve areas of guidance related to the recently issued standards on credit losses, hedging, and recognition and measurement, specifically relating to ASU 201712. The amendments were early adopted for the quarter ended June 30, 2019; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Funds.
The FASB issued ASU 2019-01: “Leases (Topic 842): Codification Improvements. These amendments align the guidance for fair value of underlying assets by lessors that are not manufacturers or dealers in Topic 842 with that of existing guidance. The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended September 30, 2020; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Funds.
The FASB issued ASU 2018-13: “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. These amendments modify public and private company fair value disclosure requirements. While some disclosures were removed or modified, others were added. The guidance is a result of the FASB’s test of the principals developed to improve the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to the financial statements. The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended March 31, 2020; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Funds.
The FASB issued ASU 2017-13, “Revenue Recognition (Topic 605), Leases (Topic 840), and Leases (Topic 842): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to the Staff Announcement at the July 20, 2017 EITF Meeting and Rescission of Prior SEC Staff Announcements and Observer Comments”. The amendment amends the early adoption date option for certain companies related to adoption of ASU No. 2014-09 and ASU No. 2016-02. The SEC staff stated the SEC would not object to a public business entity that otherwise would not meet the definition of a public business entity except for a requirement to include or the inclusion of its financial statements or financial information in another entity’s filing with the SEC adopting ASC Topic 842 for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended September 30, 2020; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Funds.
The FASB issued ASU 2017-12, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities”. These amendments refine and expand hedge accounting for both financial (e.g., interest rate) and commodity risks. Its provisions create more transparency around how economic results are presented, both on the face of the financial statements and in the footnotes. It also makes certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of hedge accounting guidance. The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended March 31, 2019; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Funds.
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The FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842).” The amendments in this update increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended March 31, 2019; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Funds.
Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements
The Trust’s assets and liabilities recorded at fair value have been categorized based upon a fair value hierarchy as described in the Trust’s significant accounting policies in Note 3. The following table presents information about the Trust’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019:
September 30, 2020
Assets:
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Balance as of September 30, 2020
Cash Equivalents
$ 246,908,366
$ -
$ -
$ 246,908,366
Commodity Futures Contracts
Corn futures contracts
8,728,589
-
-
$ 8,728,589
Soybean futures contracts
8,224,099
-
-
$ 8,224,099
Sugar futures contracts
364,773
-
-
$ 364,773
Wheat futures contracts
4,111,405
-
-
$ 4,111,405
Total
$ 268,337,232
$ -
$ -
$ 268,337,232
December 31, 2019
Assets:
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Balance as of December 31, 2019
Cash Equivalents
$ 76,529,362
$ -
$ -
$ 76,529,362
Commodity Futures Contracts
Corn futures contracts
1,365,055
-
-
$ 1,365,055
Soybean futures contracts
931,896
-
-
$ 931,896
Sugar futures contracts
347,429
-
-
$ 347,429
Wheat futures contracts
5,068,476
-
-
$ 5,068,476
Total
$ 84,242,218
$ -
$ -
$ 84,242,218
Liabilities
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Balance as of December 31, 2019
Commodity Futures Contracts
Corn futures contracts
$ 581,574
$ -
$ -
$ 581,574
For the period ending September 30, 2020 and year ended December 31, 2019, the Funds did not have any significant transfers between any levels of the fair value hierarchy, except for the DEC 21 CBOT Wheat contracts held by WEAT, which were reflected as a Level 2 investment for the period ended June 30, 2020 due to the quarterly average daily volume for the contract, and which were transferred back to a Level 1 asset for the quarter ending September 30, 2020.
See the Fair Value - Definition and Hierarchy section in Note 3 above for an explanation of the transfers into and out of each level of the fair value hierarchy.
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
In the normal course of business, the Funds utilize derivative contracts in connection with its proprietary trading activities. Investments in derivative contracts are subject to additional risks that can result in a loss of all or part of an investment. The Funds’ derivative activities and exposure to derivative contracts are classified by the following primary underlying risks: interest rate, credit, commodity price, and equity price risks. In addition to its primary underlying risks, the Funds are also subject to additional counter-party risk due to inability of its counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and year ended December 31, 2019, the Funds invested only in commodity futures contracts specifically related to each Fund.
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Futures Contracts
The Funds are subject to commodity price risk in the normal course of pursuing their investment objectives. A futures contract represents a commitment for the future purchase or sale of an asset at a specified price on a specified date.
The purchase and sale of futures contracts requires margin deposits with an FCM. Subsequent payments (variation margin) are made or received by each Fund each day, depending on the daily fluctuations in the value of the contract, and are recorded as unrealized gains or losses by each Fund. Futures contracts may reduce the Funds’ exposure to counter-party risk since futures contracts are exchange-traded; and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as the counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees the futures against default.
The Commodity Exchange Act requires an FCM to segregate all customer transactions and assets from the FCM’s proprietary activities. A customer’s cash and other equity deposited with an FCM are considered commingled with all other customer funds subject to the FCM’s segregation requirements. In the event of an FCM’s insolvency, recovery may be limited to each Fund’s pro rata share of segregated customer funds available. It is possible that the recovery amount could be less than the total of cash and other equity deposited.
The following table discloses information about offsetting assets and liabilities presented in the statements of assets and liabilities to enable users of these financial statements to evaluate the effect or potential effect of netting arrangements for recognized assets and liabilities. These recognized assets and liabilities are presented as defined in the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-11 “Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities” and subsequently clarified in FASB ASU 2013-01 “Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.”
The following table also identifies the fair value amounts of derivative instruments included in the statements of assets and liabilities as derivative contracts, categorized by primary underlying risk and held by the FCM, ED&F Man as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
Offsetting of Financial Assets and Derivative Assets as of September 30, 2020
(i)
(ii)
(iii) = (i)-(ii)
(iv)
(v)=(iii)-(iv)
Gross Amount Not Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Description
Gross Amount of Recognized Assets
Gross Amount Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Net Amount Presented in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Futures Contracts Available for Offset
Collateral, Due to Broker
Net Amount
Commodity Price
Corn futures contracts
$ 8,728,589
$ -
$ 8,728,589
$ -
$ -
$ 8,728,589
Soybeans futures contracts
$ 8,224,099
$ -
$ 8,224,099
$ -
$ 752,176
$ 7,471,923
Sugar futures contracts
$ 364,773
$ -
$ 364,773
$ -
$ -
$ 364,773
Wheat futures contracts
$ 4,111,405
$ -
$ 4,111,405
$ -
$ -
$ 4,111,405
Offsetting of Financial Assets and Derivative Assets as of December 31, 2019
(i)
(ii)
(iii) = (i)-(ii)
(iv)
(v)=(iii)-(iv)
Gross Amount Not Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Description
Gross Amount of Recognized Assets
Gross Amount Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Net Amount Presented in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Futures Contracts Available for Offset
Collateral, Due to Broker
Net Amount
Commodity Price
Corn futures contracts
$ 1,365,055
$ -
$ 1,365,055
$ 581,574
$ -
$ 783,481
Soybeans futures contracts
$ 931,896
$ -
$ 931,896
$ -
$ 643,808
$ 288,088
Sugar futures contracts
$ 347,429
$ -
$ 347,429
$ -
$ 237,908
$ 109,521
Wheat futures contracts
$ 5,068,476
$ -
$ 5,068,476
$ -
$ 4,258,410
$ 810,066
Offsetting of Financial Liabilities and Derivative Liabilities as of December 31, 2019
(i)
(ii)
(iii) = (i)-(ii)
(iv)
(v)=(iii)-(iv)
Gross Amount Not Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Description
Gross Amount of Recognized Liabilities
Gross Amount Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Net Amount Presented in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Futures Contracts Available for Offset
Collateral, Due from Broker
Net Amount
Commodity Price
Corn futures contracts
$ 581,574
$ -
$ 581,574
$ 581,574
$ -
$ -
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The following is a summary of realized and unrealized gains (losses) of the derivative instruments utilized by the Trust:
Three months ended September 30, 2020
Realized Gain on Commodity Futures Contracts
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation on Commodity Futures Contracts
Commodity Price
Corn futures contracts
$ 400,170
$ 10,737,739
Soybean futures contracts
$ 2,919,491
$ 8,101,755
Sugar futures contracts
$ 184,149
$ 484,253
Wheat futures contracts
$ 1,631,368
$ 5,927,145
Total commodity futures contracts
$ 5,135,178
$ 25,250,892
Three months ended September 30, 2019
Realized (Loss) Gain on Commodity Futures Contracts
Net Change in Unrealized Depreciation on Commodity Futures Contracts
Commodity Price
Corn futures contracts
$ ( 2,067,780 )
$ ( 4,814,068 )
Soybean futures contracts
$ 133,912
$ ( 626,737 )
Sugar futures contracts
$ ( 153,090 )
$ ( 389,491 )
Wheat futures contracts
$ ( 1,553,813 )
$ ( 2,735,769 )
Total commodity futures contracts
$ ( 3,640,771 )
$ ( 8,566,065 )
Nine months ended September 30, 2020
Realized (Loss) Gain on Commodity Futures Contracts
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Commodity Futures Contracts
Commodity Price
Corn futures contracts
$ ( 6,379,024 )
$ 7,945,108
Soybean futures contracts
$ 1,201,373
$ 7,292,203
Sugar futures contracts
$ ( 763,390 )
$ 17,344
Wheat futures contracts
$ 1,798,882
$ ( 957,071 )
Total commodity futures contracts
$ ( 4,142,159 )
$ 14,297,584
Nine months ended September 30, 2019
Realized (Loss) Gain on Commodity Futures Contracts
Net Change in Unrealized (Depreciation) Appreciation on Commodity Futures Contracts
Commodity Price
Corn futures contracts
$ ( 5,160,830 )
$ ( 397,531 )
Soybean futures contracts
$ ( 1,019,501 )
$ 615,338
Sugar futures contracts
$ 139,578
$ ( 598,583 )
Wheat futures contracts
$ ( 9,921,063 )
$ 4,415,406
Total commodity futures contracts
$ ( 15,961,816 )
$ 4,034,630
Volume of Derivative Activities
The average notional market value categorized by primary underlying risk for the futures contracts held was $ 277.2 million and $ 179.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 and $ 193.5 million and $ 161.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.
Note 6 - Organizational and Offering Costs
Expenses incurred in organizing of the Trust and the initial offering of the shares, including applicable SEC registration fees, were borne directly by the Sponsor for the Funds and will be borne directly by the Sponsor for any series of the Trust which is not yet operating or will be issued in the future. The Trust will not be obligated to reimburse the Sponsor.
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Note 7 - Detail of the net assets and shares outstanding of the Funds that are a series of the Trust
The following are the net assets and shares outstanding of each Fund that is a series of the Trust and, thus, in total, comprise the combined net assets of the Trust:
September 30, 2020
Outstanding
Shares
Net Assets
Teucrium Corn Fund
11,625,004
$ 152,842,949
Teucrium Soybean Fund
8,100,004
128,509,361
Teucrium Sugar Fund
1,875,004
11,447,240
Teucrium Wheat Fund
11,125,004
63,587,353
Teucrium Agricultural Fund:
Net assets including the investment in the Underlying Funds
65,502
1,153,104
Less: Investment in the Underlying Funds
( 1,150,938 )
Net for the Fund in the combined net assets of the Trust
2,166
Total
$ 356,389,069
December 31, 2019
Outstanding
Shares
Net Assets
Teucrium Corn Fund
5,075,004
$
75,220,190
Teucrium Soybean Fund
1,775,004
28,135,131
Teucrium Sugar Fund
1,750,004
12,313,180
Teucrium Wheat Fund
8,950,004
52,236,196
Teucrium Agricultural Fund:
Net assets including the investment in the Underlying Funds
75,002
1,478,780
Less: Investment in the Underlying Funds
( 1,476,880
)
Net for the Fund in the combined net assets of the Trust
1,900
Total
$
167,906,597
The detailed information for the subscriptions and redemptions, and other financial information for each Fund that is a series of the Trust are included in the accompanying financial statements of each Fund.
Note 8 - Subsequent Events
Management has evaluated the financial statements for the quarter-ended September 30, 2020 for subsequent events through the date of this filing and noted no material events requiring either recognition through the date of the filing or disclosure herein for the Trust and Funds other than those noted below:
Trust:
The impact of COVID-19 is evolving rapidly, and such events can be highly disruptive to economies and markets. The impact of COVID-19 to the Trust and the Funds is described in more detail in Part 2 of this 10-Q.
CORN:
Nothing to report.
SOYB:
The total net assets for the fund decreased by $ 32,577,435 , or 25 %, for the period September 30, 2020 through November 6, 2020. This was driven by a 30 % decrease in the shares outstanding and partially offset by a 6 % increase in the net asset value per share.
CANE:
Nothing to report.
WEAT:
Nothing to report.
TAGS:
The total net assets for the fund increased by $ 295,916 , or 26 %, for the period September 30, 2020 through November 6, 2020. This was driven by a 20 % increase in the shares outstanding and by a 5 % increase in the net asset value per share.
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TEUCRIUM CORN FUND
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
September 30,
2020
December 31,
2019
(Unaudited)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 147,245,827
$ 74,521,123
Interest receivable
7,534
106
Other assets
10,422
-
Equity in trading accounts:
Commodity futures contracts
8,728,589
1,365,055
Due from broker
2,725,688
4,252
Total equity in trading accounts
11,454,277
1,369,307
Total assets
$ 158,718,060
$ 75,890,536
Liabilities
Management fee payable to Sponsor
106,069
65,233
Payable for purchases of commercial paper
4,999,763
-
Other liabilities
111,889
23,539
Capital shares payable
657,390
-
Equity in trading accounts:
Commodity futures contracts
-
581,574
Total liabilities
5,875,111
670,346
Net assets
$ 152,842,949
$ 75,220,190
Shares outstanding
11,625,004
5,075,004
Shares Authorized
8,225,000
10,125,000
Net asset value per share
$ 13.15
$ 14.82
Market value per share
$ 13.11
$ 14.80
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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TEUCRIUM CORN FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)
Percentage of
Description: Assets
Fair Value
Net Assets
Shares
Cash equivalents
Money market funds
First American Governemnt Obligations Fund - Class X (cost $34,562,215)
$ 34,562,215
22.61 %
34,562,215
Blackrock Liquidity FedFund - Institutional Class (cost $4,695,008)
4,695,008
3.07
4,695,008
Total money market funds (cost: $39,257,223)
$ 39,257,223
25.68 %
Commercial Paper
Cigna Corporation 0.15% (cost: $9,999,367 due 10/01/2020)
$ 10,000,000
6.54 %
10,000,000
Enable Midstream Partners, LP 0.28% (cost: $4,996,735 due 12/14/2020)
4,997,123
3.27
5,000,000
Enable Midstream Partners, LP 0.34% (cost: $2,498,040 due 12/15/2020)
2,498,229
1.63
2,500,000
Energy Transfer Operating, L.P. 0.32% (cost: $2,499,556 due 10/13/2020)
2,499,733
1.64
2,500,000
Energy Transfer Operating, L.P. 0.34% (cost: $4,999,763 due 10/06/2020)
4,999,763
3.27
5,000,000
General Motors Financial Company, Inc. 0.27% (cost: $5,319,329 due 10/05/2020)
5,319,842
3.48
5,320,000
General Motors Financial Company, Inc. 0.26% (cost: $2,499,458 due 10/23/2020)
2,499,603
1.63
2,500,000
Glencore Funding LLC 0.36% (cost: $4,996,350 due 10/08/2020)
4,999,650
3.27
5,000,000
Glencore Funding LLC 0.30% (cost: $2,498,771 due 10/08/2020)
2,499,854
1.64
2,500,000
Glencore Funding LLC 0.20% (cost: $2,499,486 due 10/30/2020)
2,499,597
1.64
2,500,000
Humana Inc. 0.14% (cost: $4,998,326 due 12/23/2020)
4,998,385
3.27
5,000,000
Hyundai Capital America, Inc. 0.15% (cost: $4,998,125 due 12/01/2020)
4,998,729
3.27
5,000,000
Jabil Inc. 0.45% (cost: $4,995,813 due 11/16/2020)
4,997,125
3.27
5,000,000
Jabil Inc. 0.47% (cost: $2,498,009 due 11/16/2020)
2,498,499
1.63
2,500,000
Jabil Inc. 0.47% (cost: $4,995,758 due 11/25/2020)
4,996,410
3.27
5,000,000
WGL Holdings, Inc. 0.18% (cost: $2,499,721 due 10/13/2020)
2,499,848
1.64
2,500,000
Total Commercial Paper (cost: $67,792,607)
$ 67,802,390
44.36 %
Total Cash Equivalents
$ 107,059,613
70.04 %
Notional Amount
(Long Exposure)
Commodity futures contracts
United States corn futures contracts
CBOT corn futures MAR21 (2,760 contracts)
$ 4,313,255
2.82 %
$ 53,578,500
CBOT corn futures MAY21 (2,333 contracts)
1,662,864
1.09
45,901,775
CBOT corn futures DEC21 (2,726 contracts)
2,752,470
1.80
53,361,450
Total commodity futures contracts
$ 8,728,589
5.71 %
$ 152,841,725
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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TEUCRIUM CORN FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2019
Percentage of
Description: Assets
Fair Value
Net Assets
Shares
Cash equivalents
Money market funds
Fidelity Institutional Money Market Funds - Government Portfolio 1.50% (cost $102)
$ 102
0.00 %
102
Principal Amount
U.S. Treasury Obligations
U.S. Treasury Bills 1.53% (cost: $3,263,392 due 01/30/2020) (a)(b)
$ 3,264,182
4.34 %
3,268,000
Commercial Paper
Broadcom Inc. 2.01% (cost: $4,984,445 due 01/09/2020)
$ 4,997,778
6.65 %
5,000,000
CNH Industrial Capital LLC 2.12% (cost: $4,975,210 due 01/10/2020)
4,997,375
6.65
5,000,000
FMC Technologies, Inc. 1.93% (cost: $4,976,267 due 02/04/2020)
4,990,933
6.64
5,000,000
FMC Technologies, Inc. 2.01% (cost: $4,977,779 due 03/06/2020)
4,981,945
6.62
5,000,000
General Motors Financial Company, Inc. 2.17% (cost: $2,486,562 due 01/02/2020)
2,499,851
3.32
2,500,000
General Motors Financial Company, Inc. 2.15% (cost: $2,487,131 due 01/06/2020)
2,499,261
3.32
2,500,000
General Motors Financial Company, Inc. 2.16% (cost: $4,973,547 due 01/15/2020)
4,995,839
6.64
5,000,000
Jabil Inc. 2.15% (cost: $2,489,202 due 02/28/2020)
2,491,421
3.31
2,500,000
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. 2.12% (cost: $2,487,750 due 01/09/2020)
2,498,833
3.32
2,500,000
Total Commercial Paper (cost: $34,837,893)
$ 34,953,236
46.47 %
Total Cash Equivalents
$ 38,217,520
50.81 %
Notional Amount
(Long Exposure)
Commodity futures contracts
United States corn futures contracts
CBOT corn futures MAY20 (1,334 contracts)
$ 583,610
0.77 %
$ 26,329,825
CBOT corn futures JUL20 (1,126 contracts)
781,445
1.04
22,576,300
Total commodity futures contracts
$ 1,365,055
1.81 %
$ 48,906,125
Percentage of
Notional Amount
Description: Liabilities
Fair Value
Net Assets
(Long Exposure)
Commodity futures contracts
CBOT corn futures DEC20 (1,308 contracts)
$ 581,574
0.77 %
$ 26,323,500
(a) Discount yield at the time of purchase inclusive of collateral fees.
(b) The security is held by the broker as collateral for open futures contracts.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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TEUCRIUM CORN FUND
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
Three months
ended
Three months
ended
Nine months
ended
Nine months
ended
September 30,
2020
September 30,
2019
September 30,
2020
September 30,
2019
Income
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on trading of commodity futures contracts:
Realized gain (loss) on commodity futures contracts
$ 400,170
$ ( 2,067,780 )
$ ( 6,379,024 )
$ ( 5,160,830 )
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on commodity futures contracts
10,737,739
( 4,814,068 )
7,945,108
( 397,531 )
Interest income
82,500
576,767
526,097
1,430,347
Total income (loss)
11,220,409
( 6,305,081 )
2,092,181
( 4,128,014 )
Expenses
Management fees
273,445
234,321
592,009
551,158
Professional fees
81,710
101,641
421,378
345,097
Distribution and marketing fees
388,178
379,590
1,008,276
863,852
Custodian fees and expenses
50,213
54,380
142,069
116,346
Business permits and licenses fees
29,583
4,687
62,552
13,826
General and administrative expenses
16,094
35,148
99,051
87,591
Brokerage commissions
-
-
-
18,768
Other expenses
2,734
4,687
2,734
11,023
Total expenses
841,957
814,454
2,328,069
2,007,661
Expenses waived by the Sponsor
( 190,244 )
( 10,000 )
( 385,819 )
( 15,639 )
Total expenses, net
651,713
804,454
1,942,250
1,992,022
Net income (loss)
$ 10,568,696
$ ( 7,109,535 )
$ 149,931
$ ( 6,120,036 )
Net income (loss) per share
$ 0.75
$ ( 1.18 )
$ ( 1.67 )
$ ( 0.89 )
Net income (loss) per weighted average share
$ 1.20
$ ( 1.19 )
$ 0.02
$ ( 1.31 )
Weighted average shares outstanding
8,795,384
5,986,961
6,183,033
4,665,389
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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TEUCRIUM CORN FUND
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
(Unaudited)
Nine months
ended
Nine months
ended
September 30,
2020
September 30,
2019
Operations
Net income (loss)
$ 149,931
$ ( 6,120,036 )
Capital transactions
Issuance of Shares
144,765,321
43,738,918
Redemption of Shares
( 67,292,493 )
( 3,034,375 )
Total capital transactions
77,472,828
40,704,543
Net change in net assets
77,622,759
34,584,507
Net assets, beginning of period
$ 75,220,190
$ 56,379,057
Net assets, end of period
$ 152,842,949
$ 90,963,564
Net asset value per share at beginning of period
$ 14.82
$ 16.11
Net asset value per share at end of period
$ 13.15
$ 15.22
Creation of Shares
11,900,000
2,675,000
Redemption of Shares
5,350,000
200,000
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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Table of Contents
TEUCRIUM CORN FUND
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
Nine months
ended
Nine months
ended
September 30,
2020
September 30,
2019
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)
$ 149,931
$ ( 6,120,036 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:
Net change in unrealized (appreciation)/depreciation on commodity futures contracts
( 7,945,108 )
397,531
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Due from broker
( 2,721,436 )
( 1,059,553 )
Interest receivable
( 7,428 )
( 268 )
Other assets
( 10,422 )
31
Management fee payable to Sponsor
40,836
20,599
Payable for purchases of commercial paper
4,999,763
( 4,981,957 )
Capital shares payable
657,390
-
Other liabilities
88,350
34,593
Net cash used in operating activities
( 4,748,124 )
( 11,709,060 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from sale of Shares
144,765,321
43,738,918
Redemption of Shares
( 67,292,493 )
( 3,034,375 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
77,472,828
40,704,543
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
72,724,704
28,995,483
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
74,521,123
58,910,133
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$ 147,245,827
$ 87,905,616
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)
Note 1 - Organization and Operation
Teucrium Corn Fund (referred to herein as “CORN,” or the “Fund”) is a commodity pool that is a series of Teucrium Commodity Trust (“Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust formed on September 11, 2009. The Fund issues common units, called the “Shares,” representing fractional undivided beneficial interests in the Fund. The Fund continuously offers Creation Baskets consisting of 25,000 Shares at their Net Asset Value (“NAV”) to “Authorized Purchasers” through Foreside Fund Services, LLC, which is the distributor for the Fund (the “Distributor”). Authorized Purchasers sell such Shares, which are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) Arca under the symbol “CORN,” to the public at per-Share offering prices that reflect, among other factors, the trading price of the Shares on the NYSE Arca, the NAV of the Fund at the time the Authorized Purchaser purchased the Creation Baskets and the NAV at the time of the offer of the Shares to the public, the supply of and demand for Shares at the time of sale, and the liquidity of the markets for corn interests. The Fund’s Shares trade in the secondary market on the NYSE Arca at prices that are lower or higher than their NAV per Share.
The investment objective of CORN is to have the daily changes in the NAV of the Fund’s Shares reflect the daily changes in the corn market for future delivery as measured by the Benchmark. The Benchmark is a weighted average of the closing settlement prices for three futures contracts for corn (“Corn Futures Contracts”) that are traded on the Chicago Board of Trade (“CBOT”):
CORN Benchmark
CBOT Corn Futures Contract
Weighting
Second to expire
35 %
Third to expire
30 %
December following the third to expire
35 %
The Fund commenced investment operations on June 9, 2010 and has a fiscal year ending on December 31. The Fund’s sponsor is Teucrium Trading, LLC (the “Sponsor”). The Sponsor is responsible for the management of the Fund. The Sponsor is registered as a commodity pool operator (“CPO”) and a commodity trading adviser (“CTA”) with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) and is a member of the National Futures Association (“NFA”).
On June 7, 2010, the initial Form S-1 for CORN was declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). On June 8, 2010, four Creation Baskets for CORN were issued representing 200,000 shares and $ 5,000,000 . CORN began trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) Arca on June 9, 2010. The current registration statement for CORN was declared effective by the SEC on October 2, 2020. The registration statement for CORN registered an additional 20,000,000 shares.
The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC and, therefore, do not include all information and footnote disclosures required under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The financial information included herein is unaudited; however, such financial information reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for the fair presentation of the Fund’s financial statements for the interim period. It is suggested that these interim financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes included in the Trust’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as the most recent Form S-1 filing, as applicable. The operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2020.
Subject to the terms of the Trust Agreement, Teucrium Trading, LLC, in its capacity as the Sponsor (“Sponsor”), may terminate a Fund at any time, regardless of whether the Fund has incurred losses, including, for instance, if it determines that the Fund’s aggregate net assets in relation to its operating expenses make the continued operation of the Fund unreasonable or imprudent. However, no level of losses will require the Sponsor to terminate a Fund.
Note 2 - Principal Contracts and Agreements
The Sponsor employs U.S. Bank N.A. as the Custodian for the Funds. The principal business address for U.S. Bank N.A is 1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212. U.S. Bank N.A. is a Wisconsin state-chartered bank subject to regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Wisconsin State Banking Department. The principal address for U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“Global Fund Services”) is 615 E. Michigan Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202. In addition, effective on the Conversion Date, Global Fund Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of U.S. Bank, commenced serving as administrator for each Fund, performing certain administrative and accounting services and preparing certain SEC reports on behalf of the Funds, and also became the registrar and transfer agent for each Fund’s Shares. For such services, U.S. Bank and Global Fund Services will receive an asset-based fee, subject to a minimum annual fee.
