Nutrien Reports Record Earnings and an Excellent Outlook

Nutrien Ltd. (TSX and NYSE: NTR) announced today its second quarter 2021 results, with net earnings of $1.1 billion ($1.94 diluted earnings per share). Second-quarter adjusted net earnings ¹ were $2.08 per share and adjusted EBITDA ¹ was $2.2 billion.

“We delivered record earnings across our global business for the second quarter and first half of 2021 and expect the remainder of the year to contribute to a full year record. We showcased Nutrien’s unique competitive advantages, strong operating performance and the significant leverage to higher fertilizer prices as we focus on our purpose to help growers meet the ever-growing demand for increased food production in a sustainable manner,” commented Mayo Schmidt, Nutrien’s President and CEO.

“The outlook for global crop and fertilizer markets continues to be very strong and we are positioned to benefit from our structural advantages and as a global leader in agriculture. We increased our full year 2021 adjusted EBITDA guidance ¹ by over $1.5 billion, supported in part by our quick actions to produce an additional one million tonnes of potash, illustrating the power of the Potash team’s unparalleled flexible, reliable, and low-cost six-mine network,” added Mr. Schmidt.

Highlights:

• Nutrien generated record adjusted EBITDA of $3.0 billion and free cash flow ¹ of $1.9 billion in the first half of 2021. This represents an increase of 36 percent and 40 percent, respectively, compared to the first half of 2020 and 17 percent and 12 percent, respectively higher than the previous record for the company in the first half of 2019.
• Nutrien raised full-year 2021 adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net earnings per share ¹ guidance to $6.0 to $6.4 billion and $4.60 to $5.10 per share, respectively. This reflects higher expected results across our business, as well as, the benefits of increasing our 2021 potash sales guidance by one million tonnes to address global demand in support of our grower customers around the world. By the fourth quarter of 2021, we expect to surge potash production to an annualized run-rate of approximately 17 million tonnes, due to our flexible mine network and the responsiveness of our dedicated employees.
• Nutrien Ag Solutions (“Retail”) delivered record adjusted EBITDA in the second quarter and first half of 2021. First-half adjusted EBITDA increased 24 percent compared to the same period in 2020 as a result of double-digit growth in revenue and gross margin, higher gross margin percentage and adjusted EBITDA margins surpassing 11 percent. The increase was primarily due to organic growth supported by strong demand for grains and oilseeds, continued growth in our proprietary product sales, optimization and efficiency initiatives, as well as, the ongoing commitment of our approximately 3,600 crop advisors to serve our grower customers.
• Sales through our digitally-enabled retail platform were approximately $1.6 billion in the first half of 2021, nearly double the sales compared to the same period in 2020 and exceeding the full year 2020 results of $1.2 billion in just six months. In the first half of 2021, we processed nearly half-a-million individual grower payments through the digital platform.
• Potash adjusted EBITDA was 48 percent higher in the second quarter and 41 percent higher in the first half of 2021 compared to the same periods in 2020 due to higher net realized selling prices and sales volumes. We achieved record production and sales volumes of nearly 7 million tonnes in the first six months of 2021.
• Nitrogen adjusted EBITDA was 45 percent higher in the second quarter and 38 percent higher in the first half of 2021 compared to the same periods in 2020 due to higher net realized selling prices. Phosphate adjusted EBITDA increased 45 percent in the second quarter and 70 percent in the first half of 2021 compared to the same periods in 2020 due to higher net realized selling prices.
• Subsequent to the second quarter of 2021, Nutrien announced an agreement to purchase Terra Nova, a retail businesses in Brazil with EBITDA margins and acquisition multiples in line with similar transaction metrics for ag retail businesses acquired by Nutrien in the US. We also entered a collaboration agreement with EXMAR NV to jointly develop and build a low-carbon, ammonia-fueled vessel to further reduce maritime transportation emissions.

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^{1 This financial measure including related guidance, if applicable, is a non-IFRS financial measure. See the “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” section for further information.}

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

The following management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) is the responsibility of management and is dated as of August 9, 2021. The Board of Directors (“Board”) of Nutrien carries out its responsibility for review of this disclosure principally through its audit committee, comprised exclusively of independent directors. The audit committee reviews and, prior to its publication approves this disclosure pursuant to the authority delegated to it by the Board. The term “Nutrien” refers to Nutrien Ltd. and the terms “we”, “us”, “our”, “Nutrien” and “the Company” refer to Nutrien and, as applicable, Nutrien and its direct and indirect subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. Additional information relating to Nutrien (which, except as otherwise noted, is not incorporated by reference herein), including our 2020 Annual Report dated February 18, 2021, which includes our annual audited consolidated financial statements and MD&A, and our Annual Information Form, each for the year ended December 31, 2020, can be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov . No update is provided to the disclosure in our annual MD&A except for material information since the date of our annual MD&A. The Company is a foreign private issuer under the rules and regulations of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

This MD&A is based on the Company’s unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements as at and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 (“interim financial statements”) based on International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 “Interim Financial Reporting” unless otherwise noted. This MD&A contains certain non-IFRS financial measures and forward-looking statements which are described in the “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” and the “Forward-Looking Statements” sections, respectively.

