UNITED STATES SECURITIES

AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A

 

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Amendment No.)

 

 

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Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]

 

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[ ] Soliciting Material Pur suant to §240.14a-12

 

 

AMERCO

(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if Other Than the Registrant)

 

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NOTICE OF THE 201 5 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF AMERCO

 

DATE: Thursday, August 27, 2015

 

TIME: 9 a.m. local time/12 noon EDT

 

PLACE: U-Haul Central Towers

2721 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85004

and webcast live at amerco.com

 

 

Dear Fellow Stockholders:

July 17, 201 5

 

We look forward to the 201 5 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (“201 5 Annual Meeting”) of AMERCO (the “Company”) and are pleased to once again offer our meeting materials over the internet and to webcast this annual meeting. We believe that using the internet to distribute our materials and to host the meeting will allow mo re stockholders to participate in the meeting. We also expect that this approach will lower costs associated with the meeting and is consistent with our environmental sustainability initiatives.

 

During the meeting, six proposals will be presented for your consideration and approval:

 

Proposal 1:     The election of the following directors, each to hold office and serve as a member of the Board until the 201 6 Annual Meeting of Stockholders: Edward J. Shoen, James E. Acridge, Charles J. Bayer, John P. Brogan , John M. Dodds, Michael L. Gallagher, Daniel R. Mullen and Samuel J . Shoen.

Proposal 2:     An advisory vote to approve the compensation paid to the Company’s Named Executive Officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement.      

Proposal 3:    The ratifi cation of the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended March 31, 201 6 .

Proposal 4:   A proposal received from Company stockholder proponents to ratify and affirm the decisions and actions taken by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) and executive officers of the Company with respect to AMERCO and its subsidiaries, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 201 5 .

Proposal 5: An advisory proposal received from a Company stockholder propone nt to recommend the Board and management act expeditiously to effectuate an IPO and subsequent REIT conversion of the real estate and self-storage businesses.

Proposal 6: An advisory proposal received from a Company stockholder proponent for the Board and management to declare and issue a dividend of seven shares of nonvoting common stock for each common share held to all AMERCO shareholders. 

 

I encourage you to read this proxy statement for more information on each of these proposals, and to vote on each proposal. 

 

In addition, stockholders may also vote on any other business as may properly come before the 201 5 Annual Meeting or any continua tion, postponement or adjournment thereof. On such other business, to the maximum extent allowed by the SEC’s proxy and NASDAQ rules, any proxy holders will vote as they determine in their discretion.

 



I encourage stockholders to participate in the 201 5 Annual Meeting via the webcast, in order to reduce the carbon footprint resulting from the meeting. I also encourage you to vote, whether or not you attend or participate in the meeting. The Board has fixed the close of business on June 29 , 201 5 as the rec ord date for determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the 201 5 Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. If you vote over the internet or telephone, your vote must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on August 2 6 , 201 5 to be counted. Mail-in ballots should be mailed by August 1 6 , 201 5 .

 

Sincerely yours,

 

 

/s/ Edward J. Shoen

Edward J. Shoen

Chairman and President



 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Page

Questions and Answers about these Proxy Materials and Voting

1

Proposal 1 – The Election of Directors

5

Proposal 2 – Advisory Vote to Approve the Compensation Paid to the Company’s Named Executive Officers

6

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

7

Relationship with independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

10

Proposal 3 – Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

1 1

Proposal 4 – Stockholder Proposal Regarding Ratification of the Decisions and Actions of the Board of Directors and Executive Officers for Fiscal 201 5

11

Proposal 5 – Advisory Stockholder Proposal to Recommend the Board and Management Act Expeditiously to Effectuate on IPO and Subsequent REIT Conversion of the Real Estate and Self-Storage Businesses

12

Proposal 6 – Advisory Stockholder Proposal for the Boa rd and Management to Declare and Issue a Dividend of Seven Shares of Nonvoting Common Stock for Each Common Share Held to All AMERCO Shareholders

14

Board of Directors and Corporate Governance

1 6

“Controlled Company” Status and Director Independence

1 8

Other Information Regarding the Board of Directors

1 9

Director Nomination Process

21

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

2 5

Compensation Committee Report

2 7

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

2 7

Audi t Committee Report

2 8

Executive Officers of the Company

2 8

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

2 9

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

31

Communications with the Board of Directors

31

Stockholder Proposals for Next Annual Meeting

32

Other Matters

32

Exhibit A – Meeting Procedures

 

Exhibit B – Proxy Card

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


DESCRIPTION: AMERCOLOGO

 

PROXY STATEMENT

 

201 5 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 27 , 201 5

 

This proxy statement (“Proxy Statement”) is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies on behalf of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of AMERCO, a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), with respect to the 201 5 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of AMERCO and any adjournment thereof (the “Annual Meeting”). The matters to be voted upon at the Annual Meeting are:

 

  1. The election of the following directors, each to hold office and serve as a member of the Board until the 201 6 Annual Meeting of Stockholders: Edward J. Shoen, James E. Acridge, Charles J. Bayer, John P. Brogan, John M. Dodds, Michael L. Gallagher, Daniel R. Mullen and Samuel J. Shoen ;
  2. A n advisory vote to approve the compensation paid to the Company ’s Named Executive Officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement;
  3. T he ratification of the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as the Company’s independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for the fiscal year ended March 31, 201 6 (“Fiscal 201 6 ”); and
  4. A proposal re ceived from Company stockholder proponents to ratify and affirm the decisions and actions taken by the Board and executive officers with respect to AMERCO and its subsidiaries, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 201 5 (“Fiscal 201 5 ”).
  5. A n advisory proposal received from a Company stockholder proponent to recommend the Board and management act expeditiously to effectuate an IPO and subsequent REIT conversion of the real estate and self-storage businesses.
  6. An advisory proposal received from a Company stockhol der proponent for the Board and management to declare and issue a dividend of seven shares of nonvoting common stock for each common share held to all AMERCO shareholders. 

 

The Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) is first be ing sent to stockholders on or about July 17 , 201 5 . The Proxy Statement and the form of proxy relating to the Annual Meeting are first being made available to stockholders on or about July 17 , 201 5

 

The Board has fixed the close of business on June 29 , 201 5 as the record date for determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof (the “Record Date”).

 

Why am I being provided with these materials?

Owners of record of AMERCO com mon stock as of the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to vote in connection with the Annual Meeting. As a stockholder, you are requested to vote on the proposals described in this Proxy Statement. This Proxy Statement describes the proposal s presented for stockholder action at our Annual Meeting and includes information required to be disclosed to stockholders in connection with the Annual Meeting.

 

Why have I received a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials?

In accordance with applicable laws and regulations, we are permitted to furnish proxy materials to our stockholders on the internet, in lieu of mailing printed copies of the documents.  You will not receive a printed copy of the proxy materials unless you request a printed c opy. The Notice instructs you as to how to access the proxy materials on the internet. The Notice also instructs you as to how to vote. If  you would like to receive a printed copy of the proxy materials, please follow the instructions for requesting such materials included in the Notice.  You may also download or print these materials, or any portion thereof, from any computer with internet access and a printer. 

 

 


Who can vote in connection with the Annual Meeting?

You may vote if you were the record or b eneficial owner of AMERCO common stock as of the close of business on the Record Date.  As of the Record Date, there were 19,607,788 shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote. 

 

How do I attend the Annual Meeting?

The Annual Meeting will be webcast live over the internet at amerco.com and will be hosted at the U-Haul Central Towers, 2721 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85004, at 9:00 a.m., local time, on August 27 , 201 5 .  Rather than physically attending the Ann ual Meeting, we encourage stockholders to attend the Annual Meeting via the live webcast. We believe this is one way to reduce the carbon footprint resulting from the Annual Meeting. In-person attendance at the Annual Meeting is limited to stockholders as of the Record Date or their legal proxies, and valid photo identification and a copy of such proxy, if applicable, is required for any such attendee. If your shares are held in “street name” (for instance, through a brokerage firm or bank), you will also n eed to bring evidence of your beneficial ownership, such as a recent statement from your brokerage account. We discuss holders in “street name” in more detail below.

 

What am I voting on?

You are voting on:

 

Proposal 1: The election of the following direc tors, each to hold office and serve as a member of the Board until the 201 6 Annual Meeting of Stockholders: Edward J. Shoen, James E. Acridge, Charles J. Bayer, John P. Brogan, John M. Dodds, Michael L. Gallagher, Daniel R. Mullen and Samuel J . Shoen.

Prop osal 2: An advisory vote to approve the compensation paid to the Company’s Named Executive Officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement.      

Proposal 3: The ratification of the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as the Company’s independent registered publi c accounting firm for Fiscal 201 6 .

Proposal 4: A proposal received from Company stockholder proponents to ratify and affirm the decisions and actions taken by the Board and executive officers of the Company with respect to AMERCO and its subsidiaries, for Fiscal 201 5 .

Proposal 5: An advisory proposal received from a Company stockholder proponent to recommend the Board and management act expeditiously to effectuate an IPO and subsequent REIT conversion of the real estate and self-storage businesses.

Proposal 6: An advisory proposal received from a Company stockholder proponent for the Board and management to declare and issue a dividend of seven shares of nonvoting common stock for each common share held to all AMERCO shareholders. 

 

In addition, stockholder s may also vote on any other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any continuation, postponement or adjournment thereof. On such other business, to the maximum extent allowed by the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC’s”) proxy and NASDAQ rules, the proxy holders will vote as they determine in their discretion.

 

How does the Board recommend that I vote my shares?

The Board recommendations are as follows:

 

Proposal 1: The Board recommends a vote “FOR” each of the director nominees named in this proxy statement;

Proposal 2: The Board recommends a vote “FOR” such proposal;

Proposal 3: The Board recommends a vote “FOR” such proposal;

Proposal 4: The Board recomm ends a vote “FOR” such proposal;

Proposal 5: The Board recommends a vote “AGAINST” such proposal; and

Proposal 6:  The Board makes no voting recommendation with respect to such proposal. 

 

 


We encourage all stockholders to vote their shares.  If you own your shares pursuant to the AMERCO Employee Stock Ownership Plan ( “ESOP”) and you do not vote, the ESOP Trustee will vote your shares on your behalf, in its discretion. If you own your shares in “street name” we encourage you to specifically direct your broker (or other record holder) to vote your shares by returning app ropriate voting instructions which will be provided to you from such broker or other record holder.

 

What types of votes are permitted on each Item?

Proposal 1: You may either vote “FOR” all the nominees to the Board, you may “WITHHOLD” for all nominees, o r you may “WITHHOLD” your vote from any nominee you specify

Proposal 2: You may vote “FOR,” “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN”

Proposal 3: You may vote “FOR,” “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN”

Proposal 4: You may vote “FOR,” “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN”.

Proposal 5 : You may vote “F OR,” “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN”.

Proposal 6 : You may vote “FOR,” “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN”.

 

If you vote “ABSTAIN” (in the case of Proposals 2, 3 , 4 , 5 or 6 ) or “WITHHOLD” in the case of Proposal 1, your vote will not be counted as a vote cast on such Proposal .

 

Who will pay the costs of soliciting these Proxies?

The Board is soliciting proxies from stockholders and directors, officers or other employees may assist in such effort by mail, email, telephone, facsimile or in person. We are not paying any specific third-party to solicit proxies on behalf of the Board, but should any costs arise related to the solicitation of proxies then the Company shall bear such costs. We will not provide compensation, other than usual compensation to our directors, officers and other employees who solicit proxies.

 

How many votes are needed to approve each Item?

Proposal 1: The eight nominees receiving the most “FOR” votes will be elected. 

Proposal 2: There must be a “FOR” vote from the majority of votes cast.

Proposal 3: Ther e must be a “FOR” vote from the majority of votes cast.

Proposal 4: There must be a “FOR” vote from the majority of votes cast.

Proposal 5: There must be a “FOR” vote from the majority of votes cast.

Proposal 6: There must be a “FOR” vote from the majorit y of votes cast.

 

What is an advisory shareholder vote?

An advisory shareholder vote is non-binding.  Proposals 2, 5 and 6 are advisory.  Such votes afford shareholders the opportunity to provide the Board with feedback (through voting) as to the sharehold er’s view on the proposal in question.  Shareholder approval or disapproval of an advisory proposal does not require particular Board action; however, shareholder feedback pursuant to an advisory vote will be considered by the Board and addressed as deemed appropriate in the judgment of the Board.    

