Item 1. Financial Statements
Item 1.
Financial Statements.
Index
Documents
Page
Statements of Financial Condition, Schedule of Investments, Statements of Operations, Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity, and Statements of Cash Flows:
ProShares Short Euro
4
ProShares Short VIX Short-Term Futures ETF
9
ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Crude Oil
14
ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Natural Gas
19
ProShares Ultra Euro
24
ProShares Ultra Gold
29
ProShares Ultra Silver
34
ProShares Ultra VIX Short-Term Futures ETF
39
ProShares Ultra Yen
44
ProShares UltraShort Australian Dollar
49
ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Crude Oil
54
ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Natural Gas
59
ProShares UltraShort Euro
64
ProShares UltraShort Gold
69
ProShares UltraShort Silver
74
ProShares UltraShort Yen
79
ProShares VIX Mid-Term Futures ETF
84
ProShares VIX Short-Term Futures ETF
89
ProShares Trust II
94
Notes to Financial Statements
98
3
Table of Contents
PROSHARES SHORT EURO
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
December 31,
2020
Assets
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations (Note 3) (cost $ 999,885 and $–, respectively)
$
999,973
$
—
Cash
1,155,210
4,105,781
Segregated cash balances with brokers for futures contracts
33,000
68,310
Receivable on open futures contracts
—
21,094
Interest receivable
67
175
Total assets
2,188,250
4,195,360
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Liabilities
Payable on open futures contracts
1,125
—
Payable to Sponsor
2,571
3,391
Non-recurring
fees and expenses payable
14
14
Total liabilities
3,710
3,405
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 2)
Shareholders’ equity
Shareholders’ equity
2,184,540
4,191,955
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
2,188,250
$
4,195,360
Shares outstanding
50,000
100,000
Net asset value per share
$
43.69
$
41.92
Market value per share (Note 2)
$
43.52
$
41.35
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
4
Table of Contents
PROSHARES SHORT EURO
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
MARCH 31, 2021
(unaudited)
Principal Amount
Value
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 46 % of shareholders’ equity)
U.S. Treasury Bills ^^
:
0.086 % due 05/20/21
$
1,000,000
$
999,973
Total short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
(cost $ 999,885 )
$
999,973
Futures Contracts Sold
Number of
Contracts
Notional Amount
at Value
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)/Value
Euro Fx Currency Futures - CME, expires June 2021
15
$
2,201,625
$
33,928
^^
Rates shown represent discount rate at the time of purchase .
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
5
Table of Contents
PROSHARES SHORT EURO
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Investment Income
Interest
$
596
$
7,595
Expenses
Management fee
9,053
5,503
Brokerage commissions
181
100
Total expenses
9,234
5,603
Net investment income (loss)
( 8,638
)
1,992
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment activity
Net realized gain (loss) on
Futures contracts
69,393
( 18,638
)
Net realized gain (loss)
69,393
( 18,638
)
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
Futures contracts
78,554
67,324
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
88
( 30
)
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
78,642
67,294
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
148,035
48,656
Net income (loss)
$
139,397
$
50,648
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
6
Table of Contents
PROSHARES SHORT EURO
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Shareholders’ equity, beginning of period
$
4,191,955
$
2,282,195
Redemption of 50,000 and – shares, respectively
( 2,146,812
)
—
Net addition (redemption) of ( 50,000 ) and – shares, respectively
( 2,146,812
)
—
Net investment income (loss)
( 8,638
)
1,992
Net realized gain (loss)
69,393
( 18,638
)
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
78,642
67,294
Net income (loss)
139,397
50,648
Shareholders’ equity, end of period
$
2,184,540
$
2,332,843
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
7
Table of Contents
PROSHARES SHORT EURO
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Cash flow from operating activities
Net income (loss)
$
139,397
$
50,648
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Purchases of short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 1,999,562
)
—
Proceeds from sales or maturities of short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
1,000,000
747,000
Net amortization and accretion on short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 323
)
( 1,225
)
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
( 88
)
30
Decrease (Increase) in receivable on futures contracts
21,094
( 2,975
)
Decrease (Increase) in interest receivable
108
840
Increase (Decrease) in payable to Sponsor
( 820
)
1,785
Increase (Decrease) in payable on futures contracts
1,125
( 5,100
)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
( 839,069
)
791,003
Cash flow from financing activities
Payment on shares redeemed
( 2,146,812
)
—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
( 2,146,812
)
—
Net increase (decrease) in cash
( 2,985,881
)
791,003
Cash, beginning of period
4,174,091
1,540,916
Cash, end of period
$
1,188,210
$
2,331,919
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
8
Table of Contents
PROSHARES SHORT VIX SHORT-TERM FUTURES ETF
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
December 31,
2020
Assets
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations (Note 3) (cost $ 91,994,322 and $ 69,998,727 , respectively)
$
91,998,460
$
69,999,639
Cash
178,094,057
132,392,153
Segregated cash balances with brokers for futures contracts
172,795,856
134,187,067
Receivable on open futures contracts
84,745,212
74,226,825
Interest receivable
5,009
4,384
Total assets
527,638,594
410,810,068
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Liabilities
Payable on open futures contracts
—
996,159
Brokerage commissions and fees payable
121,727
114,522
Payable to Sponsor
384,663
326,566
Non-recurring
fees and expenses payable
1,353
1,353
Total liabilities
507,743
1,438,600
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 2)
Shareholders’ equity
Shareholders’ equity
527,130,851
409,371,468
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
527,638,594
$
410,810,068
Shares outstanding
11,184,307
9,884,307
Net asset value per share
$
47.13
$
41.42
Market value per share (Note 2)
$
47.10
$
41.44
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
9
Table of Contents
PROSHARES SHORT VIX SHORT-TERM FUTURES ETF
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
MARCH 31, 2021
(unaudited)
Principal
Amount
Value
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 17 % of shareholders’ equity)
U.S. Treasury Bills ^^
:
0.075 % due
04/15/21
$
50,000,000
$
49,999,710
0.086 % due 05/20/21
20,000,000
19,999,456
0.041 % due 06/17/21
22,000,000
21,999,294
Total short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
(cost $ 91,994,322 )
$
91,998,460
Futures Contracts Sold
Number
of
Contracts
Notional
Amount
at Value
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)/Value
VIX Futures - Cboe, expires April 2021
6,607
$
136,989,538
$
42,996,259
VIX Futures - Cboe, expires May 2021
5,590
126,757,722
7,474,416
$
50,470,675
^^
Rates shown represent discount rate at the time of purchase .
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
10
Table of Contents
PROSHARES SHORT VIX SHORT-TERM FUTURES ETF
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Investment Income
Interest
$
33,890
$
749,861
Expenses
Management fee
1,042,569
886,197
Brokerage commissions
175,910
189,532
Brokerage fees
257,777
29,728
Total expenses
1,476,256
1,105,457
Net investment income (loss)
( 1,442,366
)
( 355,596
)
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment activity
Net realized gain (loss) on
Futures contracts
24,209,417
( 244,300,604
)
Net realized gain (loss)
24,209,417
( 244,300,604
)
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
Futures contracts
42,121,892
20,973,802
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
3,226
81,856
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
42,125,118
21,055,658
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
66,334,535
( 223,244,946
)
Net income (loss)
$
64,892,169
$
( 223,600,542
)
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
11
Table of Contents
PROSHARES SHORT VIX SHORT-TERM FUTURES ETF
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Shareholders’ equity, beginning of period
$
409,371,468
$
284,437,179
Addition of 2,400,000 and 24,850,000 shares, respectively
98,109,468
883,568,508
Redemption of 1,100,000 and 3,100,000 shares, respectively
( 45,242,254
)
( 135,147,487
)
Net addition (redemption) of 1,300,000 and 21,750,000 shares, respectively
52,867,214
748,421,021
Net investment income (loss)
( 1,442,366
)
( 355,596
)
Net realized gain (loss)
24,209,417
( 244,300,604
)
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
42,125,118
21,055,658
Net income (loss)
64,892,169
( 223,600,542
)
Shareholders’ equity, end of period
$
527,130,851
$
809,257,658
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
12
Table of Contents
PROSHARES SHORT VIX SHORT-TERM FUTURES ETF
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Cash flow from operating activities
Net income (loss)
$
64,892,169
$
( 223,600,542
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Purchases of short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 166,972,737
)
( 149,679,751
)
Proceeds from sales or maturities of short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
145,000,000
115,000,000
Net amortization and accretion on short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 22,858
)
( 301,095
)
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
( 3,226
)
( 81,856
)
Decrease (Increase) in receivable on futures contracts
( 10,518,387
)
( 102,545,073
)
Decrease (Increase) in interest receivable
( 625
)
45,308
Increase (Decrease) in payable to Sponsor
58,097
431,086
Increase (Decrease) in brokerage commissions and fees payable
7,205
—
Increase (Decrease) in payable on futures contracts
( 996,159
)
—
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
31,443,479
( 360,731,923
)
Cash flow from financing activities
Proceeds from addition of shares
98,109,468
883,568,508
Payment on shares redeemed
( 45,242,254
)
( 135,147,487
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
52,867,214
748,421,021
Net increase (decrease) in cash
84,310,693
387,689,098
Cash, beginning of period
266,579,220
167,544,087
Cash, end of period
$
350,889,913
$
555,233,185
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
13
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRA BLOOMBERG CRUDE OIL
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
December 31,
2020
Assets
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations (Note 3) (cost $ 689,932,775 and $ 219,996,153 , respectively)
$
689,976,589
$
219,998,394
Cash
227,574,108
491,732,847
Segregated cash balances with brokers for futures contracts
181,733,171
175,526,749
Segregated cash balances with brokers for swap agreements
56,228,000
—
Unrealized appreciation on swap agreements
—
18,242,195
Receivable on open futures contracts
—
1,611,608
Interest receivable
143,801
21,388
Total assets
1,155,655,669
907,133,181
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Liabilities
Payable for capital shares redeemed
—
3,627,934
Payable on open futures contracts
25,300,245
—
Brokerage commissions and fees payable
1,352
—
Payable to Sponsor
989,343
728,955
Unrealized depreciation on swap agreements
40,748,594
—
Non-recurring
fees and expenses payable
37,042
37,042
Total liabilities
67,076,576
4,393,931
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 2)
Shareholders’ equity
Shareholders’ equity
1,088,579,093
902,739,250
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
1,155,655,669
$
907,133,181
Shares outstanding
20,710,774
24,810,774
Net asset value per share
$
52.56
$
36.38
Market value per share (Note 2)
$
52.85
$
36.27
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
14
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRA BLOOMBERG CRUDE OIL
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
MARCH 31, 2021
(unaudited)
Principal Amount
Value
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 63 % of shareholders’ equity)
U.S. Treasury Bills ^^
:
0.060 % due 04/15/21
$
90,000,000
$
89,999,478
0.048 % due 05/20/21 †
195,000,000
194,994,696
0.045 % due 06/17/21 †
230,000,000
229,992,617
0.061 % due 07/15/21 †
175,000,000
174,989,798
Total short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
(cost $ 689,932,775 )
$
689,976,589
Futures Contracts Purchased
Number of
Contracts
Notional Amount
at Value
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)/Value
WTI Crude Oil - NYMEX, expires June 2021
8,933
$
528,654,940
$
141,467,113
WTI Crude Oil - NYMEX, expires December 2021
9,478
538,824,300
97,420,187
WTI Crude Oil - NYMEX, expires June 2022
9,857
539,375,040
( 338,389
)
$ 238,548,911
Total Return Swap Agreements ^
Rate Paid
(Received) *
Termination
Date
Notional Amount
at Value **
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)/Value
Swap agreement with Goldman Sachs International based on Bloomberg Commodity Balanced WTI Crude Oil Index
0.35
%
04/06/21
$
108,014,255
$
( 7,714,940
)
Swap agreement with Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC based on Bloomberg Commodity Balanced WTI Crude Oil Index
0.35
04/06/21
202,730,402
( 14,480,063
)
Swap agreement with Societe Generale based on Bloomberg Commodity Balanced WTI Crude Oil Index
0.25
04/06/21
104,445,210
( 7,452,971
)
Swap agreement with UBS AG based on Bloomberg Commodity Balanced WTI Crude Oil Index
0.30
04/06/21
155,489,475
( 11,100,620
)
Total Unrealized
Depreciation
$( 40,748,594 )
†
All or partial amount pledged as collateral for swap agreements.
^
The positions and counterparties herein are as of March 31, 2021. The Fund continually evaluates different counterparties for their transactions and counterparties are subject to change. New counterparties can be added at any time.
^^
Rates shown represent discount rate at the time of purchase .
*
Reflects the floating financing rate, as of March 31, 2021, on the notional amount of the swap agreement paid to the counterparty or received from the counterparty, excluding any commissions. Total Return Swap Agreements payment is due at termination/maturity.
**
For swap agreements, a positive amount represents “long” exposure to the benchmark index. A negative amount represents “short” exposure to the benchmark index.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
15
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRA BLOOMBERG CRUDE OIL
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Investment Income
Interest
$
168,075
$
1,401,460
Expenses
Management fee
2,535,085
870,239
Brokerage commissions
293,200
126,337
Brokerage fees
98,937
—
Total expenses
2,927,222
996,576
Net investment income (loss)
( 2,759,147
)
404,884
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment activity
Net realized gain (loss) on
Futures contracts
191,676,501
( 88,947,210
)
Swap agreements
142,674,727
( 416,644,056
)
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
—
37,469
Net realized gain (loss)
334,351,228
( 505,553,797
)
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
Futures contracts
93,984,872
( 73,713,718
)
Swap agreements
( 58,990,789
)
( 249,062,832
)
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
41,573
354,889
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
35,035,656
( 322,421,661
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
369,386,884
( 827,975,458
)
Net income (loss)
$
366,627,737
$
( 827,570,574
)
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
16
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRA BLOOMBERG CRUDE OIL
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Shareholders’ equity, beginning of period
$
902,739,250
$
309,844,582
Addition of 2,350,000 and 10,680,000 shares, respectively
117,044,190
1,058,330,164
Redemption of 6,450,000 and 440,000 shares, respectively
( 297,832,084
)
( 105,010,791
)
Net addition (redemption) of ( 4,100,000 ) and 10,240,000 shares, respectively
( 180,787,894
)
953,319,373
Net investment income (loss)
( 2,759,147
)
404,884
Net realized gain (loss)
334,351,228
( 505,553,797
)
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
35,035,656
( 322,421,661
)
Net income (loss)
366,627,737
( 827,570,574
)
Shareholders’ equity, end of period
$
1,088,579,093
$
435,593,381
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
17
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRA BLOOMBERG CRUDE OIL
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Cash flow from operating activities
Net income (loss)
$
366,627,737
$
( 827,570,574
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Purchases of short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 934,851,425
)
( 309,822,847
)
Proceeds from sales or maturities of short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
465,000,000
335,391,900
Net amortization and accretion on short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 85,197
)
( 983,931
)
Net realized gain (loss) on investments
—
( 37,469
)
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
58,949,216
248,707,943
Decrease (Increase) in receivable on futures contracts
1,611,608
( 3,375,450
)
Decrease (Increase) in interest receivable
( 122,413
)
26,297
Increase (Decrease) in payable to Sponsor
260,388
366,309
Increase (Decrease) in brokerage commissions and fees payable
1,352
—
Increase (Decrease) in payable on futures contracts
25,300,245
25,747
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
( 17,308,489
)
( 557,272,075
)
Cash flow from financing activities
Proceeds from addition of shares
117,044,190
972,270,720
Payment on shares redeemed
( 301,460,018
)
( 105,010,791
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
( 184,415,828
)
867,259,929
Net increase (decrease) in cash
( 201,724,317
)
309,987,854
Cash, beginning of period
667,259,596
88,315,563
Cash, end of period
$
465,535,279
$
398,303,417
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
18
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRA BLOOMBERG NATURAL GAS
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
December 31, 2020
Assets
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations (Note 3) (cost $ 33,996,891 and $ 29,999,585 , respectively)
$
33,999,110
$
29,999,889
Cash
31,161,434
92,972,312
Segregated cash balances with brokers for futures contracts
13,254,222
44,320,410
Receivable on open futures contracts
—
13,775,851
Interest receivable
768
4,326
Total assets
78,415,534
181,072,788
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Liabilities
Payable for capital shares redeemed
3,233,023
11,132,546
Payable on open futures contracts
798,217
—
Brokerage commissions and fees payable
13,490
—
Payable to Sponsor
63,318
139,455
Non-recurring
fees and expenses payable
416
416
Total liabilities
4,108,464
11,272,417
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 2)
Shareholders’ equity
Shareholders’ equity
74,307,070
169,800,371
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
78,415,534
$
181,072,788
Shares outstanding (Note 1)
3,487,527
8,087,527
Net asset value per share (Note 1)
$
21.31
$
21.00
Market value per share (Note 1) (Note 2)
$
21.20
$
21.07
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
19
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRA BLOOMBERG NATURAL GAS
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
MARCH 31, 2021
(unaudited)
Principal Amount
Value
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 46 % of shareholders’ equity)
U.S. Treasury Bills ^^
:
0.041 % due 04/15/21
$
3,000,000
$
2,999,983
0.076 % due 05/20/21
25,000,000
24,999,320
0.040 % due 06/17/21
6,000,000
5,999,807
Total short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
(cost $ 33,996,891 )
$
33,999,110
Futures Contracts Purchased
Number of
Contracts
Notional Amount
at Value
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)/Value
Natural Gas - NYMEX, expires May 2021
5,698
$
148,603,840
$
( 11,300,062
)
^^
Rates shown represent discount rate at the time of purchase .
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
20
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRA BLOOMBERG NATURAL GAS
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Investment Income
Interest
$
13,815
$
139,339
Expenses
Management fee
254,815
97,108
Brokerage commissions
92,297
44,582
Brokerage fees
81,848
—
Total expenses
428,960
141,690
Net investment income (loss)
( 415,145
)
( 2,351
)
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment activity
Net realized gain (loss) on
Futures contracts
41,582,385
( 22,819,605
)
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
551
1,054
Net realized gain (loss)
41,582,936
( 22,818,551
)
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
Futures contracts
( 17,800,783
)
( 4,466,823
)
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
1,915
29,786
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
( 17,798,868
)
( 4,437,037
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
23,784,068
( 27,255,588
)
Net income (loss)
$
23,368,923
$
( 27,257,939
)
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
21
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRA BLOOMBERG NATURAL GAS
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Shareholders’ equity, beginning of period
$
169,800,371
$
45,160,205
Addition of 3,400,000 and 225,000 shares, respectively
76,480,823
15,680,240
Redemption of 8,000,000 and 125,000 shares, respectively
( 195,343,047
)
( 6,910,889
)
Net addition (redemption) of ( 4,600,000 ) and 100,000 shares, respectively
( 118,862,224
)
8,769,351
Net investment income (loss)
( 415,145
)
( 2,351
)
Net realized gain (loss)
41,582,936
( 22,818,551
)
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
( 17,798,868
)
( 4,437,037
)
Net income (loss)
23,368,923
( 27,257,939
)
Shareholders’ equity, end of period
$
74,307,070
$
26,671,617
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
22
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRA BLOOMBERG NATURAL GAS
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Cash flow from operating activities
Net income (loss)
$
23,368,923
$
( 27,257,939
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Purchases of short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 88,986,855
)
( 24,903,944
)
Proceeds from sales or maturities of short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
84,999,676
36,564,000
Net amortization and accretion on short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 9,576
)
( 96,553
)
Net realized gain (loss) on investments
( 551
)
( 1,054
)
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
( 1,915
)
( 29,786
)
Decrease (Increase) in receivable on futures contracts
13,775,851
37,024
Decrease (Increase) in interest receivable
3,558
6,493
Increase (Decrease) in payable to Sponsor
( 76,137
)
23,126
Increase (Decrease) in brokerage commissions and fees payable
13,490
—
Increase (Decrease) in payable on futures contracts
798,217
1,533,810
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
33,884,681
( 14,124,823
)
Cash flow from financing activities
Proceeds from addition of shares
76,480,823
15,680,240
Payment on shares redeemed
( 203,242,570
)
( 6,910,889
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
( 126,761,747
)
8,769,351
Net increase (decrease) in cash
( 92,877,066
)
( 5,355,472
)
Cash, beginning of period
137,292,722
17,619,062
Cash, end of period
$
44,415,656
$
12,263,590
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
23
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRA EURO
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
December 31,
2020
Assets
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations (Note 3) (cost $ 999,885 and $–, respectively)
$
999,973
$
—
Cash
2,230,111
4,045,092
Segregated cash balances with brokers for foreign currency forward contracts
607,000
607,000
Unrealized appreciation on foreign currency forward contracts
4,330
89,103
Interest receivable
70
162
Total assets
3,841,484
4,741,357
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Liabilities
Payable to Sponsor
3,011
3,625
Unrealized depreciation on foreign currency forward contracts
226,734
367
Non-recurring
fees and expenses payable
15
15
Total liabilities
229,760
4,007
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 2)
Shareholders’ equity
Shareholders’ equity
3,611,724
4,737,350
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
3,841,484
$
4,741,357
Shares outstanding
250,000
300,000
Net asset value per share
$
14.45
$
15.79
Market value per share (Note 2)
$
14.47
$
15.81
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
24
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRA EURO
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
MARCH 31, 2021
(unaudited)
Principal Amount
Value
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 28 % of shareholders’ equity)
U.S. Treasury Bills ^^
:
0.086 % due 05/20/21
$
1,000,000
$
999,973
Total short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
(cost $ 999,885 )
$
999,973
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts ^
Settlement Date
Contract Amount
in Local Currency
Contract Amount
in U.S. Dollars
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)/
Value
Contracts to Purchase
Euro with Goldman Sachs International
04/09/21
2,210,921
$
2,592,686
$
( 78,549
)
Euro with UBS AG
04/09/21
4,249,502
4,983,274
( 148,185
)
Total Unrealized
Depreciation
$( 226,734 )
Contracts to Sell
Euro with UBS AG
04/09/21
( 276,000
)
$
( 323,658
)
$
4,330
Total Unrealized
Appreciation
$ 4,330
^
The positions and counterparties herein are as of March 31, 2021. The Fund continually evaluates different counterparties for their transactions and counterparties are subject to change. New counterparties can be added at any time.
^^
Rates shown represent discount rate at the time of purchase .
