Cash flows (used in)/generated from operating activities
Cash flows used in operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2022, of $139 million represents an increase of $199 million, compared with a $60 million net cash generated in the same period in 2021. The increase was mainly due to a decrease in operating profit of $20 million, an increase in depreciation and amortization of $5 million, an increase in exceptional operating items of $20 million, an increase in working capital outflows of $225 million, an increase in transaction-related, start-up and other exceptional costs paid of $19 million, an increase in exceptional restructuring paid of $1m, lower net interest payments of $28 million and lower tax payments of $13 million.
Cash flows used in investing activities
Cash flows used in investing activities decreased by $2 million to $286 million in the six months ended June 30, 2022, compared with $288 million in the same period in 2021 mainly driven by the timing of projects in relation to the Group’s growth investment program.
Net cash inflow from financing activities
Net cash from financing activities represents an inflow of $434 million in the six months ended June 30, 2022 compared with a $568 million inflow in the same period in 2021.
Proceeds from borrowings of $700 million reflects the issuance of $600 million 6.000% Senior Secured Green Notes and draw down of the Group’s Global Asset Based Loan Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2022.
Repayment of borrowings of $109 million reflects the repayment of $100 million of the Global Asset Based Loan Facility and repayment of $9 million of other borrowings during the six months ended June 30, 2022.
Lease payments of $26 million in the six months ended June 30, 2022, increased by $4 million compared to $22 million in the six months ended June 30, 2021, reflecting increased principal repayments on the Group’s lease obligations.
In the six months ended June 30, 2022, the Group paid dividends to shareholders of $121 million. On April 26, 2022, the Company approved a cash dividend of $0.10 per common share. The dividend of $60 million was paid on June 28, 2022, to shareholders of record on June 14, 2022. On June 1, 2022, the Company approved a cash dividend of $0.10 per common share. The dividend of $61 million was paid on June 28, 2022, to shareholders of record on June 14, 2022.
Working capital
In the six months ended June 30, 2022, the working capital outflow during the period increased by $225 million to $395 million, from an outflow of $170 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021. The increase is mainly due to increases in trade and other receivables and inventory, compared with the same period in 2021, partly offset by increased trade payables.
Transaction-related, start-up and other exceptional costs paid
Transaction-related, start-up and other exceptional costs paid in the six months ended June 30, 2022 increased by $19 million to $33 million, compared with $14 million in the six months ended June 30, 2021. In the six months ended June 30, 2022, amounts paid of $33 million principally comprised of start-up and other costs.