 

How many votes must be present, whether in person or by proxy, to hold the Annual Meeting?

In order for the Annual Meeting to proceed, holders of one-third of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company entitled to vote must be present, in person or by proxy, at the meeting.  This is referred to as a quorum.  Abstentions, withheld votes, and broker non-votes are included and counted for purposes of establishing a quorum at the meeting. 

 

 


What are broker non-votes?

Broker non-votes occur with respect to shares held in “street name”, in cases where the record owner (for instance, the brokerage firm or bank) does not receive voting instructions from the beneficial owner and does not have discretionar y voting authority with respect to a particular matter.  Brokerage firms and banks have discretionary voting authority to vote with respect to “routine” matters; however they do not have discretionary authority to vote on “non-routine” matters. The followi ng proposals will be considered “non-routine” and therefore your broker will not be able to vote your shares with respect to these proposals unless the broker receives specific voting instructions from you: Proposal 1 (Election of Directors), Proposal 2 (A dvisory Vote to Approve the Compensation Paid to the Company’s Named Executive Officers) , Proposal 4 (Stockholder Proposal to Ratify and Affirm the Decisions and Actions Taken by the Board and Executive Officers with respect to AMERCO and its Subsidiaries for Fiscal 201 5 ) , Proposal 5 (Stockholder Proposal to Recommend the Board and Management Act Expeditiously to Effectuate an IPO and Subsequent REIT Conversion of the Real Estate and Self-Storage Businesses) and Proposal 6 (Stockholder Proposal for the Boar d and M anagement to D eclare and I ssue a D ividend of S even S hares of N onvoting Common S tock for Each C ommon S hare H eld to A ll AMERCO S hareholders.  Broker non-votes will not be counted towards any of the foregoing proposals and will have no effect on the ou tcome of such proposals. However, broker non-votes (as well as “abstain” and withheld votes) will be counted towards the presence of a quorum.

 

What if my AMERCO shares are not registered directly in my name?

If the record owner of your shares is a brokerage firm or bank, then your shares are considered to be held in “street name”. If at the Record Date your shares were held in “street name” or you otherwise were not the record holder of such shares, then you are the beneficial owner of such shares, and such shares are not registered directly in your name. The organization holding your account is considered the stockholder of record for purposes of the Annual Meeting. As a beneficial owner, you have the right to direct that organization on how to vote the shares in your account.  You will receive the Notice and other proxy materials if requested, as well as voting instructions, directly from that organization. As discussed directly above, if you own your shares in “street name” and do not instruct your broker, banker or other designated record holder of the shares as to how to vote, such person or entity will only have discretion to vote on Proposal 3 (the R atification of the A ppointment of BDO USA, LLP as the C ompany’s I ndependent R egistered P ublic A cc ounting F irm for Fiscal 201 6), which is considered to be a “routine” matter.  We encourage you to specifically direct your broker (or other designated record holder) as to how to vote your shares by returning your voting instructions form or other document s so requested from your broker or other designated record holder .

 

If I am a stockholder of record of AMERCO, how do I cast my vote?

There are several ways to cast your vote:

 

  • You may vote over the internet, by going to proxyvote.com .   You will need to ty pe in the control number indicated on your proxy card and follow the instructions.
  • You may vote over the telephone by dialing 1-800-690-6903 and follow the recorded instructions. You will need the control number indicated on your proxy card.
  • You may vote b y mailing in the proxy card ballot.  To vote by mail, you must first request and obtain a paper copy of the materials, which will include a proxy card. Then, complete, sign and date your proxy card and mail it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercede s Way, Edgewood, New York 11717 .
  • You may vote in person, at the commencement of the Annual Meeting. 

 

If you vote over the internet or telephone, your vote must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on August 2 6 , 201 5 to be counted.  If you vote by mail, please ensure that your completed Proxy Card is mailed no later than August 1 6 , 201 5 .

 

How do I vote if I hold my stock through the AMERCO ESOP?

If you hold your stock through the ESOP, you may vote in the same manner as stockholders of record, as described immediately above. If you do not vote your stock held through the ESOP, the ESOP Trustee will vote your shares for you, in the Trustee’s discretion.

 

 


How many votes do I have?

On each matter to be voted upon, you have one vote for each share of our common stock that you owned as of the close of business on the Record Date. 

 

Who tabulates the votes cast at the Annual Meeting?

We have hired Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. o r its designee (“Broadridge”) to tabulate the votes cast in connection with the Annual Meeting.  In addition, an employee of Broadridge or its designee will be present at the meeting to serve as the Inspector of Elections.

 

Could other matters be decided a t the Annual Meeting?

We are not aware of any other matters that will be considered at the Annual Meeting.  If any other matters are properly brought before the Annual Meeting, all shares validly represented by proxies will be voted in accordance with the discretion of the appointed proxy holder.

 

What does it mean if I receive more than one Notice or Proxy Card?

If you receive more than one Notice or Proxy Card, your shares are owned in more than one name or in multiple accounts. In order to ensure that a ll of your shares are voted, you must follow the voting instructions included in each Notice and Proxy Card.

 

How will I know the voting results?

Preliminary voting results will be announced at the Annual Meeting.  Final results will be published on Form 8 -K filed with the SEC shortly following the Annual Meeting.

 

How can I access the Proxy Statement and Annual Report electronically?

To access the Proxy Statement and Annual Report electronically, please visit proxyvote.com or the Company’s Investor Relatio ns website, amerco.com. You may also consent to receive all future Company proxy statements and annual reports electronically via e-mail. To sign up for e-delivery, please go to amerco.com, and click on the yellow “Electronic Delivery Enrollment” box towar d the top of the page and follow the instructions. 

 

How can I revoke my Proxy?

You may change or revoke your vote by filing with the Company’s Secretary by the close of business on August 2 6 , 201 5 , either a notice of revocation or a signed Proxy Card bearing a later date or by later re-voting by telephone or over the internet. You may also revoke your vote with respect to your shares if you attend the Annual Meeting in person and so request, although attendance at the meeting will not automatically rev oke your proxy absent specific action on your part.

 

PROPOSAL 1

THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

The independent directors have nominated the following individuals (all current directors) to stand for election at this Annual Meeting: Edward J. Shoen, James E. Ac ridge, Charles J. Bayer, John P. Brogan, John M. Dodds, Michael L. Gallagher, Daniel R. Mullen and Samuel J. Shoen , and to serve as members of the Board until the 201 6 Annual Meeting or until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified or th eir earlier death, resignation or removal. As of the filing date of this Proxy Statement, each of the nominees is willing and able to serve as a director of the Company. See “Board of Directors and Corporate Governance - Directors” for information regardin g each of the director nominees.

 

The person named in the enclosed proxy will vote to elect all of the nominees as directors for term s ending at the 201 6 Annual Meeting , unless you withhold authority to vote for any or all of the nominees by marking the pr oxy to that effect or so voting in person. If one or more of the eight (8) nominees becomes unavailable to serve prior to the date of the Annual Meeting, the person named as proxy holder will vote those shares for the election of such other person(s) as th e Board may recommend, unless the Board reduces the total number of directors.

 

 


Directors are elected by a plurality of the shares cast , whether in person or by proxy. Votes may be cast “FOR” all nominees, “WITHHOLD” for all nominees, or “WITHHOLD” as to specific nominees. The eight nominees who receive the greatest number of votes cast “FOR” the election of such nominees shall be elected as directors.

 

The Board recommends a vote “FOR” approval of P roposal 1 , which includes a vote “for” each director nom inee.

 

PROPOSAL 2 – Advisory Vote TO APPROVE THE Compensation paid to the Company’s Named Executive Officers

In accordance with the requirements of Section   14A of the Exchange Act (which were added by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”)) and the related rules of the SEC, the Company is providing stockholders the opportunity to vote on a non-binding, advisory resolution to approve the compensation of the Named Executive Officers as disclosed below in t his Proxy Statement (commonly referred to as "say-on-pay"), including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis (the “CD&A”), the tabular disclosures regarding compensation of our Named Executive Officers and the narrative disclosure accompanying these tabl es.

At our 2011 annual meeting, our stockholders supported an annual frequency for this advisory vote. The Board has determined that, until the next required stockholder vote on the frequency of future stockholder advisory approvals of our executive compen sation or until the Board determines that such vote shall be conducted at a different interval, the Company will seek advisory approval of our executive compensation on an annual basis.

As discussed in the CD&A, we believe that our compensation policies an d decisions are focused on pay-for-performance principles and are strongly aligned with the long-term interests of our stockholders. The objectives of the Company’s executive compensation program are to retain current executive officers, to encourage exist ing personnel to self-develop and magnify functional responsibilities and to entice qualified individuals to join the Company in executive positions as such positions are created or vacated. Our compensation program is intended to encourage an environment of teamwork, loyalty and fairness at all levels of the Company. This proposal gives you as a stockholder the opportunity to express your views regarding the Company’s executive compensation policies and procedures. The vote is not intended to address any s pecific item of compensation but rather the overall compensation of our Named Executive Officers and the policies and procedures described in this Proxy Statement.

Although this advisory vote is non-binding, the Board and the Compensation Committee value t he views of stockholders and will consider the outcome of the vote when making future compensation decisions for Named Executive Officers.

 

The Board recommends a vote “FOR” approval of Proposal 2, as follows:

Resolved, that the compensation paid to the Company’s named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to Item 401 of Regulation S-K, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis and compensation tables and narrative discussion is hereby approved.

 

 


CO MPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

Overview

 

The purpose of this CD&A is to provide material information about the Company’s compensation philosophy, objectives and other relevant policies and to explain and put into context the material elements of the disclosure that follows in this Proxy Statement with respect to the compensation of our Named Executive Officers.  For Fiscal 201 5 , the Company’s Named Executive Officers were:

 

Edward J. Shoen, Chairman and President of AMERCO;

James P. Shoen, Vice Presid ent of U-Haul Business Consultants;

John C. Taylor, President of U-Haul;

Jason A. Berg, Principal Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer of AMERCO; and

Laurence J. De Respino , General Counsel

 

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

 

The objectives of the Company’s executive compensation program are to retain current executive officers, to encourage existing personnel to self-develop and magnify functional responsibilities and to entice qualified individuals to join the Company in executive position s as such positions are created or vacated. The compensation program is intended to encourage an environment of teamwork, loyalty and fairness at all levels of the Company.   

 

While this CD&A focuses on the compensation of the Named Executive Officers, t he philosophy and objectives we discuss are generally applicable to all of the Company’s senior officers. 

 

Implementation of Objectives

 

It is the duty of the Compensation Committee to review and determine the annual compensation paid to the President an d review regularly the general compensation policies for the Company’s other executive officers.  The Compensation Committee and the President implement these policies while keeping in mind the Company’s approach to overhead costs and such executive office r’s impact on the Company’s objective of providing customers with an affordable product and service. The Compensation Committee traditionally delegates significant responsibility to the President for establishing and reviewing the performance of the other Named Executive Officers, appropriate levels and components of compensation, and any other items as the Compensation Committee may request.         

 

The Compensation Committee evaluates the compensation of the President at least annually to ensure that it is fair, reasonable and aligned with the Company’s overall objectives.  The President performs this function for the remainder of the Named Executive Officers.   

 

The Compensation Committee did not utilize any benchmarking measure in Fiscal 201 5 and t raditionally has not tied compensation directly to a specific performance measurement, market value of the Company’s common stock or benchmark related to any established peer or industry group.  Rather, the Company generally seeks to compensate individual executives commensurate with historic pay levels for such position, adjusted for time and tenure with the Company.  Salary increases are strongly correlated to the President’s assessment of each Named Executive Officer’s performance and his recommendation on the appropriateness of any increase.  The Company also generally seeks to increase or decrease compensation, as appropriate, based upon changes in an executive officer’s functional responsibilities within the Company.    

 

The intention of the Company has been to compensate the Named Executive Officers in a manner that maximizes the Company’s ability to deduct such compensation expenses for federal income tax purposes.  However, the Compensation Committee and the President have the discretion to provide compensation that is not “performance-based” under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code when they determine that such compensation is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.  For Fiscal 201 6 , the Company expects to deduct most or all of the compensation expenses paid to the Named Executive Officers.

 


 

Elements Used to Achieve Compensation Objectives

 

The principal components of the Company’s compensation program in Fiscal 201 5 were:

  • Base salary;
  • Discretionary cash bonus;
  • Certain l ong-term incentives; and
  • Other benefits.