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For custody services, the Funds will pay to U.S. Bank N.A. 0.0075% of average gross assets up to $1 billion, and .0050% of average gross assets over $1 billion, annually, plus certain per-transaction charges. For Transfer Agency, Fund Accounting and Fund Administration services, which are based on the total assets for all the Funds in the Trust, the Funds will pay to Global Fund Services 0.06% of average gross assets on the first $250 million, 0.05% on the next $250 million, 0.04% on the next $500 million and 0.03% on the balance over $1 billion annually. A combined minimum annual fee of up to $64,500 for custody, transfer agency, accounting and administrative services is assessed per Fund. These services are recorded in custodian fees and expenses on the statements of operations. A summary of these expenses is included below.
The Sponsor employs Foreside Fund Services, LLC (“Foreside” or the “Distributor”) as the Distributor for the Funds. The Distribution Services Agreement among the Distributor and the Sponsor calls for the Distributor to work with the Custodian in connection with the receipt and processing of orders for Creation Baskets and Redemption Baskets and the review and approval of all Fund sales literature and advertising materials. The Distributor and the Sponsor have also entered into a Securities Activities and Service Agreement (the “SASA”) under which certain employees and officers of the Sponsor are licensed as registered representatives or registered principals of the Distributor, under Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) rules. For its services as the Distributor, Foreside receives a fee of 0.01% of the Fund’s average daily net assets and an aggregate annual fee of $100,000 for all Teucrium Funds, along with certain expense reimbursements. For its services under the SASA, Foreside receives a fee of $5,000 per registered representative and $1,000 per registered location. T hese services are recorded in distribution and marketing fees on the statements of operations. A summary of these expenses is included below. Pursuant to a Consulting Services Agreement, Foreside Consulting Services, LLC, performs certain consulting support services for the Trust’s Sponsor. Additionally, Foreside Distributors, LLC performs certain distribution consulting services pursuant to a Distribution Consulting Agreement with the Trust’s Sponsor.
ED&F Man Capital Markets, Inc. (“ED&F Man”) serves as the Underlying Funds’ clearing broker to execute and clear the Underlying Funds’ futures and provide other brokerage-related services. ED&F Man is registered as an FCM with the U.S. CFTC and is a member of the NFA. ED&F Man is also registered as a broker/dealer with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and is a member of the FINRA. ED&F Man is a clearing member of ICE Futures U.S., Inc., Chicago Board of Trade, Chicago Mercantile Exchange, New York Mercantile Exchange, and all other major United States commodity exchanges. For Corn, Soybean, Sugar and Wheat Futures Contracts ED&F Man is paid $9.00 per round turn . Prior to August 21, 2019, these expenses were recorded in brokerage commissions on the statements of operations. Beginning on August 21, 2019, these expenses were recognized on a per-trade basis. The half-turn is recognized as an unrealized loss on the statements of operations for contracts that have been purchased since the change in recognition, and a full turn is recognized as a realized loss on the statements of operations when a contract is sold. A summary of these expenses as they were included prior to the change is included below. A complete breakdown of brokerage commissions is presented in Note 3.
The sole Trustee of the Trust is Wilmington Trust Company, a Delaware banking corporation. The Trustee will accept service of legal process on the Trust in the State of Delaware and will make certain filings under the Delaware Statutory Trust Act. For its services, the Trustee receives an annual fee of $ 3,300 from the Trust. These services are recorded in business permits and licenses fees on the statements of operations. A summary of these expenses is included below.
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The Sponsor employs Thales Capital Partners LLC (TCP) as the Marketing Agent. TCP is registered as a Broker-Dealer with the SEC and a member of Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and SIPC. TCP receives an annual fee of $90,000 and an additional 0.0015% of average daily net assets in referred accounts for distribution and solicitation-related services. This additional fee is determined by an agreed upon level of assets at the time of signing the contract. These services are recorded in distribution and marketing fees on the statements of operations. A summary of these expenses is included below:
Three months
ended
September 30,
2020
Three months
ended
September 30,
2019
Nine months
ended
September 30,
2020
Nine months
ended
September 30,
2019
Amount Recognized for Custody Services
$ 50,213
$ 54,380
$ 142,069
$ 116,346
Amount of Custody Services Waived
$ 14,262
$ -
$ 24,262
$ -
Amount Recognized for Distribution Services
$ 18,062
$ 19,590
$ 57,732
$ 46,891
Amount of Distribution Services Waived
$ 1,490
$ -
$ 1,490
$ -
Amount Recognized for Brokerage Commissions
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ 18,768
Amount of Brokerage Commissions Waived
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
Amount Recognized for Wilmington Trust
$ -
$ 1,688
$ -
$ 1,688
Amount of Wilmington Trust Waived
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
Amount Recognized for TCP
$ 10,912
$ -
$ 33,671
$ -
Amount of TCP Waived
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) as detailed in the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification.
Revenue Recognition
Commodity futures contracts are recorded on the trade date. All such transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis and marked to market daily. Unrealized appreciation or depreciation on commodity futures contracts are reflected in the statements of operations as the difference between the original contract amount and the fair market value as of the last business day of the year or as of the last date of the financial statements. Beginning on August 21, 2019, brokerage commission expenses were recognized on a per-trade basis. The half-turn is recognized as an unrealized loss on the statements of operations for contracts that have been purchased since the change in recognition, and a full turn is recognized as a realized loss on the statements of operations when a contract is sold. Changes in the appreciation or depreciation between periods are reflected in the statements of operations. Interest on cash equivalents with financial institutions are recognized on the accrual basis. The Funds earn interest on funds held at the custodian and other financial institutions at prevailing market rates for such investments.
The Sponsor invests a portion of cash in commercial paper, which is deemed a cash equivalent based on the rating and duration of contracts as described in the notes to the financial statements and reflected in cash and cash equivalents on the statements of assets and liabilities and statements of cash flows. Accretion on these investments are recognized using the effective interest method in U.S. dollars and included in interest income on the statements of operations.
The Sponsor invests a portion of the cash held by the broker in short term Treasury Bills as collateral for open futures contracts. Accretion on these investments are recognized using the effective interest method in U.S. dollars and included in interest income on the combined statements of operations.
The Sponsor adopted ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts With Customers, for the year ended December 31, 2018. The adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements of the Trust or the Funds.
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Brokerage Commissions
Beginning on August 21, 2019, the Sponsor began recognizing the expense for brokerage commissions for futures contract trades on a per-trade basis. Prior to the change, brokerage commissions on all open commodity futures contracts were accrued on the trade date and on a full-turn basis. The below table shows the amounts included on the statements of operations as unrealized losses attributed to brokerage commissions as of September 30, 2020 and 2019.
CORN
September 30,
2020
September 30,
2019
Unrealized Loss Attributed to Brokerage Commissions
$
35,186
$
7,443
Total Brokerage Commissions paid including unrealized loss
$
113,925
$
64,228
Income Taxes
For federal income tax purposes, the Fund will be treated as a publicly traded partnership. A publicly traded partnership is generally treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes unless 90% or more of the publicly traded partnership’s gross income for each taxable year of its existence consists of qualifying income as defined in section 7704(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Qualifying income is defined as generally including, in pertinent part, interest (other than from a financial business), dividends, and gains from the sale or disposition of capital assets held for the production of interest or dividends. In the case of a partnership of which a principal activity is the buying and selling of commodities, other than as inventory, or of futures, forwards and options with respect to commodities, qualifying income also includes income and gains from commodities and from futures, forwards, options with respect to commodities and, provided the partnership is a trader or investor with respect to such assets, swaps and other notional principal contracts with respect to commodities. The Fund expects that at least 90% of the Fund’s gross income for each taxable year will consist of qualifying income and that the Fund will be taxed as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. The Fund does not record a provision for income taxes because the shareholders report their share of the Fund’s income or loss on their income tax returns. The financial statements reflect the Fund’s transactions without adjustment, if any, required for income tax purposes.
The Fund 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 related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Fund files an income tax return in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and may file income tax returns in various U.S. states and foreign jurisdictions. For all tax years 2017 to 2019, the Fund remains subject to income tax examinations by major taxing authorities. 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 the Fund recording a tax liability that reduces net assets. Based on its analysis, the Fund has determined that it has not incurred any liability for unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 2020 and for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017. However, the Fund’s conclusions regarding this policy may be subject to review and adjustment at a later date based on factors including, but not limited to, ongoing analysis of and changes to tax laws, regulations, and interpretations thereof.
The Fund 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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.
The Fund may be subject to potential examination by U.S. federal, U.S. state, or foreign jurisdictional authorities in the area of income taxes. These potential examinations may include questioning the timing and amount of deductions, the nexus of income among various tax jurisdictions, and compliance with U.S. federal, U.S. state and foreign tax laws.
Creations and Redemptions
Authorized Purchasers may purchase Creation Baskets consisting of 25,000 shares from CORN. The amount of the proceeds required to purchase a Creation Basket will be equal to the NAV of the shares in the Creation Basket determined as of 4:00 p.m. (EST) on the day the order to create the basket is properly received.
Authorized Purchasers may redeem shares from the Fund only in blocks of 25,000 shares called “Redemption Baskets.” The amount of the redemption proceeds for a Redemption Basket will be equal to the NAV of the shares in the Redemption Basket determined as of 4:00 p.m. (EST) on the day the order to redeem the basket is properly received.
The Fund receives or pays the proceeds from shares sold or redeemed within three business days after the trade date of the purchase or redemption. The amounts due from Authorized Purchasers are reflected in the Fund’s statements of assets and liabilities as receivable for shares sold. Amounts payable to Authorized Purchasers upon redemption are reflected in the Fund’s statements of assets and liabilities as payable for shares redeemed.
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As outlined in the most recent Form S-1 filing, 50,000 shares represent two Redemption Baskets for the Fund and a minimum level of shares. If the Fund experienced redemptions that caused the number of Shares outstanding to decrease to the minimum level of Shares required to be outstanding, until the minimum number of Shares is again exceeded through the purchase of a new Creation Basket, there can be no more redemptions by an Authorized Purchaser.
Allocation of Shareholder Income and Losses
Profit or loss is allocated among the shareholders of the Fund in proportion to the number of shares each shareholder holds as of the close of each month.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments with maturity dates of 90 days or less when acquired. The Trust reported its cash equivalents in the statements of assets and liabilities at market value, or at carrying amounts that approximate fair value, because of their highly liquid nature and short-term maturities. Each Fund that is a series of the Trust has the balance of its cash equivalents on deposit with financial institutions. The Trust holds a balance in money market funds that is included in cash and cash equivalents on the statements of assets and liabilities. The Sponsor invests a portion of the available cash for the Funds in alternative demand deposit savings accounts, which is classified as cash and not as cash equivalents. Assets deposited with the bank may, at times, exceed federally insured limits. The Sponsor invests a portion of the available cash for the Funds in investment grade commercial paper with durations of 90 days or less, which is classified as a cash equivalent and is not FDIC insured. The Sponsor invests a portion of the cash held by the broker in short term Treasury Bills as collateral for open futures contracts, which is classified as a cash equivalent and is not FDIC insured.
September 30,
2020
December 31,
2019
Money Market Funds
$ 39,257,223
$ 102
Demand Deposit Savings Accounts
40,186,214
36,303,603
Commercial Paper
67,802,390
34,953,236
Treasury Bills
-
3,264,182
Total cash and cash equivalents as presented on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
$ 147,245,827
$ 74,521,123
Payable for Purchases of Commercial Paper
The amount recorded by the Fund for commercial paper transactions awaiting settlement, which represents the amount payable for contracts purchased but not yet settled as of the reporting date. The value of the contract is included in cash and cash equivalents, and the payable amount is included as a liability.
Due from/to Broker
The amount recorded by the Fund for the amount due from and to the clearing broker includes, but is not limited to, cash held by the broker, amounts payable to the clearing broker related to open transactions, payables for commodities futures accounts liquidating to an equity balance on the clearing broker’s records and amounts of brokerage commissions paid and recognized as unrealized losses.
Margin is the minimum amount of funds that must be deposited by a commodity interest trader with the trader’s broker to initiate and maintain an open position in futures contracts. A margin deposit acts to assure the trader’s performance of the futures contracts purchased or sold. Futures contracts are customarily bought and sold on initial margin that represents a very small percentage 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 the Fund’s clearing brokers, carrying accounts for traders in commodity interest contracts generally require higher amounts of margin as a matter of policy to further protect themselves. Over-the-counter trading generally involves the extension of credit between counterparties, so the counterparties may agree to require the posting of collateral by one or both parties to address credit exposure.
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.
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Ongoing or “maintenance” margin requirements are computed each day by a trader’s clearing broker. When the market value of a particular open futures contract 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 trader’s position. With respect to the Fund’s trading, the Fund (and not its shareholders 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.
Calculation of Net Asset Value
The Fund’s NAV is calculated by:
●
Taking the current market value of its total assets and
●
Subtracting any liabilities.
The administrator, Global Fund Services, calculates the NAV of the Fund once each trading day. It calculates the NAV as of the earlier of the close of the NYSE or 4:00 p.m. (EST). The NAV for a particular trading day is released after 4:15 p.m. (EST).
In determining the value of Corn Futures Contracts, the administrator uses the CBOT closing price. The administrator determines the value of all other Fund investments as of the earlier of the close of the NYSE or 4:00 p.m. (EST). The value of over-the-counter corn interests is determined based on the value of the commodity or futures contract underlying such corn interest, except that a fair value may be determined if the Sponsor believes that the Fund is subject to significant credit risk relating to the counterparty to such corn interest. For purposes of financial statements and reports, the Sponsor will recalculate the NAV where necessary to reflect the “fair value” of a Futures Contract when the Futures Contract closes at its price fluctuation limit for the day. Short term Treasury securities held by the Fund are valued by the administrator using values received from recognized third-party vendors and dealer quotes. NAV includes any unrealized profit or loss on open corn interests and any other income or expense accruing to the Fund but unpaid or not received by the Fund.
Sponsor Fee, Allocation of Expenses and Related Party Transactions
The Sponsor is responsible for investing the assets of the Fund in accordance with the objectives and policies of the Fund. In addition, the Sponsor arranges for one or more third parties to provide administrative, custodial, accounting, transfer agency and other necessary services to the Trust and the Funds. In addition, the Sponsor elected not to outsource services directly attributable to the Trust and the Funds such as accounting, financial reporting, regulatory compliance and trading activities. In addition, the Fund is contractually obligated to pay a monthly management fee to the Sponsor, based on average daily net assets, at a rate equal to 1.00 % per annum.
1.00
The Fund generally pays for all brokerage fees, taxes and other expenses, including licensing fees for the use of intellectual property, registration or other fees paid to the SEC, FINRA, formerly the National Association of Securities Dealers, or any other regulatory agency in connection with the offer and sale of subsequent Shares after its initial registration and all legal, accounting, printing and other expenses associated therewith. The Fund also pays its portion of the fees and expenses associated with the Trust’s tax accounting and reporting requirements. Certain aggregate expenses common to all Funds within the Trust are allocated by the Sponsor to the respective funds based on activity drivers deemed most appropriate by the Sponsor for such expenses, including but not limited to relative assets under management and creation order activity.
These aggregate common expenses include, but are not limited to, legal, auditing, accounting and financial reporting, tax-preparation, regulatory compliance, trading activities, and insurance costs, as well as fees paid to the Distributor, which are included in the related line item in the statements of operations. A portion of these aggregate common expenses are related to the Sponsor or related parties of principals of the Sponsor; these are necessary services to the Funds, which are primarily the cost of performing accounting and financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and trading activities that are directly attributable to the Fund. Such expenses are primarily recorded as distribution and marketing fees on the statement of operations. All asset-based fees and expenses for the Funds are calculated on the prior day’s net assets.
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Three months
ended
September 30,
2020
Three months
ended
September 30,
2019
Nine months
ended
September 30,
2020
Nine months
ended
September 30,
2019
Recognized Related Party Transactions
$ 220,939
$ 220,563
$ 755,875
$ 635,975
Waived Related Party Transactions
$ 132,094
$ 10,000
$ 259,201
$ 14,500
The Sponsor has the ability to elect to pay certain expenses on behalf of the Funds or waive the management fee. This election is subject to change by the Sponsor, at its discretion. Expenses paid by the Sponsor and Management fees waived by the Sponsor are, if applicable, presented as waived expenses in the statements of operations for each Fund. The Sponsor has determined that there would be no recovery sought for the amounts below in any future period:
CORN
Three months ended September 30, 2020
$
190,244
Three months ended September 30, 2019
$
10,000
Nine months ended September 30, 2020
$
385,819
Nine months ended September 30, 2019
$
15,639
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management 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 could differ from those estimates.
Fair Value - Definition and Hierarchy
In accordance with U.S. GAAP, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
Level 1 - Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Fund has the ability to access. Valuation adjustments and block discounts are not applied to Level 1 financial instruments. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these financial instruments does not entail a significant degree of judgment.
Level 2 - Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3 - Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.
The availability of valuation techniques and observable inputs can vary from financial instrument to financial instrument and is affected by a wide variety of factors including, the type of financial instrument, whether the financial instrument is new and not yet established in the marketplace, and other characteristics particular to the transaction. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Those estimated values do not necessarily represent the amounts that may be ultimately realized due to the occurrence of future circumstances that cannot be reasonably determined. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, those estimated values may be materially higher or lower than the values that would have been used had a ready market for the financial instruments existed. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Fund in determining fair value is greatest for financial instruments categorized in Level 3. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy, within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls, is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
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Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant rather than an entity-specific measure. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, the Fund’s own assumptions are set to reflect those that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. The Fund uses prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date, including during periods of market dislocation. In periods of market dislocation, the observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for many securities. This condition could cause a financial instrument to be reclassified to a lower level within the fair value hierarchy. For instance, when Corn Futures Contracts on the CBOT are not actively trading due to a “limit-up” or limit-down” condition, meaning that the change in the Corn Futures Contracts has exceeded the limits established, the Trust and the Fund will revert to alternative verifiable sources of valuation of its assets. When such a situation exists on a quarter close, the Sponsor will calculate the Net Asset Value (“NAV”) on a particular day using the Level 1 valuation, but will later recalculate the NAV for the impacted Fund based upon the valuation inputs from these alternative verifiable sources (Level 2 or Level 3) and will report such NAV in its applicable financial statements and reports.
On September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, in the opinion of the Trust and the Fund, the reported value of the Corn Futures Contracts traded on the CBOT fairly reflected the value of the Corn Futures Contracts held by the Fund, and no adjustments were necessary. The determination is made as of the settlement of the futures contracts on the last day of trading for the reporting period. In making the determination of a Level 1 or Level 2 transfer, the Fund considers the average volume of the specific underlying futures contracts traded on the relevant exchange for the periods being reported.
For the three months ended September 30, 2020 and for the year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund did not have any significant transfers between any of the levels of the fair value hierarchy.
The Fund records its derivative activities at fair value. Gains and losses from derivative contracts are included in the statements of operations. Derivative contracts include futures contracts related to commodity prices. Futures, which are listed on a national securities exchange, such as the CBOT and the ICE, or reported on another national market, are generally categorized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. OTC derivatives contracts (such as forward and swap contracts) which may be valued using models, depending on whether significant inputs are observable or unobservable, are categorized in Levels 2 or 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Expenses
Expenses are recorded using the accrual method of accounting.
Net Income (Loss) per Share
Net income (loss) per share is the difference between the NAV per unit at the beginning of each period and at the end of each period. The weighted average number of units outstanding was computed for purposes of disclosing net income (loss) per weighted average unit. The weighted average units are equal to the number of units outstanding at the end of the period, adjusted proportionately for units created or redeemed based on the amount of time the units were outstanding during such period.
New Accounting Pronouncements
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2020-02: “Financial Instruments Credit Losses (Topic 326) and Leases (Topic 842): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 119 and Update to SEC Section on Effective Date Related to Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The amendment updates and adds language to ASU 2016-02. The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended March 31, 2020; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
The FASB issued ASU 2020-01: Investments Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) Clarifying the Interactions between Topic 321, Topic 323, and Topic 815. The amendments clarify the treatment of transactions that require a company to apply or discontinue the equity method of accounting. The amendments were adopted early for the quarter ended March 31, 2020; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
The FASB issued 2019-07: “Codification Updates to SEC Sections: Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Final Rule Releases No. 3310532, Disclosure Update and Simplification, and Nos. 33-10231 and 33-10442, Investment Company Reporting Modernization, and Miscellaneous Updates.” The amendments improve, update, and simplify the SEC’s regulations on financial reporting and disclosure. The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended September 30, 2019; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
The FASB issued ASU 2019-04: “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments.” The amendments clarify and improve areas of guidance related to the recently issued standards on credit losses, hedging, and recognition and measurement, specifically relating to ASU 201712. The amendments were early adopted for the quarter ended June 30, 2019; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
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The FASB issued ASU 2019-01: “Leases (Topic 842): Codification Improvements. These amendments align the guidance for fair value of underlying assets by lessors that are not manufacturers or dealers in Topic 842 with that of existing guidance.
The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended September 30, 2020; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
The FASB issued ASU 2018-13: “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. These amendments modify public and private company fair value disclosure requirements. While some disclosures were removed or modified, others were added. The guidance is a result of the FASB’s test of the principals developed to improve the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to the financial statements. The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended March 31, 2020; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
The FASB issued ASU 2017-13, “Revenue Recognition (Topic 605), Leases (Topic 840), and Leases (Topic 842): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to the Staff Announcement at the July 20, 2017 EITF Meeting and Rescission of Prior SEC Staff Announcements and Observer Comments”. The amendment amends the early adoption date option for certain companies related to adoption of ASU No. 2014-09 and ASU No. 2016-02. The SEC staff stated the SEC would not object to a public business entity that otherwise would not meet the definition of a public business entity except for a requirement to include or the inclusion of its financial statements or financial information in another entity’s filing with the SEC adopting ASC Topic 842 for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended September 30, 2020; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
The FASB issued ASU 2017-12, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities”. These amendments refine and expand hedge accounting for both financial (e.g., interest rate) and commodity risks. Its provisions create more transparency around how economic results are presented, both on the face of the financial statements and in the footnotes. It also makes certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of hedge accounting guidance. The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended March 31, 2019; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
The FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842).” The amendments in this update increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended March 31, 2019; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements
The Fund’s assets and liabilities recorded at fair value have been categorized based upon a fair value hierarchy as described in the Fund’s significant accounting policies in Note 3. The following table presents information about the Fund’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019:
September 30, 2020
Assets:
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Balance as of September 30, 2020
Cash Equivalents
$ 107,059,613
$ -
$ -
$ 107,059,613
Commodity Futures Contracts
Corn futures contracts
8,728,589
-
-
$ 8,728,589
Total
$ 115,788,202
$ -
$ -
$ 115,788,202
December 31, 2019
Assets:
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Balance as of December 31, 2019
Cash Equivalents
$ 38,217,520
$ -
$ -
$ 38,217,520
Commodity Futures Contracts
Corn futures contracts
1,365,055
-
-
1,365,055
Total
$ 39,582,575
$ -
$ -
$ 39,582,575
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Table of Contents
Liabilities
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Balance as of December 31, 2019
Cash Equivalents
Commodity Futures Contracts
Corn futures contracts
$ 581,574
$ -
$ -
$ 581,574
For the period ending September 30, 2020 and year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund did not have any significant transfers between any of the levels of the fair value hierarchy.
See the Fair Value - Definition and Hierarchy section in Note 3 above for an explanation of the transfers into and out of each level of the fair value hierarchy.
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
In the normal course of business, the Fund utilizes derivative contracts in connection with its proprietary trading activities. Investments in derivative contracts are subject to additional risks that can result in a loss of all or part of an investment. The Fund’s derivative activities and exposure to derivative contracts are classified by the following primary underlying risks: interest rate, credit, commodity price, and equity price risks. In addition to its primary underlying risks, the Fund is also subject to additional counterparty risk due to inability of its counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts. For three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund invested only in commodity futures contracts.
Futures Contracts
The Fund is subject to commodity price risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. A futures contract represents a commitment for the future purchase or sale of an asset at a specified price on a specified date.
The purchase and sale of futures contracts requires margin deposits with an FCM. Subsequent payments (variation margin) are made or received by the Fund each day, depending on the daily fluctuations in the value of the contract, and are recorded as unrealized gains or losses by the Fund. Futures contracts may reduce the Fund’s exposure to counterparty risk since futures contracts are exchange-traded; and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as the counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees the futures against default.
The Commodity Exchange Act requires an FCM to segregate all customer transactions and assets from the FCM’s proprietary activities. A customer’s cash and other equity deposited with an FCM are considered commingled with all other customer funds subject to the FCM’s segregation requirements. In the event of an FCM’s insolvency, recovery may be limited to the Fund’s pro rata share of segregated customer funds available. It is possible that the recovery amount could be less than the total of cash and other equity deposited.
The following table discloses information about offsetting assets and liabilities presented in the statements of assets and liabilities to enable users of these financial statements to evaluate the effect or potential effect of netting arrangements for recognized assets and liabilities. These recognized assets and liabilities are presented as defined in FASB ASU No. 2011-11 “Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities” and subsequently clarified in FASB ASU 2013-01 “Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.”
The following table also identifies the fair value amounts of derivative instruments included in the statements of assets and liabilities as derivative contracts, categorized by primary underlying risk and held by the FCM, ED&F Man as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
Offsetting of Financial Assets and Derivative Assets as of September 30, 2020
(i)
(ii)
(iii) = (i)-(ii)
(iv)
(v)=(iii)-(iv)
Gross Amount Not Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Description
Gross Amount of Recognized Assets
Gross Amount Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Net Amount Presented in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Futures Contracts Available for Offset
Collateral, Due to Broker
Net Amount
Commodity Price
Corn futures contracts
$ 8,728,589
$ -
$ 8,728,589
$ -
$ -
$ 8,728,589
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Table of Contents
Offsetting of Financial Assets and Derivative Assets as of December 31, 2019
(i)
(ii)
(iii) = (i)-(ii)
(iv)
(v)=(iii)-(iv)
Gross Amount Not Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Description
Gross Amount of Recognized Assets
Gross Amount Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Net Amount Presented in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Futures Contracts Available for Offset
Collateral, Due to Broker
Net Amount
Commodity Price
Corn futures contracts
$
1,365,055
$
-
$
1,365,055
$
581,574
$
-
$
783,481
Offsetting of Financial Liabilities and Derivative Liabilities as of December 31, 2019
(i)
(ii)
(iii) = (i)-(ii)
(iv)
(v)=(iii)-(iv)
Gross Amount Not Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Description
Gross Amount of Recognized Liabilities
Gross Amount Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Net Amount Presented in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Futures Contracts Available for Offset
Collateral, Due from Broker
Net Amount
Commodity Price
Corn futures contracts
$
581,574
$
-
$
581,574
$
581,574
$
-
$
-
The following tables identify the net gain and loss amounts included in the statements of operations as realized and unrealized gains and losses on trading of commodity futures contracts categorized by primary underlying risk:
Three months ended September 30, 2020
Realized Gain on Commodity Futures Contracts
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation on Commodity Futures Contracts
Commodity Price
Corn futures contracts
$ 400,170
$ 10,737,739
Three months ended September 30, 2019
Realized Loss on Commodity Futures Contracts
Net Change in Unrealized Depreciation on Commodity Futures Contracts
Commodity Price
Corn futures contracts
$ ( 2,067,780 )
$ ( 4,814,068 )
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Table of Contents
Nine months ended September 30, 2020
Realized Loss on Commodity Futures Contracts
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation on Commodity Futures Contracts
Commodity Price
Corn futures contracts
$ ( 6,379,024 )
$ 7,945,108
Nine months ended September 30, 2019
Realized Loss on Commodity Futures Contracts
Net Change in Unrealized Depreciation on Commodity Futures Contracts
Commodity Price
Corn futures contracts
$ ( 5,160,830 )
$ ( 397,531 )
Volume of Derivative Activities
The average notional market value categorized by primary underlying risk for the futures contracts held was $ 117.8 million and $ 91.5 million, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, and $ 83.3 million and $ 71.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.
