United States Securities and exchange commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
(Mark One)
[X]Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the securities exchange act of 1934.
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016
or
[ ]Transition report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.
For the transition period from __________________ to _________________
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Commission |
Registrant, State of Incorporation Address and Telephone Number |
I.R.S. Employer Identification No. |
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1-11255 |
AMERCO |
88-0106815 |
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(A Nevada Corporation) |
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5555 Kietzke Lane, Ste. 100 |
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Reno, Nevada 89511 |
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Telephone (775) 688-6300 |
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class |
Name of each exchange on which registered |
Common stock, $0.25 par value |
NASDAQ Global Selection Market |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Act. Yes [ ] No [X]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files.) Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of a “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer [X] Accelerated filer [ ]
Non-accelerated filer [ ] (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [ ] No [X]
The aggregate market value of AMERCO common stock held by non-affiliates on September 30, 2015 was $2,392,872,853. The aggregate market value was computed using the closing price for the common stock trading on NASDAQ on such date. Shares held by executive officers, directors and persons owning directly or indirectly more than 5% of the outstanding common stock have been excluded from the preceding number because such persons may be deemed to be affiliates of the registrant. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.
19,607,788 shares of AMERCO Common Stock, $0.25 par value, were outstanding at May 20, 2016.
Documents incorporated by reference: portions of AMERCO’s definitive proxy statement for the 2016 annual meeting of stockholders, to be filed within 120 days after AMERCO’s fiscal year ended March 31, 2016, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.
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PART I |
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Item 1. |
Business |
1 |
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Item 1A. |
Risk Factors |
6 |
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Item 1B. |
Unresolved Staff Comments |
11 |
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Item 2. |
Properties |
11 |
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Item 3. |
Legal Proceedings |
11 |
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Item 4. |
14 |
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PART II |
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Item 5. |
Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities |
14 |
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Item 6. |
Selected Financial Data |
16 |
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Item 7. |
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
17 |
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Item 7A. |
38 |
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39 |
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Item 9. |
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure |
39 |
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Item 9A. |
Controls and Procedures |
39 |
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Item 9B. |
Other Information |
42 |
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PART III |
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Item 10. |
42 |
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Item 11. |
42 |
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Item 12. |
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters |
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Item 13. |
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence |
42 |
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Item 14. |
42 |
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PART IV |
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Item 15. |
42 |
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Item 1. Business
Company Overview
We are North America’s largest “do-it-yourself” moving and storage operator through our subsidiary U-Haul International, Inc. (“U-Haul”). U-Haul is synonymous with “do-it-yourself” moving and storage and is a leader in supplying products and services to help people move and store their household and commercial goods. Our primary service objective is to provide a better and better product or service to more and more people at a lower and lower cost. Unless the context otherwise requires, the term “AMERCO,” “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” refers to AMERCO, a Nevada corporation, and all of its legal subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis.
We were founded in 1945 as a sole proprietorship under the name "U-Haul Trailer Rental Company" and have rented trailers ever since. Starting in 1959, we rented trucks on a one-way and in-town basis exclusively through independent U-Haul dealers. In 1974, we began developing our network of U-Haul managed retail stores, through which we rent our trucks and trailers, self-storage rooms and portable moving and storage units and sell moving and self-storage products and services to complement our independent dealer network.
We rent our distinctive orange and white U-Haul trucks and trailers as well as offer self-storage rooms through a network of approximately 1,700 Company operated retail moving stores and approximately 19,500 independent U-Haul dealers. We also sell U-Haul brand boxes, tape and other moving and self-storage products and services to “do-it-yourself” moving and storage customers at all of our distribution outlets and through our uhaul.com and eMove® web sites.
We believe U-Haul is the most convenient supplier of products and services addressing the needs of North America’s “do-it-yourself” moving and storage market. Our broad geographic coverage throughout the United States and Canada and our extensive selection of U-Haul brand moving equipment rentals, self-storage rooms, portable moving and storage units and related moving and storage products and services provide our customers with convenient “one-stop” shopping.
Since 1945 U-Haul has incorporated sustainable practices into its everyday operations. We believe that our basic business premise of equipment sharing helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduces the inventory of total large capacity vehicles. We continue to look for ways to reduce waste within our business and are dedicated to manufacturing reusable components and recyclable products. We believe that our commitment to sustainability, through our products and services and everyday operations has helped us to reduce our impact on the environment.
Through Repwest Insurance Company (“Repwest”) and ARCOA Risk Retention Group ("ARCOA"), our property and casualty insurance subsidiaries, we manage the property, liability and related insurance claims processing for U-Haul. Oxford Life Insurance Company (“Oxford”), our life insurance subsidiary, sells life insurance, Medicare supplement insurance, annuities and other related products to the senior market.
Available Information
AMERCO and U-Haul are each incorporated in Nevada. U-Haul’s internet address is uhaul.com. On AMERCO’s investor relations web site, amerco.com, we post the following filings as soon as practicable after they are electronically filed with or furnished to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”): our Annual Report on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our Current Reports on Form 8-K, our proxy statement related to our annual meeting of stockholders, and any amendments to those reports or statements filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). We also use our investor relations web site as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. All such filings on our web site are available free of charge. Additionally, you will find these materials on the SEC’s website at sec.gov.
Our customers are primarily “do-it-yourself” household movers. U-Haul moving equipment is specifically designed, engineered and manufactured for the “do-it-yourself” household mover. These “do-it-yourself” movers include individuals and families moving their belongings from one home to another, college students moving their belongings, vacationers and sports enthusiasts needing extra space or having special towing needs, people trying to save on home furniture and home appliance delivery costs, and “do-it-yourself” home remodeling and gardening enthusiasts who need to transport materials.
As of March 31, 2016, our rental fleet consisted of approximately 139,000 trucks, 108,000 trailers and 38,000 towing devices. This equipment and our U-Haul brand of self-moving products and services are available through our network of managed retail moving stores and independent U-Haul dealers. Independent U-Haul dealers receive rental equipment from the Company, act as rental agents and are paid a commission based on gross revenues generated from their U-Haul rentals.
Our rental truck chassis are engineered by domestic truck manufacturers. These chassis are joined with the U-Haul designed and manufactured van boxes primarily at U-Haul operated manufacturing and assembly facilities strategically located throughout the United States. U-Haul rental trucks feature our proprietary Lowest DeckSM, which provides our customers with extra ease of loading. The loading ramps on our trucks are the widest in the industry, which reduce the effort needed to move belongings. Our trucks are fitted with convenient, padded rub rails with tie downs on every interior wall. Our Gentle Ride SuspensionSM helps our customers safely move delicate and prized possessions. Also, the engineers at our U-Haul Technical Center determined that the softest ride in our trucks was at the front of the van box. Consequently, we designed the part of the van box that hangs over the front cab of the truck to be the location for our customers to place their most fragile items during their move. We call this area Mom’s AtticSM.
Our distinctive trailers are also manufactured at these same U-Haul operated manufacturing and assembly facilities. These trailers are well suited to the low profile of many of today’s newly manufactured automobiles. Our engineering staff is committed to making our trailers easy to tow, safe, aerodynamic and fuel efficient.
To provide our self-move customers with added value, our rental trucks and trailers are designed with fuel efficiency in mind. Many of our trucks are fitted with fuel economy gauges, another tool that assists our customers in conserving fuel. To help make our rental equipment more reliable, we routinely perform extensive preventive maintenance and repairs.
We also provide customers with equipment to transport their vehicles. We provide two towing options; auto transport, in which all four wheels are off the ground, and a tow dolly, in which the front wheels of the towed vehicle are off the ground.
To help our customers load their boxes and larger household appliances and furniture, we offer several accessory rental items. Our utility dolly has a lightweight design and is easy to maneuver. Another rental accessory is our four wheel dolly, which provides a large, flat surface for moving dressers, wall units, pianos and other large household items. U-Haul appliance dollies provide the leverage needed to move refrigerators, freezers, washers and dryers easily and safely. These utility, furniture and appliance dollies, along with the low decks and the wide loading ramps on U-Haul trucks and trailers, are designed for easy loading and unloading of our customers’ belongings.
The total package U-Haul offers to the “do-it-yourself” household mover doesn’t end with trucks, trailers and accessory rental items. Our moving supplies include a wide array of affordably priced U-Haul brand boxes, tape and packing materials. We also provide specialty boxes for dishes, computers and sensitive electronic equipment, as well as tape, security locks, and packing supplies. U-Haul brand boxes are specifically sized to make loading easier.
We estimate that U-Haul is North America’s largest seller and installer of hitches and towing systems. In addition to towing U-Haul equipment, these hitching and towing systems can tow jet skis, motorcycles, boats, campers and horse trailers. Each year, more than one million customers visit our locations for expertise on complete towing systems, trailer rentals and the latest in towing accessories.
U-Haul has one of North America’s largest propane refilling networks, with over 1,100 locations providing this convenient service. We employ trained, certified personnel to refill propane cylinders and alternative fuel vehicles. Our network of propane dispensing locations is one of the largest automobile alternative refueling networks in North America.
Our self-storage business was a natural outgrowth of our self-moving operations. Conveniently located U-Haul self-storage rental facilities provide clean, dry and secure space for storage of household and commercial goods. Storage units range in size from 6 square feet to over 1,000 square feet. As of March 31, 2016, we operate nearly 1,360 self-storage locations in North America, with over 536,000 rentable rooms comprising 47.9 million square feet of rentable storage space. Our self-storage centers feature a wide array of security measures, ranging from electronic property access control gates to individually alarmed storage units. At many centers, we offer climate controlled storage rooms to protect temperature sensitive goods such as video tapes, albums, photographs and precious wood furniture.
Another extension of our strategy to make “do-it-yourself” moving and storage easier is our U-Box® program. A U-Box portable moving and storage unit is delivered to a location of our customer’s choosing either by the customers themselves through the use of a U-Box trailer, with the assistance of a Moving Helper or by Company personnel. Once the U-Box portable moving and storage unit is filled, it can be stored at the customer’s location, or taken to one of our Company operated locations, a participating independent dealer, or moved to a location of the customer’s choice.
Additionally, we offer moving and storage protection packages such as Safemove and Safetow. These programs provide moving and towing customers with a damage waiver, cargo protection and medical and life insurance coverage. Safestor provides protection for storage customers from loss on their goods in storage. Safestor Mobile provides protection for customers stored belongings when using our U-Box portable and moving storage units. For our customers who desire additional coverage over and above the standard Safemove protection, we also offer our Safemove Plus product. This package provides the rental customer with a layer of primary liability protection.
We believe that through our web site, uhaul.com, we have aggregated the largest network of customers and independent businesses in the self-moving and self-storage industry. In particular, our Moving Helper program connects “do-it-yourself” movers with thousands of independent service providers across North America to assist our customers in packing, loading, unloading, cleaning, driving and performing other services.
Through the U-Haul Storage Affiliate Program, independent storage businesses can join the world’s largest self-storage reservation system. Self-storage customers making a reservation through uhaul.com can access all of the U-Haul self-storage centers and all of our independent storage affiliate partners for even greater convenience to meet their self-storage needs. For the independent storage operator, our network gives them access to products and services allowing them to compete with larger operators more cost effectively.
We own the registered trademarks or service marks “U-Haul®”, “AMERCO®”, “In-Town®”, “eMove®”, “C.A.R.D.®”, “Safemove®”, “WebSelfStorage®”, “webselfstorage.com(SM)”, “uhaul.com®”, “Lowest Decks(SM)”, “Gentle Ride Suspension(SM)”, “Mom’s Attic®”, “U-Box®”, “Moving Help®”, “Safestor®”, “U-Haul Investors Club™”, “uhaulinvestorsclub.com(SM)”, “U-Note™”, among others, for use in connection with the moving and storage business.
Description of Operating Segments
AMERCO’s three reportable segments are:
Financial information for each of our operating segments is included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as part of Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Moving and Storage Operating Segment
Moving and Storage operating segment (“Moving and Storage”) consists of the rental of trucks, trailers, portable moving and storage units, specialty rental items and self-storage spaces primarily to the household mover as well as sales of moving supplies, towing accessories and propane. Operations are conducted under the registered trade name U-Haul® throughout the United States and Canada.
Net revenue from Moving and Storage was approximately 91.0%, 91.0% and 90.6% of consolidated net revenue in fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
During fiscal 2016, the Company placed over 38,000 new trucks in service. These additions and replacements to the fleet were a combination of U-Haul manufactured vehicles and purchases. Typically as new trucks are added to the fleet the Company removes older trucks from the fleet. The total number of rental trucks in the fleet increased during fiscal 2016 as the pace of new additions was greater than those trucks removed for retirement and sale.
Within our truck and trailer rental operation we are focused on expanding our independent dealer network to provide added convenience for our customers. U-Haul maximizes vehicle utilization by managing distribution of the truck and trailer fleets among the approximately 1,700 Company operated stores and approximately 19,500 independent dealers. Utilizing its proprietary reservations management system, the Company’s centers and dealers electronically report their inventory in real-time, which facilitates matching equipment to customer demand. Approximately 53% of all U-Move rental revenue originates from the Company operated centers.
At our owned and operated retail stores we are implementing new initiatives to improve customer service. These initiatives include improving management of our rental equipment to provide our retail centers with the right type of rental equipment, at the right time and at the most convenient location for our customers, effective marketing of our broad line of self-moving related products and services, expanding accessibility to provide more convenience to our customers, and enhancing our ability to properly staff locations during our peak hours of operations by attracting and retaining “moonlighters” (part-time U-Haul employees with full-time jobs elsewhere) during our peak hours of operation.
Our self-moving related products and services, such as boxes, pads and insurance, help our customers have a better moving experience and help them to protect their belongings from potential damage during the moving process. We are committed to providing a complete line of products selected with the “do-it-yourself” moving and storage customer in mind.
Our self-storage business operations consist of the rental of self-storage rooms, portable moving and storage units, sales of self-storage related products, the facilitation of sales of services, and the management of self-storage facilities owned by others.
U-Haul is one of the largest North American operators of self-storage and has been a leader in the self-storage industry since 1974. U-Haul operates over 536,000 storage rooms, comprising 47.9 million square feet of storage space with locations in 49 states and 10 Canadian provinces. U-Haul’s owned and managed self-storage facility locations range in size up to 172,000 square feet of storage space, with individual storage units in sizes ranging from 6 square feet to over 1,000 square feet.
The primary market for storage rooms is the storage of household goods. We believe that our self-storage services provide a competitive advantage through such things as Max Security, an electronic system that monitors the storage facility 24 hours a day, climate control in select units, individually alarmed rooms, extended hours access, and an internet-based customer reservation and account management system.
Moving Help and U-Haul Storage Affiliates on uhaul.com are online marketplaces that connect consumers to independent Moving Help™ service providers and thousands of independent Self-Storage Affiliates. Our network of customer-rated Moving Help and affiliates provide pack and load help, cleaning help, self-storage and similar services all over North America. Our goal is to further utilize our web-based technology platform to increase service to consumers and businesses in the moving and storage market.
Moving and Storage business is seasonal and our results of operations and cash flows fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter. Historically, revenues have been stronger in the first and second fiscal quarters due to the overall increase in moving activity during the spring and summer months. The fourth fiscal quarter is generally our weakest.
