Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis
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 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, as amended, which reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial results.
In some cases, you can identify such forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,”
“expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,”
“potential” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. All statements (other than statements of historical
fact) included in this Quarterly Report that address activities, events or developments that may occur in the future, including such
matters as changes in asset prices and market conditions (for EUAs and the Shares), the Trust’s operations, the Sponsor’s
plans and references to the Trust’s future success and other similar matters are forward-looking statements. These statements are
only predictions. Actual events or results may differ materially. These statements are based upon certain assumptions and analyses made
by the Sponsor on the basis of its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other
factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Whether or not actual results and developments will conform to the Sponsor’s
expectations and predictions, however, is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including the special considerations discussed
in this Quarterly Report, general economic, market and business conditions, changes in laws or regulations, including those concerning
taxes, made by governmental authorities or regulatory bodies, and other world economic and political developments. See “Risk Factors.”
Consequently, all the forward-looking statements made in this Quarterly Report are qualified by these cautionary statements, and there
can be no assurance that the actual results or developments the Sponsor anticipates will be realized or, even if substantially realized,
that they will result in the expected consequences to, or have the expected effects on, the Trust’s operations or the value of
the Shares. Moreover, neither the Sponsor, nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the forward-looking
statements. Neither the Trust nor the Sponsor undertakes an obligation to publicly update or conform to actual results any forward-looking
statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.
Trust
Overview
COtwo
Advisors Physical European Carbon Allowance Trust (the “Trust”) was formed as a Delaware statutory trust on January 12, 2023.
The Trust is governed by the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust and Trust Agreement (“Trust Agreement”) dated November
27, 2023 between COtwo Advisors LLC (the “Sponsor”) and Wilmington Trust, National Association (the “Trustee”),
and a “Sponsor Agreement,” dated December 21, 2023, between the Trust and the Sponsor. The Trust issues common units of beneficial
interest, or “Shares,” which represent units of fractional undivided beneficial interest in the Trust’s net assets.
The Shares of the Trust are listed for trading on NYSE Arca, Inc. (“NYSE Arca” or the “Exchange”).
The
Sponsor, COtwo Advisors LLC, is a Delaware limited liability company. The Sponsor’s mailing address is 140 Elm Street, Suite 6,
New Canaan, CT 06840. The Trust pays the Sponsor a Sponsor Fee. The Trust is managed and controlled by the Sponsor pursuant to the terms
of the Trust Agreement and the Sponsor Agreement. The Sponsor arranged for the creation of the Trust, the registration of the Shares
for their public offering in the United States and the listing of the Shares on the Exchange. The Sponsor also paid the costs of the
Trust’s organization and the initial sale of the Shares, including applicable SEC registration fees. In exchange for the Sponsor
Fee, the Sponsor has agreed to assume to pay all of the routine operational, administrative and other ordinary expenses of the Trust,
including, but not limited to, the following administrative and marketing expenses incurred by the Trust: each of the Trustee’s,
Trust administrator’s, Trust cash custodian’s, Trust transfer agent’s and marketing agent’s monthly fee and out-of-pocket
expenses and expenses reimbursable in connection with such service provider’s respective agreement; the marketing support fees
and expenses; exchange listing fees; SEC registration fees; printing and mailing costs; maintenance expenses for the Trust’s website;
audit fees and expenses; and routine legal expenses.
The
sole Trustee of the Trust is Wilmington Trust, National Association, a national banking association. The Trustee’s principal offices
are located at 1100 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19890. The Trustee is unaffiliated with the Sponsor. The Trustee is the
trustee of the Trust for the sole and limited purpose of fulfilling the requirements of the Delaware Statutory Trust Act (“DSTA”).
The Trustee will accept service of legal process on the Trust in the State of Delaware and will make certain filings under the DSTA.
Under the Trust Agreement, the Trustee has delegated to the Sponsor the exclusive management and control of all aspects of the activities
of the Trust.
On
April 29, 2025, the initial Form S-1 for the Trust was declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
On June 17, 2025, two Baskets (as defined below) for the Trust were issued representing 100,000 shares. The Trust began trading on NYSE
Arca on June 20, 2025.
