Note 3. Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with the generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. The accounting policies that we deem most critical to us and that require management’s most difficult and subjective judgments include the principles of consolidation, the recoverability of property, plant and equipment, the adequacy of insurance reserves, the recognition and measurement of impairments for investments accounted for under ASC 320 - Investments - Debt and Equity Securities and the recognition and measurement of income tax assets and liabilities. The actual results experienced by us may differ from management’s estimates.

We consider cash equivalents to be highly liquid debt securities with insignificant interest rate risk with original maturities from the date of purchase of three months or less.

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash deposits. Accounts at each United States financial institution are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $250,000. Accounts at each Canadian financial institution are insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $100,000 CAD per account. At March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015, we held cash equivalents in excess of these insured limits. To mitigate this risk, we select financial institutions based on their credit ratings and financial strength.

Investments

Fixed Maturities and Marketable Equities. Fixed maturity investments consist of either marketable debt, equity or redeemable preferred stocks. As of the balance sheet dates, all of our investments in these securities were classified as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale investments are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains or losses recorded net of taxes and applicable adjustments to deferred policy acquisition costs in stockholders’ equity. Fair value for these investments is based on quoted market prices, dealer quotes or discounted cash flows. The cost of investments sold is based on the specific identification method.

In determining if and when a decline in market value below carrying value is an other-than-temporary impairment, management makes certain assumptions or judgments in its assessment including but not limited to: our ability to hold the security, quoted market prices, dealer quotes, discounted cash flows, industry factors, financial factors, and issuer specific information. Other-than-temporary impairments, to the extent of the decline, as well as realized gains or losses on the sale or exchange of investments are recognized in the current period operating results.

Mortgage Loans and Notes on Real Estate. Mortgage loans and notes on real estate are reported at their unpaid balance, net of any allowance for possible losses and any unamortized premium or discount.

Recognition of Investment Income. Interest income from bonds and mortgage notes is recognized when earned. Dividends on common and preferred stocks are recognized on the ex-dividend dates. Realized gains and losses on the sale or exchange of investments are recognized at the trade date.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Our objective for holding derivative financial instruments is to manage interest rate risk exposure primarily through entering interest rate swap agreements. An interest rate swap is a contractual exchange of interest payments between two parties. A standard interest rate swap involves the payment of a fixed rate times a notional amount by one party in exchange for a floating rate times the same notional amount from another party. As interest rates change, the difference to be paid or received is accrued and recognized as interest expense or income over the life of the agreement. We do not enter into these instruments for trading purposes. Counterparties to the interest rate swap agreements are major financial institutions. In accordance with ASC 815 - Derivatives and Hedging, we recognize interest rate swap agreements on the balance sheet at fair value, which is classified as prepaid expenses (asset) or accrued expenses (liability). Derivatives that are not designated as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes must be adjusted to fair value through income. If the derivative qualifies and is designated as a cash flow hedge, changes in its fair value will either be offset against the change in fair value of the hedged item through earnings or recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. See Note 11, Derivatives of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Inventories, net

Inventories, net were as follows:

		March 31,
		2016		2015
		(In thousands)
Truck and trailer parts and accessories (a)	$	68,665	$	62,701
Hitches and towing components (b)		17,483		15,308
Moving supplies and propane (b)		8,668		7,866
Subtotal		94,816		85,875
Less: LIFO reserves		(13,463)		(15,019)
Less: excess and obsolete reserves		(1,597)		(1,384)
Total	$	79,756	$	69,472

(a) Primarily held for internal usage, including equipment manufacturing and repair
(b) Primarily held for retail sales

Inventories consist primarily of truck and trailer parts and accessories used to manufacture and repair rental equipment as well as products and accessories available for retail sale. Inventory is held at our owned locations; our independent dealers do not hold any of our inventory.

Inventory cost is primarily determined using the last-in first-out method (“LIFO”). Inventories valued using LIFO consisted of approximately 97% of the total inventories for both March 31, 2016 and 2015. Had we utilized the first-in first-out method (“FIFO”), stated inventory balances would have been $13.5 million and $15.0 million higher at March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. In fiscal 2016, the negative effect on income due to liquidation of a portion of the LIFO inventory was $0.1 million.

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 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. The net amount of (gains) or losses netted against depreciation expense were ($98.7) million, ($74.6) million and ($33.6) million during fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 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 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 866-404-0355. Additionally, we sell a large portion of our pickup and cargo van fleet at automobile dealer auctions.

The carrying value of surplus real estate, which is lower than market value at the balance sheet date, was $14.1 million for both fiscal 2016 and 2015 and is included in Investments, other.

Receivables

Trade receivables include trade accounts from moving and self-storage customers and dealers, insurance premiums and amounts due from re-insurers, less management’s estimate of uncollectible accounts.

Insurance premiums receivable for policies that are billed through contracted agents are recorded net of commissions payable. A commission payable is recorded as a separate liability for those premiums that are billed direct.

