unfavorable change in inventories is primarily due to higher raw materials and components costs coupled with increased production levels, as well as supply chain challenges with critical components needed to complete boats on a timely basis. The favorable changes in accounts payable and other accrued expenses are consistent with higher production levels and profitability.
Cash used for investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 of $1.4 million representing capital expenditures was higher in comparison to the same period in 2021 consistent with higher production levels.
Cash used for financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 increased $0.4 million compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2021 primarily due to increased dividends paid to common shareholders, partially offset by a reduction in stock repurchases related to the vesting of restricted shares.
Financial Condition and Liquidity
The Company believes that the liquidity provided by existing cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, its overall strong capitalization, cash generated by operations and the Company’s revolving credit facility will provide sufficient capital to meet the Company’s requirements for at least the next twelve months. The Company’s decisions about the amount of cash to be used for investing and financing purposes are influenced by its capital position and the expected amount of cash to be provided by operations.
Cash Requirements
The Company currently expects that capital expenditures in 2022 will be approximately $2.2 million, of which $1.4 million has been spent through September 30, 2022.
The Company participates in a multiple employer Retirement Income Plan, sponsored by RPC, Inc. (“RPC”). The Company did not contribute to this plan during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. During the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company initiated actions to terminate the defined benefit pension plan, which are expected to be completed in early 2023. The Company currently expects that no additional cash contributions to the plan will be required. As of the plan termination completion date, the Company will recognize a pre-tax, non-cash settlement charge representing the unamortized net loss in the plan which was approximately $3.2 million as of September 30, 2022. The final amount is subject to change based on the actual return on plan assets and the periodic actuarial updates of the plan net losses. For the year ending December 31, 2022, the Company is utilizing an expected return on plan assets of zero percent based on the current short-term rates and investment horizon as a result of the expected plan termination.
The Company has repurchased an aggregate total of 6,679,572 shares in the open market under the Company stock repurchase program, which began in 2002. As of September 30, 2022, there are 1,570,428 shares that remain available for repurchase under the current authorization. There were no shares repurchased under this program during the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
On October 25, 2022, the Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.14 per share payable December 9, 2022 to common stockholders of record at the close of business November 10, 2022. The Company expects to continue to pay cash dividends to common stockholders, subject to industry conditions and Marine Products’ earnings, financial condition, and other relevant factors.
OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
To assist dealers in obtaining financing for the purchase of its boats for inventory, the Company has entered into agreements with various third-party floor plan lenders whereby the Company guarantees varying amounts of debt for qualifying dealers on boats in inventory. The Company’s obligation under these guarantees becomes effective in the case of a default under the financing arrangement between the dealer and the third-party lender. The agreements provide for the return of all repossessed boats to the Company in a new and unused condition as defined, in exchange for the Company’s assumption of specified percentages of the debt obligation on those boats, up to certain contractually determined dollar limits which vary by lender. The Company had no material repurchases of dealer inventory during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021.