Note 6 - Financial Highlights
The following tables present per unit performance data and other supplemental financial data for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. This information has been derived from information presented in the financial statements and is presented with total expenses gross of expenses waived by the Sponsor and with total expenses net of expenses waived by the Sponsor, as appropriate.
Three months
ended
Three months
ended
Nine months
ended
Nine months
ended
September 30,
2020
September 30,
2019
September 30,
2020
September 30,
2019
Per Share Operation Performance
Net asset value at beginning of period
$ 12.40
$ 16.40
$ 14.82
$ 16.11
Income from investment operations:
Investment income
0.01
0.10
0.08
0.31
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on commodity futures contracts
0.81
( 1.15 )
( 1.44 )
( 0.77 )
Total expenses, net
( 0.07 )
( 0.13 )
( 0.31
)
( 0.43 )
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value
0.75
( 1.18 )
( 1.67 )
( 0.89 )
Net asset value at end of period
$ 13.15
$ 15.22
$ 13.15
$ 15.22
Total Return
6.00 %
( 7.20 )%
( 11.29 )%
( 5.52 )%
Ratios to Average Net Assets (Annualized)
Total expenses
3.08 %
3.48 %
3.93 %
3.64 %
Total expenses, net
2.38 %
3.43 %
3.28 %
3.61 %
Net investment loss
( 2.08 )%
( 0.97 )%
( 2.39 )%
( 1.02 )%
The financial highlights per share data are calculated consistent with the methodology used to calculate asset-based fees and expenses.
Note 7 - Organizational and Offering Costs
Expenses incurred in organizing of the Trust and the initial offering of the Shares of the Fund, including applicable SEC registration fees were borne directly by the Sponsor. The Fund will not be obligated to reimburse the Sponsor.
Note 8 - Subsequent Events
Management has evaluated the financial statements for the quarter-ended September 30, 2020 for subsequent events through the date of this filing and noted no material events requiring either recognition through the date of the filing or disclosure herein for the Fund other than those noted below:
The impact of COVID-19 is evolving rapidly, and such events can be highly disruptive to economies and markets. The impact of COVID-19 to the Fund is described in more detail in Part 2 of this 10-Q.
39
Table of Contents
TEUCRIUM SOYBEAN FUND
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
September 30,
2020
December 31,
2019
(Unaudited)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 126,155,451
$ 27,874,691
Interest receivable
5,925
42
Other assets
-
4,370
Equity in trading accounts:
Commodity futures contracts
8,224,099
931,896
Total assets
$ 134,385,475
$ 28,810,999
Liabilities
Management fee payable to Sponsor
87,375
23,139
Payable for purchase of commercial paper
4,999,763
-
Other liabilities
36,800
8,921
Equity in trading accounts:
Due to broker
752,176
643,808
Total liabilities
5,876,114
675,868
Net assets
$ 128,509,361
$ 28,135,131
Shares outstanding
8,100,004
1,775,004
Shares authorized
17,100,000
9,700,000
Net asset value per share
$ 15.87
$ 15.85
Market value per share
$ 15.84
$ 15.83
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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TEUCRIUM SOYBEAN FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)
Percentage of
Description: Assets
Fair Value
Net Assets
Shares
Cash equivalents
Money market funds
First American Funds - Government Obligations Fund - Class X (cost $30,783,400)
$ 30,783,400
23.95 %
30,783,400
Blackrock Liquidity FedFund - Institutional Class (cost $3,455,866)
3,455,866
2.69
3,455,866
Total money market funds (cost: $34,239,266)
$ 34,239,266
26.64 %
Principal Amount
Commercial Paper
Cigna Corporation 0.15% (cost: $9,999,368 due 10/01/2020)
$ 10,000,000
7.78 %
10,000,000
Enable Midstream Partners, LP 0.28% (cost: $2,498,367 due 12/14/2020)
2,498,562
1.94
2,500,000
Enable Midstream Partners, LP 0.34% (cost: $2,498,040 due 12/15/2020)
2,498,229
1.94
2,500,000
Energy Transfer Operating, L.P. 0.32% (cost: $2,499,556 due 10/13/2020)
2,499,733
1.95
2,500,000
Energy Transfer Operating, L.P. 0.34% (cost: $4,999,762 due 10/06/2020)
4,999,762
3.89
5,000,000
General Motors Financial Company, Inc. 0.30% (cost: $4,998,542 due 10/06/2020)
4,999,792
3.89
5,000,000
General Motors Financial Company, Inc. 0.26% (cost: $2,499,458 due 10/23/2020)
2,499,603
1.94
2,500,000
General Motors Financial Company, Inc. 0.21% (cost: $1,999,743 due 10/22/2020)
1,999,755
1.56
2,000,000
Glencore Funding LLC 0.30% (cost: $2,498,771 due 10/08/2020)
2,499,854
1.95
2,500,000
Humana Inc. 0.14% (cost: $4,998,327 due 12/23/2020)
4,998,386
3.89
5,000,000
Hyundai Capital America, Inc. 0.30% (cost: $4,997,000 due 10/16/2020)
4,999,375
3.89
5,000,000
Hyundai Capital America, Inc. 0.15% (cost: $4,998,125 due 12/01/2020)
4,998,729
3.89
5,000,000
Jabil Inc. 0.45% (cost: $1,998,325 due 11/16/2020)
1,998,850
1.56
2,000,000
Jabil Inc. 0.47% (cost: $2,498,009 due 11/16/2020)
2,498,499
1.94
2,500,000
WGL Holdings, Inc. 0.18% (cost: $5,249,414 due 10/13/2020)
5,249,680
4.09
5,250,000
Total Commercial Paper (cost: $59,230,807)
$ 59,238,809
46.10 %
Total Cash Equivalents
$ 93,478,075
72.74 %
Notional Amount
(Long Exposure)
Commodity futures contracts
United States soybean futures contracts
CBOT soybean futures JAN21 (875 contacts)
$ 4,270,950
3.33 %
$ 44,942,188
CBOT soybean futures MAR21 (756 contracts)
1,327,385
1.03
$ 38,593,800
CBOT soybean futures NOV21 (933 contracts)
2,625,764
2.04
45,087,225
Total commodity futures contracts
$ 8,224,099
6.40 %
$ 128,623,213
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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TEUCRIUM SOYBEAN FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2019
Percentage of
Description: Assets
Fair Value
Net Assets
Shares
Cash equivalents
Money market funds
Fidelity Institutional Money Market Funds - Government Portfolio (cost $103)
$ 103
0.00 %
103
Principal Amount
U.S. Treasury Obligations
U.S. Treasury Bills 1.53% (cost: $714,992 due 01/30/2020) (a)(b)
$ 715,165
2.54 %
716,000
Commercial Paper
General Motors Financial Company, Inc. 2.15% (cost: $2,487,131 due 01/06/2020)
$ 2,499,260
8.88 %
2,500,000
FMC Technologies, Inc. 1.93% (cost: $2,488,133 due 02/04/2020)
2,495,467
8.87
2,500,000
CNH Industrial Capital LLC 1.86% (cost: $2,493,962 due 01/06/2020)
2,499,358
8.89
2,500,000
Jabil Inc. 2.03% (cost: $2,488,637 due 02/28/2020)
2,491,864
8.86
2,500,000
Energy Transfer Operating, L.P. 1.99% (cost: $2,493,813 due 01/31/2020)
2,495,875
8.87
2,500,000
Total Commercial Paper (cost: $12,451,676)
$ 12,481,824
44.37 %
Total Cash Equivalents
$ 13,197,092
46.91 %
Notional Amount
(Long Exposure)
Commodity futures contracts
United States soybean futures contracts
CBOT soybean futures MAR20 (207 contracts)
$ 345,319
1.23 %
$ 9,889,425
CBOT soybean futures MAY20 (175 contracts)
247,987
0.88
8,476,563
CBOT soybean futures NOV20 (200 contracts)
338,590
1.20
9,787,500
Total commodity futures contracts
$ 931,896
3.31 %
$ 28,153,488
(a) Discount yield at the time of purchase inclusive of collateral fees.
(b) The security is held by the broker as collateral for open futures contracts.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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TEUCRIUM SOYBEAN FUND
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
Three months
ended
Three months
ended
Nine months
ended
Nine months
ended
September 30,
2020
September 30,
2019
September 30,
2020
September 30,
2019
Income
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on trading of commodity futures contracts:
Realized gain (loss) on commodity futures contracts
$ 2,919,491
$ 133,912
$ 1,201,373
$ ( 1,019,501 )
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on commodity futures contracts
8,101,755
( 626,737 )
7,292,203
615,338
Interest income
50,232
187,124
210,650
539,377
Total income (loss)
11,071,478
( 305,701 )
8,704,226
135,214
Expenses
Management fees
190,671
76,080
326,182
208,085
Professional fees
88,308
40,322
248,156
142,734
Distribution and marketing fees
175,799
118,089
403,563
390,327
Custodian fees and expenses
36,796
16,738
67,262
58,607
Business permits and licenses fees
37,954
6,086
50,422
15,824
General and administrative expenses
24,006
12,934
54,769
40,375
Brokerage commissions
-
-
-
4,193
Other expenses
-
761
-
2,812
Total expenses
553,534
271,010
1,150,354
862,957
Expenses waived by the Sponsor
( 159,329 )
-
( 236,376 )
( 96,303 )
Total expenses, net
394,205
271,010
913,978
766,654
Net income (loss)
$ 10,677,273
$ ( 576,711 )
$ 7,790,248
$ ( 631,440 )
Net income (loss) per share
$ 1.88
$ ( 0.21 )
$ 0.02
$ ( 0.69 )
Net income (loss) per weighted average share
$ 2.09
$ ( 0.29 )
$ 2.60
$ ( 0.35 )
Weighted average shares outstanding
5,113,591
1,979,352
2,990,515
1,782,513
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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Table of Contents
TEUCRIUM SOYBEAN FUND
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
(Unaudited)
Nine months
ended
Nine months
ended
September 30,
2020
September 30,
2019
Operations
Net income (loss)
$ 7,790,248
$ ( 631,440 )
Capital transactions
Issuance of Shares
110,771,840
9,251,550
Redemption of Shares
( 18,187,858 )
( 8,646,840 )
Total capital transactions
92,583,982
604,710
Net change in net assets
100,374,230
( 26,730 )
Net assets, beginning of period
$ 28,135,131
$ 27,942,017
Net assets, end of period
$ 128,509,361
$ 27,915,287
Net asset value per share at beginning of period
$ 15.85
$ 16.20
Net asset value per share at end of period
$ 15.87
$ 15.51
Creation of Shares
7,600,000
625,000
Redemption of Shares
1,275,000
550,000
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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TEUCRIUM SOYBEAN FUND
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
Nine months
ended
Nine months
ended
September 30,
2020
September 30,
2019
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)
$ 7,790,248
$ ( 631,440 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Net change in unrealized appreciation on commodity futures contracts
( 7,292,203 )
( 615,338 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Due from broker
-
1,018,607
Interest receivable
( 5,883 )
( 97 )
Other assets
4,370
( 28,658 )
Payable for purchases of commercial paper
4,999,763
-
Due to broker
108,368
-
Management fee payable to Sponsor
64,236
( 1,917 )
Other liabilities
27,879
444
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
5,696,778
( 258,399 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from sale of Shares
110,771,840
9,251,550
Redemption of Shares
( 18,187,858 )
( 8,646,840 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
92,583,982
604,710
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
98,280,760
346,311
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of period
27,874,691
26,774,939
Cash and cash equivalents end of period
$ 126,155,451
$ 27,121,250
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)
Note 1 - Organization and Operation
Teucrium Soybean Fund (referred to herein as “SOYB” or the “Fund”) is a commodity pool that is a series of Teucrium Commodity Trust (“Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust formed on September 11, 2009. The Fund issues common units, called the “Shares,” representing fractional undivided beneficial interests in the Fund. The Fund continuously offers Creation Baskets consisting of 25,000 Shares at their Net Asset Value (“NAV”) to “Authorized Purchasers” through Foreside Fund Services, LLC, which is the distributor for the Fund (the “Distributor”). Authorized Purchasers sell such Shares, which are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) Arca under the symbol “SOYB,” to the public at per Share offering prices that reflect, among other factors, the trading price of the Shares on the NYSE Arca, the NAV of the Fund at the time the Authorized Purchaser purchased the Creation Baskets and the NAV at the time of the offer of the Shares to the public, the supply of and demand for Shares at the time of sale, and the liquidity of the markets for soybean interests. The Fund’s Shares trade in the secondary market on the NYSE Arca at prices that are lower or higher than their NAV per Share.
The investment objective of SOYB is to have the daily changes in the NAV of the Fund’s Shares reflect the daily changes in the soybean market for future delivery as measured by the Benchmark. The Benchmark is a weighted average of the closing settlement prices for three futures contracts for soybeans (“Soybean Futures Contracts”) that are traded on the Chicago Board of Trade (“CBOT”):
SOYB Benchmark
CBOT Soybean Futures Contract
Weighting
Second to expire (excluding August & September)
35 %
Third to expire (excluding August & September)
30 %
Expiring in the November following the expiration of the third to expire contract
35 %
The fund commenced investment operations on September 19, 2011 and has a fiscal year ending December 31. The Fund’s sponsor is Teucrium Trading, LLC (the “Sponsor”). The Sponsor is responsible for the management of the Fund. The Sponsor is registered as a commodity pool operator (“CPO”) and a commodity trading adviser (“CTA”) with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) and is a member of the National Futures Association (“NFA”).
On June 13, 2011, the initial Form S-1 for SOYB was declared effective by the SEC. On September 16, 2011, two Creation Baskets were issued representing 100,000 shares and $ 2,500,000 . On September 19, 2011, SOYB started trading on the NYSE Arca. The current registration statement for SOYB was declared effective by the SEC on August 24, 2020. The registration statement for SOYB registered an additional 15,000,000 shares.
The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC and, therefore, do not include all information and footnote disclosures required under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The financial information included herein is unaudited; however, such financial information reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for the fair presentation of the Fund’s financial statements for the interim period. It is suggested that these interim financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes included in the Trust’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as the most recent Form S-1 filing, as applicable. The operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2020.
Subject to the terms of the Trust Agreement, Teucrium Trading, LLC, in its capacity as the Sponsor (“Sponsor”), may terminate a Fund at any time, regardless of whether the Fund has incurred losses, including, for instance, if it determines that the Fund’s aggregate net assets in relation to its operating expenses make the continued operation of the Fund unreasonable or imprudent. However, no level of losses will require the Sponsor to terminate a Fund.
Note 2 - Principal Contracts and Agreements
The Sponsor employs U.S. Bank N.A. as the Custodian for the Funds. The principal business address for U.S. Bank N.A is 1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212. U.S. Bank N.A. is a Wisconsin state-chartered bank subject to regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Wisconsin State Banking Department. The principal address for U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“Global Fund Services”) is 615 E. Michigan Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202. In addition, effective on the Conversion Date, Global Fund Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of U.S. Bank, commenced serving as administrator for each Fund, performing certain administrative and accounting services and preparing certain SEC reports on behalf of the Funds, and also became the registrar and transfer agent for each Fund’s Shares. For such services, U.S. Bank and Global Fund Services will receive an asset-based fee, subject to a minimum annual fee.
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For custody services, the Funds will pay to U.S. Bank N.A. 0.0075% of average gross assets up to $1 billion, and .0050% of average gross assets over $1 billion, annually, plus certain per-transaction charges. For Transfer Agency, Fund Accounting and Fund Administration services, which are based on the total assets for all the Funds in the Trust, the Funds will pay to Global Fund Services 0.06% of average gross assets on the first $250 million, 0.05% on the next $250 million, 0.04% on the next $500 million and 0.03% on the balance over $1 billion annually. A combined minimum annual fee of up to $64,500 for custody, transfer agency, accounting and administrative services is assessed per Fund. These services are recorded in custodian fees and expenses on the statements of operations. A summary of these expenses is included below.
The Sponsor employs Foreside Fund Services, LLC (“Foreside” or the “Distributor”) as the Distributor for the Funds. The Distribution Services Agreement among the Distributor and the Sponsor calls for the Distributor to work with the Custodian in connection with the receipt and processing of orders for Creation Baskets and Redemption Baskets and the review and approval of all Fund sales literature and advertising materials. The Distributor and the Sponsor have also entered into a Securities Activities and Service Agreement (the “SASA”) under which certain employees and officers of the Sponsor are licensed as registered representatives or registered principals of the Distributor, under Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) rules. For its services as the Distributor, Foreside receives a fee of 0.01% of the Fund’s average daily net assets and an aggregate annual fee of $100,000 for all Teucrium Funds, along with certain expense reimbursements. For its services under the SASA, Foreside receives a fee of $5,000 per registered representative and $1,000 per registered location. T hese services are recorded in distribution and marketing fees on the statements of operations. A summary of these expenses is included below. Pursuant to a Consulting Services Agreement, Foreside Consulting Services, LLC, performs certain consulting support services for the Trust’s Sponsor. Additionally, Foreside Distributors, LLC performs certain distribution consulting services pursuant to a Distribution Consulting Agreement with the Trust’s Sponsor.
ED&F Man Capital Markets, Inc. (“ED&F Man”) serves as the Underlying Funds’ clearing broker to execute and clear the Underlying Funds’ futures and provide other brokerage-related services. ED&F Man is registered as an FCM with the U.S. CFTC and is a member of the NFA. ED&F Man is also registered as a broker/dealer with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and is a member of the FINRA. ED&F Man is a clearing member of ICE Futures U.S., Inc., Chicago Board of Trade, Chicago Mercantile Exchange, New York Mercantile Exchange, and all other major United States commodity exchanges. For Corn, Soybean, Sugar and Wheat Futures Contracts ED&F Man is paid $9.00 per round turn. Prior to August 21, 2019, these expenses were recorded in brokerage commissions on the statements of operations. Beginning on August 21, 2019, these expenses were recognized on a per-trade basis. The half-turn is recognized as an unrealized loss on the statements of operations for contracts that have been purchased since the change in recognition, and a full turn is recognized as a realized loss on the statements of operations when a contract is sold. A summary of these expenses as they were included prior to the change is included below. A complete breakdown of brokerage commissions is presented in Note 3.
The sole Trustee of the Trust is Wilmington Trust Company, a Delaware banking corporation. The Trustee will accept service of legal process on the Trust in the State of Delaware and will make certain filings under the Delaware Statutory Trust Act. For its services, the Trustee receives an annual fee of $ 3,300 from the Trust. These services are recorded in business permits and licenses fees on the statements of operations. A summary of these expenses is included below.
The Sponsor employs Thales Capital Partners LLC (TCP) as the Marketing Agent. TCP is registered as a Broker-Dealer with the SEC and a member of Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and SIPC. TCP receives an annual fee of $90,000 and an additional 0.0015% of average daily net assets in referred accounts for distribution and solicitation-related services. This additional fee is determined by an agreed upon level of assets at the time of signing the contract. These services are recorded in distribution and marketing fees on the statements of operations. A summary of these expenses is included below:
Three months
ended
September 30,
2020
Three months
ended
September 30,
2019
Nine months
ended
September 30,
2020
Nine months
ended
September 30,
2019
Amount Recognized for Custody Services
$ 36,797
$ 16,738
$ 67,262
$ 58,607
Amount of Custody Services Waived
$ 667
$ -
$ 667
$ 12,828
Amount Recognized for Distribution Services
$ 10,790
$ 6,748
$ 24,151
$ 22,418
Amount of Distribution Services Waived
$ 10,198
$ -
$ 10,198
$ -
Amount Recognized for Brokerage Commissions
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ 4,193
Amount of Brokerage Commissions Waived
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
Amount Recognized for Wilmington Trust
$ -
$ 533
$ -
$ 533
Amount of Wilmington Trust Waived
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
Amount Recognized for TCP
$ 5,701
$ -
$ 12,802
$ -
Amount of TCP Waived
$ 5,701
$ -
$ 5,701
$ -
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Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) as detailed in the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification.
Revenue Recognition
Commodity futures contracts are recorded on the trade date. All such transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis and marked to market daily. Unrealized appreciation or depreciation on commodity futures contracts are reflected in the statements of operations as the difference between the original contract amount and the fair market value as of the last business day of the year or as of the last date of the financial statements. Beginning on August 21, 2019, brokerage commission expenses were recognized on a per-trade basis. The half-turn is recognized as an unrealized loss on the statements of operations for contracts that have been purchased since the change in recognition, and a full turn is recognized as a realized loss on the statements of operations when a contract is sold. Changes in the appreciation or depreciation between periods are reflected in the statements of operations. Interest on cash equivalents with financial institutions are recognized on the accrual basis. The Funds earn interest on funds held at the custodian and other financial institutions at prevailing market rates for such investments.
The Sponsor invests a portion of cash in commercial paper, which is deemed a cash equivalent based on the rating and duration of contracts as described in the notes to the financial statements and reflected in cash and cash equivalents on the statements of assets and liabilities and on the statements of cash flows. Accretion on these investments are recognized using the effective interest method in U.S. dollars and included in interest income on the statements of operations.
The Sponsor invests a portion of the cash held by the broker in short term Treasury Bills as collateral for open futures contracts. Accretion on these investments are recognized using the effective interest method in U.S. dollars and included in interest income on the combined statements of operations.
The Sponsor adopted ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts With Customers, for the year ended December 31, 2018. The adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements of the Trust or the Funds.
Brokerage Commissions
Beginning on August 21, 2019, the Sponsor began recognizing the expense for brokerage commissions for futures contract trades on a per-trade basis. Prior to the change, brokerage commissions on all open commodity futures contracts were accrued on the trade date and on a full-turn basis. The below table shows the amounts included on the statements of operations as unrealized losses attributed to brokerage commissions as of September 30, 2020 and 2019.
SOYB
September 30,
2020
September 30,
2019
Unrealized Loss Attributed to Brokerage Commissions
$ 11,538
$ 950
Total Brokerage Commissions paid including unrealized loss
$ 25,211
$ 10,035
Income Taxes
For federal income tax purposes, the Fund will be treated as a publicly traded partnership. A publicly traded partnership is generally treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes unless 90% or more of the publicly traded partnership’s gross income for each taxable year of its existence consists of qualifying income as defined in section 7704(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Qualifying income is defined as generally including, in pertinent part, interest (other than from a financial business), dividends, and gains from the sale or disposition of capital assets held for the production of interest or dividends. In the case of a partnership of which a principal activity is the buying and selling of commodities, other than as inventory, or of futures, forwards and options with respect to commodities, qualifying income also includes income and gains from commodities and from futures, forwards, options with respect to commodities and, provided the partnership is a trader or investor with respect to such assets, swaps and other notional principal contracts with respect to commodities. The Fund expects that at least 90% of the Fund’s gross income for each taxable year will consist of qualifying income and that the Fund will be taxed as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. The Fund does not record a provision for income taxes because the shareholders report their share of the Fund’s income or loss on their income tax returns. The financial statements reflect the Fund’s transactions without adjustment, if any, required for income tax purposes.
The Fund 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 related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Fund files an income tax return in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and may file income tax returns in various U.S. states and foreign jurisdictions. For all tax years 2017 to 2019, the Fund remains subject to income tax examinations by major taxing authorities. 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 the Fund recording a tax liability that reduces net assets. Based on its analysis, the Fund has determined that it has not incurred any liability for unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 2020 and for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017. However, the Fund’s conclusions regarding this policy may be subject to review and adjustment at a later date based on factors including, but not limited to, ongoing analysis of and changes to tax laws, regulations, and interpretations thereof.
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Table of Contents
The Fund 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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.
The Fund may be subject to potential examination by U.S. federal, U.S. state, or foreign jurisdictional authorities in the area of income taxes. These potential examinations may include questioning the timing and amount of deductions, the nexus of income among various tax jurisdictions, and compliance with U.S. federal, U.S. state and foreign tax laws.
Creations and Redemptions
Authorized Purchasers may purchase Creation Baskets consisting of 25,000 shares from the Fund. The amount of the proceeds required to purchase a Creation Basket will be equal to the NAV of the shares in the Creation Basket determined as of 4:00 p.m. (EST) on the day the order to create the basket is properly received.
Authorized Purchasers may redeem shares from the Fund only in blocks of 25,000 shares called “Redemption Baskets.” The amount of the redemption proceeds for a Redemption Basket will be equal to the NAV of the shares in the Redemption Basket determined as of 4:00 p.m. (EST) on the day the order to redeem the basket is properly received.
The Fund receives or pays the proceeds from shares sold or redeemed within three business days after the trade date of the purchase or redemption. The amounts due from Authorized Purchasers are reflected in the Fund’s statements of assets and liabilities as receivable for shares sold. Amounts payable to Authorized Purchasers upon redemption are reflected in the Fund’s statements of assets and liabilities as payable for shares redeemed.
As outlined in the most recent Form S-1 filing, 50,000 shares represent two Redemption Baskets for the Fund and a minimum level of shares. If the Fund experienced redemptions that caused the number of Shares outstanding to decrease to the minimum level of Shares required to be outstanding, until the minimum number of Shares is again exceeded through the purchase of a new Creation Basket, there can be no more redemptions by an Authorized Purchaser.
Allocation of Shareholder Income and Losses
Profit or loss is allocated among the shareholders of the Fund in proportion to the number of shares each shareholder holds as of the close of each month.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments with maturity dates of 90 days or less when acquired. The Trust reported its cash equivalents in the statements of assets and liabilities at market value, or at carrying amounts that approximate fair value, because of their highly liquid nature and short-term maturities. Each Fund that is a series of the Trust has the balance of its cash equivalents on deposit with financial institutions. The Trust holds a balance in money market funds that is included in cash and cash equivalents on the statements of assets and liabilities. The Sponsor invests a portion of the available cash for the Funds in alternative demand deposit savings accounts, which is classified as cash and not as cash equivalents. Assets deposited with the bank may, at times, exceed federally insured limits. The Sponsor invests a portion of the available cash for the Funds in investment grade commercial paper with durations of 90 days or less, which is classified as a cash equivalent and is not FDIC insured. The Sponsor invests a portion of the cash held by the broker in short term Treasury Bills as collateral for open futures contracts, which is classified as a cash equivalent and is not FDIC insured.