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
25
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRA EURO
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Investment Income
Interest
$
584
$
15,801
Expenses
Management fee
10,078
12,554
Total expenses
10,078
12,554
Net investment income (loss)
( 9,494
)
3,247
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment activity
Net realized gain (loss) on
Foreign currency forward contracts
( 27,342
)
( 53,268
)
Net realized gain (loss)
( 27,342
)
( 53,268
)
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
Foreign currency forward contracts
( 311,140
)
( 221,334
)
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
88
( 208
)
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
( 311,052
)
( 221,542
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
( 338,394
)
( 274,810
)
Net income (loss)
$
( 347,888
)
$
( 271,563
)
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
26
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRA EURO
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Shareholders’ equity, beginning of period
$
4,737,350
$
6,204,424
Addition of – and 50,000 shares, respectively
—
669,855
Redemption of 50,000 and 200,000 shares, respectively
( 777,738
)
( 2,653,574
)
Net addition (redemption) of ( 50,000 ) and ( 150,000 ) shares, respectively
( 777,738
)
( 1,983,719
)
Net investment income (loss)
( 9,494
)
3,247
Net realized gain (loss)
( 27,342
)
( 53,268
)
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
( 311,052
)
( 221,542
)
Net income (loss)
( 347,888
)
( 271,563
)
Shareholders’ equity, end of period
$
3,611,724
$
3,949,142
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
27
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRA EURO
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Cash flow from operating activities
Net income (loss)
$
( 347,888
)
$
( 271,563
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Purchases of short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 1,999,562
)
( 1,395,795
)
Proceeds from sales or maturities of short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
1,000,000
5,375,000
Net amortization and accretion on short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 323
)
( 9,001
)
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
311,052
221,542
Decrease (Increase) in interest receivable
92
( 485
)
Increase (Decrease) in payable to Sponsor
( 614
)
2,766
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
( 1,037,243
)
3,922,464
Cash flow from financing activities
Proceeds from addition of shares
—
669,855
Payment on shares redeemed
( 777,738
)
( 1,995,276
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
( 777,738
)
( 1,325,421
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash
( 1,814,981
)
2,597,043
Cash, beginning of period
4,652,092
2,127,437
Cash, end of period
$
2,837,111
$
4,724,480
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
28
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRA GOLD
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
December 31,
2020
Assets
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations (Note 3) (cost $ 86,995,913 and $ 74,998,283 , respectively)
$
86,998,893
$
74,999,467
Cash
95,364,405
164,381,859
Segregated cash balances with brokers for futures contracts
8,360,001
11,581,250
Segregated cash balances with brokers for swap agreements
16,243,000
7,489,000
Unrealized appreciation on swap agreements
6,160,430
5,140,980
Receivable on open futures contracts
1,605,224
148,784
Interest receivable
2,345
6,531
Total assets
214,734,298
263,747,871
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Liabilities
Brokerage commissions and fees payable
9,172
—
Payable to Sponsor
176,066
206,394
Non-recurring
fees and expenses payable
1,004
1,004
Total liabilities
186,242
207,398
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 2)
Shareholders’ equity
Shareholders’ equity
214,548,056
263,540,473
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
214,734,298
$
263,747,871
Shares outstanding
3,950,000
3,900,000
Net asset value per share
$
54.32
$
67.57
Market value per share (Note 2)
$
53.91
$
68.20
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
29
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRA GOLD
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
MARCH 31, 2021
(unaudited)
Principal Amount
Value
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 41 % of shareholders’ equity)
U.S. Treasury Bills ^^
:
0.069 % due 04/15/21 †
$
60,000,000
$
59,999,651
0.070 % due 05/20/21 †
22,000,000
21,999,402
0.037 % due 06/17/21 †
5,000,000
4,999,840
Total short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
(cost $ 86,995,913 )
$
86,998,893
Futures Contracts Purchased
Number of
Contracts
Notional Amount
at Value
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)/Value
Gold Futures - COMEX, expires June 2021
722
$
123,866,320
$
393,125
Total Return Swap Agreements ^
Rate Paid
(Received)*
Termination
Date
Notional Amount
at Value**
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)/Value
Swap agreement with Citibank, N.A. based on Bloomberg Gold Subindex
0.25
%
04/06/21
$
105,063,244
$
2,121,049
Swap agreement with Goldman Sachs International based on Bloomberg Gold Subindex
0.25
04/06/21
90,791,674
1,832,931
Swap agreement with UBS AG based on Bloomberg Gold Subindex
0.25
04/06/21
109,293,502
2,206,450
Total Unrealized
Appreciation
$
6,160,430
†
All or partial amount pledged as collateral for swap agreements.
^
The positions and counterparties herein are as of March 31, 2021. The Fund continually evaluates different counterparties for their transactions and counterparties are subject to change. New counterparties can be added at any time.
^^
Rates shown represent discount rate at the time of purchase .
*
Reflects the floating financing rate, as of March 31, 2021, on the notional amount of the swap agreement paid to the counterparty or received from the counterparty, excluding any commissions. Total Return Swap Agreements payment is due at termination/maturity.
**
For swap agreements, a positive amount represents “long” exposure to the benchmark index. A negative amount represents “short” exposure to the benchmark index.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
30
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRA GOLD
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31,
2021
2020
Investment Income
Interest
$
35,827
$
414,684
Expenses
Management fee
568,207
295,411
Brokerage commissions
14,888
10,365
Brokerage fees
32,402
—
Total expenses
615,497
305,776
Net investment income (loss)
( 579,670
)
108,908
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment activity
Net realized gain (loss) on
Futures contracts
( 16,805,897
)
( 68,161
)
Swap agreements
( 34,442,235
)
21,566,217
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
245
—
Net realized gain (loss)
( 51,247,887
)
21,498,056
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
Futures contracts
( 2,253,749
)
( 3,638,236
)
Swap agreements
1,019,450
( 15,515,060
)
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
1,796
55,936
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
( 1,232,503
)
( 19,097,360
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
( 52,480,390
)
2,400,696
Net income (loss)
$
( 53,060,060
)
$
2,509,604
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
31
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRA GOLD
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31,
2021
2020
Shareholders’ equity, beginning of period
$
263,540,473
$
110,726,032
Addition of 600,000 and 1,150,000 shares, respectively
37,062,261
64,993,775
Redemption of 550,000 and 950,000 shares, respectively
( 32,994,618
)
( 49,747,615
)
Net addition (redemption) of 50,000 and 200,000 shares, respectively
4,067,643
15,246,160
Net investment income (loss)
( 579,670
)
108,908
Net realized gain (loss)
( 51,247,887
)
21,498,056
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
( 1,232,503
)
( 19,097,360
)
Net income (loss)
( 53,060,060
)
2,509,604
Shareholders’ equity, end of period
$
214,548,056
$
128,481,796
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
32
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRA GOLD
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31,
2021
2020
Cash flow from operating activities
Net income (loss)
$
( 53,060,060
)
$
2,509,604
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Purchases of short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 206,969,781
)
( 60,782,344
)
Proceeds from sales or maturities of short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
194,999,771
96,257,000
Net amortization and accretion on short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 27,375
)
( 236,284
)
Net realized gain (loss) on investments
( 245
)
—
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
( 1,021,246
)
15,459,124
Decrease (Increase) in receivable on futures contracts
( 1,456,440
)
170,073
Decrease (Increase) in interest receivable
4,186
( 8,574
)
Increase (Decrease) in payable to Sponsor
( 30,328
)
117,996
Increase (Decrease) in brokerage commissions and fees payable
9,172
—
Increase (Decrease) in payable on futures contracts
—
1,978,828
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
( 67,552,346
)
55,465,423
Cash flow from financing activities
Proceeds from addition of shares
37,062,261
64,993,775
Payment on shares redeemed
( 32,994,618
)
( 49,747,615
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
4,067,643
15,246,160
Net increase (decrease) in cash
( 63,484,703
)
70,711,583
Cash, beginning of period
183,452,109
38,526,723
Cash, end of period
$
119,967,406
$
109,238,306
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
33
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRA SILVER
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
December 31, 2020
Assets
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations (Note 3) (cost $ 419,957,178 and $ 244,987,251 , respectively)
$
419,985,837
$
244,993,989
Cash
94,849,379
301,951,458
Segregated cash balances with brokers for futures contracts
32,096,625
66,062,502
Segregated cash balances with brokers for swap agreements
51,110,000
78,388,000
Unrealized appreciation on swap agreements
—
56,752,666
Receivable from capital shares sold
4,134,427
—
Receivable on open futures contracts
1,465,450
—
Interest receivable
4,633
10,698
Total assets
603,646,351
748,159,313
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Liabilities
Payable on open futures contracts
2,165,523
2,312,939
Brokerage commissions and fees payable
45,354
—
Payable to Sponsor
510,862
539,986
Unrealized depreciation on swap agreements
28,421,003
—
Non-recurring
fees and expenses payable
2,360
2,360
Total liabilities
31,145,102
2,855,285
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 2)
Shareholders’ equity
Shareholders’ equity
572,501,249
745,304,028
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
603,646,351
$
748,159,313
Shares outstanding
13,846,526
14,696,526
Net asset value per share
$
41.35
$
50.71
Market value per share (Note 2)
$
41.10
$
51.28
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
34
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRA SILVER
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
MARCH 31, 2021
(unaudited)
Principal Amount
Value
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 73 % of shareholders’ equity)
U.S. Treasury Bills ^^
:
0.062 % due 04/15/21 †
$
80,000,000
$
79,999,536
0.051 % due 05/20/21 †
100,000,000
99,997,280
0.057 % due 06/17/21 †
115,000,000
114,996,309
0.056 % due 07/15/21 †
125,000,000
124,992,712
Total short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
(cost $ 419,957,178 )
$
419,985,837
Futures Contracts Purchased
Number of
Contracts
Notional Amount
at Value
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)/Value
Silver Futures - COMEX, expires May 2021
1,667
$
204,474,220
$
( 15,401,821
)
Total Return Swap Agreements ^
Rate Paid
(Received)*
Termination
Date
Notional Amount
at Value**
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)/Value
Swap agreement with Citibank, N.A. based on Bloomberg Silver Subindex
0.25
%
04/06/21
$
291,359,450
$
( 8,800,436
)
Swap agreement with Goldman Sachs International based on Bloomberg Silver Subindex
0.30
04/06/21
218,805,087
( 6,616,052
)
Swap agreement with Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC based on Bloomberg Silver Subindex
0.30
04/06/21
228,795,897
( 6,918,147
)
Swap agreement with UBS AG based on Bloomberg Silver Subindex
0.25
04/06/21
201,503,724
( 6,086,368
)
Total Unrealized
Depreciation
$
( 28,421,003
)
†
All or partial amount pledged as collateral for swap agreements.
^
The positions and counterparties herein are as of March 31, 2021. The Fund continually evaluates different counterparties for their transactions and counterparties are subject to change. New counterparties can be added at any time.
^^
Rates shown represent discount rate at the time of purchase .
*
Reflects the floating financing rate, as of March 31, 2021, on the notional amount of the swap agreement paid to the counterparty or received from the counterparty, excluding any commissions. Total Return Swap Agreements payment is due at termination/maturity.
**
For swap agreements, a positive amount represents “long” exposure to the benchmark index. A negative amount represents “short” exposure to the benchmark index.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
35
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRA SILVER
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31,
2021
2020
Investment Income
Interest
$
98,129
$
776,287
Expenses
Management fee
1,631,135
481,247
Brokerage commissions
46,582
18,208
Brokerage fees
162,187
—
Total expenses
1,839,904
499,455
Net investment income (loss)
( 1,741,775
)
276,832
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment activity
Net realized gain (loss) on
Futures contracts
6,896,270
( 9,641,976
)
Swap agreements
( 1,985,719
)
5,944,322
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
191
—
Net realized gain (loss)
4,910,742
( 3,697,654
)
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
Futures contracts
( 52,592,033
)
( 4,249,586
)
Swap agreements
( 85,173,669
)
( 80,923,026
)
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
21,921
110,781
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
( 137,743,781
)
( 85,061,831
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
( 132,833,039
)
( 88,759,485
)
Net income (loss)
$
( 134,574,814
)
$
( 88,482,653
)
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
36
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRA SILVER
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31,
2021
2020
Shareholders’ equity, beginning of period
$
745,304,028
$
239,254,842
Addition of 2,400,000 and 750,000 shares, respectively
120,399,635
14,162,113
Redemption of 3,250,000 and 1,250,000 shares, respectively
( 158,627,600
)
( 35,148,766
)
Net addition (redemption) of ( 850,000 ) and ( 500,000 ) shares, respectively
( 38,227,965
)
( 20,986,653
)
Net investment income (loss)
( 1,741,775
)
276,832
Net realized gain (loss)
4,910,742
( 3,697,654
)
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
( 137,743,781
)
( 85,061,831
)
Net income (loss)
( 134,574,814
)
( 88,482,653
)
Shareholders’ equity, end of period
$
572,501,249
$
129,785,536
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
37
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRA SILVER
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31,
2021
2020
Cash flow from operating activities
Net income (loss)
$
( 134,574,814
)
$
( 88,482,653
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Purchases of short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 684,892,324
)
( 113,569,175
)
Proceeds from sales or maturities of short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
509,999,794
188,705,000
Net amortization and accretion on short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 77,206
)
( 472,102
)
Net realized gain (loss) on investments
( 191
)
—
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
85,151,748
80,812,245
Decrease (Increase) in receivable on futures contracts
( 1,465,450
)
( 51,960
)
Decrease (Increase) in interest receivable
6,065
33,357
Increase (Decrease) in payable to Sponsor
( 29,124
)
116,819
Increase (Decrease) in brokerage commissions and fees payable
45,354
—
Increase (Decrease) in payable on futures contracts
( 147,416
)
91,879
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
( 225,983,564
)
67,183,410
Cash flow from financing activities
Proceeds from addition of shares
116,265,208
12,321,941
Payment on shares redeemed
( 158,627,600
)
( 35,148,766
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
( 42,362,392
)
( 22,826,825
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash
( 268,345,956
)
44,356,585
Cash, beginning of period
446,401,960
79,058,662
Cash, end of period
$
178,056,004
$
123,415,247
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
38
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRA VIX SHORT-TERM FUTURES ETF
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
December 31, 2020
Assets
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations (Note 3) (cost $ 376,960,550 and $ 244,990,791 , respectively)
$
376,985,173
$
244,995,969
Cash
53,272,722
181,991,996
Segregated cash balances with brokers for futures contracts
782,757,661
879,704,000
Segregated cash balances with brokers for swap agreements
85,756,000
7,976,000
Receivable from capital shares sold
—
49,086,388
Receivable on open futures contracts
39,317,506
16,422,512
Interest receivable
6,631
7,054
Total assets
1,338,095,693
1,380,183,919
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Liabilities
Payable on open futures contracts
12,652,068
22,424,475
Brokerage commissions and fees payable
734,787
485,039
Payable to Sponsor
1,352,907
1,040,582
Unrealized depreciation on swap agreements
—
24,807
Securities purchased payable
38,977,944
—
Non-recurring
fees and expenses payable
4,817
4,817
Total liabilities
53,722,523
23,979,720
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 2)
Shareholders’ equity
Shareholders’ equity
1,284,373,170
1,356,204,199
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
1,338,095,693
$
1,380,183,919
Shares outstanding
228,030,912
127,130,912
Net asset value per share
$
5.63
$
10.67
Market value per share (Note 2)
$
5.65
$
10.65
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
39
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRA VIX SHORT-TERM FUTURES ETF
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
MARCH 31, 2021
(unaudited)
Principal Amount
Value
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 29 % of shareholders’ equity)
U.S. Treasury Bills ^^
:
0.063 % due 04/15/21
$
77,000,000
$
76,999,553
0.061 % due 05/20/21
100,000,000
99,997,280
0.051 % due 07/15/21
200,000,000
199,988,340
Total short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
(cost $ 376,960,550 )
$
376,985,173
Futures Contracts Purchased
Number of
Contracts
Notional Amount
at Value
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)/Value
VIX Futures - Cboe, expires April 2021
45,234
$
937,881,756
$
( 271,592,637
)
VIX Futures - Cboe, expires May 2021
38,279
868,006,948
( 61,335,612
)
$
( 332,928,249
)
Total Return Swap Agreements ^
Rate Paid
(Received)*
Termination
Date
Notional Amount
at Value**
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)/Value
Swap agreement with Goldman Sachs & Co., based on iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN iNAV Index
0.97
%
04/28/21
$
120,270,000
$
—
Total Unrealized
Depreciation
$
—
^
The positions and counterparties herein are as of March 31, 2021. The Fund continually evaluates different counterparties for their transactions and counterparties are subject to change. New counterparties can be added at any time.
^^
Rates shown represent discount rate at the time of purchase .
*
Reflects the floating financing rate, as of March 31, 2021, on the notional amount of the swap agreement paid to the counterparty or received from the counterparty, excluding any commissions. Total Return Swap Agreements payment is due at termination/maturity.
**
For swap agreements, a positive amount represents “long” exposure to the benchmark index. A negative amount represents “short” exposure to the benchmark index.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
40
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRA VIX SHORT-TERM FUTURES ETF
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31,
2021
2020
Investment Income
Interest
$
113,969
$
1,411,740
Expenses
Management fee
4,383,077
1,383,275
Brokerage commissions
1,956,628
741,009
Brokerage fees
1,843,813
16,721
Total expenses
8,183,518
2,141,005
Net investment income (loss)
( 8,069,549
)
( 729,265
)
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment activity
Net realized gain (loss) on
Futures contracts
( 653,063,682
)
656,145,228
Swap agreements
( 51,454,342
)
69,940,003
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
18,520
—
Net realized gain (loss)
( 704,499,504
)
726,085,231
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
Futures contracts
( 284,403,583
)
198,355,954
Swap agreements
24,807
( 21,974,093
)
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
19,445
135,054
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
( 284,359,331
)
176,516,915
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
( 988,858,835
)
902,602,146
Net income (loss)
$
( 996,928,384
)
$
901,872,881
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
41
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRA VIX SHORT-TERM FUTURES ETF
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31,
2021
2020
Shareholders’ equity, beginning of period
$
1,356,204,199
$
527,636,003
Addition of 196,300,000 and 9,900,000 shares, respectively
1,939,143,031
359,090,211
Redemption of 95,400,000 and 41,400,000 shares, respectively
( 1,014,045,676
)
( 1,195,778,603
)
Net addition (redemption) of 100,900,000 and ( 31,500,000 ) shares, respectively
925,097,355
( 836,688,392
)
Net investment income (loss)
( 8,069,549
)
( 729,265
)
Net realized gain (loss)
( 704,499,504
)
726,085,231
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
( 284,359,331
)
176,516,915
Net income (loss)
( 996,928,384
)
901,872,881
Shareholders’ equity, end of period
$
1,284,373,170
$
592,820,492
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
42
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRA VIX SHORT-TERM FUTURES ETF
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31,
2021
2020
Cash flow from operating activities
Net income (loss)
$
( 996,928,384
)
$
901,872,881
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Purchases of short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 811,866,867
)
( 198,455,580
)
Proceeds from sales or maturities of short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
679,996,765
260,000,000
Net amortization and accretion on short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 81,137
)
( 652,333
)
Net realized gain (loss) on investments
( 18,520
)
—
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
( 44,252
)
21,839,039
Decrease (Increase) in receivable on futures contracts
( 22,894,994
)
( 40,866,835
)
Decrease (Increase) in interest receivable
423
( 33,608
)
Increase (Decrease) in payable to Sponsor
312,325
566,652
Increase (Decrease) in brokerage commissions and fees payable
249,748
—
Increase (Decrease) in payable on futures contracts
( 9,772,407
)
( 857,523
)
Increase (Decrease) in securities purchased payable
38,977,944
—
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
( 1,122,069,356
)
943,412,693
Cash flow from financing activities
Proceeds from addition of shares
1,988,229,419
359,177,711
Payment on shares redeemed
( 1,014,045,676
)
( 1,195,778,603
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
974,183,743
( 836,600,892
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash
( 147,885,613
)
106,811,801
Cash, beginning of period
1,069,671,996
361,561,329
Cash, end of period
$
921,786,383
$
468,373,130
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
43
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRA YEN
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
December 31, 2020
Assets
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations (Note 3) (cost $ 499,942 and $–, respectively)
$
499,986
$
—
Cash
1,972,808
2,618,696
Segregated cash balances with brokers for foreign currency forward contracts
306,000
306,000
Unrealized appreciation on foreign currency forward contracts
3,041
67,235
Interest receivable
84
111
Total assets
2,781,919
2,992,042
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Liabilities
Payable to Sponsor
2,171
2,384
Unrealized depreciation on foreign currency forward contracts
192,043
148
Non-recurring
fees and expenses payable
11
11
Total liabilities
194,225
2,543
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 2)
Shareholders’ equity
Shareholders’ equity
2,587,694
2,989,499
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
2,781,919
$
2,992,042
Shares outstanding
49,970
49,970
Net asset value per share
$
51.78
$
59.83
Market value per share (Note 2)
$
51.78
$
59.82
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
44
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRA YEN
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
MARCH 31, 2021
(unaudited)
Principal Amount
Value
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 19 % of shareholders’ equity)
U.S. Treasury Bills ^^
:
0.086 % due 05/20/21
$
500,000
$
499,986
Total short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
(cost $ 499,942 )
$
499,986
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts ^
Settlement Date
Contract Amount
in Local Currency
Contract Amount
in U.S. Dollars
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)/
Value
Contracts to Purchase
Yen with Goldman Sachs International
04/09/21
332,532,517
$
3,003,464
$
( 106,904
)
Yen with UBS AG
04/09/21
263,662,756
2,381,425
( 85,139
)
Total Unrealized
Depreciation
$
( 192,043
)
Contracts to Sell
Yen with UBS AG
04/09/21
( 21,110,000
)
$
( 190,668
)
$
3,041
Total Unrealized
Appreciation
$
3,041
^
The positions and counterparties herein are as of March 31, 2021. The Fund continually evaluates different counterparties for their transactions and counterparties are subject to change. New counterparties can be added at any time.