 

Base Salary .  The Company pays its Named Executive Officers base salaries commensurate with the scope of their job responsibilities, individual experience, performance, and the period of time over which they have performed their duties.  The base salary is typically reviewed annually with adjustments made based upon an analysis of performance and the addition or removal of functional responsibilities.  There are no guarantees of base salary adjustments.  The amount of base salary paid to each of the Named Executive Officers during Fiscal 201 5 is shown in the Summary Compensation Table (“SCT”).

 

Discretionary Cash Bonus .  Discretionary cash bonuses are awarded on occasion to Named Executive Officers based upon subje ctive criteria determined by the Compensation Committee or the President.  These criteria may include such factors as level of responsibility, contributions to results, and retention considerations.  The Company has not entered into any agreements stipulat ing or guaranteeing bonuses for any of its Named Executive Officers.  The amount of discretionary cash bonuses paid to each of the Named Executive Officers during Fiscal 201 5 is shown in the SCT.

 

Certain Long-Term Incentives .  The Company did not grant in Fiscal 201 5 equity interests to Named Executive Officers other than through its ESOP, which is available to all employees of the Company.  The Company has not implemented any specific policy requiring its Named Executive Officers or other officers and/or employees to own the Company’s common stock. 

 

Other Benefits .  The Named Executive Officers participate in employee benefits plans generally available to all full-time employees of the Company on a non-discriminatory basis including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug insurance, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, disability insurance, a 401(k) plan, vacation and sic k pay, and postretirement benefits.  The Company does not provide other perquisites to its executive officers; therefore such additional tables are not provided as they are inapplicable. 

Compensation Risk Assessment

 

The Company has assessed the risks t hat could arise from its compensation policies for all employees, including employees who are not Named Executive Officers, and does not believe that such polices are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.  In consideration of these matters and after reviewing each element of the Company’s compensation programs including base salary, cash incentives and equity compensation, we determined that (i) our Named Executive Officers' compensation, including incentive compensation, is no t a significant percentage of revenue for the Company or any applicable subsidiary’s revenue, (ii) due in large part to the equity ownership of two of our five Named Executive Officers, our Company is a Controlled Company which we believe creates a strong alignment between the interests of management and stockholders, and (iii) due to the limited nature of our incentive compensation and range of potential increases in salaries year over year, as well as our overall conservative approach to compensation, our policies and programs do not encourage excessive risk-taking by our management or our Board and result in a strong alignment between the interests of management and stockholders.

 

 


201 4 Advisory Vote on the Compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers

 

AMERCO provided stockholders with an advisory vote on its compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers in 201 4 . At our 201 4 annual meeting of stockholders, more than 99 % of the votes cast on this proposal were in favor of our executive compensation program and policies. The Compensation Committee evaluated the results of the vote and, due in large part to the substantial stockholder support of our executive compensation program, the Compensation Committee did not make any significant changes to our executive compensation program and policies for Fiscal 201 5 compensation. The Compensation Committee will continue to consider the outcome of future advisory votes when making future compensation decisions for the Named Executive Officers.

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

 

Name and Principal Position

 

Fiscal Year

 

Salary

 

Bonus

 

Stock Awards (1)

 

All Other Compensation (2)

 

Total Compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edward J. Shoen

 

2015

$

675,104

$

200,000

$

11,083

$

102,500

$

988,687

Chairman and President of AMERCO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2014

 

675,004

 

-

 

6,792

 

102,500

 

784,296

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013

 

675,004

 

200,000

 

29,269

 

93,125

 

997,398

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

James P. Shoen

 

2015

 

565,962

 

-

 

10,534

 

92,500

 

668,996

Vice President of U-Haul Business

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consultants

 

2014

 

565,962

 

-

 

6,792

 

92,500

 

665,254

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013

 

565,962

 

-

 

27,495

 

83,125

 

676,582

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

John C. Taylor

 

2015

 

285,581

 

200,000

 

8,060

 

10,000

 

503,641

President of U-Haul

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2014

 

296,158

 

200,000

 

6,792

 

10,000

 

512,950

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013

 

290,870

 

200,000

 

15,718

 

10,000

 

516,588

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jason A. Berg

 

2015

 

356,735

 

100,500

 

6,961

 

-

 

464,196

Principal Financial Officer and Chief

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounting Officer of AMERCO

 

2014

 

356,735

 

100,000

 

6,792

 

-

 

463,527

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013

 

351,350

 

100,000

 

9,750

 

-

 

461,100

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laurence J. De Respino

 

2015

 

301,154

 

200,500

 

6,961

 

-

 

508,615

General Counsel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2014

 

305,769

 

100,000

 

6,792

 

-

 

412,561

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013

 

295,194

 

160,000

 

9,266

 

-

 

464,460

 

(1)  Amounts in this column represent the compensation cost recognized for financial statement reporting purposes under ASC: 718 Compensation—Stock Compensation for Fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 with respect to common stock allocated under the ESOP. Grant date fair value is the closing price on date of grant for stock, and also includes the value of the shares purchased by the ESOP from the $1.00, $1.00 and $5.00 per share common stock dividend for the ESOP shares beneficially owned as of March 6, 2015, January 10, 2014 and November 19, 2012, respectively, the record date for such dividends.

 

(2)  Amounts in this column represent annual fees paid to each Named Executive Officer in his capacity as a director of the Company or U-Haul or as a member of a committee of the AMERCO Board.

 

 


Analysis of Fiscal 201 5 Compensation Decisions

 

The compensation amounts for Edward J. Shoen, the Chairman and President of A MERCO, are established by the Compensation Committee. The compensation for the remaining Named Executive Officers is determined by the President. Base salaries for the Named Executive Officers did not materially change in Fiscal 201 5 .

 

A discretionary bon us was paid to John C. (“JT”) Taylor, Jason A. Berg and Laurence J. De Respino in Fiscal 2015 in recognition of their service to the Company as determined by the President. The Company does not have an established bonus plan for its Named Executive Officer s. Such discretionary cash bonuses are determined by the President using his best judgment in light of his evaluation of performance and existing facts and circumstances.

 

RELATIONSHIP WITH INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

BDO USA, LLP has served as the Company’s principal independent registered public accounting firm since August 2002 and the Audit Committee has selected BDO USA, LLP to audit AMERCO’s financial statements for Fiscal 201 6 . The following table shows the fees that AMERCO and i ts consolidated entities paid or accrued for the audit and other services provided by BDO USA, LLP for Fiscal 201 5 and 201 4 .

 

 

 

March 31,

 

201 5

 

201 4

 

(In thousands)

Audit fees

$ 2, 847

 

$ 2,773

Audit-related fees

65

 

60

Tax fees

-

 

-

All other fees

-

 

-

Total

$ 2, 912

 

$ 2,833

 

Audit Fees. This category includes the audit of AMERCO’s annual financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of fiscal year end, review of financial statements included in AMERCO ’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and services that are normally provided by the independent registered public accounting firm in connection with statutory and regulatory filings for those fiscal years. This category also includes advice on accounting mat ters that arose during, or as a result of, the audit or the review of interim financial statements, statutory audits required by U.S. jurisdictions and the preparation of an annual “management letter” on internal control matters.

 

Audit-Related Fees. This category consists of assurance and related services provided by BDO USA, LLP that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of AMERCO’s financial statements and are not reported above under “Audit Fees.” The services for the fees di sclosed under this category include benefit plan audits.

 

Tax Fees. This category consists of professional services provided by BDO USA, LLP for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.

 

Each year, the Audit Committee approves the annual audit engagem ent in advance.  The Audit Committee also has established procedures to pre-approve all non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm.  All Fiscal 201 5 non-audit services listed above were pre-approved.  The Audit Committ ee has determined that the provision of services by BDO USA, LLP described in the preceding paragraphs were compatible with maintaining BDO USA, LLP’s independence as the Company’s principal independent registered public accounting firm.

 

 


PROPOSAL 3 - RATI FICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT

REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

BDO USA, LLP currently serves as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, and has conducted the audit of the Company’s accounts since 2002. The Audit Committee has appointed BDO USA, LLP to serve as the independent registered public accounting firm to conduct an audit of our accounts for Fiscal 201 6 .

 

Selection of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm is not required to be submitted to a vot e of the stockholders for ratification. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires the Audit Committee to be directly responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the audit work of the independent registered public accounting firm. However, the Board has elected to submit the selection of BDO USA, LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm to stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice. Even if stockholders vote in favor of the appointment, the Audit Committee may, in its discretion, direct the appointment of a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and our stockholders.

 

Representatives of BDO USA, LLP are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting. They will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and are expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions.

 

The Board recommends a vo te “FOR” Proposal 3, the ratification of appointment of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm.

 

PROPOSAL 4 - STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL REGARDING RATIFICATION OF THE DECISIONS AND ACTIONS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS FO R FISCAL 201 5

Proposal 4 for consideration is a proposal from Company stockholders to ratify and affirm the decisions and actions taken by the Board and Executive Officers with respect to AMERCO and its subsidiaries for Fiscal 201 5 . This proposal originate s from the stockholder proposal originally received by the Company on September 24, 2008, approved at our 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders by a vote of 74% of shares voted, and which provided as follows:

“Motion:

We do hereby submit a proposal for inclusion in the AMERCO Annual Meeting Proxy statement, that AMERCO include on the ballot and in the annual meeting materials for such respective annual meetings a stockholder proposal from the undersigned stockholder  proponents (or such other stockholder proponent(s) as may make the request, or as a management proposal in the event the undersigned are no longer stockholders of the Company and no comparable proposal is received from another stockholder), that all decisions and actions made by the AMERCO Bo ard of Directors and Executive Officers, with respect to AMERCO and its subsidiaries, for the time frame of April 1 of the year prior to the date of such Proxy Statement through March 31 of the year of such Proxy Statement, be ratified and affirmed.

Reason for Making the Proposal:

To support the AMERCO Board of Directors and Executive Officers on their decisions for these time periods. We believe the Company is headed in a positive direction due to their leadership and guidance.

 


Relevant Notices:

1) We do not have any material interest in the subject matter of the proposal.

2) We are not members of any partnership, limited partnership, syndicate or other group pursuant to any agreement, arrangement, relationship, understanding, or otherwise, whether or not in writing, organized in whole or in part for the purpose of acquiring, owning or voting shares of AMERCO stock.

3) The above stockholders have continuously held at least $2,000 in market value of AMERCO shares and we intend to hold the stock through the d ate of the annual meeting.”

In regard to this Proposal 4, reference is hereby made to the Company’s 201 5 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as the Company’s other public reports and other filings with the SEC, for disclosures relating to the Company. 

Th e Board recommends a vote “FOR” approval of Proposal 4, regarding the ratification of the decisions and actions of the Board and executive officers for Fiscal 201 5 .

PROPOSAL 5 – ADVISORY STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL TO RECOMMEND THE BOARD AND MANAGEMENT ACT EXPEDI TIOUSLY TO EFFECTUATE AN IPO AND SUBSEQUENT REIT CONVERSION OF THE REAL ESTATE AND SELF-STORAGE BUSINESSES

 

Proposal 5 is a proposal from Company stockholder AFR Value Partners, L.P. (“AFRVP”), with an address of c/o Applied Fundamental Research, LLC, 50 Church Street, 5 th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02138, owner of 1,917 shares of common stock of AMERCO as of the date of its proposal.  The text of Proposal 5 and its supporting statement appear exactly as received by the Company.   All statements contained in Pro posal 5 and its supporting statement are the sole responsibility of the proponent thereof.  The Board recommends a vote against Proposal 5 based on the reasons set forth in the Company’s Statement in Opposition following Proposal 5.

 

Shareholder Proposal :

 

Resolved , that the stockholders of Amerco recommend that the Board of Directors and management act expeditiously, consistent with effective tax considerations, to engage an investment banking firm to effectuate an IPO and subsequent REIT conversion of th e Real Estate and Self-Storage Businesses.”

 

Supporting Statement

 

“AFRVP believes that Amerco’s Moving Equipment Rental and Insurance businesses hold back the fair valuation of its Real Estate and Self-Storage businesses. AFRVP believes that if Amerco’s Real Estate and Self-Storage businesses were a stand-alone REIT, that it would trade at a higher multiple of operating income more in line with those of self-storage peers such as Sovran Self Storage, Inc., Extra Space Storage Inc., and CubeSmart.

