Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities decreased by $124 million to $98 million in the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared with $222 million in the same period in 2023 that was mainly driven by reduced spend on the Group’s growth investment program and lower maintenance capital expenditure.
Net cash received from/(used in) financing activities
Net cash from financing activities represents an inflow of $5 million in the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared with an $113 million outflow in the same period in 2023.
Proceeds from borrowings of $214 million primarily reflects the draw down of the Group’s Global Asset Based Loan Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2024.
Repayment of borrowings of $33 million primarily reflects the repayment of the Group’s Global Asset Based Loan Facility and other borrowings during the six months ended June 30, 2024.
Lease payments of $44 million in the six months ended June 30, 2024, increased by $6 million compared to $38 million in the six months ended June 30, 2023, reflecting increased principal repayments on the Group’s lease obligations.
In the six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company paid cash dividends to shareholders of $132 million (2023: $131 million). On February 20, 2024, the Board approved an interim cash dividend of $0.10 per ordinary share. The interim cash dividend of $60 million was paid on March 27, 2024 to shareholders of record on March 13, 2024. On February 20, 2024, the Board approved an interim cash dividend on the annual 9% dividend of the preferred shares. The interim cash dividend of €6 million ($6 million) was paid on March 27, 2024. On April 23, 2024, the Board approved an interim cash dividend of $0.10 per ordinary share. The interim cash dividend of $60 million was paid on June 26, 2024 to shareholders of record on June 12, 2024. On April 23, 2024, the Board approved an interim cash dividend on the annual 9% dividend of the preferred shares. The interim cash dividend of €6 million ($6 million) was paid on June 26, 2024.
Working capital
In the six months ended June 30, 2024, the working capital outflow during the period increased by $96 million to $271 million, from an outflow of $175 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023. The increase was primarily due to unfavorable cash flows generated from trade and other payables, partly offset by favorable cash flows generated from trade and other receivables and inventories, compared with the same period in 2023.
Exceptional costs paid, including restructuring
Exceptional costs paid, including restructuring, in the six months ended June 30, 2024 increased by $10 million to $42 million, compared with $32 million in the six months ended June 30, 2023. In the six months ended June 30, 2024, amounts paid of $42 million comprised $20 million of start-up costs mainly relating to the Group’s growth investment program, $20 million of restructuring costs primarily related to footprint rationalization and $2 milion of transaction related and other costs.
Income tax paid
Income tax paid during the six months ended June 30, 2024 was $11 million, which represents a decrease of $4 million compared with $15 million paid in the six months ended June 30, 2023. The decrease in income tax paid is primarily attributable to refunds received in certain jurisdictions in the six months ended June 30, 2024.