^^
Rates shown represent discount rate at the time of purchase.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
45
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRA YEN
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Investment Income
Interest
$
356
$
8,867
Expenses
Management fee
6,649
7,241
Total expenses
6,649
7,241
Net investment income (loss)
( 6,293
)
1,626
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment activity
Net realized gain (loss) on
Foreign currency forward contracts
( 139,467
)
( 8,483
)
Net realized gain (loss)
( 139,467
)
( 8,483
)
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
Foreign currency forward contracts
( 256,089
)
( 19,239
)
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
44
( 74
)
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
( 256,045
)
( 19,313
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
( 395,512
)
( 27,796
)
Net income (loss)
$
( 401,805
)
$
( 26,170
)
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
46
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRA YEN
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Shareholders’ equity, beginning of period
$
2,989,499
$
5,580,964
Redemption of – and 50,000 shares, respectively
—
( 2,746,014
)
Net addition (redemption) of – and ( 50,000 ) shares, respectively
—
( 2,746,014
)
Net investment income (loss)
( 6,293
)
1,626
Net realized gain (loss)
( 139,467
)
( 8,483
)
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
( 256,045
)
( 19,313
)
Net income (loss)
( 401,805
)
( 26,170
)
Shareholders’ equity, end of period
$
2,587,694
$
2,808,780
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
47
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRA YEN
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Cash flow from operating activities
Net income (loss)
$
( 401,805
)
$
( 26,170
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Purchases of short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 499,849
)
( 99,700
)
Proceeds from sales or maturities of short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
—
1,911,000
Net amortization and accretion on short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 93
)
( 3,270
)
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
256,045
19,313
Decrease (Increase) in interest receivable
27
3,174
Increase (Decrease) in payable to Sponsor
( 213
)
( 176
)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
( 645,888
)
1,804,171
Cash flow from financing activities
Payment on shares redeemed
—
( 2,746,014
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
—
( 2,746,014
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash
( 645,888
)
( 941,843
)
Cash, beginning of period
2,924,696
3,783,138
Cash, end of period
$
2,278,808
$
2,841,295
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
48
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRASHORT AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
December 31, 2020
Assets
Cash
$
2,147,185
$
2,133,707
Segregated cash balances with brokers for futures contracts
118,800
100,320
Interest receivable
88
119
Total assets
2,266,073
2,234,146
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Liabilities
Payable on open futures contracts
5,400
9,118
Payable to Sponsor
1,774
2,370
Non-recurring
fees and expenses payable
19
19
Total liabilities
7,193
11,507
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 2)
Shareholders’ equity
Shareholders’ equity
2,258,880
2,222,639
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
2,266,073
$
2,234,146
Shares outstanding
50,000
50,000
Net asset value per share
$
45.18
$
44.45
Market value per share (Note 2)
$
45.19
$
43.89
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
49
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRASHORT AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
MARCH 31, 2021
(unaudited)
Futures Contracts Sold
Number of
Contracts
Notional Amount
at Value
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)/Value
Australian Dollar Fx Currency Futures - CME, expires June 2021
60
$
4,560,900
$
67,102
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
50
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRASHORT AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Investment Income
Interest
$
258
$
20,054
Expenses
Management fee
5,139
15,130
Brokerage commissions
386
1,499
Total expenses
5,525
16,629
Net investment income (loss)
( 5,267
)
3,425
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment activity
Net realized gain (loss) on
Futures contracts
( 164,544
)
670,950
Net realized gain (loss)
( 164,544
)
670,950
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
Futures contracts
206,052
947,586
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
—
( 206
)
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
206,052
947,380
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
41,508
1,618,330
Net income (loss)
$
36,241
$
1,621,755
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
51
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRASHORT AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Shareholders’ equity, beginning of period
$
2,222,639
$
5,608,612
Net investment income (loss)
( 5,267
)
3,425
Net realized gain (loss)
( 164,544
)
670,950
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
206,052
947,380
Net income (loss)
36,241
1,621,755
Shareholders’ equity, end of period
$
2,258,880
$
7,230,367
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
52
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRASHORT AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Cash flow from operating activities
Net income (loss)
$
36,241
$
1,621,755
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Purchases of short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
—
( 498,498
)
Proceeds from sales or maturities of short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
—
4,436,000
Net amortization and accretion on short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
—
( 6,234
)
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
—
206
Decrease (Increase) in receivable on futures contracts
—
( 21,755
)
Decrease (Increase) in interest receivable
31
( 2,493
)
Increase (Decrease) in payable to Sponsor
( 596
)
5,702
Increase (Decrease) in payable on futures contracts
( 3,718
)
( 37,725
)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
31,958
5,496,958
Net increase (decrease) in cash
31,958
5,496,958
Cash, beginning of period
2,234,027
1,717,873
Cash, end of period
$
2,265,985
$
7,214,831
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
53
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRASHORT BLOOMBERG CRUDE OIL
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
March 31,
2021
(unaudited)
December 31,
2020
Assets
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations (Note 3) (cost $ 34,996,872 and $–, respectively)
$
34,999,082
$
—
Cash
33,474,775
74,317,150
Segregated cash balances with brokers for futures contracts
21,014,545
22,608,223
Segregated cash balances with brokers for swap agreements
—
188,000
Receivable on open futures contracts
2,751,890
60,902
Interest receivable
1,200
3,299
Total assets
92,241,492
97,177,574
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Liabilities
Payable on open futures contracts
423,827
257,410
Brokerage commissions and fees payable
25,647
—
Payable to Sponsor
73,277
80,580
Non-recurring
fees and expenses payable
351
351
Total liabilities
523,102
338,341
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 2)
Shareholders’ equity
Shareholders’ equity
91,718,390
96,839,233
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
92,241,492
$
97,177,574
Shares outstanding
12,739,884
8,339,884
Net asset value per share
$
7.20
$
11.61
Market value per share (Note 2)
$
7.15
$
11.64
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
54
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRASHORT BLOOMBERG CRUDE OIL
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
MARCH 31, 2021
(unaudited)
Principal Amount
Value
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 38 % of shareholders’ equity)
U.S. Treasury Bills ^^
:
0.041 % due 04/15/21
$
5,000,000
$
4,999,971
0.086 % due 05/20/21
15,000,000
14,999,592
0.042 % due 06/17/21
15,000,000
14,999,519
Total short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
(cost $ 34,996,872 )
$
34,999,082
Futures Contracts Sold
Number of
Contracts
Notional Amount
at Value
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)/
Value
WTI Crude Oil - NYMEX, expires June 2021
1,020
$
60,363,600
$
( 5,808,804
)
WTI Crude Oil - NYMEX, expires December 2021
1,082
61,511,700
( 3,660,503
)
WTI Crude Oil - NYMEX, expires June 2022
1,125
61,560,000
469,128
$( 9,000,179 )
^^
Rates shown represent discount rate at the time of purchase.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
55
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRASHORT BLOOMBERG CRUDE OIL
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Investment Income
Interest
$
10,835
$
248,709
Expenses
Management fee
221,263
202,369
Brokerage commissions
43,044
77,053
Brokerage fees
47,712
—
Total expenses
312,019
279,422
Net investment income (loss)
( 301,184
)
( 30,713
)
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment activity
Net realized gain (loss) on
Futures contracts
( 49,177,765
)
6,504,689
Swap agreements
—
45,169,333
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
—
( 20
)
Net realized gain (loss)
( 49,177,765
)
51,674,002
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
Futures contracts
5,636,634
54,837,080
Swap agreements
—
21,741,150
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
2,210
3,127
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
5,638,844
76,581,357
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
( 43,538,921
)
128,255,359
Net income (loss)
$
( 43,840,105
)
$
128,224,646
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
56
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRASHORT BLOOMBERG CRUDE OIL
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31,
2021
2020
Shareholders’ equity, beginning of period
$
96,839,233
$
125,451,681
Addition of 7,800,000 and 3,350,000 shares, respectively
64,302,979
71,229,475
Redemption of 3,400,000 and 11,600,000 shares, respectively
( 25,583,717
)
( 224,811,779
)
Net addition (redemption) of 4,400,000 and ( 8,250,000 ) shares, respectively
38,719,262
( 153,582,304
)
Net investment income (loss)
( 301,184
)
( 30,713
)
Net realized gain (loss)
( 49,177,765
)
51,674,002
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
5,638,844
76,581,357
Net income (loss)
( 43,840,105
)
128,224,646
Shareholders’ equity, end of period
$
91,718,390
$
100,094,023
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
57
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRASHORT BLOOMBERG CRUDE OIL
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Cash flow from operating activities
Net income (loss)
$
( 43,840,105
)
$
128,224,646
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Purchases of short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 59,990,524
)
( 32,897,274
)
Proceeds from sales or maturities of short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
25,000,000
88,246,647
Net amortization and accretion on short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 6,348
)
( 146,748
)
Net realized gain (loss) on investments
—
20
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
( 2,210
)
( 21,744,277
)
Decrease (Increase) in receivable on futures contracts
( 2,690,988
)
1,144,404
Decrease (Increase) in interest receivable
2,099
26,150
Increase (Decrease) in payable to Sponsor
( 7,303
)
26,465
Increase (Decrease) in brokerage commissions and fees payable
25,647
—
Increase (Decrease) in payable on futures contracts
166,417
953,702
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
( 81,343,315
)
163,833,735
Cash flow from financing activities
Proceeds from addition of shares
64,302,979
67,838,424
Payment on shares redeemed
( 25,583,717
)
( 222,259,090
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
38,719,262
( 154,420,666
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash
( 42,624,053
)
9,413,069
Cash, beginning of period
97,113,373
61,909,177
Cash, end of period
$
54,489,320
$
71,322,246
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
58
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRASHORT BLOOMBERG NATURAL GAS
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
December 31, 2020
Assets
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations (Note 3) (cost $ 43,997,035 and $ 9,999,612 , respectively)
$
43,998,801
$
9,999,861
Cash
12,606,546
12,600,775
Segregated cash balances with brokers for futures contracts
12,310,981
6,546,607
Receivable on open futures contracts
607,891
—
Interest receivable
1,242
548
Total assets
69,525,461
29,147,791
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Liabilities
Payable for capital shares redeemed
—
2,604,177
Payable on open futures contracts
—
1,543,700
Brokerage commissions and fees payable
427
—
Payable to Sponsor
65,619
22,029
Non-recurring
fees and expenses payable
140
140
Total liabilities
66,186
4,170,046
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 2)
Shareholders’ equity
Shareholders’ equity
69,459,275
24,977,745
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
69,525,461
$
29,147,791
Shares outstanding
1,774,832
524,832
Net asset value per share
$
39.14
$
47.59
Market value per share (Note 2)
$
39.32
$
47.38
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
59
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRASHORT BLOOMBERG NATURAL GAS
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
MARCH 31, 2021
(unaudited)
Principal Amount
Value
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 63 % of shareholders’ equity)
U.S. Treasury Bills ^^
:
0.041 % due 04/15/21
$
4,000,000
$
3,999,977
0.047 % due 05/20/21
22,000,000
21,999,402
0.040 % due 06/17/21
18,000,000
17,999,422
Total short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
(cost $ 43,997,035 )
$
43,998,801
Futures Contracts Sold
Number of
Contracts
Notional Amount
at Value
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)/Value
Natural Gas - NYMEX, expires May 2021
5,327
$
138,928,160
$
16,272,857
^^
Rates shown represent discount rate at the time of purchase.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
60
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRASHORT BLOOMBERG NATURAL GAS
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Investment Income
Interest
$
7,883
$
42,432
Expenses
Management fee
159,337
32,430
Brokerage commissions
85,680
32,281
Brokerage fees
23,273
—
Total expenses
268,290
64,711
Net investment income (loss)
( 260,407
)
( 22,279
)
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment activity
Net realized gain (loss) on
Futures contracts
( 6,359,394
)
5,626,177
Net realized gain (loss)
( 6,359,394
)
5,626,177
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
Futures contracts
15,893,547
3,334,986
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
1,517
625
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
15,895,064
3,335,611
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
9,535,670
8,961,788
Net income (loss)
$
9,275,263
$
8,939,509
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
61
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRASHORT BLOOMBERG NATURAL GAS
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Shareholders’ equity, beginning of period
$
24,977,745
$
12,515,603
Addition of 4,100,000 and 550,000 shares, respectively
142,050,186
29,104,581
Redemption of 2,850,000 and 600,000 shares, respectively
( 106,843,919
)
( 33,139,760
)
Net addition (redemption) of 1,250,000 and ( 50,000 ) shares, respectively
35,206,267
( 4,035,179
)
Net investment income (loss)
( 260,407
)
( 22,279
)
Net realized gain (loss)
( 6,359,394
)
5,626,177
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
15,895,064
3,335,611
Net income (loss)
9,275,263
8,939,509
Shareholders’ equity, end of period
$
69,459,275
$
17,419,933
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
62
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRASHORT BLOOMBERG NATURAL GAS
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Cash flow from operating activities
Net income (loss)
$
9,275,263
$
8,939,509
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Purchases of short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 53,993,457
)
( 2,990,772
)
Proceeds from sales or maturities of short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
20,000,000
7,160,924
Net amortization and accretion on short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 3,966
)
( 14,617
)
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
( 1,517
)
( 625
)
Decrease (Increase) in receivable on futures contracts
( 607,891
)
( 714,526
)
Decrease (Increase) in interest receivable
( 694
)
( 130
)
Increase (Decrease) in payable to Sponsor
43,590
11,592
Increase (Decrease) in brokerage commissions and fees payable
427
—
Increase (Decrease) in payable on futures contracts
( 1,543,700
)
( 6,826
)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
( 26,831,945
)
12,384,529
Cash flow from financing activities
Proceeds from addition of shares
142,050,186
29,104,581
Payment on shares redeemed
( 109,448,096
)
( 33,139,760
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
32,602,090
( 4,035,179
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash
5,770,145
8,349,350
Cash, beginning of period
19,147,382
7,370,891
Cash, end of period
$
24,917,527
$
15,720,241
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
63
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRASHORT EURO
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
December 31,
2020
Assets
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations (Note 3) (cost $ 17,998,447 and $ 9,999,612 , respectively)
$
17,999,536
$
9,999,861
Cash
29,681,455
42,133,228
Segregated cash balances with brokers for foreign currency forward contracts
4,041,000
1,999,000
Unrealized appreciation on foreign currency forward contracts
3,436,568
5,705
Interest receivable
920
2,148
Total assets
55,159,479
54,139,942
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Liabilities
Payable to Sponsor
45,247
43,974
Unrealized depreciation on foreign currency forward contracts
181,875
1,142,409
Non-recurring
fees and expenses payable
220
220
Total liabilities
227,342
1,186,603
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 2)
Shareholders’ equity
Shareholders’ equity
54,932,137
52,953,339
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
55,159,479
$
54,139,942
Shares outstanding
2,250,000
2,350,000
Net asset value per share
$
24.41
$
22.53
Market value per share (Note 2)
$
24.42
$
22.52
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
64
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRASHORT EURO
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
MARCH 31, 2021
(unaudited)
Principal Amount
Value
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 33 % of shareholders’ equity)
U.S. Treasury Bills ^^
:
0.041 % due 04/15/21
$
3,000,000
$
2,999,983
0.086 % due 05/20/21 †
7,000,000
6,999,810
0.041 % due 06/17/21
8,000,000
7,999,743
Total short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
(cost $ 17,998,447 )
$
17,999,536
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts ^
Settlement
Date
Contract Amount
in Local Currency
Contract Amount
in U.S. Dollars
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)/
Value
Contracts to Purchase
Euro with UBS AG
04/09/21
12,078,000
$
14,163,535
$
( 181,875
)
Total
Unrealized
Depreciation
$
( 181,875
)
Contracts to Sell
Euro with Goldman Sachs International
04/09/21
( 37,401,263
)
$
( 43,859,422
)
$
1,328,784
Euro with UBS AG
04/09/21
( 68,453,199
)
( 80,273,164
)
2,107,784
Total
Unrealized
Appreciation
$
3,436,568
†
All or partial amount pledged as collateral for foreign currency forward contracts.
^
The positions and counterparties herein are as of March 31, 2021. The Fund continually evaluates different counterparties for their transactions and counterparties are subject to change. New counterparties can be added at any time.
^^
Rates shown represent discount rate at the time of purchase.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
65
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRASHORT EURO
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Investment Income
Interest
$
7,166
$
399,657
Expenses
Management fee
124,038
263,442
Total expenses
124,038
263,442
Net investment income (loss)
( 116,872
)
136,215
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment activity
Net realized gain (loss) on
Foreign currency forward contracts
70,527
1,047,283
Net realized gain (loss)
70,527
1,047,283
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
Foreign currency forward contracts
4,391,397
3,137,931
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
840
52,320
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
4,392,237
3,190,251
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
4,462,764
4,237,534
Net income (loss)
$
4,345,892
$
4,373,749
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
66
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRASHORT EURO
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Shareholders’ equity, beginning of period
$
52,953,339
$
120,581,173
Addition of 200,000 and 200,000 shares, respectively
4,613,244
5,754,066
Redemption of 300,000 and 1,350,000 shares, respectively
( 6,980,338
)
( 37,514,389
)
Net addition (redemption) of ( 100,000 ) and ( 1,150,000 ) shares, respectively
( 2,367,094
)
( 31,760,323
)
Net investment income (loss)
( 116,872
)
136,215
Net realized gain (loss)
70,527
1,047,283
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
4,392,237
3,190,251
Net income (loss)
4,345,892
4,373,749
Shareholders’ equity, end of period
$
54,932,137
$
93,194,599
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
67
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRASHORT EURO
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Cash flow from operating activities
Net income (loss)
$
4,345,892
$
4,373,749
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Purchases of short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 41,994,414
)
( 56,787,039
)
Proceeds from sales or maturities of short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
34,000,000
105,685,000
Net amortization and accretion on short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 4,421
)
( 251,364
)
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
( 4,392,237
)
( 3,190,251
)
Decrease (Increase) in interest receivable
1,228
27,885
Increase (Decrease) in payable to Sponsor
1,273
67,380
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
( 8,042,679
)
49,925,360
Cash flow from financing activities
Proceeds from addition of shares
4,613,244
5,754,066
Payment on shares redeemed
( 6,980,338
)
( 33,413,625
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
( 2,367,094
)
( 27,659,559
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash
( 10,409,773
)
22,265,801
Cash, beginning of period
44,132,228
44,280,278
Cash, end of period
$
33,722,455
$
66,546,079
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
68
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRASHORT GOLD
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
December 31,
2020
Assets
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations (Note 3) (cost $ 12,998,786 and $–, respectively)
$
12,999,597
$
—
Cash
22,381,424
16,935,121
Segregated cash balances with brokers for futures contracts
2,923,750
1,503,750
Segregated cash balances with brokers for swap agreements
4,201,087
2,194,500
Receivable on open futures contracts
—
1,317
Interest receivable
615
742
Total assets
42,506,473
20,635,430
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Liabilities
Payable on open futures contracts
548,420
12,410
Brokerage commissions and fees payable
1,492
—
Payable to Sponsor
27,498
16,835
Unrealized depreciation on swap agreements
685,467
268,728
Non-recurring
fees and expenses payable
81
81
Total liabilities
1,262,958
298,054
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 2)
Shareholders’ equity
Shareholders’ equity
41,243,515
20,337,376
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
42,506,473
$
20,635,430
Shares outstanding
1,096,977
646,977
Net asset value per share
$
37.60
$
31.43
Market value per share (Note 2)
$
37.89
$
31.14
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
69
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRASHORT GOLD
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
MARCH 31, 2021
(unaudited)
Principal Amount
Value
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 32 % of shareholders’ equity)
U.S. Treasury Bills ^^
:
0.086 % due 05/20/21 †
$
3,000,000
$
2,999,918
0.041 % due 06/17/21 †
10,000,000
9,999,679
Total short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
(cost $ 12,998,786 )
$
12,999,597
Futures Contracts Sold
Number of
Contracts
Notional Amount
at Value
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)/Value
Gold Futures - COMEX, expires June 2021
247
$
42,375,320
$
39,145
Total Return Swap Agreements ^
Rate Paid
(Received) *
Termination
Date
Notional Amount
at Value **
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)/Value
Swap agreement with Citibank, N.A. based on Bloomberg Gold Subindex
0.25
%
04/06/21
$
( 14,224,080
)
$
( 291,552
)
Swap agreement with Goldman Sachs International based on Bloomberg Gold Subindex
0.20
04/06/21
( 14,746,325
)
( 301,800
)
Swap agreement with UBS AG based on Bloomberg Gold Subindex
0.25
04/06/21
( 11,127,395
)
( 92,115
)
Total
Unrealized
Depreciation
$
( 685,467
)
†
All or partial amount pledged as collateral for swap agreements.
^
The positions and counterparties herein are as of March 31, 2021. The Fund continually evaluates different counterparties for their transactions and counterparties are subject to change. New counterparties can be added at any time.
^^
Rates shown represent discount rate at the time of purchase.
*
Reflects the floating financing rate, as of March 31, 2021, on the notional amount of the swap agreement paid to the counterparty or received from the counterparty, excluding any commissions. Total Return Swap Agreements payment is due at termination/maturity.
**
For swap agreements, a positive amount represents “long” exposure to the benchmark index. A negative amount represents “short” exposure to the benchmark index.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
70
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRASHORT GOLD
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Investment Income
Interest
$
2,962
$
61,021
Expenses
Management fee
63,727
43,239
Brokerage commissions
3,590
2,104
Brokerage fees
4,686
—
Total expenses
72,003
45,343
Net investment income (loss)
( 69,041
)
15,678
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment activity
Net realized gain (loss) on
Futures contracts
1,334,982
( 2,028,666
)
Swap agreements
2,668,208
( 3,902,216
)
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
169
—
Net realized gain (loss)
4,003,359
( 5,930,882
)
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
Futures contracts
236,075
641,113
Swap agreements
( 416,739
)
2,034,683
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
811
1,178
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
( 179,853
)
2,676,974
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
3,823,506
( 3,253,908
)
Net income (loss)
$
3,754,465
$
( 3,238,230
)
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
71
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRASHORT GOLD
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Shareholders’ equity, beginning of period
$
20,337,376
$
21,047,560
Addition of 750,000 and 200,000 shares, respectively
27,291,216
9,689,641
Redemption of 300,000 and 150,000 shares, respectively
( 10,139,542
)
( 6,929,927
)
Net addition (redemption) of 450,000 and 50,000 shares, respectively
17,151,674
2,759,714
Net investment income (loss)
( 69,041
)
15,678
Net realized gain (loss)
4,003,359
( 5,930,882
)
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
( 179,853
)
2,676,974
Net income (loss)
3,754,465
( 3,238,230
)
Shareholders’ equity, end of period
$
41,243,515
$
20,569,044
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
72
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRASHORT GOLD
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Cash flow from operating activities
Net income (loss)
$
3,754,465
$
( 3,238,230
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Purchases of short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 18,997,037
)
( 6,983,176
)
Proceeds from sales or maturities of short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
5,999,936
17,371,000
Net amortization and accretion on short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 1,516
)
( 31,387
)
Net realized gain (loss) on investments
( 169
)
—
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
415,928
( 2,035,861
)
Decrease (Increase) in receivable on futures contracts
1,317
( 71,561
)
Decrease (Increase) in interest receivable
127
3,872
Increase (Decrease) in payable to Sponsor
10,663
10,968
Increase (Decrease) in brokerage commissions and fees payable
1,492
—
Increase (Decrease) in payable on futures contracts
536,010
110,341
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
( 8,278,784
)
5,135,966
Cash flow from financing activities
Proceeds from addition of shares
27,291,216
7,388,926
Payment on shares redeemed
( 10,139,542
)
( 6,929,927
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
17,151,674
458,999
Net increase (decrease) in cash
8,872,890
5,594,965
Cash, beginning of period
20,633,371
9,895,915
Cash, end of period
$
29,506,261
$
15,490,880
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
73
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRASHORT SILVER
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
December 31,
2020
Assets
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations (Note 3) (cost $ 14,998,873 and $—, respectively)
$
14,999,620
$
—
Cash
15,590,378
18,919,314
Segregated cash balances with brokers for futures contracts
6,919,687
1,503,250
Segregated cash balances with brokers for swap agreements
7,033,229
11,732,485
Unrealized appreciation on swap agreements
771,233
—
Receivable on open futures contracts
247,484
39,445
Interest receivable
351
814
Total assets
45,561,982
32,195,308
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Liabilities
Payable on open futures contracts
381,175
86,282
Brokerage commissions and fees payable
3,309
—
Payable to Sponsor
32,701
25,557
Unrealized depreciation on swap agreements
—
3,197,561
Non-recurring
fees and expenses payable
133
133
Total liabilities
417,318
3,309,533
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 2)
Shareholders’ equity
Shareholders’ equity
45,144,664
28,885,775
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
45,561,982
$
32,195,308
Shares outstanding
6,466,976
4,166,976
Net asset value per share
$
6.98
$
6.93
Market value per share (Note 2)
$
7.01
$
6.85
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
74
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRASHORT SILVER
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
MARCH 31, 2021
(unaudited)
Principal Amount
Value
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 33 % of shareholders’ equity)
U.S. Treasury Bills ^^
:
0.041 % due 04/15/21 †
$
2,000,000
$
1,999,989
0.061 % due 05/20/21 †
10,000,000
9,999,727
0.044 % due 06/17/21 †
3,000,000
2,999,904
Total short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
(cost $ 14,998,873 )
$
14,999,620
Futures Contracts Sold
Number of
Contracts
Notional Amount
at Value
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)/Value
Silver Futures - COMEX, expires May 2021
347
$
42,563,020
$
3,276,894
Total Return Swap Agreements ^
Rate Paid
(Received) *
Termination
Date
Notional Amount
at Value **
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)/Value
Swap agreement with Citibank, N.A. based on Bloomberg Silver Subindex
0.25
%
04/06/21
$
( 8,308,475
)
$
248,258
Swap agreement with Goldman Sachs International based on Bloomberg Silver Subindex
0.25
04/06/21
( 15,457,845
)
135,200
Swap agreement with Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC based on Bloomberg Silver Subindex
0.30
04/06/21
( 8,697,261
)
259,594
Swap agreement with UBS AG based on Bloomberg Silver Subindex
0.25
04/06/21
( 15,222,974
)
128,181
Total Unrealized
Appreciation
$
771,233
† All or partial amount pledged as collateral for swap agreements.
^ The positions and counterparties herein are as of March 31, 2021. The Fund continually evaluates different counterparties for their transactions and counterparties are subject to change. New counterparties can be added at any time.
^^ Rates shown represent discount rate at the time of purchase.
* Reflects the floating financing rate, as of March 31, 2021, on the notional amount of the swap agreement paid to the counterparty or received from the counterparty, excluding any commissions. Total Return Swap Agreements payment is due at termination/maturity.