Shares
are issued by the Trust only in blocks of 50,000 Shares called “Baskets” in exchange for European Union Carbon Emission Allowances
(“EUAs”) or cash from certain registered broker-dealers (“Authorized Participants”). Baskets will be redeemed
by the Trust in exchange for the amount of EUAs or cash corresponding to their redemption value. The Trust issues and redeems Baskets
on an ongoing basis at net asset value (“NAV”) per Share to Authorized Participants who have entered into a contract with
the Sponsor and the Trust’s transfer agent.
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Trust
Objective
The
investment objective of the Trust is for the Shares to reflect the performance of the price of EU Carbon Emission Allowances for stationary
installations (“EUAs”), less the expenses of the Trust’s operations. The Trust intends to achieve this objective by
investing substantially all of its assets in EUAs, which are issued via the European Union Emission Trading System (“ETS”)
and permit the holder to emit one ton of carbon dioxide equivalent or other greenhouse gas. The Trust’s assets will consist of
EUAs and cash. The Trust may hold cash in connection with cash purchases and redemptions of Shares and it also will occasionally hold
cash for short periods to pay the management fee to the Sponsor (the “Sponsor’s Management Fee”) and any other Trust expenses
and liabilities not assumed by the Sponsor. The Trust will not hold any assets other than EUAs and cash or cash equivalents.
Other
than sales of EUAs to pay certain expenses, discussed below, the Trust may only purchase or sell EUAs in connection with the purchase
(creation) or redemption of Baskets by Authorized Participants. For a creation in cash, the Authorized Participant will deliver the cash
to the Trust’s account at the Cash Custodian, which the Sponsor will then use to purchase EUAs from a third party selected by the
Sponsor who (1) is not the Authorized Participant and (2) will not be acting as an agent, nor at the direction, of the Authorized Participant
with respect to the delivery of EUAs to the Trust (such third party, a “Liquidity Provider”). For a redemption in cash, the
Sponsor shall arrange for the EUAs represented by the Basket to be sold to a Liquidity Provider selected by the Sponsor and the cash
proceeds distributed from the Trust’s account at the Cash Custodian to the Authorized Participant in exchange for its Shares. In
the case of “in-kind” creation or redemption orders for Shares, Authorized Participants may deliver or direct the delivery
of EUAs by third parties, or take delivery or direct the taking of delivery of EUAs by third parties.
In
addition to selling EUAs to distribute cash to Authorized Participants redeeming Shares, the Trust may sell EUAs to pay certain expenses
not assumed by the Sponsor (described above), including the Sponsor’s Management Fee, which may be facilitated by one or more Liquidity
Providers.
European
Union Carbon Emission Allowances (“EUAs”)
The
European Union Emissions Trading System (“EU ETS”) is a “cap and trade” system that caps the total volume of
greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions from installations and aircraft operators responsible for around 40% of European Union (“EU”)
GHG emissions. The EU ETS is administered by the EU Commission, which issues a predefined amount of EUAs through auctions or free allocation.
EUAs entitle the holder to emit one ton of carbon dioxide equivalent or other GHG. Entities covered by the EU ETS are required to surrender
each year sufficient EUAs to cover all their emissions for the previous year.
In
2012, EU ETS operations were centralized into a single EU registry operated by the EU Commission (the “Union Registry”),
which covers all countries participating in the EU ETS. The Union Registry is an online database that holds accounts for all entities
covered by the EU ETS as well as for participants (such as the Trust) not covered under the EU ETS. An account must be opened in the
Union Registry in order to transact in EUAs and the Union Registry is at all times responsible for holding the EUAs. The EU ETS is the
largest cap and trade system in the world and covers more than 11,000 power stations and industrial plants in 31 countries, and flights
between airports of participating countries.
There
is no assurance that cap and trade regimes will continue to exist. Cap and trade may not prove to be an effective method of reduction
in GHG emissions. As a result or due to other factors, cap and trade regimes may be terminated or may not be renewed upon their expiration.
The EU ETS is organized into a number of phases, each which a predetermined duration. Currently, the EU ETS is in Phase IV. There can
be no assurance that the EU ETS will enter into a new phase as scheduled.