AFRVP b elieves that the only significant obstacles to an IPO and subsequent REIT conversion of the Real Estate and Self-Storage businesses involves the initial time and effort required to put in place financial reporting infrastructures for these two entities in a manner appropriate for an IPO and a subsequent REIT conversion, and the establishment of an appropriate and equitable division of costs between a) the Real Estate and Self-Storage businesses as owners of a given location’s underlying real estate and self -storage facilities, and b) other AMERCO business lines that conduct various operations at the same location in addition to managing the self-storage facilities located at that location. AFRVP believes that the long-term benefit to Amerco Shareholders from an IPO and subsequent REIT conversion of the Real Estate and Self-Storage businesses outweighs the initial costs and effort required to separate these businesses. AFRVP also believes that by effectuating an IPO and subsequent REIT conversion of the Real E state and Self-Storage businesses, the senior management

 


teams from each of the Company’s businesses can be more properly measured and incentivized by having their compensation tied directly to the shareholder value they create for their respective entitie s in the future.

Therefore, AFRVP is proposing that Stockholders adopt this resolution on a non-binding, advisory basis at the Annual Meeting in order to prove to the Board that Stockholders support effectuating an IPO and subsequent REIT conversion of th e Real Estate and Self-Storage Businesses.”

Board’s Statement in Opposition

 

The Board recommends voting AGAINST Proposal 5, the advisory proposal requesting that the Board of Directors and management act expeditiously, consistent with effective tax considerations, to engage an investment banking firm to effectuate an IPO and subsequent REIT conversion of the Real E state and Self-Storage Businesses (together, the “REIT Transaction”). 

 

This is not a matter of first impression for the AMERCO Board or individual Board members.  The self storage industry is replete with REITs.  Over the years, the Board has been in dia logue with thoughtful proponents of the REIT structure and has analyzed the input.  T he AMERCO Board and management continue to refine the Company’s operational and financial plans in a non-REIT structure.

 

The Board has considered the proposed REIT Transaction, with a view to the interests of the Company as required by applicable law, including NRS Section 78.138, and concluded that the REIT Transaction is not in the best interests of the Company, including without limitation the Company’s employees, suppliers, creditors and customers; and the long-term as well as short-term interests of t he Company and its stockholders

 

In our Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders in 200 4 , our “AMERCO Shareholder Value Propo sition” was presented.   Our approach specified in that letter has not changed.  We continue to maintain a long time horizon in our management of the business, with a focus on investing and building value for the long term.  The present success of the Comp any is the result of decisions and actions put into motion many years ago. As stated in the Shareholder Value Proposition, AMERCO’s intent is to operate with an entrepreneurial, aggressive management team. We intend to maintain a substantial insider owners hip, including significant ownership positions held by Shoen family members and employees through the AMERCO Employee Stock Ownership Plan. The Shareholder Value Proposition includes developing a self-funding balance sheet and financing expansion through p rofits.  It includes encouraging a coincidence of interest between ownership, management, U-Haul system members and Dealers.  Moreover, we intend to maintain a reasonable price/earnings ratio on our common stock, with emphasis on the strength of the Compan y and not the strength of the stock price. 

 

Success of the proposed REIT Transaction is uncertain. The proposed REIT Transaction presents numerous operational, tax and financial considerations, some of which are disadvantageous to our long term success a nd the Shareholder Value Proposition, and in the judgment of the Board outweigh the potential benefit of the proposed REIT Transaction.  Below is a non-exhaustive list of such considerations.

 

Operational considerations

*The implications on our business, competitive advantage and financial results, including loss of synergies within our moving and storage operating segment and loss of the integrated moving and storage business;

*The time commitment and likely diversion of existing management to effectuate the REIT Transaction.

*The sale or disposition of our real estate and self-storage business to a REIT, who may then lease such properties back to us and serve as our real property lessor; 

*Lease and other contractual terms with the REIT, including, with out limitation, the cost of rent payments, and the lost or reduced ability to control our capital improvements, the location of our properties and our expansion, investment and innovation opportunities;

*The operational and financial goals of a REIT, and how those goals may differ from, or conflict with, Company goals.  The implications of potential, actual or perceived conflicts of interest between the Company and the REIT and their respective management teams, owners and other constituencies, and the lik elihood that this will create misdirection of management at the customer level;

*The possibility that a REIT may dispose of key real estate locations or not acquire certain additional locations, with a potential focus on maximizing near-term results;

 


*The impact of dual management objectives when confronted with inevitable changing circumstances and economic cycles;

*The possibility that the Company may be precluded from acquiring real estate in the future, by virtue of the terms of the proposed REIT Transa ction;

*The risks, costs and managerial distraction associated with an initial public offering, and the implementation and on-going compliance, allocation of costs, and financial reporting associated with the proposed REIT Transaction;

*The impact of the regulatory requirements of a REIT, including, without limitation, the prohibition on concentrated equity ownership and the related party rent rules;   

*The impact of the proposed REIT Transaction on our fleet renewal program, our Dealer network, our sto rage affiliates, and other programs and constituencies, and the message the proposed REIT Transaction may send to our customers, employees, dealers, affiliates, suppliers, creditors and shareholders;

*The implications of the REIT regulatory requirement tha t a REIT distribute 90% of taxable earnings to shareholders, and the impact of this requirement on expansion, investment and innovation opportunities and our intent to maintain a self-funding balance sheet.

 

Tax considerations

*The tax implications to the shareholders of the Company, including the impact of a mandatory distribution of historical accumulated earnings and profits, and whether such distribution would be paid with cash or a combination of cash and stock issuance, and the dilutive impact to exi sting shareholders of any such stock issuance;

*The tax implications of the proposed REIT Transaction to the Company , including, without limitation, taxes on lease payments to the REIT ;

*The uncertainty and cost associated with obtaining and maintaining In ternal Revenue Service approval of REIT status; the potential conditions imposed by the IRS; and the risks associated with possible loss of REIT status.   

 

Financial considerations

*The implications on our existing debt agreements, including, without li mitation, the due on sale and change of control provisions, prepayment and defeasance premiums, and lock-out provisions, and the costs and risks associated with the refinancings or recapitalizations required by virtue of the proposed REIT Transaction;

*The implications on the cost and other terms of our future borrowings;

*The implications on the Company’s future financial flexibility and liquidity, including, without limitation, the loss of real estate liquidity;

*The uncertainty associated with the potential trading price of the Company and the REIT following the proposed REIT Transaction, and the uncertainty associated with the expectations of REIT stockholders.

 

The Board has previously evaluated a REIT structure, and will continue to evaluate vary ing financial strategies and strategic options for sustainable long-term value creation.  We welcome ideas for improving shareholder value, and we appreciate the opportunity to engage with our shareholders and foster long-term relationships. 

The Board re commends voting AGAINST Proposal 5.

 

PROPOSAL 6 – ADVISORY STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL FOR THE BOARD AND MANAGEMENT TO DECLARE AND ISSUE A DIVIDEND OF SEVEN SHARES OF NONVOTING COMMON STOCK FOR EACH COMMON SHARE HELD TO ALL AMERCO SHAREHOLDERS

 

Proposal 6 is a proposal from Company stockholder Mark V. Shoen, with an address of 707 S. Country Club Drive, Mesa, Arizona  85210. As disclosed in the Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management table, Mark V. Shoen is a member of a “group”, as defined in Section 13(d) of the Securities Act, which owns approximately 55.6%, or 10,897,889 shares, of AMERCO common stock.  Mark V. Shoen is the beneficial owner of 3,813,713 shares (3,813,697 as of the date of Proposal 6) of AMERCO common stock.   He is the brother of Edward J. Shoen, Chairman, and James P. Shoen, Vice President of U-Haul Business Consultants; and the uncle of Director Samuel J. Shoen and Executive Vice President, Stuart M. Shoen. 

 

The text of Proposal 6 and its supporting statement appear exactly as received by the Company.   All statements contained in Proposal 6 and its supporting s tatement are the sole responsibility of the proponent thereof.  The Board makes no voting recommendation with respect to Proposal 6. 

 


 

Shareholder Proposal :

 

Resolved , that the shareholders of AMERCO recommend to the Board of Directors and management to act expeditiously to declare and issue a dividend of 7 (seven) shares of nonvoting common stock for each common share held to all AMERCO shareholder s of record as of a to-be determined record date in the reasonably foreseeable future, and to take all steps appropriate or incident to such a transaction, including without limitation the listing of such separate class of shares on a national securities e xchange.  Such nonvoting common stock to have rights identical to the existing voting common in all matters other than voting.”

 

Supporting Statement :

I am proposing that Stockholders adopt this resolution on a nonbinding advisory basis at the Annual Meeting in order to demonstrate to the Board that Stockholders support the declaration of a dividend of nonvoting common shares identical with the present c ommon in all rights other than voting. 

 

Reason for the Proposal :

I submit this S hareholder P roposal because shareholders other than myself have indicated to the Corporation an interest in a split of the existing AMERCO common stock.  I believe this divid end proposal addresses their interests and will generate support by a majority of the present holders of AMERCO common stock.

 

It is my understanding that the Corporation presently has the authorized serial common stock necessary for such a dividend. 

 

Additional Required Disclosures :

  1. Proponent’s address:  707 S. Country Club Drive, Mesa, AZ  85210.
  2. I have an interest in this Proposal, in that as a shareholder of AMERCO, I believe I will benefit from enhanced corporate stability and management focus on l ong-term goals.
  3. I am a member of a “group”, as defined in Section 13(d) of the Act, which owns approximately 55.6% of the outstanding voting shares of AMERCO.  This group exists in part for the purpose of owning voting and voting shares of AMERCO.
  4. I have c ontinuously held at least $2,000 in market value of AMERCO shares for more than one year.
  5. I intend to hold at least $2,000 in market value of AMERCO shares through the date of the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of AMERCO.  

 

 

Since June 2010, the stock price for AMERCO common stock has risen from approximately $45.00 per share to $329.30 per share as of July 10, 2015 .     It is the Company's understanding that some shareholders believe that this increase in the price of AMERCO co mmon stock makes it difficult for retail investors to purchase AMERCO common stock, and that low trading volume makes it difficult for institutional investors to purchase or sell AMERCO common stock without causing a significant price change.   Proposal 6 w ill decrease the price per share of AMERCO common stock, will increase the publicly traded float (in terms of number of shares) of AMERCO common stock and is not expected to impact the Company’s business operations.     Because the Proposal 6 is an advisory vote, the Board will evaluate the Proposal after the vote before making a substantive decision.

 

The Board makes no voting recommendation with respect to Proposal 6.


 


B OARD OF D IRECTORS AND C ORPORATE G OVERNANCE

Directors

Our Board currently consists of eight members.  Upon the recommendation of our independent directors, the Board has nominated the eight persons listed below to stand for election for a term expiring at the 201 6 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, or until any of their respective successors is duly elected and qualified.

 

We have set forth below information regarding each director nominated to stand for election, including the specific experience, qualifications, attributes, or skills that led the Board to conc lude that such person should serve as a director. Our Board believes that the experience, qualifications, attributes, and skills of our Directors provide the Company with the ability to address the evolving needs of the Company and represent the best inter ests of our stockholders.  

 

EDWARD J. (“JOE”) SHOEN , 6 6 , has served as Chairman of the Board since 1986 and President of the Company since 1987, as a Director of U-Haul International, Inc. (“U-Haul”) since 1990, as a Director of Amerco Real Estate Company (“Real Estate”) since 1988 and as a Director of Repwest Insurance Company (“Repwest”) since 1997. Mr. Shoen has been associated with the Company since 1971.  Mr. Shoen’s length of service and substantial involvement with the day to day operations of the C ompany places him in a unique position of understanding the numerous aspects of the moving and storage business. Additionally, Mr. Shoen holds a significant equity ownership interest in the Company. Mr. Shoen holds an MBA from Harvard University and a Juri s Doctor degree from Arizona State University.

 

JAMES E. ACRIDGE , 7 5 , has served as a Director of the Company since 2013.  Since 2006, Mr. Acridge has been the chief executive officer of Quad Resources, LLC, a crude oil transportation company, with operations in Texas and New Mexico.  In 1965, Mr. Acridge founded Giant Service Stations, based out of Scottsdale, Arizona, where he served as Giant’s chief executive officer until his departure in 2002.  By 2002 Giant was traded on the New York Stock Exch ange and had grown to 186 convenience stores/service stations, with 1,000 miles of crude oil pipelines, three oil refineries, approximately 3,000 employees, five product terminals and 180 truck transports.  Mr. Acridge served on the Board of Directors of R eal Estate from 2006 to 2013.