Property and Casualty Insurance Operating Segment
Our Property and Casualty Insurance operating segment (“Property and Casualty Insurance”) provides loss adjusting and claims handling for U-Haul through regional offices across North America. Property and Casualty Insurance also underwrites components of the Safemove, Safetow, Safemove Plus, Safestore Mobile and Safestor protection packages to U-Haul customers. We attempt to price our products to be a good value to our customers. The business plan for Property and Casualty Insurance includes offering property and casualty products in other U-Haul related programs.
Net revenue from Property and Casualty Insurance was approximately 2.0%, 1.9% and 1.8% of consolidated net revenue in fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Life Insurance Operating Segment
Life Insurance provides life and health insurance products primarily to the senior market through the direct writing and reinsuring of life insurance, Medicare supplement and annuity policies.
Net revenue from Life Insurance was approximately 7.0%, 7.1% and 7.6% of consolidated net revenue in fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Employees
As of March 31, 2016, we employed nearly 26,400 people throughout North America with approximately 98% of these employees working within Moving and Storage and approximately 55% of these employees working on a part-time basis.
Sales and Marketing
We promote U-Haul brand awareness through direct and co-marketing arrangements. Our direct marketing activities consist of web based initiatives, print and social media as well as trade events, movie cameos of our rental fleet and boxes, and industry and consumer communications. We believe that our rental equipment is our best form of advertisement. We support our independent U-Haul dealers through marketing U-Haul moving and self-storage rentals, products and services.
Our marketing plan focuses on maintaining our leadership position in the “do-it-yourself” moving and storage industry by continually improving the ease of use and economy of our rental equipment, by providing added convenience to our retail centers, through independent U-Haul dealers, and by expanding the capabilities of our U-Haul web sites.
A significant driver of U-Haul’s rental transaction volume is our utilization of an online reservation and sales system, through uhaul.com and our 24-hour 1-800-GO-U-HAUL telephone reservations system. These points of contact are prominently featured and are a major driver of customer lead sources.
Competition
Moving and Storage Operating Segment
The truck rental industry is highly competitive and includes a number of significant national, regional and local competitors. Generally speaking, we consider there to be two distinct users of rental trucks: commercial and “do-it-yourself” residential users. We primarily focus on the “do-it-yourself” residential user. Within this segment, we believe the principal competitive factors are convenience of rental locations, availability of quality rental moving equipment, breadth of essential products and services, and total cost to the user. Our major national competitors in both the In-Town and one-way moving equipment rental market are Avis Budget Group, Inc. and Penske Truck Leasing. Additionally, we have numerous competitors throughout North America who compete with us in the In-Town market.
The self-storage market is large and very fragmented. We believe the principal competitive factors in this industry are convenience of storage rental locations, cleanliness, security and price. Our largest competitors in the self-storage market are Public Storage Inc., Extra Space Storage, Inc., Cubesmart and Sovran Self-Storage Inc.
The insurance industry is highly competitive. In addition, the marketplace includes financial services firms offering both insurance and financial products. Some of the insurance companies are owned by stockholders and others are owned by policyholders. Many competitors have been in business for a longer period of time or possess substantially greater financial resources and broader product portfolios than our insurance companies. We compete in the insurance business based upon price, product design, and services rendered to agents and policyholders.
Financial Data of Segment and Geographic Areas
For financial data of our segments and geographic areas please see Note 21, Financial Information by Geographic Area and Note 21A, Consolidating Financial Information by Industry Segment to our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Annual Report”), contains “forward-looking statements” regarding future events and our future results of operations. We may make additional written or oral forward-looking statements from time to time in filings with the SEC or otherwise. We believe such forward-looking statements are within the meaning of the safe-harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Such statements may include, but are not limited to, estimates of capital expenditures, plans for future operations, products or services, financing needs and plans, our perceptions of our legal positions and anticipated outcomes of government investigations and pending litigation against us, liquidity, goals and strategies, plans for new business, storage occupancy, growth rate assumptions, pricing, costs, and access to capital and leasing markets the impact of our compliance with environmental laws and cleanup costs, our used vehicle disposition strategy, the sources and availability of funds for our rental equipment and self-storage expansion and replacement strategies and plans, our plan to expand our U-Haul storage affiliate program, that additional leverage can be supported by our operations and business, the availability of alternative vehicle manufacturers, our estimates of the residual values of our equipment fleet, our plans with respect to off-balance sheet arrangements, our plans to continue to invest in the U-Box program, the impact of interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate changes on our operations, the sufficiency of our capital resources and the sufficiency of capital of our insurance subsidiaries as well as assumptions relating to the foregoing. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “estimate,” “project” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statement was made.
Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Factors that could significantly affect results include, without limitation, the risk factors enumerated below under the heading “Risk Factors” and other factors described in this Annual Report or the other documents we file with the SEC. These factors, the following disclosures, as well as other statements in this Annual Report and in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, could contribute to or cause such risks or uncertainties, or could cause our stock price to fluctuate dramatically. Consequently, the forward-looking statements should not be regarded as representations or warranties by us that such matters will be realized. We assume no obligation to update or revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether in response to new information, unforeseen events, changed circumstances or otherwise.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
The following discussion of risk factors should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) and the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes. These risk factors may be important in understanding this Annual Report or elsewhere.
We operate in a highly competitive industry.
The truck rental industry is highly competitive and includes a number of significant national, regional and local competitors. We believe the principal competitive factors in this industry are convenience of rental locations, availability of quality rental moving equipment, breadth of essential services and products and total cost. Financial results for the Company can be adversely impacted by aggressive pricing from our competitors. Some of our competitors may have greater financial resources than we have. We cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain existing rental prices or implement price increases. Moreover, if our competitors reduce prices and we are not able or willing to do so as well, we may lose rental volume, which would likely have a materially adverse affect on our results of operations.
The self-storage industry is large and highly fragmented. We believe the principal competitive factors in this industry are convenience of storage rental locations, cleanliness, security and price. Competition in the market areas in which we operate is significant and affects the occupancy levels, rental rates and operating expenses of our facilities. Competition might cause us to experience a decrease in occupancy levels, limit our ability to raise rental rates or require us to offer discounted rates that would have a material affect on results of operations and financial condition. Entry into the self-storage business may be accomplished through the acquisition of existing facilities by persons or institutions with the required initial capital. Development of new self-storage facilities is more difficult however, due to land use, zoning, environmental and other regulatory requirements. The self-storage industry has in the past experienced overbuilding in response to perceived increases in demand. We cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully compete in existing markets or expand into new markets.
We are highly leveraged.
As of March 31, 2016, we had total debt outstanding of $2,688.8 million and total undiscounted operating lease commitments of $157.0 million. Although we believe, based on existing information, that additional leverage can be supported by our operations and revenues, our existing debt could impact us in the following ways among other considerations:
Our ability to make payments on our debt and operating leases depends upon our ability to maintain and improve our operating performance and generate cash flow. To some extent, this is subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow from operations to service our debt and meet our other cash needs, including our operating leases, we may be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness. If we must sell our assets, it may negatively affect our ability to generate revenue. In addition, we may incur additional debt or leases that would exacerbate the risks associated with our indebtedness.
Economic conditions, including those related to the credit markets, may adversely affect our industry, business and results of operations.
Consumer and commercial spending is generally affected by the health of the economy, which places some of the factors affecting the success of our business beyond our control. Our businesses, although not as traditionally cyclical as some, could experience significant downturns in connection with or in anticipation of, declines, or sustained lack of recovery, in general economic conditions. In times of declining consumer spending we may be driven, along with our competitors, to reduce pricing which would have a negative impact on gross profit. We cannot predict if another downturn, or sustained lack of recovery, in the economy will occur, which could result in reduced revenues and working capital.
Should credit markets in the United States tighten or if interest rates increase significantly, we may not be able to refinance existing debt or find additional financing on favorable terms, if at all. If one or more of the financial institutions that support our existing credit facilities fails, we may not be able to find a replacement, which would negatively impact our ability to borrow under credit facilities. If our operating results were to worsen significantly and our cash flows or capital resources prove inadequate, or if interest rates increase significantly, we could face liquidity problems that could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Our fleet rotation program can be adversely affected by financial market conditions.
To meet the needs of our customers, U-Haul maintains a large fleet of rental equipment. Our rental truck fleet rotation program is funded internally through operations and externally from debt and lease financing. Our ability to fund our routine fleet rotation program could be adversely affected if financial market conditions limit the general availability of external financing. This could lead us to operate trucks longer than initially planned and/or reduce the size of the fleet, either of which could materially and negatively affect our results of operations.
Another important aspect of our fleet rotation program is the sale of used rental equipment. The sale of used equipment provides us with funds that can be used to purchase new equipment. Conditions may arise that could lead to the decrease in demand and/or resale values for our used equipment. This could have a material adverse effect on our financial results, which could result in substantial losses on the sale of equipment and decreases in cash flows from the sales of equipment.
We obtain our rental trucks from a limited number of manufacturers.
Over the last twenty years, we purchased the majority of our rental trucks from Ford Motor Company and General Motors Corporation. Our fleet can be negatively affected by issues our manufacturers may face within their own supply chain. Also, it is possible that our suppliers may face financial difficulties or organizational changes which could negatively impact their ability to accept future orders or fulfill existing orders. The cost of acquiring new rental trucks could increase materially and negatively affect our ability to rotate new equipment into the fleet. Although we believe that we could contract with alternative manufacturers for our rental trucks, we cannot guarantee or predict how long that would take. In addition, termination of our existing relationship with these suppliers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations for an indefinite period of time.
We may not be able to effectively hedge against interest rate changes in our variable debt.
In certain instances, the Company seeks to manage its exposure to interest rate risk through the use of hedging instruments including interest rate swap agreements and forward swaps. We enter into these arrangements with counterparties that are significant financial institutions with whom we generally have other financial arrangements. We are exposed to credit risk should these counterparties not be able to perform on their obligations. Additionally, a failure on our part to effectively hedge against interest rate changes may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. We are required to record these financial instruments at their fair value. Changes in interest rates can significantly impact the valuation of the instruments resulting in non-cash changes to our financial position.
A substantial amount of our shares is owned by a small contingent of stockholders.
Willow Grove Holdings LP, James P. Shoen, David L. Holmes as trustee, Rosemarie T. Donovan as trustee, Mark V. Shoen and Edward J. Shoen, directly and through controlled entities as applicable (collectively, the “Reporting Persons”) are parties to a stockholder agreement (the “Stockholder Agreement”) in which the Reporting Persons have agreed to vote their collective 10,898,124 shares (approximately 55.6%) of AMERCO common stock as one group, as provided in the Stockholder Agreement. Pursuant to the Stockholder Agreement, all such 10,898,124 shares are required to be voted at the direction of a majority in interest of the Reporting Persons. For additional information, refer to the Schedule 13Ds filed on July 13, 2006, March 9, 2007, June 26, 2009, May 1, 2013, December 17, 2015 and on February 12, 2016 with the SEC.
In December 2015, each of James P. Shoen, Rosemarie Donovan as trustee, and David L. Holmes as trustee provided written notice that they intend to withdraw their shares, constituting a total of 2,538,622 shares, from the Stockholder Agreement on June 30, 2016. James P. Shoen, Rosemarie T. Donovan and David L. Holmes shall remain subject to the Stockholder Agreement until the effective date of such withdrawal, which is expected to occur before our next annual meeting of stockholders. The withdrawal of such shares from the Stockholder Agreement will result in us no longer being a “controlled company” pursuant to the Nasdaq listing rules as of July 1, 2016. However, Willow Grove Holdings, LP, directly and through controlled entities, owns 8,307,584 shares of AMERCO common stock, and together with Edward J. Shoen and Mark V. Shoen, owns 8,359,502 shares (approximately 42.6%) of AMERCO common stock. Accordingly, Edward J. Shoen and Mark V. Shoen, brothers, are in a position to significantly influence our business and policies, including the approval of certain significant transactions, the election of the members of our Board of Directors and other matters submitted to our stockholders. There can be no assurance that their interests will not conflict with the interests of our other stockholders.
In addition, 1,232,753 shares (approximately 6.3%) of AMERCO common stock is owned under our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”). Each ESOP participant is entitled to vote the shares allocated to himself or herself in their discretion. In the event an ESOP participant does not vote his or her shares, such shares shall be voted by the ESOP trustee, in the ESOP trustee’s discretion.
We bear certain risks related to our notes receivable from SAC Holding.
At March 31, 2016, we held a $49.3 million note receivable from SAC Holding, which consists of a junior unsecured note. This entity is highly leveraged with significant indebtedness to others. If SAC Holding is unable to meet its obligations to its senior lenders, it could trigger a default of its obligation to us. In such an event of default, we could suffer a loss to the extent the value of the underlying collateral of SAC Holding is inadequate to repay its senior lenders and our junior unsecured note. We cannot assure you that SAC Holding will not default on its loans to their senior lenders or that the value of its assets upon liquidation would be sufficient to repay us in full.
Our quarterly results of operations fluctuate due to seasonality and other factors associated with our industry.
Our business is seasonal and our results of operations and cash flows fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter. Historically, revenues have been stronger in the first and second fiscal quarters due to the overall increase in moving activity during the spring and summer months. The fourth fiscal quarter is generally weakest, due to a greater potential for adverse weather conditions and other factors that are not necessarily seasonal. As a result, our operating results for any given quarterly period are not necessarily indicative of operating results for an entire year.
Our operations subject us to numerous environmental regulations and the possibility that environmental liability in the future could adversely affect our operations.
Compliance with environmental requirements of federal, state and local governments significantly affects our business. Among other things, these requirements regulate the discharge of materials into the air, land and water and govern the use and disposal of hazardous substances. Under environmental laws or common law principles, we can be held liable for hazardous substances that are found on real property we have owned or operated. We are aware of issues regarding hazardous substances on some of our real estate and we have put in place a remediation plan at each site where we believe such a plan is necessary. See Note 18, Contingencies of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. We regularly make capital and operating expenditures to stay in compliance with environmental laws. In particular, we have managed a testing and removal program since 1988 for our underground storage tanks. Despite these compliance efforts, we believe that risk of environmental liability is part of the nature of our business.
Environmental laws and regulations are complex, change frequently and could become more stringent in the future. We cannot assure you that future compliance with these regulations, future environmental liabilities, the cost of defending environmental claims, conducting any environmental remediation or generally resolving liabilities caused by us or related third parties will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
We operate in a highly regulated industry and changes in existing regulations or violations of existing or future regulations could have a material adverse effect on our operations and profitability.
Our truck and trailer rental business is subject to regulation by various federal, state and foreign governmental entities. Specifically, the U.S. Department of Transportation and various state, federal and Canadian agencies exercise broad powers over our motor carrier operations, safety, and the generation, handling, storage, treatment and disposal of waste materials. In addition, our storage business is also subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to environmental protection and human health and safety. The failure to adhere to these laws and regulations may adversely affect our ability to sell or rent such property or to use the property as collateral for future borrowings. Compliance with changing regulations could substantially impair real property and equipment productivity and increase our costs. In addition, the Federal government may institute some regulation that limits carbon emissions by setting a maximum amount of carbon entities can emit without penalty. This would likely affect everyone who uses fossil fuels and would disproportionately affect users in the highway transportation industries. While there are too many variables at this time to assess the impact of the various proposed federal and state regulations that could affect carbon emissions, many experts believe these proposed rules could significantly affect the way companies operate in their industries.