New
technologies may arise that may diminish or eliminate the need for cap and trade markets. Ultimately, the cost of carbon allowances is
determined by the cost of actually reducing emissions levels. If the price of credits becomes too high, it will be more economical for
companies to develop or invest in green technologies, thereby suppressing the demand for credits and adversely affecting the price of
the Trust.
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Cap
and trade regimes set emission limits (i.e., the right to emit a certain quantity of GHG emissions), which can be allocated or auctioned
to the parties in the mechanism up to the total emissions cap. This allocation may be larger or smaller than is needed for a stable price
of credits and can lead to large price volatility, which could affect the value of the Trust. Depending upon the industries of end users
of EUAs, unpredictable demand for their products and services can affect the value of GHG emissions credits. For example, very mild winters
or very cool summers can decrease demand for electric utilities and therefore require fewer carbon credits to offset reduced production
and GHG emissions.
The
ability of the GHG emitting companies to pass on the cost of emissions credits to consumers can affect the price of the EUAs. If the
price of emissions can be passed on to the end customer with little impact upon consumer demand, it is likely that industries may continue
emitting and purchase any shortfall in the market at the prevailing price. If, however, the producer is unable to pass on the cost, it
may be incentivized to reduce production in order to decrease its need for offsetting emissions credits, which could adversely affect
the price of EUAs and the Trust.
Regulatory
risk related to changes in regulation and enforcement of cap and trade regimes could also adversely affect market behavior. If fines
or other penalties for non-compliance are not enforced, incentives to purchase GHG credits will deteriorate, which could result in a
decline in the price of emissions credits and a drop in the value of the Trust. In addition, as cap and trade markets develop, new regulation
with respect to these markets may arise, which could have a negative effect on the value and liquidity of the cap and trade markets and
the Trust.
Results
of Operations
For
the period March 1, 2026 to May 31, 2026, no Shares were issued in exchange for EUAs and no Shares were redeemed in exchange for EUAs.
The Trust’s NAV per Share began the period at $16.21 and ended the period at $18.40.
The
change in net assets from operations for the period March 1, 2026 to May 31, 2026 was $2.19 per share, which was due to (i) payment of
the Sponsor’s Management Fee of $3,311, (ii) interest income earned on short-term investments of $137, and (iii) a net change in
unrealized appreciation on investment in EUAs of $221,921. Other than the Sponsor’s Management Fee the Trust had no expenses during
the period March 1, 2026 to May 31, 2026.
For
the period December 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026, no Shares were issued in exchange for EUAs and no Shares were redeemed in exchange for EUAs.
The Trust’s NAV per Share began the period at $19.20 and ended the period at $18.40.
The
change in net assets from operations for the period December 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026 was $(0.80) per share, which was due to (i) payment
of the Sponsor’s Management Fee of $7,031, (ii) interest income earned on short-term investments of $308, and (iii) a net change
in unrealized depreciation on investment in EUAs of ($73,331). Other than the Sponsor’s Management Fee the Trust had no expenses
during the period December 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026.
Below
is a comparison of per Share net asset value (“NAV”) to the Shares’ market value for the period from March 1, 2026
to May 31, 2026.
