6. LONG-TERM DEBT

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt Disclosure [Text Block]

6. LONG-TERM DEBT

In October 2010, we entered into a financing agreement with PNC Bank (“PNC”) to provide a $70 million credit facility. In December 2014, we amended and restated the credit facility to increase the facility to $75 million and extend the term of the facility an additional five years. The credit facility’s base interest rate is the current prime rate less 0.25%, however the credit facility provides us the option to borrow on up to eight fixed loans at LIBOR plus 1.25% in accordance with the 2014 amended and restated credit agreement. The LIBOR rate is determined based on the fixed loan maturities, which vary from 30, 60, 90, or 180 days. As of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we had approximately $12.0 million and $17.0 million, respectively, in fixed LIBOR borrowings under the credit facility.

The total amount available under our amended and restated revolving credit facility is subject to a borrowing base calculation based on various percentages of accounts receivable and inventory. As of December 31, 2016, we had $14.6 million in borrowings under this facility and total capacity of $57.3 million.

Our amended and restated credit facility contains a restrictive covenant which requires us to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio. This restrictive covenant is only in effect upon a triggering event taking place (as defined in the amended and restated credit facility agreement). At December 31, 2016, there was no triggering event and the covenant was not in effect. Our amended and restated credit facility places a restriction on the amount of dividends that may be paid. During 2016, 2015 and 2014, we paid dividends on our common stock totaling $3,297,066, $3,252,254, and $3,017,979, respectively.

Our amended and restated revolving credit facility matures in November 2019. We have no other long-term debt maturities.