September 30,
2020
December 31,
2019
Money Market Funds
$ 34,239,266
$ 103
Demand Deposit Savings Accounts
32,677,376
14,677,599
Commercial Paper
59,238,809
12,481,824
Treasury Bills
-
715,165
Total cash and cash equivalents as presented on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
$ 126,155,451
$ 27,874,691
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Due from/to Broker
The amount recorded by the Fund for the amount due from and to the clearing broker includes, but is not limited to, cash held by the broker, amounts payable to the clearing broker related to open transactions, payables for commodities futures accounts liquidating to an equity balance on the clearing broker’s records and amounts of brokerage commissions paid and recognized as unrealized losses.
Margin is the minimum amount of funds that must be deposited by a commodity interest trader with the trader’s broker to initiate and maintain an open position in futures contracts. A margin deposit acts to assure the trader’s performance of the futures contracts purchased or sold. Futures contracts are customarily bought and sold on initial margin that represents a very small percentage 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 the Fund’s clearing brokers, carrying accounts for traders in commodity interest contracts generally require higher amounts of margin as a matter of policy to further protect themselves. Over-the-counter trading generally involves the extension of credit between counterparties, so the counterparties may agree to require the posting of collateral by one or both parties to address credit exposure.
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.
Ongoing or “maintenance” margin requirements are computed each day by a trader’s clearing broker. When the market value of a particular open futures contract 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 trader’s position. With respect to the Fund’s trading, the Fund (and not its shareholders 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.
Calculation of Net Asset Value
The Fund’s NAV is calculated by:
●
Taking the current market value of its total assets and
●
Subtracting any liabilities.
The administrator, Global Fund Services, calculates the NAV of the Fund once each trading day. It calculates the NAV as of the earlier of the close of the NYSE or 4:00 p.m. (EST). The NAV for a particular trading day is released after 4:15 p.m. (EST).
In determining the value of Soybean Futures Contracts, the administrator uses the CBOT closing price. The administrator determines the value of all other Fund investments as of the earlier of the close of the NYSE or 4:00 p.m. (EST). The value of over-the-counter soybean interests is determined based on the value of the commodity or futures contract underlying such soybean interest, except that a fair value may be determined if the Sponsor believes that the Fund is subject to significant credit risk relating to the counterparty to such soybean interest. For purposes of financial statements and reports, the Sponsor will recalculate the NAV where necessary to reflect the “fair value” of a Futures Contract when the Futures Contract closes at its price fluctuation limit for the day. Short term Treasury securities held by the Fund are valued by the administrator using values received from recognized third-party vendors and dealer quotes. NAV includes any unrealized profit or loss on open soybean interests and any other income or expense accruing to the Fund but unpaid or not received by the Fund.
Sponsor Fee, Allocation of Expenses and Related Party Transactions
The Sponsor is responsible for investing the assets of the Fund in accordance with the objectives and policies of the Fund. In addition, the Sponsor arranges for one or more third parties to provide administrative, custodial, accounting, transfer agency and other necessary services to the Trust and the Funds. In addition, the Sponsor elected not to outsource services directly attributable to the Trust and the Funds such as accounting, financial reporting, regulatory compliance and trading activities. In addition, the Fund is contractually obligated to pay a monthly management fee to the Sponsor, based on average daily net assets, at a rate equal to 1.00 % per annum.
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The Fund generally pays for all brokerage fees, taxes and other expenses, including licensing fees for the use of intellectual property, registration or other fees paid to the SEC, FINRA, formerly the National Association of Securities Dealers, or any other regulatory agency in connection with the offer and sale of subsequent Shares after its initial registration and all legal, accounting, printing and other expenses associated therewith. The Fund also pays its portion of the fees and expenses associated with the Trust’s tax accounting and reporting requirements. Certain aggregate expenses common to all Funds within the Trust are allocated by the Sponsor to the respective funds based on activity drivers deemed most appropriate by the Sponsor for such expenses, including but not limited to relative assets under management and creation order activity. These aggregate common expenses include, but are not limited to, legal, auditing, accounting and financial reporting, tax-preparation, regulatory compliance, trading activities, and insurance costs, as well as fees paid to the Distributor, which are included in the related line item in the statements of operations. A portion of these aggregate common expenses are related to the Sponsor or related parties of principals of the Sponsor; these are necessary services to the Funds, which are primarily the cost of performing accounting and financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and trading activities that are directly attributable to the Fund. Such expenses are primarily recorded as distribution and marketing fees on the statement of operations. All asset-based fees and expenses for the Funds are calculated on the prior day’s net assets.
Three months
ended
September 30,
2020
Three months
ended
September 30,
2019
Nine months
ended
September 30,
2020
Nine months
ended
September 30,
2019
Recognized Related Party Transactions
$ 136,556
$ 73,221
$ 323,385
$ 309,071
Waived Related Party Transactions
$ 90,565
$ -
$ 122,612
$ 31,537
The Sponsor has the ability to elect to pay certain expenses on behalf of the Funds or waive the management fee. This election is subject to change by the Sponsor, at its discretion. Expenses paid by the Sponsor and Management fees waived by the Sponsor are, if applicable, presented as waived expenses in the statements of operations for each Fund. The Sponsor has determined that there would be no recovery sought for the amounts below in any future period:
SOYB
Three months ended September 30, 2020
$ 159,329
Three months ended September 30, 2019
$ -
Nine months ended September 30, 2020
$ 236,376
Nine months ended September 30, 2019
$ 96,303
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management 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 could differ from those estimates.
Fair Value - Definition and Hierarchy
In accordance with U.S. GAAP, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
In determining fair value, the Fund uses various valuation approaches. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, a fair value hierarchy for inputs is used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are those that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s assumptions about the inputs market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The fair value hierarchy is categorized into three levels based on the inputs as follows:
Level 1 - Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Fund has the ability to access. Valuation adjustments and block discounts are not applied to Level 1 financial instruments. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these financial instruments does not entail a significant degree of judgment.
Level 2 - Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3 - Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.
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The availability of valuation techniques and observable inputs can vary from financial instrument to financial instrument and is affected by a wide variety of factors including, the type of financial instrument, whether the financial instrument is new and not yet established in the marketplace, and other characteristics particular to the transaction. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Those estimated values do not necessarily represent the amounts that may be ultimately realized due to the occurrence of future circumstances that cannot be reasonably determined. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, those estimated values may be materially higher or lower than the values that would have been used had a ready market for the financial instruments existed. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Fund in determining fair value is greatest for financial instruments categorized in Level 3. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy, within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls, is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant rather than an entity-specific measure. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, the Fund’s own assumptions are set to reflect those that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. The Fund uses prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date, including periods of market dislocation. In periods of market dislocation, the observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for many financial instruments. This condition could cause a financial instrument to be reclassified to a lower level within the fair value hierarchy. When such a situation exists on a quarter close, the Sponsor will calculate the NAV on a particular day using the Level 1 valuation, but will later recalculate the NAV for the impacted Fund based upon the valuation inputs from these alternative verifiable sources (Level 2 or Level 3) and will report such NAV in its applicable financial statements and reports.
On September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, in the opinion of the Trust and the Fund, the reported value of the Soybean Futures Contracts traded on the CBOT fairly reflected the value of the Soybean Futures Contracts held by the Fund, with no adjustments necessary. The determination is made as of the settlement of the futures contracts on the last day of trading for the reporting period. In making the determination of a Level 1 or Level 2 transfer, the Fund considers the average volume of the specific underlying futures contracts traded on the relevant exchange for the periods being reported.
For the three months and nine ended September 30, 2020 and for the year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund did not have any significant transfers between any of the levels of the fair value hierarchy.
The Fund records its derivative activities at fair value. Gains and losses from derivative contracts are included in the statements of operations. Derivative contracts include futures contracts related to commodity prices. Futures, which are listed on a national securities exchange, such as the CBOT and the ICE, or reported on another national market, are generally categorized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. OTC derivatives contracts (such as forward and swap contracts) which may be valued using models, depending on whether significant inputs are observable or unobservable, are categorized in Levels 2 or 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Expenses
Expenses are recorded using the accrual method of accounting.
Net Income (Loss) per Share
Net income (loss) per Share is the difference between the NAV per unit 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 created or redeemed based on the amount of time the Shares were outstanding during such period.
New Accounting Pronouncements
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2020-02: “Financial Instruments Credit Losses (Topic 326) and Leases (Topic 842): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 119 and Update to SEC Section on Effective Date Related to Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The amendment updates and adds language to ASU 2016-02. The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended March 31, 2020; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
The FASB issued ASU 2020-01: Investments Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) Clarifying the Interactions between Topic 321, Topic 323, and Topic 815. The amendments clarify the treatment of transactions that require a company to apply or discontinue the equity method of accounting. The amendments were adopted early for the quarter ended March 31, 2020; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
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The FASB issued 2019-07: “Codification Updates to SEC Sections: Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Final Rule Releases No. 3310532, Disclosure Update and Simplification, and Nos. 33-10231 and 33-10442, Investment Company Reporting Modernization, and Miscellaneous Updates.” The amendments improve, update, and simplify the SEC’s regulations on financial reporting and disclosure. The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended September 30, 2019; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
The FASB issued ASU 2019-04: “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments.” The amendments clarify and improve areas of guidance related to the recently issued standards on credit losses, hedging, and recognition and measurement, specifically relating to ASU 201712. The amendments were early adopted for the quarter ended June 30, 2019; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
The FASB issued ASU 2019-01: “Leases (Topic 842): Codification Improvements. These amendments align the guidance for fair value of underlying assets by lessors that are not manufacturers or dealers in Topic 842 with that of existing guidance. The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended September 30, 2020; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
The FASB issued ASU 2018-13: “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. These amendments modify public and private company fair value disclosure requirements. While some disclosures were removed or modified, others were added. The guidance is a result of the FASB’s test of the principals developed to improve the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to the financial statements. The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended March 31, 2020; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
The FASB issued ASU 2017-13, “Revenue Recognition (Topic 605), Leases (Topic 840), and Leases (Topic 842): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to the Staff Announcement at the July 20, 2017 EITF Meeting and Rescission of Prior SEC Staff Announcements and Observer Comments”. The amendment amends the early adoption date option for certain companies related to adoption of ASU No. 2014-09 and ASU No. 2016-02. The SEC staff stated the SEC would not object to a public business entity that otherwise would not meet the definition of a public business entity except for a requirement to include or the inclusion of its financial statements or financial information in another entity’s filing with the SEC adopting ASC Topic 842 for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended September 30, 2020; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
The FASB issued ASU 2017-12, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities”. These amendments refine and expand hedge accounting for both financial (e.g., interest rate) and commodity risks. Its provisions create more transparency around how economic results are presented, both on the face of the financial statements and in the footnotes. It also makes certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of hedge accounting guidance. The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended March 31, 2019; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
The FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842).” The amendments in this update increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended March 31, 2019; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements
The Fund’s assets and liabilities recorded at fair value have been categorized based upon a fair value hierarchy as described in the Fund’s significant accounting policies in Note 3. The following table presents information about the Fund’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019:
September 30, 2020
Assets:
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Balance as of September 30, 2020
Cash Equivalents
$ 93,478,075
$ -
$ -
$ 93,478,075
Commodity Futures Contracts
Soybean futures contracts
8,224,099
-
-
$ 8,224,099
Total
$ 101,702,174
$ -
$ -
$ 101,702,174
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December 31, 2019
Assets:
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Balance as of December 31, 2019
Cash Equivalents
$ 13,197,092
$ -
$ -
$ 13,197,092
Commodity Futures Contracts
Soybean futures contracts
931,896
-
-
931,896
Total
$ 14,128,988
$ -
$ -
$ 14,128,988
For the period ended September 30, 2020 and year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund did not have any significant transfers between any of the levels of the fair value hierarchy.
See the Fair Value - Definition and Hierarchy section in Note 3 above for an explanation of the transfers into and out of each level of the fair value hierarchy.
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
In the normal course of business, the Fund utilizes derivative contracts in connection with its proprietary trading activities. Investments in derivative contracts are subject to additional risks that can result in a loss of all or part of an investment. The Fund’s derivative activities and exposure to derivative contracts are classified by the following primary underlying risks: interest rate, credit, commodity price, and equity price risks. In addition to its primary underlying risks, the Fund is also subject to additional counterparty risk due to inability of its counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund invested only in commodity futures contracts.
Futures Contracts
The Fund is subject to commodity price risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. A futures contract represents a commitment for the future purchase or sale of an asset at a specified price on a specified date.
The purchase and sale of futures contracts requires margin deposits with an FCM. Subsequent payments (variation margin) are made or received by the Fund each day, depending on the daily fluctuations in the value of the contract, and are recorded as unrealized gains or losses by the Fund. Futures contracts may reduce the Fund’s exposure to counterparty risk since futures contracts are exchange-traded; and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as the counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees the futures against default.
The Commodity Exchange Act requires an FCM to segregate all customer transactions and assets from the FCM’s proprietary activities. A customer’s cash and other equity deposited with an FCM are considered commingled with all other customer funds subject to the FCM’s segregation requirements. In the event of an FCM’s insolvency, recovery may be limited to the Fund’s pro rata share of segregated customer funds available. It is possible that the recovery amount could be less than the total of cash and other equity deposited.
The following table discloses information about offsetting assets and liabilities presented in the statements of assets and liabilities to enable users of these financial statements to evaluate the effect or potential effect of netting arrangements for recognized assets and liabilities. These recognized assets and liabilities are presented as defined in FASB ASU No. 2011-11 “Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities” and subsequently clarified in FASB ASU 2013-01 “Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.”
The following table also identifies the fair value amounts of derivative instruments included in the statements of assets and liabilities as derivative contracts, categorized by primary underlying risk and held by the FCM, ED&F Man as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
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Offsetting of Financial Assets and Derivative Assets as of September 30, 2020
(i)
(ii)
(iii) = (i)-(ii)
(iv)
(v)=(iii)-(iv)
Gross Amount Not Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Description
Gross Amount of Recognized Assets
Gross Amount Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Net Amount Presented in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Futures Contracts Available for Offset
Collateral, Due to Broker
Net Amount
Commodity Price
Soybean futures contracts
$ 8,224,099
$ -
$ 8,224,099
$ -
$ 752,176
$ 7,471,923
Offsetting of Financial Assets and Derivative Assets as of December 31, 2019
(i)
(ii)
(iii) = (i)-(ii)
(iv)
(v)=(iii)-(iv)
Gross Amount Not Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Description
Gross Amount of Recognized Assets
Gross Amount Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Net Amount Presented in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Futures Contracts Available for Offset
Collateral, Due to Broker
Net Amount
Commodity Price
Soybean futures contracts
$ 931,896
$ -
$ 931,896
$ -
$ 643,808
$ 288,088
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The following is a summary of realized and unrealized gains and losses of the derivative instruments utilized by the Fund:
Three months ended September 30, 2020
Realized Gain on Commodity Futures Contracts
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation on Commodity Futures Contracts
Commodity Price
Soybean futures contracts
$ 2,919,491
$ 8,101,755
Three months ended September 30, 2019
Realized Gain on Commodity Futures Contracts
Net Change in Unrealized Depreciation on Commodity Futures Contracts
Commodity Price
Soybean futures contracts
$ 133,912
$ ( 626,737 )
Nine months ended September 30, 2020
Realized Gain on Commodity Futures Contracts
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation on Commodity Futures Contracts
Commodity Price
Soybean futures contracts
$ 1,201,373
$ 7,292,203
Nine months ended September 30, 2019
Realized Loss on Commodity Futures Contracts
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation on Commodity Futures Contracts
Commodity Price
Soybeans futures contracts
$ ( 1,019,501 )
$ 615,338
Volume of Derivative Activities
The average notional market value categorized by primary underlying risk for all futures contracts held was $ 89.2 million and $ 28.9 million, respectively for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, and $ 48.1 million and $ 26.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.
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Note 6 - Financial Highlights
The following tables present per unit performance data and other supplemental financial data for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. This information has been derived from information presented in the financial statements. This information has been derived from information presented in the financial statements and is presented with total expenses gross of expenses waived by the Sponsor and with total expenses net of expenses waived by the Sponsor, as appropriate.
Three months
ended
Three months
ended
Nine months
ended
Nine months
ended
September 30,
2020
September 30,
2019
September 30,
2020
September 30,
2019
Per Share Operation Performance
Net asset value at beginning of period
$ 13.98
$ 15.72
$ 15.85
$ 16.20
Income from investment operations:
Investment income
0.01
0.10
0.07
0.30
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on commodity futures contracts
1.96
( 0.17 )
0.26
0.56 )
Total expenses, net
( 0.08 )
( 0.14 )
( 0.31 )
( 0.43 )
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value
1.89
( 0.21 )
0.02
( 0.69 )
Net asset value at end of period
$ 15.87
$ 15.51
$ 15.87
$ 15.51
Total Return
13.45 %
( 1.34 )%
0.09 %
( 4.26 )%
Ratios to Average Net Assets (Annualized)
Total expenses
2.90 %
3.56 %
3.53 %
4.15 %
Total expenses, net
2.07 %
3.56 %
2.80 %
3.68 %
Net investment loss
( 1.81 )%
( 1.10 )%
( 2.15 )%
( 1.09 )%
The financial highlights per share data are calculated consistent with the methodology used to calculate asset-based fees and expenses.
Note 7 - Organizational and Offering Costs
Expenses incurred in organizing of the Trust and the initial offering of the Shares of the Fund, including applicable SEC registration fees were borne directly by the Sponsor. The Fund will not be obligated to reimburse the Sponsor.
Note 8 - Subsequent Events
Management has evaluated the financial statements for the quarter-ended September 30, 2020 for subsequent events through the date of this filing and noted no material events requiring either recognition through the date of the filing or disclosure herein for the Fund other than those noted below:
The impact of COVID-19 is evolving rapidly, and such events can be highly disruptive to economies and markets. The impact of COVID-19 to the Fund is described in more detail in Part 2 of this 10-Q.
The total net assets for the fund decreased by $ 32,577,435 , or 25 %, for the period September 30, 2020 through November 6, 2020. This was driven by a 30 % decrease in the shares outstanding and partially offset by a 6 % increase in the net asset value per share.
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TEUCRIUM SUGAR FUND
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
September 30,
2020
December 31,
2019
(Unaudited)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 10,595,225
$ 12,215,795
Interest receivable
1,256
28
Other assets
9,143
1,140
Equity in trading accounts:
Commodity futures contracts
364,773
347,429
Due from broker
517,698
-
Total equity in trading accounts
882,471
347,429
Total assets
$ 11,488,095
$ 12,564,392
Liabilities
Management fee payable to Sponsor
10,786
10,609
Other liabilities
30,069
2,695
Equity in trading accounts:
Due to broker
-
237,908
Total liabilities
40,855
251,212
Net assets
$ 11,447,240
$ 12,313,180
Shares outstanding
1,875,004
1,750,004
Shares authorized
8,375,000
9,725,000
Net asset value per share
$ 6.11
$ 7.04
Market value per share
$ 6.09
$ 7.02
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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TEUCRIUM SUGAR FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)
Percentage of
Description: Assets
Fair Value
Net Assets
Shares
Cash equivalents
Money market funds
First American Government Obligations Fund - Class X (cost $2,885,338)
$ 2,885,338
25.20 %
2,885,338
Blackrock Liquidity FedFund - Institutional Class (cost $16,704)
16,704
0.15
16,704
Total money market funds (cost: $2,902,042)
$ 2,902,042
25.35 %
Principal Amount
Commercial Paper
Glencore Funding LLC 0.20% (cost: $2,499,486 due 10/30/2020)
$ 2,499,597
21.84 %
2,500,000
Total Cash Equivalents
$ 5,401,639
47.19 %
Notional Amount
(Long Exposure)
Commodity futures contracts
United States sugar futures contracts
ICE sugar futures MAY21 (270 contracts)
$ 171,948
1.50 %
$ 3,997,728
ICE sugar futures JUL21 (238 contracts)
15,583
0.14
3,438,624
ICE sugar futures MAR22 (276 contracts)
177,242
1.55
4,009,286
Total commodity futures contracts
$ 364,773
3.19 %
$ 11,445,638
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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TEUCRIUM SUGAR FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2019
Percentage of
Description: Assets
Fair Value
Net Assets
Shares
Cash equivalents
Money market funds
Fidelity Institutional Money Market Funds - Government Portfolio (cost $103)
$ 103
0.00 %
103
Principal Amount
U.S. Treasury Obligations
U.S. Treasury Bills 1.53% (cost: $683,030 due 01/30/2020) (a)(b)
$ 683,196
5.55 %
684,000
Commercial Paper
FMC Technologies 1.86% (cost: $2,494,476 due 01/02/2020)
$ 2,499,872
20.30 %
2,500,000
Total Cash Equivalents
$ 3,183,171
25.85 %
Notional Amount
(Long Exposure)
Commodity futures contracts
United States sugar futures contracts
ICE sugar futures MAY20 (284 contracts)
$ 88,865
0.72 %
$ 4,306,803
ICE sugar futures JUL20 (241 contracts)
223,677
1.82
3,687,107
ICE sugar futures MAR21 (268 contracts)
34,887
0.28
4,316,301
Total commodity futures contracts
$ 347,429
2.82 %
$ 12,310,211
(a) Discount yield at the time of purchase inclusive of collateral fees.
(b) The security is held by the broker as collateral for open futures contracts.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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TEUCRIUM SUGAR FUND
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
Three months
ended
Three months
ended
Nine months
ended
Nine months
ended
September 30,
2020
September 30,
2019
September 30,
2020
September 30,
2019
Income
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on trading of commodity futures contracts:
Realized gain (loss) on commodity futures contracts
$ 184,149
$ ( 153,090 )
$ ( 763,390 )
$ 139,578
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on commodity futures contracts
484,253
( 389,491 )
17,344
( 598,583 )
Interest income
5,633
55,606
63,740
188,495
Total income (loss)
674,035
( 486,975 )
( 682,306 )
( 270,510 )
Expenses
Management fees
28,558
23,368
73,687
74,964
Professional fees
10,999
17,095
99,591
94,239
Distribution and marketing fees
46,926
61,897
137,431
170,183
Custodian fees and expenses
7,156
6,639
19,555
22,365
Business permits and licenses fees
2,856
4,197
31,520
13,088
General and administrative expenses
5,618
4,364
19,743
24,663
Brokerage commissions
-
-
-
3,471
Other expenses
-
467
15
2,018
Total expenses
102,113
118,027
381,542
404,991
Expenses waived by the Sponsor
( 32,961 )
( 37,193 )
( 146,853 )
( 136,629 )
Total expenses, net
69,152
80,834
234,689
268,362
Net income (loss)
$ 604,883
$ ( 567,809 )
$ ( 916,995 )
$ ( 538,872 )
Net income (loss) per share
$ 0.39
$ ( 0.45 )
$ ( 0.93 )
$ ( 0.42 )
Net income (loss) per weighted average share
$ 0.32
$ ( 0.41 )
$ ( 0.57 )
$ ( 0.38 )
Weighted average shares outstanding
1,913,319
1,386,961
1,600,916
1,415,480
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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TEUCRIUM SUGAR FUND
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
(Unaudited)
Nine months
ended
Nine months
ended
September 30,
2020
September 30,
2019
Operations
Net loss
$ ( 916,995 )
$ ( 538,872 )
Capital transactions
Issuance of Shares
7,856,851
3,306,553
Redemption of Shares
( 7,805,796 )
( 3,407,400 )
Total capital transactions
51,055
( 100,847 )
Net change in net assets
( 865,940 )
( 639,719 )
Net assets, beginning of period
$ 12,313,180
$ 10,778,739
Net assets, end of period
$ 11,447,240
$ 10,139,020
Net asset value per share at beginning of period
$ 7.04
$ 7.07
Net asset value per share at end of period
$ 6.11
$ 6.65
Creation of Shares
1,350,000
475,000
Redemption of Shares
1,225,000
475,000
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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TEUCRIUM SUGAR FUND
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
Nine months
ended
Nine months
ended
September 30,
2020
September 30,
2019
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss
$ ( 916,995 )
$ ( 538,872 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Net change in unrealized (appreciation)/depreciation on commodity futures contracts
( 17,344 )
598,583
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Due from broker
( 517,698 )
( 251,571 )
Interest receivable
( 1,228 )
50
Other assets
( 8,003 )
( 37,403 )
Due to broker
( 237,908 )
-
Management fee payable to Sponsor
177
( 2,317 )
Other liabilities
27,374
( 12,652 )
Net cash used in operating activities
( 1,671,625 )
( 244,182 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from sale of Shares
7,856,851
3,306,553
Redemption of Shares
( 7,805,796 )
( 3,407,400 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
51,055
( 100,847 )
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
( 1,620,570 )
( 345,029 )
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of period
12,215,795
10,261,941
Cash and cash equivalents end of period
$ 10,595,225
$ 9,916,912
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)
Note 1 - Organization and Operation
Teucrium Sugar Fund (referred to herein as “CANE” or the “Fund”) is a commodity pool that is a series of Teucrium Commodity Trust (“Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust formed on September 11, 2009. The Fund issues common units, called the “Shares,” representing fractional undivided beneficial interests in the Fund. The Fund continuously offers Creation Baskets consisting of 25,000 Shares at their Net Asset Value (“NAV”) to “Authorized Purchasers” through Foreside Fund Services, LLC, which is the distributor for the Fund (the “Distributor”). Authorized Purchasers sell such Shares, which are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) Arca under the symbol “CANE,” to the public at per-Share offering prices that reflect, among other factors, the trading price of the Shares on the NYSE Arca, the NAV of the Fund at the time the Authorized Purchaser purchased the Creation Baskets and the NAV at the time of the offer of the Shares to the public, the supply of and demand for Shares at the time of sale, and the liquidity of the markets for sugar interests. The Fund’s Shares trade in the secondary market on the NYSE Arca at prices that are lower or higher than their NAV per Share.
The investment objective of CANE is to have the daily changes in the NAV of the Fund’s Shares reflect the daily changes in the sugar market for future delivery as measured by the Benchmark. The Benchmark is a weighted average of the closing settlement prices for three futures contracts for No. 11 sugar (“Sugar Futures Contracts”) that are traded on the ICE Futures US (“ICE”):
CANE Benchmark
ICE Sugar Futures Contract
Weighting
Second to expire
35 %
Third to expire
30 %
Expiring in the March following the expiration of the third to expire contract
35 %
The Fund commenced investment operations on September 19, 2011 and has a fiscal year ending December 31. The Fund’s sponsor is Teucrium Trading, LLC (the “Sponsor”). The Sponsor is responsible for the management of the Fund. The Sponsor is registered as a commodity pool operator (“CPO”) and a commodity trading adviser (“CTA”) with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) and is a member of the National Futures Association (“NFA”).
On June 13, 2011, the initial Form S-1 for CANE was declared effective by the SEC. On September 16, 2011, two Creation Baskets were issued representing 100,000 shares and $ 2,500,000 . On September 19, 2011, CANE started trading on the NYSE Arca. The current registration statement for CANE was declared effective by the SEC on October 2, 2020. The registration statement for CANE registered an additional 15,000,000 shares.