Trust
NAV vs. Trust Closing Price - March 1, 2026 - May 31, 2026
15
During
the period of March 1, 2026 through May 31, 2026 the market for European Union Allowances (EUA) traded in a range of $72.34 (March 19,
2026) to $92.75 (May 29, 2026) with the closing price on May 29, 2026 of $92.75. There were a variety of influences on the price in the
EUA market. Some of those factors influencing EUA prices during the period were: (i) the ongoing tightening of allowance supply driven
by the emissions cap reduction schedule and Market Stability Reserve withdrawals; (ii) record speculative long positioning by investment
funds, which amplified price swings in both directions; (iii) the relative mildness of winter and spring temperatures across Northern
Europe, which moderated near-term power demand and reduced compliance buying pressure; (iv) ongoing uncertainty regarding economic conditions
and industrial activity within the EU; (v) macroeconomic and currency dynamics resulting from trade policy discussions between the United
States and the European Union; (vi) continued evolution of the Ukraine-Russia conflict and its impact on natural gas supply and pricing
with the additional impact of hostilities in the Middle East compounding these pressures; and (vii) the ongoing implications of politically-driven
regulatory risk surrounding the upcoming ETS revision, which intensified materially following the Antwerp Summit. Going forward, the
Sponsor expects the primary drivers of EUA price levels to continue to be: (i) overall weather patterns and their impact on European
power demand; (ii) aggregate EU industrial activity; (iii) the outcome of the EU ETS legislative revision process, expected to take place
during Q3 2026; (iv) the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict and its effect on energy prices and EU industrial cost structures; (v) the continued
pace of institutional investor positioning in EUAs and the extent to which speculative long positions are maintained, reduced, or reversed
in response to political developments; and (vi) the length of the Middle East conflict and the overall supply of oil. Following ongoing
public commentary suggesting possible structural modifications or adjustments to the EU ETS framework, EUA prices experienced significant
fluctuations and now react swiftly to any headline indicating policy movements. Market participants are currently focused on the outcome
of the EU’s regularly scheduled comprehensive review of the EU ETS framework, which is expected to conclude at the end of the third
quarter of 2026. Until greater clarity is provided regarding the scope and timing of any potential amendments to the program, we expect
elevated price volatility in EUAs to persist. Continued uncertainty surrounding the EU ETS framework may impact trading volumes, pricing
stability, and market liquidity.
The
ongoing volatility created by policy uncertainty contributed to a notable shift in how the Trust’s Shares traded relative to NAV over
the period, moving from a premium to a discount. On February 11, 2026, an industrial competitiveness conference held in Antwerp prompted
public comments regarding the future structure of the EU ETS, which contributed to a subsequent decline in EUA prices and, in turn, the
Trust’s NAV. Because of the limited number of Shares outstanding and the small public float, the market price of the Shares adjusted
to this decline only gradually. As a result, the Shares initially traded at a premium to NAV, as the market price lagged the decline
in NAV, and then, as the market price caught up over the following weeks while NAV recovered, the same limited liquidity carried the
Shares to a discount to NAV by the end of the period. Management believes these trading dynamics are primarily the result of the limited
number of Shares outstanding and the small public float. Over time, as more Shares are issued, we expect the frequency and magnitude
of the trading premiums and discounts to NAV to decline.
In
the period December 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026, no Shares were created, no Shares were redeemed, and no EUAs were sold to maintain a cash
position in line with fund policy. For accounting purposes, CTWO reflects creations and redemptions on the date of receipt of a notification
of a creation but does not issue Shares until the requisite amount of EUAs are received. Upon a redemption, CTWO delivers EUAs upon receipt
of Shares.
At
May 31, 2026, the number of EUAs owned by the Trust and held at the Union Registry was 19,700, with a market value of $1,827,188 based
on the Daily EUA Futures price determined by the ICE Endex on May 31, 2026.
Calculating
NAV
The
Trust’s Net Asset Value (NAV) is calculated by:
●
Determining the current
market value of the Trust’s total assets;
●
Subtracting any liabilities
(which include estimated accrued but unpaid fees and expenses); and
●
Dividing that total by
the number of outstanding shares.
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The
Administrator calculates the NAV of the Trust once each NYSE Arca trading day. The NAV for a particular day is released after the markets
close, which is typically 4PM ET. The Administrator uses the settlement price for the Daily EUA Futures as established by the ICE Endex.
The ICE Endex determines and releases this value daily shortly after the close of the Calculation Period, generally by at 5:15pm C.E.T.
The Administrator also converts the value of Euro denominated assets into USD equivalent using published foreign currency exchange prices
by an independent pricing vendor. Third parties supplying quotations or market data may include, without limitations, dealers in the
relevant markets, end-users of the relevant product, information vendors, brokers and other sources of market information.
