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UHAL > SEC Filings for UHAL > Form 10-Q on 4-Nov-2009All Recent SEC Filings

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Form 10-Q for AMERCO /NV/


4-Nov-2009

Quarterly Report


ITEM 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations

General

We begin Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("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. We then discuss our results of operations for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2010, compared with the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2009, which is 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 the remainder of fiscal 2010.

This MD&A should be read in conjunction with the other sections of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. 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 filing or in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements.

The second fiscal quarter for AMERCO ends on the 30th of September for each year that is referenced. Our insurance company subsidiaries have a second quarter that ends on the 30th of June 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 financial position or results of operations. The Company discloses any material events occurring during the intervening period. Consequently, all references to our insurance subsidiaries' years 2009 and 2008 correspond to fiscal 2010 and 2009 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 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 available for rent, expanding the number of independent dealers in our network and expanding and taking advantage of our growing 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:

(a) Moving and Storage, comprised of AMERCO, U-Haul, and Real Estate and the subsidiaries of U-Haul and Real Estate,

(b) Property and Casualty Insurance, comprised of RepWest and its subsidiaries and ARCOA, and

(c) Life Insurance, comprised of Oxford and its subsidiaries.


Moving and Storage Operating Segment

Our Moving and Storage Operating Segment consists of the rental of trucks, trailers, 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.

eMove is an online marketplace that connects consumers to independent Moving Help™ service providers and over 4,700 independent Self-Storage Affiliates. Our network of customer-rated affiliates provides 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.

For more than sixty years, U-Haul has incorporated sustainable practices into its everyday operations. Our basic business premise of truck-sharing helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduces the need for total large-capacity vehicles. Today, we remain focused on reducing waste and are dedicated to manufacturing reusable components and recyclable products. This commitment to sustainability, through our products and services, has helped us to reduce any negative impact on the environment.

Property and Casualty Insurance Operating Segment

Our Property and Casualty Insurance segment 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 and Safestor protection packages to U-Haul customers. We continue to focus on increasing the penetration of these products into the 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

Our Life Insurance segment provides life and health insurance products primarily to the senior market through the direct writing or reinsuring of life insurance, Medicare supplement and annuity policies.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The Company's 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. 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.

In the following paragraphs we have set forth, with a detailed description, 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

The Company applies ASC 810 - Consolidation ("ASC 810") in its 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: a) it has an insufficient amount of equity for it to finance its activities without receiving additional subordinated financial support or b) 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 can be re-assessed 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 most recent 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.

In fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2002, SAC Holdings were considered special purpose entities and were consolidated based on the provisions of EITF Issue 90-15, Impact of Nonsubstantive Lessors, Residual Value Guarantees and Other Provisions in Leasing Transactions, ("EITF 90-15"). In fiscal 2004, the Company evaluated its interests in SAC Holdings utilizing the guidance promulgated in ASC 810 - Consolidation. The Company concluded that SAC Holdings were VIE's and that the Company was the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, the Company continued to include SAC Holdings in its consolidated financial statements.

Triggering events in February and March of 2004 and November 2007 required AMERCO to reassess its involvement in specific SAC Holdings entities. During these reassessments it was concluded that AMERCO was no longer the primary beneficiary resulting in the deconsolidation of SAC Holding Corporation in fiscal 2004 and SAC Holding II in fiscal 2008.

It is possible that SAC Holdings could take actions that would require us to re-determine whether SAC Holdings has become a VIE or whether we have become the primary beneficiary of SAC Holdings. Should this occur, we could be required to consolidate some or all of SAC Holdings with our financial statements.

The condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2009 and March 31, 2009 include the accounts of AMERCO and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The September 30, 2009 and 2008 condensed consolidated statements of operations and cash flows include the accounts of AMERCO and its wholly-owned subsidiaries.

Recoverability of Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are 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. The Company follows the deferral method of accounting based on ASC 908 - Airlines ("ASC 908") for major overhauls in which engine overhauls are capitalized and amortized over five years 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. 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 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.

In fiscal 2006, management performed an analysis of the expected economic value of new rental trucks and determined that additions to the fleet resulting from purchase should be depreciated on an accelerated method based upon a declining formula. The salvage value and useful life assumptions of the rental truck fleet remain unchanged. 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 an additional 10% by the end of year fifteen. Whereas, a standard straight line approach would reduce the book value by approximately 5.3% per year over the life of the truck. For the affected equipment, the accelerated depreciation was $13.2 million and $14.0 million greater than what it would have been if calculated under a straight line approach for the second quarter of fiscal 2010 and 2009, respectively and $26.0 million and $28.0 million for the first six months of fiscal 2010 and 2009, respectively.


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 pick-up and cargo van fleet at automobile dealer auctions. 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 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.

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. These estimates are based on past claims experience and current claim trends as well as social and economic conditions such as changes in legal theories and inflation. Due to the nature of the underlying risks and the 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 liabilities cannot be precisely determined and may vary significantly from the estimated liability.

Due to the long tailed nature of the assumed reinsurance and the excess workers compensation lines of insurance that were written by RepWest, it may take a number of years for claims to be fully reported and finally settled.