The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC and, therefore, do not include all information and footnote disclosures required under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The financial information included herein is unaudited; however, such financial information reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for the fair presentation of the Fund’s financial statements for the interim period. It is suggested that these interim financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes included in the Trust’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as the most recent Form S-1 filing, as applicable. The operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2020.
Subject to the terms of the Trust Agreement, Teucrium Trading, LLC, in its capacity as the Sponsor (“Sponsor”), may terminate a Fund at any time, regardless of whether the Fund has incurred losses, including, for instance, if it determines that the Fund’s aggregate net assets in relation to its operating expenses make the continued operation of the Fund unreasonable or imprudent. However, no level of losses will require the Sponsor to terminate a Fund.
Note 2 - Principal Contracts and Agreements
The Sponsor employs U.S. Bank N.A. as the Custodian for the Funds. The principal business address for U.S. Bank N.A is 1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212. U.S. Bank N.A. is a Wisconsin state-chartered bank subject to regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Wisconsin State Banking Department. The principal address for U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“Global Fund Services”) is 615 E. Michigan Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202. In addition, effective on the Conversion Date, Global Fund Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of U.S. Bank, commenced serving as administrator for each Fund, performing certain administrative and accounting services and preparing certain SEC reports on behalf of the Funds, and also became the registrar and transfer agent for each Fund’s Shares. For such services, U.S. Bank and Global Fund Services will receive an asset-based fee, subject to a minimum annual fee.
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For custody services, the Funds will pay to U.S. Bank N.A. 0.0075% of average gross assets up to $1 billion, and .0050% of average gross assets over $1 billion, annually, plus certain per-transaction charges. For Transfer Agency, Fund Accounting and Fund Administration services, which are based on the total assets for all the Funds in the Trust, the Funds will pay to Global Fund Services 0.06% of average gross assets on the first $250 million, 0.05% on the next $250 million, 0.04% on the next $500 million and 0.03% on the balance over $1 billion annually. A combined minimum annual fee of up to $64,500 for custody, transfer agency, accounting and administrative services is assessed per Fund. These services are recorded in custodian fees and expenses on the statements of operations. A summary of these expenses is included below.
The Sponsor employs Foreside Fund Services, LLC (“Foreside” or the “Distributor”) as the Distributor for the Funds. The Distribution Services Agreement among the Distributor and the Sponsor calls for the Distributor to work with the Custodian in connection with the receipt and processing of orders for Creation Baskets and Redemption Baskets and the review and approval of all Fund sales literature and advertising materials. The Distributor and the Sponsor have also entered into a Securities Activities and Service Agreement (the “SASA”) under which certain employees and officers of the Sponsor are licensed as registered representatives or registered principals of the Distributor, under Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) rules. For its services as the Distributor, Foreside receives a fee of 0.01% of the Fund’s average daily net assets and an aggregate annual fee of $100,000 for all Teucrium Funds, along with certain expense reimbursements. For its services under the SASA, Foreside receives a fee of $5,000 per registered representative and $1,000 per registered location. T hese services are recorded in distribution and marketing fees on the statements of operations. A summary of these expenses is included below. Pursuant to a Consulting Services Agreement, Foreside Consulting Services, LLC, performs certain consulting support services for the Trust’s Sponsor. Additionally, Foreside Distributors, LLC performs certain distribution consulting services pursuant to a Distribution Consulting Agreement with the Trust’s Sponsor.
ED&F Man Capital Markets, Inc. (“ED&F Man”) serves as the Underlying Funds’ clearing broker to execute and clear the Underlying Funds’ futures and provide other brokerage-related services. ED&F Man is registered as an FCM with the U.S. CFTC and is a member of the NFA. ED&F Man is also registered as a broker/dealer with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and is a member of the FINRA. ED&F Man is a clearing member of ICE Futures U.S., Inc., Chicago Board of Trade, Chicago Mercantile Exchange, New York Mercantile Exchange, and all other major United States commodity exchanges. For Corn, Soybean, Sugar and Wheat Futures Contracts ED&F Man is paid $9.00 per round turn . Prior to August 21, 2019, these expenses were recorded in brokerage commissions on the statements of operations. Beginning on August 21, 2019, these expenses were recognized on a per-trade basis. The half-turn is recognized as an unrealized loss on the statements of operations for contracts that have been purchased since the change in recognition, and a full turn is recognized as a realized loss on the statements of operations when a contract is sold. A summary of these expenses as they were included prior to the change is included below. A complete breakdown of brokerage commissions is presented in Note 3.
The sole Trustee of the Trust is Wilmington Trust Company, a Delaware banking corporation. The Trustee will accept service of legal process on the Trust in the State of Delaware and will make certain filings under the Delaware Statutory Trust Act. For its services, the Trustee receives an annual fee of $ 3,300 from the Trust. These services are recorded in business permits and licenses fees on the statements of operations. A summary of these expenses is included below.
The Sponsor employs Thales Capital Partners LLC (TCP) as the Marketing Agent. TCP is registered as a Broker-Dealer with the SEC and a member of Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and SIPC. TCP receives an annual fee of $90,000 and an additional 0.0015% of average daily net assets in referred accounts for distribution and solicitation-related services. This additional fee is determined by an agreed upon level of assets at the time of signing the contract. These services are recorded in distribution and marketing fees on the statements of operations. A summary of these expenses is included below:
Three months
ended
September 30,
2020
Three months
ended
September 30,
2019
Nine months
ended
September 30,
2020
Nine months
ended
September 30,
2019
Amount Recognized for Custody Services
$ 7,156
$ 6,639
$ 19,555
$ 22,365
Amount of Custody Services Waived
$ 3,418
$ 1,965
$ 7,694
$ 7,372
Amount Recognized for Distribution Services
$ 1,916
$ 2,756
$ 7,442
$ 10,746
Amount of Distribution Services Waived
$ 1,795
$ 1,851
$ 3,806
$ 5,293
Amount Recognized for Brokerage Commissions
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ 3,471
Amount of Brokerage Commissions Waived
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
Amount Recognized for Wilmington Trust
$ -
$ 224
$ -
$ 224
Amount of Wilmington Trust Waived
$ -
$ 224
$ -
$ 224
Amount Recognized for TCP
$ 1,176
$ -
$ 4,283
$ -
Amount of TCP Waived
$ 1,176
$ -
$ 2,688
$ -
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Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) as detailed in the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification.
Revenue Recognition
Commodity futures contracts are recorded on the trade date. All such transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis and marked to market daily. Unrealized appreciation or depreciation on commodity futures contracts are reflected in the statements of operations as the difference between the original contract amount and the fair market value as of the last business day of the year or as of the last date of the financial statements. Beginning on August 21, 2019, brokerage commission expenses were recognized on a per-trade basis. The half-turn is recognized as an unrealized loss on the statements of operations for contracts that have been purchased since the change in recognition, and a full turn is recognized as a realized loss on the statements of operations when a contract is sold. Changes in the appreciation or depreciation between periods are reflected in the statements of operations. Interest on cash equivalents with financial institutions are recognized on the accrual basis. The Funds earn interest on funds held at the custodian and other financial institutions at prevailing market rates for such investments.
The Sponsor invests a portion of cash in commercial paper, which is deemed a cash equivalent based on the rating and duration of contracts as described in the notes to the financial statements and reflected in cash and cash equivalents on the statements of assets and liabilities and on the statements of cash flows. Accretion on these investments are recognized using the effective interest method in U.S. dollars and included in interest income on the statements of operations.
The Sponsor invests a portion of the cash held by the broker in short term Treasury Bills as collateral for open futures contracts. Accretion on these investments are recognized using the effective interest method in U.S. dollars and included in interest income on the combined statements of operations.
The Sponsor adopted ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts With Customers, for the year ended December 31, 2018. The adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements of the Trust or the Funds.
Brokerage Commissions
Beginning on August 21, 2019, the Sponsor began recognizing the expense for brokerage commissions for futures contract trades on a per-trade basis. Prior to the change, brokerage commissions on all open commodity futures contracts were accrued on the trade date and on a full-turn basis. The below table shows the amounts included on the statements of operations as unrealized losses attributed to brokerage commissions as of September 30, 2020 and 2019.
CANE
September 30, 2020
September 30, 2019
Unrealized Loss Attributed to Brokerage Commissions
$ 3,528
$ 1,355
Total Brokerage Commissions paid including unrealized loss
$ 13,554
$ 11,816
Income Taxes
For federal income tax purposes, the Fund will be treated as a publicly traded partnership. A publicly traded partnership is generally treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes unless 90% or more of the publicly traded partnership’s gross income for each taxable year of its existence consists of qualifying income as defined in section 7704(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Qualifying income is defined as generally including, in pertinent part, interest (other than from a financial business), dividends, and gains from the sale or disposition of capital assets held for the production of interest or dividends. In the case of a partnership of which a principal activity is the buying and selling of commodities, other than as inventory, or of futures, forwards and options with respect to commodities, qualifying income also includes income and gains from commodities and from futures, forwards, options with respect to commodities and, provided the partnership is a trader or investor with respect to such assets, swaps and other notional principal contracts with respect to commodities. The Fund expects that at least 90% of the Fund’s gross income for each taxable year will consist of qualifying income and that the Fund will be taxed as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. The Fund does not record a provision for income taxes because the shareholders report their share of the Fund’s income or loss on their income tax returns. The financial statements reflect the Fund’s transactions without adjustment, if any, required for income tax purposes.
The Fund 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 related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Fund files an income tax return in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and may file income tax returns in various U.S. states and foreign jurisdictions. For all tax years 2017 to 2019, the Fund remains subject to income tax examinations by major taxing authorities. 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 the Fund recording a tax liability that reduces net assets. Based on its analysis, the Fund has determined that it has not incurred any liability for tax benefits as of September 30, 2020 and for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017. However, the Fund’s conclusions regarding this policy may be subject to review and adjustment at a later date based on factors including, but not limited to, ongoing analysis of and changes to tax laws, regulations, and interpretations thereof.
The Fund 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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.
The Fund may be subject to potential examination by U.S. federal, U.S. state, or foreign jurisdictional authorities in the area of income taxes. These potential examinations may include questioning the timing and amount of deductions, the nexus of income among various tax jurisdictions, and compliance with U.S. federal, U.S. state and foreign tax laws.
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Creations and Redemptions
Authorized Purchasers may purchase Creation Baskets consisting of 25,000 shares from the Fund. The amount of the proceeds required to purchase a Creation Basket will be equal to the NAV of the shares in the Creation Basket determined as of 4:00 p.m. (EST) on the day the order to create the basket is properly received.
Authorized Purchasers may redeem shares from the Fund only in blocks of 25,000 shares called “Redemption Baskets.” The amount of the redemption proceeds for a Redemption Basket will be equal to the NAV of the shares in the Redemption Basket determined as of 4:00 p.m. (EST) on the day the order to redeem the basket is properly received.
The Fund receives or pays the proceeds from shares sold or redeemed within three business days after the trade date of the purchase or redemption. The amounts due from Authorized Purchasers are reflected in the Fund’s statements of assets and liabilities as receivable for shares sold. Amounts payable to Authorized Purchasers upon redemption are reflected in the Fund’s statements of assets and liabilities as payable for shares redeemed.
As outlined in the most recent Form S-1 filing, 50,000 shares represent two Redemption Baskets for the Fund and a minimum level of shares. If the Fund experienced redemptions that caused the number of Shares outstanding to decrease to the minimum level of Shares required to be outstanding, until the minimum number of Shares is again exceeded through the purchase of a new Creation Basket, there can be no more redemptions by an Authorized Purchaser.
Allocation of Shareholder Income and Losses
Profit or loss is allocated among the shareholders of the Fund in proportion to the number of shares each shareholder holds as of the close of each month.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments with maturity dates of 90 days or less when acquired. The Trust reported its cash equivalents in the statements of assets and liabilities at market value, or at carrying amounts that approximate fair value, because of their highly liquid nature and short-term maturities. Each Fund that is a series of the Trust has the balance of its cash equivalents on deposit with financial institutions. The Trust holds a balance in money market funds that is included in cash and cash equivalents on the statements of assets and liabilities. The Sponsor invests a portion of the available cash for the Funds in alternative demand deposit savings accounts, which is classified as cash and not as cash equivalents. Assets deposited with the bank may, at times, exceed federally insured limits. The Sponsor invests a portion of the available cash for the Funds in investment grade commercial paper with durations of 90 days or less, which is classified as a cash equivalent and is not FDIC insured. The Sponsor invests a portion of the cash held by the broker in short term Treasury Bills as collateral for open futures contracts, which is classified as a cash equivalent and is not FDIC insured.
September 30,
2020
December 31,
2019
Money Market Funds
$ 2,902,042
$ 103
Demand Deposit Savings Accounts
5,193,586
9,032,624
Commercial Paper
2,499,597
2,499,872
Treasury Bills
-
683,196
Total cash and cash equivalents as presented on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
$ 10,595,225
$ 12,215,795
Due from/to Broker
The amount recorded by the Fund for the amount due from and to the clearing broker includes, but is not limited to, cash held by the broker, amounts payable to the clearing broker related to open transactions, payables for commodities futures accounts liquidating to an equity balance on the clearing broker’s records, and amounts of brokerage commissions paid and recognized as unrealized losses.
Margin is the minimum amount of funds that must be deposited by a commodity interest trader with the trader’s broker to initiate and maintain an open position in futures contracts. A margin deposit acts to assure the trader’s performance of the futures contracts purchased or sold. Futures contracts are customarily bought and sold on initial margin that represents a very small percentage 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 the Fund’s clearing brokers, carrying accounts for traders in commodity interest contracts generally require higher amounts of margin as a matter of policy to further protect themselves. Over-the-counter trading generally involves the extension of credit between counterparties, so the counterparties may agree to require the posting of collateral by one or both parties to address credit exposure.
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.
Ongoing or “maintenance” margin requirements are computed each day by a trader’s clearing broker. When the market value of a particular open futures contract 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 trader’s position. With respect to the Fund’s trading, the Fund (and not its shareholders 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.
Calculation of Net Asset Value
The Fund’s NAV is calculated by:
●
Taking the current market value of its total assets and
●
Subtracting any liabilities.
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The administrator, Global Fund Services, calculates the NAV of the Fund once each trading day. It calculates the NAV as of the earlier of the close of the NYSE or 4:00 p.m. (EST). The NAV for a particular trading day is released after 4:15 p.m. (EST).
In determining the value of Sugar Futures Contracts, the administrator uses the ICE closing price. The administrator determines the value of all other Fund investments as of the earlier of the close of the NYSE or 4:00 p.m. (EST). The value of over-the-counter sugar interests is determined based on the value of the commodity or futures contract underlying such sugar interest, except that a fair value may be determined if the Sponsor believes that the Fund is subject to significant credit risk relating to the counterparty to such sugar interest. For purposes of financial statements and reports, the Sponsor will recalculate the NAV where necessary to reflect the “fair value” of a Futures Contract when the Futures Contract closes at its price fluctuation limit for the day. Short term Treasury securities held by the Fund are valued by the administrator using values received from recognized third-party vendors and dealer quotes. NAV includes any unrealized profit or loss on open sugar interests and any other income or expense accruing to the Fund but unpaid or not received by the Fund.
Sponsor Fee, Allocation of Expenses and Related Party Transactions
The Sponsor is responsible for investing the assets of the Fund in accordance with the objectives and policies of the Fund. In addition, the Sponsor arranges for one or more third parties to provide administrative, custodial, accounting, transfer agency and other necessary services to the Trust and the Funds. In addition, the Sponsor elected not to outsource services directly attributable to the Trust and the Funds such as accounting, financial reporting, regulatory compliance and trading activities. In addition, the Fund is contractually obligated to pay a monthly management fee to the Sponsor, based on average daily net assets, at a rate equal to 1.00 % per annum.
The Fund generally pays for all brokerage fees, taxes and other expenses, including licensing fees for the use of intellectual property, registration or other fees paid to the SEC, FINRA, formerly the National Association of Securities Dealers, or any other regulatory agency in connection with the offer and sale of subsequent Shares after its initial registration and all legal, accounting, printing and other expenses associated therewith. The Fund also pays its portion of the fees and expenses associated with the Trust’s tax accounting and reporting requirements. Certain aggregate expenses common to all Funds within the Trust are allocated by the Sponsor to the respective funds based on activity drivers deemed most appropriate by the Sponsor for such expenses, including but not limited to relative assets under management and creation order activity.
These aggregate common expenses include, but are not limited to, legal, auditing, accounting and financial reporting, tax-preparation, regulatory compliance, trading activities, and insurance costs, as well as fees paid to the Distributor, which are included in the related line item in the statements of operations. A portion of these aggregate common expenses are related to the Sponsor or related parties of principals of the Sponsor; these are necessary services to the Funds, which are primarily the cost of performing accounting and financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and trading activities that are directly attributable to the Fund. Such expenses are primarily recorded as distribution and marketing fees on the statement of operations. All asset-based fees and expenses for the Funds are calculated on the prior day’s net assets.
Three months
ended
September 30,
2020
Three months
ended
September 30,
2019
Nine months
ended
September 30,
2020
Nine months
ended
September 30,
2019
Recognized Related Party Transactions
$ 24,803
$ 30,609
$ 97,714
$ 155,364
Waived Related Party Transactions
$ 16,107
$ 24,846
$ 36,080
$ 55,319
The Sponsor has the ability to elect to pay certain expenses on behalf of the Funds or waive the management fee. This election is subject to change by the Sponsor, at its discretion. Expenses paid by the Sponsor and Management fees waived by the Sponsor are, if applicable, presented as waived expenses in the statements of operations for each Fund. The Sponsor has determined that there would be no recovery sought for the amounts below in any future period:
CANE
Three months ended September 30, 2020
$ 32,961
Three months ended September 30, 2019
$ 37,193
Nine months ended September 30, 2020
$ 146,853
Nine months ended September 30, 2019
$ 136,629
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management 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 could differ from those estimates.
Fair Value - Definition and Hierarchy
In accordance with U.S. GAAP, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
In determining fair value, the Fund uses various valuation approaches. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, a fair value hierarchy for inputs is used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are those that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s assumptions about the inputs market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The fair value hierarchy is categorized into three levels based on the inputs as follows:
Level 1 - Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Fund has the ability to access. Valuation adjustments and block discounts are not applied to Level 1 financial instruments. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these financial instruments does not entail a significant degree of judgment.
Level 2 - Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3 - Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.
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The availability of valuation techniques and observable inputs can vary from financial instrument to financial instrument and is affected by a wide variety of factors including, the type of financial instrument, whether the financial instrument is new and not yet established in the marketplace, and other characteristics particular to the transaction. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Those estimated values do not necessarily represent the amounts that may be ultimately realized due to the occurrence of future circumstances that cannot be reasonably determined. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, those estimated values may be materially higher or lower than the values that would have been used had a ready market for the financial instruments existed. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Fund in determining fair value is greatest for financial instruments categorized in Level 3. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy, within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls, is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant rather than an entity-specific measure. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, the Fund’s own assumptions are set to reflect those that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. The Fund uses prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date, including periods of market dislocation. In periods of market dislocation, the observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for many financial instruments. This condition could cause a financial instrument to be reclassified to a lower level within the fair value hierarchy. When such a situation exists on a quarter close, the Sponsor will calculate the NAV on a particular day using the Level 1 valuation, but will later recalculate the NAV for the impacted Fund based upon the valuation inputs from these alternative verifiable sources (Level 2 or Level 3) and will report such NAV in its applicable financial statements and reports.
On September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, in the opinion of the Trust and the Fund, the reported value of the Sugar Futures Contracts traded on the ICE fairly reflected the value of the Sugar Futures Contracts held by the Fund, and no adjustments were necessary. The determination is made as of the settlement of the futures contracts on the last day of trading for the reporting period. In making the determination of a Level 1 or Level 2 transfer, the Fund considers the average volume of the specific underlying futures contracts traded on the relevant exchange for the periods being reported.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund did not have any significant transfers between any of the levels of the fair value hierarchy.
The Fund records its derivative activities at fair value. Gains and losses from derivative contracts are included in the statements of operations. Derivative contracts include futures contracts related to commodity prices. Futures, which are listed on a national securities exchange, such as the CBOT and the ICE, or reported on another national market, are generally categorized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. OTC derivatives contracts (such as forward and swap contracts) which may be valued using models, depending on whether significant inputs are observable or unobservable, are categorized in Levels 2 or 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Net Income (Loss) per Share
Net income (loss) per share is the difference between the NAV per unit at the beginning of each period and at the end of each period. The weighted average number of units outstanding was computed for purposes of disclosing net income (loss) per weighted average unit. The weighted average units are equal to the number of units outstanding at the end of the period, adjusted proportionately for units created or redeemed based on the amount of time the units were outstanding during such period.
New Accounting Pronouncements
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2020-02: “Financial Instruments Credit Losses (Topic 326) and Leases (Topic 842): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 119 and Update to SEC Section on Effective Date Related to Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The amendment updates and adds language to ASU 2016-02. The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended March 31, 2020; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
The FASB issued ASU 2020-01: Investments Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) Clarifying the Interactions between Topic 321, Topic 323, and Topic 815. The amendments clarify the treatment of transactions that require a company to apply or discontinue the equity method of accounting. The amendments were adopted early for the quarter ended March 31, 2020; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
The FASB issued 2019-07: “Codification Updates to SEC Sections: Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Final Rule Releases No. 3310532, Disclosure Update and Simplification, and Nos. 33-10231 and 33-10442, Investment Company Reporting Modernization, and Miscellaneous Updates.” The amendments improve, update, and simplify the SEC’s regulations on financial reporting and disclosure. The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended September 30, 2019; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
The FASB issued ASU 2019-04: “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments.” The amendments clarify and improve areas of guidance related to the recently issued standards on credit losses, hedging, and recognition and measurement, specifically relating to ASU 201712. The amendments were early adopted for the quarter ended June 30, 2019; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
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Table of Contents
The FASB issued ASU 2019-01: “Leases (Topic 842): Codification Improvements. These amendments align the guidance for fair value of underlying assets by lessors that are not manufacturers or dealers in Topic 842 with that of existing guidance. The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended September 30, 2020; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
The FASB issued ASU 2018-13: “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. These amendments modify public and private company fair value disclosure requirements. While some disclosures were removed or modified, others were added. The guidance is a result of the FASB’s test of the principals developed to improve the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to the financial statements. The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended March 31, 2020; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
The FASB issued ASU 2017-13, “Revenue Recognition (Topic 605), Leases (Topic 840), and Leases (Topic 842): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to the Staff Announcement at the July 20, 2017 EITF Meeting and Rescission of Prior SEC Staff Announcements and Observer Comments”. The amendment amends the early adoption date option for certain companies related to adoption of ASU No. 2014-09 and ASU No. 2016-02. The SEC staff stated the SEC would not object to a public business entity that otherwise would not meet the definition of a public business entity except for a requirement to include or the inclusion of its financial statements or financial information in another entity’s filing with the SEC adopting ASC Topic 842 for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended September 30, 2020; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
The FASB issued ASU 2017-12, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities”. These amendments refine and expand hedge accounting for both financial (e.g., interest rate) and commodity risks. Its provisions create more transparency around how economic results are presented, both on the face of the financial statements and in the footnotes. It also makes certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of hedge accounting guidance. The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended March 31, 2019; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
The FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842).” The amendments in this update increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended March 31, 2019; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements
The Fund’s assets and liabilities recorded at fair value have been categorized based upon a fair value hierarchy as described in the Fund’s significant accounting policies in Note 3. The following table presents information about the Fund’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019:
September 30, 2020
Assets:
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Balance as of September 30, 2020
Cash Equivalents
$ 5,401,639
$ -
$ -
$ 5,401,639
Commodity Futures Contracts
Sugar futures contracts
364,773
-
-
364,773
Total
$ 5,766,412
$ -
$ -
$ 5,766,412
December 31, 2019
Assets:
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Balance as of December 31, 2019
Cash Equivalents
$ 3,183,171
$ -
$ -
$ 3,183,171
Commodity Futures Contracts
Sugar futures contracts
347,429
-
-
347,429
Total
$ 3,530,600
$ -
$ -
$ 3,530,600
For the period ended September 30, 2020 and year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund did not have any significant transfers between any of the levels of the fair value hierarchy.
See the Fair Value - Definition and Hierarchy section in Note 3 above for an explanation of the transfers into and out of each level of the fair value hierarchy.
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Note 5 - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
In the normal course of business, the Fund utilizes derivative contracts in connection with its proprietary trading activities. Investments in derivative contracts are subject to additional risks that can result in a loss of all or part of an investment. The Fund’s derivative activities and exposure to derivative contracts are classified by the following primary underlying risks: interest rate, credit, commodity price, and equity price risks. In addition to its primary underlying risks, the Fund is also subject to additional counterparty risk due to inability of its counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund invested only in commodity futures contracts.
Futures Contracts
The Fund is subject to commodity price risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. A futures contract represents a commitment for the future purchase or sale of an asset at a specified price on a specified date.
The purchase and sale of futures contracts requires margin deposits with an FCM. Subsequent payments (variation margin) are made or received by the Fund each day, depending on the daily fluctuations in the value of the contract, and are recorded as unrealized gains or losses by the Fund. Futures contracts may reduce the Fund’s exposure to counterparty risk since futures contracts are exchange-traded; and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as the counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees the futures against default.
The Commodity Exchange Act requires an FCM to segregate all customer transactions and assets from the FCM’s proprietary activities. A customer’s cash and other equity deposited with an FCM are considered commingled with all other customer funds subject to the FCM’s segregation requirements. In the event of an FCM’s insolvency, recovery may be limited to the Fund’s pro rata share of segregated customer funds available. It is possible that the recovery amount could be less than the total of cash and other equity deposited.
The following table discloses information about offsetting assets and liabilities presented in the statements of assets and liabilities to enable users of these financial statements to evaluate the effect or potential effect of netting arrangements for recognized assets and liabilities. These recognized assets and liabilities are presented as defined in FASB ASU No. 2011-11 “Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities” and subsequently clarified in FASB ASU 2013-01 “Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.”