Our operations can be limited by land-use regulations. Zoning choices enacted by individual municipalities across North America may limit our ability to serve certain markets with our products and services.
Our insurance companies are heavily regulated by state insurance departments and the NAIC. These insurance regulations are primarily in place to protect the interests of our policyholders and not our investors. Changes in these laws and regulations could increase our costs, inhibit new sales, or limit our ability to implement rate increases.
A significant portion of our revenues are generated through third-parties.
Our business plan relies upon a network of independent dealers strategically placed throughout North America. As of March 31, 2016 we had approximately 19,500 independent equipment rental dealers. In fiscal 2016, approximately 47% of our equipment rental revenues were generated through this network.
Our inability to maintain this network or its current cost structure could inhibit our ability to adequately serve our customers and may negatively affect our results of operations and financial position.
We face liability risks associated with the operation of our rental fleet.
The business of renting moving and storage equipment to customers exposes us to liability claims including property damage, personal injury and even death. We seek to limit the occurrence of such events through the design of our equipment, communication of its proper use and exhaustive repair and maintenance schedules. Regardless, accidents still occur and we manage the financial risk of these events through third party insurance carriers. While these excess loss insurance policies are available today at reasonable costs, this could change and could negatively affect our results of operations and financial position.
Our ability to attract and retain qualified employees, and changes in laws or other labor issues could adversely affect our business and our results of operations.
The success of our business is predicated upon our workforce providing excellent customer service. Our ability to attract and retain this employee base may be inhibited due to prevailing wage rates, benefit costs and the adoption of new or revised employment and labor laws and regulations. Should this occur we may be unable to provide service in certain areas or we may experience significantly increased costs of labor that could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
We are highly dependent upon our automated systems and the Internet for managing our business.
Our information systems are largely Internet-based, including our point-of-sale reservation system, payment processing and telephone systems. While our reliance on this technology lowers our cost of providing service and expands our abilities to better serve customers, it exposes us to various risks including natural and man-made disasters and cyber-attacks. We have put into place extensive security protocols, backup systems and alternative procedures to mitigate these risks. However, disruptions or
breaches, detected or undetected by us, for any period of time in any portion of these systems could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition, inflict reputational damage and result in litigation with third parties.
A.M. Best financial strength ratings are crucial to our life insurance business.
In May 2015, A.M. Best affirmed the financial strength rating for Oxford and Christian Fidelity Life Insurance Company (“CFLIC”) to A- with a stable outlook and affirmed the financial strength rating for North American Insurance Company (“NAI”) of B++ with a stable outlook. Financial strength ratings are important external factors that can affect the success of Oxford’s business plans. Accordingly, if Oxford’s ratings, relative to its competitors, are not maintained or do not continue to improve, Oxford may not be able to retain and attract business as currently planned, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
We may incur losses due to our reinsurers’ or counterparties’ failure to perform under existing contracts or we may be unable to secure sufficient reinsurance or hedging protection in the future.
We use reinsurance and derivative contracts to mitigate our risk of loss in various circumstances; primarily at Repwest and for Moving and Storage. These agreements do not release us from our primary obligations and therefore we remain ultimately responsible for these potential costs. We cannot provide assurance that these reinsurers or counterparties will fulfill their obligations. Their inability or unwillingness to make payments to us under the terms of the contracts may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
At December 31, 2015, Repwest reported $1.7 million of reinsurance recoverables, net of allowances and $107.3 million of reserves and liabilities ceded to reinsurers. Of this, Repwest’s largest exposure to a single reinsurer was $60.5 million.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
To our knowledge, we have no unresolved staff comments as of March 31, 2016.
Item 2. Properties
The Company, through its legal subsidiaries, owns property, plant and equipment that are utilized in the manufacturing, repair and rental of U-Haul equipment and storage space, as well as providing office space for us. Such facilities exist throughout the United States and Canada. We also manage storage facilities owned by others. We operate approximately 1,700 U-Haul retail centers of which approximately 480 are managed for other owners, and 11 manufacturing and assembly facilities. We also operate over 130 fixed-site repair facilities located throughout the United States and Canada. These facilities are used primarily for the benefit of Moving and Storage.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
PODS Enterprises, Inc. v. U-Haul International, Inc.
On July 3, 2012, PODS Enterprises, Inc. (“PEI”), filed a lawsuit against U-Haul International, Inc. (“U-Haul”), in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division, alleging (1) Federal Trademark Infringement under Section 32 of the Lanham Act, (2) Federal Unfair Competition under Section 43(a) of the Lanham Act, (3) Federal Trademark dilution by blurring in violation of Section 43(c) of the Lanham Act, (4) common law trademark infringement under Florida law, (5) violation of the Florida Dilution; Injury to Business Reputation statute, (6) unfair competition and trade practices, false advertising and passing off under Florida common law, (7) violation of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, and (8) unjust enrichment under Florida law.
The claims arose from U-Haul’s use of the word “pod” and “pods” as a generic term for its U-Box moving and storage product. PEI alleged that such use is an inappropriate use of its PODS mark. Under the claims alleged in its Complaint, PEI sought a Court Order permanently enjoining U-Haul from: (1) the use of the PODS mark, or any other trade name or trademark confusingly similar to the mark; and (2) the use of any false descriptions or representations or committing any acts of unfair competition by using the PODS mark or any trade name or trademark confusingly similar to the mark. PEI also sought a Court Order (1) finding all of PEI’s trademarks valid and enforceable and (2) requiring U-Haul to alter all web pages to promptly remove the PODS mark from all websites owned or operated on behalf of U-Haul. Finally, PEI sought an award of damages in an amount to be proven at trial, but which are alleged to be approximately $70 million. PEI also sought pre-judgment interest, trebled damages, and punitive damages.
U-Haul does not believe that PEI’s claims have merit and vigorously defended the lawsuit. On September 17, 2012, U-Haul filed its Counterclaims, seeking a Court Order declaring that: (1) U-Haul’s use of the term “pods” or “pod” does not infringe or dilute PEI’s purported trademarks or violate any of PEI’s purported rights; (2) the purported mark “PODS” is not a valid, protectable, or registrable trademark; and (3) the purported mark “PODS PORTABLE ON DEMAND STORAGE” is not a valid, protectable, or registrable trademark. U-Haul also sought a Court Order cancelling the marks at issue in the case.
The case was tried to a jury, beginning on September 8, 2014. On September 19, 2014, the Court granted U-Haul’s motion for directed verdict on the issue of punitive damages. The Court deferred ruling on U-Haul’s motion for directed verdict on its defense that the words “pod” and “pods” were generic terms for a container used for the moving and storage of goods at the time PEI obtained its trademark (“genericness defense”). Closing arguments were on September 22, 2014.
On September 25, 2014, the jury returned a unanimous verdict, finding in favor of PEI and against U-Haul on all claims and counterclaims. The jury awarded PEI $45 million in actual damages and $15.7 million in U-Haul’s alleged profits attributable to its use of the term “pod” or “pods.”
On October 1, 2014, the Court ordered briefing on U-Haul’s oral motion for directed verdict on its genericness defense, the motion on which the Court had deferred ruling during trial. Pursuant to the Court’s order, the parties’ briefing on that motion was completed by October 21, 2014.
On March 11, 2015, the Court denied U-Haul’s Renewed Motion for Directed Verdict, For Judgment as a Matter of Law, Or in the Alternative, Motion for a New Trial. Also on March 11, 2015, the Court entered Judgment on the jury verdict in favor of PEI and against U-Haul in the amount of $60.7 million. This was recorded as an accrual in our financial statements.
The parties have filed a series of post-Judgment motions:
On March 25, 2015, PEI filed a motion for an award of attorneys’ fees and expenses in the amount of $6.5 million. On April 27, 2015, U-Haul filed its opposition brief to that motion.
On March 25, 2015, PEI filed a Proposed Bill of Costs in the amount of $186,411. On April 14, 2015, U-Haul filed an opposition to PEI’s Proposed Bill of Costs. On May 1, 2015, PEI filed an amended bill of costs in the amount of $196,133.
On April 6, 2015, U-Haul filed, with PEI’s consent, a motion to stay execution of the Judgment, pending the trial court’s rulings on U-Haul’s post-Judgment motions. That motion was supported by a supersedeas bond in the amount of $60.9 million, which represents 100% of the Judgment plus post-Judgment interest at the rate of 0.25% per year for 18 months. PEI and U-Haul both reserved the right to modify the amount of the bond in the event the Judgment is modified by the Court’s rulings on the parties’ post-Judgment motions (described below). On April 7, 2015, the Court granted U-Haul’s motion on consent, staying the Judgment pending rulings on U-Haul’s post-Judgment motions.
On April 8, 2015, U-Haul filed its Renewed Motion for Judgment As Matter of Law, or in the Alternative, Motion for New Trial, or to Alter the Judgment. U-Haul argued that it is entitled to judgment as a matter of law because even when all evidence is viewed in PEI’s favor, it was legally insufficient for the jury to find for PEI. Alternatively, U-Haul argued that it is entitled to a new trial because the verdict is against the weight of the evidence. Alternatively, U-Haul argued that the Court should reduce the damages and profits award under principles of equity. On April, 27, 2015, PEI filed its opposition brief.
On April 8, 2015, PEI filed a Motion to Amend the Judgment pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 59(e), in which it asked that the Judgment be amended to include (i) the entry of a permanent injunction; (ii) an award of pre-Judgment interest in the amount of $4.9 million; (iii) an award of post-Judgment interest in the amount of $11,441 and continuing to accrue at the rate of 0.25% while the case proceeds; (iv) doubling of the damages award to $121.4 million; and (v) the entry of an order directing the Patent and Trademark Office to dismiss the cancellation proceedings that U-Haul filed, which sought cancellation of the PODS trademarks. On April 27, 2015, U-Haul filed its opposition brief arguing, among other things, that (1) PEI is not entitled to recover double the windfall the jury incorrectly awarded it; (2) PEI is not entitled to the overreaching injunction it seeks; (3) PEI is not entitled to pre-judgment interest; (4) PEI has overstated the amount of post-Judgment interest to which it is entitled; and (5) PEI’s request that the Court order the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board to dismiss U-Haul’s cancellation proceeding is premature.
On April 9, 2015, U-Haul filed a protective Notice of Appeal. We expect that this notice of appeal will be automatically stayed and will become effective upon the disposition of (1) U-Haul’s renewed motion for judgment or a new trial or alteration of the Judgment or (2) PEI’s motion to alter or amend the Judgment, whichever comes later.
On August 24, 2015, the trial court entered two orders resolving the parties' post-trial motions. In short, U-Haul’s efforts at setting aside the judgment, getting a new trial or reducing the amount of the jury award were denied, PEI’s motions to enhance (i.e., double) the jury award and receive an award for attorneys’ fees were denied, but the Court entered a permanent injunction, and awarded PEI $4.9 million in pre-judgment interest, $82,727 in costs, and post-judgment interest at the rate of 0.25%, beginning March 11, 2015, computed daily and compounded annually. This was recorded as an accrual of $5.0 million in our financial statements during fiscal 2016.
On September 4, 2015, U-Haul filed in the trial court its (i) amended notice of appeal, (ii) motion on consent of PEI to approve the bond and stay execution of the judgment pending appeal, and (iii) motion to stay or modify the injunction.
On September 8, 2015, the trial court entered an Order granting U-Haul’s Motion on Consent to Approve Bond and Stay Execution of Judgment. The Judgment, as amended by the trial court’s orders adding an award of costs and pre-judgment interest, is stayed pending resolution of appeals.
On October 15, 2015, the trial court denied U-Haul’s motion to modify or stay the injunction pending appeal. But in the process, the Court clarified that (i) the reach of the injunction is limited to “advertising, promoting, marketing, or describing any products or services” and (ii) use of the terms “pod” and “pods” in comparative advertising is not prohibited, thereby allowing “nominative fair use" and truthful communications in customer dialogue and making clear that “nothing in the injunction mandates censorship with respect to consumer comments.”
PEI’s deadline for filing a notice of cross-appeal was September 23, 2015, and PEI did not file a notice of cross-appeal.
On September 23, 2015, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals granted the parties’ joint motion for an extension of time for filing their respective briefs on appeal. U-Haul’s initial brief was due on December 17, 2015, PEI’s response brief was due on March 16, 2016, and U-Haul’s reply was due on April 29, 2016.
On September 24, 2015, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals issued a Notice setting a telephonic mediation for November 16, 2015, beginning at 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The mediation was unsuccessful.
U-Haul filed its opening brief on appeal with the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals on December 17, 2015. PEI filed its response brief on March 16, 2016. U-Haul filed its reply brief on April 29, 2016. U-Haul has requested oral argument, PEI did not oppose that request, and the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals has not yet acted on that request.
Compliance with environmental requirements of federal, state and local governments may significantly affect Real Estate’s business operations. Among other things, these requirements regulate the discharge of materials into the air, land and water and govern the use and disposal of hazardous substances. Real Estate is aware of issues regarding hazardous substances on some of its properties. Real Estate regularly makes capital and operating expenditures to stay in compliance with environmental laws and has put in place a remedial plan at each site where it believes such a plan is necessary. Since 1988, Real Estate has managed a testing and removal program for underground storage tanks.
Based upon the information currently available to Real Estate, compliance with the environmental laws and its share of the costs of investigation and cleanup of known hazardous waste sites are not expected to result in a material adverse effect on AMERCO’s financial position or results of operations.
Other
We are named as a defendant in various other litigation and claims arising out of the normal course of business. In management’s opinion, none of these other matters will have a material effect on our financial position and results of operations.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosure
Not applicable.
Part ii
Item 5. Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
As of May 2, 2016, there were approximately 2,900 holders of record of our common stock. We derived the number of our stockholders using internal stock ledgers and utilizing Mellon Investor Services Stockholder listings. AMERCO’s common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the trading symbol “UHAL”.
The following table sets forth the high and the low sales price of the common stock of AMERCO for the periods indicated:
|
Years Ended March 31, |
|||||||
|
|
2016 |
|
2015 |
||||
|
|
High |
|
Low |
|
High |
|
Low |
First quarter |
$ |
338.41 |
$ |
318.55 |
$ |
297.08 |
$ |
224.71 |
Second quarter |
|
414.13 |
|
321.47 |
|
294.45 |
|
255.97 |
Third quarter |
|
436.89 |
|
375.00 |
|
291.54 |
|
231.53 |
Fourth quarter |
|
389.00 |
|
305.66 |
|
335.00 |
|
266.26 |
Dividends
AMERCO does not have a formal dividend policy. The Board periodically considers the advisability of declaring and paying dividends to common stockholders in light of existing circumstances.