** For swap agreements, a positive amount represents “long” exposure to the benchmark index. A negative amount represents “short” exposure to the benchmark index.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
75
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRASHORT SILVER
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Investment Income
Interest
$
3,117
$
44,536
Expenses
Management fee
84,745
37,136
Brokerage commissions
7,444
3,981
Brokerage fees
9,991
—
Total expenses
102,180
41,117
Net investment income (loss)
( 99,063
)
3,419
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment activity
Net realized gain (loss) on
Futures contracts
( 1,236,193
)
1,920,009
Swap agreements
( 1,696,158
)
( 1,077,769
)
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
85
—
Net realized gain (loss)
( 2,932,266
)
842,240
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
Futures contracts
3,496,970
1,603,007
Swap agreements
3,968,794
2,587,264
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
747
185
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
7,466,511
4,190,456
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
4,534,245
5,032,696
Net income (loss)
$
4,435,182
$
5,036,115
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
76
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRASHORT SILVER
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Shareholders’ equity, beginning of period
$
28,885,775
$
13,834,163
Addition of 9,800,000 and 200,000 shares, respectively
58,095,647
5,962,843
Redemption of 7,500,000 and 200,000 shares, respectively
( 46,271,940
)
( 5,945,290
)
Net addition (redemption) of 2,300,000 and – shares, respectively
11,823,707
17,553
Net investment income (loss)
( 99,063
)
3,419
Net realized gain (loss)
( 2,932,266
)
842,240
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
7,466,511
4,190,456
Net income (loss)
4,435,182
5,036,115
Shareholders’ equity, end of period
$
45,144,664
$
18,887,831
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
77
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRASHORT SILVER
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Cash flow from operating activities
Net income (loss)
$
4,435,182
$
5,036,115
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Purchases of short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 22,996,733
)
( 4,386,262
)
Proceeds from sales or maturities of short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
7,999,988
12,574,000
Net amortization and accretion on short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 2,043
)
( 24,652
)
Net realized gain (loss) on investments
( 85
)
—
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
( 3,969,541
)
( 2,587,449
)
Decrease (Increase) in receivable on futures contracts
( 208,039
)
( 12,581
)
Decrease (Increase) in interest receivable
463
( 2,333
)
Increase (Decrease) in payable to Sponsor
7,144
13,753
Increase (Decrease) in brokerage commissions and fees payable
3,309
—
Increase (Decrease) in payable on futures contracts
294,893
( 9,156
)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
( 14,435,462
)
10,601,435
Cash flow from financing activities
Proceeds from addition of shares
58,095,647
5,962,843
Payment on shares redeemed
( 46,271,940
)
( 5,945,290
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
11,823,707
17,553
Net increase (decrease) in cash
( 2,611,755
)
10,618,988
Cash, beginning of period
32,155,049
6,646,212
Cash, end of period
$
29,543,294
$
17,265,200
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
78
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRASHORT YEN
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
December 31, 2020
Assets
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations (Note 3) (cost $ 14,498,781 and $–, respectively)
$
14,499,635
$
—
Cash
15,006,733
21,470,564
Segregated cash balances with brokers for foreign currency forward contracts
3,106,000
2,804,000
Unrealized appreciation on foreign currency forward contracts
2,366,090
7,008
Interest receivable
504
914
Total assets
34,978,962
24,282,486
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Liabilities
Payable to Sponsor
26,860
19,348
Unrealized depreciation on foreign currency forward contracts
30,168
571,974
Non-recurring
fees and expenses payable
94
94
Total liabilities
57,122
591,416
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 2)
Shareholders’ equity
Shareholders’ equity
34,921,840
23,691,070
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
34,978,962
$
24,282,486
Shares outstanding
449,290
349,290
Net asset value per share
$
77.73
$
67.83
Market value per share (Note 2)
$
77.75
$
67.81
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
79
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRASHORT YEN
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
MARCH 31, 2021
(unaudited)
Principal Amount
Value
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 42 % of shareholders’ equity)
U.S. Treasury Bills ^^
:
0.041 % due 04/15/21
$
3,000,000
$
2,999,983
0.086 % due 05/20/21
4,500,000
4,499,878
0.044 % due 06/17/21
7,000,000
6,999,774
Total short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
(cost $ 14,498,781 )
$
14,499,635
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts ^
Settlement Date
Contract Amount
in Local Currency
Contract Amount
in U.S. Dollars
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)/
Value
Contracts to Purchase
Yen with UBS AG
04/09/21
167,310,000
$
1,511,159
$
( 30,168
)
Total Unrealized
Depreciation
$
( 30,168
)
Contracts to Sell
Yen with Goldman Sachs International
04/09/21
( 2,009,085,165
)
$
( 18,146,236
)
$
645,891
Yen with UBS AG
04/09/21
( 5,895,178,875
)
( 53,245,781
)
1,720,199
Total Unrealized
Appreciation
$
2,366,090
^ The positions and counterparties herein are as of March 31, 2021. The Fund continually evaluates different counterparties for their transactions and counterparties are subject to change. New counterparties can be added at any time.
^^ Rates shown represent discount rate at the time of purchase.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
80
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRASHORT YEN
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Investment Income
Interest
$
3,596
$
126,183
Expenses
Management fee
66,553
84,437
Total expenses
66,553
84,437
Net investment income (loss)
( 62,957
)
41,746
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment activity
Net realized gain (loss) on
Foreign currency forward contracts
1,259,573
( 506,520
)
Net realized gain (loss)
1,259,573
( 506,520
)
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
Foreign currency forward contracts
2,900,888
( 699,345
)
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
854
2,276
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
2,901,742
( 697,069
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
4,161,315
( 1,203,589
)
Net income (loss)
$
4,098,358
$
( 1,161,843
)
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
81
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRASHORT YEN
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Shareholders’ equity, beginning of period
$
23,691,070
$
38,132,320
Addition of 100,000 and 50,000 shares, respectively
7,132,412
3,956,753
Redemption of – and 150,000 shares, respectively
—
( 11,341,060
)
Net addition (redemption) of 100,000 and ( 100,000 ) shares, respectively
7,132,412
( 7,384,307
)
Net investment income (loss)
( 62,957
)
41,746
Net realized gain (loss)
1,259,573
( 506,520
)
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
2,901,742
( 697,069
)
Net income (loss)
4,098,358
( 1,161,843
)
Shareholders’ equity, end of period
$
34,921,840
$
29,586,170
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
82
Table of Contents
PROSHARES ULTRASHORT YEN
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Cash flow from operating activities
Net income (loss)
$
4,098,358
$
( 1,161,843
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Purchases of short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 21,496,640
)
( 12,760,075
)
Proceeds from sales or maturities of short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
7,000,000
34,374,000
Net amortization and accretion on short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 2,141
)
( 68,691
)
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
( 2,901,742
)
697,069
Decrease (Increase) in interest receivable
410
5,925
Increase (Decrease) in payable to Sponsor
7,512
20,523
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
( 13,294,243
)
21,106,908
Cash flow from financing activities
Proceeds from addition of shares
7,132,412
3,956,753
Payment on shares redeemed
—
( 11,341,060
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
7,132,412
( 7,384,307
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash
( 6,161,831
)
13,722,601
Cash, beginning of period
24,274,564
12,507,112
Cash, end of period
$
18,112,733
$
26,229,713
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
83
Table of Contents
PROSHARES VIX MID-TERM
FUTURES ETF
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
December 31,
2020
Assets
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations (Note 3) (cost $ 31,997,344 and $ 44,999,073 , respectively)
$
31,999,153
$
44,999,732
Cash
29,170,532
14,723,084
Segregated cash balances with brokers for futures contracts
14,208,700
13,079,750
Receivable on open futures contracts
—
247,077
Interest receivable
1,499
643
Total assets
75,379,884
73,050,286
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Liabilities
Payable for capital shares redeemed
—
915,787
Payable on open futures contracts
188,562
—
Brokerage commissions and fees payable
11,270
10,395
Payable to Sponsor
57,305
49,009
Total liabilities
257,137
975,191
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 2)
Shareholders’ equity
Shareholders’ equity
75,122,747
72,075,095
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
75,379,884
$
73,050,286
Shares outstanding
2,162,403
1,962,403
Net asset value per share
$
34.74
$
36.73
Market value per share (Note 2)
$
35.06
$
36.70
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
84
Table of Contents
PROSHARES VIX MID-TERM
FUTURES ETF
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
MARCH 31, 2021
(unaudited)
Principal Amount
Value
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 43 % of shareholders’ equity)
U.S. Treasury Bills ^^
:
0.041 % due 04/15/21
$
5,000,000
$
4,999,971
0.086 % due 05/20/21
10,000,000
9,999,728
0.040 % due 06/17/21
17,000,000
16,999,454
Total short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
(cost $ 31,997,344 )
$
31,999,153
Futures Contracts Purchased
Number of
Contracts
Notional Amount
at Value
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)/Value
VIX Futures - Cboe, expires July 2021
550
$
13,365,000
$
( 938,335
)
VIX Futures - Cboe, expires August 2021
1,016
24,842,318
( 3,842,774
)
VIX Futures - Cboe, expires September 2021
1,016
25,249,530
( 4,020,035
)
VIX Futures - Cboe, expires October 2021
466
11,653,868
( 609,144
)
$( 9,410,288 )
^^ Rates shown represent discount rate at the time of purchase.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
85
Table of Contents
PROSHARES VIX MID-TERM
FUTURES ETF
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Investment Income
Interest
$
10,224
$
158,298
Expenses
Management fee
178,080
94,284
Brokerage commissions
11,312
15,939
Brokerage fees
25,632
155
Total expenses
215,024
110,378
Net investment income (loss)
( 204,800
)
47,920
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment activity
Net realized gain (loss) on
Futures contracts
3,539,316
7,756,525
Net realized gain (loss)
3,539,316
7,756,525
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
Futures contracts
( 8,276,672
)
15,963,130
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
1,150
19,740
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
( 8,275,522
)
15,982,870
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
( 4,736,206
)
23,739,395
Net income (loss)
$
( 4,941,006
)
$
23,787,315
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
86
Table of Contents
PROSHARES VIX MID-TERM
FUTURES ETF
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Shareholders’ equity, beginning of period
$
72,075,095
$
45,986,584
Addition of 400,000 and 375,000 shares, respectively
15,879,994
10,708,061
Redemption of 200,000 and 1,375,000 shares, respectively
( 7,891,336
)
( 35,447,574
)
Net addition (redemption) of 200,000 and ( 1,000,000 ) shares, respectively
7,988,658
( 24,739,513
)
Net investment income (loss)
( 204,800
)
47,920
Net realized gain (loss)
3,539,316
7,756,525
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
( 8,275,522
)
15,982,870
Net income (loss)
( 4,941,006
)
23,787,315
Shareholders’ equity, end of period
$
75,122,747
$
45,034,386
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
87
Table of Contents
PROSHARES VIX MID-TERM
FUTURES ETF
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Cash flow from operating activities
Net income (loss)
$
( 4,941,006
)
$
23,787,315
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Purchases of short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 47,992,944
)
( 23,530,289
)
Proceeds from sales or maturities of short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
61,000,000
23,000,000
Net amortization and accretion on short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 5,327
)
( 68,368
)
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
( 1,150
)
( 19,740
)
Decrease (Increase) in receivable on futures contracts
247,077
( 2,635,835
)
Decrease (Increase) in interest receivable
( 856
)
22,658
Increase (Decrease) in payable to Sponsor
8,296
32,113
Increase (Decrease) in brokerage commissions and fees payable
875
—
Increase (Decrease) in payable on futures contracts
188,562
( 1,129,877
)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
8,503,527
19,457,977
Cash flow from financing activities
Proceeds from addition of shares
15,879,994
7,802,797
Payment on shares redeemed
( 8,807,123
)
( 35,447,574
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
7,072,871
( 27,644,777
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash
15,576,398
( 8,186,800
)
Cash, beginning of period
27,802,834
33,130,653
Cash, end of period
$
43,379,232
$
24,943,853
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
88
Table of Contents
PROSHARES VIX SHORT-TERM FUTURES ETF
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
December 31, 2020
Assets
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations (Note 3) (cost $ 152,987,025 and $ 84,998,436 , respectively)
$
152,996,232
$
84,999,583
Cash
47,332,471
71,736,247
Segregated cash balances with brokers for futures contracts
150,530,784
134,825,900
Receivable on open futures contracts
1,887,259
2,295,585
Interest receivable
2,281
2,815
Total assets
352,749,027
293,860,130
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Liabilities
Payable on open futures contracts
2,819,500
231,900
Brokerage commissions and fees payable
120,448
81,049
Payable to Sponsor
230,321
156,632
Total liabilities
3,170,269
469,581
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 2)
Shareholders’ equity
Shareholders’ equity
349,578,758
293,390,549
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
352,749,027
$
293,860,130
Shares outstanding
37,501,317
21,326,317
Net asset value per share
$
9.32
$
13.76
Market value per share (Note 2)
$
9.35
$
13.74
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
89
Table of Contents
PROSHARES VIX SHORT-TERM FUTURES ETF
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
MARCH 31, 2021
(unaudited)
Principal
Amount
Value
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 44 % of shareholders’ equity)
U.S. Treasury Bills ^^
:
0.067 % due
04/15/21
$
65,000,000
$
64,999,623
0.086 % due 05/20/21
18,000,000
17,999,510
0.040 % due 06/17/21
45,000,000
44,998,556
0.075 % due 07/15/21
25,000,000
24,998,543
Total short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
(cost $ 152,987,025 )
$
152,996,232
Futures Contracts Purchased
Number of
Contracts
Notional Amount
at Value
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)/
Value
VIX Futures - Cboe, expires April 2021
8,754
$
181,505,436
$
( 48,339,299
)
VIX Futures - Cboe, expires May 2021
7,407
167,959,651
( 11,463,705
)
$
( 59,803,004
)
^^
Rates shown represent discount rate at the time of purchase.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
90
Table of Contents
PROSHARES VIX SHORT-TERM FUTURES ETF
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Investment Income
Interest
$
38,460
$
960,075
Expenses
Management fee
825,460
626,516
Brokerage commissions
172,658
184,760
Brokerage fees
265,146
4,774
Total expenses
1,263,264
816,050
Net investment income (loss)
( 1,224,804
)
144,025
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment activity
Net realized gain (loss) on
Futures contracts
( 76,634,593
)
325,737,788
Net realized gain (loss)
( 76,634,593
)
325,737,788
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
Futures contracts
( 53,438,914
)
67,783,030
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
8,060
119,214
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
( 53,430,854
)
67,902,244
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
( 130,065,447
)
393,640,032
Net income (loss)
$
( 131,290,251
)
$
393,784,057
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
91
Table of Contents
PROSHARES VIX SHORT-TERM FUTURES ETF
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Shareholders’ equity, beginning of period
$
293,390,549
$
279,792,503
Addition of 25,325,000 and 6,800,000 shares, respectively
326,892,710
78,257,089
Redemption of 9,150,000 and 23,675,000 shares, respectively
( 139,414,250
)
( 528,778,295
)
Net addition (redemption) of 16,175,000 and ( 16,875,000 ) shares, respectively
187,478,460
( 450,521,206
)
Net investment income (loss)
( 1,224,804
)
144,025
Net realized gain (loss)
( 76,634,593
)
325,737,788
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
( 53,430,854
)
67,902,244
Net income (loss)
( 131,290,251
)
393,784,057
Shareholders’ equity, end of period
$
349,578,758
$
223,055,354
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
92
Table of Contents
PROSHARES VIX SHORT-TERM FUTURES ETF
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020
Cash flow from operating activities
Net income (loss)
$
( 131,290,251
)
$
393,784,057
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Purchases of short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 247,959,463
)
( 137,588,047
)
Proceeds from sales or maturities of short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
180,000,000
149,000,000
Net amortization and accretion on short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 29,126
)
( 417,516
)
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
( 8,060
)
( 119,214
)
Decrease (Increase) in receivable on futures contracts
408,326
770,570
Decrease (Increase) in interest receivable
534
( 5,342
)
Increase (Decrease) in payable to Sponsor
73,689
283,274
Increase (Decrease) in brokerage commissions and fees payable
39,399
—
Increase (Decrease) in payable on futures contracts
2,587,600
( 2,062,759
)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
( 196,177,352
)
403,645,023
Cash flow from financing activities
Proceeds from addition of shares
326,892,710
78,257,089
Payment on shares redeemed
( 139,414,250
)
( 518,770,322
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
187,478,460
( 440,513,233
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash
( 8,698,892
)
( 36,868,210
)
Cash, beginning of period
206,562,147
194,935,341
Cash, end of period
$
197,863,255
$
158,067,131
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
93
Table of Contents
PROSHARES TRUST II
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
December 31, 2020
Assets
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations (Note 3) (cost $ 2,026,810,504 and $ 1,034,967,523 , respectively)
$
2,026,935,650
$
1,034,986,384
Cash
893,065,733
1,651,161,384
Segregated cash balances with brokers for futures contracts
1,399,057,783
1,491,618,088
Segregated cash balances with brokers for foreign currency forward contracts
8,060,000
5,716,000
Segregated cash balances with brokers for swap agreements
220,571,316
107,967,985
Unrealized appreciation on swap agreements
6,931,663
80,135,841
Unrealized appreciation on foreign currency forward contracts
5,810,029
169,051
Receivable from capital shares sold
4,134,427
49,086,388
Receivable on open futures contracts
132,627,916
108,851,000
Interest receivable
172,108
66,871
Total assets
$
4,697,366,625
4,529,758,992
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Liabilities
Payable for capital shares redeemed
3,233,023
18,280,444
Payable on open futures contracts
45,284,062
27,874,393
Brokerage commissions and fees payable
1,088,475
691,005
Payable to Sponsor
4,045,514
3,407,672
Unrealized depreciation on swap agreements
69,855,064
3,491,096
Unrealized depreciation on foreign currency forward contracts
630,820
1,714,898
Securities purchased payable
38,977,944
—
Non-recurring
fees and expenses payable
48,070
48,070
Total liabilities
163,162,972
55,507,578
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 2)
Shareholders’ equity
Shareholders’ equity
4,534,203,653
4,474,251,414
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
4,697,366,625
$
4,529,758,992
Shares outstanding
346,051,695
228,676,695
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
94
Table of Contents
PROSHARES TRUST II
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020*
Investment Income
Interest
$
549,742
$
7,499,714
Expenses
Management fee
12,169,010
5,838,804
Brokerage commissions
2,903,800
1,746,456
Brokerage fees
2,853,404
51,378
Total expenses
17,926,214
7,636,638
Net investment income (loss)
( 17,376,472
)
( 136,924
)
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment activity
Net realized gain (loss) on
Futures contracts
( 534,133,804
)
315,177,827
Swap agreements
55,764,481
( 279,339,085
)
Options
—
( 9,707,000
)
Foreign currency forward contracts
1,163,291
479,012
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
19,761
176,434
Net realized gain (loss)
( 477,186,271
)
26,787,188
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
Futures contracts
( 257,111,138
)
279,530,155
Swap agreements
( 139,568,146
)
( 341,111,914
)
Foreign currency forward contracts
6,725,056
2,198,013
Short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
106,285
961,117
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
( 389,847,943
)
( 58,422,629
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
( 867,034,214
)
( 31,635,441
)
Net income (loss)
$
( 884,410,686
)
$
( 31,772,365
)
*
The operations include the activity of ProShares UltraPro 3x Crude Oil ETF and ProShares UltraPro 3x Short Crude Oil ETF through March 27, 2020, the date liquidation was determined to be imminent.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
95
Table of Contents
PROSHARES TRUST II
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020*
Shareholders’ equity, beginning of period
$
4,474,251,414
$
2,356,325,101
Addition of 255,925,000 and 246,780,000 shares, respectively
3,034,497,796
3,084,661,161
Redemption of 138,550,000 and 107,815,000 shares, respectively
( 2,090,134,871
)
( 2,662,911,931
)
Net addition (redemption) of 117,375,000 and 138,965,000 shares, respectively
944,362,925
421,749,230
Net investment income (loss)
( 17,376,472
)
( 136,924
)
Net realized gain (loss)
( 477,186,271
)
26,787,188
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
( 389,847,943
)
( 58,422,629
)
Net income (loss)
( 884,410,686
)
( 31,772,365
)
Shareholders’ equity, end of period
$
4,534,203,653
$
2,746,301,966
*
The operations include the activity of ProShares UltraPro 3x Crude Oil ETF and ProShares UltraPro 3x Short Crude Oil ETF through March 27, 2020, the date liquidation was determined to be imminent.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
96
Table of Contents
PROSHARES TRUST II
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2021
2020*
Cash flow from operating activities
Net income (loss)
$
( 884,410,686
)
$
( 31,772,365
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Purchases of short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 3,414,460,174
)
( 1,271,770,647
)
Proceeds from sales or maturities of short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
2,422,995,930
1,721,389,895
Net amortization and accretion on short-term U.S. government and agency obligations
( 358,976
)
( 4,035,875
)
Net realized gain (loss) on investments
( 19,761
)
( 176,434
)
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
132,736,805
337,952,784
Decrease (Increase) in securities sold receivable
—
3,883
Decrease (Increase) in receivable on futures contracts
( 23,776,916
)
( 146,056,402
)
Decrease (Increase) in interest receivable
( 105,237
)
153,339
Increase (Decrease) in payable to Sponsor
637,842
2,222,523
Increase (Decrease) in brokerage commissions and fees payable
397,470
—
Increase (Decrease) in payable on futures contracts
17,409,669
( 1,490,423
)
Increase (Decrease) in securities purchased payable
38,977,944
—
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
( 1,709,976,090
)
606,420,278
Cash flow from financing activities
Proceeds from addition of shares
3,079,449,757
2,985,264,602
Payment on shares redeemed
( 2,105,182,292
)
( 2,643,315,875
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
974,267,465
341,948,727
Net increase (decrease) in cash
( 735,708,625
)
948,369,005
Cash, beginning of period
3,256,463,457
1,190,195,205
Cash, end of period**
$
2,520,754,832
$
2,138,564,210
*
The operations include the activity of ProShares UltraPro 3x Crude Oil ETF and ProShares UltraPro 3x Short Crude Oil ETF through March 27, 2020, the date liquidation was determined to be imminent.
**
Cash, end of period includes cash balances for the liquidated funds as of March 27, 2020.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
97
Table of Contents
PROSHARES TRUST II
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
(unaudited)
NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION
ProShares Trust II (the “Trust”) is a Delaware statutory trust formed on October 9, 2007 and is currently organized into separate series (each, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”). As of March 31, 2021, the following eighteen series of the Trust have commenced investment operations: (i) ProShares VIX Short-Term Futures ETF and ProShares VIX Mid-Term
Futures ETF (each, a “Matching VIX Fund” and collectively, the “Matching VIX Funds”); (ii) ProShares Short VIX Short-Term Futures ETF and ProShares Ultra VIX Short-Term Futures ETF (each, a “Geared VIX Fund” and collectively, the “Geared VIX Funds”); (iii) ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Crude Oil, ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Natural Gas, ProShares UltraShort Gold, ProShares UltraShort Silver, ProShares UltraShort Australian Dollar, ProShares UltraShort Euro, ProShares UltraShort Yen, ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Crude Oil, ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Natural Gas, ProShares Ultra Gold, ProShares Ultra Silver, ProShares Ultra Euro and ProShares Ultra Yen (each, a “Leveraged Fund” and collectively, the “Leveraged Funds”); and (iv) ProShares Short Euro (the “Short Euro Fund”). Each of the Funds listed above issues common units of beneficial interest (“Shares”), which represent units of fractional undivided beneficial interest in and ownership of only that Fund. The Shares of each Fund, other than the Matching VIX Funds and the Geared VIX Funds, are listed on the NYSE Arca, Inc. (“NYSE Arca”). The Matching VIX Funds and the Geared VIX Funds are listed on the Cboe BZX Exchange (“Cboe BZX”). The Leveraged Funds, the Short Euro Fund and the Geared VIX Funds, are collectively referred to as the “Geared Funds” in these Notes to Financial Statements. The Geared VIX Funds and the Matching VIX Funds are collectively referred to as the “VIX Funds” in these Notes to Financial Statements.
On March 15, 2020, ProShare Capital Management LLC announced that it planned to close and liquidate ProShares UltraPro 3x Crude Oil ETF (ticker symbol: OILU) and ProShares UltraPro 3x Short Crude Oil ETF (ticker symbol: OILD), together, the “liquidated funds”. The last day the liquidated funds accepted creation orders was on March 27, 2020. Trading in each liquidated fund was suspended prior to market open on March 30, 2020. Proceeds of the liquidation were sent to shareholders on April 3, 2020 (the “Distribution Date”). From March 30, 2020 through the Distribution Date, shares of the liquidated funds did not trade on the NYSE Arca nor was there a secondary market for the shares. Any shareholders that remained in a liquidated fund on the Distribution Date automatically had their shares redeemed for cash at the current net asset value on April 3, 2020.
The Trust had no operations prior to November 24, 2008, other than matters relating to its organization, the registration of each series under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the sale and issuance to ProShare Capital Management LLC (the “Sponsor”) of fourteen Shares at an aggregate purchase price of $ 350 in each of the following Funds: ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Crude Oil, ProShares UltraShort Gold, ProShares UltraShort Silver, ProShares UltraShort Euro, ProShares UltraShort Yen, ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Crude Oil, ProShares Ultra Gold, ProShares Ultra Silver, ProShares Ultra Euro and ProShares Ultra Yen.
Groups of Funds are collectively referred to in several different ways. References to “Short Funds,” “UltraShort Funds,” or “Ultra Funds” refer to the different Funds based upon their investment objectives, but without distinguishing among the Funds’ benchmarks. References to “Commodity Index Funds,” “Commodity Funds” and “Currency Funds” refer to the different Funds according to their general benchmark categories without distinguishing among the Funds’ investment objectives or Fund-specific benchmarks. References to “VIX Funds” refer to the different Funds based upon their investment objective and their general benchmark categories.
Each “Short” Fund seeks daily investment results, before fees and expenses, that correspond to either one-half
the inverse (-0.5x)
or the inverse (-1x)
of the daily performance of its corresponding benchmark. Each “UltraShort” Fund seeks daily investment results, before fees and expenses, that correspond to two times the inverse (-2x)
of the daily performance of its corresponding benchmark. Each “Ultra” Fund seeks daily investment results, before fees and expenses, that correspond to either one and one-half
times (1.5x) or two times (2x) the daily performance of its corresponding benchmark. Each Matching VIX Fund seeks investment results, before fees and expenses, both for a single day and over time, that match (1x) the performance of its corresponding benchmark. Daily performance is measured from the calculation of each Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) to the Fund’s next NAV calculation.
