Debt

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt

Revolving credit facility

Effective June 8, 2018, the Company amended its U.S. $2.0 billion revolving credit facility agreement dated September 26, 2014. This fifth amending agreement included, among other things, the extension of the five year maturity date from June 28, 2022 to June 28, 2023 and the cancellation of the U.S. $1.0 billion one-year plus one-year credit facility agreement. As at September 30, 2018, the remaining U.S. $1.0 billion credit facility was undrawn.

Issuance of long-term debt

During the second quarter of 2018, the Company issued U.S. $500 million 4.000% 10-year Notes due June 1, 2028 for net proceeds of U.S. $495 million ($638 million). These notes pay interest semi-annually and are unsecured but carry a negative pledge. In conjunction with the issuance, the Company settled a notional U.S. $500 million of forward starting floating-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements ("forward starting swaps") for a payment of U.S. $19 million ($24 million) (see Note 10). This payment was included in cash provided by operating activities consistent with the location of the related hedged item on the Company's Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Retirement of long-term debt

During the second quarter of 2018, the Company repaid U.S. $275 million 6.500% 10-year Notes at maturity for a total of U.S. $275 million ($352 million) and $375 million 6.250% 10-year Medium Term Notes at maturity for a total of $375 million.

Commercial paper program

The Company has a commercial paper program which enables it to issue commercial paper up to a maximum aggregate principal amount of U.S. $1.0 billion in the form of unsecured promissory notes. The commercial paper is backed by the U.S. $1.0 billion revolving credit facility. As at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company had no commercial paper borrowings.

The Company presents issuances and repayments of commercial paper, all of which have a maturity of less than 90 days, in the Company's Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows on a net basis.