Declared Date |
|
Per Share Amount |
|
Record Date |
|
Dividend Date |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 15, 2016 |
$ |
1.00 |
|
April 5, 2016 |
|
April 21, 2016 |
August 28, 2015 |
|
3.00 |
|
September 16, 2015 |
|
October 2, 2015 |
June 4, 2015 |
|
1.00 |
|
June 19, 2015 |
|
July 1, 2015 |
February 4, 2015 |
|
1.00 |
|
March 6, 2015 |
|
March 17, 2015 |
December 4, 2013 |
|
1.00 |
|
January 10, 2014 |
|
February 14, 2014 |
See Note 20, Statutory Financial Information of Insurance Subsidiaries of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of certain statutory restrictions on the ability of the insurance subsidiaries to pay dividends to AMERCO.
The following graph compares the cumulative total stockholder return on the Company’s common stock for the period March 31, 2011 through March 31, 2016 with the cumulative total return on the Dow Jones US Total Market and the Dow Jones US Transportation Average. The comparison assumes that $100 was invested on March 31, 2011 in the Company’s common stock and in each of the comparison indices. The graph reflects the value of the investment based on the closing price of the common stock trading on NASDAQ on March 31, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.
|
2011 |
|
2012 |
|
2013 |
|
2014 |
|
2015 |
|
2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AMERCO |
$ |
100 |
$ |
110 |
$ |
189 |
$ |
254 |
$ |
363 |
$ |
396 |
Dow Jones US Total Market |
|
100 |
|
107 |
|
118 |
|
134 |
|
144 |
|
144 |
Dow Jones US Transportation Average |
|
100 |
|
99 |
|
118 |
|
143 |
|
165 |
|
150 |
Item 6.Selected Financial Data
The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the MD&A, and the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes in this Annual Report.
Listed below is selected financial data for AMERCO and consolidated subsidiaries for each of the last five years:
|
Years Ended March 31, |
|||||||||
|
|
2016 |
|
2015 |
|
2014 |
|
2013 |
|
2012 |
|
|
(In thousands, except share and per share data) |
||||||||
Summary of Operations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Self-moving equipment rentals |
$ |
2,297,980 |
$ |
2,146,391 |
$ |
1,955,423 |
$ |
1,767,520 |
$ |
1,678,256 |
Self-storage revenues |
|
247,944 |
|
211,136 |
|
181,794 |
|
152,660 |
|
134,376 |
Self-moving and self-storage products and service sales |
|
251,541 |
|
244,177 |
|
234,187 |
|
221,117 |
|
213,854 |
Property management fees |
|
26,533 |
|
25,341 |
|
24,493 |
|
24,378 |
|
23,266 |
Life insurance premiums |
|
162,662 |
|
156,103 |
|
157,919 |
|
178,115 |
|
277,562 |
Property and casualty insurance premiums |
|
50,020 |
|
46,456 |
|
41,052 |
|
34,342 |
|
32,631 |
Net investment and interest income |
|
86,805 |
|
84,728 |
|
79,591 |
|
82,903 |
|
73,552 |
Other revenue |
|
152,171 |
|
160,199 |
|
160,793 |
|
97,552 |
|
78,530 |
Total revenues |
|
3,275,656 |
|
3,074,531 |
|
2,835,252 |
|
2,558,587 |
|
2,512,027 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses |
|
1,470,047 |
|
1,479,409 |
|
1,313,674 |
|
1,193,934 |
|
1,115,126 |
Commission expenses |
|
262,627 |
|
249,642 |
|
227,332 |
|
204,758 |
|
190,254 |
Cost of sales |
|
144,990 |
|
146,072 |
|
127,270 |
|
107,216 |
|
116,542 |
Benefits and losses |
|
167,436 |
|
158,760 |
|
156,702 |
|
180,676 |
|
320,191 |
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs |
|
23,272 |
|
19,661 |
|
19,982 |
|
17,376 |
|
13,791 |
Lease expense |
|
49,780 |
|
79,798 |
|
100,466 |
|
117,448 |
|
131,215 |
Depreciation, net of (gains) losses on disposals (b) |
|
290,690 |
|
278,165 |
|
259,612 |
|
237,996 |
|
208,901 |
Total costs and expenses |
|
2,408,842 |
|
2,411,507 |
|
2,205,038 |
|
2,059,404 |
|
2,096,020 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings from operations |
|
866,814 |
|
663,024 |
|
630,214 |
|
499,183 |
|
416,007 |
Interest expense |
|
(97,903) |
|
(97,525) |
|
(92,692) |
|
(90,696) |
|
(90,371) |
Fees and amortization on early extinguishment of debt |
|
– |
|
(4,081) |
|
– |
|
– |
|
– |
Pretax earnings |
|
768,911 |
|
561,418 |
|
537,522 |
|
408,487 |
|
325,636 |
Income tax expense |
|
(279,910) |
|
(204,677) |
|
(195,131) |
|
(143,779) |
|
(120,269) |
Net earnings |
|
489,001 |
|
356,741 |
|
342,391 |
|
264,708 |
|
205,367 |
Less: Excess of redemption value over carrying value of preferred shares redeemed |
|
– |
|
– |
|
– |
|
– |
|
(5,908) |
Less: Preferred stock dividends (a) |
|
– |
|
– |
|
– |
|
– |
|
(2,913) |
Earnings available to common shareholders |
$ |
489,001 |
$ |
356,741 |
$ |
342,391 |
$ |
264,708 |
$ |
196,546 |
Basic and diluted earnings per common share |
$ |
24.95 |
$ |
18.21 |
$ |
17.51 |
$ |
13.56 |
$ |
10.09 |
Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic and diluted |
|
19,596,110 |
|
19,586,633 |
|
19,558,758 |
|
19,518,779 |
|
19,476,187 |
Cash dividends declared and accrued Preferred stock (a) |
$ |
– |
$ |
– |
$ |
– |
$ |
– |
$ |
2,913 |
Cash dividends declared and accrued Common stock |
|
97,960 |
|
19,594 |
|
19,568 |
|
97,421 |
|
– |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance Sheet Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment, net |
$ |
5,017,511 |
$ |
4,107,637 |
$ |
3,409,211 |
$ |
2,755,054 |
$ |
2,372,365 |
Total assets |
|
8,150,725 |
|
6,872,175 |
|
5,998,978 |
|
5,306,601 |
|
4,654,051 |
Notes, loans and leases payable |
|
2,688,758 |
|
2,190,869 |
|
1,942,359 |
|
1,661,845 |
|
1,486,211 |
Stockholders' equity |
|
2,251,406 |
|
1,884,359 |
|
1,527,368 |
|
1,229,259 |
|
1,035,820 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) Fiscal 2012 reflects the elimination of $0.3 million paid to affiliates. |
||||||||||
(b) (Gains) losses were ($98.7) million, ($74.6) million, ($33.6) million, ($22.5) million and ($20.9) million for fiscal 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. |
||||||||||
Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
We begin this MD&A with the overall strategy of AMERCO, followed by a description of, and strategy related to, our operating segments to give the reader an overview of the goals of our businesses and the direction in which our businesses and products are moving. We then discuss our critical accounting policies and estimates that we believe are important to understanding the assumptions and judgments incorporated in our reported financial results. Next, we discuss our results of operations for fiscal 2016 compared with fiscal 2015, and for fiscal 2015 compared with fiscal 2014 which are followed by an analysis of changes in our balance sheets and cash flows, and a discussion of our financial commitments in the sections entitled Liquidity and Capital Resources and Disclosures about Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments. We conclude this MD&A by discussing our outlook for fiscal 2017.
This MD&A should be read in conjunction with the other sections of this Annual Report, including Item 1: Business, Item 6: Selected Financial Data and Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. The various sections of this MD&A contain a number of forward-looking statements, as discussed under the caption, Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Statements, all of which are based on our current expectations and could be affected by the uncertainties and risk factors described throughout this Annual Report and particularly under the section Item 1A: Risk Factors. Our actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements.
AMERCO has a fiscal year that ends on the 31st of March for each year that is referenced. Our insurance company subsidiaries have fiscal years that end on the 31st of December for each year that is referenced. They have been consolidated on that basis. Our insurance companies’ financial reporting processes conform to calendar year reporting as required by state insurance departments. Management believes that consolidating their calendar year into our fiscal year financial statements does not materially affect the presentation of financial position or results of operations. We disclose all material events, if any, occurring during the intervening period. Consequently, all references to our insurance subsidiaries’ years 2015, 2014 and 2013 correspond to fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 for AMERCO.
Overall Strategy
Our overall strategy is to maintain our leadership position in the North American “do-it-yourself” moving and storage industry. We accomplish this by providing a seamless and integrated supply chain to the “do-it-yourself” moving and storage market. As part of executing this strategy, we leverage the brand recognition of U-Haul with our full line of moving and self-storage related products and services and the convenience of our broad geographic presence.
Our primary focus is to provide our customers with a wide selection of moving rental equipment, convenient self-storage rental facilities and portable moving and storage units and related moving and self-storage products and services. We are able to expand our distribution and improve customer service by increasing the amount of moving equipment and storage rooms and portable moving and storage units available for rent, expanding the number of independent dealers in our network and expanding and taking advantage of our eMove capabilities.
Property and Casualty Insurance is focused on providing and administering property and casualty insurance to U-Haul and its customers, its independent dealers and affiliates.
Life Insurance is focused on long-term capital growth through direct writing and reinsuring of life, Medicare supplement and annuity products in the senior marketplace.
Description of Operating Segments
AMERCO’s three reportable segments are:
See Note 1, Basis of Presentation, Note 21, Financial Information by Geographic Area and Note 21A, Consolidating Financial Information by Industry Segment of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Annual Report.
Moving and Storage Operating Segment
Moving and Storage consists of the rental of trucks, trailers, portable moving and storage units, specialty rental items and self-storage spaces primarily to the household mover as well as sales of moving supplies, towing accessories and propane. Operations are conducted under the registered trade name U-Haul® throughout the United States and Canada.
With respect to our truck, trailer, specialty rental items and self-storage rental business, we are focused on expanding our dealer network, which provides added convenience for our customers and expanding the selection and availability of rental equipment to satisfy the needs of our customers.
U-Haul brand self-moving related products and services, such as boxes, pads and tape allow our customers to, among other things; protect their belongings from potential damage during the moving process. We are committed to providing a complete line of products selected with the “do-it-yourself” moving and storage customer in mind.
uhaul.com is an online marketplace that connects consumers to our operations as well as independent Moving Help® service providers and thousands of independent Self-Storage Affiliates. Our network of customer rated affiliates and service providers furnish pack and load help, cleaning help, self-storage and similar services, all over North America. Our goal is to further utilize our web-based technology platform to increase service to consumers and businesses in the moving and storage market.
Since 1945 U-Haul has incorporated sustainable practices into its everyday operations. We believe that our basic business premise of equipment sharing helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduces the inventory of total large capacity vehicles. We continue to look for ways to reduce waste within our business and are dedicated to manufacturing reusable components and recyclable products. We believe that our commitment to sustainability, through our products and services and everyday operations has helped us to reduce our impact on the environment.
Property and Casualty Insurance Operating Segment
Property and Casualty Insurance provides loss adjusting and claims handling for U-Haul through regional offices across North America. Property and Casualty Insurance also underwrites components of the Safemove, Safetow, Safemove Plus, Safestor and Safestor Mobile protection packages to U-Haul customers. We continue to focus on increasing the penetration of these products into the moving and storage market. The business plan for Property and Casualty Insurance includes offering property and casualty products in other U-Haul related programs.
Life Insurance Operating Segment
Life Insurance provides life and health insurance products primarily to the senior market through the direct writing and reinsuring of life insurance, Medicare supplement and annuity policies.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States. The methods, estimates and judgments we use in applying our accounting policies can have a significant impact on the results we report in our financial statements. Note 3, Accounting Policies of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data in this Annual Report summarizes the significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. Certain accounting policies require us to make difficult and subjective judgments and assumptions, often as a result of the need to estimate matters that are inherently uncertain.
Following is a detailed description of the accounting policies that we deem most critical to us and that require management’s most difficult and subjective judgments. These estimates are based on historical experience, observance of trends in particular areas, information and valuations available from outside sources and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances and which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual amounts may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions; such differences may be material.
We also have other policies that we consider key accounting policies, such as revenue recognition; however, these policies do not meet the definition of critical accounting estimates, because they do not generally require us to make estimates or judgments that are difficult or subjective. The accounting policies that we deem most critical to us, and involve the most difficult, subjective or complex judgments include the following:
Principles of Consolidation
We apply ASC 810 - Consolidation (“ASC 810”) in our principles of consolidation. ASC 810 addresses arrangements where a company does not hold a majority of the voting or similar interests of a variable interest entity (“VIE”). A company is required to consolidate a VIE if it has determined it is the primary beneficiary. ASC 810 also addresses the policy when a company owns a majority of the voting or similar rights and exercises effective control.
As promulgated by ASC 810, a VIE is not self-supportive due to having one or both of the following conditions: (i) it has an insufficient amount of equity for it to finance its activities without receiving additional subordinated financial support or (ii) its owners do not hold the typical risks and rights of equity owners. This determination is made upon the creation of a variable interest and is re-assessed on an on-going basis should certain changes in the operations of a VIE, or its relationship with the primary beneficiary trigger a reconsideration under the provisions of ASC 810. After a triggering event occurs the facts and circumstances are utilized in determining whether or not a company is a VIE, which other company(s) have a variable interest in the entity, and whether or not the company’s interest is such that it is the primary beneficiary.
We will continue to monitor our relationships with the other entities regarding who is the primary beneficiary, which could change based on facts and circumstances of any reconsideration events.
Recoverability of Property, Plant and Equipment
Our Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost. Interest expense incurred during the initial construction of buildings and rental equipment is considered part of cost. Depreciation is computed for financial reporting purposes using the straight-line or an accelerated method based on a declining balance formula over the following estimated useful lives: rental equipment 2-20 years and buildings and non-rental equipment 3-55 years. We follow the deferral method of accounting based on ASC 908 - Airlines for major overhauls in which engine and transmission overhauls are currently capitalized and amortized over three years. Routine maintenance costs are charged to operating expense as they are incurred. Gains and losses on dispositions of property, plant and equipment are netted against depreciation expense when realized. Equipment depreciation is recognized in amounts expected to result in the recovery of estimated residual values upon disposal, i.e., minimize gains or losses. In determining the depreciation rate, historical disposal experience, holding periods and trends in the market for vehicles are reviewed.
We regularly perform reviews to determine whether facts and circumstances exist which indicate that the carrying amount of assets, including estimates of residual value, may not be recoverable or that the useful life of assets are shorter or longer than originally estimated. Reductions in residual values (i.e., the price at which we ultimately expect to dispose of revenue earning equipment) or useful lives will result in an increase in depreciation expense over the remaining life of the equipment. Reviews are performed based on vehicle class, generally subcategories of trucks and trailers. We assess the recoverability of our assets by comparing the projected undiscounted net cash flows associated with the related asset or group of assets over their estimated remaining lives against their respective carrying amounts. We consider factors such as current and expected future market price trends on used vehicles and the expected life of vehicles included in the fleet. Impairment, if any, is based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of those assets. If asset residual values are determined to be recoverable, but the useful lives are shorter or longer than originally estimated, the net book value of the assets is depreciated over the newly determined remaining useful lives.