The Geared Funds do not seek to achieve their stated investment objectives over a period of time greater than a single day because mathematical compounding prevents the Geared Funds from achieving such results. Accordingly, results over periods of time greater than a single day should not be expected to be a simple multiple (e.g., -0.5x,
-1x,
-2x,
1.5x, or 2x) of the period return of the corresponding benchmark and will likely differ significantly.
98
Table of Contents
Share Splits and Reverse Share Splits
The table below includes reverse Share splits for the Funds during the three months ended March 31
, 2021
, and during the year ended December 31, 2020. The ticker symbols for these Funds did not change, and each Fund continues to trade on its primary listing exchange, as applicable.
Fund
Execution Date (Prior to Opening of
Trading)
Type of Split
Date Trading
Resumed at Post-
Split Price
ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Crude Oil
April 20, 2020
1-for-25 reverse Share split
April 21, 2020
ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Natural Gas
April 20, 2020
1-for-10 reverse Share split
April 21, 2020
The reverse splits were applied retroactively for all periods presented, reducing the number of Shares outstanding for each of the Funds, and resulted in a proportionate increase in the price per Share and per Share information of each such Fund. Therefore, the reverse splits did not change the aggregate net asset value of a shareholder’s investment at the time of the reverse split.
NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Each Fund is an investment company, as defined by Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946 “Financial Services — Investment Companies.” As such, the Funds follow the investment company accounting and reporting guidance. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by each Fund, as applicable, in preparation of its financial statements. These policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
The accompanying unaudited financial statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP for interim financial information and with the instructions for Form 10-Q
and the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In the opinion of management, all material adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair statement of the interim period financial statements have been made. Interim period results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full-year period. These financial statements and the notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the Trust’s and the Funds’ financial statements included in the Trust’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2020, as filed with the SEC on February 19, 2021.
Use of Estimates & Indemnifications
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
In the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations which provide general indemnifications. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements cannot be known; however, the Trust expects any risk of loss to be remote.
Basis of Presentation
Pursuant to rules and regulations of the SEC, these financial statements are presented for the Trust as a whole, as the SEC registrant, and for each Fund individually. The debts, liabilities, obligations and expenses incurred, contracted for or otherwise existing with respect to a particular Fund shall be enforceable only against the assets of such Fund and not against the assets of the Trust generally or any other Fund. Accordingly, the assets of each Fund of the Trust include only those funds and other assets that are paid to, held by or distributed to the Trust for the purchase of Shares in that Fund.
99
Table of Contents
Statements of Cash Flows
The cash amount shown in the Statements of Cash Flows is the amount reported as cash in the Statements of Financial Condition dated March 31, 2021 and 2020, and represents cash, segregated cash balances with brokers for futures contracts, segregated cash with brokers for swap agreements and segregated cash with brokers for foreign currency forward agreements but does not include short-term investments.
Final Net Asset Value for Fiscal Period
The cut-off
times and the times of the calculation of the Funds’ final net asset value for creation and redemption of fund Shares for the three months ended March 31, 2021 were typically as follows. All times are Eastern Standard Time:
Fund
Create/Redeem
Cut-off*
NAV Calculation
Time
NAV
Calculation Date
Ultra Silver and UltraShort Silver
1:00 p.m.
1:25 p.m.
March 31, 2021
Ultra Gold and UltraShort Gold
1:00 p.m.
1:30 p.m.
March 31, 2021
Ultra Bloomberg Crude Oil,
Ultra Bloomberg Natural Gas,
UltraShort Bloomberg Crude Oil and
UltraShort Bloomberg Natural Gas
2:00 p.m.
2:30 p.m.
March 31, 2021
Short Euro,
Ultra Euro,
Ultra Yen,
UltraShort Australian Dollar,
UltraShort Euro and
UltraShort Yen
3:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m.
March 31, 2021
Short VIX Short-Term Futures ETF**,
Ultra VIX Short-Term Futures ETF**,
VIX Mid-Term
Futures ETF** and
VIX Short-Term Futures ETF**
2:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m.
March 31, 2021
*
Although the Funds’ shares may continue to trade on secondary markets subsequent to the calculation of the final NAV, these times represent the final opportunity to transact in creation or redemption units for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
**
On Monday, October 26, 2020 each Fund changed its NAV calculation time from 4:15 p.m. (Eastern Time) to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time). Please see Note 8 in these Notes to Financial Statements for more information.
Market value per Share is determined at the close of the applicable primary listing exchange and may be later than when the Funds’ NAV per Share is calculated.
For financial reporting purposes, the Funds value transactions based upon the final closing price in their primary markets. Accordingly, the investment valuations in these financial statements may differ from those used in the calculation of certain of the Funds’ final creation/redemption NAV for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
Investment Valuation
Short-term investments are valued at amortized cost which approximates fair value for daily NAV purposes. For financial reporting purposes, short-term investments are valued at their market price using information provided by a third-party pricing service or market quotations. In each of these situations, valuations are typically categorized as Level I in the fair value hierarchy.
Derivatives (e.g., futures contracts, options, swap agreements, forward agreements and foreign currency forward contracts) are generally valued using independent sources and/or agreements with counterparties or other procedures as determined by the Sponsor.
100
Table of Contents
Futures contracts, except for those entered into by the Gold, Silver, Australian Dollar and Short Euro Funds, are generally valued at the last settled price on the applicable exchange on which that future trades. Futures contracts entered into by the Gold, Silver, Australian Dollar and Short Euro Funds are generally valued at the last sales price prior to the time at which the NAV per Share of a Fund is determined. For financial reporting purposes, all futures contracts are generally valued at the last settled price. Futures contracts valuations are typically categorized as Level I in the fair value hierarchy. Swap agreements, forward agreements and foreign currency forward contracts valuations are typically categorized as Level II in the fair value hierarchy. The Sponsor may in its sole discretion choose to determine a fair value price as the basis for determining the market value of such position. Such fair value prices would generally be determined based on available inputs about the current value of the underlying financial instrument or commodity and would be based on principles that the Sponsor deems fair and equitable so long as such principles are consistent with industry standards. The Sponsor may fair value an asset of a Fund pursuant to the policies the Sponsor has adopted. Depending on the source and relevant significance of valuation inputs, these instruments may be classified as Level II or Level III in the fair value hierarchy.
Fair value pricing may require subjective determinations about the value of an investment. While the Funds’ policies are intended to result in a calculation of its respective Fund’s NAV that fairly reflects investment values as of the time of pricing, such Fund cannot ensure that fair values determined by the Sponsor or persons acting at their direction would accurately reflect the price that a Fund could obtain for an investment if it were to dispose of that investment as of the time of pricing (for instance, in a forced or distressed sale). The prices used by such Fund may differ from the value that would be realized if the investments were sold and the differences could be material to the financial statements.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Funds disclose the fair value of their investments in a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The disclosure requirements establish a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between: (1) market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Funds (observable inputs); and (2) the Funds’ own assumptions about market participant assumptions developed based on the best information available under the circumstances (unobservable inputs). The three levels defined by the disclosure requirements hierarchy are as follows:
Level I – Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.
Level II – Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level I that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level II assets include the following: quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market-corroborated inputs).
Level III – Unobservable pricing input at the measurement date for the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs shall be used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available.
In some instances, the inputs used to measure fair value might fall in different levels of the fair value hierarchy. The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls is determined based on the lowest input level that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.
Fair value measurements also require additional disclosure when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased, as well as when circumstances indicate that a transaction is not orderly.
101
Table of Contents
The following table
summarizes the valuation of investments at March 31, 2021 using the fair value hierarchy:
Level I - Quoted Prices
Level II - Other Significant
Observable Inputs
Fund
Short-Term U.S.
Government and
Agencies
Futures
Contracts *
Foreign
Currency
Forward
Contracts
Swap
Agreements
Total
ProShares Short Euro
$
999,973
$
33,928
$
—
$
—
$
1,033,901
ProShares Short VIX Short-Term Futures ETF
91,998,460
50,470,675
—
—
142,469,135
ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Crude Oil
689,976,589
238,548,911
—
( 40,748,594
)
887,776,906
ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Natural Gas
33,999,110
( 11,300,062
)
—
—
22,699,048
ProShares Ultra Euro
999,973
—
( 222,404
)
—
777,569
ProShares Ultra Gold
86,998,893
393,125
—
6,160,430
93,552,448
ProShares Ultra Silver
419,985,837
( 15,401,821
)
—
( 28,421,003
)
376,163,013
ProShares Ultra VIX Short-Term Futures ETF
376,985,173
( 332,928,249
)
—
—
44,056,924
ProShares Ultra Yen
499,986
—
( 189,002
)
—
310,984
ProShares UltraShort Australian Dollar
—
67,102
—
—
67,102
ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Crude Oil
34,999,082
( 9,000,179
)
—
—
25,998,903
ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Natural Gas
43,998,801
16,272,857
—
—
60,271,658
ProShares UltraShort Euro
17,999,536
—
3,254,693
—
21,254,229
ProShares UltraShort Gold
12,999,597
39,145
—
( 685,467
)
12,353,275
ProShares UltraShort Silver
14,999,620
3,276,894
—
771,233
19,047,747
ProShares UltraShort Yen
14,499,635
—
2,335,922
—
16,835,557
ProShares VIX Mid-Term
Futures ETF
31,999,153
( 9,410,288
)
—
—
22,588,865
ProShares VIX Short-Term Futures ETF
152,996,232
( 59,803,004
)
—
—
93,193,228
Total Trust
$
2,026,935,650
$
( 128,740,966
)
$
5,179,209
$
( 62,923,401
)
$
1,840,450,492
*
Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts as reported in the Schedule of Investments. Only current day’s variation margin is reported within the Statements of Financial Condition in receivable/payable on open futures.
The inputs or methodology used for valuing investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
The following table summarizes the valuation of investments at December 31, 2020 using the fair value hierarchy:
Level I - Quoted Prices
Level II - Other Significant
Observable Inputs
Fund
Short-Term U.S.
Government and
Agencies
Futures
Contracts *
Foreign
Currency
Forward
Contracts
Swap
Agreements
Total
ProShares Short Euro
$
—
$
( 44,626
)
$
—
$
—
$
( 44,626
)
ProShares Short VIX Short-Term Futures ETF
69,999,639
8,348,783
—
—
78,348,422
ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Crude Oil
219,998,394
144,564,039
—
18,242,195
382,804,628
ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Natural Gas
29,999,889
6,500,721
—
—
36,500,610
ProShares Ultra Euro
—
—
88,736
—
88,736
ProShares Ultra Gold
74,999,467
2,646,874
—
5,140,980
82,787,321
ProShares Ultra Silver
244,993,989
37,190,212
—
56,752,666
338,936,867
ProShares Ultra VIX Short-Term Futures ETF
244,995,969
( 48,524,666
)
—
( 24,807
)
196,446,496
ProShares Ultra Yen
—
—
67,087
—
67,087
ProShares UltraShort Australian Dollar
—
( 138,950
)
—
—
( 138,950
)
ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Crude Oil
—
( 14,636,813
)
—
—
( 14,636,813
)
ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Natural Gas
9,999,861
379,310
—
—
10,379,171
ProShares UltraShort Euro
9,999,861
—
( 1,136,704
)
—
8,863,157
ProShares UltraShort Gold
—
( 196,930
)
—
( 268,728
)
( 465,658
)
ProShares UltraShort Silver
—
( 220,076
)
—
( 3,197,561
)
( 3,417,637
)
ProShares UltraShort Yen
—
—
( 564,966
)
—
( 564,966
)
ProShares VIX Mid-Term
Futures ETF
44,999,732
( 1,133,616
)
—
—
43,866,116
ProShares VIX Short-Term Futures ETF
84,999,583
( 6,364,090
)
—
—
78,635,493
Total Trust
$
1,034,986,384
$
128,370,172
$
( 1,545,847
)
$
76,644,745
$
1,238,455,454
102
Table of Contents
*
Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts as reported in the Schedule of Investments. Only current day’s variation margin is reported within the Statements of Financial Condition in receivable/payable on open futures.
The inputs or methodology used for valuing investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
Investment Transactions and Related Income
Investment transactions are recorded on the trade date. All such transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis and marked to market daily. Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on open contracts are reflected in the Statements of Financial Condition and changes in the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) between periods are reflected in the Statements of Operations.
Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis and includes, where applicable, the amortization of premium or discount, and is reflected as Interest Income in the Statement of Operations.
Brokerage Commissions and Fees
Each Fund pays its respective brokerage commissions, including applicable exchange fees, National Futures Association (“NFA”) fees, give-up
fees, pit brokerage fees and other transaction related fees and expenses charged in connection with trading activities for each Fund’s investment in U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) regulated investments. The effects of trading spreads, financing costs/fees associated with Financial Instruments, and costs relating to the purchase of U.S. Treasury securities or similar high credit quality short-term fixed-income would also be borne by the Funds. Brokerage commissions on futures contracts are recognized on a half-turn basis (e.g., the first half is recognized when the contract is purchased (opened) and the second half is recognized when the transaction is closed). The Sponsor is currently paying brokerage commissions on VIX futures contracts for the Matching VIX Funds that exceed variable create/redeem fees collected by more than 0.02 % of the Matching VIX Fund’s average net assets annually.
Federal Income Tax
Each Fund is registered as a series of a Delaware statutory trust and is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, no Fund expects to incur U.S. federal income tax liability; rather, each beneficial owner of a Fund’s Shares is required to take into account its allocable share of its Fund’s income, gain, loss, deductions and other items for its Fund’s taxable year ending with or within the beneficial owner’s taxable year.
Management of the Funds has reviewed all open tax years and major jurisdictions (i.e., the last four tax year ends and the interim tax period since then, as applicable) and concluded that there is no tax liability resulting from unrecognized tax benefits relating to uncertain income tax positions taken or expected to be taken in future tax returns. The Funds are also not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months. On an ongoing basis, management monitors its tax positions taken under the interpretation to determine if adjustments to conclusions are necessary based on factors including, but not limited to, on-going
analysis of tax law, regulation, and interpretations thereof.
New Accounting Pronouncement
In March 2020, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2020-04
(“ASU 2020-04”),
“Reference Rate Reform (Topic 840): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting”. ASU 2020-04
provides entities with optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden associated with transitioning away from reference rates (e.g., LIBOR) that are expected to be discontinued. ASU 2020-04
allows, among other things, certain contract modifications to be accounted as a continuation of the existing contract. This ASU was effective upon the issuance and its optional relief can be applied through December 31, 2022. The Funds will consider this optional guidance prospectively, if applicable.
103
Table of Contents
NOTE 3 – INVESTMENTS
Short-Term Investments
The Funds may purchase U.S. Treasury Bills, agency securities, and other high-credit quality short-term fixed income or similar securities with original maturities of one year or less. A portion of these investments may be posted as collateral in connection with swap agreements, futures, and/or forward contracts.
Accounting for Derivative Instruments
In seeking to achieve each Fund’s investment objective, the Sponsor uses a mathematical approach to investing. Using this approach, the Sponsor determines the type, quantity and mix of investment positions, including derivative positions, which the Sponsor believes in combination, should produce returns consistent with a Fund’s objective.
All open derivative positions at period end are reflected on each respective Fund’s Schedule of Investments. Certain Funds utilized a varying level of derivative instruments in conjunction with investment securities in seeking to meet their investment objectives during the period. While the volume of open positions may vary on a daily basis as each Fund transacts derivatives contracts in order to achieve the appropriate exposure to meet its investment objective, the volume of these open positions relative to the net assets of each respective Fund at the date of this report is generally representative of open positions throughout the reporting period.
Following is a description of the derivative instruments used by the Funds during the reporting period, including the primary underlying risk exposures related to each instrument type.
Futures Contracts
The Funds may enter into futures contracts to gain exposure to changes in the value of, or as a substitute for investing directly in (or shorting), an underlying Index, currency or commodity. A futures contract obligates the seller to deliver (and the purchaser to accept) the future delivery of a specified quantity and type of asset at a specified time and place. The contractual obligations of a buyer or seller may generally be satisfied by taking or making physical delivery of the underlying commodity, if applicable, or by making an offsetting sale or purchase of an identical futures contract on the same or linked exchange before the designated date of delivery, or by cash settlement at expiration of contract.
Upon entering into a futures contract, each Fund is required to deposit and maintain as collateral at least such initial margin as required by the exchange on which the transaction is affected. The initial margin is segregated as cash and/or securities balances with brokers for futures contracts, as disclosed in the Statements of Financial Condition, and is restricted as to its use. The Funds that enter into futures contracts maintain collateral at the broker in the form of cash and/or securities. Pursuant to the futures contract, each Fund generally agrees to receive from or pay to the broker(s) an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of the futures contract. Such receipts or payments are known as variation margin and are recorded by each Fund as unrealized gains or losses. Each Fund will realize a gain or loss upon closing of a futures transaction.
Futures contracts involve, to varying degrees, elements of market risk (specifically exchange rate sensitivity, commodity price risk or equity market volatility risk) and exposure to loss in excess of the amount of variation margin. The face or contract amounts reflect the extent of the total exposure each Fund has in the particular classes of instruments. Additional risks associated with the use of futures contracts are imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the futures contracts and the market value of the underlying Index or commodity and the possibility of an illiquid market for a futures contract. With futures contracts, there is minimal but some counterparty risk to the Funds since futures contracts are exchange-traded and the credit risk resides with the Funds’ clearing broker or clearinghouse itself. Many futures exchanges and boards of trade limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in futures contract prices during a single trading day. Once the daily limit has been reached in a particular contract, no trades may be made that day at a price beyond that limit or trading may be suspended for specified times during the trading day. Futures contracts prices could move to the limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of futures positions and potentially subjecting a Fund to substantial losses. If trading is not possible, or if a Fund determines not to close a futures position in anticipation of adverse price movements, the Fund will be required to make daily cash payments of variation margin. The risk the Fund will be unable to close out a futures position will be minimized by entering into such transactions on a national exchange with an active and liquid secondary market.
Option Contracts
An option is a contract that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a specified quantity of a commodity or other instrument at a specific (or strike) price within a specified period of time, regardless of the market price of that instrument. There are
104
Table of Contents
two types of options: calls and puts. A call option conveys to the option buyer the right to purchase a particular futures contract at a stated price at any time during the life of the option. A put option conveys to the option buyer the right to sell a particular futures contract at a stated price at any time during the life of the option. Options written by a Fund may be wholly or partially covered (meaning that the Fund holds an offsetting position) or uncovered. In the case of the purchase of an option, the risk of loss of an investor’s entire investment (i.e., the premium paid plus transaction charges) reflects the nature of an option as a wasting asset that may become worthless when the option expires. Where an option is written or granted (i.e., sold) uncovered, the seller may be liable to pay substantial additional margin, and the risk of loss is unlimited, as the seller will be obligated to deliver, or take delivery of, an asset at a predetermined price which may, upon exercise of the option, be significantly different from the market value.
When a Fund writes a call or put, an amount equal to the premium received is recorded and subsequently marked to market to reflect the current value of the option written. Premiums received from writing options which expire are treated as realized gains. Premiums received from writing options which are exercised or closed are added to the proceeds or offset against amounts paid on the underlying futures, swap, security or currency transaction to determine the realized gain (loss).
When a Fund purchases an option, the Fund pays a premium which is included as an asset on the Statement of Financial Condition and subsequently marked to market to reflect the current value of the option. Premiums paid for purchasing options which expire are treated as realized losses. The risk associated with purchasing put and call options is limited to the premium paid. Premiums paid for purchasing options which are exercised or closed are added to the amounts paid or offset against the proceeds on the underlying investment transaction to determine the realized gain (loss) when the underlying transaction is executed.
Certain options transactions may subject the writer (seller) to unlimited risk of loss in the event of an increase in the price of the contract to be purchased or delivered. The value of a Fund’s options transactions, if any, will be affected by, among other things, changes in the value of a Fund’s underlying benchmark relative to the strike price, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual and implied volatility of the Fund’s underlying benchmark, and the remaining time until the options expire, or any combination thereof. The value of the options should not be expected to increase or decrease at the same rate as the level of the Fund’s underlying benchmark, which may contribute to tracking error. Options may be less liquid than certain other securities. A Fund’s ability to trade options will be dependent on the willingness of counterparties to trade such options with the Fund. In a less liquid market for options, a Fund may have difficulty closing out certain option positions at desired times and prices. A Fund may experience substantial downside from specific option positions and certain option positions may expire worthless. Over-the-counter
options generally are not assignable except by agreement between the parties concerned, and no party or purchaser has any obligation to permit such assignments. The over-the-counter
market for options is relatively illiquid, particularly for relatively small transactions. The use of options transactions exposes a Fund to liquidity risk and counterparty credit risk, and in certain circumstances may expose the Fund to unlimited risk of loss. The Funds may buy and sell options on futures contracts, which may present even greater volatility and risk of loss.
Each Oil Fund may, but is not required to, seek to use swap agreements or options strategies that limit losses (i.e., have “floors”) or are otherwise designed to prevent the Fund’s net asset value from going to zero. These investment strategies will not prevent an Oil Fund from losing value, and their use may not prevent a Fund’s NAV from going to zero. Rather, they are intended to allow an Oil Fund to preserve a small portion of its value in the event of significant movements in its benchmark or Financial Instruments based on its benchmark. There can be no guarantee that an Oil Fund will be able to implement such strategies, continue to use such strategies, or that such strategies will be successful. Each Oil Fund will incur additional costs as a result of using such strategies. Use of strategies designed to limit losses may also place “caps” or “ceilings” on performance and could significantly limit Fund gains, could cause a Fund to perform in a manner not consistent with its investment objective and could otherwise have a significant impact on Fund performance.
Swap Agreements
Certain of the Funds enter into swap agreements for purposes of pursuing their investment objectives or as a substitute for investing directly in (or shorting) an underlying Index, currency or commodity, or to create an economic hedge against a position. Swap agreements are two-party
contracts that have traditionally been entered into primarily with institutional investors in over-the-counter
105
Table of Contents
(“OTC”) markets for a specified period, ranging from a day to more than one year. However, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) provides for significant reforms of the OTC derivative markets, including a requirement to execute certain swap transactions on a CFTC-regulated market and/or to clear such transactions through a CFTC-regulated central clearing organization. In a standard swap transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns earned or realized on a particular predetermined investment, instrument or Index in exchange for a fixed or floating rate of return in respect of a predetermined notional amount. Transaction or commission costs are reflected in the benchmark level at which the transaction is entered into. The gross returns to be exchanged are calculated with respect to a notional amount and the benchmark returns to which the swap is linked. Swap agreements do not involve the delivery of underlying instruments.
Generally, swap agreements entered into by the Funds calculate and settle the obligations of the parties to the agreement on a “net basis” with a single payment. Consequently, each Fund’s current obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of such obligations (or rights) (the “net amount”). In a typical swap agreement entered into by a Matching VIX Fund or Ultra Fund, the Matching VIX Fund or Ultra Fund would be entitled to settlement payments in the event the level of the benchmark increases and would be required to make payments to the swap counterparties in the event the level of the benchmark decreases, adjusted for any transaction costs or trading spreads on the notional amount the Funds may pay. In a typical swap agreement entered into by a Short Fund or an UltraShort Fund, the Short Fund or UltraShort Fund would be required to make payments to the swap counterparties in the event the level of the benchmark increases and would be entitled to settlement payments in the event the level of the benchmark decreases, adjusted for any transaction costs or trading spreads on the notional amount the Funds may pay.
The net amount of the excess, if any, of each Fund’s obligations over its entitlements with respect to each OTC swap agreement is accrued on a daily basis and an amount of cash and/or securities having an aggregate value at least equal to such accrued excess is maintained for the benefit of the counterparty in a segregated account by the Funds’ Custodian. The net amount of the excess, if any, of each Fund’s entitlements over its obligations with respect to each OTC swap agreement is accrued on a daily basis and an amount of cash and/or securities having an aggregate value at least equal to such accrued excess is maintained for the benefit of the Fund in a segregated account by a third party custodian. Until a swap agreement is settled in cash, the gain or loss on the notional amount less any transaction costs or trading spreads payable by each Fund on the notional amount are recorded as “unrealized appreciation or depreciation on swap agreements” and, when cash is exchanged, the gain or loss realized is recorded as “realized gains or losses on swap agreements.” Swap agreements are generally valued at the last settled price of the benchmark referenced asset.