Impairment of Investments

Investments are evaluated pursuant to guidance contained in ASC 320 - Investments - Debt and Equity Securities ("ASC 320") 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: 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. The Company's insurance subsidiaries recognized $0.3 million and $0.1 million in other-than-temporary impairments for the second quarter of fiscal 2010 and 2009, respectively and $0.4 million and $0.2 million for the first six months of fiscal 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Income Taxes

The Company's 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.

AMERCO files a consolidated tax return with all of its legal subsidiaries, except for Dallas General Life Insurance Company ("DGLIC"), a subsidiary of Oxford, which will file on a stand alone basis until 2012.

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.

The Company's 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. The Company places its temporary cash investments with financial institutions and limits the amount of credit exposure to any one financial institution.

The Company has mortgage receivables, which potentially expose the Company to credit risk. The portfolio of notes is principally collateralized by mini-warehouse storage facilities and commercial properties. The Company has not experienced losses related to the notes from individual notes 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.

Subsequent Events

On November 2, 2009, the Board declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.53125 per share on the Company's Series A Preferred Stock. The dividend will be payable December 1, 2009 to holders of record on November 16, 2009.

The Company's management has evaluated subsequent events occurring after September 30, 2009, the date of our most recent balance sheet date, and November 3, 2009 the date our financial statements were available to be issued. Other then the preferred stock dividend we do not believe any subsequent events have occurred that would require further disclosure or adjustment to our financial statements.

Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

ASC 105 - Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("ASC 105") established the FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") also known collectively as the "Codification", which supersedes all existing accounting standard documents and has become the single source of authoritative non-governmental U.S. GAAP. All other accounting literature not included in the Codification is considered non-authoritative. The Codification was implemented on July 1, 2009 and became effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. All accounting references have been updated, and therefore previous accounting standard references have been replaced with ASC references.

ASC 820 - Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures ("ASC 820") provides guidelines for a broad interpretation of when to apply market-based fair value measurements. ASC 820 reaffirms management's need to use judgment to determine when a market that was once active has become inactive and in determining fair values in markets that are no longer active. The Company adopted the provisions of this statement in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 and it did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

ASC 320 - Investments - Debt and Equity Securities ("ASC 320") segregates credit and noncredit components of impaired debt securities that are not expected to be sold. Impairments will continue to be measured at fair value with credit losses recognized in earnings and non-credit losses recognized in other comprehensive income. ASC 320 also requires some additional disclosures regarding expected cash flows, credit losses, and an aging of securities with unrealized losses. The Company adopted the provisions of this statement in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 and it did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

ASC 825 - Financial Instruments ("ASC 825") and ASC 270 - Interim Reporting ("ASC 270") increased the frequency of fair value disclosures to a quarterly instead of annual basis. ASC 825 and ASC 270 relate to fair value disclosures for any financial instruments that are not currently reflected on the balance sheet at fair value. The Company adopted the provisions of these statements in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 and they did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

ASC 805 - Business Combinations ("ASC 805") provides companies with principles and requirements on how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree as well as the recognition and measurement of goodwill acquired in a business combination. ASC 805 also requires certain disclosures to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. Acquisition costs associated with the business combination will generally be expensed as incurred. The Company adopted the provisions of this statement in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 and it did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

ASC 810 - Consolidation ("ASC 810") clarifies that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements. ASC 810 changes the way the consolidated income statement is presented by requiring net income to be reported at amounts that include the amounts attributable to both the parent and the noncontrolling interest and to disclose those amounts on the face of the income statement. The Company adopted the provisions of this statement in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 and it did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

ASC 855 - Subsequent Events ("ASC 855") provides guidance on management's assessment of subsequent events and incorporates this guidance into accounting literature. The Company adopted the provisions of this statement in the first quarter of fiscal 2010.


Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS 166, Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets - an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140 ("SFAS 166"). It has not yet been included in the Codification. This statement is to improve the relevance, representational faithfulness, and comparability of the information that a reporting entity provides in its financial statements about a transfer of financial assets; the effects of a transfer on its financial position, financial performance, and cash flows; and a transferor's continuing involvement, if any, in transferred financial assets. This statement is to address (1) practices that have developed since the issuance of SFAS 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities, that are not consistent with the original intent and key requirements of SFAS 140, and (2) concerns of financial statement users that many of the financial assets (and related obligations) that have been derecognized should continue to be reported in the financial statements of transferors. SFAS 166 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009. Early adoption of SFAS 166 is not permitted. This statement must be applied to transfers occurring on or after the effective date. Additionally, on and after the effective date, the concept of a qualifying special-purpose entity is no longer relevant for accounting purposes. The Company does not believe that the adoption of this statement will have a material impact on our financial statements.

In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No.
46(R) ("SFAS167"). It has not yet been included in the Codification. This statement is to improve financial reporting by enterprises involved with variable interest entities. This statement is to address (1) the effects on certain provisions of FIN 46(R) as a result of the elimination of the qualifying special-purpose entity concept in SFAS 166 and (2) constituent concerns about the application of certain key provisions of FIN 46(R), including those in which the accounting and disclosures under FIN 46(R) do not always provide timely and useful information about an enterprise's involvement in a variable interest entity. SFAS 167 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009. Early adoption of SFAS 167 is not permitted.

Results of Operations

AMERCO and Consolidated Entities

Quarter Ended September 30, 2009 compared with the Quarter Ended September 30,
2008
. . .
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