Management determined that additions to the fleet resulting from purchases should be depreciated on an accelerated method based upon a declining formula. Under the declining balances method (2.4 times declining balance), the book value of a rental truck is reduced by approximately 16%, 13%, 11%, 9%, 8%, 7%, and 6% during years one through seven, respectively, and then reduced on a straight line basis to a salvage value of 20% by the end of year fifteen. Beginning in October 2012, new purchased rental equipment subject to this depreciation schedule is depreciated to a salvage value of 15%. Comparatively, a standard straight line approach would reduce the book value by approximately 5.7% per year over the life of the truck.
Although we intend to sell our used vehicles for prices approximating book value, the extent to which we realize a gain or loss on the sale of used vehicles is dependent upon various factors including but not limited to, the general state of the used vehicle market, the age and condition of the vehicle at the time of its disposal and the depreciation rates with respect to the vehicle. We typically sell our used vehicles at our sales centers throughout North America, on our web site at uhaul.com/trucksales or by phone at 1-866-404-0355. Additionally, we sell a large portion of our pickup and cargo van fleet at automobile dealer auctions.
Insurance Reserves
Liabilities for life insurance and certain annuity and health policies are established to meet the estimated future obligations of policies in force, and are based on mortality, morbidity and withdrawal assumptions from recognized actuarial tables which contain margins for adverse deviation. In addition, liabilities for health, disability and other policies include estimates of payments to be made on insurance claims for reported losses and estimates of losses incurred, but not yet reported. Liabilities for annuity contracts consist of contract account balances that accrue to the benefit of the policyholders.
Insurance reserves for Property and Casualty Insurance and U-Haul take into account losses incurred based upon actuarial estimates and are management’s best approximation of future payments. These estimates are based upon past claims experience and current claim trends as well as social and economic conditions such as changes in legal theories and inflation. These reserves consist of case reserves for reported losses and a provision for losses incurred but not reported (“IBNR”), both reduced by applicable reinsurance recoverables, resulting in a net liability.
Due to the nature of the underlying risks and high degree of uncertainty associated with the determination of the liability for future policy benefits and claims, the amounts to be ultimately paid to settle these liabilities cannot be precisely determined and may vary significantly from the estimated liability, especially for long-tailed casualty lines of business such as excess workers’ compensation. As a result of the long-tailed nature of the excess workers’ compensation policies written by Repwest during 1983 through 2001, it may take a number of years for claims to be fully reported and finally settled.
On a regular basis insurance reserve adequacy is reviewed by management to determine if existing assumptions need to be updated. In determining the assumptions for calculating workers’ compensation reserves, management considers multiple factors including the following:
We have reserved each claim based upon the accumulation of current claim costs projected through each claimant’s life expectancy, and then adjusted for applicable reinsurance arrangements. Management reviews each claim bi-annually to determine if the estimated life-time claim costs have increased and then adjusts the reserve estimate accordingly at that time. We have factored in an estimate of what the potential cost increases could be in our IBNR liability. We have not assumed settlement of the existing claims in calculating the reserve amount, unless it is in the final stages of completion.
Continued increases in claim costs, including medical inflation and new treatments and medications could lead to future adverse development resulting in additional reserve strengthening. Conversely, settlement of existing claims or if injured workers return to work or expire prematurely, could lead to future positive development.
Impairment of Investments
Investments are evaluated pursuant to guidance contained in ASC 320 - Investments - Debt and Equity Securities to determine if and when a decline in market value below amortized cost is other-than-temporary. Management makes certain assumptions or judgments in its assessment including but not limited to: our ability and intent to hold the security, quoted market prices, dealer quotes or discounted cash flows, industry factors, financial factors, and issuer specific information such as credit strength. Other-than-temporary impairment in value is recognized in the current period operating results. There were no write downs in fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Income Taxes
AMERCO files a consolidated tax return with all of its legal subsidiaries.
Our tax returns are periodically reviewed by various taxing authorities. The final outcome of these audits may cause changes that could materially impact our financial results. Please see Note 13, Provision for Taxes for more information.
Fair Values
Fair values of cash equivalents approximate carrying value due to the short period of time to maturity. Fair values of short term investments, investments available-for-sale, long term investments, mortgage loans and notes on real estate, and interest rate swap contracts are based on quoted market prices, dealer quotes or discounted cash flows. Fair values of trade receivables approximate their recorded value.
Our financial instruments that are exposed to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of temporary cash investments, trade receivables, reinsurance recoverables and notes receivable. Limited credit risk exists on trade receivables due to the diversity of our customer base and their dispersion across broad geographic markets. We place our temporary cash investments with financial institutions and limit the amount of credit exposure to any one financial institution.
We have mortgage receivables, which potentially expose us to credit risk. The portfolio of notes is principally collateralized by self-storage facilities and commercial properties. We have not experienced any material losses related to the notes from individual or groups of notes in any particular industry or geographic area. The estimated fair values were determined using the discounted cash flow method and using interest rates currently offered for similar loans to borrowers with similar credit ratings.
The carrying amount of long term debt and short term borrowings are estimated to approximate fair value as the actual interest rate is consistent with the rate estimated to be currently available for debt of similar term and remaining maturity.
Other investments including short term investments are substantially current or bear reasonable interest rates. As a result, the carrying values of these financial instruments approximate fair value.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, an updated standard on revenue recognition. The standard creates a five-step model for revenue recognition that requires companies to exercise judgment when considering contract terms and relevant facts and circumstances. The standard requires expanded disclosure surrounding revenue recognition. Early application is not permitted. The standard is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and allows for either full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, Deferral of Effective Date, which delays the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year to fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2017. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net), which is intended to improve the operability and understandability of the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations and the effective date is the same as requirements in ASU 2015-14. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on our consolidated financial statements.
In March 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. The amendments in this update require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in this update. The guidance is effective for interim periods and annual period beginning after December 15, 2015; however early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments – Overall (subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. ASU 2016-01 addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. Among other provisions, the new guidance requires the fair value measurement of investments in certain equity securities. For investments without readily determinable fair values, entities have the option to either measure these investments at fair value or at cost adjusted for changes in observable prices minus impairment. All changes in measurement will be recognized in net income. The guidance is effective for interim periods and annual period beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is not permitted, except for certain provisions relating to financial liabilities. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on our consolidated financial statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases - (Topic 842). This update will require lessees to recognize all leases with terms greater than 12 months on their balance sheet as lease liabilities with a corresponding right-of-use asset. This update maintains the dual model for lease accounting, requiring leases to be classified as either operating or finance, with lease classification determined in a manner similar to existing lease guidance. The basic principle is that leases of all types convey the right to direct the use and obtain substantially all the economic benefits of an identified asset, meaning they create an asset and liability for lessees. Lessees will classify leases as either finance leases (comparable to current capital leases) or operating leases (comparable to current operating leases). Costs for a finance lease will be split between amortization and interest expense, with a single lease expense reported for operating leases. This update also will require both qualitative and quantitative disclosures to help investors and other financial statement users better understand the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The guidance is effective for interim periods and annual period beginning after December 15, 2018; however early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on our consolidated financial statements. For the last nine years, we have reported a discounted estimate of the off-balance sheet lease obligations in our MD&A.
From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the FASB or the SEC that are adopted by the Company as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, these ASU’s entail technical corrections to existing guidance or affect guidance related to specialized industries or entities and therefore will have minimal, if any, impact on our financial position or results of operations upon adoption.
AMERCO and Consolidated Subsidiaries
Fiscal 2016 Compared with Fiscal 2015
Listed below, on a consolidated basis, are revenues for our major product lines for fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015:
|
Year Ended March 31, |
|||
|
|
2016 |
|
2015 |
|
|
(In thousands) |
||
Self-moving equipment rentals |
$ |
2,297,980 |
$ |
2,146,391 |
Self-storage revenues |
|
247,944 |
|
211,136 |
Self-moving and self-storage products and service sales |
|
251,541 |
|
244,177 |
Property management fees |
|
26,533 |
|
25,341 |
Life insurance premiums |
|
162,662 |
|
156,103 |
Property and casualty insurance premiums |
|
50,020 |
|
46,456 |
Net investment and interest income |
|
86,805 |
|
84,728 |
Other revenue |
|
152,171 |
|
160,199 |
Consolidated revenue |
$ |
3,275,656 |
$ |
3,074,531 |
Self-moving equipment rental revenues increased $151.6 million during fiscal 2016, compared with the fiscal 2015. We continue to focus on enhancing our convenience to our customers by expanding our retail distribution system and growing our rental equipment fleet. During fiscal 2016, we added both independent dealers and Company-owned locations further extending our network reach. Our truck, trailer and towing device fleets experienced net additions during fiscal 2016. These activities, combined with operational improvements resulted in increases in both our one-way and In-Town rental transactions compared with last year. Revenue increased primarily from these transaction gains.
Self-storage revenues increased $36.8 million during fiscal 2016, compared with fiscal 2015. The average monthly amount of occupied square feet increased by 13.8% during fiscal 2016 compared with the same period last year. The growth in revenues and square feet rented comes from a combination of improved rates per square foot, occupancy gains at existing locations and from the addition of new facilities to the portfolio. During fiscal 2016, we added approximately 3.6 million net rentable square feet or a 17.9% increase, with approximately 0.8 million of that coming during the fourth quarter.
Sales of self-moving and self-storage products and services increased $7.4 million during fiscal 2016, compared with fiscal 2015. Increases were recognized in the sales of moving supplies and towing accessories and related installations.
Life insurance premiums increased $6.6 million during fiscal 2016, compared with fiscal 2015 due primarily to increased life and Medicare supplement premiums.
Property and casualty insurance premiums increased $3.6 million during fiscal 2016, compared with fiscal 2015 due to an increase in Safestor and Safetow sales, which is a reflection of the increased equipment and storage rental transactions.
Net investment and interest income increased $2.1 million during fiscal 2016, compared with fiscal 2015, due to a larger invested asset base at our insurance companies. This was partially offset by decreased interest income at Moving and Storage resulting from reduced note balances due from SAC Holding and Private Mini Storage Realty (“Private Mini”).
Other revenue decreased $8.0 million during fiscal 2016, compared with fiscal 2015 caused primarily by lower U-BoxTM program rentals.
As a result of the items mentioned above, revenues for AMERCO and its consolidated entities were $3,275.7 million for fiscal 2016 as compared with $3,074.5 million for fiscal 2015.
Listed below are revenues and earnings from operations at each of our operating segments for fiscal 2016 and 2015. The insurance companies’ years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.
|
Year Ended March 31, |
|||
|
|
2016 |
|
2015 |
|
|
(In thousands) |
||
Moving and storage |
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
$ |
2,984,504 |
$ |
2,800,438 |
Earnings from operations before equity in earnings of subsidiaries |
|
813,124 |
|
610,430 |
Property and casualty insurance |
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
64,803 |
|
59,275 |
Earnings from operations |
|
24,547 |
|
23,477 |
Life insurance |
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
231,220 |
|
219,656 |
Earnings from operations |
|
29,773 |
|
29,755 |
Eliminations |
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
(4,871) |
|
(4,838) |
Earnings from operations before equity in earnings of subsidiaries |
|
(630) |
|
(638) |
Consolidated Results |
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
3,275,656 |
|
3,074,531 |
Earnings from operations |
|
866,814 |
|
663,024 |
Total costs and expenses decreased $2.7 million during fiscal 2016, compared with fiscal 2015. Total costs at Moving and Storage decreased $18.6 million. The largest component of the decrease was related to our accruals for expenses associated with the PEI litigation which were $5.0 million and $60.7 million for fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. Personnel and overhead cost increases were partially offset by decreased direct operating costs associated with the U-Box program. Depreciation expense increased $36.6 million; however, gains from the disposal of property, plant and equipment increased $24.1 million. This resulted in a net increase of $12.5 million in depreciation expense, net. We have increased the number of trucks sold compared with the same period last year and the resale market for these trucks remained relatively strong. Lease expense decreased $30.0 million as a result of our shift in financing new equipment on the balance sheet versus through operating leases. Total costs and expenses in the insurance segments increased $15.9 million primarily due to expenses associated with additional new business written.
As a result of the above mentioned changes in revenues and expenses, earnings from operations increased to $866.8 million for fiscal 2016, compared with $663.0 million for fiscal 2015.
Interest expense for fiscal 2016 was $97.9 million, compared with $97.5 million for fiscal 2015 due to an increase in average borrowings partially offset by a decrease in average borrowing costs.
Income tax expense was $279.9 million for fiscal 2016, compared with $204.7 million for fiscal 2015. The increase was due to higher pretax earnings for fiscal 2016. The effective tax rate was 36.4% and 36.5% for fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively.
As a result of the above mentioned items, earnings available to common shareholders were $489.0 million for fiscal 2016, compared with $356.7 million for fiscal 2015.
Basic and diluted earnings per common share for fiscal 2016 were $24.95, compared with $18.21 for fiscal 2015.
The weighted average common shares outstanding basic and diluted were 19,596,110 for fiscal 2016, compared with 19,586,633 for fiscal 2015.
Fiscal 2015 Compared with Fiscal 2014
Listed below, on a consolidated basis, are revenues for our major product lines for fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014:
|
Year Ended March 31, |
|||
|
|
2015 |
|
2014 |
|
|
(In thousands) |
||
Self-moving equipment rentals |
$ |
2,146,391 |
$ |
1,955,423 |
Self-storage revenues |
|
211,136 |
|
181,794 |
Self-moving and self-storage products and service sales |
|
244,177 |
|
234,187 |
Property management fees |
|
25,341 |
|
24,493 |
Life insurance premiums |
|
156,103 |
|
157,919 |
Property and casualty insurance premiums |
|
46,456 |
|
41,052 |
Net investment and interest income |
|
84,728 |
|
79,591 |
Other revenue |
|
160,199 |
|
160,793 |
Consolidated revenue |
$ |
3,074,531 |
$ |
2,835,252 |
Self-moving equipment rental revenues increased $191.0 million for fiscal 2015, compared with fiscal 2014. During fiscal 2015, we continued to broaden our retail distribution network through the expansion of our independent dealer network combined with the acquisition and development of new Company owned and operated locations. Our rental equipment fleet expanded as we increased the number of trucks, trailers and towing devices available for customer use. These initiatives, in tandem with our continued focus improving the rental process through the use of technology resulted in our ability to facilitate the increase in both our In-Town and one-way rental transactions. These additional transactions account for the majority of the improvement in revenues during fiscal 2015.
Self-storage revenues increased $29.3 million for fiscal 2015, compared with fiscal 2014. The improvement in revenue comes from an increase in the number of rooms rented at both new and existing locations along with an improvement in overall rental rates across our portfolio. During fiscal 2015, we added approximately 2.1 million net rentable square feet or nearly a 12% increase, with approximately 0.7 million of that coming during the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, the average monthly amount of occupied square feet increased by 13% compared with fiscal 2014.
Sales of self-moving and self-storage products and services increased $10.0 million for fiscal 2015, compared with fiscal 2014. We earned increases from the sale of moving supplies, towing accessories and installation.
Life insurance premiums decreased $1.8 million for fiscal 2015, compared with fiscal 2014, primarily attributable to reduced life and Medicare supplement premiums.
Property and casualty insurance premiums increased $5.4 million for fiscal 2015, compared with fiscal 2014, primarily from policies sold in conjunction with U-Haul rental transactions. As moving transactions increased this year so did the sales of insurance products related to these transactions.