Swap agreements contain various conditions, events of default, termination events, covenants and representations. The triggering of certain events or the default on certain terms of the agreement could allow a party to terminate a transaction under the agreement and request immediate payment in an amount equal to the net positions owed to the party under the agreement. This could cause a Fund to have to enter into a new transaction with the same counterparty, enter into a transaction with a different counterparty or seek to achieve its investment objective through any number of different investments or investment techniques.
Swap agreements involve, to varying degrees, elements of market risk and exposure to loss in excess of the unrealized gain/loss reflected. The notional amounts reflect the extent of the total investment exposure each Fund has under the swap agreement, which may exceed the NAV of each Fund. Additional risks associated with the use of swap agreements are imperfect correlations between movements in the notional amount and the price of the underlying reference Index and the inability of counterparties to perform. Each Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty. A Fund will typically enter into swap agreements only with major global financial institutions. The creditworthiness of each of the firms that is a party to a swap agreement is monitored by the Sponsor. The Sponsor may use various techniques to minimize credit risk including early termination and payment, using different counterparties, limiting the net amount due from any individual counterparty and generally requiring collateral to be posted by the counterparty in an amount approximately equal to that owed to the Funds. All of the outstanding swap agreements at March 31, 2021
contractually terminate within one month but may be terminated without penalty by either party at any time. Upon termination, the Fund is obligated to pay or receive the “unrealized appreciation or depreciation” amount.
The Funds, as applicable, collateralize swap agreements by segregating or designating cash and/or certain securities as indicated on the Statements of Financial Condition or Schedules of Investments. As noted above, collateral posted in connection with OTC derivative transactions is held for the benefit of the counterparty in a segregated tri-party
account at the Custodian to protect the counterparty against non-payment
by the Funds. The collateral held in this account is restricted as to its use. In the event of a default by the counterparty, the Funds will seek withdrawal of this collateral from the segregated account and may incur certain costs in exercising its right with respect to the collateral. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations due to financial difficulties, the Funds may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery in a bankruptcy or other reorganizational proceeding. The Funds may obtain only limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances.
106
Table of Contents
The Funds remain subject to credit risk with respect to the amount they expect to receive from counterparties. However, the Funds have sought to mitigate these risks in connection with OTC swaps by generally requiring that the counterparties for each Fund agree to post collateral for the benefit of the Fund, marked to market daily, in an amount approximately equal to what the counterparty owes the Fund, subject to certain minimum thresholds. In the event of a bankruptcy of a counterparty, such Fund will have direct access to the collateral received from the counterparty, generally as of the day prior to the bankruptcy, because there is a one day time lag between the Fund’s request for collateral and the delivery of such collateral. To the extent any such collateral is insufficient, the Funds will be exposed to counterparty risk as described above, including the possible delays in recovering amounts as a result of bankruptcy proceedings. As of March 31, 2021, the collateral posted by counterparties consisted of cash and/or U.S. Treasury securities.
The counterparty/credit risk for cleared derivative transactions is generally lower than for OTC derivatives since generally a clearing organization becomes substituted for each counterparty to a cleared derivative contract and, in effect, guarantees the parties’ performance under the contract as each party to a trade looks only to the clearing organization for performance of financial obligations. In addition, cleared derivative transactions benefit from daily marking-to-market
and settlement, and segregation and minimum capital requirements applicable to intermediaries.
Forward Contracts
Certain of the Funds enter into forward contracts for the purpose of pursuing their investment objectives and as a substitute for investing directly in (or shorting) commodities and/or currencies. A forward contract is an agreement between two parties to purchase or sell a specified quantity of an asset at or before a specified date in the future at a specified price. Forward contracts are typically traded in OTC markets and all details of the contracts are negotiated between the counterparties to the agreement. Accordingly, the forward contracts are valued by reference to the contracts traded in the OTC markets.
The contractual obligations of a buyer or seller may generally be satisfied by taking or making physical delivery of the underlying commodity or currency, establishing an opposite position in the contract and recognizing the profit or loss on both positions simultaneously on the delivery date or, in some instances, paying a cash settlement before the designated date of delivery. The forward contracts are adjusted by the daily fluctuation of the underlying commodity or currency and any gains or losses are recorded for financial statement purposes as unrealized gains or losses until the contract settlement date.
Forward contracts have traditionally not been cleared or guaranteed by a third party. As a result of the Dodd-Frank Act, the CFTC now regulates non-deliverable
forwards (including deliverable forwards where the parties do not take delivery). Certain non-deliverable
forward contracts, such as non-deliverable
foreign exchange forwards, may be subject to regulation as swap agreements, including mandatory clearing. Changes in the forward markets may entail increased costs and result in increased reporting requirements.
The Funds may collateralize OTC forward commodity contracts by segregating or designating cash and/or certain securities as indicated on their Statements of Financial Condition or Schedules of Investments. Such collateral is held for the benefit of the counterparty in a segregated tri-party
account at a third party custodian to protect the counterparty against non-payment
by the Funds. The collateral held in this account is restricted as to its use. In the event of a default by the counterparty, the Funds will seek withdrawal of this collateral from the segregated account and may incur certain costs in exercising its right with respect to the collateral. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations due to financial difficulties, the Funds may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery in a bankruptcy or other reorganizational proceeding. The Funds may obtain only limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances.
The Funds remain subject to credit risk with respect to the amount they expect to receive from counterparties. However, the Funds have sought to mitigate these risks by generally requiring that the counterparties for each Fund agree to post collateral for the benefit of the Fund, marked to market daily, in an amount approximately equal to what the counterparty owes the Fund, subject to minimum thresholds. In the event of the bankruptcy of a counterparty, the Fund will have direct access to the collateral received from the counterparty, generally as of the day prior to the bankruptcy, because there is a one day time lag between the Fund’s request for collateral and the delivery of such collateral. To the extent any such collateral is insufficient, the Fund will be exposed to counterparty risk as described above, including the possible delays in recovering amounts as a result of bankruptcy proceedings. As of March 31, 2021, the collateral posted by counterparties consisted of cash and/or U.S. Treasury securities.
Participants in trading foreign exchange forward contracts often do not require margin deposits, but rely upon internal credit limitations and their judgments regarding the creditworthiness of their counterparties. In recent years, however, many OTC market participants in foreign exchange trading have begun to require their counterparties to post margin.
107
Table of Contents
A Fund will typically enter into forward contracts only with major global financial institutions. The creditworthiness of each of the firms that is a party to a forward contract is monitored by the Sponsor.
The counterparty/credit risk for cleared derivative transactions is generally lower than for OTC derivatives since generally a clearing organization becomes substituted for each counterparty to a cleared derivative contract and, in effect, guarantees the parties’ performance under the contract as each party to a trade looks only to the clearing organization for performance of financial obligations. In addition, cleared derivative transactions benefit from daily marking-to-market
and settlement, and segregation and minimum capital requirements applicable to intermediaries.
The following tables indicate the location of derivative related items on the Statements of Financial Condition as w
ell as the effect of derivative instruments on the Statements of Operations during the reporting period.
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments as of March 31, 2021
Asset Derivatives
Liability Derivatives
Derivatives Not Accounted for
as Hedging Instruments
Fund
Statements of
Financial Condition
Location
Unrealized
Appreciation
Statements of
Financial Condition
Location
Unrealized
Depreciation
VIX Futures Contracts
Receivables on open futures contracts, unrealized appreciation on swap agreements
Payable on open futures contracts, unrealized depreciation on swap agreements
ProShares Short VIX Short-Term Futures ETF
$
50,470,675
*
$
—
ProShares Ultra VIX Short-Term Futures ETF
—
332,928,249
*
ProShares VIX Mid-Term
Futures ETF
—
9,410,288
*
ProShares VIX Short-Term Futures ETF
—
59,803,004
*
Commodities Contracts
Receivables on open futures contracts and/or unrealized appreciation on swap agreements
Payable on open futures contracts and/or unrealized depreciation on swap agreements
ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Crude Oil
238,887,300
*
41,086,983
*
ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Natural Gas
—
11,300,062
*
ProShares Ultra Gold
6,553,555
*
—
ProShares Ultra Silver
—
43,822,824
*
ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Crude Oil
469,128
*
9,469,307
*
ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Natural Gas
16,272,857
*
—
ProShares UltraShort Gold
39,145
*
685,467
*
ProShares UltraShort Silver
4,048,127
*
—
Foreign Exchange Contracts
Unrealized appreciation on foreign currency forward contracts, and/or receivables on open futures contracts
Unrealized depreciation on foreign currency forward contracts, and/or payable on open futures contracts
ProShares Short Euro
33,928
*
—
ProShares Ultra Euro
4,330
226,734
ProShares Ultra Yen
3,041
192,043
108
Table of Contents
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments as of March 31, 2021
Asset Derivatives
Liability Derivatives
Derivatives Not Accounted for
as Hedging Instruments
Fund
Statements of
Financial Condition
Location
Unrealized
Appreciation
Statements of
Financial Condition
Location
Unrealized
Depreciation
ProShares UltraShort
Australian Dollar
$
67,102
*
$
—
ProShares UltraShort Euro
3,436,568
181,875
ProShares UltraShort Yen
2,366,090
30,168
Total Trust
$
322,651,846
*
$
509,137,004
*
*
Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts as reported in the Schedule of Investments. Only current day’s variation margin is reported within the Statements of Financial Condition in receivable/payable on open futures.
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments as of December 31, 2020
Asset Derivatives
Liability Derivatives
Derivatives Not Accounted for
as Hedging Instruments
Fund
Statements of
Financial Condition
Location
Unrealized
Appreciation
Statements of
Financial Condition
Location
Unrealized
Depreciation
VIX Futures Contracts
Receivables on open futures contracts, unrealized appreciation on swap agreements
Payable on open futures contracts, unrealized depreciation on swap agreements
ProShares Short VIX Short-Term Futures ETF
$
8,348,783
*
$
—
ProShares Ultra VIX Short-Term Futures ETF
—
48,549,473
*
ProShares VIX
Mid-Term
Futures ETF
147,915
*
1,281,531
*
ProShares VIX Short-Term Futures ETF
—
6,364,090
*
Commodities Contracts
Receivables on open futures contracts and/or unrealized appreciation on swap agreements
Payable on open futures contracts and/or unrealized depreciation on swap agreements
ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Crude Oil
162,806,234
*
—
ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Natural Gas
6,500,721
*
—
ProShares Ultra Gold
7,787,854
*
—
ProShares Ultra Silver
93,942,878
*
—
ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Crude Oil
—
14,636,813
*
ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Natural Gas
379,310
*
—
ProShares UltraShort Gold
—
465,658
*
ProShares UltraShort Silver
—
3,417,637
*
Foreign Exchange Contracts
Unrealized appreciation on foreign currency forward contracts, and/or receivables on open futures contracts
Unrealized depreciation on foreign currency forward contracts, and/or payable on open futures contracts
ProShares Short Euro
—
44,626
*
ProShares Ultra Euro
89,103
367
ProShares Ultra Yen
67,235
148
ProShares UltraShort Australian Dollar
—
138,950
*
109
Table of Contents
Fair Value
of Derivative Instruments as of December 31, 2020
Asset Derivatives
Liability Derivatives
Derivatives Not Accounted for
as Hedging Instruments
Fund
Statements of
Financial Condition
Location
Unrealized
Appreciation
Statements of
Financial Condition
Location
Unrealized
Depreciation
ProShares UltraShort Euro
$
5,705
$
1,142,409
ProShares UltraShort Yen
7,008
571,974
Total Trust
$
280,082,746
*
$
76,613,676
*
*
Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts as reported in the Schedule of Investments. Only current day’s variation margin is reported within the Statements of Financial Condition in receivable/pay a
ble on open futures.
The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations
For the three months ended March 31, 2021
Derivatives Not Accounted
for as Hedging Instruments
Location of Gain
(Loss) on Derivatives
Recognized in Income
Fund
Realized Gain
(Loss) on
Derivatives
Recognized in
Income
Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation) on
Derivatives
Recognized in
Income
VIX Futures Contracts
Net realized gain (loss) on futures contracts and/or swap agreements/ changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts and/or swap agreements
ProShares Short VIX Short-Term Futures ETF
$
24,209,417
$
42,121,892
ProShares Ultra VIX Short-Term Futures ETF
( 704,518,024
)
( 284,378,776
)
ProShares VIX
Mid-Term
Futures ETF
3,539,316
( 8,276,672
)
ProShares VIX Short-Term Futures ETF
( 76,634,593
)
( 53,438,914
)
Commodities Contracts
Net realized gain (loss) on futures contracts and swap agreements/ changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts and swap agreements
ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Crude Oil
334,351,228
34,994,083
ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Natural Gas
41,582,385
( 17,800,783
)
ProShares Ultra Gold
( 51,248,132
)
( 1,234,299
)
ProShares Ultra Silver
4,910,551
( 137,765,702
)
ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Crude Oil
( 49,177,765
)
5,636,634
ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Natural Gas
( 6,359,394
)
15,893,547
ProShares UltraShort Gold
4,003,190
( 180,664
)
ProShares UltraShort Silver
( 2,932,351
)
7,465,764
110
Table of Contents
The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations
For the three months ended March 31, 202 1
Derivatives Not Accounted
for as Hedging Instruments
Location of Gain
(Loss) on Derivatives
Recognized in Income
Fund
Realized Gain
(Loss) on
Derivatives
Recognized in
Income
Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation) on
Derivatives
Recognized in
Income
Foreign Exchange Contracts
Net realized gain (loss) on futures and/ or foreign currency forward contracts/ changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures and/ or foreign currency forward contracts
ProShares Short Euro
$
69,393
$
78,554
ProShares Ultra Euro
( 27,342
)
( 311,140
)
ProShares Ultra Yen
( 139,467
)
( 256,089
)
ProShares UltraShort Australian Dollar
( 164,544
)
206,052
ProShares UltraShort Euro
70,527
4,391,397
ProShares UltraShort Yen
1,259,573
2,900,888
Total Trust
$
( 477,206,032
)
$
( 389,954,228
)
The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations
For the three months ended March 31, 2020
Derivatives Not Accounted
for as Hedging Instruments
Location of Gain
(Loss) on Derivatives
Recognized in Income
Fund
Realized Gain
(Loss) on
Derivatives
Recognized in
Income
Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation) on
Derivatives
Recognized in
Income
VIX Futures Contracts
Net realized gain (loss) on futures contracts and/or swap agreements/ changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts and/or swap agreements
ProShares Short VIX Short-Term Futures ETF
$
( 244,300,604
)
$
20,973,802
ProShares Ultra VIX Short-Term Futures ETF
726,085,231
176,381,861
ProShares VIX Mid-Term
Futures ETF
7,756,525
15,963,130
ProShares VIX Short-Term Futures ETF
325,737,788
67,783,030
Commodities Contracts
Net realized gain (loss) on futures
contracts , options
and swap
agreements/ changes in unrealized
appreciation (depreciation) on
futures contracts and swap
agreements
ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Crude
Oil
( 505,591,266
)
( 322,776,550
)
ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Natural Gas
( 22,819,605
)
( 4,466,823
)
ProShares Ultra Gold
21,498,056
( 19,153,296
)
ProShares Ultra Silver
( 3,697,654
)
( 85,172,612
)
ProShares UltraPro 3x Crude Oil ETF*
( 414,693,599
)
( 7,266,550
)
111
Table of Contents
The
Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations
For the three months ended March 31, 2020
Derivatives Not Accounted
for as Hedging Instruments
Location of Gain
(Loss) on Derivatives
Recognized in Income
Fund
Realized Gain
(Loss) on
Derivatives
Recognized in
Income
Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation) on
Derivatives
Recognized in
Income
ProShares UltraPro 3x Short Crude Oil ETF*
$
83,293,001
$
8,358,056
ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Crude Oil
51,674,022
76,578,230
ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Natural Gas
5,626,177
3,334,986
ProShares UltraShort Gold
( 5,930,882
)
2,675,796
ProShares UltraShort Silver
842,240
4,190,271
Foreign Exchange Contracts
Net realized gain (loss) on futures and/ or foreign currency forward contracts/ changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures and/ or foreign currency forward contracts
ProShares Short Euro
( 18,638
)
67,324
ProShares Ultra Euro
( 53,268
)
( 221,334
)
ProShares Ultra Yen
( 8,483
)
( 19,239
)
ProShares UltraShort Australian Dollar
670,950
947,586
ProShares UltraShort Euro
1,047,283
3,137,931
ProShares UltraShort Yen
( 506,520
)
( 699,345
)
Total Trust
$
26,610,754
$
( 59,383,746
)
* The operations include the activity through March 27, 2020, the date liquidation was determined to be imminent.
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities
Each Fund is subject to master netting agreements or similar arrangements that allow for amounts owed between each Fund and the counterparty to be netted upon an early termination. The party that has the larger payable pays the excess of the larger amount over the smaller amount to the other party. The master netting agreements or similar arrangements do not apply to amounts owed to/from different counterparties. As described above, the Funds utilize derivative instruments to achieve their investment objective during the year. The amounts shown in the Statements of Financial Condition do not take into consideration the effects of legally enforceable master netting agreements or similar arrangements.
For financial reporting purposes, the Funds do not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the Statements of Financial Condition. The following table presents each Fund’s derivatives by investment type and by counterparty net of amounts available for offset under a master netting agreement and the related collateral received or pledged by the Funds as of March 31, 2021.
112
Table of Contents
Fair Values of Derivative Instruments as of March 31, 2021
Assets
Liabilities
Fund
Gross Amounts of
Recognized Assets
presented in the
Statements of
Financial
Condition
Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Statements of
Financial
Condition
Net Amounts of
Assets presented
in the
Statements of
Financial
Condition
Gross Amounts of
Recognized Liabilities
presented in the
Statements of
Financial
Condition
Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Statements of
Financial
Condition
Net Amounts of
Liabilities presented
in the
Statements of
Financial
Condition
ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Crude Oil
Swap agreements
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
40,748,594
$
—
$
40,748,594
ProShares Ultra Euro
Foreign currency forward contracts
4,330
—
4,330
226,734
—
226,734
ProShares Ultra Gold
Swap agreements
6,160,430
—
6,160,430
—
—
—
ProShares Ultra Silver
Swap agreements
—
—
—
28,421,003
—
28,421,003
ProShares Ultra Yen
Foreign currency forward contracts
3,041
—
3,041
192,043
—
192,043
ProShares UltraShort Euro
Foreign currency forward contracts
3,436,568
—
3,436,568
181,875
—
181,875
ProShares UltraShort Gold
Swap agreements
—
—
—
685,467
—
685,467
ProShares UltraShort Silver
Swap agreements
771,233
—
771,233
—
—
—
ProShares UltraShort Yen
Foreign currency forward contracts
2,366,090
—
2,366,090
30,168
—
30,168
Asset (Liability) amounts shown in the table below represent amounts owed to (by) the Funds for the derivative-related investments at March 31, 2021. These amounts may be collateralized by cash or financial instruments, segregated for the benefit of the Funds or the counterparties, depending on whether the related contracts are in an appreciated or depreciated position at period end. Amounts shown in the column labeled “Net Amount” represent the uncollateralized portions of these amounts at period end. These amounts may be un-collateralized
due to timing differences related to market movements or due to minimum thresholds for collateral movement, as further described above under the caption “Accounting for Derivative Instruments”.
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statements of Financial Condition as of March 31, 2021
Fund
Amounts of Recognized Assets /
(Liabilities) presented in the
Statements of Financial
Condition
Financial Instruments for
the Benefit of (the Funds)
/ the Counterparties
Cash Collateral for the
Benefit of (the Funds)
/ the Counterparties
Net Amount
ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Crude Oil
Goldman Sachs International
$
( 7,714,941
)
$
—
$
7,714,941
$
—
Morgan Stanley & Co.
International PLC
( 14,480,061
)
14,480,061
—
—
Societe Generale
( 7,452,971
)
—
7,452,971
—
UBS AG
( 11,100,621
)
—
11,100,621
—
ProShares Ultra Euro
Goldman Sachs International
( 78,549
)
—
78,549
—
UBS AG
( 143,855
)
—
143,855
—
ProShares Ultra Gold
Citibank, N.A.
2,121,049
—
( 310,000
)
1,811,049
Goldman Sachs International
1,832,931
( 259,558
)
—
1,573,373
UBS AG
2,206,451
—
( 330,000
)
1,876,451
ProShares Ultra Silver
Citibank, N.A.
( 8,800,436
)
8,800,436
—
—
Goldman Sachs International
( 6,616,052
)
—
6,616,052
—
Morgan Stanley & Co.
International PLC
( 6,918,147
)
6,918,147
—
—
UBS AG
( 6,086,368
)
—
6,086,368
—
ProShares Ultra VIX Short-Term
Futures ETF
113
Table of Contents
Gross Amounts
Not Offset in the Statements of Financial Condition as of March 31, 2021
Fund
Amounts of Recognized Assets /
(Liabilities) presented in the
Statements of Financial
Condition
Financial Instruments for
the Benefit of (the Funds)
/ the Counterparties
Cash Collateral for the
Benefit of (the Funds)
/ the Counterparties
Net Amount
Goldman Sachs & Co.
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
ProShares Ultra Yen
Goldman Sachs
International
( 106,904
)
—
106,904
—
UBS AG
( 82,098
)
—
82,098
—
ProShares UltraShort Euro
Goldman Sachs
International
1,328,784
( 1,154,554
)
—
174,230
UBS AG
1,925,909
—
( 1,700,000
)
225,909
ProShares UltraShort Gold
Citibank, N.A.
( 291,552
)
156,152
135,400
—
Goldman Sachs
International
( 301,800
)
—
301,800
—
UBS AG
( 92,116
)
—
92,116
—
ProShares UltraShort Silver
Citibank, N.A.
248,259
—
( 248,259
)
—
Goldman Sachs
International
135,199
( 135,199
)
—
—
Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC
259,594
—
( 259,594
)
—
UBS AG
128,181
—
( 128,181
)
—
ProShares UltraShort Yen
Goldman Sachs
International
645,892
( 597,669
)
—
48,223
UBS AG
1,690,031
—
( 1,510,000
)
180,031
The following table presents each Fund’s derivatives by investment type and by counterparty net of amounts a v
ailable for offset
under a master netting agreement and the related collateral received or pledged by the Funds as of December 31, 2020:
114
Table of Contents
Fair Values of Derivative Instruments as of December 31, 2020
Assets
Liabilities
Fund
Gross Amounts
of Recognized
Assets presented
in the
Statements of
Financial
Condition
Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Statements of
Financial
Condition
Net Amounts of
Assets presented
in the
Statements of
Financial
Condition
Gross Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities presented
in the
Statements of
Financial
Condition
Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Statements of
Financial
Condition
Net Amounts of
Liabilities presented
in the
Statements of
Financial
Condition
ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Crude Oil
Swap agreements
$
18,242,195
$
—
$
18,242,195
$
—
$
—
$
—
ProShares Ultra Euro
Foreign currency forward contracts
89,103
—
89,103
367
—
367
ProShares Ultra Gold
Swap agreements
5,140,980
—
5,140,980
—
—
—
ProShares Ultra Silver
Swap agreements
56,752,666
—
56,752,666
—
—
—
ProShares Ultra VIX Short-Term Futures ETF
Swap agreements
—
—
—
24,807
—
24,807
ProShares Ultra Yen
Foreign currency forward contracts
67,235
—
67,235
148
—
148
ProShares UltraShort Euro
Foreign currency forward contracts
5,705
—
5,705
1,142,409
—
1,142,409
ProShares UltraShort Gold
Swap agreements
—
—
—
268,728
—
268,728
ProShares UltraShort Silver
Swap agreements
—
—
—
3,197,561
—
3,197,561
ProShares UltraShort Yen
Foreign currency forward contracts
7,008
—
7,008
571,974
—
571,974
Asset (Liability) amounts shown in the table below represent amounts owed to (by) the Funds for the derivative-related investments at December 31, 2020. These amounts may be collateralized by cash or financial instruments, segregated for the benefit of the Funds or the counterparties, depending on whether the related contracts are in an appreciated or depreciated position at period end. Amounts shown in the column labeled “Net Amount” represent the uncollateralized portions of these amounts at period end. These amounts may be un-collateralized
due to timing differences related to market movements or due to minimum thresholds for collateral movement, as further described above under the caption “Accounting for Derivative Instruments”.
