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Notes to Condensed Financial Information for Amerco Only
12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Use of Estimates

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 materially differ from management’s estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

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, 2018 and March 31, 2017, 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 receiving 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 are 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 and parts, net

Inventories and parts, net were as follows:

 

 

March 31,

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

 

(In thousands)

Truck and trailer parts and accessories (a)

$

83,335

$

71,918

Hitches and towing components (b)

 

18,627

 

17,799

Moving supplies and propane (b)

 

9,370

 

9,112

Subtotal

 

111,332

 

98,829

Less: LIFO reserves

 

(16,126)

 

(14,340)

Less: excess and obsolete reserves

 

(5,329)

 

(2,050)

Total

$

89,877

$

82,439

 

 

 

 

 

(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. Inventories are stated at the lower cost or net realizable value.

Inventory cost is primarily determined using the last-in first-out method (“LIFO”). Inventories valued using LIFO consisted of approximately 96% and 94% of the total inventories for March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Had we utilized the first-in first-out method (“FIFO”), stated inventory balances would have been $16.1 million and $14.3 million higher at March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. In fiscal 2017, 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 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. Routine maintenance costs are charged to operating expense as they are incurred. Gains and losses on dispositions of property, plant and equipment, other than real estate, are netted against depreciation expense when realized. The net amount of gains, netted against depreciation expense, were $11.8 million, $32.5 million and $98.2 million during fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016, 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. As a result of changes in IRS regulations regarding the capitalization of assets, beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2017, we raised the value threshold before certain assets are capitalized within our depreciation policy. This change in threshold, results in the immediate recognition of reported operating costs with a lagging decrease in depreciation expense over the term that these assets would have been depreciated. Due to this change, we had additional operating expenses of $23.1 million and $23.9 million in fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively. This change in threshold is expected to benefit us through the immediate recognition of tax deductible costs.

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.

For our box truck fleet we utilize an accelerated method of depreciation 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 15% by the end of year fifteen. 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 the United States and Canada, on our website 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.

In addition to our property, plant and equipment, we had real estate held for investment of $53.8 million and $66.2 million for fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively 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 IBNR losses. 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 or more frequently, if there are changes in facts or circumstances 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 $408.5 million and $399.2 million of liabilities related to these programs as of March 31, 2018 and 2017, 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, 2018 and 2017, the consolidated balance sheets include liabilities of $15.2 million and $13.7 million, respectively, related to medical plan benefits we provide 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 IBNR claims. This liability is reported net of estimated recoveries from excess loss reinsurance policies with unaffiliated insurers of $22 thousand and $0.1 million as of March 31, 2018 and 2017, 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 insurance premiums are recognized as revenue over the policy periods. Traditional life and Medicare supplement insurance premiums are recognized as revenue over the premium-paying periods of the contracts when due from the policyholders. 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 $8.1 million, $8.7 million and $9.6 million in fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016, 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 (the “Sales Inducement Asset”).  Sales inducements are recognized as an asset with a corresponding increase to the policyholder liability and are amortized in a similar manner to Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs.  As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Sales Inducement Asset included with Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs amounted to $21.2 million and $23.0 million, respectively on the consolidated balance sheet and amortization expense totaled $3.7 million $3.3 million and $3.0 million for the periods ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, 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 are capitalized if they 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.

Debt Issuance Costs

We defer costs directly associated with acquiring third-party financing. Debt issuance costs are deferred and amortized. Debt issuance costs related to our long-term debt are reflected as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the debt in accordance with our adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. Please see Note 9, Borrowings, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

In October 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2016-17, Interests Held through Related Parties That Are Under Common Control, which modifies existing guidance with respect to how a decision maker that holds an indirect interest in a VIE through a common control party determines whether it is the primary beneficiary of the VIE as part of the analysis of whether the VIE would need to be consolidated. Under ASU 2016-17, a decision maker would need to consider only its proportionate indirect interest in the VIE held through a common control party. Previous guidance had required the decision maker to treat the common control party’s interest in the VIE as if the decision maker held the interest itself. As a result of ASU 2016-17, in certain cases, previous consolidation conclusions may change. We adopted this standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) (“ASU 2018-02”), this amendment requires a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects associated with the change in the federal corporate income tax rate in the 2017 Tax Reform Act (the “Tax Reform Act”). The amount of the reclassification is equal to the impact of the change in deferred taxes related to amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income resulting from the change in the statutory corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. ASU 2018-02 is effective for all entities in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted and retrospective application is required. We chose to adopt the amendment in ASU 2018-02 during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018 and recorded a decrease of approximately $8.7 million to retained earnings with a corresponding increase to accumulated other comprehensive income to reclassify the stranded tax effects from the Tax Reform Act.


Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), an updated standard on revenue recognition.  The standard outlines a five-step model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers.  The standard applies to all contracts with customers except for leases, insurance contracts, financial instruments, certain nonmonetary exchanges and certain guarantees.  The standard also requires expanded disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments.  ASU 2014-09 became effective for the Company on April 1, 2018 and will be adopted on a modified retrospective basis, but we do not expect it to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. While we are still finalizing the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, we have performed an impact assessment by analyzing certain existing material revenue transactions and arrangements that are representative of our business segments and their revenue streams. Additionally, we have assessed any potential impacts on our internal controls and processes related to both the implementation and ongoing compliance of the new guidance. Based on the assessment performed to date, we do not expect material changes to our current policies related to the timing of revenue recognition and the accounting for costs; however, we will be finalizing our assessment in advance of the filing of our first quarter June 30, 2018 Form 10-Q. The standard will impact our disclosures including disclosures presenting further disaggregation of revenue. We are in the process of developing our new footnote disclosures required under the new standard.

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 do not expect adoption of ASU 2016-01 to have a material effect 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 operating leases reporting a single lease expense. This update will also require both qualitative and quantitative disclosures to help financial statement users better understand the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years; however, early adoption is permitted. We have determined that the provisions of ASU 2016-02 may result in an increase in assets to recognize the present value of the lease obligations with a corresponding increase in liabilities. We are still in the process of determining the impact on our consolidated financial statements. For the last ten years, we have reported a discounted estimate of the off-balance sheet lease obligations in our MD&A.


In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326). This update will require that financial assets measured at amortized cost be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis. The income statement reflects the measurement of credit losses for newly recognized financial assets, as well as the expected credit losses during the period. The measurement of expected credit losses is based upon historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. Credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities will be recorded through an allowance for credit losses rather than as a direct write-down to the security. This update will become effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating the impact of this standard on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This update addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. The effective date of ASU 2016-15 is for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this standard on our consolidated financial statements.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes - Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory, which will require an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs. This update will become effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years with early adoption permitted.  We are currently evaluating the impact of this standard on our consolidated financial statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) Restricted Cash. The new guidance requires that the reconciliation of the beginning-of-period and end-of-period amounts shown in the statements of cash flows include restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents. If restricted cash is presented separately from cash and cash equivalents on the balance sheet, companies will be required to reconcile the amounts presented on the statement of cash flows to the amounts on the balance sheet. Companies will also need to disclose information about the nature of the restrictions. This update will become effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect adoption of ASU 2016-18 to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805) Clarifying the Definition of a Business. This update is to clarify the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The definition of a business affects many areas of accounting including acquisitions, disposals, goodwill, and consolidation. This update will become effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those years. We do not expect adoption of ASU 2017-01 to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which changes how companies that sponsor defined benefit pension plans present the related net periodic benefit cost in the income statement. The service cost component of the net periodic benefit cost will continue to be presented in the same income statement line items, however other components of the net periodic benefit cost will be presented as a component of other income and excluded from operating profit. ASU 2017-07 will become effective for public companies during interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted. We do not expect adoption of ASU 2017-07 to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.


In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, Receivables – Nonrefundable Fees and Other Cost (Subtopic 310-20), Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities. These amendments shorten the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium. Specifically, the amendments require the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. The amendments do not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. The guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted including adoption in an interim period. If an entity early adopts in an interim period, any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes the interim period. The amendments should be applied on a modified retrospective basis, with a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. We are currently evaluating the impact of this standard on our consolidated financial statements.

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 ASUs 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 [Member]  
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

AMERCO, a Nevada corporation, was incorporated in April, 1969, and is the holding Company for U-Haul International, Inc., Amerco Real Estate Company, Repwest Insurance Company and Oxford Life Insurance Company. The financial statements of the Registrant should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in this Annual Report.

AMERCO is included in a consolidated Federal income tax return with all of its U.S. subsidiaries. Accordingly, the provision for income taxes has been calculated for Federal income taxes of AMERCO and subsidiaries included in the consolidated return of AMERCO. State taxes for all subsidiaries are allocated to the respective subsidiaries.

The financial statements include only the accounts of AMERCO, which include certain of the corporate operations of AMERCO. The interest in AMERCO’s majority owned subsidiaries is accounted for on the equity method. The intercompany interest income and expenses are eliminated in the Consolidated Financial Statements.

2. Guarantees

AMERCO has guaranteed performance of certain long-term leases and other obligations. See Note 17, Contingent Liabilities and Commitments, and Note 19, Related Party Transactions, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.