Net investment and interest income increased $5.1 million for fiscal 2015, compared with fiscal 2014. Increases at our Life Insurance and Property and Casualty Insurance segments were due to a larger invested asset base along with realized gains. Conversely, interest income from Moving and Storage has decreased since SAC Holding and Private Mini repaid a combined $29.1 million of their junior note debt due to the Company in October 2014.
Other revenue decreased $0.6 million for fiscal 2015, compared with fiscal 2014 due in large part to our U-Box program performing below expectations.
As a result of the items mentioned above, revenues for AMERCO and its consolidated entities were $3,074.5 million for fiscal 2015 as compared with $2,835.3 million for fiscal 2014.
Listed below are revenues and earnings from operations at each of our operating segments for fiscal 2015 and 2014. The insurance companies’ years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
|
Year Ended March 31, |
|||
|
|
2015 |
|
2014 |
|
|
(In thousands) |
||
Moving and storage |
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
$ |
2,800,438 |
$ |
2,571,950 |
Earnings from operations before equity in earnings of subsidiaries |
|
610,430 |
|
584,681 |
Property and casualty insurance |
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
59,275 |
|
51,644 |
Earnings from operations |
|
23,477 |
|
19,332 |
Life insurance |
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
219,656 |
|
215,528 |
Earnings from operations |
|
29,755 |
|
26,671 |
Eliminations |
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
(4,838) |
|
(3,870) |
Earnings from operations before equity in earnings of subsidiaries |
|
(638) |
|
(470) |
Consolidated Results |
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
3,074,531 |
|
2,835,252 |
Earnings from operations |
|
663,024 |
|
630,214 |
Total costs and expenses increased $206.5 million for fiscal 2015 as compared with fiscal 2014. The Moving and Storage operating segment accounted for $202.7 million of the total increase for fiscal 2015 as compared with fiscal 2014. Operating expenses increased $165.7 million primarily from spending on personnel, rental equipment maintenance and operating costs associated with the U-Box program. Commission expenses increased in relation to the associated revenues. Depreciation expense, net, increased $18.6 million while lease expense decreased $20.7 million as a result of the Company’s continued focus in financing new equipment on the balance sheet versus through operating leases. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 the Company recorded an accrual related to the PEI litigation resulting in an increase in operating expenses of $60.7 million.
As a result of the above mentioned changes in revenues and expenses, earnings from operations increased to $663.0 million for fiscal 2015, compared with $630.2 million for fiscal 2014.
Interest expense for fiscal 2015 was $97.5 million, compared with $92.7 million for fiscal 2014 due to an increase in average borrowings partially offset by a decrease in average borrowing costs. In addition, we incurred costs associated with the early extinguishment of debt during the second quarter of fiscal 2015, which included $3.8 million of fees and $0.3 million of transaction cost amortization related to defeased debt.
Income tax expense was $204.7 million for fiscal 2015, compared with $195.1 million for fiscal 2014. The increase was due to higher pretax earnings for fiscal 2015.
As a result of the above mentioned items, earnings available to common shareholders were $356.7 million for fiscal 2015, compared with $342.4 million for fiscal 2014.
Basic and diluted earnings per common share for fiscal 2015 were $18.21, compared with $17.51 for fiscal 2014.
The weighted average common shares outstanding basic and diluted were 19,586,633 for fiscal 2015, compared with 19,558,758 for fiscal 2014.
Fiscal 2016 Compared with Fiscal 2015
Listed below are revenues for the major product lines at Moving and Storage for fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015:
|
Year Ended March 31, |
|||
|
|
2016 |
|
2015 |
|
|
(In thousands) |
||
Self-moving equipment rentals |
$ |
2,301,586 |
$ |
2,149,986 |
Self-storage revenues |
|
247,944 |
|
211,136 |
Self-moving and self-storage products and service sales |
|
251,541 |
|
244,177 |
Property management fees |
|
26,533 |
|
25,341 |
Net investment and interest income |
|
8,801 |
|
13,644 |
Other revenue |
|
148,099 |
|
156,154 |
Moving and Storage revenue |
$ |
2,984,504 |
$ |
2,800,438 |
Self-moving equipment rental revenues increased $151.6 million during fiscal 2016, compared with fiscal 2015. We continue to focus on enhancing our convenience to our customers by expanding our retail distribution system and growing our rental equipment fleet. During fiscal 2016, we added both independent dealers and Company-owned locations further extending our network reach. Our truck, trailer and towing device fleets experienced net additions during fiscal 2016. These activities, combined with operational improvements resulted in increases in both our one-way and In-Town rental transactions compared with last year. Revenue increased primarily from these transaction gains.
Self-storage revenues increased $36.8 million during fiscal 2016, compared with fiscal 2015. The average monthly amount of occupied square feet increased by 13.8% during fiscal 2016 compared with the same period last year. The growth in revenues and square feet rented comes from a combination of improved rates per square foot, occupancy gains at existing locations and from the addition of new facilities to the portfolio. During fiscal 2016, we added approximately 3.6 million net rentable square feet or a 17.9% increase, with approximately 0.8 million of that coming during the fourth quarter.
Sales of self-moving and self-storage products and services increased $7.4 million during fiscal 2016, compared with fiscal 2015. Increases were recognized in the sales of moving supplies and towing accessories and related installations.
Net investment and interest income decreased $4.8 million during fiscal 2016, compared with fiscal 2015. Reduced note balances due from SAC Holding and Private Mini resulted in decreased interest income.
Other revenue decreased $8.1 million during fiscal 2016, compared with fiscal 2015 caused primarily by lower U-BoxTM program rentals.
The Company owns and manages self-storage facilities. Self-storage revenues reported in the consolidated financial statements represent Company-owned locations only. Self-storage data for our owned storage locations follows:
|
Year Ended March 31, |
|||
|
|
2016 |
|
2015 |
|
(In thousands, except occupancy rate) |
|||
Room count as of March 31 |
|
275 |
|
232 |
Square footage as of March 31 |
|
23,951 |
|
20,318 |
Average monthly number of rooms occupied |
|
203 |
|
180 |
Average monthly occupancy rate based on room count |
|
80.1% |
|
81.7% |
Average monthly square footage occupied |
|
18,231 |
|
16,021 |
Total costs and expenses decreased $18.6 million for fiscal 2016 as compared with fiscal 2015. The largest component of the decrease was related to our accruals for expenses associated with the PEI litigation which were $5.0 million and $60.7 million for fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. Personnel and overhead cost increases were partially offset by decreased direct operating costs associated with the U-Box program. Depreciation expense increased $36.6 million; however, gains from the disposal of property, plant and equipment increased $24.1 million. This resulted in a net increase of $12.5 million in depreciation expense, net. We have increased the number of trucks sold compared with the same period last year and the resale market for these trucks remained relatively strong. Lease expense decreased $30.0 million as a result of our shift in financing new equipment on the balance sheet versus through operating leases.
As a result of the above mentioned changes in revenues and expenses, earnings from operations for Moving and Storage before consolidation of the equity in the earnings of the insurance subsidiaries increased to $813.1 million for fiscal 2016 as compared with $610.4 million for fiscal 2015.
Equity in the earnings of AMERCO’s insurance subsidiaries increased $0.7 million for fiscal 2016, compared with fiscal 2015.
As a result of the above mentioned changes in revenues and expenses, earnings from operations increased to $848.6 million for fiscal 2016, compared with $645.2 million for fiscal 2015.
Fiscal 2015 Compared with Fiscal 2014
Listed below are revenues for the major product lines at Moving and Storage for fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014:
|
Year Ended March 31, |
|||
|
|
2015 |
|
2014 |
|
|
(In thousands) |
||
Self-moving equipment rentals |
$ |
2,149,986 |
$ |
1,958,209 |
Self-storage revenues |
|
211,136 |
|
181,794 |
Self-moving and self-storage products and service sales |
|
244,177 |
|
234,187 |
Property management fees |
|
25,341 |
|
24,493 |
Net investment and interest income |
|
13,644 |
|
15,212 |
Other revenue |
|
156,154 |
|
158,055 |
Moving and Storage revenue |
$ |
2,800,438 |
$ |
2,571,950 |
Self-moving equipment rental revenues increased $191.8 million for fiscal 2015, compared with fiscal 2014. During fiscal 2015 we continued to broaden our retail distribution network through the expansion of our independent dealer network combined with the acquisition and development of new Company owned and operated locations. Our rental equipment fleet expanded as we increased the number of trucks, trailers and towing devices available for customer use. These initiatives, in tandem with our continued focus on improving the rental process through the use of technology resulted in our ability to facilitate the increase in both our In-Town and one-way rental transactions. These additional transactions account for the majority of the improvement in revenues during fiscal 2015.
Self-storage revenues increased $29.3 million for fiscal 2015, compared with fiscal 2014. The improvement in revenue comes from an increase in the number of rooms rented at both new and existing locations along with an improvement in overall rental rates across our portfolio. During fiscal 2015, we added approximately 2.1 million net rentable square feet or nearly a 12% increase, with approximately 0.7 million of that coming during the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, the average monthly amount of occupied square feet increased by 13% compared with fiscal 2014.
Sales of self-moving and self-storage products and services increased $10.0 million for fiscal 2015, compared with fiscal 2014. We earned increases from the sale of moving supplies, towing accessories and installations.
Net investment and interest income decreased $1.6 million for fiscal 2015, compared with fiscal 2014. SAC Holding and Private Mini repaid a combined $29.1 million of their junior note debt due to the Company in October 2014 resulting in reduced interest income earned by the Company.
Other revenue decreased $1.9 million for fiscal 2015, compared with fiscal 2014 due in large part to our U-Box program performing below expectations.
The Company owns and manages self-storage facilities. Self-storage revenues reported in the consolidated financial statements represent Company-owned locations only. Self-storage data for our owned storage locations follows:
|
Year Ended March 31, |
|||
|
|
2015 |
|
2014 |
|
|
(In thousands, except occupancy rate) |
||
Room count as of March 31 |
|
232 |
|
207 |
Square footage as of March 31 |
|
20,318 |
|
18,164 |
Average monthly number of rooms occupied |
|
180 |
|
160 |
Average monthly occupancy rate based on room count |
|
81.7% |
|
80.5% |
Average monthly square footage occupied |
|
16,021 |
|
14,148 |
Total costs and expenses increased $202.7 million for fiscal 2015 as compared with fiscal 2014. Operating expenses increased $163.7 million primarily from spending on personnel, rental equipment maintenance and operating costs associated with the U-Box program. Commission expenses increased in relation to the associated revenues. Depreciation expense increased $59.6 million and gains from the disposal of property, plant and equipment increased by $41.1 million. Lease expense decreased $20.7 million as a result of the Company’s continued focus towards financing new equipment on the balance sheet versus through operating leases. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 the Company recorded an accrual related to the PEI litigation resulting in an increase in operating expenses of $60.7 million.
As a result of the above mentioned changes in revenues and expenses, earnings from operations for Moving and Storage before consolidation of the equity in the earnings of the insurance subsidiaries increased to $610.4 million for fiscal 2015 as compared with $584.7 million for fiscal 2014.
Equity in the earnings of AMERCO’s insurance subsidiaries increased $4.8 million for fiscal 2015, compared with fiscal 2014.
As a result of the above mentioned changes in revenues and expenses, earnings from operations increased to $645.2 million for fiscal 2015, compared with $614.7 million for fiscal 2014.
Property and Casualty Insurance
2015 Compared with 2014
Net premiums were $50.0 million and $46.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. A significant portion of Repwest’s premiums are from policies sold in conjunction with U-Haul rental transactions. The premium growth corresponded with the increased moving and storage transactions at U-Haul.
Net investment income was $14.8 million and $12.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The increase came from the real estate and fixed maturity portfolios that both grew in size compared to 2014.
Net operating expenses were $28.0 million and $24.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The increase was due largely to additional commission expenses and higher loss adjusting expenses.
Benefits and losses incurred were $12.3 million and $11.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The increase was due to claims activity coming from additional new business.
As a result of the above mentioned changes in revenues and expenses, pretax earnings from operations were $24.5 million and $23.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Property and Casualty Insurance
2014 Compared with 2013
Net premiums were $46.5 million and $41.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. A significant portion of Repwest’s premiums are from policies sold in conjunction with U-Haul rental transactions. The premium growth corresponded with the increased moving and storage transactions at U-Haul.
Net investment income was $12.8 million and $10.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The increase was due to a $0.3 million gain on disposals in 2014, $0.4 million in real estate rental income and a $1.4 million increase in fixed maturity income due to an increase in invested assets.
Net operating expenses were $24.8 million and $20.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The increase was primarily due to a $3.7 million increase in commission expense.
Benefits and losses incurred were $11.0 million and $11.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
As a result of the above mentioned changes in revenues and expenses, pretax earnings from operations were $23.5 million and $19.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Life Insurance
2015 Compared with 2014
Net premiums were $162.7 million and $156.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Medicare supplement premiums increased $5.8 million from new sales offset by a reduction in renewal premiums due to reduction in the in force business on older blocks. Medicare supplement first year premiums were $16.9 million, an increase of $7.5 million over prior year. Life premiums increased by $0.8 million primarily as a result of final expense renewals. Annuity deposits, which are accounted for on the balance sheet as deposits rather than premiums, increased $195.8 million over prior year. Included in the deposit increase is a $30.0 million deposit relating to a funding agreement with Federal Home Loan Bank system (“FHLB”).
Net investment income was $64.0 million and $59.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Investment income increased $4.3 million due to a larger invested asset base while $0.7 million came from realized gains from sales of investments.
Net operating expenses were $23.0 million and $22.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The moderate increase was primarily due to the increased administrative expenses supporting new sales.
Benefits and losses incurred were $155.1 million and $147.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Medicare supplement benefits increased by $4.6 million primarily as a result of the increase in incurred benefits from new sales partially offset by a decrease in Medicare supplement active life reserve from the change in reserve valuation basis. Life insurance benefits increased $2.5 million due to higher mortality exposure while other benefits decreased $1.0 million. Interest credited to policyholders increased $1.2 million reflecting the increase in annuity deposits.
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”), sales inducement asset (“SIA”) and the value of business acquired (“VOBA”) was $23.3 million and $19.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The increase over prior year was a result of an increased amortization on annuity and Medicare Supplement DAC due to the increased DAC asset base. This was partially offset by the decrease in life amortization due to a prior year DAC balance write off on older blocks.
As a result of the above mentioned changes in revenues and expenses, pretax earnings from operations were $29.8 million for both years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.
Life Insurance
2014 Compared with 2013
Net premiums were $156.1 million and $157.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Medicare supplement premiums decreased by $2.4 million due to a reduction in the in force business offset by new sales. Medicare Supplement first year premiums were $9.4 million, or a $6.4 million increase above prior year. Other product lines experienced a $0.6 million increase. Annuity deposits, which are accounted for on our balance sheet as deposits rather than premiums, decreased by $16.9 million compared with the prior year.
Net investment income was $59.1 million and $54.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Investment income increased $3.8 million due to a larger invested asset base while approximately $0.8 million came from realized gains.
Net operating expenses were $22.5 million and $23.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The variance was due to a reduction in commission expenses on declining earned premiums.