 

CHARLES J. BAYER , 7 5 , has served as a Director of the Company since 1990 and has been associated with the Company since 1967. Mr. Bayer has served in various executive positions for the Company, including controller, directo r of U-Haul product design and as President of Real Estate from 1990 until his retirement in 2000. Mr. Bayer holds an MBA from Arizona State University W.P. Carey School of Business and has taken various continuing education courses through the SEC Institu te. Mr. Bayer served two combat tours in Vietnam and commanded his own ship. His 4 8 years of experience with the Company provide Mr. Bayer with a unique insight with respect to many of the Company’s product lines and the moving and storage industry.

 

JOH N P. BROGAN , 7 1 , has served as a Director of the Company since 1998. Mr. Brogan holds an MBA from the University of Notre Dame and is a Fellow of the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants. Mr. Brogan had a seven year association with Alamo Rent-A-Car that ended in 1986 and has been investing in private equity for over 35 years. Mr. Brogan has served as the Chairman of Muench-Kreuzer Candle Company since 1980.  As an investor, he has been on the board of directors of several companies and und erstands the role of an independent director. 

 

JOHN M. DODDS , 7 8 , has 4 9 years of experience with the Company, including serving in various capacities as manager of numerous subsidiaries and operating divisions. This experience includes several years as senior executive vice president in charge of national field operations, placing him in a position of significant knowledge of the business. Mr. Dodds has served as a Director of the Company since 1987 and as Director of the Company’s subsidiaries, U-Haul a nd Real Estate since 1990. Mr. Dodds began his U-Haul affiliation as a service station operator and U-Haul dealer. He has served in numerous capacities at U-Haul. He served in regional field operations until 1986 and served in national field operations unt il 1994. Mr. Dodds retired from the Company in 1994.

 

 


MICHAEL L. GALLAGHER , 7 1 , has served as a Director of the Company since 2007. Mr. Gallagher served on the AMERCO Advisory Board from 2003 until his appointment to the Board. Mr. Gallagher is currently C hairman Emeritus of the law firm Gallagher & Kennedy.  Mr. Gallagher is a member of the board of directors of Pinnacle West Capital Corporation, a NYSE listed company, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Western Regional Medical Center and the Peter Kiewi t Foundation. He is also a former director of Action Performance, a NASDAQ company, and a former advisory board member of AMEC, a multinational company headquartered in Europe. Mr. Gallagher has 40 years of experience as legal counsel to numerous public an d private corporations in a variety of matters.

 

DANIEL R. MULLEN , 7 4 , has served as a Director of the Company since 2005. Mr. Mullen served as a member of the AMERCO Advisory Board from 2004 until his appointment to the Board and has served as a Director of U-Haul since 2004, as a Director of Oxford Life Insurance Company (“Oxford”) since 2005 and as a Director of Real Estate since 2008. He has served as Director and alternately as President and Treasurer of Continental Leasing Co. since 1970. He was Vice President and Treasurer of Talley Industries, Inc., a multi-industry conglomerate from 1982 to 1998.  Mr. Mullen was employed by the Company from 1968 until 1982. His previous years of service to AMERCO and its affiliates have contributed to Mr. Mullen’s k nowledge of the moving and storage industry. 

 

SAMUEL J. SHOEN , 37, has served as a Director of the Company since April 2015 , and as a Director of the Company’s subsidiaries, U-Haul , Real Estate, Repwest and Oxford since 2004, 2010, 2011 and 2011 , respectively.  Mr. Shoen has served as an employee of the Company or its affiliates since 1992, including serving in such capacities as U-Haul Webteam Manager, U-Haul Executive Vice President, President of Repwest, U-Haul Risk Management, and U-Box Project Manager. Mr. Shoen was recommended for election to the Board by the CEO and the independend directors of the Board. Mr. Shoen’s extensive and current experience with Company operations brings a unique and practical skill-set to the Board.  Mr. Shoen is th e son of Edward J. Shoen. 

B oard Diversity

The Company does not have a specific written policy regarding Board diversity as it relates to the selection of nominees for the Board. However, Board diversity is considered by our Board to be desirable. We bel ieve Board diversity strengthens our alignment with our constituencies and fosters improved decision making, goal setting and resource allocation. Board candidates are considered based upon various criteria, including, but not limited to, their broad-based business and professional skills and experiences, viewpoints and perspectives, concern for the long-term interests of our constituencies, and their personal integrity. The Board considers each nominee in the context of the Board as a whole, with the objec tive of assembling a Board that can best maintain the success of our business. For instance, we believe our directors are knowledgeable and experienced in various business sectors and governmental or academic endeavors, many of whom are serving or have ser ved on other boards, which further illustrates the diversity present on our Board and the ultimate benefit to our Company and stockholders.

 

Leadership Structure and the Board’s Role in Risk Oversight

Currently, the roles of President and Board Chairman are combined, which we believe fosters clear accountability, effective decision-making, and alignment on corporate strategy. Specifically, our Board believes that its current leadership structure, with E dward J.   Shoen serving as both President and Board Chairman, is appropriate and best serves the interests of our Company and our stockholders. The Company does not have a lead independent director.

 

 


Management is responsible for managing the risks that the Company faces. The Board is responsible for overseeing management’s approach to risk management and supports the achievement of the Company's objectives, including strategic objectives, to improve long-term performance and enhance stockholder value. A fu ndamental part of risk management is not only understanding the risks the Company faces and what steps management is taking to manage those risks, but also understanding what level of risk is appropriate for the Company. The involvement of the full Board i n reviewing our strategic objectives and plans is a key part of the Board’s assessment of management’s approach and tolerance to risk. While the Board has ultimate oversight responsibility for overseeing management’s risk management process, various commit tees of the Board assist them in fulfilling that responsibility.

 

The Board has delegated to its various committees the oversight of risk management practices for categories of risk relevant to their functions. For example, through its Audit Committee, ou r Board oversees the management by our financial reporting group of our financial statement disclosure controls, systems of internal control over financial reporting, significant financial and accounting matters, as well as the Company’s compliance with le gal and regulatory requirements. Through its Compensation Committee, our Board manages potential business risks inherent in our compensation programs to ensure that they do not encourage unacceptable levels of risk. The Executive Finance Committee oversees risks associated with the Company’s credit and debt positions and liquidity, monitors the level of risk associated with investment policies and investment portfolios, and evaluates current strategic endeavors by evaluating both short and long term debt st ructures.

 

Director Independence

Although we are not required to have a majority of independent directors as a result of our status as a “controlled company” under the NASDAQ Listing Rules, our Boar d has affirmatively determined, based upon the recommendation of our Independent Governance Committee, that all of our directors, except Edward J. Shoen and Samuel J . Shoen, are “independent” under the NASDAQ Listing Rules. In addition, the directors who s erve on our Audit Committee each satisfy standards established by the SEC providing that to qualify as “independent” for the purposes of membership on that committee, members of audit committees may not (1)   accept directly or indirectly any consulting, adv isory, or other compensatory fee from the Company other than their director compensation or (2)   be an affiliated person of the Company or any of its subsidiaries.

 

“C ONTROLLED C OMPANY ” S TATUS AND D IRECTOR I NDEPENDENCE

As of June 1 , 2015 , Edward J. Shoen, C hairman of the Board and President of AMERCO, James P. Shoen, a Director of AMERCO, and Mark V. Shoen collectively are the beneficial owners of 9,139, 166 shares (approximately 46.6 %) of the outstanding common shares of AMERCO. Edward J. Shoen, James P. Sho en, Mark V. Shoen, Rosemarie T. Donovan, as Trustee (Trustee of the Shoen Irrevocable Trusts) and David Holmes, as Trustee (Successor Trustee of the Irrevocable “C” Trusts) (collectively, the “Reporting Persons”) are parties to a stockholder agreement date d June 30, 2006, (the “Stockholder Agreement”) in which the Reporting Persons agreed to vote their shares as one block as provided in the Stockholder Agreement. Pursuant to the Stockholder Agreement, a collective 10,897, 889 shares or approximately 55.6 % of the Company’s outstanding 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 with the SEC on July 13, 2006, March 9, 2007, June 26, 2009 and on May 1, 2013.

 

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 the business affairs and policies of the Company, including the a pproval of significant transactions, the election of the members of 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 interest of our other stockholde rs.   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.

 

 


OTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

The full Board of the Company met in regularly scheduled Board meetings six times during Fiscal 201 5 .  For Fiscal 201 5 , each director attended at least 85 % of the scheduled Board meetings and meetings for the committees on which such respective individual served. The independent Directors met in executive session, without the pre sence of management, as part of each regularly scheduled Board meeting.

 

Directors are encouraged to attend our annual meetings of stockholders. Participation via the webcast is encouraged, particularly in cases where travel from out of town would otherwis e be required.  All directors attended our 201 4 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which was held on August 2 8 , 201 4 .

 

The Board has established the following standing committees: Audit Committee, Executive Finance Committee, Compensation Committee and Indep endent Governance Committee. The Company does not have a nominating committee. Currently, the responsibility for director nominations is vested in the independent members of the Board; however, as a “controlled company” the Company is not required to do so under the NASDAQ Listing Rules, and the Company reserves the right to cease having the responsibility for director nominations vested in the independent members of the Board. The Board does not believe that a nominating committee is necessary because the independent directors participate in the nominating process. The Board has adopted a resolution addressing the director nomination process and related matters; however, the Board may, in the future, choose to change its director nomination policy, includin g its policy related to stockholder nomination of directors. This process is described below, under the heading “Director Nomination Process.” 

 

See page 23 of this Proxy Statement for a discussion of director compensation.

 

Listed below are descriptions of the Company’s committees, and the memberships thereof. The charters for the Independent Governance Committee, Audit Committee and Compensation Committee are available at amerco.com.

 

Member

Audit

Executive Finance

Compensation

Independent Governance

James E. Acridge

 

 

X

 

Charles J. Bayer

X

X

 

 

Paul A. Bible *

 

 

 

X

John P. Brogan

X

X

X

 

John M. Dodds

X

 

X

 

Michael L. Gallagher

 

 

 

X

Thomas W. Hayes *

 

 

 

X

Daniel R. Mullen

X

 

 

 

Edward J. Shoen

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Non-Director Members

 

 


Audit Committee .  The Audit Committee is comprised of Charles J. Bayer, John P. Brogan, John M. Dodds and Daniel R. Mullen. The Audit Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities as to financial reporting, audit functions and risk man agement. The Audit Committee monitors the financial information that is provided to stockholders and others, the independence and performance of the Company’s independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and internal audit department and the systems of in ternal control established by management and the Board. The Audit Committee operates pursuant to a written charter approved by the Board that is available at amerco.com.  The Board has determined that each member of the Audit Committee meets the applicable requirements of audit committee members under NASDAQ Listing Rules. Mr. Mullen is designated the Audit Committee “financial expert” and is independent as defined by the rules of the SEC and the other similar financial sophistication rules under NASDAQ reg ulations. Stockholders should understand that this designation is a disclosure requirement of the SEC related to Mr. Mullen’s experience and understanding with respect to certain accounting and auditing matters. The designation does not impose on Mr. Mulle n any duties, obligations or liability that are greater than are generally imposed on him as a member of the Audit Committee and the Board, and his designation as an “audit committee financial expert” pursuant to SEC and NASDAQ requirements does not affect the duties, obligations or liability of any other member of the Audit Committee or the Board. Messrs. Brogan and Bayer have been determined by the Board to meet the qualifications of “audit committee financial expert” as well and are independent as define d by the rules of the SEC and the other similar financial sophistication rules under NASDAQ regulations.  The Audit Committee met seven times during Fiscal 201 5 .

 

Executive Finance Committee . The Executive Finance Committee is comprised of Charles J. Bayer , John P. Brogan and Edward J. Shoen.  The Executive Finance Committee is authorized to act on behalf of the Board in approving any transaction involving the finances of the Company. The committee has the authority to give final approval for the borrowing of funds on behalf of the Company without further action or approval of the Board. This committee acted by unanimous written consent on six occasions during Fiscal 201 5 .