If
the Sponsor determines in good faith that the settlement price of the Daily EUA Future does not reflect an accurate EUA price, then the
Sponsor will instruct the Administrator to employ an alternative method to determine the fair value of the Trust’s assets. In determining
an alternative fair value method, the Sponsor may consider such criteria as observable market-based inputs, including market quotations
and/or trading platforms on which EUAs or Daily EUA Futures are traded. Moreover, the terms of the Trust Agreement do not prohibit the
Sponsor from changing the valuation method used to calculate the net asset value of the Trust. Any such change in the valuation method
could affect the value of the Trust’s shares and investors could suffer a substantial loss on their investment in the Trust. In
the event of a material change, the Sponsor will notify shareholders in a prospectus supplement and/or a current report on Form 8-K or
in its annual or quarterly reports, as applicable.
In
addition, in order to provide updated information relating to the Trust for use by investors and market professionals, an updated indicative
fund value (“IFV”) is made available through on-line information services throughout the core trading session hours of 9:30
am E.T. to 4:00p.m. E.T. on each trading day. The IFV is calculated by using the prior day’s closing NAV per share of the Trust
as a base and updating that value throughout the trading day to reflect changes in the most recently reported mid-point of the bid/ask
spread of the Daily EUA Future traded on the ICE Endex. The IFV disseminated during the NYSE Arca core trading session hours should not
be viewed as an actual real time update of the NAV, because the NAV is calculated using a different manner and it is calculated only
once at the end of each trading day based upon the relevant end of day values of the Trust’s investments.
It
should also be noted that although the IFV is disseminated throughout the core trading session, the customary trading hours for EUAs,
the Trust’s primary asset, are 2am to 12 pm ET. This means that there is a gap in time at the end of each day during which the
Trust’s shares are traded on the NYSE Arca, but real-time trading prices for EUAs are not available. During such gaps in time the
IFV will be calculated based on the last reported mid-point of the bid-ask spread of the Daily EUA Future in the immediately preceding
trading session until the day’s settlement price is reported, in which case the day’s settlement price will be used.
The
NYSE Arca disseminates the IFV through the facilities of CTA/CQ High Speed Lines. In addition, the IFV is published on the NYSE Arca’s
website and is available through on-line information services such as Bloomberg. The Trust, the Sponsor and its affiliates are not involved
in, or responsible for, the calculation or dissemination of the IFV and make no warranty as to its accuracy.
Critical
Accounting Estimates
Preparation
of the financial statements and related disclosures in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires the application
of appropriate accounting rules and guidance, as well as the use of estimates. The Trust’s application of these policies involves
judgments and the use of estimates. Actual results may differ from the estimates used and such differences could be material. Please
refer to Note 2 to the Financial Statements included in this report for further discussion of the Trust’s accounting policies.
There
were no material estimates, which involve a significant level of estimation uncertainty and had or are reasonably likely to have had
a material impact on the Trust’s financial condition, used in the preparation of these financial statements.
17
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
The
Trust is not aware of any trends, demands, conditions or events that are reasonably likely to result in material changes to its liquidity
needs. In exchange for a fee, the Sponsor has agreed to assume most of the expenses incurred by the Trust. As a result, the only ordinary
expense of the Trust during the period covered by this report was the Sponsor’s Management Fee. The Trust intends to satisfy this
obligation through the transfer of cash (generated, if necessary, through the sale of EUAs) in the necessary amount. At May 31, 2026,
the Trust held $13,754 in cash & cash equivalents.
Off-Balance
Sheet Arrangements
The
Trust does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
Sponsor
and CTA Fees
The
Trust is obligated to pay the Sponsor’s Management Fee, calculated daily and paid monthly, equal to 0.79% of the Trust’s
average daily net assets. From the Sponsor’s Management Fee, the Sponsor has contractually agreed to pay all of the routine operational,
administrative, and other ordinary expenses of the Trust, excluding brokerage fees, interest expenses, and certain non-recurring or extraordinary
fees and expenses. The Sponsor’s Management Fee is paid in consideration of the Sponsor’s management services to the Trust.
The
parties cannot anticipate the amount of future payments that will be required under these arrangements for future periods as the NAV
and trading levels to meet investment objectives for the Trust will not be known until a future date.
Item
3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Not
applicable to Smaller Reporting Companies.
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