The following table also identifies the fair value amounts of derivative instruments included in the statements of assets and liabilities as derivative contracts, categorized by primary underlying risk and held by the FCM, ED&F Man as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
Offsetting of Financial Assets and Derivative Assets as of September 30, 2020
(i)
(ii)
(iii) = (i)-(ii)
(iv)
(v)=(iii)-(iv)
Gross Amount Not Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Description
Gross Amount of Recognized Assets
Gross Amount Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Net Amount Presented in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Futures Contracts Available for Offset
Collateral, Due to Broker
Net Amount
Commodity Price
Sugar futures contracts
$ 364,773
$ -
$ 364,773
$ -
$ -
$ 364,773
Offsetting of Financial Assets and Derivative Assets as of December 31, 2019
(i)
(ii)
(iii) = (i)-(ii)
(iv)
(v)=(iii)-(iv)
Gross Amount Not Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Description
Gross Amount of Recognized Assets
Gross Amount Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Net Amount Presented in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Futures Contracts Available for Offset
Collateral, Due to Broker
Net Amount
Commodity Price
Sugar futures contracts
$ 347,429
$ -
$ 347,429
$ -
$ 237,908
$ 109,521
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The following tables identify the net gain and loss amounts included in the statements of operations as realized and unrealized gains and losses on trading of commodity futures contracts categorized by primary underlying risk:
Three months ended September 30, 2020
Realized Gain on Commodity Futures Contracts
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation on Commodity Futures Contracts
Commodity Price
Sugar futures contracts
$
184,149
$
484,253
Three months ended September 30, 2019
Realized Loss on Commodity Futures Contracts
Net Change in Unrealized Depreciation on Commodity Futures Contracts
Commodity Price
Sugar futures contracts
$
( 153,090
)
$
( 389,491
)
Nine months ended September 30, 2020
Realized Loss on Commodity Futures Contracts
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation on Commodity Futures Contracts
Commodity Price
Sugar futures contracts
$
( 763,390
)
$
17,344
Nine months ended September 30, 2019
Realized Gain on Commodity Futures Contracts
Net Change in Unrealized Depreciation on Commodity Futures Contracts
Commodity Price
Sugar futures contracts
$
139,578
$
( 598,583
)
Volume of Derivative Activities
The average notional market value categorized by primary underlying risk for all futures contracts held were $ 11.9 million and $ 9.44 million, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, and $ 10.1 million and $ 10.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.
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Note 6 - Financial Highlights
The following table presents per unit performance data and other supplemental financial data for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. This information has been derived from information presented in the financial statements. This information has been derived from information presented in the financial statements and is presented with total expenses gross of expenses waived by the Sponsor and with total expenses net of expenses waived by the Sponsor, as appropriate.
Three months
ended
Three months
ended
Nine months
ended
Nine months
ended
September 30,
2020
September 30,
2019
September 30,
2020
September 30,
2019
Per Share Operation Performance
Net asset value at beginning of period
$ 5.72
$ 7.10
$ 7.04
$ 7.07
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Investment income
-
0.04
0.04
0.13
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on commodity futures contracts
0.42
( 0.43 )
( 0.82 )
( 0.36 )
Total expenses, net
( 0.03 )
( 0.06 )
( 0.15 )
( 0.19 )
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value
0.39
( 0.45 )
( 0.93 )
( 0.42 )
Net asset value at end of period
$ 6.11
$ 6.65
$ 6.11
$ 6.65
Total Return
6.65 %
( 6.34 )%
( 13.23 )%
( 5.94 )%
Ratios to Average Net Assets (Annualized)
Total expenses
3.58 %
5.05 %
5.18 %
5.40 %
Total expenses, net
2.42 %
3.46 %
3.18 %
3.58 %
Net investment loss
( 2.22 )%
( 1.08 )%
( 2.32 )%
( 1.07 )%
The financial highlights per share data are calculated consistent with the methodology used to calculate asset-based fees and expenses.
Note 7 - Organizational and Offering Costs
Expenses incurred in organizing of the Trust and the initial offering of the Shares of the Fund, including applicable SEC registration fees, were borne directly by the Sponsor. The Fund will not be obligated to reimburse the Sponsor.
Note 8 - Subsequent Events
Management has evaluated the financial statements for the quarter-ended September 30, 2020 for subsequent events through the date of this filing and noted no material events requiring either recognition through the date of the filing or disclosure herein for the Fund other than those noted below:
The impact of COVID-19 is evolving rapidly, and such events can be highly disruptive to economies and markets. The impact of COVID-19 to the Fund is described in more detail in Part 2 of this 10-Q.
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TEUCRIUM WHEAT FUND
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
September 30, 2020
December 31, 2019
(Unaudited)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 58,685,364
$ 51,467,643
Interest receivable
3,663
71
Other assets
-
4,209
Equity in trading accounts:
Commodity futures contracts
4,111,405
5,068,476
Due from broker
888,861
-
Total equity in trading accounts
5,000,266
5,068,476
Total assets
$ 63,689,293
$ 56,540,399
Liabilities
Management fee payable to Sponsor
50,016
42,917
Other liabilities
51,924
2,876
Equity in trading accounts:
Due to broker
-
4,258,410
Total liabilities
101,940
4,304,203
Net assets
$ 63,587,353
$ 52,236,196
Shares outstanding
11,125,004
8,950,004
Shares authorized
39,900,000
43,000,000
Net asset value per share
$ 5.72
$ 5.84
Market value per share
$ 5.71
$ 5.85
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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TEUCRIUM WHEAT FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)
Percentage of
Description: Assets
Fair Value
Net Assets
Shares
Cash equivalents
Money market funds
First American Government Obligations Fund - Class X (cost $10,848,167)
$ 10,848,167
17.06 %
10,848,167
Blackrock Liquidity FedFund - Institutional Class (cost $627,264)
627,264
0.98
627,264
Total money market funds (cost: $11,475,431)
$ 11,475,431
18.04 %
Principal Amount
Commercial Paper
Enable Midstream Partners, LP 0.28% (cost: $2,498,367 due 12/14/2020)
$ 2,498,562
3.93 %
2,500,000
Enable Midstream Partners, LP 0.34% (cost: $4,996,081 due 12/15/2020)
4,996,458
7.86
5,000,000
Energy Transfer Operating, L.P. 0.32% (cost: $4,999,111 due 10/13/2020)
4,999,467
7.86
5,000,000
General Motors Financial Company, Inc. 0.21% (cost: $1,999,743 due 10/22/2020)
1,999,755
3.15
2,000,000
Glencore Funding LLC 0.36% (cost: $2,498,175 due 10/08/2020)
2,499,825
3.93
2,500,000
Glencore Funding LLC 0.20% (cost: $2,499,486 due 10/30/2020)
2,499,597
3.93
2,500,000
Hyundai Capital America, Inc. 0.30% (cost: $2,498,500 due 10/16/2020)
2,499,688
3.93
2,500,000
Hyundai Capital America, Inc. 0.15% (cost: $2,499,062 due 12/01/2020)
2,499,365
3.93
2,500,000
Jabil Inc. 0.47% (cost: $2,997,455 due 11/25/2020)
2,997,846
4.71
3,000,000
WGL Holdings, Inc. 0.18% (cost: $1,999,777 due 10/13/2020)
1,999,878
3.15
2,000,000
Total Commercial Paper (cost: $29,485,757)
$ 29,490,441
46.38 %
Total Cash Equivalents
$ 40,965,872
64.42 %
Notional Amount
(Long Exposure)
Commodity futures contracts
United States wheat futures contracts
CBOT wheat futures MAR21 (766 contracts)
$ 1,614,291
2.54 %
$ 22,357,625
CBOT wheat futures MAY21 (652 contracts)
762,978
1.20
19,111,750
CBOT wheat futures DEC21 (742 contracts)
1,734,136
2.73
22,111,600
Total commodity futures contracts
$ 4,111,405
6.47 %
$ 63,580,975
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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TEUCRIUM WHEAT FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2019
Percentage of
Description: Assets
Fair Value
Net Assets
Shares
Cash equivalents
Money market funds
Fidelity Institutional Money Market Funds - Government Portfolio (cost $119)
$ 119
0.00 %
119
Principal Amount
U.S. Treasury Obligations
U.S. Treasury Bills 1.53% (cost: $1,948,259 due 01/30/2020) (a)(b)
$ 1,948,728
3.73 %
1,951,000
Commercial Paper
CNH Industrial Capital LLC 1.86% (cost: $2,493,962 due 01/06/2020)
$ 2,499,358
4.79 %
2,500,000
Energy Transfer Operating, L.P. 1.99% (cost: $2,493,813 due 01/31/2020)
2,495,875
4.78
2,500,000
FMC Technologies, Inc. 1.93% (cost: $4,976,266 due 02/04/2020)
4,990,933
9.56
5,000,000
General Motors Financial Company, Inc. 2.15% (cost: $2,487,131 due 01/06/2020)
2,499,261
4.78
2,500,000
General Motors Financial Company, Inc. 2.16% (cost: $4,973,547 due 01/15/2020)
4,995,839
9.56
5,000,000
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. 2.12% (cost: $2,487,750 due 01/09/2020)
2,498,833
4.78
2,500,000
Total Commercial Paper (cost: $19,912,469)
$ 19,980,099
38.25 %
Total Cash Equivalents
$ 21,928,946
41.98 %
Notional Amount
(Long Exposure)
Commodity futures contracts
United States wheat futures contracts
CBOT wheat futures MAY20 (650 contracts)
$ 2,113,350
4.04 %
$ 18,256,875
CBOT wheat futures JUL20 (556 contracts)
892,498
1.71
15,665,300
CBOT wheat futures DEC20 (634 contracts)
2,062,628
3.95
18,314,675
Total commodity futures contracts
$ 5,068,476
9.70 %
$ 52,236,850
(a) Discount yield at the time of purchase inclusive of collateral fees.
(b) The security is held by the broker as collateral for open futures contracts.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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TEUCRIUM WHEAT FUND
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
Three months ended
Three months ended
Nine months ended
Nine months ended
September 30, 2020
September 30, 2019
September 30, 2020
September 30, 2019
Income
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on trading of commodity futures contracts:
Realized gain (loss) on commodity futures contracts
$ 1,631,368
$ ( 1,553,813 )
$ 1,798,882
$ ( 9,921,063 )
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on commodity futures contracts
5,927,145
( 2,735,769 )
( 957,071 )
4,415,406
Interest income
51,225
320,662
378,205
1,069,721
Total income (loss)
7,609,738
( 3,968,920 )
1,220,016
( 4,435,936 )
Expenses
Management fees
137,207
129,276
378,768
408,185
Professional fees
21,897
81,432
185,090
288,217
Distribution and marketing fees
154,909
145,365
487,090
567,573
Custodian fees and expenses
19,594
24,562
67,842
77,089
Business permits and licenses fees
3,312
10,342
24,026
24,873
General and administrative expenses
11,570
16,090
58,996
60,177
Brokerage commissions
-
-
-
14,841
Other expenses
-
2,586
-
8,164
Total expenses
348,489
409,653
1,201,812
1,449,119
Expenses waived by the Sponsor
( 16,384 )
-
( 16,384 )
( 2,500 )
Total expenses, net
332,105
409,653
1,185,428
1,446,619
Net income (loss)
$ 7,277,633
$ ( 4,378,573 )
$ 34,588
$ ( 5,882,555 )
Net income (loss) per share
$ 0.68
$ ( 0.44 )
$ ( 0.12 )
$ ( 0.64 )
Net income (loss) per weighted average share
$ 0.71
$ ( 0.45 )
$ 0.00
$ ( 0.59 )
Weighted average shares outstanding
10,180,982
9,692,124
9,284,949
9,982,605
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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TEUCRIUM WHEAT FUND
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
(Unaudited)
Nine months ended
Nine months ended
September 30, 2020
September 30, 2019
Operations
Net income (loss)
$ 34,588
$ ( 5,882,555 )
Capital transactions
Issuance of Shares
16,405,790
10,960,965
Redemption of Shares
( 5,089,221 )
( 9,758,948 )
Total capital transactions
11,316,569
1,202,017
Net change in net assets
11,351,157
( 4,680,538 )
Net assets, beginning of period
$ 52,236,196
$ 55,149,873
Net assets, end of period
$ 63,587,353
$ 50,469,335
Net asset value per share at beginning of period
$ 5.84
$ 5.95
Net asset value per share at end of period
$ 5.72
$ 5.31
Creation of Shares
3,100,000
2,000,000
Redemption of Shares
925,000
1,775,000
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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TEUCRIUM WHEAT FUND
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
Nine months ended
Nine months ended
September 30, 2020
September 30, 2019
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)
$ 34,588
$ ( 5,882,555 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:
Net change in unrealized depreciation/(appreciation) on commodity futures contracts
957,071
( 4,415,406 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Due from broker
( 888,861 )
4,806,578
Interest receivable
( 3,592 )
( 146 )
Other assets
4,209
3,592
Due to broker
( 4,258,410 )
-
Payable for purchases of commercial paper
-
( 9,969,591 )
Management fee payable to Sponsor
7,099
( 8,377 )
Other liabilities
49,048
38,234
Net cash used in operating activities
( 4,098,848 )
( 15,427,671 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from sale of Shares
16,405,790
10,960,965
Redemption of Shares
( 5,089,221 )
( 9,758,948 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
11,316,569
1,202,017
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
7,217,721
( 14,225,654 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
51,467,643
63,300,447
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$ 58,685,364
$ 49,074,793
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)
Note 1 - Organization and Operation
Teucrium Wheat Fund (referred to herein as “WEAT” or the “Fund”) is a commodity pool that is a series of Teucrium Commodity Trust (“Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust formed on September 11, 2009. The Fund issues common units, called the “Shares,” representing fractional undivided beneficial interests in the Fund. The Fund continuously offers Creation Baskets consisting of 25,000 Shares at their Net Asset Value (“NAV”) to “Authorized Purchasers” through Foreside Fund Services, LLC, which is the distributor for the Fund (the “Distributor”). Authorized Purchasers sell such Shares, which are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) Arca under the symbol “WEAT,” to the public at per-Share offering prices that reflect, among other factors, the trading price of the Shares on the NYSE Arca, the NAV of the Fund at the time the Authorized Purchaser purchased the Creation Baskets and the NAV at the time of the offer of the Shares to the public, the supply of and demand for Shares at the time of sale, and the liquidity of the markets for wheat interests. The Fund’s Shares trade in the secondary market on the NYSE Arca at prices that are lower or higher than their NAV per Share.
The investment objective of WEAT is to have the daily changes in the NAV of the Fund’s Shares reflect the daily changes in the wheat market for future delivery as measured by the Benchmark. The Benchmark is a weighted average of the closing settlement prices for three futures contracts for wheat (“Wheat Futures Contracts”) that are traded on the Chicago Board of Trade (“CBOT”):
WEAT Benchmark
CBOT Wheat Futures Contract
Weighting
Second to expire
35
%
Third to expire
30
%
December following the third to expire
35
%
The Fund commenced investment operations on September 19, 2011 and has a fiscal year ending December 31. The Fund’s sponsor is Teucrium Trading, LLC (the “Sponsor”). The Sponsor is responsible for the management of the Fund. The Sponsor is registered as a commodity pool operator (“CPO”) and a commodity trading adviser (“CTA”) with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) and is a member of the National Futures Association (“NFA”).
On June 13, 2011, the Fund’s initial registration of 10,000,000 shares on Form S1 was declared effective by the SEC. On September 19, 2011, the Fund listed its shares on the NYSE Arca under the ticker symbol “WEAT.” On the business day prior to that, the Fund issued 100,000 shares in exchange for $ 2,500,000 at the Fund’s initial NAV of $ 25 per share. The Fund also commenced investment operations on September 19, 2011 by purchasing commodity futures contracts traded on the CBOT. On December 31, 2010, the Fund had four shares outstanding, which were owned by the Sponsor. The current registration statement for WEAT was declared effective on April 29, 2019. This registration statement for WEAT registered an additional 30,000,000 shares.
The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC and, therefore, do not include all information and footnote disclosures required under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The financial information included herein is unaudited; however, such financial information reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for the fair presentation of the Fund’s financial statements for the interim period. It is suggested that these interim financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes included in the Trust’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as the most recent Form S-1 filing, as applicable. The operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2020.
Subject to the terms of the Trust Agreement, Teucrium Trading, LLC, in its capacity as the Sponsor (“Sponsor”), may terminate a Fund at any time, regardless of whether the Fund has incurred losses, including, for instance, if it determines that the Fund’s aggregate net assets in relation to its operating expenses make the continued operation of the Fund unreasonable or imprudent. However, no level of losses will require the Sponsor to terminate a Fund.
Note 2 - Principal Contracts and Agreements
The Sponsor employs U.S. Bank N.A. as the Custodian for the Funds. The principal business address for U.S. Bank N.A is 1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212. U.S. Bank N.A. is a Wisconsin state-chartered bank subject to regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Wisconsin State Banking Department. The principal address for U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“Global Fund Services”) is 615 E. Michigan Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202. In addition, effective on the Conversion Date, Global Fund Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of U.S. Bank, commenced serving as administrator for each Fund, performing certain administrative and accounting services and preparing certain SEC reports on behalf of the Funds, and also became the registrar and transfer agent for each Fund’s Shares. For such services, U.S. Bank and Global Fund Services will receive an asset-based fee, subject to a minimum annual fee.
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For custody services, the Funds will pay to U.S. Bank N.A. 0.0075% of average gross assets up to $1 billion, and .0050% of average gross assets over $1 billion, annually, plus certain per-transaction charges. For Transfer Agency, Fund Accounting and Fund Administration services, which are based on the total assets for all the Funds in the Trust, the Funds will pay to Global Fund Services 0.06% of average gross assets on the first $250 million, 0.05% on the next $250 million, 0.04% on the next $500 million and 0.03% on the balance over $1 billion annually. A combined minimum annual fee of up to $64,500 for custody, transfer agency, accounting and administrative services is assessed per Fund. These services are recorded in custodian fees and expenses on the statements of operations. A summary of these expenses is included below.
The Sponsor employs Foreside Fund Services, LLC (“Foreside” or the “Distributor”) as the Distributor for the Funds. The Distribution Services Agreement among the Distributor and the Sponsor calls for the Distributor to work with the Custodian in connection with the receipt and processing of orders for Creation Baskets and Redemption Baskets and the review and approval of all Fund sales literature and advertising materials. The Distributor and the Sponsor have also entered into a Securities Activities and Service Agreement (the “SASA”) under which certain employees and officers of the Sponsor are licensed as registered representatives or registered principals of the Distributor, under Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) rules. For its services as the Distributor, Foreside receives a fee of 0.01% of the Fund’s average daily net assets and an aggregate annual fee of $100,000 for all Teucrium Funds, along with certain expense reimbursements. For its services under the SASA, Foreside receives a fee of $5,000 per registered representative and $1,000 per registered location . T hese services are recorded in distribution and marketing fees on the statements of operations. A summary of these expenses is included below. Pursuant to a Consulting Services Agreement, Foreside Consulting Services, LLC, performs certain consulting support services for the Trust’s Sponsor. Additionally, Foreside Distributors, LLC performs certain distribution consulting services pursuant to a Distribution Consulting Agreement with the Trust’s Sponsor.
ED&F Man Capital Markets, Inc. (“ED&F Man”) serves as the Underlying Funds’ clearing broker to execute and clear the Underlying Funds’ futures and provide other brokerage-related services. ED&F Man is registered as an FCM with the U.S. CFTC and is a member of the NFA. ED&F Man is also registered as a broker/dealer with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and is a member of the FINRA. ED&F Man is a clearing member of ICE Futures U.S., Inc., Chicago Board of Trade, Chicago Mercantile Exchange, New York Mercantile Exchange, and all other major United States commodity exchanges. For Corn, Soybean, Sugar and Wheat Futures Contracts ED&F Man is paid $9.00 per round turn. Prior to August 21, 2019, these expenses were recorded in brokerage commissions on the statements of operations. Beginning on August 21, 2019, these expenses were recognized on a per-trade basis. The half-turn is recognized as an unrealized loss on the statements of operations for contracts that have been purchased since the change in recognition, and a full turn is recognized as a realized loss on the statements of operations when a contract is sold. A summary of these expenses as they were included prior to the change is included below. A complete breakdown of brokerage commissions is presented in Note 3.
The sole Trustee of the Trust is Wilmington Trust Company, a Delaware banking corporation. The Trustee will accept service of legal process on the Trust in the State of Delaware and will make certain filings under the Delaware Statutory Trust Act. For its services, the Trustee receives an annual fee of $ 3,300 from the Trust. These services are recorded in business permits and licenses fees on the statements of operations. A summary of these expenses is included below.
The Sponsor employs Thales Capital Partners LLC (TCP) as the Marketing Agent. TCP is registered as a Broker-Dealer with the SEC and a member of Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and SIPC. TCP receives an annual fee of $90,000 and an additional 0.0015% of average daily net assets in referred accounts for distribution and solicitation-related services. This additional fee is determined by an agreed upon level of assets at the time of signing the contract. These services are recorded in distribution and marketing fees on the statements of operations. A summary of these expenses is included below:
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Three months ended September 30, 2020
Three months ended September 30, 2019
Nine months ended September 30, 2020
Nine months ended September 30, 2019
Amount Recognized for Custody Services
$ 19,594
$ 24,562
$ 67,842
$ 77,089
Amount of Custody Services Waived
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
Amount Recognized for Distribution Services
$ 7,460
$ 10,017
$ 27,860
$ 31,915
Amount of Distribution Services Waived
$ 2,002
$ -
$ 2,002
$ -
Amount Recognized for Brokerage Commissions
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ 14,841
Amount of Brokerage Commissions Waived
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
Amount Recognized for Wilmington Trust
$ -
$ 837
$ -
$ 837
Amount of Wilmington Trust Waived
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
Amount Recognized for TCP
$ 4,611
$ -
$ 16,380
$ -
Amount of TCP Waived
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) as detailed in the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification.
Revenue Recognition
Commodity futures contracts are recorded on the trade date. All such transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis and marked to market daily. Unrealized appreciation or depreciation on commodity futures contracts are reflected in the statements of operations as the difference between the original contract amount and the fair market value as of the last business day of the year or as of the last date of the financial statements. Beginning on August 21, 2019, brokerage commission expenses were recognized on a per-trade basis. The half-turn is recognized as an unrealized loss on the statements of operations for contracts that have been purchased since the change in recognition, and a full turn is recognized as a realized loss on the statements of operations when a contract is sold. Changes in the appreciation or depreciation between periods are reflected in the statements of operations. Interest on cash equivalents with financial institutions are recognized on the accrual basis. The Funds earn interest on funds held at the custodian and other financial institutions at prevailing market rates for such investments.
The Sponsor invests a portion of cash in commercial paper, which is deemed a cash equivalent based on the rating and duration of contracts as described in the notes to the financial statements and reflected in cash and cash equivalents on the statements of assets and liabilities and on the statements of cash flows. Accretion on these investments are recognized using the effective interest method in U.S. dollars and included in interest income on the statements of operations.
The Sponsor invests a portion of the cash held by the broker in short term Treasury Bills as collateral for open futures contracts. Accretion on these investments are recognized using the effective interest method in U.S. dollars and included in interest income on the combined statements of operations.
The Sponsor adopted ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts With Customers, for the year ended December 31, 2018. The adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements of the Trust or the Funds.
Brokerage Commissions
Beginning on August 21, 2019, the Sponsor began recognizing the expense for brokerage commissions for futures contract trades on a per-trade basis. Prior to the change, brokerage commissions on all open commodity futures contracts were accrued on the trade date and on a full-turn basis. The below table shows the amounts included on the statements of operations as unrealized losses attributed to brokerage commissions as of September 30, 2020 and 2019.
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WEAT
September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019
Unrealized Loss Attributed to Brokerage Commissions $ 9,720
$ 3,294
Total Brokerage Commissions paid including unrealized loss
$ 29,059
$ 33,915
Income Taxes
For federal income tax purposes, the Fund will be treated as a publicly traded partnership. A publicly traded partnership is generally treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes unless 90% or more of the publicly traded partnership’s gross income for each taxable year of its existence consists of qualifying income as defined in section 7704(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Qualifying income is defined as generally including, in pertinent part, interest (other than from a financial business), dividends, and gains from the sale or disposition of capital assets held for the production of interest or dividends. In the case of a partnership of which a principal activity is the buying and selling of commodities, other than as inventory, or of futures, forwards and options with respect to commodities, qualifying income also includes income and gains from commodities and from futures, forwards, options with respect to commodities and, provided the partnership is a trader or investor with respect to such assets, swaps and other notional principal contracts with respect to commodities. The Fund expects that at least 90% of the Fund’s gross income for each taxable year will consist of qualifying income and that the Fund will be taxed as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. The Fund does not record a provision for income taxes because the shareholders report their share of the Fund’s income or loss on their income tax returns. The financial statements reflect the Fund’s transactions without adjustment, if any, required for income tax purposes.
The Fund 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 related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Fund files an income tax return in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and may file income tax returns in various U.S. states and foreign jurisdictions. For all tax years 2017 to 2019, the Fund remains subject to income tax examinations by major taxing authorities. 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 the Fund recording a tax liability that reduces net assets. Based on its analysis, the Fund has determined that it has not incurred any liability for unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 2020 and for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017. However, the Fund’s conclusions regarding this policy may be subject to review and adjustment at a later date based on factors including, but not limited to, ongoing analysis of and changes to tax laws, regulations, and interpretations thereof.
The Fund 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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.
The Fund may be subject to potential examination by U.S. federal, U.S. state, or foreign jurisdictional authorities in the area of income taxes. These potential examinations may include questioning the timing and amount of deductions, the nexus of income among various tax jurisdictions, and compliance with U.S. federal, U.S. state and foreign tax laws.
Creations and Redemptions
Authorized Purchasers may purchase Creation Baskets consisting of 25,000 shares from the Fund. The amount of the proceeds required to purchase a Creation Basket will be equal to the NAV of the shares in the Creation Basket determined as of 4:00 p.m.(EST) on the day the order to create the basket is properly received.
25,000
Authorized Purchasers may redeem shares from the Fund only in blocks of 25,000 shares called “Redemption Baskets.” The amount of the redemption proceeds for a Redemption Basket will be equal to the NAV of the shares in the Redemption Basket determined as of 4:00 p.m. (EST) on the day the order to redeem the basket is properly received.
25,000
The Fund receives or pays the proceeds from shares sold or redeemed within three business days after the trade date of the purchase or redemption. The amounts due from Authorized Purchasers are reflected in the Fund’s statements of assets and liabilities as receivable for shares sold. Amounts payable to Authorized Purchasers upon redemption are reflected in the Fund’s statements of assets and liabilities as payable for shares redeemed.
As outlined in the most recent Form S-1 filing, 50,000 shares represent two Redemption Baskets for the Fund and a minimum level of shares. If the Fund experienced redemptions that caused the number of Shares outstanding to decrease to the minimum level of Shares required to be outstanding, until the minimum number of Shares is again exceeded through the purchase of a new Creation Basket, there can be no more redemptions by an Authorized Purchaser.
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Allocation of Shareholder Income and Losses
Profit or loss is allocated among the shareholders of the Fund in proportion to the number of shares each shareholder holds as of the close of each month.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments with maturity dates of 90 days or less when acquired. The Trust reported its cash equivalents in the statements of assets and liabilities at market value, or at carrying amounts that approximate fair value, because of their highly liquid nature and short-term maturities. Each Fund that is a series of the Trust has the balance of its cash equivalents on deposit with financial institutions. The Trust holds a balance in money market funds that is included in cash and cash equivalents on the statements of assets and liabilities. The Sponsor invests a portion of the available cash for the Funds in alternative demand deposit savings accounts, which is classified as cash and not as cash equivalents. Assets deposited with the bank may, at times, exceed federally insured limits. The Sponsor invests a portion of the available cash for the Funds in investment grade commercial paper with durations of 90 days or less, which is classified as a cash equivalent and is not FDIC insured. The Sponsor invests a portion of the cash held by the broker in short term Treasury Bills as collateral for open futures contracts, which is classified as a cash equivalent and is not FDIC insured.