 

Compensation Committee . The Compensation Committee is comprised of John P. Brogan, Jo hn M. Dodds and James E. Acridge. The Compensation Committee reviews the Company’s executive compensation plans and policies, including benefits and incentives, to ensure that they are consistent with the goals and objectives of the Company. The committee reviews and makes recommendations to the Board regarding management recommendations for changes in executive compensation and monitors management plans and programs for the retention, motivation and development of senior management.  The Compensation Commi ttee operates pursuant to a written charter that is available at amerco.com, and met one time during Fiscal 201 5

 

Independent Governance Committee .  The Independent Governance Committee is comprised of Paul A. Bible, Michael L. Gallagher and Thomas W. Hayes. Mr. Bible and Mr. Hayes are not members of the Company’s Board.  The Independent Governance Committee monitors and evaluates the Company’s corporate governance principles and standards and proposes to the Board any modifications which are deemed app ropriate for sound corporate governance. The committee may review other matters as referred to it by the Board.  The committee has the authority and a budget from which to retain professionals. Each member of the Independent Governance Committee is determi ned by the Board to be free of any relationship that would interfere with his or her exercise of independent judgment as a member of this committee.  The Independent Governance Committee met three times during Fiscal 201 5 .  The non-Board members of the Ind ependent Governance Committee are encouraged to attend all Board meetings of the Company.

 

Mr. Hayes has served as a member of the Independent Governance Committee since 2003 and brings to AMERCO over 30 years of broad executive and financial management ex perience. He is the former Treasurer, Auditor General and Director of Finance for the State of California. He was also the President of a multibillion dollar investment management company and has held leadership positions in restructuring troubled public a nd private sector entities and is designated as an audit committee financial expert by Fremont General, a NYSE listed firm. In addition, Mr. Hayes is a United States Marine Corps combat veteran.

 

 


Mr. Bible has served as a member of the Independent Governan ce Committee since 2003. He is a sole practitioner at his law firm, Paul A. Bible, Attorney at Law, and currently serves as the chairman of the compliance committee for (i) H Group Holding, Inc., an affiliate of the Hyatt Corporation; (ii) Jacobs Entertain ment, Inc., the holding company of Black Hawk Gaming & Development Company, Inc.; (iii) Colony Resorts LVH Acquisitions, LLC; and (iv) RIH Resorts, LLC. He is the former chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Nevada, Reno Foundation, and is the former chairman of the Nevada Gaming Commission.

 

See “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” for additional information relating to the directors.

 

DIRECTOR NOMINATION PR OCESS

 

Director Qualifications .  Persons nominated to the Board must have personal integrity and high ethical character. A candidate should not have any interests that would materially impair his or her ability to exercise independent judgment or otherwise discharge the fiduciary duties owed by a director to the Company and its stockholders.  Candidates must be able to represent fairly and equally all stockholders of the Company without favoring any particular stockholder group or other constituency of the Company and must be prepared to devote adequate time to the Board and its committees.  In selecting nominees for director, the Board will assure that:

 

at least three of the directors satisfy the financial literacy requirements required for service on the Audit Committee; and

 

at least one of the directors qualifies as an audit committee financial expert under the rules of the SEC and NASDAQ rules and regulations. 

 

Identifying Director Candidates .  The Board utilizes a variety of methods for identif ying and evaluating nominees to serve as directors. The Board has a policy of re-nominating incumbent directors who continue to satisfy the Board’s criteria for membership and whom the directors believe continue to make important contributions to the Board and who consent to continue their service on the Board.

 

In filling vacancies of the Board, the directors will solicit recommendations for nominees from the persons the directors believe are likely to be familiar with (i) the needs of the Company and (ii ) qualified candidates. These persons may include members of the Board and management of the Company. The directors may also engage a professional search firm to assist in identifying qualified candidates.

 

In evaluating potential nominees, the directors w ill oversee the collection of information concerning the background and qualifications of the candidate and determine whether the candidate satisfies the minimum qualifications required by the Board for election as director and whether the candidate posses ses any of the specific skills or qualities that under the Board’s policies must be possessed by one or more members of the Board. 

 

The directors may interview any proposed candidate and may solicit the views about the candidate’s qualifications and suit ability from the Company’s President and other senior members of management.  Diversity in terms of business and professional skills and experience, viewpoints, perspective, education and other factors, is considered in the decision making process.

 

The d irectors will make their selections based on all the available information and relevant considerations. The directors’ selection will be based on who, in the view of the directors, will be best suited for membership on the Board. 

 

 


In making its selection , the directors will evaluate candidates proposed by stockholders under criteria similar to other candidates, except that the directors may consider, as one of the factors in their evaluation, the size and duration of the interest of the recommending stock holder in the stock of the Company. The directors may also consider the extent to which the recommending stockholder intends to continue to hold its interest in the Company, including whether the recommending stockholder intends to continue holding its int erest at least through the time of the meeting at which the candidate is to be elected. 

 

Stockholder Nominees .  The policy of the Board is to consider properly submitted stockholder recommendations for candidates for membership on the Board as described below.  The evaluation process for such nominations is overseen by the Company’s independent directors.  In evaluating any recommendations or nominations, the independent directors seek to achieve qualified directors who can represent fairly and equally al l stockholders of the Company and based on the membership qualifications and criteria described above.  Any stockholder nominations for consideration by the independent directors should be mailed or delivered to the Company’s Secretary at 2721 N. Central A venue, Phoenix, Arizona 85004. A nomination by a stockholder must be accompanied by the following information about the stockholder:

 

the stockholder’s name and address;

 

the number of shares of the Company’s stock owned by the recommending stockholder and the time period for which such shares have been held;

 

if the recommending stockholder is not a stockholder of record, a statement from the record holder of the shares (usually a broker or bank) verifying the holdings of the stockholder a nd a statement from the recommending stockholder of the length of time that the shares have been held; and

 

a statement from the stockholder as to whether the stockholder has a good faith intention to continue to hold the reported shares through the date of the next annual meeting at which the candidate would be elected. 

 

If the recommendation is submitted by a group of two or more stockholders, the above information must be submitted with respect to each stockholder in the group.  The recommendation mu st be received by the Company not later than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of the proxy statement for the prior annual meeting, except in the event that the date of the annual meeting for the current year is moved more than 30 days fr om the anniversary date of the annual meeting for the prior year, the submission will be considered timely if it is submitted a reasonable time in advance of the mailing of the Company’s proxy statement for the annual meeting for the current year.  The rec ommendation must be accompanied by consent of the proposed nominee to be interviewed by the independent directors and other Board members and to serve as director of the Company. 

 

The recommendation must also contain information about the proposed nomin ee, including:

 

the proposed nominee’s name and address;

 

the information required by Items 401, 403 and 404 of SEC Regulation S-K (generally providing for disclosure of arrangements or understandings regarding the nomination, the business experience o f the proposed nominee, legal proceedings involving the proposed nominee, the proposed nominee’s ownership of securities of the Company, and transactions and relationships between the proposed nominee and the Company);

 

a description of all relationships between the proposed nominee and any of the Company’s competitors, customers, suppliers, labor unions or other persons with special interests regarding the Company;

 

the qualifications of the proposed nominee; and

 

 


a statement from the recommending st ockholder that in his or her view, the nominee, if elected, would represent all the stockholders and not serve for the purpose of advancing or favoring any particular stockholder or other constituency of the Company.

 

The secretary of the Company will forw ard all recommendations and nominations to the independent directors.  The acceptance of a recommendation from a stockholder does not imply that the independent directors will recommend to the Board the nomination of the stockholder recommended candidate. In addition, the Company’s Bylaws permit stockholders to nominate directors at an annual meeting and nothing in the above procedures is intended to conflict with the provisions of the Company’s Bylaws governing nominations by stockholders. 

 

The informati on contained in this Proxy Statement about the Company’s nominations process is just a summary.  A complete copy of the policies and procedures with respect to stockholder director nominations can be obtained from the Company, free of charge, by writing to our Secretary at the address listed below.

 

 


Director Compensation

 

The Company’s director compensation program is intended to fairly pay Directors for their time and efforts on behalf of AMERCO and its direct subsidiaries, as the case may be, in recognition of their fiduciary obligations to stockholders and for their liability exposure.  Directors are compensated in the form of a cash fee.  The Company offers no stock options or equity grants to its Directors.  For Fiscal 201 5 , the annual fee for all services as a Director of the Company was $67,500. Additionally, Audit Committee and Independent Governance Committee members re ceive a $55,000 annual fee for service on each such committee, and Executive Finance Committee and Compensation Committee members receive a $25,000 annual fee for service on each committee . The non-Board Independent Governance Committee members receive an annual fee of $67,500. These amounts are paid in equal monthly installments. The Company also reimburses Directors and the non-director committee members for the incidental costs associated with their attendance at Board and committee meetings.  Director f ees paid to Edward J. Shoen and James P. Shoen are included in the Summary Compensation Table.

 

Name of Director

 

Fiscal Year

 

Fees Earned or Paid in Cash

 

Stock Awards (a)

 

All Other Compensation

 

Total Compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

James E. Acridge (1), (4)

 

2015

$

92,500

$

-

$

-

$

92,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charles J. Bayer (1), (2), (3)

 

2015

 

147,500

 

2,473

 

-

 

14 9 , 973

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

John P. Brogan (1), (2), (3), (4)

 

2015

 

172,500

 

-

 

-

 

172,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

John M. Dodds (1), (2), (4), ( 6 ), ( 8 )

 

2015

 

157,500

 

-

 

-

 

157,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael L. Gallagher (1), (5)

 

2015

 

122,500

 

-

 

-

 

122,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daniel R. Mullen (1), (2), ( 6 ), ( 7 ), ( 8 )

 

2015

 

138,500

 

-

 

-

 

138,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paul A. Bible (5)

 

2015

 

67,500

 

-

 

-

 

67,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thomas W. Hayes (5)

 

2015

 

67,500

 

-

 

-

 

67,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Richard J. Herrera ( 8 )

 

2015

 

67,500

 

-

 

-

 

67,500

 

 

(1) AMERCO Director

(6) U-Haul Board Member

(2) Audit Committee Member

(7) Oxford Board Member

(3) Executive Finance Committee Member

(8) Real Estate Board Member

(4) Compensation Committee Member

 

(5) Independent Governance Committee Member

 

 

(a) Includes the value of the shares purchased by the ESOP from the $1.00 per share common stock dividend for the ESOP shares beneficially owned as of the Janu ary 10, 2014 record date for such dividends.

 


 


SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
AND MANAGEMENT

 

To the best of the Company’s knowledge, the following table lists, as of June 1, 2015 the beneficial ownership of the Company’s common stock of each director, director nominee and named executive officer of the Company; and all directors and executive officers of the Company as a group. The table also lists, to the best of the Company’s kn owledge, those persons who beneficially own more than five percent (5%) of the Company’s common stock. The percentages of class amounts set forth in the following table are based on 19,607,788 shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding on June 1, 201 5 .

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1)

Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned

Percentage of Common

Stock

Class

 

 

 

Directors, Director Nominees and Named Executive Officers:

 

 

James E. Acridge

Director/Director Nominee

-

**

 

 

 

Charles J. Bayer

   Director/Director Nominee

2,366

**

 

 

 

 

 

 

John P. Brogan

   Director/Director Nominee

6,000

**

 

 

 

John M. Dodds

   Director/Director Nominee

-

**

 

 

 

Michael L. Gallagher

   Director/Director Nominee 

-

**

 

 

 

Daniel R. Mullen (5 )

   Director/Director Nominee

7,000

**

 

 

 

Edward J. Shoen (2)

   Chairman and President of AMERCO

   and U-Haul, Director/Director Nominee

10,897, 889

55.6%

 

 

 

Samuel J. Shoen

   U-Box Project Manager ,

   Director/Director Nominee

3,261

**

 

 

 

John C. Taylor

  President of U-Haul

2,2 44

**

 

 

 

Jason A. Berg

Principal Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer of AMERCO  

8 59

**

 

 

 

Laurence J. De Respino

General Counsel

7 68

**

 


 


 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1)

Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned

Percentage of Common

Stock

Class

Executive Officers and Directors as a group - 17 persons(3)

10,93 1 , 009

55.8%

 

 

 

Name and Address of 5% Beneficial Owners (1):

 

 

Mark V. Shoen (2)

10,897, 889

55.6%

 

 

 

James P. Shoen (2)

   Vice President of U-Haul Business Consultants

 

10,897, 889

55.6%

 

 

 

David L. Holmes

   as Trustee under the “C” Irrevocable Trusts dated

   December 20, 1982 (2)

   4040 S Westpoint Rd.

   Reno, Nevada 89509

 

10,897, 889

55.6%

 

 

 

Rosemarie T. Donovan

   As Trustee of the Irrevocable Trust dated

   November 2, 1998 (2)  

   6015 South Virginia Street

   E#473

   Reno, Nevada 89502

10,897, 889

55.6%

 

 

 

The AMERCO Employee Stock Ownership Plan (4)  

1, 270 , 423

6.5 %

 

 

 

Sophia M. Shoen

   5104 N. 32nd Street

   Phoenix, Arizona 85018

 

1,377,413

7.0%

 

**The percentage of the referenced class beneficially owned is less than one percent. 

 

 

(1)  Except as otherwise indicated, addresses are c/o   AMERCO, 2721 N. Central Avenue, Phoeni x, Arizona 85004.