Benefits and losses incurred were $147.8 million and $145.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Life benefits increased $2.5 million resulting from higher mortality exposure. Medicare supplement benefits decreased $1.1 million from a reduction in the in force on the existing blocks offset by the increased benefits from new sales. Annuity benefits decreased $1.3 million due to the reserve reduction in single premium annuities and guaranteed life withdrawal benefit rider. Supplementary contract payments increased $0.2 million. Increase in interest credited to policyholders was $2.2 million as a result of a larger annuity account value.
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”), sales inducement asset (“SIA”) and the value of business acquired (“VOBA”) was $19.7 million and $20.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
As a result of the above mentioned changes in revenues and expenses, pretax earnings from operations were $29.8 million and $26.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We believe our current capital structure is a positive factor that will enable us to pursue our operational plans and goals and provide us with sufficient liquidity for the foreseeable future. There are many factors which could affect our liquidity, including some which are beyond our control, and there is no assurance that future cash flows and liquidity resources will be sufficient to meet our outstanding debt obligations and our other future capital needs.
At March 31, 2016, cash and cash equivalents totaled $600.6 million, compared with $441.9 million on March 31, 2015. The assets of our insurance subsidiaries are generally unavailable to fulfill the obligations of non-insurance operations (AMERCO, U-Haul and Real Estate). As of March 31, 2016 (or as otherwise indicated), cash and cash equivalents, other financial assets (receivables, short-term investments, other investments, fixed maturities, and related party assets) and debt obligations of each operating segment were:
|
Moving & Storage |
|
Property and Casualty Insurance (a) |
|
Life Insurance (a) |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ |
585,666 |
$ |
14,049 |
$ |
931 |
Other financial assets |
|
143,904 |
|
410,387 |
|
1,542,629 |
Debt obligations |
|
2,688,758 |
|
– |
|
– |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) As of December 31, 2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
At March 31, 2016, Moving and Storage had available borrowing capacity under existing credit facilities of $48.0 million.
A summary of our consolidated cash flows for fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 is shown in the table below:
|
Years Ended March 31, |
|||||
|
|
2016 |
|
2015 |
|
2014 |
|
|
(In thousands) |
||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
$ |
1,041,063 |
$ |
759,099 |
$ |
733,966 |
Net cash used by investing activities |
|
(1,273,399) |
|
(755,261) |
|
(846,631) |
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities |
|
406,872 |
|
(46,338) |
|
144,210 |
Effects of exchange rate on cash |
|
(15,740) |
|
(10,762) |
|
(177) |
Net cash flow |
|
158,796 |
|
(53,262) |
|
31,368 |
Cash at the beginning of the period |
|
441,850 |
|
495,112 |
|
463,744 |
Cash at the end of the period |
$ |
600,646 |
$ |
441,850 |
$ |
495,112 |
Net cash provided by operating activities increased $282.0 million in fiscal 2016, compared with fiscal 2015, primarily due to an improvement in earnings, lower federal income tax payments, combined with $56.8 million of note and interest repayments from Private Mini.
Net cash used in investing activities increased $518.1 million in fiscal 2016, compared with fiscal 2015. Purchases of property, plant and equipment, which are reported net of cash from sales and lease-back transactions, increased $467.2 million. Cash from the sales of property, plant and equipment increased $127.6 million largely due to an increase in fleet sales. Life Insurance had an increase in net cash used for investing of $186.9 million due to additional investment purchases.
Net cash provided by financing activities increased $453.2 million in fiscal 2016, as compared with fiscal 2015 due to an increase in borrowings of $198.4 million, net decrease in repayments of debt and capital leases of $117.8 million, an increase in annuity deposits, net of withdrawals, by Life Insurance of $194.4 million and an increase in dividends paid of $58.8 million.
Liquidity and Capital Resources and Requirements of Our Operating Segments
Moving and Storage
To meet the needs of our customers, U-Haul maintains a large fleet of rental equipment. Capital expenditures have primarily consisted of new rental equipment acquisitions and the buyouts of existing fleet from leases. The capital to fund these expenditures has historically been obtained internally from operations and the sale of used equipment and externally from debt and lease financing. In the future, we anticipate that our internally generated funds will be used to service the existing debt and fund operations. U-Haul estimates that during fiscal 2017 the Company will reinvest in its truck and trailer rental fleet approximately $600 million, net of equipment sales and excluding any lease buyouts. For fiscal 2016, the Company invested, net of sales, approximately $365 million before any lease buyouts in its truck and trailer fleet. Fleet investments in fiscal 2017 and beyond will be dependent upon several factors including availability of capital, the truck rental environment and the used-truck sales market. We anticipate that the fiscal 2017 investments will be funded largely through debt financing, external lease financing and cash from operations. Management considers several factors including cost and tax consequences when selecting a method to fund capital expenditures. Our allocation between debt and lease financing can change from year to year based upon financial market conditions which may alter the cost or availability of financing options.
Real Estate has traditionally financed the acquisition of self-storage properties to support U-Haul's growth through debt financing and funds from operations and sales. The Company’s plan for the expansion of owned storage properties includes the acquisition of existing self-storage locations from third parties, the acquisition and development of bare land, and the acquisition and redevelopment of existing buildings not currently used for self-storage. The Company expects to fund these development projects through construction loans and internally generated funds. For fiscal 2016, the Company invested $592.4 million in real estate acquisitions, new construction and renovation and repair. For fiscal 2017, the timing of new projects will be dependent upon several factors, including the entitlement process, availability of capital, weather, and the identification and successful acquisition of target properties. U-Haul's growth plan in self-storage also includes the expansion of the U-Haul Storage Affiliate program, which does not require significant capital.
Net capital expenditures (purchases of property, plant and equipment less proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and lease proceeds) were $969.9 million, $630.3 million and $730.2 million for fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The components of our net capital expenditures are provided in the following table:
|
Years Ended March 31, |
|||||
|
|
2016 |
|
2015 |
|
2014 |
|
|
(In thousands) |
||||
Purchases of rental equipment |
$ |
881,331 |
$ |
898,420 |
$ |
782,463 |
Equipment lease buyouts |
|
81,718 |
|
40,448 |
|
36,552 |
Purchases of real estate, construction and renovations |
|
592,363 |
|
368,257 |
|
315,160 |
Other capital expenditures |
|
90,788 |
|
41,761 |
|
62,976 |
Gross capital expenditures |
|
1,646,200 |
|
1,348,886 |
|
1,197,151 |
Less: Lease proceeds |
|
(137,046) |
|
(306,955) |
|
(196,908) |
Less: Sales of property, plant and equipment |
|
(539,256) |
|
(411,629) |
|
(270,053) |
Net capital expenditures |
|
969,898 |
|
630,302 |
|
730,190 |
Moving and Storage continues to hold significant cash and we believe has access to additional liquidity. Management may invest these funds in our existing operations, expand our product lines or pursue external opportunities in the self-moving and storage market place, or reduce existing indebtedness where possible.
Property and Casualty Insurance
State insurance regulations restrict the amount of dividends that can be paid to stockholders of insurance companies. As a result, Property and Casualty Insurance's assets are generally not available to satisfy the claims of AMERCO or its legal subsidiaries.
We believe that stockholders equity at the Property and Casualty operating segment remains sufficient and we do not believe that its ability to pay ordinary dividends to AMERCO will be restricted per state regulations.
Our Property and Casualty operating segment stockholder’s equity was $160.6 million, $169.3 million, and $146.8 million at December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. The decrease in 2015 compared with 2014 resulted from net earnings of $16.2 million, a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income of $5.3 million and a non-cash dividend paid to AMERCO of $19.6 million. Property and Casualty Insurance does not use debt or equity issues to increase capital and therefore has no direct exposure to capital market conditions other than through its investment portfolio.
Life Insurance
Life Insurance manages its financial assets to meet policyholder and other obligations including investment contract withdrawals and deposits. Life Insurance's net deposit increase for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $245.3 million. State insurance regulations restrict the amount of dividends that can be paid to stockholders of insurance companies. As a result, Life Insurance's funds are generally not available to satisfy the claims of AMERCO or its legal subsidiaries.
Our Life Insurance operating segment stockholder’s equity was $271.7 million, $274.2 million, and $226.7 million at December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The decrease in 2015 compared with 2014 resulted from earnings of $19.4 million and a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income of $21.9 million primarily due to the effect of interest rate changes on the fixed maturity portion of the investment portfolio. Life Insurance has not historically used debt or equity issues to increase capital and therefore has no direct exposure to capital market conditions other than through its investment portfolio. However, as of December 31, 2015, Oxford has outstanding deposits of $30.0 million through their membership in the FHLB.
Cash Provided (Used) from Operating Activities by Operating Segments
Moving and Storage
Net cash provided by operating activities was $971.6 million, $700.3 million and $662.0 million in fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively primarily due to an improvement in earnings, lower federal income tax payments, combined with $56.8 million of note and interest repayments from Private Mini.
Property and Casualty Insurance
Net cash provided by operating activities was $19.0 million, $16.6 million, and $23.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. The increases were consistent with typical claims activity.
Property and Casualty Insurance’s cash and cash equivalents and short-term investment portfolios amounted to $24.3 million, $18.7 million, and $35.5 million at December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. These balances reflect funds in transition from maturity proceeds to long term investments. Management believes this level of liquid assets, combined with budgeted cash flow, is adequate to meet foreseeable cash needs. Capital and operating budgets allow Property and Casualty Insurance to schedule cash needs in accordance with investment and underwriting proceeds.
Life Insurance
Net cash provided by operating activities was $50.4 million, $42.3 million and $48.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The increase in cash provided during the year ended December 31, 2015 was primarily due to the decrease in receivable for securities and an increase in short term current liabilities from cash overdrafts offset by the increase in paid commissions and administrative expenses exceeding premium and investment income revenue.
In addition to cash flows from operating activities and financing activities, a substantial amount of liquid funds are available through Life Insurance's short-term portfolio and its membership in the FHLB. At December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments amounted to $25.5 million, $39.0 million and $39.6 million, respectively. Management believes that the overall sources of liquidity are adequate to meet foreseeable cash needs.
Liquidity and Capital Resources - Summary
We believe we have the financial resources needed to meet our business plans including our working capital needs. We continue to hold significant cash and have access to existing credit facilities and additional liquidity to meet our anticipated capital expenditure requirements for investment in our rental fleet, rental equipment and storage acquisitions and build outs.
Our borrowing strategy is primarily focused on asset-backed financing and rental equipment leases. As part of this strategy, we seek to ladder maturities and hedge floating rate loans through the use of interest rate swaps. While each of these loans typically contains provisions governing the amount that can be borrowed in relation to specific assets, the overall structure is flexible with no limits on overall Company borrowings. Management believes it has adequate liquidity between cash and cash equivalents and unused borrowing capacity in existing credit facilities to meet the current and expected needs of the Company over the next several years. At March 31, 2016, we had available borrowing capacity under existing credit facilities of $48.0 million. It is possible that circumstances beyond our control could alter the ability of the financial institutions to lend us the unused lines of credit. We believe that there are additional opportunities for leverage in our existing capital structure. For a more detailed discussion of our long-term debt and borrowing capacity, please see Note 9, Borrowings of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Certain assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets and are measured and classified based upon a three tiered approach to valuation. ASC 820 requires that financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value be classified and disclosed in a Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 category. For more information, please see Note 15, Fair Value Measurements of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
The available-for-sale securities held by the Company are recorded at fair value. These values are determined primarily from actively traded markets where prices are based either on direct market quotes or observed transactions. Liquidity is a factor considered during the determination of the fair value of these securities. Market price quotes may not be readily available for certain securities or the market for them has slowed or ceased. In situations where the market is determined to be illiquid, fair value is determined based upon limited available information and other factors including expected cash flows. At March 31, 2016, we had $0.3 million of available-for-sale assets classified in Level 3.
The interest rate swaps held by us as hedges against interest rate risk for our variable rate debt are recorded at fair value. These values are determined using pricing valuation models which include broker quotes for which significant inputs are observable. They include adjustments for counterparty credit quality and other deal-specific factors, where appropriate and are classified as Level 2.
Disclosures about Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
The following table provides contractual commitments and contingencies as of March 31, 2016:
|
|
|
Payment due by Period (as of March 31, 2016) |
|||||||
Contractual Obligations |
|
Total |
|
04/01/16 - 03/31/17 |
|
04/01/17 - 03/31/19 |
|
04/01/19 - 03/31/21 |
|
Thereafter |
|
|
(In thousands) |
||||||||
Notes and loans payable - Principal |
$ |
1,668,933 |
$ |
215,344 |
|
336,609 |
$ |
156,920 |
$ |
960,060 |
Notes and loans payable - Interest |
|
566,309 |
|
72,402 |
|
113,627 |
|
92,069 |
|
288,211 |
Revolving credit agreements - Principal |
|
347,000 |
|
– |
|
57,000 |
|
178,887 |
|
111,113 |
Revolving credit agreements - Interest |
|
24,268 |
|
6,300 |
|
11,560 |
|
5,755 |
|
653 |
Capital leases - Principal |
|
672,825 |
|
138,463 |
|
252,909 |
|
236,212 |
|
45,241 |
Capital leases - Interest |
|
50,275 |
|
17,712 |
|
23,805 |
|
7,904 |
|
854 |
Operating leases |
|
179,844 |
|
36,622 |
|
61,064 |
|
34,685 |
|
47,473 |
Property and casualty obligations (a) |
|
144,652 |
|
12,275 |
|
16,638 |
|
12,779 |
|
102,960 |
Life, health and annuity obligations (b) |
|
2,925,140 |
|
219,492 |
|
397,441 |
|
364,409 |
|
1,943,798 |
Self insurance accruals (c) |
|
384,921 |
|
108,008 |
|
160,212 |
|
63,384 |
|
53,317 |
Post retirement benefit liability |
|
13,850 |
|
658 |
|
1,687 |
|
2,336 |
|
9,169 |
Total contractual obligations |
$ |
6,978,017 |
$ |
827,276 |
$ |
1,432,552 |
$ |
1,155,340 |
$ |
3,562,849 |
(a) These estimated obligations for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses include case reserves for reported claims and IBNR claims estimates and are net of expected reinsurance recoveries. The ultimate amount to settle both the case reserves and IBNR is an estimate based upon historical experience and current trends and such estimates could materially differ from actual results. The assumptions do not include future premiums. Due to the significant assumptions employed in this model, the amounts shown could materially differ from actual results.
(b) These estimated obligations are based on mortality, morbidity, withdrawal and lapse assumptions drawn from our historical experience and adjusted for any known trends. These obligations include expected interest crediting but no amounts for future annuity deposits or premiums for life and Medicare supplement policies. The cash flows shown are undiscounted for interest and as a result total outflows for all years shown significantly exceed the corresponding liabilities of $1,383.7 million included in our consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2016. Life Insurance expects to fully fund these obligations from their invested asset portfolio. Due to the significant assumptions employed in this model, the amounts shown could materially differ from actual results.
(c) These estimated obligations are primarily the Company’s self insurance accruals for portions of the liability coverage for our rental equipment. The estimates for future settlement are based upon historical experience and current trends. Due to the significant assumptions employed in this model, the amounts shown could materially differ from actual results.
As presented above, contractual obligations on debt and guarantees represent principal payments while contractual obligations for operating leases represent the notional payments under the lease arrangements.
