REVOLVING LOAN

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

REVOLVING LOAN

REVOLVING LOAN

On June 27, 2018, the Company and a bank syndicate entered into a five year senior secured revolving credit agreement (“Credit Agreement”), which replaced the existing credit facility that had provided for a senior secured term loan of $350,000 and a revolving loan of $100,000.  The Credit Agreement, which expires on June 27, 2023, provides for revolving loans up to $500,000 (collectively referred to as the “loans”).  The loans may be used for working capital, letters of credit, and other corporate purposes and may be drawn upon at the Company’s discretion.  The initial proceeds from the Credit Agreement were used to repay the outstanding balance of $210,750 on its senior secured term loan, which was due May 2019. On May 23, 2019, the Company drew down an additional $108,569 to fund the Chemogas acquisition (see Note 2, "Significant Acquisitions and Divestitures"). In connection with these additional borrowings, the Company entered into an interest rate swap to protect against adverse fluctuations in interest rates (see Note 20, "Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities"). As of September 30, 2019, the total balance outstanding on the Credit Agreement amounted to $218,569. There are no installment payments required on the revolving loans; they may be voluntarily prepaid in whole or in part without premium or penalty, and all outstanding amounts are due on the maturity date. 

Amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement are subject to an interest rate equal to a fluctuating rate as defined by the Credit Agreement plus an applicable rate.  The applicable rate is based upon the Company’s consolidated net leverage ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement, and the interest rate was 3.179% at September 30, 2019.  The Company is also required to pay a commitment fee on the unused portion of the revolving loan, which is based on the Company’s consolidated net leverage ratio as defined in the Credit Agreement and ranges from 0.15% to 0.275% (0.175% at September 30, 2019).  The unused portion of the revolving loan amounted to $281,431 at September 30, 2019.  The Company is also required to pay, as applicable, letter of credit fees, administrative agent fees, and other fees to the arrangers and lenders.

Costs associated with the issuance of the revolving loans are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the Credit Agreement.  Costs associated with the issuance of the extinguished debt instrument were capitalized and amortized over the term of the respective financing arrangement using the effective interest method.  Capitalized costs net of accumulated amortization totaled $1,056 and $1,268 at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, and are included in other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Amortization expense pertaining to these costs totaled $70 for both the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, and $212 and $610 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and is included in interest expense in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of earnings.

The Credit Agreement contains quarterly covenants requiring the consolidated leverage ratio to be less than a certain maximum ratio and the consolidated interest coverage ratio to exceed a certain minimum ratio.  At September 30, 2019, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.  Indebtedness under the Company’s loan agreements are secured by assets of the Company.