 

(2) This consists of 10,897, 889 shares subject to the Stockholder Agreement, which includes shares beneficially owned and sole dispositive power over such shares by Edward J. Shoen (3,458, 592 ); Mark V. Shoen (3,813, 713 ); James P. Shoen ( 1,866,8 61 ); Rosemarie T. Donovan, as Trustee of the Irrevocable Trusts dated November 2, 1998 (334,250); and David Holmes, as Trustee under the “C” Irrevocable Trusts dated December 20, 1982 (1,424,473).  

 

(3) The 10,93 1 , 009 shares constitute the shares beneficially owned by the directors and executive officers of the Company as a group, including the 10,897, 889 shares subject to the Stockholder Agreement discussed in footnote 2 above.

 

 

 

 


(4) The ESOP Trustee consists of th ree individuals without a past or present employment history or business relationship with the Company and such individuals are appointed by the Board. Under the ESOP, each participant (or such participant’s beneficiary) in the ESOP is entitled to direct t he ESOP Trustee with respect to the voting of the common stock allocated to such participant’s account. In the event such participant does not provide such direction to the ESOP Trustee, the ESOP Trustee votes such participant’s shares in the ESOP Trustee’ s discretion.  In addition, all shares in the ESOP not allocated to participants are voted by the ESOP Trustee in the ESOP Trustee’s discretion. As of June 1, 2015 , of the 1, 270 , 423 shares of common stock held by the ESOP, 1,2 27 , 291 shares were allocated t o participants and 43 , 132 shares remained unallocated. The number of shares reported as beneficially owned by Edward J. Shoen, Mark V. Shoen, James P. Shoen, and Sophia M. Shoen include common stock held directly by those individuals and 4, 911 ; 4,5 32 ; 4,5 4 7 and 206 shares of common stock, respectively, allocated by the ESOP to those individuals. Those shares are also included in the 1, 270 , 423 of shares held by the ESOP. The number of shares beneficially owned by the other directors and executive officers wa s 17, 310 , which are also included in the 1, 270 , 423 of shares held by the ESOP. 

 

( 5 ) Mr. Mullen disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares. Such shares are owned by Continental Leasing Co., an entity as to which Mr. Mullen is Treasurer and a Director.

 

To the best of the Company’s knowledge, there are no arrangements giving any stockholder the right to acquire the beneficial ownership of any shares owned by any other stockholder.

 

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

 

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the CD&A prepared by management and included in this Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting. In reliance on these reviews and discussions with management, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board, and the Board has approved, that the CD&A be included in the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting for filing with the SEC.

 

This report is submitted by the Compensation Committee.

 

James E. Acridge

John P. Brogan

John M. Dodds

 

Pursuant to Item 407(e)(5) of Regulation S -K this “Compensation Committee Report” shall not be deemed to be filed with the SEC for purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), nor shall such report be deemed to be incorporated by reference in any past or future fil ing by the Company under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), unless the intention to do so is expressly indicated.

 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insiders Participation

 

During Fiscal 201 5 , our Compensation Committee was comprised of John P. Brogan , John M. Dodds and James E. Acridge. None of the directors that were a member of the Compensation Committee during Fiscal 201 5 was an officer or employee of the Company, formerly an officer or employee or involved in any related person transactions requiring disclosure in this Proxy Statement. No executive officer of the Company served (i)   as a member of the Compensation Committee (or other Board committee performing equivalent functions or, in the abse nce of any such committee, the entire Board) of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on the Compensation Committee of the Company, (ii)   as a director of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on the Compensation Committee of the Company, or (iii)   as a member of the Compensation Committee (or other Board committee performing equivalent functions or, in the absence of any such committee, the entire Board) of another entity, one of whose executive officers served as a director of the Company.

 

 


AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

 

Management is responsible for the Company’s internal controls and the financial reporting process.  The independent Registered Public Accounting Firm is responsible for performing an independent audit of the Compan y’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and to issue a report thereon.  The Audit Committee’s responsibility is to monitor and oversee these processes.

 

In this context, management represented to the Audit Committee that the Company’s consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the consolidated fina ncial statements with management and the independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with the independent Registered Public Accounting Firm the matters required to be discussed by Auditing Standards No. 16, as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.

 

The Company’s independent Registered Public Accounting Firm also provided to the Audit Committee the written disclosures and the letter required by Rule 3526 (Communication with Audit Committee Con cerning Independence) as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and the Audit Committee discussed with the independent Registered Public Accounting Firm that firm’s independence.

 

Based on the Audit Committee’s discussions with management and the independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and its review of the representation of management and the report of the independent Registered Public Accounting Firm to the Audit Committee, the Audit Committee recommended that the Board include the audited consolidated financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 201 5 as filed with the SEC.

 

Charles J. Bayer

John P. Brogan

John M. Dodds

Daniel R. Mullen

 

Pursuant to Instruction 1 to Item 407(d) of Regulation S-K, the information set forth under “Audit Committee Report” shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C, other than as provided in Item 407 of Regulation S-K, or to the liab ilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, except to the extent that we specifically request that the information be treated as soliciting material or specifically incorporate it by reference into a document filed under the Securities Act or the Exchange A ct. Such information will not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent we specifically incorporate it by reference.

 

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY

 

The Company’s executive officers are:

 

Name

Age *

Office

Edward J. Shoen

6 6

Chairman of the Board and President of AMERCO

Douglas M. Bell

5 6

President of Repwest Insurance Company

Jason A. Berg

4 2

Principal Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer of AMERCO

Laurence J. De Respino

5 4

General Counsel

Mark A. Haydukovich

5 8

President of Oxford Life Insurance Company

Gary B. Horton

7 1

Treasurer of AMERCO and U-Haul

James P. Shoen

5 5

Vice President of U-Haul Business Consultants

Samuel J. Shoen

3 7

U-Box Project Manager

John C. Taylor

5 7

President of U-Haul

Carlos Vizcarra

6 8

President of Amerco Real Estate Company

Rocky D. Wardrip

5 7

Assistant Treasurer of AMERCO and U-Haul

 

* Ages are as of June 1, 2015 .

 

 


See “Election of Directors” for biographical information regarding Edward J. Shoen and Samuel J. Shoen .

 

Douglas M. Bell was appointed President of Repwest in February 2013. From 2003 to 2013 he served as Vice President of Underwriting for Repwest. Mr. Bell has also served on the Repwest Board since 2012.

 

Jason A. Berg has served as Principal Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer of the Company since 2005. Prior to his appointment he served as Treasurer and Secret ary of Oxford. He has been with the Company since 1996.

 

Laurence J. De Respino has served as General Counsel for the Company since 2005.  He has been an attorney for the Company since 2000.

 

Mark A. Haydukovich has served as President of Oxford since 1997 . From 1980 to 1997 he served as Vice President of Oxford.

 

Gary B. Horton has served as Treasurer of the Company since 1982.  He has been associated with the Company since 1969. 

 

James P. Shoen has served as Vice President of U-Haul Business Consultants since 1999. He has been associated with the Company since 19 7 6 and served as Director of the Company from 1986 to 2015 .

 

John C. (JT) Taylor has served as Director of U-Haul since 1990. He has been associated with the Company since 1981 and was appointed as President of U-Haul in 2006.

 

Carlos Vizcarra has served as President of Real Estate since 2000.  He began his previous position as Vice President/Storage Product Group for U-Haul in 1988.

 

Rocky D. Wardrip has served as Assistant Treasurer of the Compa ny since 1990. He has been associated with the Company since 1978 in various capacities within accounting and treasury operations.

 

Edward J. Shoen, Mark V. Shoen, and James P. Shoen are brothers. Samuel J. Shoen is the son of Edward J. Shoen.

 

CERTAIN R ELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

 

As set forth in the Audit Committee Charter and consistent with NASDAQ Listing Rules, the Company’s Audit Committee reviews and maintains oversight over related party transactions which are required to be disclosed under the SEC rules and regulations and in accordance to GAAP . Accordingly, all such related party transactions are submitted to the Audit Committee for ongoing review and oversight.  The Company’s internal processes are designed to ensure that the Company ’s legal and/or finance departments identify and monitor potential related party transactions that may require disclosure and Audit Committee oversight.

AMERCO has engaged in related party transactions, and has continuing related party interests with certa in major stockholders, directors and officers of the consolidated group as disclosed below. Management believes that the transactions described below were completed on terms substantially equivalent to those that would prevail in third party, arm’s-length transactions.

Samuel J. Shoen, the son of Edward J. Shoen, is the U-Box Project Manager . Mr. Shoen was paid an aggregate salary, annual U-Haul Board fee and bonus of $ 418,194 for his services during Fiscal 201 5 .

Stuart M. Shoen, the son of Edward J. Shoe n, is Executive Vice President of U-Haul. Mr. Shoen was paid an aggregate salary and bonus of $ 179,235 for his services during Fiscal 201 5 .

During Fiscal 201 5 , the Company purchased $ 0.3 million of refinishing supplies from Space Age Auto Paint Store Inc. Edward J. Shoen, a major stockholder, officer and director of AMERCO, owns Space Age Auto Paint Store Inc. 

 

 


SAC Holding Corporation and SAC Holding II Corporation (collectively, “SAC Holdings”) were established in order to acquire and develop self-stora ge properties. These properties are being managed by the Company pursuant to management agreements. In the past, the Company has sold real estate and various self-storage properties to SAC Holdings, and such sales provided significant cash flows to the Com pany.

During Fiscal 2015, subsidiaries of the Company held various junior unsecured notes of SAC Holdings. Substantially all of the equity interest of SAC Holdings is controlled by Blackwater Investments, Inc. (“Blackwater”), which is wholly-owned by Mark V. Shoen, a significant stockholder of AMERCO. The Company does not have an equity ownership interest in SAC Holdings. The Company 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 201 5 , 201 4 and 201 3 , 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. The C ompany 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 in 2017. The largest aggregate amount of notes receivable outstand ing during Fiscal 201 5 was $7 1.5 million and the aggregate notes receivable balance at March 31, 201 5 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.

During Fiscal 2 01 5 , AMERCO and U-Haul held various junior notes from Private Mini Storage Realty, L.P. (“Private Mini”). The equity interests of Private Mini are ultimately controlled by Blackwater. The Company recorded interest income of $ 4.9 million, $5. 3 million and $ 5.4 million, and received cash interest payments of $5. 1 million, $5.4 million and $5.4 million, from Private Mini during Fiscal 201 5 , 201 4 and 201 3 , respectively. The largest aggregate amount outstanding during Fiscal 201 5 was $65. 5 million, and the aggre gate notes receivable balance at March 31, 201 5 was $ 56 .5 million . The Company received repayments of $9.0 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2015 on these notes and interest receivables. In July 2015, we received a repayment of $56.8 million on th ese notes and interest receivable.

The Company currently manages 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”), Gala xy Investments, L.P. (“Galaxy”), and Private Mini pursuant to a standard form of management agreement, under which the Company receives a management fee of between 4% and 10% of the gross receipts plus reimbursement for certain expenses. The Company receiv ed management fees, exclusive of reimbursed expenses, of $25.8 million, $2 5 . 8 million and $2 3 . 7 million from the above mentioned entities during Fiscal 201 5 , 201 4 and 201 3 , respectively. This management fee is consistent with the fee received for other pro perties the Company previously managed for third parties. SAC Holdings, 4 SAC, 5 SAC, Galaxy and Private Mini are substantially controlled by Blackwater. Mercury is substantially controlled by Mark V. Shoen. James P. Shoen, a significant stockholder of AME RCO and an estate planning trust benefitting the Shoen children have an interest in Mercury.