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statements of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2020
Amounts of Recognized
Assets / (Liabilities)
presented in the
Statements of Financial
Condition
Financial Instruments
for the Benefit of (the
Funds) / the
Counterparties
Cash Collateral for the
Benefit of (the Funds) /
the Counterparties
Net Amount
ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Crude Oil
Goldman Sachs International
$
1,377,243
$
( 1,281,309
)
$
—
$
95,934
Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC
10,959,227
—
( 10,629,000
)
330,227
Societe Generale
1,679,334
( 1,679,334
)
—
—
UBS AG
4,226,391
( 4,151,442
)
( 6,270
)
68,679
ProShares Ultra Euro
Goldman Sachs International
22,950
—
—
22,950
UBS AG
65,786
—
—
65,786
ProShares Ultra Gold
Citibank, N.A.
1,770,050
—
( 1,670,000
)
100,050
Goldman Sachs International
1,529,612
( 1,497,203
)
—
32,409
UBS AG
1,841,318
—
—
1,841,318
ProShares Ultra Silver
Citibank, N.A.
18,010,776
—
( 18,010,776
)
—
115
Table of Contents
Gross
Amounts Not Offset in the Statements of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2020
Amounts of Recognized
Assets / (Liabilities)
presented in the
Statements of Financial
Condition
Financial Instruments
for the Benefit of (the
Funds) / the
Counterparties
Cash Collateral for the
Benefit of (the Funds) /
the Counterparties
Net Amount
Goldman Sachs International
$
12,930,574
$
( 12,930,574
)
$
—
$
—
Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC
12,353,706
—
( 12,353,706
)
—
UBS AG
13,457,610
( 4,126,610
)
( 9,331,000
)
—
ProShares Ultra VIX Short-Term Futures ETF
Goldman Sachs & Co.
( 24,807
)
—
24,807
—
ProShares Ultra Yen
Goldman Sachs International
34,265
—
—
34,265
UBS AG
32,822
—
—
32,822
ProShares UltraShort Euro
Goldman Sachs International
( 388,233
)
—
388,233
—
UBS AG
( 748,471
)
748,471
—
—
ProShares UltraShort Gold
Citibank, N.A.
( 80,068
)
—
80,068
—
Goldman Sachs International
( 82,645
)
—
82,645
—
UBS AG
( 106,015
)
—
106,015
—
ProShares UltraShort Silver
Citibank, N.A.
( 1,208,988
)
—
1,208,988
—
Goldman Sachs International
( 927,829
)
—
927,829
—
Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC
( 579,421
)
—
579,421
—
UBS AG
( 481,323
)
—
481,323
—
ProShares UltraShort Yen
Goldman Sachs International
( 207,021
)
—
207,021
—
UBS AG
( 357,945
)
—
357,945
—
NOTE 4 – AGREEMENTS
Management Fee
Each Leveraged Fund, the Short Euro Fund and each Geared VIX Fund pays the Sponsor a M a
nagement Fee, monthly in arrears, in an amount equal to 0.95 % per annum of its average daily NAV of such Fund. Each Matching VIX Fund pays the Sponsor a Management Fee, monthly in arrears, in an amount equal to 0.85 % per annum of its average daily NAV of such Fund.
The Management Fee is paid in consideration of the Sponsor’s trading advisory services and the other services provided to the Fund that the Sponsor pays directly. From the Management Fee, the Sponsor pays all of the routine operational, administrative and other ordinary expenses of each Fund, generally as determined by the Sponsor, including but not limited to, (i) the Administrator, Custodian, Distributor, ProFunds Distributors, Inc. (“PDI”), an affiliated broker-dealer of the Sponsor, Transfer Agent, accounting and auditing fees and expenses, (ii) any Index licensors for the Funds; and (iii) the normal and expected expenses incurred in connection with the continuous offering of Shares of each Fund after the commencement of its trading operations. Fees associated with a Fund’s trading operations may include expenses such as tax preparation expenses, legal fees not in excess of $ 100,000 per annum, ongoing SEC registration fees not exceeding 0.021 % per annum of the NAV of a Fund and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) filing fees, individual Schedule K-1
preparation and mailing fees not exceeding 0.10 % per annum of the net assets of a Fund, and report preparation and mailing expenses.
Non-Recurring
Fees and Expenses
Each Fund pays all its non-recurring
and unusual fees and expenses, if any, as determined by the Sponsor. Non-recurring
and unusual fees and expenses are fees and expenses that are unexpected or unusual in nature, such as legal claims and liabilities, litigation costs or indemnification or other material expenses which are not currently anticipated obligations of the Funds.
The Administrator
BNY Mellon Asset Servicing, a division of The Bank of New York Mellon (“BNY Mellon”), serves as the Administrator of the Funds. The Trust, on its own behalf and on behalf of each Fund, and BNY Mellon have entered into an administration and accounting
116
Table of Contents
agreement (the “Administration and Accounting Agreement”) in connection therewith. Pursuant to the terms of the Administration and Accounting Agreement and under the supervision and direction of the Sponsor and the Trust, BNY Mellon prepares and files certain regulatory filings on behalf of the Funds. BNY Mellon may also perform other services for the Funds pursuant to the Administration and Accounting Agreement as mutually agreed upon by the Sponsor, the Trust and BNY Mellon from time to time. The Administrator’s fees are paid on behalf of the Funds by the Sponsor.
The Custodian
BNY Mellon serves as the Custodian of the Funds, and the Trust, on its own behalf and on behalf of each Fund, and BNY Mellon have entered into a custody agreement (the “Custody Agreement”) in connection therewith. Pursuant to the terms of the Custody Agreement, BNY Mellon is responsible for the holding and safekeeping of assets delivered to it by the Funds, and performing various administrative duties in accordance with instructions delivered to BNY Mellon by the Funds. The Custodian’s fees are paid on behalf of the Funds by the Sponsor.
The Transfer Agent
BNY Mellon serves as the Transfer Agent of the Funds for Authorized Participants and has entered into a transfer agency and service agreement (the “Transfer Agency and Service Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, BNY Mellon is responsible for processing purchase and redemption orders and maintaining records of ownership of the Funds. The Transfer Agent Fees are paid on behalf of the Funds by the Sponsor.
The Distributor
SEI Investments Distribution Co. (“SEI”) serves as Distributor of the Funds and assists the Sponsor and the Administrator with certain functions and duties relating to distribution and marketing, including taking creation and redemption orders, consulting with the marketing staff of the Sponsor and its affiliates with respect to compliance with the requirements of FINRA and/or the NFA in connection with marketing efforts, and reviewing and filing of marketing materials with FINRA and/or the NFA. SEI retains all marketing materials separately for each Fund, at c/o SEI, One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, PA 19456. The Sponsor, on behalf of each Fund, has entered into a Distribution Services Agreement with SEI. The Sponsor pays SEI for performing its duties on behalf of the Funds.
NOTE 5 – OFFERING COSTS
Offering costs will be amortized by the Funds over a twelve month period on a straight-line basis beginning once the fund commences operations. The Sponsor will not charge its Management Fee in the first year of operations of a Fund in an amount equal to the offering costs. Normal and expected expenses incurred in connection with the continuous offering of Shares of a Fund after the commencement of its trading operations will be paid by the Sponsor.
NOTE 6 – CREATION AND REDEMPTION OF CREATION UNITS
Each Fund issues and redeems shares from time to time, but only in one or more Creation Units. A Creation Unit is a block of 50,000 Shares of a Geared Fund and 25,000 Shares of a Matching VIX Fund. Creation Units may be created or redeemed only by Authorized Participants. As a result of the Share splits and reverse Share splits as described in Note 1, certain redemptions as disclosed in the Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity reflect payment of fractional share balances on beneficial shareholder accounts.
Except when aggregated in Creation Units, the Shares are not redeemable securities. Retail investors, therefore, generally will not be able to purchase or redeem Shares directly from or with a Fund. Rather, most retail investors will purchase or sell Shares in the secondary market with the assistance of a broker. Thus, some of the information contained in these Notes to Financial Statements—such as references to the Transaction Fees imposed on purchases and redemptions is not relevant to retail investors.
Transaction Fees on Creation and Redemption Transactions
The manner by which Creation Units are purchased or redeemed is governed by the terms of the Authorized Participant Agreement and Authorized Participant Procedures Handbook. By placing a purchase order, an Authorized Participant agrees to: (1) deposit cash with the Custodian; and (2) if permitted by the Sponsor in its sole discretion, enter into or arrange for an exchange of futures contract for related position or block trade with the relevant fund whereby the Authorized Participant would also transfer to such Fund a number and type of exchange-traded futures contracts at or near the closing settlement price for such contracts on the purchase order date.
117
Table of Contents
Authorized Participants may pay a fixed transaction fee (typically $ 250 ) in connection with each order to create or redeem a Creation Unit in order to compensate BNY Mellon, as the Administrator, the Custodian and the Transfer Agent of each Fund and its Shares, for services in processing the creation and redemption of Creation Units and to offset the costs of increasing or decreasing derivative positions. Authorized Participants also may pay a variable transaction fee to the Fund of up to 0.10 % (and a variable transaction fee to the Matching VIX Funds of 0.05 %) of the value of the Creation Unit that is purchased or redeemed unless the transaction fee is waived or otherwise adjusted by the Sponsor. The Sponsor provides such Authorized Participant with prompt notice in advance of any such waiver or adjustment of the transaction fee. Authorized Participants may sell the Shares included in the Creation Units they purchase from the Funds to other investors in the secondary market.
Transaction fees for the three months ended March 31, 2021 which are included in the Addition and/or Redemption of Shares on the Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity, were as follows:
Fund
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2021
ProShares Short Euro
$
—
ProShares Short VIX Short-Term Futures ETF
42,067
ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Crude Oil
—
ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Natural Gas
—
ProShares Ultra Euro
—
ProShares Ultra Gold
—
ProShares Ultra Silver
—
ProShares Ultra VIX Short-Term Futures ETF
977,320
ProShares Ultra Yen
—
ProShares UltraShort Australian Dollar
—
ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Crude Oil
—
ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Natural Gas
—
ProShares UltraShort Euro
—
ProShares UltraShort Gold
—
ProShares UltraShort Silver
—
ProShares UltraShort Yen
—
ProShares VIX Mid-Term
Futures ETF
7,122
ProShares VIX Short-Term Futures ETF
153,236
Total Trust
$
1,179,745
118
Table of Contents
NOTE 7 – FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Selected data for a Share outstanding throughout the three months ended March 31, 2021
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 (unaudited)
Per Share Operating Performance
Short Euro
Short VIX
Short-Term
Futures ETF
Ultra
Bloomberg
Crude Oil
Ultra
Bloomberg
Natural Gas
Ultra Euro
Ultra Gold
Net asset value, at December 31, 2020
$
41.92
$
41.42
$
36.38
$
21.00
$
15.79
$
67.57
Net investment income (loss)
( 0.09
)
( 0.14
)
( 0.13
)
( 0.09
)
( 0.03
)
( 0.14
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)#
1.86
5.85
16.31
0.40
( 1.31
)
( 13.11
)
Change in net asset value from operations
1.77
5.71
16.18
0.31
( 1.34
)
( 13.25
)
Net asset value, at March 31, 2021
$
43.69
$
47.13
$
52.56
$
21.31
$
14.45
$
54.32
Market value per share, at December 31, 2020 †
$
41.35
$
41.44
$
36.27
$
21.07
$
15.81
$
68.20
Market value per share, at March 31, 2021 †
$
43.52
$
47.10
$
52.85
$
21.20
$
14.47
$
53.91
Total Return, at net asset value^
4.2
%
13.8
%
44.5
%
1.5
%
( 8.5
)%
( 19.6
)%
Total Return, at market value^
5.2
%
13.7
%
45.7
%
0.6
%
( 8.5
)%
( 21.0
)%
Ratios to Average Net Assets**
Expense ratio
0.97
%
1.35
%
1.10
%
1.60
%
0.95
%
1.03
%
Expense ratio, excluding brokerage commissions and fees
0.95
%
0.95
%
0.95
%
0.95
%
0.95
%
0.95
%
Net investment income gain (loss)
( 0.91
)%
( 1.31
)%
( 1.04
)%
( 1.55
)%
( 0.90
)%
( 0.97
)%
**
Percentages are annualized.
#
The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses during the period because of timing of creation and redemption units in relation to fluctuating net asset value during the period.
†
Market values are determined at the close of the applicable primary listing exchange, which may be later than when the Funds’ net asset value is calculated.
^
Percentages are not annualized for the period ended March 31, 2021.
119
Table of Contents
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 (unaudited)
Per Share Operating Performance
Ultra Silver
Ultra VIX
Short-Term
Futures ETF
Ultra Yen
UltraShort
Australian
Dollar
UltraShort
Bloomberg
Crude Oil
UltraShort
Bloomberg
Natural Gas
Net asset value, at December 31, 2020
$
50.71
$
10.67
$
59.83
$
44.45
$
11.61
$
47.59
Net investment income (loss)
( 0.12
)
( 0.04
)
( 0.13
)
( 0.11
)
( 0.03
)
( 0.14
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)#
( 9.24
)
( 5.00
)
( 7.92
)
0.84
( 4.38
)
( 8.31
)
Change in net asset value from operations
( 9.36
)
( 5.04
)
( 8.05
)
0.73
( 4.41
)
( 8.45
)
Net asset value, at March 31, 2021
$
41.35
$
5.63
$
51.78
$
45.18
$
7.20
$
39.14
Market value per share, at December 31, 2020 †
$
51.28
$
10.65
$
59.82
$
43.89
$
11.64
$
47.38
Market value per share, at March 31, 2021 †
$
41.10
$
5.65
$
51.78
$
45.19
$
7.15
$
39.32
Total Return, at net asset value^
( 18.5
)%
( 47.2
)%
( 13.4
)%
1.6
%
( 38.0
)%
( 17.8
)%
Total Return, at market value^
( 19.9
)%
( 47.0
)%
( 13.5
)%
3.0
%
( 38.6
)%
( 17.0
)%
Ratios to Average Net Assets**
Expense ratio
1.07
%
1.77
%
0.95
%
1.02
%
1.34
%
1.60
%
Expense ratio, excluding brokerage commissions and fees
0.95
%
0.95
%
0.95
%
0.95
%
0.95
%
0.95
%
Net investment income gain (loss)
( 1.02
)%
( 1.75
)%
( 0.90
)%
( 0.97
)%
( 1.29
)%
( 1.55
)%
**
Percentages are annualized.
#
The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses during the period because of timing of creation and redemption units in relation to fluctuating net asset value during the period.
†
Market values are determined at the close of the applicable primary listing exchange, which may be later than when the Funds’ net asset value is calculated.
^
Percentages are not annualized for the period ended March 31, 2021.
120
Table of Contents
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 (unaudited)
Per Share Operating Performance
UltraShort
Euro
UltraShort
Gold
UltraShort
Silver
UltraShort
Yen
VIX Mid-
Term Futures
ETF
VIX Short-
Term Futures
ETF
Net asset value, at December 31, 2020
$
22.53
$
31.43
$
6.93
$
67.83
$
36.73
$
13.76
Net investment income (loss)
( 0.05
)
( 0.09
)
( 0.02
)
( 0.16
)
( 0.09
)
( 0.04
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)#
1.93
6.26
0.07
10.06
( 1.90
)
( 4.40
)
Change in net asset value from operations
1.88
6.17
0.05
9.90
( 1.99
)
( 4.44
)
Net asset value, at March 31, 2021
$
24.41
$
37.60
$
6.98
$
77.73
$
34.74
$
9.32
Market value per share, at December 31, 2020 †
$
22.52
$
31.14
$
6.85
$
67.81
$
36.70
$
13.74
Market value per share, at March 31, 2021 †
$
24.42
$
37.89
$
7.01
$
77.75
$
35.06
$
9.35
Total Return, at net asset value^
8.4
%
19.6
%
0.7
%
14.7
%
( 5.4
)%
( 32.3
)%
Total Return, at market value^
8.4
%
21.7
%
2.3
%
14.6
%
( 4.5
)%
( 32.0
)%
Ratios to Average Net Assets**
Expense ratio
0.95
%
1.07
%
1.15
%
0.95
%
1.03
%
1.30
%
Expense ratio, excluding brokerage commissions and fees
0.95
%
0.95
%
0.95
%
0.95
%
0.85
%
0.85
%
Net investment income gain (loss)
( 0.90
)%
( 1.03
)%
( 1.11
)%
( 0.90
)%
( 0.98
)%
( 1.26
)%
**
Percentages are annualized.
#
The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses during the period because of timing of creation and redemption units in relation to fluctuating net asset value during the period.
†
Market values are determined at the close of the applicable primary listing exchange, which may be later than when the Funds’ net asset value is calculated.
^
Percentages are not annualized for the period ended March 31, 2021.
121
Table of Contents
Selected data for a Share outstanding throughout the three months ended March 31, 2020
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 (unaudited)
Per Share Operating Performance
Short Euro
Short VIX
Short-Term
Futures ETF
Ultra
Bloomberg
Crude Oil *
Ultra
Bloomberg
Natural Gas *
Ultra Euro
Ultra Gold
Net asset value, at December 31, 2019
$
45.64
$
65.62
$
509.23
$
83.97
$
13.79
$
49.21
Net investment income (loss)
0.04
( 0.04
)
0.20
0.00
+
0.01
0.05
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)#
0.98
( 34.56
)
( 469.28
)
( 42.15
)
( 0.64
)
3.18
Change in net asset value from operations
1.02
( 34.60
)
( 469.08
)
( 42.15
)
( 0.63
)
3.23
Net asset value, at March 31, 2020
$
46.66
$
31.02
$
40.15
$
41.82
$
13.16
$
52.44
Market value per share, at December 31, 2019 †
$
45.69
$
65.23
$
511.50
$
83.40
$
13.77
$
49.05
Market value per share, at March 31, 2020 †
$
45.09
$
31.01
$
39.75
$
42.60
$
13.15
$
52.00
Total Return, at net asset value^
2.2
%
( 52.7
)%
( 92.1
)%
( 50.2
)%
( 4.6
)%
6.6
%
Total Return, at market value^
( 1.3
)%
( 52.5
)%
( 92.2
)%
( 48.9
)%
( 4.5
)%
6.0
%
Ratios to Average Net Assets**
Expense ratio
0.97
%
1.19
%
1.09
%
1.39
%
0.95
%
0.98
%
Expense ratio, excluding brokerage
commissions and fees
0.95
%
0.95
%
0.95
%
0.95
%
0.95
%
0.95
%
Net investment income gain (loss)
0.34
%
( 0.38
)%
0.44
%
( 0.02
)%
0.25
%
0.35
%
*
See Note 1 of these Notes to Financial Statements.
**
Percentages are annualized.
#
The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not accord with the cha n
ge in aggregate gains and losses during the period because of timing of creation and redemption units in relation to fluctuating net asset value during the period.
†
Market values are determined at the close of the applicable primary listing exchange, which may be later than when the Funds’ net asset value is calculated.
^
Percentages are not annualized for the period ended March 31, 2020.
+
Amount represents greater than $( 0.005
).
122
Table of Contents
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 (unaudited)
Per Share Operating Performance
Ultra Silver
Ultra VIX
Short-Term
Futures ETF
Ultra Yen
UltraPro 3x
Crude Oil
ETF *
UltraPro 3x
Short
Crude Oil
ETF *
UltraShort
Australian
Dollar
Net asset value, at December 31, 2019
$
31.70
$
12.67
$
55.83
$
21.47
$
10.66
$
56.09
Net investment income (loss)
0.04
( 0.02
)
0.03
0.00
+
( 0.01
)
0.03
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)#
( 13.32
)
45.87
0.35
( 21.26
)
34.88
16.18
Change in net asset value from operations
( 13.28
)
45.85
0.38
( 21.26
)
34.87
16.21
Net asset value, at March 31, 2020
$
18.42
$
58.52
$
56.21
$
0.21
@
$
45.53
@
$
72.30
Market value per share, at December 31, 2019 †
$
31.65
$
12.89
$
55.83
$
21.60
$
10.58
$
55.88
Market value per share, at March 31, 2020 †
$
18.44
$
58.56
$
56.19
$
0.22
$
45.32
$
72.06
Total Return, at net asset value^
( 41.9
)%
361.9
%
0.7
%
( 99.0
)%
327.1
%
28.9
%
Total Return, at market value^
( 41.7
)%
354.3
%
0.6
%
( 99.0
)%
328.4
%
29.0
%
Ratios to Average Net Assets**
Expense ratio
0.99
%
1.47
%
0.95
%
1.65
%
1.68
%
1.04
%
Expense ratio, excluding brokerage commissions and fees
0.95
%
0.95
%
0.95
%
0.95
%
0.95
%
0.95
%
Net investment income gain (loss)
0.55
%
( 0.50
)%
0.21
%
( 0.49
)%
( 0.33
)%
0.22
%
*
The per share operating performance presented here is for the period ended March 27, 2020, the date liquidation was determined to be imminent. See Note 1.
**
Percentages are annualized.
#
The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses during the period because of timing of creation and redemption units in relation to fluctuating net asset value during the period.
†
Market values are determined at the close of the applicable primary listing exchange, which may be later than when the Funds’ net asset value is calculated.
^
Percentages are not annualized for the period ended March 31, 2020.
+
Amount greater than $(0.005)
@
NAV on March 27, 2020, the date liquidation was determined to be imminent. See Note 1.
123
Table of Contents
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 (unaudited)
Per Share Operating Performance
UltraShort
Bloomberg
Crude Oil
UltraShort
Bloomberg
Natural Gas
UltraShort
Euro
UltraShort
Gold
UltraShort
Silver
UltraShort
Yen
Net asset value, at December 31, 2019
$
12.19
$
38.53
$
26.80
$
53.02
$
26.76
$
76.37
Net investment income (loss)
( 0.01
)
( 0.08
)
0.03
0.04
0.01
0.09
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)#
36.89
24.93
0.99
( 7.04
)
9.77
( 2.36
)
Change in net asset value from operations
36.88
24.85
1.02
( 7.00
)
9.78
( 2.27
)
Net asset value, at March 31, 2020
$
49.07
$
63.38
$
27.82
$
46.02
$
36.54
$
74.10
Market value per share, at December 31, 2019 †
$
12.15
$
38.82
$
26.80
$
53.21
$
26.80
$
76.35
Market value per share, at March 31, 2020 †
$
49.99
$
62.02
$
27.76
$
46.28
$
36.66
$
74.11
Total Return, at net asset value^
302.5
%
64.5
%
3.8
%
( 13.2
)%
36.5
%
( 3.0
)%
Total Return, at market value^
311.4
%
59.8
%
3.6
%
( 13.0
)%
36.8
%
( 2.9
)%
Ratios to Average Net Assets**
Expense ratio
1.31
%
1.90
%
0.95
%
1.00
%
1.05
%
0.95
%
Expense ratio, excluding brokerage commissions and fees
0.95
%
0.95
%
0.95
%
0.95
%
0.95
%
0.95
%
Net investment income gain (loss)
( 0.14
)%
( 0.65
)%
0.49
%
0.34
%
0.09
%
0.47
%
**
Percentages are annualized.
#
The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses during the period because of timing of creation and redemption units in relation to fluctuating net asset value during the period.
†
Market values are determined at the close of the applicable primary listing exchange, which may be later than when the Funds’ net asset value is calculated.
^
Percentages are not annualized for the period ended March 31, 2020.
124
Table of Contents
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 (unaudited)
Per Share Operating Performance
VIX Mid-
Term Futures
ETF
VIX Short-
Term Futures
ETF
Net asset value, at December 31, 2019
$
21.27
$
12.30
Net investment income (loss)
0.03
0.01
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)#
17.44
25.65
Change in net asset value from operations
17.47
25.66
Net asset value, at March 31, 2020
$
38.74
$
37.96
Market value per share, at December 31, 2019 †
$
21.29
$
12.43
Market value per share, at March 31, 2020 †
$
38.44
$
37.93
Total Return, at net asset value^
82.1
%
208.6
%
Total Return, at market value^
80.6
%
205.1
%
Ratios to Average Net Assets**
Expense ratio
1.00
%
1.11
%
Expense ratio, excluding brokerage commissions and fees
0.85
%
0.85
%
Net investment income gain (loss)
0.43
%
0.20
%
**
Percentages are annualized.
#
The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses during the period because of timing of creation and redemption units in relation to fluctuating net asset value during the period.
†
Market values are determined at the close of the applicable primary listing exchange, which may be later than when the Funds’ net asset value is calculated.
^
Percentages are not annualized for the period ended March 31, 2020.
