Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our ability to fund our future capital needs will be affected by our ongoing ability to generate cash from operations and may be affected by our access to capital markets, money markets, or other sources of funding, as well as the capacity and terms of our financing arrangements. We believe that cash generated from operations and, to the extent necessary, these other sources of potential funding will be sufficient to meet our anticipated capital needs for the foreseeable future, including the repayment of $500 million of 4.50% senior notes and $350 million of 3.70% senior notes, both due in February 2026. Also, we may use funds to acquire strategic businesses or product lines, reduce our outstanding debt, or return cash to shareholders through dividends on our ordinary shares or purchases of our ordinary shares pursuant to our authorized share repurchase program. The cost or availability of future funding may be impacted by financial market conditions. We will continue to monitor financial markets and respond as necessary to changing conditions. We believe that we have sufficient financial resources and liquidity which will enable us to meet our ongoing working capital and other cash flow needs.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
In the first nine months of fiscal 2025, net cash provided by operating activities increased $283 million to $2,718 million from $2,435 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2024. The increase resulted primarily from a reduction in net income tax payments and higher pre-tax income, partially offset by the impact of changes in working capital levels. The amount of income taxes paid, net of refunds, during the first nine months of fiscal 2025 and 2024 was $184 million and $384 million, respectively.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Capital expenditures were $665 million and $467 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2025 and 2024, respectively. We expect fiscal 2025 capital spending levels to be approximately 5% of net sales. We believe our capital funding levels are adequate to support new programs, and we continue to invest in our manufacturing infrastructure to further enhance productivity and manufacturing capabilities.
During the first nine months of fiscal 2025, we acquired Richards Manufacturing for $2.3 billion, net of cash acquired. Also during the first nine months of fiscal 2025, we acquired two additional businesses for a combined cash purchase price of $321 million, net of cash acquired. We acquired one business for a cash purchase price of $339 million, net of cash acquired, during the first nine months of fiscal 2024. See Note 3 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding acquisitions.
During the first nine months of fiscal 2024, we received net cash proceeds of $59 million related to the sale of one business. See Note 2 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities and Capitalization
Total debt at June 27, 2025 and September 27, 2024 was $5,697 million and $4,203 million, respectively. See Note 7 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding debt.
During the third quarter of fiscal 2025, Tyco Electronics Group S.A. (“TEGSA”), our wholly-owned subsidiary, issued €500 million aggregate principal amount of 2.50% senior notes due in May 2028, $450 million aggregate principal amount of 4.50% senior notes due in February 2031, and $450 million aggregate principal amount of 5.00% senior notes due in May 2035. In connection with the issuance of these senior notes, we voluntarily elected to terminate the $1.5 billion 364-day credit agreement, dated as of March 14, 2025. The net proceeds from these senior notes were used for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of indebtedness incurred in connection with the acquisition of Richards Manufacturing. See Note 3 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding this acquisition.
During the first nine months of fiscal 2025, TEGSA issued €750 million aggregate principal amount of 3.25% senior notes due in January 2033.