Market Outlook

Agriculture and Retail

• Crop prices continue to be supported by strong global demand and less than expected supply, resulting in historically low global inventory and strong grower margins. We expect these market fundamentals to continue beyond this season and be supportive of crop prices and grower margins into 2022.
• Growing conditions across North America vary with favorable crop conditions in the US South and East regions, and drought conditions in the Western US, US Northern Plains and Canadian Prairies. We expect this variability could impact regional crop protection and plant health product demand in the second half of 2021 as growers experiencing favorable conditions look to boost and protect yields, particularly given additional pest pressure in parts of the US this summer, while growers impacted by drought may reduce some applications. However, with the strong outlook for crop prices and assuming a normal window for fall application, we expect US fertilizer demand and post-harvest crop protection applications to be strong.
• Brazil’s safrinha corn crop production estimates are significantly below initial market expectations due to both drought and frost. However, Brazilian crop prices remain at near-record highs and growers are expected to increase soybean and safrinha corn area when the next growing seasons begin. In Australia, precipitation has supported favorable soil moisture levels, leading to the largest seeded area for winter crops in the country’s history.

Crop Nutrient Markets

• Global potash shipments are projected to reach a record 69 to 71 million tonnes in 2021 while inventory in key regions are expected to be historically low going into 2022. This is supported by strong potash consumption backed by favorable agricultural fundamentals, with further upside limited by global supply issues and most producers operating at peak rates.
• We believe Latin America could reach new records for both potash consumption and imports in 2021, as applications for the last crop were strong and growers are proactively securing volumes for the upcoming season. In North America, increased crop area and normal application rates have supported historically high demand which we expect will continue in the fall.
• Global nitrogen demand growth is expected to be approximately 3 percent in 2021 driven by strong agricultural fundamentals and a rebound in industrial demand. In addition, global supply is tight because of production outages and project delays, which together with higher global energy costs, have supported nitrogen prices.
• Strong global urea prices and robust global import demand led Chinese urea exports to increase by over 40 percent during the first half of 2021 compared to depressed 2020 levels. However, as a result of high Chinese domestic prices and very strong demand, the Chinese government urged producers to prioritize the domestic market, which may limit China’s exports through the second half of 2021. Meanwhile, strong Indian urea demand, lower domestic production and tight inventories have resulted in regular tenders.
• Global phosphate demand remains robust in most key markets, which in combination with higher raw material costs and limited growth in export supply has continued to support phosphate prices. While inventories in India are tight, poor import economics create uncertainty for import demand in the second half of 2021.

Financial Outlook and Guidance

Based on market factors detailed above, we are raising full-year 2021 adjusted EBITDA guidance to $6.0 to $6.4 billion from $4.4 to $4.9 billion and full-year 2021 adjusted net earnings guidance to $4.60 to $5.10 per share from $2.55 to $3.25 per share.

All guidance numbers, including those noted above are outlined in the tables below. Refer to page 57 of Nutrien’s 2020 Annual Report for related assumptions and sensitivities.

Consolidated Results

Net earnings and adjusted EBITDA increased significantly in the second quarter and first half of 2021 compared to the same periods in 2020 due to higher net realized selling prices, higher potash sales volumes and earnings growth in Nutrien Ag Solutions (“Retail”). Cash flow from operating activities increased in the second quarter and first half of 2021 compared to the same periods last year, which helped generate $1.9 billion in free cash flow in the first half of 2021, an increase of more than $0.5 billion compared to the amount generated in the same period in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic had a limited impact on our results during the second quarter and first half of 2021.

Segment Results

Our discussion of segment results set out on the following pages is a comparison of the results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 to the results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, unless otherwise noted.

Nutrien Ag Solutions (“Retail”)