ASC 740 - Income Taxes liabilities and interest of $29.8 million is not included above due to uncertainty surrounding ultimate settlements, if any.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company uses off-balance sheet arrangements in situations where management believes that the economics and sound business principles warrant their use.
AMERCO utilizes operating leases for certain rental equipment and facilities with terms expiring substantially through 2019. In the event of a shortfall in proceeds from the sales of the underlying rental equipment assets, AMERCO has guaranteed $22.3 million of residual values at March 31, 2016 for these assets at the end of their respective lease terms. AMERCO has been leasing rental equipment since 1987. To date, we have not experienced residual value shortfalls related to these leasing arrangements. Using the average cost of fleet related debt as the discount rate, the present value of AMERCO’s minimum lease payments and residual value guarantees was $55.5 million at March 31, 2016.
Historically, we have used off-balance sheet arrangements in connection with the expansion of our self-storage business. For more information please see Note 19, Related Party Transactions of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. These arrangements were primarily used when our overall borrowing structure was more limited. We do not face similar limitations currently and off-balance sheet arrangements have not been utilized in our self-storage expansion in recent years. In the future, we will continue to identify and consider off-balance sheet opportunities to the extent such arrangements would be economically advantageous to us and our stockholders.
We currently manage the self-storage properties owned or leased by SAC Holdings, Mercury Partners, L.P. (“Mercury”), Four SAC Self-Storage Corporation (“4 SAC”), Five SAC Self-Storage Corporation (“5 SAC”), Galaxy Investments, L.P. (“Galaxy”) and Private Mini pursuant to a standard form of management agreement, under which we receive a management fee of between 4% and 10% of the gross receipts plus reimbursement for certain expenses. We received management fees, exclusive of reimbursed expenses, of $27.1 million, $25.8 million and $25.8 million from the above mentioned entities during fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. This management fee is consistent with the fee received for other properties we previously managed for third parties. SAC Holdings, 4 SAC, 5 SAC, Galaxy and Private Mini are substantially controlled by Blackwater. Blackwater is wholly-owned by Willow Grove, which is owned by Mark V. Shoen (a significant shareholder), and various trusts associated with Edward J. Shoen and Mark V. Shoen. Mark V. Shoen controls the general partner of Mercury. The limited partner interests of Mercury are indirectly owned by James P. Shoen (a significant shareholder), Mark V. Shoen and a trust benefitting the children and grandchild of Edward J. Shoen (our Chairman of the Board, President and a significant shareholder).
We lease space for marketing company offices, vehicle repair shops and hitch installation centers from subsidiaries of SAC Holdings, 5 SAC and Galaxy. Total lease payments pursuant to such leases were $2.6 million for each of fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The terms of the leases are similar to the terms of leases for other properties owned by unrelated parties that are leased by us.
At March 31, 2016, subsidiaries of SAC Holdings, 4 SAC, 5 SAC, Galaxy and Private Mini acted as U-Haul independent dealers. The financial and other terms of the dealership contracts with the aforementioned companies and their subsidiaries are substantially identical to the terms of those with our other independent dealers whereby commissions are paid by us based on equipment rental revenues. We paid the above mentioned entities $54.7 million, $52.1 million and $49.9 million in commissions pursuant to such dealership contracts during fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
During fiscal 2016, subsidiaries of ours held various junior unsecured notes of SAC Holdings. Substantially all of the equity interest of SAC Holdings is controlled by Blackwater. We do not have an equity ownership interest in SAC Holdings. We recorded interest income of $5.0 million, $5.9 million and $7.1 million and received cash interest payments of $4.6 million, $5.7 million and $17.2 million from SAC Holdings during fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The largest aggregate amount of notes receivable outstanding during fiscal 2016 was $50.4 million and the aggregate notes receivable balance at March 31, 2016 was $49.3 million. In accordance with the terms of these notes, SAC Holdings may prepay the notes without penalty or premium at any time. The scheduled maturities of these notes are 2017.
These agreements along with notes with subsidiaries of SAC Holdings, 4 SAC, 5 SAC, Galaxy and Private Mini, excluding Dealer Agreements, provided revenues of $28.1 million, expenses of $2.6 million and cash flows of $83.8 million during fiscal 2016. Revenues and commission expenses related to the Dealer Agreements were $254.7 million and $54.7 million, respectively during fiscal 2016.
We will continue to focus our attention on increasing transaction volume and improving pricing, product and utilization for self-moving equipment rentals. Maintaining an adequate level of new investment in our truck fleet is an important component of our plan to meet our operational goals. Revenue in the U-Move program could be adversely impacted should we fail to execute in any of these areas. Even if we execute our plans, we could see declines in revenues primarily due to unforeseen events including the continuation of adverse economic conditions or heightened competition that is beyond our control.
With respect to our storage business, we have added new locations and expanded at existing locations. In fiscal 2017, we are actively looking to acquire new locations, complete current projects and increase occupancy in our existing portfolio of locations. New projects and acquisitions will be considered and pursued if they fit our long-term plans and meet our financial objectives. We will continue to invest capital and resources in the U-Box program throughout fiscal 2017.
Property and Casualty Insurance will continue to provide loss adjusting and claims handling for U-Haul and underwrite components of the Safemove, Safetow, Safemove Plus, Safestor, and Safestor Mobile protection packages to U-Haul customers.
Life Insurance is pursuing its goal of expanding its presence in the senior market through the sales of its Medicare supplement, life and annuity policies. This strategy includes growing its agency force, expanding its new product offerings, and pursuing business acquisition opportunities.
Quarterly Results (unaudited)
The quarterly results shown below are derived from unaudited financial statements for the eight quarters beginning April 1, 2014 and ending March 31, 2016. We believe that all necessary adjustments have been included in the amounts stated below to present fairly, and in accordance with GAAP, such results. Moving and Storage operations are seasonal and proportionally more of the Company’s revenues and net earnings from its Moving and Storage operations are generated in the first and second quarters of each fiscal year (April through September). The operating results for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results for any future period.
|
Quarter Ended |
|||||||
|
|
March 31, 2016 |
|
December 31, 2015 |
|
September 30, 2015 |
|
June 30, 2015 |
|
|
(In thousands, except for share and per share data) |
||||||
Total revenues |
$ |
683,197 |
$ |
744,751 |
$ |
962,903 |
$ |
884,805 |
Earnings from operations |
|
106,736 |
|
157,902 |
|
311,068 |
|
291,108 |
Earnings available to common shareholders |
|
52,568 |
|
81,769 |
|
183,379 |
|
171,285 |
Basic and diluted earnings per common share |
$ |
2.68 |
$ |
4.17 |
$ |
9.36 |
$ |
8.74 |
Weighted average common shares outstanding: basic and diluted |
|
19,593,071 |
|
19,599,352 |
|
19,597,717 |
|
19,596,129 |
|
Quarter Ended |
|||||||
|
|
March 31, 2015 |
|
December 31, 2014 |
|
September 30, 2014 |
|
June 30, 2014 |
|
|
(In thousands, except for share and per share data) |
||||||
Total revenues |
$ |
642,730 |
$ |
706,355 |
$ |
906,491 |
$ |
818,955 |
Earnings from operations |
|
34,837 |
|
133,152 |
|
275,836 |
|
219,199 |
Earnings available to common shareholders |
|
9,480 |
|
66,540 |
|
156,247 |
|
124,474 |
Basic and diluted earnings per common share |
$ |
0.47 |
$ |
3.40 |
$ |
7.98 |
$ |
6.36 |
Weighted average common shares outstanding: basic and diluted |
|
19,594,530 |
|
19,590,555 |
|
19,584,194 |
|
19,577,802 |
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are exposed to financial market risks, including changes in interest rates and currency exchange rates. To mitigate these risks, we may utilize derivative financial instruments, among other strategies. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.
Interest Rate Risk
The exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our variable rate debt obligations and one variable rate operating lease. We have used interest rate swap agreements and forward swaps to reduce our exposure to changes in interest rates. We enter into these arrangements with counterparties that are significant financial institutions with whom we generally have other financial arrangements. We are exposed to credit risk should these counterparties not be able to perform on their obligations. Following is a summary of our interest rate swaps agreements at March 31, 2016:
Notional Amount |
|
|
Fair Value |
|
Effective Date |
|
Expiration Date |
|
Fixed Rate |
|
Floating Rate |
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
$ |
204,166 |
|
$ |
(13,322) |
|
8/18/2006 |
|
8/10/2018 |
|
5.43% |
|
1 Month LIBOR |
|
5,450 |
(a) |
|
(101) |
|
8/15/2010 |
|
7/15/2017 |
|
2.15% |
|
1 Month LIBOR |
|
10,313 |
(a) |
|
(328) |
|
6/1/2011 |
|
6/1/2018 |
|
2.38% |
|
1 Month LIBOR |
|
20,542 |
(a) |
|
(485) |
|
8/15/2011 |
|
8/15/2018 |
|
1.86% |
|
1 Month LIBOR |
|
8,300 |
(a) |
|
(181) |
|
9/12/2011 |
|
9/10/2018 |
|
1.75% |
|
1 Month LIBOR |
|
9,338 |
(b) |
|
(142) |
|
3/28/2012 |
|
3/28/2019 |
|
1.42% |
|
1 Month LIBOR |
|
11,458 |
|
|
(142) |
|
4/16/2012 |
|
4/1/2019 |
|
1.28% |
|
1 Month LIBOR |
|
21,825 |
|
|
(144) |
|
1/15/2013 |
|
12/15/2019 |
|
1.07% |
|
1 Month LIBOR |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) forward swap |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(b) operating lease |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
As of March 31, 2016, we had $770.0 million of variable rate debt obligations and $9.3 million of a variable rate operating lease. If the London Inter-Bank Offer Rate were to increase 100 basis points, the increase in interest expense on the variable rate debt and a variable rate operating lease would decrease future earnings and cash flows by $3.6 million annually (after consideration of the effect of the above derivative contracts). Certain senior mortgages have an anticipated repayment date and a maturity date. If these senior mortgages are not repaid by the anticipated repayment date the interest rate on these mortgages would increase from the current fixed rate. We are using the anticipated repayment date for our maturity schedule.
Additionally, our insurance subsidiaries’ fixed income investment portfolios expose us to interest rate risk. This interest rate risk is the price sensitivity of a fixed income security to changes in interest rates. As part of our insurance companies’ asset and liability management, actuaries estimate the cash flow patterns of our existing liabilities to determine their duration. These outcomes are compared to the characteristics of the assets that are currently supporting these liabilities assisting management in determining an asset allocation strategy for future investments that management believes will mitigate the overall effect of interest rates.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
The exposure to market risk for changes in foreign currency exchange rates relates primarily to our Canadian business. Approximately 4.4%, 5.2% and 5.4% of our revenue was generated in Canada in fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The result of a 10% change in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar would not be material to net income. We typically do not hedge any foreign currency risk since the exposure is not considered material.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and Consolidated Financial Statements of AMERCO and its consolidated subsidiaries including the notes to such statements and the related schedules are set forth on the “F” pages hereto and are incorporated by reference herein.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Not applicable.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Attached as exhibits to this Annual Report are certifications of our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Accounting Officer (“CAO”), which are required in accordance with Rule 13a-14 of the Exchange Act. This "Controls and Procedures" section includes information concerning the controls and procedures evaluation referred to in the certifications and it should be read in conjunction with the certifications for a more complete understanding of the topics presented in the section Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.
Following this discussion is the report of BDO USA, LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, regarding its audit of AMERCO’s internal control over financial reporting as set forth below in this section. This section should be read in conjunction with the certifications of our CEO and CAO and the BDO USA, LLP report for a more complete understanding of the topics presented.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company’s management, with the participation of the CEO and CAO, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s "disclosure controls and procedures" (as such term is defined in the Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) (“Disclosure Controls”) as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report. Our Disclosure Controls are designed to reasonably assure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act, such as this Annual Report, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Our Disclosure Controls are also designed to reasonably assure that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the CEO and CAO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based upon the controls evaluation, our CEO and CAO have concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report, our Disclosure Controls were effective related to the above stated design purposes.
Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls
The Company's management, including the CEO and CAO, does not expect that our Disclosure Controls or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent or detect all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system's objectives will be met. The design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Further, because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Projections of any evaluation of controls effectiveness to future periods are subject to risks. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There has not been any change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) during the most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Management assessed our internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2016, the end of our fiscal year. Management based its assessment on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Management's assessment included evaluation of such elements as the design and operating effectiveness of key financial reporting controls, process documentation, accounting policies, and our overall control environment. This assessment is supported by testing and monitoring performed both by our Internal Audit organization and our Finance organization.
Based on our assessment, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of the end of the fiscal year 2016. We reviewed the results of management's assessment with the Audit Committee of our Board.
Our independent registered public accounting firm, BDO USA, LLP, has audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting and has issued their report, which is included on the following page.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board of Directors and Stockholders
AMERCO
Reno, Nevada
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2016, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of March 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity, comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2016 and our report dated May 25, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/BDO USA, LLP
Phoenix, Arizona
May 25, 2016
Not applicable.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The information required to be disclosed under this Item 10 is incorporated herein by reference to AMERCO’s definitive proxy statement, in connection with its 2016 annual meeting of stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”), which will be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the close of the 2016 fiscal year.
The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to all directors, officers and employees of the Company, including the Company’s principal executive officer and principal accounting officer. A copy of our Code of Ethics is posted on AMERCO’s web site at amerco.com/governance.aspx. We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirements of Current Report on Form 8-K regarding any amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of our Code of Ethics by posting such information on the Company’s website, at the web address and location specified above, unless otherwise required to file a Current Report on Form 8-K by NASDAQ rules and regulations.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required to be disclosed under this Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The information required to be disclosed under this Item 12 is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required to be disclosed under this Item 13 is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The information required to be disclosed under this Item 14 is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement.
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
The following documents are filed as part of this Report:
|
Page |
|
1 |
Financial Statements: |
|
|
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
F-1 |
|
Consolidated Balance Sheets - March 31, 2016 and 2015 |
F-2 |
|
Consolidated Statements of Operations - Years Ended March 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 |
F-3 |
|
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Years Ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 |
F-4 |
|
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity - Years Ended March 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 |
F-5 |
|
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years Ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 |
F-6 |
|
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
F-7 |
2 |
Financial Statement Schedules required to be filed by Item 8: |
|
|
Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information of AMERCO |
F-53 |
|
Schedule II - AMERCO and Consolidated Subsidiaries Valuation and Qualifying Accounts |
F-57 |
|
Schedule V - AMERCO and Consolidated Subsidiaries Supplemental Information (For Property-Casualty Insurance Operations) |
F-58 |
All other schedules are omitted because they are not required, inapplicable, or the information is otherwise shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.
Exhibits:
Amended and Restated Property Management Agreement among Twenty-Three SAC Self-Storage Corporation and subsidiaries of U-Haul International, Inc. |
Incorporated by reference to AMERCO’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2012, file no. 1-11255 |
||
10.39 |
Amended and Restated Property Management Agreement among Twenty-Four SAC Self-Storage Corporation and subsidiaries of U-Haul International, Inc. |
Incorporated by reference to AMERCO’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2012, file no. 1-11255 |
|
10.40 |
Amended |