September 30, 2020
December 31, 2019
Money Market Funds
$ 11,475,431
$ 119
Demand Deposit Savings Accounts
17,719,492
29,538,697
Commercial Paper
29,490,441
19,980,099
Treasury Bills
-
1,948,728
Total cash and cash equivalents as presented on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
$ 58,685,364
$ 51,467,643
Due from/to Broker
The amount recorded by the Fund for the amount due from and to the clearing broker includes, but is not limited to, cash held by the broker, amounts payable to the clearing broker related to open transactions, payables for commodities futures accounts liquidating to an equity balance on the clearing broker’s records and amounts of brokerage commissions paid and recognized as unrealized losses.
Margin is the minimum amount of funds that must be deposited by a commodity interest trader with the trader’s broker to initiate and maintain an open position in futures contracts. A margin deposit acts to assure the trader’s performance of the futures contracts purchased or sold. Futures contracts are customarily bought and sold on initial margin that represents a very small percentage 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 the Fund’s clearing brokers, carrying accounts for traders in commodity interest contracts generally require higher amounts of margin as a matter of policy to further protect themselves. Over-the-counter trading generally involves the extension of credit between counterparties, so the counterparties may agree to require the posting of collateral by one or both parties to address credit exposure.
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.
Ongoing or “maintenance” margin requirements are computed each day by a trader’s clearing broker. When the market value of a particular open futures contract 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 trader’s position. With respect to the Fund’s trading, the Fund (and not its shareholders personally) is subject to margin calls.
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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.
Calculation of Net Asset Value
The Fund’s NAV is calculated by:
●
Taking the current market value of its total assets and
●
Subtracting any liabilities.
The administrator, Global Fund Services, calculates the NAV of the Fund once each trading day. It calculates the NAV as of the earlier of the close of the NYSE or 4:00 p.m. (EST). The NAV for a particular trading day is released after 4:15 p.m. (EST).
In determining the value of Wheat Futures Contracts, the administrator uses the CBOT closing price. The administrator determines the value of all other Fund investments as of the earlier of the close of the NYSE or 4:00 p.m. (EST). The value of over-the-counter wheat interests is determined based on the value of the commodity or futures contract underlying such wheat interest, except that a fair value may be determined if the Sponsor believes that the Fund is subject to significant credit risk relating to the counterparty to such wheat interest. For purposes of financial statements and reports, the Sponsor will recalculate the NAV where necessary to reflect the “fair value” of a Futures Contract when the Futures Contract closes at its price fluctuation limit for the day. Short term Treasury securities held by the Fund are valued by the administrator using values received from recognized third-party vendors and dealer quotes. NAV includes any unrealized profit or loss on open wheat interests and any other income or expense accruing to the Fund but unpaid or not received by the Fund.
Sponsor Fee, Allocation of Expenses and Related Party Transactions
The Sponsor is responsible for investing the assets of the Fund in accordance with the objectives and policies of the Fund. In addition, the Sponsor arranges for one or more third parties to provide administrative, custodial, accounting, transfer agency and other necessary services to the Trust and the Funds. In addition, the Sponsor elected not to outsource services directly attributable to the Trust and the Funds such as accounting, financial reporting, regulatory compliance and trading activities. In addition, the Fund is contractually obligated to pay a monthly management fee to the Sponsor, based on average daily net assets, at a rate equal to 1.00% per annum. The Fund generally pays for all brokerage fees, taxes and other expenses, including licensing fees for the use of intellectual property, registration or other fees paid to the SEC, FINRA, formerly the National Association of Securities Dealers, or any other regulatory agency in connection with the offer and sale of subsequent Shares after its initial registration and all legal, accounting, printing and other expenses associated therewith. The Fund also pays its portion of the fees and expenses associated with the Trust’s tax accounting and reporting requirements. Certain aggregate expenses common to all Funds within the Trust are allocated by the Sponsor to the respective funds based on activity drivers deemed most appropriate by the Sponsor for such expenses, including but not limited to relative assets under management and creation order activity.
These aggregate common expenses include, but are not limited to, legal, auditing, accounting and financial reporting, tax-preparation, regulatory compliance, trading activities, and insurance costs, as well as fees paid to the Distributor, which are included in the related line item in the statements of operations. A portion of these aggregate common expenses are related to the Sponsor or related parties of principals of the Sponsor; these are necessary services to the Funds, which are primarily the cost of performing accounting and financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and trading activities that are directly attributable to the Fund. Such expenses are primarily recorded as distribution and marketing fees on the statement of operations. All asset-based fees and expenses for the Funds are calculated on the prior day’s net assets.
Three months ended September 30, 2020
Three months ended September 30, 2019
Nine months ended September 30, 2020
Nine months ended September 30, 2019
Recognized Related Party Transactions
$ 94,344
$ 111,788
$ 365,704
$ 444,598
Waived Related Party Transactions
$ 13,630
$ -
$ 13,630
$ 2,500
The Sponsor has the ability to elect to pay certain expenses on behalf of the Funds or waive the management fee. This election is subject to change by the Sponsor, at its discretion. Expenses paid by the Sponsor and Management fees waived by the Sponsor are, if applicable, presented as waived expenses in the statements of operations for each Fund. The Sponsor has determined that there would be no recovery sought for the amounts below in any future period:
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WEAT
Three months ended September 30, 2020
$ 16,384
Three months ended September 30, 2019
$ -
Nine months ended September 30, 2020
$ 16,384
Nine months ended September 30, 2019
$ 2,500
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management 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 could differ from those estimates.
Fair Value - Definition and Hierarchy
In accordance with U.S. GAAP, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
In determining fair value, the Fund uses various valuation approaches. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, a fair value hierarchy for inputs is used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are those that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s assumptions about the inputs market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The fair value hierarchy is categorized into three levels based on the inputs as follows:
Level 1 - Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Fund has the ability to access. Valuation adjustments and block discounts are not applied to Level 1 financial instruments. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these financial instruments does not entail a significant degree of judgment.
Level 2 - Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3 - Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.
The availability of valuation techniques and observable inputs can vary from financial instrument to financial instrument and is affected by a wide variety of factors including, the type of financial instrument, whether the financial instrument is new and not yet established in the marketplace, and other characteristics particular to the transaction. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Those estimated values do not necessarily represent the amounts that may be ultimately realized due to the occurrence of future circumstances that cannot be reasonably determined. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, those estimated values may be materially higher or lower than the values that would have been used had a ready market for the financial instruments existed. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Fund in determining fair value is greatest for financial instruments categorized in Level 3. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy, within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls, is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant rather than an entity-specific measure. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, the Fund’s own assumptions are set to reflect those that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. The Fund uses prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date, including periods of market dislocation. In periods of market dislocation, the observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for many financial instruments. This condition could cause a financial instrument to be reclassified to a lower level within the fair value hierarchy. When such a situation exists on a quarter close, the Sponsor will calculate the NAV on a particular day using the Level 1 valuation, but will later recalculate the NAV for the impacted Fund based upon the valuation inputs from these alternative verifiable sources (Level 2 or Level 3) and will report such NAV in its applicable financial statements and reports.
The determination is made as of the settlement of the futures contracts on the last day of trading for the reporting period. In making the determination of a Level 1 or Level 2 transfer, the Fund considers the average volume of the specific underlying futures contracts traded on the relevant exchange for the three months being reported.
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On September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, in the opinion of the Trust and the Fund, the reported value of the Wheat Futures Contracts traded on the CBOT fairly reflected the value of the Wheat Futures Contracts held by the Fund, and no adjustments were necessary. The determination is made as of the settlement of the futures contracts on the last day of trading for the reporting period. In making the determination of a Level 1 or Level 2 transfer, the Fund considers the average volume of the specific underlying futures contracts traded on the relevant exchange for the periods being reported.
For the quarter ending June 30, 2020, the DEC21 Wheat Futures Contracts traded on the CBOT did not, in the opinion of the Trust and WEAT, trade in an actively traded futures market as defined in the policy of the Trust and WEAT for the entire period during which they were held. Accordingly, the Trust and WEAT classified these as a Level 2 asset. The DEC21 Wheat Contracts were, in the opinion of the Trust and WEAT, fairly valued at settlement on June 30, 2020. The value of these contracts was $533,160, these transferred back to a Level 1 asset for the quarter ending September 30, 2020 as shown in Note 4.
The Fund records its derivative activities at fair value. Gains and losses from derivative contracts are included in the statements of operations. Derivative contracts include futures contracts related to commodity prices. Futures, which are listed on a national securities exchange, such as the CBOT and the ICE, or reported on another national market, are generally categorized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. OTC derivatives contracts (such as forward and swap contracts) which may be valued using models, depending on whether significant inputs are observable or unobservable, are categorized in Levels 2 or 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Expenses
Expenses are recorded using the accrual method of accounting.
Net Income (Loss) per Share
Net income (loss) per share is the difference between the NAV per unit at the beginning of each period and at the end of each period. The weighted average number of units outstanding was computed for purposes of disclosing net income (loss) per weighted average unit. The weighted average units are equal to the number of units outstanding at the end of the period, adjusted proportionately for units created or redeemed based on the amount of time the units were outstanding during such period.
New Accounting Pronouncements
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2020-02: “Financial Instruments Credit Losses (Topic 326) and Leases (Topic 842): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 119 and Update to SEC Section on Effective Date Related to Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The amendment updates and adds language to ASU 2016-02. The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended March 31, 2020; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
The FASB issued ASU 2020-01: Investments Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) Clarifying the Interactions between Topic 321, Topic 323, and Topic 815. The amendments clarify the treatment of transactions that require a company to apply or discontinue the equity method of accounting. The amendments were adopted early for the quarter ended March 31, 2020; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
The FASB issued 2019-07: “Codification Updates to SEC Sections: Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Final Rule Releases No. 3310532, Disclosure Update and Simplification, and Nos. 33-10231 and 33-10442, Investment Company Reporting Modernization, and Miscellaneous Updates.” The amendments improve, update, and simplify the SEC’s regulations on financial reporting and disclosure. The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended September 30, 2019; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
The FASB issued ASU 2019-04: “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments.” The amendments clarify and improve areas of guidance related to the recently issued standards on credit losses, hedging, and recognition and measurement, specifically relating to ASU 201712. The amendments were early adopted for the quarter ended June 30, 2019; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
The FASB issued ASU 2019-01: "Leases (Topic 842): Codification Improvements. These amendments align the guidance for fair value of underlying assets by lessors that are not manufacturers or dealers in Topic 842 with that of existing guidance. The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended September 30, 2020; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
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The FASB issued ASU 2018-13: “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. These amendments modify public and private company fair value disclosure requirements. While some disclosures were removed or modified, others were added. The guidance is a result of the FASB’s test of the principals developed to improve the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to the financial statements. The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended March 31, 2020; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
The FASB issued ASU 2017-13, “Revenue Recognition (Topic 605), Leases (Topic 840), and Leases (Topic 842): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to the Staff Announcement at the July 20, 2017 EITF Meeting and Rescission of Prior SEC Staff Announcements and Observer Comments”. The amendment amends the early adoption date option for certain companies related to adoption of ASU No. 2014-09 and ASU No. 2016-02. The SEC staff stated the SEC would not object to a public business entity that otherwise would not meet the definition of a public business entity except for a requirement to include or the inclusion of its financial statements or financial information in another entity’s filing with the SEC adopting ASC Topic 842 for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended September 30, 2020; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
The FASB issued ASU 2017-12, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities”. These amendments refine and expand hedge accounting for both financial (e.g., interest rate) and commodity risks. Its provisions create more transparency around how economic results are presented, both on the face of the financial statements and in the footnotes. It also makes certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of hedge accounting guidance. The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended March 31, 2019; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
The FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842).” The amendments in this update increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended March 31, 2019; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements
The Fund’s assets and liabilities recorded at fair value have been categorized based upon a fair value hierarchy as described in the Fund’s significant accounting policies in Note 3. The following table presents information about the Fund’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019:
September 30, 2020
Assets:
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Balance as of September 30, 2020
Cash Equivalents
$ 40,965,872
$ -
$ -
$ 40,965,872
Commodity Futures Contracts
Wheat futures contracts
4,111,405
-
-
4,111,405
Total
$ 45,077,277
$ -
$ -
$ 45,077,277
December 31, 2019
Assets:
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Balance as of December 31, 2019
Cash Equivalents
$ 21,928,946
$ -
$ -
$ 21,928,946
Commodity Futures Contracts
Wheat futures contracts
5,068,476
-
-
5,068,476
Total
$ 26,997,422
$ -
$ -
$ 26,997,422
For the period ending September 30, 2020 and year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund did not have any significant transfers between any levels of the fair value hierarchy, except for the DEC 21 CBOT Wheat contracts, which were reflected as a Level 2 investment for the period ended June 30, 2020 due to the quarterly average daily volume for the contract, and which were transferred back to a Level 1 asset for the quarter ending September 30, 2020.
See the Fair Value - Definition and Hierarchy section in Note 3 above for an explanation of the transfers into and out of each level of the fair value hierarchy.
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Note 5 - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
In the normal course of business, the Fund utilizes derivative contracts in connection with its proprietary trading activities. Investments in derivative contracts are subject to additional risks that can result in a loss of all or part of an investment. The Fund’s derivative activities and exposure to derivative contracts are classified by the following primary underlying risks: interest rate, credit, commodity price, and equity price risks. In addition to its primary underlying risks, the Fund is also subject to additional counterparty risk due to inability of its counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and for the year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund invested only in commodity futures contracts.
Futures Contracts
The Fund is subject to commodity price risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. A futures contract represents a commitment for the future purchase or sale of an asset at a specified price on a specified date.
The purchase and sale of futures contracts requires margin deposits with a Futures Commission Merchant (“FCM”). Subsequent payments (variation margin) are made or received by the Fund each day, depending on the daily fluctuations in the value of the contract, and are recorded as unrealized gains or losses by the Fund. Futures contracts may reduce the Fund’s exposure to counterparty risk since futures contracts are exchange-traded; and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as the counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees the futures against default.
The Commodity Exchange Act requires an FCM to segregate all customer transactions and assets from the FCM’s proprietary activities. A customer’s cash and other equity deposited with an FCM are considered commingled with all other customer funds subject to the FCM’s segregation requirements. In the event of an FCM’s insolvency, recovery may be limited to the Fund’s pro rata share of segregated customer funds available. It is possible that the recovery amount could be less than the total of cash and other equity deposited.
The following table discloses information about offsetting assets and liabilities presented in the statements of assets and liabilities to enable users of these financial statements to evaluate the effect or potential effect of netting arrangements for recognized assets and liabilities. These recognized assets and liabilities are presented as defined in the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-11 “Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities” and subsequently clarified in FASB ASU 2013-01 “Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.”
The following table also identifies the fair value amounts of derivative instruments included in the statements of assets and liabilities as derivative contracts, categorized by primary underlying risk and held by the FCM, ED&F Man as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
Offsetting of Financial Liabilities and Derivative Liabilities as of September 30, 2020
(i)
(ii)
(iii) = (i)-(ii)
(iv)
(v)=(iii)-(iv)
Gross Amount Not Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Description
Gross Amount of Recognized Assets
Gross Amount Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Net Amount Presented in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Futures Contracts Available for Offset
Collateral, Due to Broker
Net Amount
Commodity Price
Wheat futures contracts
$ 4,111,405
$ -
$ 4,111,405
$ -
$ -
$ 4,111,405
Offsetting of Financial Assets and Derivative Assets as of December 31, 2019
(i)
(ii)
(iii) = (i)-(ii)
(iv)
(v)=(iii)-(iv)
Gross Amount Not Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Description
Gross Amount of Recognized Assets
Gross Amount Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Net Amount Presented in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Futures Contracts Available for Offset
Collateral, Due to Broker
Net Amount
Commodity Price
Wheat futures contracts
$ 5,068,476
$ -
$ 5,068,476
$ -
$ 4,258,410
$ 810,066
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The following tables identify the net gain and loss amounts included in the statements of operations as realized and unrealized gains and losses on trading of commodity futures contracts categorized by primary underlying risk:
Three months ended September 30, 2020
Realized Gain on Commodity Futures Contracts
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation on Commodity Futures Contracts
Commodity Price
Wheat futures contracts
$ 1,631,368
$ 5,927,145
Three months ended September 30, 2019
Realized Loss on Commodity Futures Contracts
Net Change in Unrealized Depreciation on Commodity Futures Contracts
Commodity Price
Wheat futures contracts
$ ( 1,553,813 )
$ ( 2,735,769 )
Nine months ended September 30, 2020
Realized Gain on Commodity Futures Contracts
Net Change in Unrealized Depreciation on Commodity Futures Contracts
Commodity Price
Wheat futures contracts
$ 1,798,882
$ ( 957,071 )
Nine months ended September 30, 2019
Realized Loss on Commodity Futures Contracts
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation on Commodity Futures Contracts
Commodity Price
Wheat futures contracts
$ ( 9,921,063 )
$ 4,415,406
Volume of Derivative Activities
The average notional market value categorized by primary underlying risk for all futures contracts held was $ 58.3 million and $ 49.7 million, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, and $ 51.9 million and $ 53.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.
Note 6 - Financial Highlights
The following tables present per unit performance data and other supplemental financial data for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. This information has been derived from information presented in the financial statements. This information has been derived from information presented in the financial statements and is presented with total expenses gross of expenses waived by the Sponsor and with total expenses net of expenses waived by the Sponsor, as appropriate.
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Three months ended
Three months ended
Nine months ended
Nine months ended
September 30, 2020
September 30, 2019
September 30, 2020
September 30, 2019
Per Share Operation Performance
Net asset value at beginning of period
$ 5.04
$ 5.75
$ 5.84
$ 5.95
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Investment income
0.01
0.03
0.04
0.11
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on commodity futures contracts
0.70
( 0.43 )
( 0.03 )
( 0.60 )
Total expenses, net
( 0.03 )
( 0.04 )
( 0.13 )
( 0.15 )
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value
0.68
( 0.44 )
( 0.12 )
( 0.64 )
Net asset value at end of period
$ 5.72
$ 5.31
$ 5.72
$ 5.31
Total Return
13.51 %
( 7.65 )%
( 2.07 )%
( 10.76 )%
Ratios to Average Net Assets (Annualized)
Total expenses
2.54 %
3.17 %
3.17 %
3.55 %
Total expenses, net
2.42 %
3.17 %
3.13 %
3.54 %
Net investment loss
( 2.05 )%
( 0.69 )%
( 2.13 )%
( 0.92 )%
The financial highlights per share data are calculated consistent with the methodology used to calculate asset-based fees and expenses.
Note 7 - Organizational and Offering Costs
Expenses incurred in organizing of the Trust and the initial offering of the Shares of the Fund, including applicable SEC registration fees, were borne directly by the Sponsor. The Fund will not be obligated to reimburse the Sponsor.
Note 8 - Subsequent Events
Management has evaluated the financial statements for the quarter-ended September 30, 2020 for subsequent events through the date of this filing and noted no material events requiring either recognition through the date of the filing or disclosure herein for the Fund other than those noted below:
The impact of COVID-19 is evolving rapidly, and such events can be highly disruptive to economies and markets. The impact of COVID-19 to the Fund is described in more detail in Part 2 of this 10-Q.
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TEUCRIUM AGRICULTURAL FUND
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
September 30, 2020
December 31, 2019
(Unaudited)
Assets
Cash equivalents
$ 3,167
$ 2,633
Interest receivable
-
3
Other assets
172
-
Equity in trading accounts:
Investments in securities, at fair value (cost $ 1,364,454 and $ 1,908,649 as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively)
1,150,938
1,476,880
Total assets
$ 1,154,277
$ 1,479,516
Liabilities
Other liabilities
1,173
736
Total liabilities
1,173
736
Net assets
$ 1,153,104
$ 1,478,780
Shares outstanding
62,502
75,002
Shares authorized
4,625,000
4,625,000
Net asset value per share
$ 18.45
$ 19.72
Market value per share
$ 18.41
$ 19.60
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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TEUCRIUM AGRICULTURAL FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)
Percentage of
Description: Assets
Fair Value
Net Assets
Shares
Exchange-traded funds
Teucrium Corn Fund
$ 290,014
25.15 %
22,058
Teucrium Soybean Fund
288,447
25.02
18,181
Teucrium Sugar Fund
286,480
24.84
46,924
Teucrium Wheat Fund
285,997
24.80
50,037
Total exchange-traded funds (cost $1,364,454)
$ 1,150,938
99.81 %
Cash equivalents
Money market funds
First American Government Obligations Fund Class X (cost $3,167)
$ 3,167
0.27 %
3,167
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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TEUCRIUM AGRICULTURAL FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2019
Percentage of
Description: Assets
Fair Value
Net Assets
Shares
Exchange-traded funds
Teucrium Corn Fund
$ 360,286
24.36 %
24,308
Teucrium Soybean Fund
371,397
25.11
23,431
Teucrium Sugar Fund
373,786
25.28
53,124
Teucrium Wheat Fund
371,411
25.12
63,637
Total exchange-traded funds (cost: $1,908,649)
$ 1,476,880
99.87 %
Cash equivalents
Money market funds
Fidelity Institutional Money Market Funds - Government Portfolio 1.50% (cost $2,633)
$ 2,633
0.18 %
2,633
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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TEUCRIUM AGRICULTURAL FUND
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
Three months ended
Three months ended
Nine months ended
Nine months ended
September 30, 2020
September 30, 2019
September 30, 2020
September 30, 2019
Income
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on trading of securities:
Realized loss on securities
$ ( 20,614 )
$ ( 17,514 )
$ ( 332,299 )
$ ( 83,163 )
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on securities
126,299
( 66,865 )
218,253
( 14,235 )
Interest income
-
16
11
50
Total income (loss)
105,685
( 84,363 )
( 114,035 )
( 97,348 )
Expenses
Professional fees
288
934
7,471
6,373
Distribution and marketing fees
2,503
3,286
10,900
13,485
Custodian fees and expenses
395
331
1,461
1,663
Business permits and licenses fees
-
18
14,129
12,025
General and administrative expenses
155
115
1,156
1,271
Other expenses
-
2
10
47
Total expenses
3,341
4,686
35,127
34,864
Expenses waived by the Sponsor
( 2,784 )
( 4,003 )
( 33,287 )
( 32,768 )
Total expenses, net
557
683
1,840
2,096
Net income (loss)
$ 105,128
$ ( 85,046 )
$ ( 115,875 )
$ ( 99,444 )
Net income (loss) per share
$ 1.68
$ ( 1.14 )
$ ( 1.27 )
$ ( 1.33 )
Net income (loss) per weighted average share
$ 1.68
$ ( 1.13 )
$ ( 1.64 )
$ ( 1.33 )
Weighted average shares outstanding
62,638
75,002
70,851
75,002
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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TEUCRIUM AGRICULTURAL FUND
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
(Unaudited)
Nine months ended
Nine months ended
September 30, 2020
September 30, 2019
Operations
Net loss
$ ( 115,875 )
$ ( 99,444 )
Capital transactions
Redemption of Shares
( 209,801 )
-
Total capital transactions
( 209,801 )
-
Net change in net assets
( 325,676 )
( 99,444 )
Net assets, beginning of period
$ 1,478,780
$ 1,524,760
Net assets, end of period
$ 1,153,104
$ 1,425,316
Net asset value per share at beginning of period
$ 19.72
$ 20.33
Net asset value per share at end of period
$ 18.45
$ 19.00
Creation of Shares
0
0
Redemption of Shares
12,500
-
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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TEUCRIUM AGRICULTURAL FUND
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
Nine months ended
Nine months ended
September 30, 2020
September 30, 2019
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss
$ ( 115,875 )
$ ( 99,444 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Net change in unrealized (appreciation)/depreciation on securities
( 218,253 )
14,235
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Net sale of investments in securities
544,195
86,492
Interest receivable
3
( 1 )
Other assets
( 172 )
-
Other liabilities
437
( 449 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
210,335
833
Cash flows from financing activities:
Redemption of Shares
( 209,801 )
-
Net cash used in financing activities
( 209,801 )
-
Net change in cash equivalents
534
833
Cash equivalents, beginning of period
2,633
2,862
Cash equivalents, end of period
$ 3,167
$ 3,695
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)
Note 1 - Organization and Operation
Teucrium Agricultural Fund (referred to herein as “TAGS” or the “Fund”) is a series of Teucrium Commodity Trust (“Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust organized on September 11, 2009. The Fund operates pursuant to the Trust’s Fifth Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust and Trust Agreement (the “Trust Agreement”). The Fund was formed on March 29, 2011 and is managed and controlled by Teucrium Trading, LLC (the “Sponsor”). The Sponsor is a limited liability company formed in Delaware on July 28, 2009. The Sponsor is registered as a commodity pool operator (“CPO”) and a commodity trading adviser (“CTA”) with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) and is a member of the National Futures Association (“NFA”).
On April 22, 2011, a registration statement was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). On February 10, 2012, the Fund’s initial registration of 5,000,000 shares on Form S-1 was declared effective by the SEC. On March 28, 2012, the Fund listed its shares on the NYSE Arca under the ticker symbol “TAGS.” On the business day prior to that, the Fund issued 300,000 shares in exchange for $ 15,000,000 at the Fund’s initial NAV of $ 50 per share. The Fund also commenced investment operations on March 28, 2012 by purchasing shares of the Underlying Funds. On December 31, 2011, the Fund had two shares outstanding, which were owned by the Sponsor. On April 30, 2018, a subsequent registration statement for TAGS was declared effective by the SEC.