125
Table of Contents
NOTE 8 – RISK
Correlation and Compounding Risk
The Geared Funds do not seek to achieve their stated investment objective over a period of time greater than a single day (as measured from NAV calculation time to NAV calculation time). The return of a Geared Fund for a period longer than a single day is the result of its return for each day compounded over the period and usually will differ in amount and possibly even direction from one-half
the inverse (-0.5x),
the inverse (-1x),
two times the inverse (-2x),
one and one-half
times (1.5x) the return or two times (2x) the return of the Geared Fund’s benchmark for the period. A Geared Fund will lose money if its benchmark performance is flat over time, and it is possible for a Geared Fund to lose money over time even if the performance of its benchmark increases (or decreases in the case of Short or UltraShort), as a result of daily rebalancing, the benchmark’s volatility, compounding, and other factors. Compounding is the cumulative effect of applying investment gains and losses and income to the principal amount invested over time. Gains or losses experienced over a given period will increase or reduce the principal amount invested from which the subsequent period’s returns are calculated. The effects of compounding will likely cause the performance of a Geared Fund to differ from the Geared Fund’s stated multiple times the return of its benchmark for the same period. The effect of compounding becomes more pronounced as benchmark volatility and holding period increase. The impact of compounding will impact each shareholder differently depending on the period of time an investment in a Geared Fund is held and the volatility of the benchmark during the holding period of an investment in the Geared Fund. Longer holding periods, higher benchmark volatility, inverse exposure and greater leverage each affect the impact of compounding on a Geared Fund’s returns. Daily compounding of a Geared Fund’s investment returns can dramatically and adversely affect its longer-term performance during periods of high volatility. Volatility may be at least as important to a Geared Fund’s return for a period as the return of the Geared Fund’s underlying benchmark. The Matching VIX Funds seek to achieve their stated investment objective over time.
Each Ultra and UltraShort Fund uses leverage and should produce daily returns that are more volatile than that of its benchmark. For example, the daily return of an Ultra with a 1.5x or 2x multiple should be approximately one and one-half
or two times as volatile on a daily basis as is the return of a fund with an objective of matching the same benchmark. The daily return of an UltraShort Fund is designed to return two times the inverse (-2x) of
the return that would be expected of a fund with an objective of matching the same benchmark. The Geared Funds are not appropriate for all investors and present significant risks not applicable to other types of funds. The Leveraged Funds use leverage and are riskier than similarly benchmarked exchange-traded funds that do not use leverage. An investor should only consider an investment in a Geared Fund if he or she understands the consequences of seeking daily leveraged, daily inverse or daily inverse leveraged investment results. Shareholders who invest in the Funds should actively manage and monitor their investments, as frequently as daily.
While the Funds seek to meet their investment objectives, there is no guarantee they will do so. Factors that may affect a Fund’s ability to meet its investment objective include: (1) the Sponsor’s ability to purchase and sell Financial Instruments in a manner that correlates to a Fund’s objective; (2) an imperfect correlation between the performance of Financial Instruments held by a Fund and the performance of the applicable benchmark; (3) bid-ask
spreads on such Financial Instruments; (4) fees, expenses, transaction costs, financing costs associated with the use of Financial Instruments and commission costs; (5) holding or trading instruments in a market that has become illiquid or disrupted; (6) a Fund’s Share prices being rounded to the nearest cent and/or valuation methodology; (7) changes to a benchmark Index that are not disseminated in advance; (8) the need to conform a Fund’s portfolio holdings to comply with investment restrictions or policies or regulatory or tax law requirements; (9) early and unanticipated closings of the markets on which the holdings of a Fund trade, resulting in the inability of the Fund to execute intended portfolio transactions; (10) accounting standards; and (11) differences caused by a Fund obtaining exposure to only a representative sample of the components of a benchmark, over weighting or under weighting certain components of a benchmark or obtaining exposure to assets that are not included in a benchmark.
A number of factors may affect a Geared Fund’s ability to achieve a high degree of correlation with its benchmark, and there can be no guarantee that a Fund will achieve a high degree of correlation. Failure to achieve a high degree of correlation may prevent a Geared Fund from achieving its investment objective. In order to achieve a high degree of correlation with their underlying benchmarks, the Geared Funds seek to rebalance their portfolios daily to keep exposure consistent with their investment objectives. Being materially under- or over-exposed to the benchmark may prevent such Geared Funds from achieving a high degree of correlation with such benchmark. Market disruptions or closure, large amounts of assets into or out of the Geared Funds, regulatory restrictions, extreme market volatility, and other factors will adversely affect such Funds’ ability to adjust exposure to requisite levels. The target amount of portfolio exposure is impacted dynamically by the benchmarks’ movements during each day. Other things being equal, more significant movement in the value of its benchmark up or down will require more significant adjustments to a Fund’s portfolio. Because of this, it is unlikely that the Geared Funds will be perfectly exposed (i.e., -0.5x,
-1x,
-2x,
1.5x, or 2x, as applicable) to its benchmark at the end of each day, and the likelihood of being materially under- or over-exposed is higher on days when the benchmark levels are volatile near the close of the trading day.
126
Table of Contents
Each Geared Fund seeks to rebalance its portfolio on a daily basis. The time and manner in which a Geared Fund rebalances its portfolio may vary from day to day depending upon market conditions and other circumstances at the discretion of the Sponsor. Unlike other funds that do not rebalance their portfolios as frequently, each Geared Fund may be subject to increased trading costs associated with daily portfolio rebalancing in order to maintain appropriate exposure to the underlying benchmarks.
Counterparty Risk
Each Fund may use derivatives such as swap agreements and forward contracts (collectively referred to herein as “derivatives”) in the manner described herein as a means to achieve their respective investment objectives. The use of derivatives by a Fund exposes the Fund to counterparty risks.
Regulatory Treatment
Derivatives are generally traded in OTC markets and have only recently become subject to comprehensive regulation in the United States. Cash-settled forwards are generally regulated as “swaps”, whereas physically settled forwards are generally not subject to regulation (in the case of commodities other than currencies) or subject to the federal securities laws (in the case of securities).
Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Act (“Title VII”) created a regulatory regime for derivatives, with the CFTC responsible for the regulation of swaps and the SEC responsible for the regulation of “security-based swaps.” The SEC requirements have largely yet to be made effective, but the CFTC requirements are largely in place. The CFTC requirements have included rules for some of the types of transactions in which the Funds will engage, including mandatory clearing and exchange trading, reporting, and margin for OTC swaps. Title VII also created new categories of regulated market participants, such as “swap dealers,” “security-based swap dealers,” “major swap participants,” and “major security-based swap participants” who are, or will be, subject to significant new capital, registration, recordkeeping, reporting, disclosure, business conduct and other regulatory requirements. The regulatory requirements under Title VII continue to be developed and there may be further modifications that could materially and adversely impact the Funds, the markets in which a Fund trades and the counterparties with which the Fund engages in transactions.
As noted, the CFTC rules may not apply to all of the swap agreements and forward contracts entered into by the Funds. Investors, therefore, may not receive the protection of CFTC regulation or the statutory scheme of “the Commodity Exchange Act (the “CEA”) in connection with each Fund’s swap agreements or forward contracts. The lack of regulation in these markets could expose investors to significant losses under certain circumstances, including in the event of trading abuses or financial failure by participants.
Counterparty Credit Risk
The Funds will be subject to the credit risk of the counterparties to the derivatives. In the case of cleared derivatives, the Funds will have credit risk to the clearing corporation in a similar manner as the Funds would for futures contracts. In the case of OTC derivatives, the Funds will be subject to the credit risk of the counterparty to the transaction – typically a single bank or financial institution. As a result, a Fund is subject to increased credit risk with respect to the amount it expects to receive from counterparties to OTC derivatives entered into as part of that Fund’s principal investment strategy. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations due to financial difficulties, a Fund could suffer significant losses on these contracts and the value of an investor’s investment in a Fund may decline.
The Funds have sought to mitigate these risks by generally requiring that the counterparties for each Fund agree to post collateral for the benefit of the Fund, marked to market daily, subject to certain minimum thresholds. However, there are no limitations on the percentage of assets each Fund may invest in swap agreements or forward contracts with a particular counterparty. To the extent any such collateral is insufficient or there are delays in accessing the collateral, the Funds will be exposed to counterparty risk as described above, including possible delays in recovering amounts as a result of bankruptcy proceedings. The Funds typically enter into transactions only with major global financial institutions.
OTC derivatives of the type that may be utilized by the Funds are generally less liquid than futures contracts because they are not traded on an exchange, do not have uniform terms and conditions, and are generally entered into based upon the creditworthiness of the parties and the availability of credit support, such as collateral, and in general, are not transferable without the consent of the counterparty. These agreements contain various conditions, events of default, termination events, covenants and representations. The triggering of certain events or the default on certain terms of the agreement could allow a party to terminate a transaction under the
127
Table of Contents
agreement and request immediate payment in an amount equal to the net positions owed to the party under the agreement. For example, if the level of the Fund’s benchmark has a dramatic intraday move that would cause a material decline in the Fund’s NAV, the terms of the swap may permit the counterparty to immediately close out the transaction with the Fund. In that event, it may not be possible for the Fund to enter into another swap or to invest in other Financial Instruments necessary to achieve the desired exposure consistent with the Fund’s objective. This, in turn, may prevent the Fund from achieving its investment objective, particularly if the level of the Fund’s benchmark reverses all or part of its intraday move by the end of the day.
In addition, cleared derivatives benefit from daily marking-to-market
and settlement, and segregation and minimum capital requirements applicable to intermediaries. To the extent the Fund enters into cleared swap transactions, the Fund will deposit collateral with a FCM in cleared swaps customer accounts, which are required by CFTC regulations to be separate from its proprietary collateral posted for cleared swaps transactions. Cleared swap customer collateral is subject to regulations that closely parallel the regulations governing customer segregated funds for futures transactions but provide certain additional protections to cleared swaps collateral in the event of a clearing broker or clearing broker customer default. For example, in the event of a default of both the clearing broker and a customer of the clearing broker, a clearing house is only permitted to access the cleared swaps collateral in the legally separate (but operationally comingled) account of the defaulting cleared swap customer of the clearing broker, as opposed to the treatment of customer segregated funds, under which the clearing house may access all of the commingled customer segregated funds of a defaulting clearing broker. Derivatives entered into directly between two counterparties do not necessarily benefit from such protections, particularly if entered into with an entity that is not registered as a “swap dealer” with the CFTC. This exposes the Funds to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, thus causing the Funds to suffer a loss.
The Sponsor regularly reviews the performance of its counterparties for, among other things, creditworthiness and execution quality. In addition, the Sponsor periodically considers the addition of new counterparties and the counterparties used by a Fund may change at any time. Each day, the Funds disclose their portfolio holdings as of the prior Business Day. Each Fund’s portfolio holdings identifies its counterparties, as applicable. This portfolio holdings information may be accessed through the web on the Sponsor’s website at www.ProShares.com.
Each counterparty and/or any of its affiliates may be an Authorized Participant or shareholder of a Fund, subject to applicable law.
The counterparty risk for cleared derivatives transactions is generally lower than for OTC derivatives. Once a transaction is cleared, the clearing organization is substituted and is a Fund’s counterparty on the derivative. The clearing organization guarantees the performance of the other side of the derivative. Nevertheless, some risk remains, as there is no assurance that the clearing organization, or its members, will satisfy its obligations to a Fund.
Leverage Risk
The Leveraged Funds may utilize leverage in seeking to achieve their respective investment objectives and will lose more money in market environments adverse to their respective daily investment objectives than funds that do not employ leverage. The use of leveraged and/or inverse leveraged positions increases the risk of total loss of an investor’s investment, even over periods as short as a single day.
For example, because the UltraShort Funds and Ultra Funds (except for the Ultra VIX Short-Term Futures ETF which includes a one and one-half
times multiplier) include a two times the inverse (-2x),
or a two times (2x) multiplier, a single-day
movement in the relevant benchmark approaching 50 % at any point in the day could result in the total loss or almost total loss of an investor’s investment if that movement is contrary to the investment objective of the Fund in which an investor has invested, even if such Fund’s benchmark subsequently moves in an opposite direction, eliminating all or a portion of the movement. This would be the case with downward single-day
or intraday movements in the underlying benchmark of an Ultra Fund or upward single-day
or intraday movements in the benchmark of an UltraShort Fund, even if the underlying benchmark maintains a level greater than zero at all times.
Liquidity Risk
Financial Instruments cannot always be liquidated at the desired price. It is difficult to execute a trade at a specific price when there is a relatively small volume of buy and sell orders in a market. A market disruption can also make it difficult to liquidate a position or find a swap or forward contract counterparty at a reasonable cost. Market illiquidity may cause losses for the Funds. The large size of the positions which the Funds may acquire increases the risk of illiquidity by both making their positions more difficult to liquidate and increasing the losses incurred while trying to do so. Any type of disruption or illiquidity will potentially be exacerbated due to the fact that the Funds will typically invest in Financial Instruments related to one benchmark, which in many cases is highly concentrated.
128
Table of Contents
“Contango” and “Backwardation” Risk
In Funds that hold futures contracts, as the futures contracts near expiration, they are generally replaced by contracts that have a later expiration. Thus, for example, a contract purchased and held in November 2019 may specify a January 2020 expiration. As that contract nears expiration, it may be replaced by selling the January 2020 contract and purchasing the contract expiring in March 2020. This process is referred to as “rolling.” Rolling may have a positive or negative impact on performance. For example, historically, the prices of certain types of futures contracts have frequently been higher for contracts with shorter-term expirations than for contracts with longer-term expirations, which is referred to as “backwardation.” In these circumstances, absent other factors, the sale of the January 2020 contract would take place at a price that is higher than the price at which the March 2020 contract is purchased, thereby creating a gain in connection with rolling. While certain types of futures contracts have historically exhibited consistent periods of backwardation, backwardation will likely not exist in these markets at all times. The presence of contango (where prices of contracts are higher in the distant delivery months than in the nearer delivery months due to the costs of long-term storage of a physical commodity prior to delivery or other factors) in certain futures contracts at the time of rolling would be expected to adversely affect an Ultra Fund or a Matching VIX Fund that invests in such futures, and positively affect a Short Fund or an UltraShort Fund that invests in such futures. Similarly, the presence of backwardation in certain futures contracts at the time of rolling such contracts would be expected to adversely affect the Short Funds and UltraShort Funds, and positively affect the Ultra Funds and Matching VIX Funds.
Since the introduction of VIX futures contracts, there have frequently been periods where VIX futures prices reflect higher expected volatility levels further out in time. This can result in a loss from “rolling” the VIX futures to maintain the constant weighted average maturity of the applicable VIX Futures Index. Losses from exchanging a lower priced VIX future for a higher priced longer-term future in the rolling process would adversely affect the value of each VIX Futures Index and, accordingly, decrease the return of the Ultra VIX Short-Term Futures ETF and the Matching VIX Funds.
Gold and silver have historically exhibited persistent “contango” markets rather than backwardation. Natural gas, like crude oil, moves in and out of backwardation and contango but historically has been in contango most commonly.
In April 2020, the market for crude oil futures contracts experienced a period of “extraordinary contango” that resulted in a negative price in the May 2020 WTI crude oil futures contract. The futures contracts held by the Funds may experience a period of extraordinary contango in the future. If all or a significant portion of the futures contracts held by an Ultra Fund at a future date were to reach a negative price, investors in such Fund could lose their entire investment. If such event were to occur, and the price of the applicable futures contracts subsequently reversed, investors in the Short or an UltraShort Fund could suffer significant losses or lose their entire investment. The effects of rolling futures contracts under extraordinary contango market conditions generally are more exaggerated than rolling futures contracts under contango market conditions and may cause significant losses.
Change to Investment Strategies
In anticipation of the benchmark’s upcoming roll, and in order to help manage the impact of recent extraordinary conditions and volatility in the markets for crude oil and related Financial Instruments, each Oil Fund adjusted its portfolio exposure as described below.
•
By the close of business on Tuesday, June 30, 2020, ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Crude Oil and ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Crude Oil (the “Oil Funds”), had transitioned approximately half of its exposure to the September 2020 WTI crude oil futures contract into exposure to the October 2020 WTI crude oil futures contract. As a result of this transition, each Fund had approximately 1/3 of its portfolio exposed to the September 2020 WTI crude oil futures contract, approximately 1/3 of its portfolio exposed to the October 2020 WTI crude oil futures contract, and approximately 1/3 of its portfolio exposed to the December 2020 WTI crude oil futures contract on the close of business on Tuesday, June 30, 2020.
•
In addition, by the close of business on Wednesday, July 1, 2020, each Oil Fund had transitioned the remaining portion of its exposure to the September 2020 WTI crude oil futures contract into exposure to the November 2020 WTI crude oil futures contract. As a result of this transition, each Fund had approximately 1/3 of its portfolio exposed to the October 2020 WTI crude oil futures contract, approximately 1/3 of its portfolio exposed to the November 2020 WTI crude oil futures contract, and approximately 1/3 of its portfolio exposed to the December 2020 WTI crude oil futures contract on the close of business on Wednesday, July 1, 2020.
129
Table of Contents
Following this portfolio transition each Oil Fund had exposure to WTI crude oil futures contracts that are not included in the current benchmark. The performance of each Fund should not be expected to correspond to two times (2x), or two times the inverse (-2x),
as applicable, of the daily performance of its current benchmark. Each Fund’s performance could differ significantly from its stated investment objective.
In addition, to the extent an Oil Fund has exposure to longer-dated crude oil futures contracts or other Financial Instruments, the performance of the Fund should be expected to deviate to a greater extent from the “spot” price of crude oil than if the Fund had exposure to shorter-dated futures contracts or Financial Instruments. For these and other reasons, the Oil Funds should be expected to perform very differently from the spot price of crude oil and may underperform investments that are linked to the “spot” price of crude oil.
Change to the Oil Funds Benchmark Index
Effective September 17, 2020, the Oil Funds changed their benchmark from the Bloomberg WTI Crude Oil Subindex SM
to the Bloomberg Commodity Balanced WTI Crude Oil Index SM
(the “New Benchmark”). The investment objective of each of these two funds is to seek daily investment results, before fees and expenses, that correspond either to two times (2x) or two times the inverse (-2x),
as applicable, of the daily performance of the New Benchmark for a single day, not for any other period.
In order to have exposure to the WTI crude oil futures contracts included in the New Benchmark in a manner designed to achieve its respective investment objective by the beginning of business on September 17, 2020, each Oil Fund transitioned half of its then current exposure to the December 2020 WTI crude oil futures contract into exposure to the December 2021 WTI crude oil futures contract at the close of business on September 16, 2020. As a result of this transition, each Oil Fund had approximately 1/3 of its portfolio exposed to the December 2020 WTI crude oil futures contract, approximately 1/3 of its portfolio exposed to the June 2021 WTI crude oil futures contract, and approximately 1/3 of its portfolio exposed to the December 2021 WTI crude oil futures contract at the close of business on September 16, 2020.
Description of the New Benchmark
The New Benchmark aims to track the performance of three separate contract schedules for WTI Crude Oil futures traded on NYMEX. The contract schedules are equally-weighted in the New Benchmark (1/3 each) at each semi-annual reset in March and September. At each reset date, one-third
of the New Benchmark is designated to follow a monthly roll schedule. Each month this portion of the New Benchmark rolls from the current futures contract (called “Lead” by Bloomberg, and which expires one month out) into the following month’s contract (called “Next” by Bloomberg and which expires two months out). The second portion of the New Benchmark is always designated to be in a June contract, and follows an annual roll schedule in March of each year in which the June contract expiring in the current year is rolled into the June contract expiring the following year. The remaining portion is always designated to be in a December contract, and follows an annual roll schedule in September of each year in which the December contract expiring in the current year is rolled into the December contract expiring the following year. The weighting (i.e., percentage) of each of the three contract schedules included in the New Benchmark fluctuates above or below one-third
between the semi-annual reset dates due to changing futures prices and the impact of rolling the futures positions. As a result, the weighting of each contract in the New Benchmark will “drift” away from equal weighting. The New Benchmark reflects the cost of rolling the futures contracts included in the New Benchmark, without regard to income earned on cash positions. The New Benchmark is not linked to the “spot” price of WTI crude oil.
The methodology for determining the composition of the New Benchmark and for calculating its level may be changed at any time by Bloomberg without notice. The daily performance of the New Benchmark is published by Bloomberg Finance L.P. and is available under the Bloomberg ticker symbol: BCBCLI Index.
Natural Disaster/Epidemic Risk
Natural or environmental disasters, such as earthquakes, fires, floods, hurricanes, tsunamis and other severe weather-related phenomena generally, and widespread disease, including pandemics and epidemics (for example, the novel coronavirus COVID-19),
have been and can be highly disruptive to economies and markets and have recently led, and may continue to lead, to increased market volatility and significant market losses. Such natural disaster and health crises could exacerbate political, social, and economic risks previously mentioned, and result in significant breakdowns, delays, shutdowns, social isolation, and other disruptions to important global, local and regional supply chains affected, with potential corresponding results on the operating performance of the Funds and their investments. A climate of uncertainty and panic, including the contagion of infectious viruses or diseases, may adversely affect global, regional, and local economies and reduce the availability of potential investment opportunities, and increases the difficulty of performing due diligence and modeling market conditions, potentially reducing the accuracy of financial projections. Under these
130
Table of Contents
circumstances, the Funds may have difficulty achieving their investment objectives which may adversely impact performance. Further, such events can be highly disruptive to economies and markets, significantly disrupt the operations of individual companies (including, but not limited to, the Funds’ Sponsor and third party service providers), sectors, industries, markets, securities and commodity exchanges, currencies, interest and inflation rates, credit ratings, investor sentiment, and other factors affecting the value of the Funds’ investments. These factors can cause substantial market volatility, exchange trading suspensions and closures and can impact the ability of the Funds to complete redemptions and otherwise affect Fund performance and Fund trading in the secondary market. A widespread crisis may also affect the global economy in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the current time. How long such events will last and whether they will continue or recur cannot be predicted. Impacts from these events could have significant impact on a Fund’s performance, resulting in losses to your investment.
Risk that Current Assumptions and Expectations Could Become Outdated As a Result of Global Economic Shocks
The onset of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
has caused significant shocks to global financial markets and economies, with many governments taking extreme actions to slow and contain the spread of COVID-19.
These actions have had, and likely will continue to have, a severe economic impact on global economies as economic activity in some instances has essentially ceased. Financial markets across the globe are experiencing severe distress at least equal to what was experienced during the global financial crisis in 2008. In March 2020, U.S. equity markets entered a bear market in the fastest such move in the history of U.S. financial markets. Contemporaneous with the onset of the COVID-19
pandemic in the US, oil experienced shocks to supply and demand, impacting the price and volatility of oil. The global economic shocks being experienced as of the date hereof may cause the underlying assumptions and expectations of the Funds to become outdated quickly or inaccurate, resulting in significant losses.
Change to the VIX Funds Benchmark Indices
Change to VIX Futures Contracts Settlement Time \ Index Methodology.
On Monday, October 26, 2020, the Chicago Futures Exchange (a subsidiary of the Chicago Board Options Exchange) changed the settlement time for the VIX futures contracts in which the Funds invest from 4:15 p.m. (Eastern Time) to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time). As a result, on Monday, October 26, 2020, S&P Dow Jones Indices revised the index methodology for the S&P 500 ®
VIX Mid-Term
Futures Index, the benchmark for ProShares VIX Mid-Term
Futures ETF, and the S&P 500 ®
VIX Short-Term Futures Index, the benchmark for ProShares VIX Short-Term Futures ETF, ProShares Ultra VIX Short-Term Futures ETF and ProShares Short VIX Short-Term Futures ETF, to reflect the new settlement time.
Change to the Fund’s Net Asset Value (“NAV”) Calculation Time.
As a result of these changes to the settlement time for VIX futures contracts and the Index methodology, on Monday, October 26, 2020 each Fund changed its NAV calculation time from 4:15 p.m. (Eastern Time) to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time). Additional information
about the calculation of NAV is included in each Fund’s Prospectus.
Change to the VIX Funds Exchange Listing.
On December 16, 2020, each Fund transferred its listing from NYSE Arca to the Cboe BZX Exchange.
NOTE 9 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Management has evaluated the possibility of subsequent events existing in the Trust’s and the Funds’ financial statements through the date the financial statements were issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Trust’s or the Funds’ financial statements through this date.
131
Table of Contents
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.