U-Haul - 10-K annual report 2015

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, 2015

or

[ ]Transition report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d)  OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

For the transition period from __________________ to _________________         

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

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, 2014 was $1,313,271,761. 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 23, 2015.

Documents incorporated by reference: portions of AMERCO’s definitive proxy statement for the 2015 annual meeting of stockholders, to be filed within 120 days after AMERCO’s fiscal year ended March 31, 2015, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part i

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 1,600 Company operated retail moving stores and approximately 18,200 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 eMove® web site.

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 subsidiary, 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.

Products and Rental Equipment

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, 2015, our rental fleet consisted of approximately 135,000 trucks, 107,000 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 nearly 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, 2015, we operate nearly 1,280 self-storage locations in North America, with over 491,000 rentable rooms comprising 44.2 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 anyone 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. 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 our web site, uhaul.com, the Company has 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:

• Moving and Storage, comprised of AMERCO, U-Haul, and Real Estate and the subsidiaries of U-Haul and Real Estate,
• Property and Casualty Insurance, comprised of Repwest and its subsidiaries and ARCOA, and
• Life Insurance, comprised of Oxford and its subsidiaries.

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%, 90.6% and 89.1% of consolidated net revenue in fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

During fiscal 2015, the Company placed approximately 37,000 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 2015 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 1,600 Company operated stores and approximately 18,200 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 54% 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 491,000 storage rooms, comprising 44.2 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 201,000 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 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.

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 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 1.9%, 1.8% and 1.9% of consolidated net revenue in fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, 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 7.1%, 7.6% and 9.0% of consolidated net revenue in fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Employees

As of March 31, 2015, we employed nearly 25,400 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.

Insurance Operating Segments

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.

Recent Developments

Financial Strength Ratings

In May 2015, A.M. Best affirmed the financial strength rating for Oxford to A- (Excellent) with a stable outlook.

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, 2015, we had total debt outstanding of $2,190.9 million and total undiscounted operating lease commitments of $201.5 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:

• require us to allocate a considerable portion of cash flows from operations to debt service and operating lease payments;
• limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate;
• limit our ability to obtain additional financing; and
• place us at a disadvantage compared to our competitors who may have less debt.

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.

The United States economy has undergone a period of slowdown and unprecedented volatility, which resulted in a recession.  It is difficult to gauge the pace of the economic recovery or if such recovery may stall or reverse course in the future.  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 industries, 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 reducing 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.

We are controlled by a small contingent of stockholders.

As of March 31, 2015, Edward J. Shoen, President and Chairman of the Board of AMERCO, James P. Shoen, and Mark V. Shoen collectively are the beneficial owners of 9,139,166 shares (approximately 46.6%) of the outstanding common stock of AMERCO. Edward J., James P. and Mark V. Shoen are brothers. In addition, Edward J. Shoen, James P. Shoen, Mark V. Shoen, Rosmarie T. Donovan (Trustee of the Shoen Irrevocable Trusts) and David L. Holmes (Successor Trustee of the Irrevocable “C” Trusts) (collectively, the “Reporting Persons”) are parties to a stockholder agreement dated, June 30, 2006, in which the Reporting Persons agreed to vote as one as provided in the agreement (the “Stockholder Agreement”).  Pursuant to the Stockholder Agreement, a collective 10,897,889 shares (approximately 55.6%) of the Company’s common stock are 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 and on May 1, 2013 with the SEC. In addition, 1,287,968 shares (approximately 6.6%) of the outstanding common stock of AMERCO are held by our Employee Savings and Employee Stock Ownership Trust.

As a result of their stock ownership and the Stockholder Agreement, Edward J. Shoen, Mark V. Shoen and James P. Shoen are in a position to significantly influence our business affairs and policies of the Company, including the approval of significant transactions, the election of the members of our Board of Directors (the “Board”) and other matters submitted to our stockholders. There can be no assurance that the interests of the Reporting Persons will not conflict with the interests of our other stockholders. Furthermore, as a result of the Reporting Persons’ voting power, the Company is a “controlled company” as defined in the Nasdaq Listing Rules and, therefore, may avail itself of certain exemptions under the Nasdaq rules, regarding having a majority of independent directors and independent director oversight of executive compensation and director nominations.