The investment objective of the TAGS is to have the daily changes in percentage terms of the NAV of its Shares reflect the daily changes in percentage terms of a weighted average (the “Underlying Fund Average”) of the NAVs per share of four other commodity pools that are series of the Trust and are sponsored by the Sponsor: the Teucrium Corn Fund, the Teucrium Wheat Fund, the Teucrium Soybean Fund and the Teucrium Sugar Fund (collectively, the “Underlying Funds”). The Underlying Fund Average will have a weighting of 25% to each Underlying Fund, and the Fund’s assets will be rebalanced, generally on a daily basis, to maintain the approximate 25% allocation to each Underlying Fund:
TAGS Benchmark
Underlying Fund
Weighting
CORN
25 %
SOYB
25 %
CANE
25 %
WEAT
25 %
The Fund seeks to provide daily investment results that reflect the combined daily performance of the Underlying Funds. Under normal market conditions, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective generally by investing equally in shares of each Underlying Fund and, to a lesser extent, cash equivalents. The Fund’s investments in shares of Underlying Funds is rebalanced, generally on a daily basis, in order to maintain approximately a 25% allocation of the Fund’s assets to each Underlying Fund. (This weighted average is referred to herein as the Underlying Fund’s “Benchmark,” the Futures Contracts that at any given time make up an Underlying Fund’s Benchmark are referred to herein as the Underlying Fund’s “Benchmark Component Futures Contracts,” and the commodity specified in the Underlying Fund’s name is referred to herein as its “Specified Commodity.”) Specifically, the Teucrium Corn Fund’s Benchmark is: (1) the second to expire Futures Contract for corn traded on the Chicago Board of Trade (“CBOT”), weighted 35%, (2) the third to expire CBOT corn Futures Contract, weighted 30%, and (3) the CBOT corn Futures Contract expiring in the December following the expiration month of the third to expire contract, weighted 35%. The Teucrium Wheat Fund’s Benchmark is: (1) the second to expire CBOT wheat Futures Contract, weighted 35%, (2) the third to expire CBOT wheat Futures Contract, weighted 30%, and (3) the CBOT wheat Futures Contract expiring in the December following the expiration month of the third to expire contract, weighted 35%. The Teucrium Soybean Fund’s Benchmark is: (1) the second to expire CBOT soybean Futures Contract, weighted 35%, (2) the third to expire CBOT soybean Futures Contract, weighted 30%, and (3) the CBOT soybean Futures Contract expiring in the November following the expiration month of the third to expire contract, weighted 35%, except that CBOT soybean Futures Contracts expiring in August and September will not be part of the Teucrium Soybean Fund’s Benchmark because of the less liquid market for these Futures Contracts. The Teucrium Sugar Fund’s Benchmark is: (1) the second to expire Sugar No. 11 Futures Contract traded on ICE Futures US (“ICE Futures”), weighted 35%, (2) the third to expire ICE Futures Sugar No. 11 Futures Contract, weighted 30%, and (3) the ICE Futures Sugar No. 11 Futures Contract expiring in the March following the expiration month of the third to expire contract, weighted 35%.
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While the Fund expects to maintain substantially all of its assets in shares of the Underlying Funds at all times, the Fund may hold some residual amount of assets in obligations of the United States government (“Treasury Securities”) or cash equivalents, and/or merely hold such assets in cash (generally in interest-bearing accounts). The Underlying Funds invest in Commodity Interests to the fullest extent possible without being leveraged or unable to satisfy their expected current or potential margin or collateral obligations with respect to their investments in Commodity Interests. After fulfilling such margin and collateral requirements, the Underlying Funds will invest the remainder of the proceeds from the sale of baskets in short term Treasury Securities or cash equivalents, and/or merely hold such assets in cash. Therefore, the focus of the Sponsor in managing the Underlying Funds is investing in Commodity Interests and in cash and/or cash equivalents. The Fund and Underlying Funds will earn interest income from the short-term Treasury Securities and/or cash equivalents that it purchases and on the cash it holds through the Fund’s custodian.
The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC and, therefore, do not include all information and footnote disclosures required under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The financial information included herein is unaudited; however, such financial information reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for the fair presentation of the Fund’s financial statements for the interim period. It is suggested that these interim financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes included in the Trust’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as the most recent Form S-1 filing, as applicable. The operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2020.
Subject to the terms of the Trust Agreement, Teucrium Trading, LLC, in its capacity as the Sponsor (“Sponsor”), may terminate a Fund at any time, regardless of whether the Fund has incurred losses, including, for instance, if it determines that the Fund’s aggregate net assets in relation to its operating expenses make the continued operation of the Fund unreasonable or imprudent. However, no level of losses will require the Sponsor to terminate a Fund.
Note 2 - Principal Contracts and Agreements
The Sponsor employs U.S. Bank N.A. as the Custodian for the Funds. The principal business address for U.S. Bank N.A is 1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212. U.S. Bank N.A. is a Wisconsin state-chartered bank subject to regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Wisconsin State Banking Department. The principal address for U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services ("Global Fund Services") is 615 E. Michigan Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202. In addition, effective on the Conversion Date, Global Fund Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of U.S. Bank, commenced serving as administrator for each Fund, performing certain administrative and accounting services and preparing certain SEC reports on behalf of the Funds, and also became the registrar and transfer agent for each Fund’s Shares. For such services, U.S. Bank and Global Fund Services will receive an asset-based fee, subject to a minimum annual fee.
For custody services, the Funds will pay to U.S. Bank N.A. 0.0075% of average gross assets up to $1 billion, and .0050% of average gross assets over $1 billion, annually, plus certain per-transaction charges. For Transfer Agency, Fund Accounting and Fund Administration services, which are based on the total assets for all the Funds in the Trust, the Funds will pay to Global Fund Services 0.06% of average gross assets on the first $250 million, 0.05% on the next $250 million, 0.04% on the next $500 million and 0.03% on the balance over $1 billion annually. A combined minimum annual fee of up to $64,500 for custody, transfer agency, accounting and administrative services is assessed per Fund. These services are recorded in custodian fees and expenses on the statements of operations. A summary of these expenses is included below.
The Sponsor employs Foreside Fund Services, LLC (“Foreside” or the “Distributor”) as the Distributor for the Funds. The Distribution Services Agreement among the Distributor and the Sponsor calls for the Distributor to work with the Custodian in connection with the receipt and processing of orders for Creation Baskets and Redemption Baskets and the review and approval of all Fund sales literature and advertising materials. The Distributor and the Sponsor have also entered into a Securities Activities and Service Agreement (the “SASA”) under which certain employees and officers of the Sponsor are licensed as registered representatives or registered principals of the Distributor, under Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) rules. For its services as the Distributor, Foreside receives a fee of 0.01% of the Fund’s average daily net assets and an aggregate annual fee of $100,000 for all Teucrium Funds, along with certain expense reimbursements. For its services under the SASA, Foreside receives a fee of $5,000 per registered representative and $1,000 per registered location. These services are recorded in distribution and marketing fees on the statements of operations. A summary of these expenses is included below. Pursuant to a Consulting Services Agreement, Foreside Consulting Services, LLC, performs certain consulting support services for the Trust's Sponsor. Additionally, Foreside Distributors, LLC performs certain distribution consulting services pursuant to a Distribution Consulting Agreement with the Trust's Sponsor.
ED&F Man Capital Markets, Inc. (“ED&F Man”) serves as the Underlying Funds’ clearing broker to execute and clear the Underlying Funds’ futures and provide other brokerage-related services. ED&F Man is registered as an FCM with the U.S. CFTC and is a member of the NFA. ED&F Man is also registered as a broker/dealer with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and is a member of the FINRA. ED&F Man is a clearing member of ICE Futures U.S., Inc., Chicago Board of Trade, Chicago Mercantile Exchange, New York Mercantile Exchange, and all other major United States commodity exchanges. For Corn, Soybean, Sugar and Wheat Futures Contracts ED&F Man is paid $ 9.00 per round turn . Prior to August 21, 2019, these expenses were recorded in brokerage commissions on the statements of operations. Beginning on August 21, 2019, these expenses were recognized on a per-trade basis. The half-turn is recognized as an unrealized loss on the statements of operations for contracts that have been purchased since the change in recognition, and a full turn is recognized as a realized loss on the statements of operations when a contract is sold. A summary of these expenses as they were included prior to the change is included below. A complete breakdown of brokerage commissions is presented in Note 3.
The sole Trustee of the Trust is Wilmington Trust Company, a Delaware banking corporation. The Trustee will accept service of legal process on the Trust in the State of Delaware and will make certain filings under the Delaware Statutory Trust Act. For its services, the Trustee receives an annual fee of $ 3,300 from the Trust. These services are recorded in business permits and licenses fees on the statements of operations. A summary of these expenses is included below.
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The Sponsor employs Thales Capital Partners LLC (TCP) as the Marketing Agent. TCP is registered as a Broker-Dealer with the SEC and a member of Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and SIPC. TCP receives an annual fee of $90,000 and an additional 0.0015% of average daily net assets in referred accounts for distribution and solicitation-related services. This additional fee is determined by an agreed upon level of assets at the time of signing the contract. These services are recorded in distribution and marketing fees on the statements of operations. A summary of these expenses is included below.
Three months ended September 30, 2020
Three months ended September 30, 2019
Nine months ended September 30, 2020
Nine months ended September 30, 2019
Amount Recognized for Custody Services
$ 395
$ 331
$ 1,461
$ 1,663
Amount of Custody Services Waived
$ 395
$ 331
$ 1,461
$ 1,663
Amount Recognized for Distribution Services
$ 155
$ 219
$ 618
$ 768
Amount of Distribution Services Waived
$ 155
$ 145
$ 618
$ 602
Amount Recognized for Brokerage Commissions
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
Amount of Brokerage Commissions Waived
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
Amount Recognized for Wilmington Trust
$ -
$ 18
$ -
$ 18
Amount of Wilmington Trust Waived
$ -
$ 18
$ -
$ 18
Amount Recognized for TCP
$ 101
$ -
$ 365
$ -
Amount of TCP Waived
$ 101
$ -
$ 365
$ -
Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) as detailed in the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification.
Revenue Recognition
Investment transactions are accounted for on a trade-date basis. All such transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis and marked to market daily. Unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments are reflected in the statements of assets and liabilities as the difference between the original amount and the fair market value as of the last business day of the year or as of the last date of the financial statements. Beginning on August 21, 2019, brokerage commission expenses were recognized on a per-trade basis. The half-turn is recognized as an unrealized loss on the statements of operations for contracts that have been purchased since the change in recognition, and a full turn is recognized as a realized loss on the statements of operations when a contract is sold. Changes in the appreciation or depreciation between periods are reflected in the statements of operations.
The Sponsor adopted ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts With Customers, for the year ended December 31, 2018. The adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements of the Trust or the Fund.
Brokerage Commissions
Brokerage commissions are accrued on the trade date and on a full-turn basis.
Income Taxes
For federal income tax purposes, the Fund will be treated as a publicly traded partnership. A publicly traded partnership is generally treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes unless 90% or more of the publicly traded partnership’s gross income for each taxable year of its existence consists of qualifying income as defined in section 7704(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Qualifying income is defined as generally including, in pertinent part, interest (other than from a financial business), dividends, and gains from the sale or disposition of capital assets held for the production of interest or dividends. In the case of a partnership of which a principal activity is the buying and selling of commodities, other than as inventory, or of futures, forwards and options with respect to commodities, qualifying income also includes income and gains from commodities and from futures, forwards, options with respect to commodities and, provided the partnership is a trader or investor with respect to such assets, swaps and other notional principal contracts with respect to commodities. The Fund expects that at least 90% of the Fund’s gross income for each taxable year will consist of qualifying income and that the Fund will be taxed as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. The Fund does not record a provision for income taxes because the shareholders report their share of the Fund’s income or loss on their income tax returns. The financial statements reflect the Fund’s transactions without adjustment, if any, required for income tax purposes.
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The Fund 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 related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Fund files an income tax return in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and may file income tax returns in various U.S. states and foreign jurisdictions. For all tax years 2017 to 2019, the Fund remains subject to income tax examinations by major taxing authorities. 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 the Fund recording a tax liability that reduces net assets. This policy has been applied to all existing tax positions upon the Fund’s initial adoption. Based on its analysis, the Fund has determined that it has not incurred any liability for unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 2020 and for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017. However, the Fund’s conclusions regarding this policy may be subject to review and adjustment at a later date based on factors including, but not limited to, ongoing analysis of and changes to tax laws, regulations, and interpretations thereof.
The Fund 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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.
The Fund may be subject to potential examination by U.S. federal, U.S. state, or foreign jurisdictional authorities in the area of income taxes. These potential examinations may include questioning the timing and amount of deductions, the nexus of income among various tax jurisdictions, and compliance with U.S. federal, U.S. state and foreign tax laws.
Creations and Redemptions
Effective August 28, 2018, the Sponsor filed a prospectus supplement updating the Creation and Redemption Basket size to 12,500 shares. Prior to this prospectus supplement, the basket size for Creations and Redemptions was 25,000 shares.
Authorized Purchasers may purchase Creation Baskets consisting of 12,500 shares from the Fund. The amount of the proceeds required to purchase a Creation Basket will be equal to the NAV of the shares in the Creation Basket determined as of 4:00 p.m. (EST) on the day the order to create the basket is properly received.
Authorized Purchasers may redeem shares from the Fund only in blocks of 12,500 shares called “Redemption Baskets.” The amount of the redemption proceeds for a Redemption Basket will be equal to the NAV of the shares in the Redemption Basket determined as of 4:00 p.m. (EST) on the day the order to redeem the basket is properly received.
The Fund will receive the proceeds from shares sold or will pay for redeemed shares within three business days after the trade date of the purchase or redemption, respectively. The amounts due from Authorized Purchasers will be reflected in the Fund’s statements of assets and liabilities as receivable for shares sold. Amounts payable to Authorized Purchasers upon redemption will be reflected in the Fund’s statements of assets and liabilities as payable for shares redeemed.
As outlined in the most recent Form S-1 filing, 50,000 shares represent four Redemption Baskets for the Fund and a minimum level of shares. If the Fund experienced redemptions that caused the number of Shares outstanding to decrease to the minimum level of Shares required to be outstanding, until the minimum number of Shares is again exceeded through the purchase of a new Creation Basket, there can be no more redemptions by an Authorized Purchaser.
Allocation of Shareholder Income and Losses
Profit or loss is allocated among the shareholders of the Fund in proportion to the number of shares each shareholder holds as of the close of each month.
Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments with maturity dates of 90 days or less when acquired. The Fund reported its cash equivalents in the statements of assets and liabilities at market value, or at carrying amounts that approximate fair value, because of their highly liquid nature and short-term maturities. The Fund has these balances of its assets on deposit with banks. Assets deposited with a financial institution may, at times, exceed federally insured limits. TAGS had a balance of $3,167 and $2,633 in money market funds at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively; these balances are included in cash equivalents on the statements of assets and liabilities.
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Payable/Receivable for Securities Purchased/Sold
Due from/to broker for investments in securities are securities transactions pending settlement. The Fund is subject to credit risk to the extent any broker with whom it conducts business is unable to fulfill contractual obligations on its behalf. The management of the Funds monitors the financial condition of such brokers and does not anticipate any losses from these counterparties.
Calculation of Net Asset Value
The Fund’s NAV is calculated by:
●
Taking the current market value of its total assets and
●
Subtracting any liabilities.
The administrator, Global Fund Services, will calculate the NAV of the Fund once each trading day. It will calculate the NAV as of the earlier of the close of the New York Stock Exchange or 4:00 p.m. (EST). The NAV for a particular trading day will be released after 4:15 p.m. (EST).
For purposes of the determining the Fund’s NAV, the Fund’s investments in the Underlying Funds will be valued based on the Underlying Funds’ NAVs. In turn, in determining the value of the Futures Contracts held by the Underlying Funds, the Administrator will use the closing price on the exchange on which they are traded. The Administrator will determine the value of all other Fund and Underlying Fund investments as of the earlier of the close of the New York Stock Exchange or 4:00 p.m. (EST), in accordance with the current Services Agreement between the Administrator and the Trust. The value of over-the-counter Commodity Interests will be determined based on the value of the commodity or Futures Contract underlying such Commodity Interest, except that a fair value may be determined if the Sponsor believes that the Underlying Fund is subject to significant credit risk relating to the counterparty to such Commodity Interest. For purposes of financial statements and reports, the Sponsor will recalculate the NAV of an Underlying Fund where necessary to reflect the “fair value” of a Futures Contract held by an Underlying Fund when a Futures Contract held by an Underlying Fund closes at its price fluctuation limit for the day. Short term Treasury Securities held by the Fund or Underlying Funds will be valued by the Administrator using values received from recognized third-party vendors (such as Reuters) and dealer quotes. NAV will include any unrealized profit or loss on open Commodity Interests and any other credit or debit accruing to the Fund but unpaid or not received by the Fund.
Sponsor Fee Allocation of Expenses and Related Party Transactions
The Sponsor is responsible for investing the assets of the Fund in accordance with the objectives and policies of the Fund. In addition, the Sponsor arranges for one or more third parties to provide administrative, custodial, accounting, transfer agency and other necessary services to the Trust and the Funds. In addition, the Sponsor elected not to outsource services directly attributable to the Trust and the Funds such as accounting, financial reporting, regulatory compliance and trading activities. In addition, the Fund is contractually obligated to pay a monthly management fee to the Sponsor, based on average daily net assets, at a rate equal to 1.00% per annum.
The Fund generally pays for all brokerage fees, taxes and other expenses, including licensing fees for the use of intellectual property, registration or other fees paid to the SEC, FINRA, formerly the National Association of Securities Dealers, or any other regulatory agency in connection with the offer and sale of subsequent Shares after its initial registration and all legal, accounting, printing and other expenses associated therewith. The Fund also pays its portion of the fees and expenses associated with the Trust’s tax accounting and reporting requirements. Certain aggregate expenses common to all Funds within the Trust are allocated by the Sponsor to the respective funds based on activity drivers deemed most appropriate by the Sponsor for such expenses, including but not limited to relative assets under management and creation order activity.
These aggregate common expenses include, but are not limited to, legal, auditing, accounting and financial reporting, tax-preparation, regulatory compliance, trading activities, and insurance costs, as well as fees paid to the Distributor, which are included in the related line item in the statements of operations. A portion of these aggregate common expenses are related to the Sponsor or related parties of principals of the Sponsor; these are necessary services to the Funds, which are primarily the cost of performing accounting and financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and trading activities that are directly attributable to the Fund. Such expenses are primarily recorded as distribution and marketing fees on the statement of operations. All asset-based fees and expenses for the Funds are calculated on the prior day’s net assets.
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Three months ended September 30, 2020
Three months ended September 30, 2019
Nine months ended September 30, 2020
Nine months ended September 30, 2019
Recognized Related Party Transactions
$ 1,973
$ 2,449
$ 8,174
$ 11,223
Waived Related Party Transactions
$ 1,594
$ 2,013
$ 7,374
$ 9,559
The Sponsor has the ability to elect to pay certain expenses on behalf of the Funds or waive the management fee. This election is subject to change by the Sponsor, at its discretion. Expenses paid by the Sponsor and Management fees waived by the Sponsor are, if applicable, presented as waived expenses in the statements of operations for each Fund. The Sponsor has determined that there would be no recovery sought for the amounts below in any future period:
TAGS
Three months ended September 30, 2020
$ 2,784
Three months ended September 30, 2019
$ 4,003
Nine months ended September 30, 2020
$ 33,287
Nine months ended September 30, 2019
$ 32,768
Expenses
Expenses are recorded using the accrual method of accounting.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management 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 could differ from those estimates.
New Accounting Pronouncements
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2020-02: “Financial Instruments Credit Losses (Topic 326) and Leases (Topic 842): amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 119 and Update to SEC Section on Effective Date Related to Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The amendment updates and adds language to ASU 2016-02. The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended March 31, 2020; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
The FASB issued ASU 2020-01: Investments Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) Clarifying the Interactions between Topic 321, Topic 323, and Topic 815. The amendments clarify the treatment of transactions that require a company to apply or discontinue the equity method of accounting. The amendments were adopted early for the quarter ended March 31, 2020; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
The FASB issued 2019-07: “Codification Updates to SEC Sections: Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Final Rule Releases No. 3310532, Disclosure Update and Simplification, and Nos. 33-10231 and 33-10442, Investment Company Reporting Modernization, and Miscellaneous Updates.” The amendments improve, update, and simplify the SEC’s regulations on financial reporting and disclosure. The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended September 30, 2019; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
The FASB issued ASU 2019-04: “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments.” The amendments clarify and improve areas of guidance related to the recently issued standards on credit losses, hedging, and recognition and measurement, specifically relating to ASU 201712. The amendments were early adopted for the quarter ended June 30, 2019; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
The FASB issued ASU 2019-01: "Leases (Topic 842): Codification Improvements. These amendments align the guidance for fair value of underlying assets by lessors that are not manufacturers or dealers in Topic 842 with that of existing guidance. The amendments will be effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and may be adopted early. The amendments were adopted for quarter ended September 30, 2020; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust of the Fund.
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The FASB issued ASU 2018-13: “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. These amendments modify public and private company fair value disclosure requirements. While some disclosures were removed or modified, others were added. The guidance is a result of the FASB’s test of the principals developed to improve the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to the financial statements. The amendments will be effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and may be adopted early. The amendments were adopted for quarter ended March 31, 2020; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust of the Fund.
The FASB issued ASU 2017-13, “Revenue Recognition (Topic 605), Leases (Topic 840), and Leases (Topic 842): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to the Staff Announcement at the July 20, 2017 EITF Meeting and Rescission of Prior SEC Staff Announcements and Observer Comments”. The amendment amends the early adoption date option for certain companies related to adoption of ASU No. 2014-09 and ASU No. 2016-02. The SEC staff stated the SEC would not object to a public business entity that otherwise would not meet the definition of a public business entity except for a requirement to include or the inclusion of its financial statements or financial information in another entity’s filing with the SEC adopting ASC Topic 842 for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. The amendments were adopted for quarter ended September 30, 2020; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust of the Fund.
The FASB issued ASU 2017-12, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities”. These amendments refine and expand hedge accounting for both financial (e.g., interest rate) and commodity risks. Its provisions create more transparency around how economic results are presented, both on the face of the financial statements and in the footnotes. It also makes certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of hedge accounting guidance. The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended March 31, 2019; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
The FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842).” The amendments in this update increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The amendments were adopted for the quarter ended March 31, 2019; the adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements and disclosures of the Trust or the Fund.
Fair Value - Definition and Hierarchy
In accordance with GAAP, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
In determining fair value, the Fund uses various valuation approaches. In accordance with GAAP, a fair value hierarchy for inputs is used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are those that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s assumptions about the inputs market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The fair value hierarchy is categorized into three levels based on the inputs as follows:
Level 1 - Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Fund has the ability to access. Valuation adjustments and block discounts are not applied to Level 1 financial instruments of the Underlying Funds and securities of the Fund, together the “financial instruments”. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these financial instruments does not entail a significant degree of judgment.
Level 2 - Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3 - Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.
The availability of valuation techniques and observable inputs can vary from financial instrument to financial instrument and is affected by a wide variety of factors including, the type of financial instrument, whether the financial instrument is new and not yet established in the marketplace, and other characteristics particular to the transaction. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Those estimated values do not necessarily represent the amounts that may be ultimately realized due to the occurrence of future circumstances that cannot be reasonably determined. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, those estimated values may be materially higher or lower than the values that would have been used had a ready market for the financial instruments existed. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Fund in determining fair value is greatest for financial instruments categorized in Level 3. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy, within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls, is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
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Net Income (Loss) per Share
Net income (loss) per share is the difference between the NAV per unit at the beginning of each period and at the end of each period. The weighted average number of units outstanding was computed for purposes of disclosing net income (loss) per weighted average unit. The weighted average units are equal to the number of units outstanding at the end of the period, adjusted proportionately for units created or redeemed based on the amount of time the units were outstanding during such period.
Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements
The Fund’s assets and liabilities recorded at fair value have been categorized based upon a fair value hierarchy as described in the Fund’s significant accounting policies in Note 2. The following table presents information about the Fund’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019:
September 30, 2020
Assets:
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Balance as of
September 30, 2020
Exchange Traded Funds
$ 1,150,938
$ -
$ -
$ 1,150,938
Cash Equivalents
3,167
-
-
3,167
Total
$ 1,154,105
$ -
$ -
$ 1,154,105
December 31, 2019
Assets:
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Balance as of
December 31, 2019
Exchange Traded Funds
$ 1,476,880
$ -
$ -
$ 1,476,880
Cash Equivalents
2,633
-
-
$ 2,633
Total
$ 1,479,513
$ -
$ -
$ 1,479,513
For the period ended September 30, 2020 and year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund did not have any transfers between any of the level of the fair value hierarchy.
See the Fair Value - Definition and Hierarchy section in Note 3 above for an explanation of the transfers into and out of each level of the fair value hierarchy.
Note 5 - Financial Highlights
The following table presents per unit performance data and other supplemental financial data for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. This information has been derived from information presented in the financial statements. This information has been derived from information presented in the financial statements and is presented with total expenses gross of expenses waived by the Sponsor and with total expenses net of expenses waived by the Sponsor, as appropriate.
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Three months ended
Three months ended
Nine months ended
Nine months ended
September 30, 2020
September 30, 2019
September 30, 2020
September 30, 2019
Per Share Operation Performance
Net asset value at beginning of period
$ 16.77
$ 20.14
$ 19.72
$ 20.33
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions
1.69
( 1.13 )
( 1.24 )
( 1.30 )
Total expenses, net
( 0.01 )
( 0.01 )
( 0.03 )
( 0.03 )
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value
1.68
( 1.14 )
( 1.27 )
( 1.33 )
Net asset value at end of period
$ 18.45
$ 19.00
$ 18.45
$ 19.00
Total Return
10.03 %
( 5.66 )%
( 6.43 )%
( 6.54 )%
Ratios to Average Net Assets (Annualized)
Total expenses
1.22 %
1.30 %
3.74 %
3.16 %
Total expenses, net
0.20 %
0.19 %
0.20 %
0.19 %
Net investment loss
( 0.20 )%
( 0.19 )%
( 0.20 )%
( 0.19 )%
The financial highlights per share data are calculated consistent with the methodology used to calculate asset-based fees and expenses.
Note 6 - Organizational and Offering Costs
Expenses incurred in organizing of the Trust and the initial offering of the Shares of the Fund, including applicable SEC registration fees, were borne directly by the Sponsor. The Fund will not be obligated to reimburse the Sponsor.
Note 7 - Subsequent Events
Management has evaluated the financial statements for the quarter-ended September 30, 2020 for subsequent events through the date of this filing and noted no material events requiring either recognition through the date of the filing or disclosure herein for the Fund other than those noted below:
The impact of COVID-19 is evolving rapidly, and such events can be highly disruptive to economies and markets. The impact of COVID-19 to the Fund is described in more detail in Part 2 of this 10-Q.
The total net assets for the fund increased by $ 295,916 , or 26 %, for the period September 30, 2020 through November 6, 2020. This was driven by a 20 % increase in the shares outstanding and by a 5 % increase in the net asset value per share.
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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
This information should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report (the “Report”). The discussion and analysis which follows may contain trend analysis and other forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 which reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial results. Words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “outlook” and “estimate,” as well as similar words and phrases, signify forward-looking statements. Teucrium Commodity Trust’s (the “Trust’s”) forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future results and conditions, and important factors, risks and uncertainties may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements.
You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Except as expressly required by the Federal securities laws, Teucrium Trading, LLC (the “Sponsor”) undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or the risks, uncertainties or other factors described in this Report, as a result of new information, future events or changed circumstances or for any other reason after the date of this Report.
Overview/Introduction
Teucrium Commodity Trust (“Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust organized on September 11, 2009, is a series trust consisting of five series: Teucrium Corn Fund (“CORN”), Teucrium Sugar Fund (“CANE”), Teucrium Soybean Fund (“SOYB”), Teucrium Wheat Fund (“WEAT”
Text extracted from the filing as submitted to EDGAR. Formatting, tables and exhibits are simplified for reading; the original document is authoritative for anything you rely on.