 

The Company leases 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 in each of Fiscal 201 5 , 201 4 and 201 3 . The terms of the leases are similar to the terms of leases for other properties owned by unrelated parties that are leased to the Company.

At March 31, 201 5 , 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 the Company’s other independent dealers whereby commissions are paid by the Company based upon equipment rental revenue. However, in some instances the dealership contracts with these entities is for a specified term of years, as o pposed to being on a month-by-month term. The Company paid the above mentioned entities $ 52.1 million, $ 49.9 million and $4 3 . 8 million in commissions pursuant to such dealership contract during Fiscal 201 5 , 201 4 and 201 3 , respectively.

 


These agreements and notes with subsidiaries of SAC Holdings, 4 SAC, 5 SAC, Galaxy and Private Mini, excluding Dealer Agreements, provided revenue of $ 31.9 million, expenses of $2.6 million and cash flows of $ 60.0 million during Fiscal 201 5 . Revenues and commission expenses r elated to the Dealer Agreements were $ 241.3 million and $ 52.1 million, respectively for Fiscal 201 5 .

In February 2011, the Company and U.S. Bank N.A. (the “Trustee”) entered into the U-Haul Investors Club Indenture. The Company and the Trustee entered into this indenture to provide for the issuance of notes (“U-Notes”) by the Company directly to investors over the Company’s proprietary website, uhaulinvestorsclub.com. The U-Notes are secured by various types of collateral including rental equipment and real estate. U-Notes are issued in series that vary as to principal amount, interest rate and maturity. U-Notes are obligations of the Company and are secured by the associated collateral; they are not guaranteed by any of the Company’s affiliates or subsi diaries.

As of March 31, 201 5 , the following related parties invested in U-Notes, in amounts in excess of $120,000, based upon the following terms. Edward J. Shoen, individually and pursuant to a trust agreement, loaned to the Company $ 6.2 million by investing in the Company’s U-Notes with interest rates between 6.10% and 8.00%, with the largest aggregate amount outstanding during Fiscal 201 5 being $ 6.2 million, and during Fiscal 201 5 he received principal re-payments of $ 0.4 million. Stuar t M. Shoen loaned to the Company $ 0.6 million by investing in the Company’s U-Notes with interest rates between 5.32% and 8.00 %, with the largest aggregate amount outstanding during Fiscal 201 5 being $0.6 million, and during Fiscal 201 5 he received princip al re-payments of $ 68 thousand . Samuel J. Shoen loaned to the Company $ 2.2 million by investing in the Company’s U-Notes with interest rates between 5.57% and 8.00 %, with the largest aggregate amount outstanding during Fiscal 201 5 being $ 2.2 million, and d uring Fiscal 201 5 he received principal re-payments of $ 77 thousand. James P. Shoen, including investments by or on behalf of his children, loaned to the Company $ 18.3 million by investing in the Company’s U-Notes with interest rates between 3.00% and 8.00 %, with the largest aggregate amount outstanding during Fiscal 201 5 being $ 18.3 million, and during Fiscal 201 5 he received principal re-payments of $ 0.8 million. David Holmes, as trustee under the “C” Irrevocable Trusts, loaned to the Company $ 9.1 million by investing in the Company’s U-Notes with interest rates between 3.00% and 8.00%, with the largest aggregate amount outstanding during Fiscal 201 5 being $ 9.1 million, and during Fiscal 201 5 he received principal re-payments of $ 1.8 million.  

There are no fees to join or maintain a membership with the U-Haul Investors Club.  The U-Haul Investors Club operates through its proprietary website, uhaulinvestorsclub.com, and is open to all US residents and entities organized under the laws of a US jurisdiction , and accepts investments as low as $100. 

 

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

 

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company’s directors and executive officers, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of the Company’s equity securities, to file reports of ownership of, and transactions in, the Company’s securities with the SEC.  Such directors, executive officers and 10% stockholders are also required to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) for ms they file. 

 

Based solely on a review of the copies of such forms received by it, the Company believes that during Fiscal 201 5 all Section 16(a) filings applicable to its directors, officers and 10% stockholders were filed on a timely basis.

 

COMMUNIC ATIONS WITH THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

Stockholders may communicate with the Board by addressing communications to the Board of Directors of AMERCO c/o the Secretary of AMERCO at 2721 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85004.  All such communications, or sum maries thereof, will be relayed to the Board.

 

 


STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR NEXT ANNUAL MEETING

 

For inclusion in the proxy statement and form of proxy relating to the 201 6 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of AMERCO, a stockholder proposal intended for presentation at that meeting must be submitted in accordance with the applicable rules of the SEC and received by the Secretary of AMERCO, c/o U-Haul International, Inc., 2721 N orth Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85004, on or before March 19 , 201 6 . Proposals to be presented at the 201 6 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of AMERCO that are not intended for inclusion in the proxy statement and form of proxy must be submitted by that date and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Company’s Bylaws, a copy of which is available upon written request, delivered to the Secretary of AMERCO at the address in the preceding sentence. The Company suggests that proponents submit the ir proposals to the Secretary of AMERCO by Certified Mail-Return Receipt Requested.

 

OTHER MATTERS

 

A copy of the Company’s Annual Report for the year ended March 31, 201 5 may be viewed and downloaded from proxyvote.com, from the Company’s Investor Relati ons website at amerco.com, may be requested via e-mail through either such website, or may be requested telephonically at 1-800-579-1639 . The Annual Report is not to be regarded as proxy solicitation material.

 

With respect to Company stockholders’ meetin gs following the Annual Meeting, the Company anticipates it will continue furnishing proxy materials to stockholders by posting such materials on an internet website in accordance with applicable laws, and providing stockholders with notice of internet ava ilability of such materials. Paper copies of such materials will be available to stockholders on request, for a period of one year, at no cost, in accordance with applicable laws.

 

UPON REQUEST, THE COMPANY WILL PROVIDE BY FIRST CLASS U.S. MAIL, TO EACH ST OCKHOLDER OF RECORD AS OF THE RECORD DATE, WITHOUT CHARGE, A COPY OF THIS PROXY STATEMENT, THE PROXY CARD, AND THE COMPANY’S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 201 5 , INCLUDING THE REQUIRED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STAT EMENT SCHEDULES. WRITTEN REQUESTS FOR THIS INFORMATION SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO: DIRECTOR, FINANCIAL REPORTING, U-HAUL INTERNATIONAL, INC., P.O. BOX 21502, PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85036-1502.

 


 


EXHIBIT A

 

AMERCO 201 5 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

August 27 , 201 5

 

Phoenix, Arizona

 

MEETING PROCEDURES

 

In fairness to all stockholders attending the 201 5 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (“Annual Meeting”) of AMERCO, and in the interest of an orderly meeting, we ask you to honor the following:

 

A. The meeting will not be open to the public. Pursuant to Section 6 of Article II of AMERCO’s Restated Bylaws (the “Bylaws”), attendance at the Annual Meeting is limited to (i) stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting and (ii) the persons upon whom proxies valid for purposes of the meeting have been conferred or their duly appointed substitutes (if the rela ted proxies confer a power of substitution). A person otherwise entitled to attend the Annual Meeting will cease to be so entitled if, in the judgment of the chairman of the meeting, such person engages in disorderly conduct impeding the proper conduct of the Annual Meeting. Stockholders of record or their proxies and beneficial owners may be asked to show proof of entitlement to attend the Annual Meeting. Stockholders of record voting by proxy will not be admitted to the meeting unless their proxies are re voked, in which case the holders of the revoked proxies will not be permitted to attend the meeting. In addition, the media will not be given access to the meeting. The meeting will be webcast over the internet at amerco.com and such webcast will be open t o the public. We encourage stockholders and other stakeholders and media members to watch the Annual Meeting via our webcast. We believe this is one way to reduce the carbon footprint attributable to the Annual Meeting.

 

B. With the exception of cameras an d recording devices provided by the Company, cameras and recording devices of all kinds (including stenographic) are prohibited in the meeting room.

 

C. Pursuant to Article II, Section 9 of the Bylaws after calling the meeting to order, the Chairman will r equire the registration of all stockholders intending to vote in person, and the filing of all proxies with the Inspector of Elections. After the announced time for such filing of proxies has ended, no further proxies or changes, substitutions, or revocati ons of proxies will be accepted.

 

D. Pursuant to Article II, Section 9 of the Bylaws the Chairman of the meeting has, among other things, absolute authority to determine the order of business to be conducted at the Annual Meeting and to establish rules fo r, and appoint personnel to assist in, preserving the orderly conduct of the business of the Annual Meeting (including any informal, or question-and answer, portions thereof).

 

E. When an item is before the Annual Meeting for consideration, questions and comments are to be confined to that item only.

 

F. Pursuant to Article II, Section 5 of the Bylaws, only such business (including director nominations) as shall have been properly brought before the meeting shall be conducted.

 

Pursuant to the Bylaws, in o rder to be properly brought before the meeting, such business must have either been (1) specified in the written notice of the meeting given to stockholders on the record date for such meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”), (2) brought before the meeting at the direction of the Board of

 


Directors or the Chairman of the Annual Meeting, or (3) specified in a written notice given by or on behalf of a stockholder on the record date for such meeting entitled to vot e thereat or a duly authorized proxy for such stockholder, in accordance with all of the following requirements.

 

a) Such notice must have been delivered personally to, or mailed to and received at, the principal executive office of the corporation, addressed to the attention of the Secretary no later than March 19 , 201 5 .

 

b) Such notice must have set forth:

i. a full description of each such item of business proposed to be brought before the meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at such meeting,

ii. the name and address of the person proposing to bring such business before the meeting,

iii. the class a nd number of shares held of record, held beneficially, and represented by proxy by such person as of the record date for the meeting,

iv. if any item of such business involves a nomination for director, all information regarding each such nominee that wou ld be required to be set forth in a definitive proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act, as amended, or any successor thereto (the "Exchange Act"), and the written consent of each such nom inee to serve if elected,

v. any material interest of such stockholder in the specified business,

vi. whether or not such stockholder is a member of any partnership, limited partnership, syndicate, or other group pursuant to any agreement, arrangement, r elationship, understanding, or otherwise, whether or not in writing, organized in whole or in part for the purpose of acquiring, owning, or voting shares of the corporation, and

vii. all other information that would be required to be filed with the SEC if , with respect to the business proposed to be brought before the meeting, the person proposing such business was a participant in a solicitation subject to the Exchange Act.

 

No business shall be brought before any meeting of the Company's stockholders oth erwise than as provided in this Section. The Chairman of the meeting may, if the facts warrant, determine that any proposed item of business or nomination as director was not brought before the meeting in accordance with the foregoing procedure, and if he should so determine, he shall so declare to the meeting and the improper item of business or nomination shall be disregarded.

 

G.  At the appropriate time, any stockholder who wishes to address the Annual Meeting should do so only upon being recognized by the Chairman of the meeting. After such recognition, please state your name, whether you are a stockholder or a proxy for a stockholder, and, if you are a proxy, name the stockholder you represent. All matters should be concisely presented.

 

H. Pursuant to Article II, Section 6 of the Bylaws, a person otherwise entitled to attend the Annual Meeting will cease to be so entitled if, in the judgment of the Chairman of the meeting, such person engages in disorderly conduct impeding the proper conduct of the mee ting against the interests of all stockholders as a group.

 

 


I. If there are any question’s remaining after the meeting is adjourned, please take them up with the representatives of the Company at the Secretary's desk. Also, any matters of a personal nature that concern you as a stockholder should be referred to these representatives after such meeting.

 

J. Pursuant to Article II, Section 12 of the Bylaws, all informalities or irregularities in any call or notice of a meeting, or in the areas of creden tials, proxies, quorums, voting, and similar matters, will be deemed waived if no objection is made at the Annual Meeting.

 

K. The views, constructive comments and criticisms from stockholders are welcome. However, it is requested that no matter be brought up that is irrelevant to the business of the Company.

 

L.  It is requested that common courtesy be observed at all times.

 

Our objective is to (1) encourage open communication and the free expression of ideas that are conducive to the best interests of st ockholders of the Company, and (2) to conduct an informative and meaningful meeting in a fair and orderly manner. Your cooperation in accomplishing these objectives will be sincerely appreciated by the Company and its stockholders.


 


Exhbit B

Proxy Card 1 of 2


 


Proxy Card 2 of 2