We bear certain risks related to our notes receivable from SAC Holding and Private Mini.

At March 31, 2015, we held $106.9 million of notes receivable from SAC Holding and Private Mini Storage Realty, L.P. (“Private Mini”), which consist of junior unsecured notes. These entities are highly leveraged with significant indebtedness to others. If SAC Holding or Private Mini are unable to meet their obligations to their senior lenders, it could trigger a default of their obligations 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 and Private Mini is inadequate to repay their senior lenders and our junior unsecured notes. We cannot assure you that SAC Holding or Private Mini will not default on their loans to their senior lenders or that the value of their 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 and federal 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.

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, 2015 we had approximately 18,200 independent equipment rental dealers.  In fiscal 2015, approximately 46% 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 operation.

At December 31, 2014, Repwest reported $1.7 million of reinsurance recoverables, net of allowances and $120.9 million of reserves and liabilities ceded to reinsurers. Of this, Repwest’s largest exposure to a single reinsurer was $61.5 million.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

To our knowledge, we have no unresolved staff comments as of March 31, 2015.

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 1,600 U-Haul retail centers of which 481 are managed for other owners, and operates 11 manufacturing and assembly facilities. We also operate 134 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 prejudgment 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 an 8-person 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.

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, with supporting Affidavits.  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 UHI’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.

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.

Environmental

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 individually 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 1, 2015, there were approximately 3,200 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:

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.

On February 5, 2015, the Company declared a cash dividend on its Common Stock of $1.00 per share to holders of record on March 6, 2015. The dividend was paid on March 17, 2015.

On December 4, 2013, the Company declared a cash dividend on its Common Stock of $1.00 per share to holders of record on January 10, 2014.  The dividend was paid on February 14, 2014.

On November 7, 2012, the Company declared a cash dividend on its Common Stock of $5.00 per share to holders of record on November 19, 2012. The dividend was paid on November 30, 2012.

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.

Performance Graph

The following graph compares the cumulative total stockholder return on the Company’s common stock for the period March 31, 2010 through March 31, 2015 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, 2010 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, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

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:

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 2015 compared with fiscal 2014, and for fiscal 2014 compared with fiscal 2013 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 2016.

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 2014, 2013 and 2012 correspond to fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 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 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:

• Moving and Storage, comprised of AMERCO, U-Haul, and Real Estate and the subsidiaries of U-Haul and Real Estate,
• Property and Casualty Insurance, comprised of Repwest and its subsidiaries and ARCOA, and
• Life Insurance, comprised of Oxford and its subsidiaries.

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 unit, 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 Company 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 and Safestor 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.

In the following pages 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

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. In fiscal 2015, we recorded $3.2 million of depreciation expense associated with the extension of the useful lives of rental equipment.

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:

• 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.

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 2015, 2014 and 2013, 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.

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.

Financial Strength Ratings

In May 2015, A.M. Best affirmed the financial strength rating for Oxford to A- (Excellent) with a stable outlook.

Adoption of New 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. 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. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption 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 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 2015 Compared with Fiscal 2014

Listed below, on a consolidated basis, are revenues for our major product lines for fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014:

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 Holdings 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.

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 2014 Compared with Fiscal 2013

Listed below, on a consolidated basis, are revenues for our major product lines for fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013:

Self-moving equipment rental revenues increased $187.9 million for fiscal 2014, compared with fiscal 2013. The convenience provided to our customers through additional company operated locations and our growing independent dealer network, combined with the expansion of the equipment rental fleet contributed to the increase in rental transactions. An increase in both In-Town and one-way transactions across our truck, trailer and towing device fleets is resulting in the growth in revenues Our focus continues to be on improving the rental experience for our customers through the availability of equipment, convenient access to rental locations and ease of the rental process.

Self-storage revenues increased $29.1 million for fiscal 2014, compared with fiscal 2013.  Average monthly occupancy for fiscal 2014 increased by 2.1 million square feet compared with fiscal 2013.  These occupancy gains came from a combination of improvements at existing locations as well as the acquisition of new facilities.  During fiscal 2014 we added approximately 2.1 million net rentable square feet.