• Adjusted EBITDA increased in the second quarter and first half of 2021 due to higher sales, gross margin and gross margin percentages. This was supported by expanded planted acreage and strong agricultural market fundamentals in all regions in which we operate, as well as, supply chain improvements and strategic procurement. Our Retail cash operating coverage ratio ¹ for the first half of 2021 declined to 60 percent.
• Crop nutrients sales increased significantly in the second quarter and first half of 2021 supported by higher prices and record North American and International first half sales volumes. Gross margin benefited from stronger margin per tonne due in part to strategic procurement in a rising price environment.
• Crop protection products sales increased in the second quarter and first half of 2021 due to market growth and favorable application conditions throughout most of the US. Gross margin percentages were stable as strategic procurement and strong proprietary product results more than offset higher costs for certain products caused by global supply chain issues.
• Seed sales increased in the second quarter and first half of 2021, supported by higher seeded acreage in key regions where we operate and strong agriculture fundamentals. Gross margin percentage was stable in the second quarter and first half of 2021.
• Merchandise sales increased in the second quarter and first half of 2021 primarily driven by growth in the Australian market due to higher animal health and management sales related to strong livestock prices. Gross margin was similar in both periods despite the shift in product mix.
• Nutrien Financial sales increased in the second quarter and first half of 2021 due to higher utilization and adoption of our programs.
• Services and other sales decreased due to the divestiture of an Australian livestock export business in the fourth quarter of 2020, which more than offset higher US custom application sales. Despite the change in revenue mix, the impact to gross margin percentage was favorable for both the second quarter and first half of 2021.

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^{1 This financial measure is a non-IFRS financial measure. See the “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” section for further information.}

Potash

• Adjusted EBITDA increased in the second quarter and first half of 2021 due to higher net realized selling prices and record sales volumes.
• Sales volumes were the highest of any second quarter or first half on record. Demand was strong in both North America and Offshore markets, supported by high crop prices and good affordability, allowing us to leverage our structurally advantaged, flexible, low-cost network of six mines and integrated transportation and logistics system.
• Net realized selling price increased in the second quarter and first half of 2021 due to strong global demand and very tight supply.
• Cost of goods sold per tonne in the second quarter and first half of 2021 was slightly higher compared to the same periods in 2020, primarily due to the stronger Canadian dollar and mine production mix. These factors also led to a higher potash cash cost of product manufactured per tonne in the second quarter and first half of 2021.

Canpotex Sales by Market

Nitrogen

• Adjusted EBITDA increased in the second quarter and first half of 2021 due to higher net realized selling prices which more than offset higher natural gas costs, lower equity earnings and lower sales volumes.
• Sales volumes were lower in the second quarter and first half of 2021 due to higher turnaround activities, temporary production outages and lower inventories at the beginning of 2021. Our ammonia operating rate was 87 percent and 92 percent respectively in the second quarter and first half of 2021.
• Net realized selling price of nitrogen in the second quarter and first half of 2021 was higher due to higher benchmark prices resulting from the strength in global agriculture markets and a recovery in industrial nitrogen demand.
• Cost of goods sold per tonne increased during the second quarter and first half of 2021 due to higher natural gas costs, a stronger Canadian dollar and lower nitrogen production. The stronger Canadian dollar combined with lower production volumes led to a higher ammonia controllable cash cost of product manufactured per tonne in the second quarter and first half of 2021.

Natural Gas Prices in Cost of Production

• Natural gas prices in our cost of production increased in the second quarter and first half of 2021 as a result of higher North American gas index prices and increased gas costs in Trinidad, which are linked to ammonia benchmark prices.

Phosphate

• Adjusted EBITDA increased in the second quarter and first half of 2021 due to higher net realized selling prices which more than offset higher raw material costs and lower sales volumes.
• Sales volumes were lower in the second quarter and first half of 2021 due to the timing of turnaround activity this year and higher inventory tonnes in 2020 which supported higher sales in the second quarter and first half of 2020.
• Net realized selling price of phosphate fertilizer increased in the second quarter and first half of 2021 as a result of the increase in benchmark fertilizer prices resulting from the strength in global agriculture markets and higher global raw material costs. Industrial and feed prices also increased, but to a lesser extent than fertilizer, due to a lag in price realizations relative to spot prices.
• Cost of goods sold per tonne increased due to significantly higher raw material input costs and a $46 million favorable change in estimate related to an asset retirement obligation recorded in the second quarter of 2020. This was partially offset by lower depreciation and amortization following the non-cash impairment of assets in the third quarter of 2020.

Corporate and Others

• Share-based compensation expense (recovery) – In the second quarter of 2021, the expense was higher as a result of the increase in our share price. We also had a higher number of share-based awards that vested in 2021.

  We had an expense in the first half of 2021 due to an increase in our share price, while a recovery was recorded in the first half of 2020 as our share price decreased as a result of market volatility caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Other expenses were higher in the second quarter and first half of 2021 compared to the same periods in 2020 as we recognized additional cloud computing related expenses from our change in accounting policy (refer to Note 3). This was partially offset by lower foreign exchange losses as Canadian and Australian dollars improved relative to the US dollar in the second quarter of 2021.

Finance Costs, Income Tax Expense and
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

• Finance costs in the second quarter and first half of 2021 were lower due to lower interest rates and a lower short-term debt balance, more than offsetting a higher long-term debt balance resulting from the $1.5 billion in notes issued in the second quarter of 2020.
• Income tax expense in the second quarter and first half of 2021 was higher as a result of higher earnings before income taxes compared to the same periods in 2020.
• Other comprehensive income (loss) is primarily driven by changes in the currency translation of our foreign operations and our investment in Sinofert Holdings Ltd. (“Sinofert”). In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in increased market volatility that affected share prices and foreign exchange rates. This resulted in fair value losses on our investment in Sinofert as well as a significant translation gain in the second quarter of 2020 and a significant translation loss in the first quarter of 2020. In the first half of 2021, Sinofert share price increased while the Canadian and Australian dollars relative to the US dollar were less volatile.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Sources and Uses of Liquidity

We continued to manage our capital in accordance with our capital allocation strategy. We believe that our internally generated cash flow, supplemented by available borrowings under our existing financing sources, if necessary, will be sufficient to meet our anticipated capital expenditures and other cash requirements for the foreseeable future. Refer to the “Capital Structure and Management” section for details on our existing long-term debt and credit facilities.

Sources and Uses of Cash

Financial Condition Review

The following balance sheet categories contained variances that were considered significant:

• Explanations for changes in Cash and cash equivalents are in the “Sources and Uses of Cash” section.
• Receivables increased due to higher sales across all of our segments. This was a result of increased crop nutrient net realized selling prices and demand for crop inputs, as well as higher Retail vendor rebates receivables. Certain income tax receivables previously classified as non-current are currently realizable within one year.
• Prepaid expenses and other current assets decreased due to Retail taking delivery of prepaid inventory (primarily seed and crop protection) during the spring planting and application seasons.
• Other assets decreased due to a reclassification of certain income tax receivables as current receivables, which will be realized within one year.
• Payables and accrued charges increased due to a shift in timing of supplier payments and higher inventory purchases to meet strong seasonal demand, which were partially offset by lower customer prepayments in North America as Retail customers took delivery of prepaid sales.
• Retained earnings increased as net earnings in the first half of 2021 exceeded dividends declared.

Capital Structure and Management

Principal Debt Instruments

As part of the normal course of business, we closely monitor our liquidity position. We use a combination of cash generated from operations and short-term and long-term debt to finance our operations. We were in compliance with our debt covenants and did not have any changes to our credit ratings in the six months ended June 30, 2021.

We also have a commercial paper program, which is limited to the availability of backup funds under the $4,500 million unsecured revolving term credit facility and excess cash invested in highly liquid securities. There is no outstanding balance as of June 30, 2021.

We extended the maturity date of the unsecured revolving term credit facility from 2023 to 2026 in the three months ended June 30, 2021. There was no change to the total facility limit or the significant agreement terms from those we disclosed in our 2020 Annual Report.

Our long-term debt consists primarily of notes. See the “Capital Structure and Management” section of our 2020 Annual Report for information on balances, rates and maturities for our notes.

Outstanding Share Data

For more information on our capital structure and management, see Note 24 to our 2020 financial statements.

Quarterly Results

Seasonality in our business results from increased demand for products during the planting season. Crop input sales are generally higher in the spring and fall application seasons. Crop nutrient inventories are normally accumulated leading up to each application season. Our cash collections generally occur after the application season is complete, while customer prepayments made to us are concentrated in December and January and inventory prepayments paid to our suppliers are typically concentrated in the period from November to January. Feed and industrial sales are more evenly distributed throughout the year.

In the third quarter of 2020, earnings were impacted by an $824 million non-cash impairment of assets primarily in the Phosphate segment as a result of lower forecasted global phosphate prices. In the fourth quarter of 2020, earnings were impacted by a $250 million net gain on disposal of our investment in Misr Fertilizers Production Company S.A.E. (“MOPCO”).

Critical Accounting Estimates

Our significant accounting policies are disclosed in our 2020 Annual Report. We have discussed the development, selection and application of our key accounting policies, and the critical accounting estimates and assumptions they involve, with the audit committee of the Board. Our critical accounting estimates are discussed on page 53 of our 2020 Annual Report. There were no significant changes in the six months ended June 30, 2021 to our critical accounting estimates.

Controls and Procedures

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and Interim Filings . Internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS. Any system of internal control over financial reporting, no matter how well designed, has inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended June 30, 2021 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements and other information included in this document, including within the “Financial Outlook and Guidance” section, constitute “forward-looking information” or “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) under applicable securities laws (such statements are often accompanied by words such as “anticipate”, “forecast”, “expect”, “believe”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “estimate”, “intend” or other similar words). All statements in this document, other than those relating to historical information or current conditions, are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: Nutrien’s business strategies, plans, prospects and opportunities; Nutrien’s full-year guidance, including expectations regarding our adjusted net earnings per share and adjusted EBITDA (consolidated and by segment); expectations regarding our growth and capital allocation intentions and strategies; capital spending expectations for 2021; expectations regarding performance of our operating segments in 2021, including our operating segment market outlooks and market conditions for 2021, and the anticipated supply and demand for our products and services, expected market and industry conditions with respect to crop nutrient application rates, planted acres, crop mix, prices and the impact of import and export volumes; Nutrien’s ability to develop innovative and sustainable solutions; the negotiation of sales contracts; and acquisitions and divestitures. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements. As such, undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements.

All of the forward-looking statements are qualified by the assumptions that are stated or inherent in such forward-looking statements, including the assumptions referred to below and elsewhere in this document. Although we believe that these assumptions are reasonable, having regard to our experience and our perception of historical trends, this list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the forward-looking statements and the reader should not place an undue reliance on these assumptions and such forward-looking statements. Current conditions, economic and otherwise, render assumptions, although reasonable when made, subject to greater uncertainty. The additional key assumptions that have been made include, among other things, assumptions with respect to our ability to successfully complete, integrate and realize the anticipated benefits of our already completed and future acquisitions and divestitures, and that we will be able to implement our standards, controls, procedures and policies in respect of any acquired businesses and to realize the expected synergies; that future business, regulatory and industry conditions will be within the parameters expected by us, including with respect to prices, margins, demand, supply, product availability, supplier agreements, availability and cost of labor and interest, exchange and effective tax rates; assumptions with respect to global economic conditions and the accuracy of our market outlook expectations for 2021 and in the future; our expectations regarding the impacts, direct and indirect, of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, customers, business partners, employees, supply chain, other stakeholders and the overall economy; the adequacy of our cash generated from operations and our ability to access our credit facilities or capital markets for additional sources of financing; our ability to identify suitable candidates for acquisitions and divestitures and negotiate acceptable terms; our ability to maintain investment grade ratings and achieve our performance targets; our ability to successfully negotiate sales contracts; and our ability to successfully implement new initiatives and programs.

Events or circumstances that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: general global economic, market and business conditions; failure to complete announced and future acquisitions or divestitures at all or on the expected terms and within the expected timeline; climate change and weather conditions, including impacts from regional flooding and/or drought conditions; crop planted acreage, yield and prices; the supply and demand and price levels for our products; governmental and regulatory requirements and actions by governmental authorities, including changes in government policy (including tariffs, trade restrictions and climate change initiatives), government ownership requirements, changes in environmental, tax and other laws or regulations and the interpretation thereof; political risks, including civil unrest, actions by armed groups or conflict and malicious acts including terrorism; the occurrence of a major environmental or safety incident; innovation and cybersecurity risks related to our systems, including our costs of addressing or mitigating such risks; counterparty and sovereign risk; delays in completion of turnarounds at our major facilities; interruptions of or constraints in availability of key inputs, including natural gas and sulfur; any significant impairment of the carrying amount of certain assets; risks related to reputational loss; certain complications that may arise in our mining processes; the ability to attract, engage and retain skilled employees and strikes or other forms of work stoppages; the COVID-19 pandemic, including variants of the COVID-19 virus and the efficiency and distribution of vaccines, and its resulting effects on economic conditions, restrictions imposed by public health authorities or governments, fiscal and monetary responses by governments and financial institutions and disruptions to global supply chains; and other risk factors detailed from time to time in Nutrien reports filed with the Canadian securities regulators and the SEC in the United States.

The purpose of our expected adjusted net earnings per share, adjusted EBITDA (consolidated and by segment) and sustaining capital expenditures guidance ranges, are to assist readers in understanding our expected and targeted financial results, and this information may not be appropriate for other purposes.

The forward-looking statements in this document are made as of the date hereof and Nutrien disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements in this document as a result of new information or future events, except as may be required under applicable Canadian securities legislation or applicable US federal securities laws.

Terms and Definitions

For the definitions of certain financial and non-financial terms used in this document, as well as a list of abbreviated company names and sources, see the “Terms and Definitions” section of our 2020 Annual Report. All references to per share amounts pertain to diluted net earnings (loss) per share, “n/m” indicates information that is not meaningful and all financial amounts are stated in millions of US dollars, unless otherwise noted.

About Nutrien

Nutrien is the world’s largest provider of crop inputs and services, playing a critical role in helping growers increase food production in a sustainable manner. We produce and distribute approximately 27 million tonnes of potash, nitrogen and phosphate products world-wide. With this capability and our leading agriculture retail network, we are well positioned to supply the needs of our customers. We operate with a long-term view and are committed to working with our stakeholders as we address our economic, environmental and social priorities. The scale and diversity of our integrated portfolio provides a stable earnings base, multiple avenues for growth and the opportunity to return capital to shareholders.

Selected financial data for download can be found in our data tool at www.nutrien.com/investors/interactive-datatool

Such data is not incorporated by reference herein.

Nutrien will host a Conference Call on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at 10:00 am Eastern Time.

• In order to expedite access to our conference call, each participant will be required to pre-register for the event:
  • Online: http://www.directeventreg.com/registration/event/3792844 .
  • Via Phone: 1-888-869-1189 Conference ID 3792844.
• Once the registration is complete, a confirmation will be sent providing the dial in number and both the Direct Event Passcode and your unique Registrant ID to join this call. For security reasons, please do not share your information with anyone else.
• Live Audio Webcast: Visit http://www.nutrien.com/investors/events/2021-q2-earnings-conference-call

Appendix A – Selected Additional Financial Data

Appendix B – Non-IFRS Financial Measures

We use both IFRS and certain non-IFRS financial measures to assess performance. Non-IFRS financial measures are numerical measures of a company’s historical or future financial performance, financial position or cash flow that are not specified, defined or determined under IFRS, and are not presented in our interim financial statements. Non-IFRS measures either exclude amounts that are included in, or include amounts that are excluded from, the most directly comparable measure specified, defined or determined under IFRS. In evaluating these measures, investors should consider that the methodology applied in calculating such measures may differ among companies and analysts.

Management believes the non-IFRS financial measures provide transparent and useful supplemental information to help investors evaluate our financial performance, financial condition and liquidity using the same measures as management. These non-IFRS financial measures should not be considered as a substitute for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with IFRS.

The following section outlines our non-IFRS financial measures, their definitions, and why management uses each measure. It includes reconciliations to the most directly comparable IFRS measures. Except as otherwise described herein, our non-IFRS financial measures are calculated on a consistent basis from period to period and are adjusted for specific items in each period, as applicable. As non-recurring or unusual items arise, we generally exclude these items in our calculation of the applicable non-IFRS financial measure.

Adjusted EBITDA (Consolidated)

Most directly comparable IFRS financial measure: Net earnings (loss).

Definition: Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as net earnings (loss) before finance costs, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, certain integration and restructuring related costs, share-based compensation, impairment of assets, certain foreign exchange gain/loss (net of related derivatives), COVID-19 related expenses, cloud computing transition adjustment, loss on disposal of business, and net gain on disposal of investment in MOPCO. COVID-19 related expenses primarily consist of increased cleaning and sanitization costs, the purchase of personal protective equipment, discretionary supplemental employee costs and costs related to construction delays from access limitations and other government restrictions. Cloud computing transition adjustment relates to cloud computing costs in prior years that no longer qualify for capitalization based on an agenda decision issued by the IFRS Interpretations Committee in April 2021. In 2021, we amended our calculation of adjusted EBITDA to adjust for the impact of restructuring and related costs and cloud computing transition adjustment. There were no similar expenses in the comparative period.

Why we use the measure and why it is useful to investors: It is not impacted by long-term investment and financing decisions, but rather focuses on the performance of our day-to-day operations. It provides a measure of our ability to service debt and to meet other payment obligations.

Adjusted EBITDA (Consolidated), Adjusted Net Earnings Per Share and Sustaining Capital Expenditures Guidance

Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net earnings per share and sustaining capital expenditures guidance are forward-looking non-IFRS financial measures. We do not provide a reconciliation of such forward-looking measures to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with IFRS due to unknown variables and the uncertainty related to future results. These unknown variables may include unpredictable transactions of significant value that may be inherently difficult to determine, without unreasonable efforts. Guidance for adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net earnings per share excludes the impacts of integration and restructuring related costs, share-based compensation, certain foreign exchange gain/loss (net of related derivatives), COVID-19 related expenses, and cloud computing transition adjustment. Guidance for sustaining capital expenditures includes expected expenditures required to sustain operations at existing levels and includes major repairs and maintenance and plant turnarounds.

Adjusted Net Earnings and Adjusted Net Earnings Per Share

Most directly comparable IFRS financial measure: Net earnings (loss) and net earnings (loss) per share.

Definition: Net earnings (loss) before certain integration and restructuring related costs, share-based compensation, certain foreign exchange gain/loss (net of related derivatives), COVID-19 related expenses (including those recorded under finance costs for managing our liquidity position in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020), cloud computing transition adjustment, loss on disposal of business, net gain on disposal of investment in MOPCO and impairment of assets, net of tax. We generally apply the annual forecasted effective tax rate to our adjustments during the year and, at year-end, we apply the actual effective tax rate. If the effective tax rate is significantly different from our forecasted effective tax rate due to adjustments or discrete tax impacts, we apply a tax rate that excludes those items. For material adjustments, we apply a tax rate specific to the adjustment. In 2021, we amended our calculation of adjusted net earnings to adjust for the impact of restructuring and related costs and cloud computing transition adjustment. There were no similar expenses in the comparative period.

Why we use the measure and why it is useful to investors: Focuses on the performance of our day-to-day operations excluding the effects of non-operating items.

Free Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow Including Changes in Non-Cash Operating Working Capital

Most directly comparable IFRS financial measure: Cash from operations before working capital changes.

Definition: Cash from operations before working capital changes less sustaining capital expenditures. We also calculate a similar measure that includes changes in non-cash operating working capital.

Why we use the measure and why it is useful to investors: For evaluation of liquidity and financial strength. These are also useful as indicators of our ability to service debt, meet other payment obligations and make strategic investments. These do not represent residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures.

Potash Cash Cost of Product Manufactured (“COPM”)

Most directly comparable IFRS financial measure: Cost of goods sold (“COGS”) for the Potash segment.

Definition: Potash COGS for the period excluding depreciation and amortization expense and inventory and other adjustments divided by the production tonnes for the period.

Why we use the measure and why it is useful to investors: To assess operational performance. Potash cash COPM excludes the effects of production from other periods and long-term investment decisions, supporting a focus on the performance of our day-to-day operations.

Ammonia Controllable Cash COPM

Most directly comparable IFRS financial measure: COGS for the Nitrogen segment.

Definition: The total of COGS for the Nitrogen segment excluding depreciation and amortization expense included in COGS, cash COGS for products other than ammonia, other adjustments, and natural gas and steam costs, divided by net ammonia production tonnes.

Why we use the measure and why it is useful to investors: To assess operational performance. Ammonia controllable cash COPM excludes the effects of production from other periods, the costs of natural gas and steam, and long-term investment decisions, supporting a focus on the performance of our day-to-day operations.

Gross Margin Excluding Depreciation and Amortization Per Tonne – Manufactured

Most directly comparable IFRS financial measure: Gross margin.

Definition: Gross margin from manufactured products per tonne less depreciation and amortization per tonne. Reconciliations are provided in the “Segment Results” section.

Why we use the measure and why it is useful to investors: Focuses on the performance of our day-to-day operations, which excludes the effects of items that primarily reflect the impact of long-term investment and financing decisions.

Retail Adjusted Average Working Capital to Sales and Retail Adjusted Average Working Capital to Sales Excluding Nutrien Financial

Most directly comparable IFRS financial measure: (Current assets minus current liabilities for Retail) divided by Retail sales.

Definition: Retail adjusted average working capital divided by Retail adjusted sales for the last four rolling quarters. We exclude in our calculations the working capital and sales of certain acquisitions (such as Ruralco) during the first year following the acquisition. We amended our calculation to adjust for the sales of certain recently acquired businesses. We also look at this metric excluding the sales and working capital of Nutrien Financial.

Why we use the measure and why it is useful to investors: To evaluate operational efficiency. A lower or higher percentage represents increased or decreased efficiency, respectively. The metric excluding Nutrien Financial shows the impact that the working capital of Nutrien Financial has on the ratio.

Nutrien Financial Net Interest Margin

Most directly comparable IFRS financial measure: Nutrien Financial gross margin divided by average Nutrien Financial receivables.

Definition: Nutrien Financial revenue less deemed interest expense divided by average Nutrien Financial receivables outstanding for the last four rolling quarters.

Why we use the measure and why it is useful to investors: Used by credit rating agencies and other users to evaluate financial performance of Nutrien Financial.

Retail Cash Operating Coverage Ratio

Most directly comparable IFRS financial measure: Retail operating expenses as a percentage of Retail gross margin.

Definition: Retail operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense, divided by Retail gross margin excluding depreciation and amortization expense in cost of goods sold, for the last four rolling quarters.

Why we use the measure and why it is useful to investors: To understand the costs and underlying economics of our Retail operations and to assess our Retail operating performance and ability to generate free cash flow.

Retail Adjusted EBITDA per US Selling Location

Most directly comparable IFRS financial measure: Retail US adjusted EBITDA.

Definition: Total Retail US adjusted EBITDA for the last four rolling quarters, adjusted for acquisitions in those quarters, divided by the number of US locations that have generated sales in the last four rolling quarters, adjusted for acquired locations.

Why we use the measure and why it is useful to investors: To assess our US Retail operating performance. This measure includes locations we have owned for more than 12 months.

Retail Normalized Comparable Store Sales

Most directly comparable IFRS financial measure: Retail sales from comparable base as a component of total Retail sales.

Definition: Prior year comparable store sales adjusted for published potash, nitrogen and phosphate benchmark prices and foreign exchange rates used in the current year. We retain sales of closed locations in the comparable base if the closed location is in close proximity to an existing location, unless we plan to exit the market area or are unable to economically or logistically serve it. We do not adjust for temporary closures, expansions or renovations of stores.

Why we use the measure and why it is useful to investors: To evaluate sales growth by adjusting for fluctuations in commodity prices and foreign exchange rates. Includes locations we have owned for more than 12 months.

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Unaudited in millions of US dollars except as otherwise noted

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

As at and for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2021

NOTE 1 BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Nutrien Ltd. (collectively with its subsidiaries, known as “Nutrien”, “we”, “us”, “our” or “the Company”) is the world’s largest provider of crop inputs and services. Nutrien plays a critical role in helping growers around the globe increase food production in a sustainable manner.

These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements (“interim financial statements”) are based on International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, “Interim Financial Reporting”. The accounting policies and methods of computation used in preparing these interim financial statements are consistent with those used in the preparation of our 2020 annual consolidated financial statements except as disclosed in Note 3. These interim financial statements include the accounts of Nutrien and its subsidiaries; however, they do not include all disclosures normally provided in annual consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with our 2020 annual consolidated financial statements.

Certain immaterial 2020 figures have been reclassified in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings, condensed consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity, condensed consolidated balance sheets and segment information.

In management’s opinion, the interim financial statements include all adjustments necessary to fairly present such information in all material respects. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for any other interim period or the fiscal year.

We prepare our interim financial statements in accordance with IFRS, which requires us to make judgments, assumptions and estimates in applying accounting policies. We have assessed our accounting estimates and other matters that require the use of forecasted financial information for the impacts arising from the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic. The future assessment of these estimates, including expectations about the severity, duration and scope of the pandemic, could differ materially in future reporting periods. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we incurred directly attributable and incremental COVID-19 related expenses in other expenses (Note 3).

These interim financial statements were authorized by the audit committee of the Board of Directors for issue on August 9, 2021.

NOTE 2 SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company has four reportable operating segments: Nutrien Ag Solutions (“Retail”), Potash, Nitrogen and Phosphate. The Retail segment distributes crop nutrients, crop protection products, seed and merchandise, and it provides services directly to growers through a network of farm centers in North America, South America and Australia. The Potash, Nitrogen and Phosphate segments are differentiated by the chemical nutrient contained in the products that each produce.

Presented below is revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by product line or geographic location for each reportable segment.

NOTE 3 OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSES

In April 2021, the IFRS Interpretations Committee published a final agenda decision clarifying how to recognize certain configuration and customization expenditures related to cloud computing with retrospective application. Costs that do not meet the capitalization criteria should be expensed as incurred. We changed our accounting policy to align with the interpretation and previously capitalized costs that no longer qualify for capitalization were expensed in the current period since they were not material.

NOTE 4 INCOME TAXES

A separate estimated average annual effective income tax rate was determined for each taxing jurisdiction and applied individually to the interim period pre-tax earnings for each jurisdiction.

Income tax balances within the condensed consolidated balance sheets were comprised of the following:

NOTE 5 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Fair Value

Estimated fair values for financial instruments are designed to approximate amounts for which the instruments could be exchanged in a current arm’s-length transaction between knowledgeable, willing parties. The valuation policies and procedures for financial reporting purposes are determined by our finance department. There have been no changes to our valuation methods presented in Note 10 of the 2020 annual consolidated financial statements and those valuation methods have been applied in these interim financial statements.

The following table presents our fair value hierarchy for financial instruments carried at fair value on a recurring basis or measured at amortized cost:

NOTE 6 SHARE CAPITAL

Share repurchase programs

Purchases under the normal course issuer bids were, or may be, made through open market purchases at market prices as well as by other means permitted by applicable securities regulatory authorities, including private agreements.

The following table summarizes our share repurchase activities during the period:

Dividends declared

We declared a dividend per share of $0.46 (2020 – $0.45) during the three months ended June 30, 2021, payable on July 16, 2021 to shareholders of record on June 30, 2021 and total dividends of $0.92 (2020 – $0.90) during the six months ended June 30, 2021.

NOTE 7 SEASONALITY

Seasonality in our business results from increased demand for products during planting season. Crop input sales are generally higher in spring and fall application seasons. Crop input inventories are normally accumulated leading up to each application season. The results of this seasonality have a corresponding effect on receivables from customers and rebates receivables, inventories, prepaid expenses and other current assets and trade payables. Our short-term debt also fluctuates during the year to meet working capital needs. Our cash collections generally occur after the application season is complete, while customer prepayments made to us are typically concentrated in December and January and inventory prepayments paid to our suppliers are typically concentrated in the period from November to January. Feed and industrial sales are more evenly distributed throughout the year.

NOTE 8 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

We sell potash outside Canada and the United States exclusively through Canpotex. Canpotex sells potash to buyers in export markets pursuant to term and spot contracts at agreed upon prices. Our revenue is recognized at the amount received from Canpotex representing proceeds from their sale of potash, less net costs of Canpotex. Sales to Canpotex are shown in Note 2.

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Investor Relations:
Richard Downey
Vice President, Investor Relations
(403) 225-7357
Investors@nutrien.com

Tim Mizuno
Director, Investor Relations
(306) 933-8548

Media Relations:
Megan Fielding
Vice President, Brand & Culture Communications
(403) 797-3015

Contact us at: www.nutrien.com