Reinsurance recoverables include case reserves and actuarial estimates of claims incurred but not reported ("IBNR"). These receivables are not expected to be collected until after the associated claim has been adjudicated and billed to the re-insurer. The reinsurance recoverables may have little or no allowance for doubtful accounts due to the fact that reinsurance is typically procured from carriers with strong credit ratings. Furthermore, we do not cede losses to a re-insurer if the carrier is deemed financially unable to perform on the contract. Reinsurance recoverables also include insurance ceded to other insurance companies.

Notes and mortgage receivables include accrued interest and are reduced by discounts and amounts considered by management to be uncollectible.

Policy Benefits and Losses, Claims and Loss Expenses Payable

Life Insurance’s 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. 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. Oxford’s liabilities for deferred annuity contracts consist of contract account balances that accrue to the benefit of the policyholders.

Property and Casualty Insurance’s liability for reported and unreported losses is based on Repwest’s historical data along with industry averages. The liability for unpaid loss adjustment expenses is based on historical ratios of loss adjustment expenses paid to losses paid. Amounts recoverable from re-insurers on unpaid losses are estimated in a manner consistent with the claim liability associated with the re-insured policy. Adjustments to the liability for unpaid losses and loss expenses as well as amounts recoverable from re-insurers on unpaid losses are charged or credited to expense in the periods in which they are made.

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:

Claimant longevity
Cost trends associated with claimant treatments
Changes in ceding entity and third party administrator reporting practices
Changes in environmental factors including legal and regulatory
Current conditions affecting claim settlements
Future economic conditions including inflation

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.

Self-Insurance Reserves

U-Haul retains the risk for certain public liability and property damage programs related to our rental equipment. The consolidated balance sheets include $386.4 million and $363.6 million of liabilities related to these programs as of March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These liabilities are recorded in Policy benefits and losses, claims and loss expenses payable. Management takes into account losses incurred based upon actuarial estimates, past experience, current claim trends, as well as social and economic conditions. This liability is subject to change in the future based upon changes in the underlying assumptions including claims experience, frequency of incidents, and severity of incidents.

Additionally, as of March 31, 2016 and 2015, the consolidated balance sheets include liabilities of $9.5 million and $8.7 million, respectively, related to our provided medical plan benefits for eligible employees. We estimate this liability based on actual claims outstanding as of the balance sheet date as well as an actuarial estimate of claims incurred but not reported. This liability is reported net of estimated recoveries from excess loss reinsurance policies with unaffiliated insurers of $0.2 million and $0.3 million for fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. These amounts are recorded in Accounts payable and accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheets.

Revenue Recognition

Self-moving rentals are recognized for the period that trucks and moving equipment are rented. Self-storage revenues, based upon the number of paid storage contract days, are recognized as earned during the period. Sales of self-moving and self-storage related products are recognized at the time that title passes and the customer accepts delivery. Property and casualty, traditional life and Medicare supplement insurance premiums are recognized as revenue over the policy periods. For products where premiums are due over a significantly shorter duration than the period over which benefits are provided, such as our single premium whole life product, premiums are recognized when received and excess profits are deferred and recognized in relation to the insurance in force. Interest and investment income are recognized as earned.

Amounts collected from customers for sales tax are recorded on a net basis.

Advertising

All advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense was $9.6 million, $7.5 million and $7.1 million in fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

Commissions and other costs that fluctuate with and are primarily related to the acquisition or renewal of certain insurance premiums are deferred. For our Life Insurance’s life and health insurance products, these costs are amortized, with interest, in relation to revenue such that costs are realized as a constant percentage of revenue. For its annuity insurance products the costs are amortized, with interest, in relation to the present value of actual and expected gross profits.

Starting in fiscal 2014, new annuity contract holders were provided with a sales inducement in the form of a premium bonus. Sales inducements are recognized as an asset with a corresponding increase to the policyholder liability and are amortized in a similar manner to Deferred Acquisition Cost. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Sales Inducement Asset included with Deferred Acquisition Costs amounted to $24.6 million and $24.8 million, respectively on the consolidated balance sheet and amortization expense totaled $3.0 million $2.4 million and $2.1 million for the periods ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively .

Environmental Costs

Liabilities are recorded when environmental assessments and remedial efforts, if applicable, are probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated. The amount of the liability is based on management’s best estimate of undiscounted future costs. Certain recoverable environmental costs related to the removal of underground storage tanks or related contamination are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful lives of the properties. These costs improve the safety or efficiency of the property or are incurred in preparing the property for sale.

Income Taxes

AMERCO files a consolidated tax return with all of its legal subsidiaries. In accordance with ASC 740 - Income Taxes (“ASC 740”), the provision for income taxes reflects deferred income taxes resulting from changes in temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net earnings, foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on investments, the change in fair value of cash flow hedges and the change in postretirement benefit obligations.

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 us 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.