Sales of self-moving and self-storage products and services increased $13.1 million for fiscal 2014, compared with fiscal 2013.  We earned increases from the sale of moving supplies, towing accessories and installation as well as propane.

Life insurance premiums decreased $20.2 million for fiscal 2014, compared with fiscal 2013, primarily attributable to decreases in life insurance premiums and Medicare supplement premiums.

Property and casualty insurance premiums increased $6.7 million for fiscal 2014, compared with fiscal 2013 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 decreased $3.3 million for fiscal 2014, compared with fiscal 2013.  Increases at Life Insurance from a larger invested asset base were more than offset by a decrease in gains related to the Company’s mortgage loan portfolio. 

Other revenue increased $63.2 million for fiscal 2014, compared with fiscal 2013, primarily from the expansion of new business initiatives including our U-Box program.

As a result of the items mentioned above, revenues for AMERCO and its consolidated entities were $2,835.3 million for fiscal 2014 as compared with $2,558.6 million for fiscal 2013.

Listed below are revenues and earnings from operations at each of our operating segments for fiscal 2014 and 2013. The insurance companies’ years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.

Total costs and expenses increased $145.6 million for fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 2013. Life Insurance decreased $19.7 million primarily due to reduced reserves and declines in Medicare supplement benefits.

Total costs and expenses at Moving and Storage increased $167.3 million for fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 2013. Operating expenses increased $120.0 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 $21.6 million while lease expense decreased $17.0 million as a result of the Company’s continued focus 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 increased to $630.2 million for fiscal 2014, compared with $499.2 million for fiscal 2013.

Interest expense for fiscal 2014 was $92.7 million, compared with $90.7 million for fiscal 2013 due to an increase in average borrowings partially offset by a decrease in average borrowing costs.

Income tax expense was $195.1 million for fiscal 2014, compared with $143.8 million for fiscal 2013. The increase was due to higher pretax earnings for fiscal 2014.

As a result of the above mentioned items, earnings available to common shareholders were $342.4 million for fiscal 2014, compared with $264.7 million for fiscal 2013.

Basic and diluted earnings per common share for fiscal 2014 were $17.51, compared with $13.56 for fiscal 2013.

The weighted average common shares outstanding basic and diluted were 19,558,758 for fiscal 2014, compared with 19,518,779 for fiscal 2013.

Moving and Storage

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:

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 installation.

Net investment and interest income decreased $1.6 million for fiscal 2015, compared with fiscal 2014.  SAC Holdings 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:

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.

Fiscal 2014 Compared with Fiscal 2013

Listed below are revenues for the major product lines at Moving and Storage for fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013:

Self-moving equipment rental revenues increased $189.2 million for fiscal 2014, compared with fiscal 2013. The convenience provided to our customers through additional company operated locations and our expanding independent dealer network, combined with the expansion of the equipment rental fleet contributed to the increase in rental transactions.  An increase in both In-Town and one-way transactions across our truck, trailer and towing device fleets resulted in the growth in revenues. Our focus continues to be on improving the rental experience for our customers through the availability of equipment, convenient access to rental locations and ease of the rental process.

Self-storage revenues increased $29.1 million for fiscal 2014, compared with fiscal 2013.  Average monthly occupancy for fiscal 2014 increased by 2.1 million square feet compared with fiscal 2013.  These occupancy gains came from a combination of improvements at existing locations as well as the acquisition of new facilities.  During fiscal 2014 we added approximately 2.1 million net rentable square feet.

Sales of self-moving and self-storage products and services increased $13.1 million for fiscal 2014, compared with fiscal 2013.  We earned increases from the sale of moving supplies, towing accessories and installation as well as propane.

Net investment and interest income decreased $3.4 million for fiscal 2014, compared with fiscal 2013.  Gains from mortgage loan holdings and interest income related to the SAC Holdings notes declined compared with the same period last year. In June 2013, SAC Holdings made a $10.4 million payment to AMERCO reducing its total outstanding obligations to the Company. 

