amortization of $31 million and lower outflows for settlements of foreign currency derivative financial instruments of $5 million.
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities decreased by $172 million to $132 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared with $304 million in the same period in 2023 which 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 $20 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared with an outflow of $261 million in the same period in 2023.
Proceeds from borrowings of $517 million primarily reflects the draw down of the Group’s Senior Secured Term Loan and the Global Asset Based Loan Facility during the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
Repayment of borrowings of $224 million primarily reflects the repayment of the Group’s Global Asset Based Loan Facility and other borrowings during the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
Lease payments of $69 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2024, increased by $14 million compared to $55 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2023, reflecting increased principal repayments on the Group’s lease obligations.
In the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company paid cash dividends to shareholders of $198 million (2023: $197 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. On July 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 September 26, 2024 to shareholders of record on September 12, 2024. On July 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 was paid on September 26, 2024.
Working capital
In the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the working capital outflow during the period increased by $139 million to $261 million, from an outflow of $122 million for the nine months ended September 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 nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased by $7 million to $48 million, compared with $41 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2023. In the nine months ended September 30, 2024, amounts paid of $48 million comprised $21 million of start-up costs mainly relating to the Group’s growth investment program, $21 million of restructuring costs, primarily related to footprint rationalization, and $6 milion of transaction-related and other costs.