Other revenue increased $61.5 million for fiscal 2014, compared with fiscal 2013, primarily from the expansion of new business initiatives including our U-Box program.

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:

Total costs and expenses increased $167.3 million for fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 2013. Operating expenses increased $120.0 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 $32.7 million and gains from the disposal of property, plant and equipment increased by $11.1 million. Lease expense decreased $17.0 million as a result of the Company’s continued focus towards 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 $584.7 million for fiscal 2014 as compared with $462.3 million for fiscal 2013.

Equity in the earnings of AMERCO’s insurance subsidiaries increased $5.8 million for fiscal 2014, compared with fiscal 2013.

As a result of the above mentioned changes in revenues and expenses, earnings from operations increased to $614.7 million for fiscal 2014, compared with $486.6 million for fiscal 2013.

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.

Property and Casualty Insurance

2013 Compared with 2012

Net premiums were $41.1 million and $34.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, 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 $10.6 million and $13.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The decrease was primarily due to a gain from our mortgage loan portfolio in 2012.

Net operating expenses were $20.8 million and $18.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The increase was a result of an increase in commission expense offset by a charge related to a reinsurance contract in 2012 and an increase in loss adjusting fee income.

Benefits and losses incurred were $11.5 million and $16.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The decrease was primarily due to favorable loss development in the additional liability line of business.

As a result of the above mentioned changes in revenues and expenses, pretax earnings from operations were $19.3 million and $14.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

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. 

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.

Life Insurance

2013 Compared with 2012

Net premiums were $157.9 million and $178.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The most significant factors contributing to the decline included a decrease in sales of new single premium whole life polies and immediate annuities combined with a reduction in Medicare supplement policies in force. 

Net investment income was $54.4 million and $50.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. There was an increase of investment income due to a larger invested asset base.

Net operating expenses were $23.7 million and $26.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The variance is primarily due to a reduced Medicare supplement and single premium immediate annuity commissions resulting from policy decrements in Medicare supplement and discontinued sales of immediate annuity product.

Benefits and losses incurred were $145.2 million and $164.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Declining sales of single premium whole policies and a reduction of in-force Medicare supplement policies, combined with improving loss ratios were the largest contributors to the decline in benefits.  Partially offsetting these decreases was additional interest credited to policyholder annuity accounts as a result of the accumulation of annuity deposits. 

Amortization of DAC, SIA and VOBA was $20.0 million and $17.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The increase over the prior year was primarily a result of increased amortization of annuity DAC and SIA from increased in force business along with amortization from legacy reinsured annuity blocks. 

As a result of the above mentioned changes in revenues and expenses, pretax earnings from operations were $26.7 million and $23.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, 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, 2015, cash and cash equivalents totaled $441.9 million, compared with $495.1 million on March 31, 2014. 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, 2015 (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:

At March 31, 2015, Moving and Storage had available borrowing capacity under existing credit facilities of $130.0 million.

A summary of our consolidated cash flows for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 is shown in the table below:

Net cash provided by operating activities increased $98.7 million in fiscal 2015, compared with fiscal 2014, primarily from improving revenues along with an increase of $28.8 million of note repayments from SAC Holdings and Private Mini. These were partially offset by a $56.7 million increase in income tax payments. 

Net cash used in investing activities decreased $20.5 million in fiscal 2015, compared with fiscal 2014. Purchases of property, plant and equipment, which are reported net of cash from sale and lease-back transactions, increased $222.5 million. Cash provided from the sales of property, plant and equipment increased $141.6 million largely due to an increase in truck sales. Life Insurance had a decrease in net cash used for investing of $26.6 million due to a decline in new annuity deposits.

Net cash used by financing activities increased $193.3 million in fiscal 2015, as compared with fiscal 2014 primarily driven by an increase in repayments of debt and capital leases of $368.8 million, offset by an increase in borrowings of $226.5 million. Net annuity deposits at Life Insurance decreased by $36.9 million compared with the same period last year.

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 reflected 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 2016 the Company will reinvest in its truck and trailer rental fleet approximately $500 million, net of equipment sales and excluding any lease buyouts. For fiscal 2015, the Company invested, net of sales, approximately $552 million before any lease buyouts in its truck and trailer fleet. Fleet investments in fiscal 2016 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 2016 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 2015, the Company invested $375 million in real estate acquisitions, new construction and renovation and repair. For fiscal 2016, 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 $700.3 million, $729.3 million and $435.3 million for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The components of our net capital expenditures are provided in the following table:

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 $169.3 million, $146.8 million, and $136.9 million at December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The increase in 2014 compared with 2013 resulted from net earnings of $15.4 million and an increase in accumulated other comprehensive income of $7.1 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 deposits for the year ended December 31, 2014 were $69.0 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 $274.2 million, $226.7 million, and $242.7 million at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The increase in 2014 compared with 2013 resulted from earnings of $19.4 million and a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income of $28.1 million. 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. Oxford is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank system and has the ability to borrow funds through this facility. As of December 31, 2014, Oxford had not drawn on this facility.

Cash Provided (Used) from Operating Activities by Operating Segments

Moving and Storage

Net cash provided by operating activities was $767.5 million, $660.4 million and $665.6 million in fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively primarily from improving revenues along with an increase of $28.8 million of note repayments from SAC Holdings and Private Mini. These were partially offset by a $56.7 million increase in income tax payments.

Property and Casualty Insurance

Net cash provided by operating activities was $16.6 million, $23.6 million, and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The decrease was primarily due to the commutation of excess workers’ compensation reinsurance in 2013.

Property and Casualty Insurance’s cash and cash equivalents and short-term investment portfolios amounted to $18.7 million, $35.5 million, and $45.2 million at December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. This balance reflects 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 (used) by operating activities was $24.2 million, $25.5 million and ($4.4) million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The decrease in cash provided was primarily attributable to the increase in federal income tax expense and paid losses partially offset by the decrease in commission and the increase in investment income.

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. At December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments amounted to $39.0 million, $39.6 million and $34.6 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, 2015, we had available borrowing capacity under existing credit facilities of $130.0 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, 2015, we had $1.0 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, 2015:

(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 $1,112.1 million included in our consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2015. 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 $25.2 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 $72.3 million of residual values at March 31, 2015 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 were $134.5 million at March 31, 2015.

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 $25.8 million, $25.8 million and $23.7 million from the above mentioned entities during fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, 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 Investments, Inc. (“Blackwater”). Blackwater is wholly-owned by Mark V. Shoen, a significant shareholder of AMERCO. Mercury is substantially controlled by Mark V. Shoen. James P. Shoen, a significant shareholder of AMERCO and an estate planning trust benefitting Shoen children also have an interest in Mercury.

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 2015, 2014 and 2013, 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, 2015, 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 $52.1 million, $49.9 million and $43.8 million in commissions pursuant to such dealership contracts during fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

During fiscal 2015, 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 $5.9 million, $7.1 million and $8.4 million and received cash interest payments of $5.7 million, $17.2 million and $12.6 million from SAC Holdings during fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. During the first quarter of fiscal 2014, SAC Holdings made a payment of $10.4 million to reduce its outstanding deferred interest payable to AMERCO. We received repayments of $20.2 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2015 on these notes and interest receivables. After this repayment the scheduled maturities of these notes are 2017. The largest aggregate amount of notes receivable outstanding during fiscal 2015 was $71.5 million and the aggregate notes receivable balance at March 31, 2015 was $50.4 million. In accordance with the terms of these notes, SAC Holdings may prepay the notes without penalty or premium at any time.

These agreements along with notes with subsidiaries of SAC Holdings, 4 SAC, 5 SAC, Galaxy and Private Mini, excluding Dealer Agreements, provided revenues of $31.9 million, expenses of $2.6 million and cash flows of $60.0 million during fiscal 2015. Revenues and commission expenses related to the Dealer Agreements were $241.3 million and $52.1 million, respectively during fiscal 2015.

Fiscal 2016 Outlook

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 2016, 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 2016.

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, 2013 and ending March 31, 2015. 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.

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, 2015: