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Nutrien

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FY2021 Annual Report · Nutrien
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 Nutrien Annual Report 2021    |    1

ANNUAL  
REPORT  
2021

OVERVIEW        | MANAGEMENTʼS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OTHER INFORMATION2    |    Nutrien Annual Report 2021 

01   Corporate Overview 

04   A Message to Our Shareholders

07   Management’s Discussion & Analysis

08 

10 

12 

14 

16 

18 

41 

54 

59 

62 

  Nutrienʼs Global Profile

  Nutrienʼs Integrated Model

 Nutrien’s Basic Beliefs &  
Strategic Approach

  Capital Allocation

Feeding the Future 2030

 Operating Segment Outlook 
and Performance

Financial Highlights

Enterprise Risk Management

  Controls and Procedures

  Appendices

68   Four-Year Highlights

70 

Financial Statements & Notes

131   Terms & Definitions

133   Board of Directors and Senior Management

About this report:  
You can find this report and information on Nutrien  
on our website at nutrien.com. While we include 
certain non-financial information in this report, more 
detailed information on our sustainability strategy  
and performance is provided on our website at  
nutrien.com/sustainability.

The Corporate Overview and A Message to Our 
Shareholders contain certain non-IFRS financial 
measures, which do not have a standard meaning  
under IFRS including:

•   Adjusted EBITDA
•   Adjusted net earnings per share
•    Free cash flow and free cash flow including changes 

in non-cash operating working capital

•   Retail cash operating coverage ratio
•   Potash cash cost of product manufactured per tonne
•   Retail adjusted average working capital to sales
•    Ammonia controllable cash cost of product 

Manufactured per tonne

•   Retail normalized comparable store sales
•   Adjusted net-debt 

For definitions, further information and reconciliation of these measures to the most directly 
comparable measures under IFRS, see the “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” section. 

See the “Other Financial Measures” and “Terms & Definitions” section for definitions, 
abbreviations and terms used in this annual report.

OVERVIEW       | MANAGEMENTʼS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OTHER INFORMATION   
 
  
 
 
 Nutrien Annual Report 2021    |    1

FEEDING THE FUTURE

Leading Global Ag Solutions Provider

Nutrien is forging a pathway that creates lasting value for all its stakeholders 

by taking meaningful action to address two of the world’s biggest challenges: 

strengthening food security and advancing climate-smart agricultural practices. 

Our integrated business model provides several competitive advantages and 

capabilities that are unique in the agriculture industry. We are focused on 

enhancing our direct relationship with the grower by delivering innovative 

products and solutions through our global Nutrien Ag Solutions (“Retail”) 

platform, while leveraging the strengths of our world-class crop nutrient 

production and distribution network. 

Our leading position provides a clear pathway to address key Environmental, 

Social and Governance (“ESG”) topics and multiple avenues to sustainably  

grow returns for our shareholders.

Link to Basic Beliefs and Strategy 

$3.9B

Cash Provided 
by Operating Activities  
(2021)

$2.1B

Cash Returned  
to Shareholders from 
Dividends and Share 
Repurchases (2021)

~225K

Acres Subscribed  
In Carbon Pilot  
Program (2021)

OVERVIEW        | MANAGEMENTʼS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OTHER INFORMATION2    |    Nutrien Annual Report 2021 

2021 PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS
DELIVERED RESULTS THAT MATTER 

Nutrien delivered record financial results in 2021 driven by strong operational performance and 

strengthening market fundamentals. We utilized our strong cash flow to fortify the balance sheet, 

invest in the business and return significant cash to our shareholders. We also made great progress 

on our ESG priorities, including climate and people-related initiatives. 

Year ended December 31

(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Financial Performance

Sales 

Gross Margin 

Net Earnings 

Diluted Net Earnings per Share  

Adjusted Net Earnings per Share 1 

Adjusted EBITDA 1 

Retail Adjusted EBITDA 

Potash Adjusted EBITDA 

Nitrogen Adjusted EBITDA 

Phosphate Adjusted EBITDA 

Cash Provided by Operating Activities 

Free Cash Flow  1 

Cash used for Dividends and Share Repurchases 2  

Adjusted Net Debt/Adjusted EBITDA 3 

Retail Normalized Comparable Store Sales 1 

Non-Financial Performance

CO2 Equivalent Captured (Mmt) 

Environmental Incidents 

Lost-Time Injury Frequency 4 

Total Employees 

Proportion of Women in Senior Leadership (director level and above) 5 

Voluntary Employee Turnover Rate 5 

Community Investment  

2021 

2020 

Change (%)

$ 

27,712 

$ 

20,908 

9,409 

3,179 

5.52 

6.23 

7,126 

1,939 

2,736 

2,308 

540 

3,886 

4,300 

2,080 

1.4x 

7% 

1.1 

24 

0.27 

5,239 

459 

0.81 

1.80 

3,667 

1,430 

1,190 

1,080 

232 

3,323 

1,830 

1,190 

2.6x 

6% 

1.0 

23 

0.26 

23,500 

23,100 

21%  

12% 

19 

$ 

19% 

9% 

18 

$ 

33

80

593

581

246

94

36

130

114

133

17

135

75

-46

1

10

4

4 

2

2

3

6

1  These are non-IFRS financial measures. See the “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” section.
2  This is a supplementary financial measure. See the “Other Financial Measures” section.
3 

 This is a capital management financial measure that includes a non-IFRS component. See the “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” and “Other Financial 
Measures” sections.

4  Frequency based for every 200,000 hours worked.
5  Based on regular full-time and part-time employees.

Find out more at nutrien.com

OVERVIEW       | MANAGEMENTʼS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OTHER INFORMATION 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Nutrien Annual Report 2021    |    3

2021 PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS
ADVANCED STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

We made significant progress on our strategic targets due to the focus and strong execution of  

our teams. In 2021, our Retail business surpassed its long-term financial goals by utilizing the  

size and scale of our global network to capture the benefits of the favorable market conditions.  

We advanced our digital and proprietary products initiatives, which remain key drivers of Retail 

organic growth. Our Potash and Nitrogen operations performed very well despite weather-related 

production challenges and macro-inflationary pressures. Our focus remains on increasing 

production volumes and driving operational efficiencies across our asset base.

Nutrien Ag Solutions (“Retail”)

Total Retail Adjusted EBITDA Margin 1

US Retail Adjusted EBITDA Margin 1,2

Retail Adjusted Average Working Capital to Sales 3

Retail Cash Operating Coverage Ratio 3

 2023 Targets

2021

2020

>10.5%  

–  

17%  

60%  

10.9%  

11.6%  

13%  

58%  

9.7%

10.6%

15%

62%

Retail Adjusted EBITDA per US Selling Location (thousand dollars) 1,4

  $ 

>1,100  

$ 

1,481

  $ 

1,075

Retail Proprietary Products as a % of Total Retail Margin 

Retail Digital Platform Sales to Total Sales 1,5

Retail Digital Platform Sales (million dollars) 1,5

Potash and Nitrogen
Potash Sales Volumes (million tonnes)

29%  

>50%  
–  

23%  

17%  

$ 

2,148

  $ 

  14.0-16.0  

13.6

Potash Cash Cost of Product Manufactured per Tonne 3,6

  $ 

53-58  

$ 

63

  $ 

Nitrogen Sales Volumes (million tonnes)

Ammonia Operating Rate 7

  11.5-12.0  

96%  

10.7

90%  

Ammonia Controllable Cash Cost of Product Manufactured per Tonne 3 

  $ 

~42  

$ 

50

  $ 

23%

11%
1,211

12.8

59

11.0

93%

43

IFRS Comparable Information

Potash Cost of Goods Sold (“COGS”) (million dollars) 2

Nitrogen Manufactured Cost of Goods Sold (“COGS”) (million dollars) 2 

–  

–  

$ 

$ 

1,285

  $ 

2,353

  $ 

1,183

1,804

1  This is a supplementary financial measure. See the “Other Financial Measures” section.
2  No target was provided.
3  These are non-IFRS financial measures. See the “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” section.
4 
5 

 Calculation is based on number of selling locations only, excluding acquisitions.
 Platform generated revenue includes grower and employee orders that are entered directly into the digital platform. North American  
digital Retail sales as a proportion of total North American Retail sales.

6  Assuming production ranges of 14Mmt to 16Mmt and is not adjusted for the impact of inflation. Applies to 2023 target only.
7  Capacity utilization represents production volumes divided by production capacity (excluding Joffrey and Trinidad facilities).

OVERVIEW        | MANAGEMENTʼS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OTHER INFORMATION 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4    |    Nutrien Annual Report 2021 

A MESSAGE TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS
DELIVERED RECORD RESULTS AND POSITIONED  
FOR LONG-TERM SUCCESS

Nutrien’s vision is to be the world’s leading ag solutions 

provider. We own and operate world-class assets across 

the value chain that are positioned to generate significant 

free cash flow through the agriculture cycle. We 

demonstrated the strength of our business model in  

2021 by delivering record financial results, returning  

$2.1 billion to shareholders and achieving our all-time-

best safety performance.

RUSSELL GIRLING
CHAIR OF THE BOARD

The Board provides regular oversight on strategic priorities 
identified by management, evaluating organic and inorganic 
opportunities against the basic beliefs for our business and in 
the context of the risks that exist in our operating environment. 
Through this process, the Board and management team ensure 
alignment on strategic priorities and capital allocation that 
will enhance the sustainability of the business and deliver the 
greatest long-term value for stakeholders. This includes a focus 
on integrating our key ESG risks and opportunities into our 
business planning and reporting activities.

It is vital that we continuously evaluate our strategic objectives 
and evolve our leadership to ensure our business is best 
positioned to adapt to changes in the global landscape. We 
recently strengthened our Board by diversifying its composition 
while, at the same time, adding expertise related to digital 
technologies and international leadership experience to support 
our growing, global Retail business.

We made the difficult decision to part ways with a CEO in 
early 2022 that was appointed to a 2-year transition role. We 
recognize this decision and others related to executive leadership 
have created uncertainty. However, these changes have not 
distracted our team from delivering exceptional results and we 
are confident these decisions were both necessary and in the 
best long-term interest of the company and its shareholders.

While we are in the midst of a comprehensive executive search, 
we have appointed Ken Seitz as interim CEO to lead Nutrien. 
We believe he has the global experience and leadership 
capabilities to succeed. We are highly confident that Ken and 
the management team will deliver on the opportunities created 
by attractive market fundamentals and vigorously pursue the 
company’s strategic priorities, in accordance with our core values 
of safety and integrity. We expect another excellent year across 
all of our businesses and will utilize our financial strength to 
invest in strategic initiatives that drive long-term growth as well 
as return significant cash to our shareholders. 

Thank you for your support as we position Nutrien for continued 
success in the years to come. 

Russell Girling 
Chair of the Board
February 17, 2022

Delivered Record Financial Results

$7.1B 

Adjusted EBITDA in 2021

$3.2B 

Net Earnings  
in 2021

Launched 
FEEDING 
THE FUTURE 
PLAN

40% 

of Nutrien Board  
of Directors are Women

OVERVIEW       | MANAGEMENTʼS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OTHER INFORMATION 
 
 Nutrien Annual Report 2021    |    5

A MESSAGE TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS

2021 was an extraordinary year as the world continued to navigate through challenges related to 

the COVID-19 pandemic. A number of key issues rose to the forefront that not only impacted the 

agriculture industry but society as a whole, including supply chain disruptions, food insecurity and 

the impacts of climate change. These are complex matters that require a sustained and focused 

effort to ensure we have a long-term approach that addresses the needs of all stakeholders. 

It will take leadership, innovation and investment to solve these challenges and Nutrien has 

demonstrated the capability to deliver in each of these areas. 

Delivering Exceptional Results 
Our ~23,500 employees work diligently to ensure our operations 
are safe, reliable and efficient. We  produced and shipped record 
fertilizer volumes in 2021 and leveraged the strength of our 
global supply chain to ensure our customers had the products 
and services they needed, when they needed them. We achieved 
an all-time-best safety performance in 2021, with no fatalities 
or life-altering injuries. This is an incredible accomplishment 
considering the many external distractions and overall fatigue 
level that our society has faced during the pandemic.

We delivered record adjusted EBITDA 1 of $7.1 billion (net 
earnings of $3.2 billion) and cash provided by operating activities 
of $3.9 billion. This performance was underpinned by the  
strong execution of our teams, the competitive advantages  
of our integrated business model and the benefit of robust 
market fundamentals. 

Our Retail business performed exceptionally well as we 
continued to strengthen our relationship with the grower 
through the reliability of our supply chain, innovative proprietary 
products, digital capabilities and financing products. Sales and 
gross margins increased in each of the major product categories. 
We generated organic growth of 34 percent and adjusted EBITDA 
margins 2 rose to nearly 11 percent. We carefully managed 
inventory levels and drove significant improvements in our 
working capital metrics through strategic supplier management.

In Potash, we responded to extremely tight global market 
fundamentals and safely and efficiently increased our production 
by nearly 1 million tonnes. We ramped up production in a very 
short time showcasing the flexibility and superior asset quality  
of our low-cost, integrated six-mine network. This represented  
a small portion of our low-cost available production capacity.

We also made great progress on our Next Generation Potash 
initiatives which will increase the reliability and efficiency of 
our sites and improve safety performance. Our most significant 
achievement in 2021 was to remove more employees from the 
active mining face by achieving over 5,300 hours of tele-remote 
and autonomous mining.

Our Nitrogen business generated significantly higher margins as 
global supply tightened and escalating feedstock costs impacted 

producers in other regions. The Nitrogen team completed two 
large plant turnarounds during the year, which were critical 
sustaining projects that will enhance the safety, efficiency and 
reliability of our sites. We completed Phase 1 of our brownfield 
expansions on time and on-budget. These projects represent 
some of the lowest-cost nitrogen capacity built in recent  
history and we expect will generate very attractive returns  
on investment. 

Advancing Capital Allocation Priorities
Nutrien’s integrated model provides a unique platform to 
generate significant free cash flow through the cycle. We utilized 
our free cash flow in 2021 to strengthen and reposition the 
balance sheet. We paid down $2.1 billion of long-term debt and 
do not expect the need to materially reduce our total debt any

 “ The strength and diversity of Nutrien’s cash flow 

is unmatched in the agriculture sector. We made 

great strides towards achieving our longer-term 

strategic goals, having reached many of our 

2023 financial and operating targets.”

KEN SEITZ
INTERIM PRESIDENT AND 
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 

1  These are non-IFRS financial measures. See the “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” section.
2  This is a supplementary financial measure. See the “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” section.

OVERVIEW        | MANAGEMENTʼS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OTHER INFORMATION6    |    Nutrien Annual Report 2021 

further in the near-term. Our balance sheet is well positioned to 
take advantage of value-enhancing opportunities at any point in 
the cycle.

We have a well-defined Retail strategy and set of priorities that 
include growing our network in Brazil, tuck-in acquisitions 
in other core markets, expanding our proprietary products 
business and enhancing our digital capabilities. In 2021, we 
grew our Retail business through the completion of 14 strategic 
acquisitions, primarily in Brazil and the US. The Brazilian market 
provides a significant opportunity for targeted growth due to 
its rapidly expanding agriculture production and fragmented 
Retail structure. We have deployed $300 million in this market 
since 2020 and these acquisitions are performing well above our 
investment hurdle rates. Approximately 35 percent of our Retail 
earnings now reside outside of the US and we expect that share 
will continue to grow over the next 5 years, providing greater 
geographic and seasonal diversity.

Our Potash position is unmatched, and we expect to utilize 
our existing capacity to increase production as the market 
needs it, with minimal capital required. In Nitrogen, our focus 
is on further enhancing the advantaged position of our North 
American assets. We have embarked on a Phase 2 brownfield 
expansion plan that is expected to add an additional half-million 
tonnes of low-cost, environmentally efficient capacity for a total 
investment of $260 million. We are also evaluating options to 
increase the production of low-carbon ammonia and will likely 
have more to discuss in this area in 2022. 

Since 2018, Nutrien has allocated $9 billion to shareholders 
through dividends and share repurchases, including $2.1 billion 
returned in 2021. We have demonstrated the ability to pay a 
sustainable and growing dividend even through the most difficult 
market conditions and distribute excess cash through share 
repurchases. 

With strong projected cash flow in 2022, we expect to fund 
our identified growth projects and return significant cash to 
shareholders on a relatively balanced cadence throughout the 
year. In February, the Board of Directors approved an increase in 
the quarterly dividend to $0.48 per share and we plan to allocate 
a minimum of $2 billion to share repurchases in 2022. 

Addressing ESG Priorities
We launched our Feeding the Future Plan in 2021, which set out a 
number of ambitious long-term commitments to drive systemic 
change across our company and industry. The plan is centered on 
three key pillars that focus on Feeding the Planet Sustainability, 
Environment and Climate Action, and Inclusive Agriculture. We 
will take an integrated approach to ensure that our strategic, 
operational, and capital allocation decisions support each of 
these sustainability priorities. 

Our direct link to the grower provides the opportunity to develop 
innovative solutions that improve carbon outcomes at the farm. 

We launched a pilot carbon program in North America that 
covered ~225,000 acres and formed partnerships with a diverse 
set of collaborators across the value chain. Following a successful 
launch, we plan to expand the program in 2022 and further 
support our growers in generating and monetizing high-quality 
carbon assets and credits. 

To meet our 2030 GHG intensity targets we expect to invest 
$500-$700 million to enable a portfolio of emissions reduction 
projects, primarily in our Nitrogen business. We have approved 
and commenced with the first tranche of decarbonization 
projects in Nitrogen, allocating $50 million towards projects 
that are expected to reduce our CO2 equivalent emissions by 
approximately 1 million tonnes by the end of 2023 and provide 
a significant step towards our 2030 GHG emissions reduction 
targets. In addition, we are committed to setting a science-based 
emissions reduction target and are working in partnership with 
peers in our sector to develop a pathway for decarbonization that 
supports the world’s journey towards net zero.

Looking Ahead
The outlook for our industry and our company has never been 
stronger. Global grain and oilseed inventories remain well below 
historic levels, and crop prices and grower margins are supportive 
of crop input spending in key regions where we operate. We 
entered 2022 with significantly higher prices for our products 
and the capability to bring on more low-cost potash and 
nitrogen volumes. 

With this opportunity comes great responsibility. We know our 
customers will be relying on us to utilize the strength of our 
global network to safely and efficiently supply the products and 
solutions they need. In doing so, we expect to deliver superior 
long-term value for our customers and shareholders. 

As I conclude this letter, I want to acknowledge the dedication 
and commitment of our employees. They demonstrated 
unwavering strength and perseverance to deliver record results 
in 2021 amid the uncertainty of the pandemic, global supply 
chain issues and our own leadership transitions. 

I am humbled by them, and the opportunity we collectively have 
to deliver value for our stakeholders. We have bold plans for  
2022 and beyond, and I am extremely confident in our capability 
to deliver. 

Thank You,

Ken Seitz
Interim President and Chief Executive Officer
February 17, 2022

OVERVIEW       | MANAGEMENTʼS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OTHER INFORMATION 
MANAGEMENT’S  
DISCUSSION  
& ANALYSIS
As at and for the  
year ended  
December 31, 2021

 Nutrien Annual Report 2021    |    7

The following management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) is the responsibility of management and is dated as of February 17, 2022. 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, recommends to the Board approval of this disclosure. The Board  
has approved this disclosure. 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. This MD&A is based on the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the 
year ended December 31, 2021 (“consolidated financial statements”) based on International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the 
International Accounting Standards Board, unless otherwise stated.

This MD&A contains certain non-IFRS financial measures and ratios, which do not have a standard meaning under IFRS and, therefore, may not be 
comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Such non-IFRS financial measures and ratios include:

•  Adjusted EBITDA
•   Adjusted net earnings and adjusted net earnings per share
•   Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net earnings per share 

guidance

•   Free cash flow and free cash flow including  

changes in non-cash operating working capital

•   Growth capital

•   Gross margin excluding depreciation  

and amortization per tonne - 
manufactured

•   Potash cash cost of product 
manufactured per tonne

•   Ammonia controllable cash cost of 
product manufactured per tonne

•   Retail adjusted average working capital to  
sales and Retail adjusted average working  
capital to sales excluding Nutrien Financial
•  Nutrien Financial adjusted net interest margin
•  Retail cash operating coverage ratio
•  Retail normalized comparable store sales
•  Adjusted net debt  

For definitions, further information and reconciliation of these measures to the most directly comparable measures under IFRS, see the “Non-IFRS  
Financial Measures” section.

Also see the cautionary statement in the “Forward-Looking Statements” section.

All references to per share amounts pertain to diluted net earnings (loss) per share. Financial data in this annual report are stated in millions of US dollars, 
which is the functional currency of Nutrien and the majority of its subsidiaries unless otherwise noted. N/m indicates information that is not meaningful.

See the “Other Financial Measures” and “Terms & Definitions” section for definitions, abbreviations and terms used in this annual report including  
the MD&A.

Additional information relating to Nutrien (which, except as otherwise noted, is not incorporated by reference herein), including our Annual Information 
Form for the year ended December 31, 2021, can be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. The Company is a foreign private 
issuer under the rules and regulations of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

The information contained on or accessible from our website or any other website is not incorporated by reference into this MD&A or any other report or 
document we file with or furnish to applicable Canadian or US securities regulatory authorities.

OVERVIEW        |  MANAGEMENTʼS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS      | 

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

OTHER INFORMATION

OVERVIEW        | MANAGEMENTʼS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OTHER INFORMATION 8    |    Nutrien Annual Report 2021 

NUTRIEN’S GLOBAL PROFILE
ADVANTAGED POSITION ACROSS THE AGRICULTURE 
VALUE CHAIN
Nutrien is uniquely positioned with a world-class network of production assets, distribution capabilities 
and a direct connection to the grower. This creates several pathways to achieve our financial, strategic 
and sustainability related objectives while delivering value for all stakeholders. 

#1 Global Ag Retailer

#1 Global Potash Producer

Nutrien has the leading Retail 
businesses in North America and 
Australia and we are growing 
significantly in South America.

We have a direct and trusted 
channel to the grower through 
our approximately 3,900 
agronomists and field experts. 

Our full suite of crop inputs, 
services and grower solutions offers 
customers optionality and agnostic 
support along with a unique 
opportunity to advance climate-
smart agricultural practices. 

Link to Retail “Our Business”

>2,000 

Retail Locations

~2,000 

Proprietary Products

On-farm
CARBON PROGRAM

SUSTAINABILITY  
and  
DIGITAL  
SOLUTIONS

We operate the largest and  
most reliable Potash assets in 
the world with an unparalleled 
logistics and distribution network. 

Our 6 mines are located in 
Saskatchewan with advantaged 
geology that supports low-
cost production and minimizes 
operational risk.

We have 4Mmt of available 
production capacity and the 
option to advance incremental 
brownfield projects at some of  
the most attractive economics  
in the industry. 

Link to Potash “Our Business”

21Mmt 

Nameplate Potash capacity

6 

Mine Network

4 

Marine Terminals  
Through Canpotex

~300 

Distribution Points

OVERVIEW        | MANAGEMENTʼS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS      |	FOUR-YEAR	HIGHLIGHTS	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	OTHER	INFORMATION Nutrien Annual Report 2021    |    9

Nutrien is supported by approximately 23,500 talented employees who work towards the common 
goal of helping growers increase food production in a sustainable manner.

As the largest provider of whole-acre crop inputs and services, we are well positioned to achieve  
our vision to Be the Leading Global Ag Solutions Provider.

#3 Global Nitrogen Producer

Our Nitrogen production network 
is flexible and diversified, with 
strategically located assets that 
have access to lower-cost natural 
gas and close proximity to key 
nitrogen markets.

We are a leading low-carbon 
ammonia producer with several 
low-risk pathways to expand our 
production. 

Link to Nitrogen “Our Business”

7.1Mmt 

Nameplate Ammonia Capacity

9 

Nitrogen Facilities

13 

Ammonia Plants

1Mmt 

Low-carbon Ammonia 
Production Capability

#2 North American Phosphate Producer

Our Phosphate business has 
access to high-quality, integrated 
phosphate rock reserves, which 
allows for the production of a 
diverse and premium product 
portfolio.

Link to Phosphate “Our Business”

1.7Mmt 

Nameplate P2O5 Capacity

2 

Large Integrated  
Phosphate Mines

4 

Upgrade Facilities

OVERVIEW        | MANAGEMENTʼS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS      |	FOUR-YEAR	HIGHLIGHTS	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	OTHER	INFORMATION10    |    Nutrien Annual Report 2021 

NUTRIEN’S INTEGRATED MODEL
GENERATING VALUE TODAY AND PREPARING  
FOR THE FUTURE 

Our strategy is to maximize the value of our integrated model to improve the profitability and 

sustainability of our customers. We continue to explore ways to further enhance the capabilities of our 

business to capture additional value across the supply chain. We believe this platform provides a number 

of advantages compared to our competitors, including operational, financial and sustainability benefits.

Operational and Supply Chain Benefits

Nutrien’s world-class integrated network provides opportunity to optimize operating, transportation and logistics costs, increase the 
reliability of supply to our customers and support volume growth. This integration includes the efficient delivery of our manufactured 
fertilizer products as well as proprietary seed, crop protection and nutritional products direct to our Retail network. 

Since 2018, we have increased the volume of our manufactured fertilizer product sold directly through our Retail channel by 
approximately 20 percent and have grown proprietary product gross margin by 38 percent. In 2021, global crop input supply was 
extremely tight and we were able to utilize our integrated network to efficiently supply the needs of our customers, supporting an 
increase in sales and margins.

World-Class Production Assets

Global Supply Chain

27Mmt 

Potash, Nitrogen, 
Phosphate Manufactured 
Sales Volume in 2021

~440 

Wholesale Fertilizer Distribution 
Points Strategically Positioned to 
Serve our Customers

~2,000 

Proprietary Products  
Enhance Value for Nutrien  
and Our Growers

>1,000 

Crop Input Suppliers Providing 
Diverse Product Offerings and 
Supply Sources

OVERVIEW        | MANAGEMENTʼS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS      |	FOUR-YEAR	HIGHLIGHTS	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	OTHER	INFORMATIONFinancial and Capital Allocation Advantages

The scale of our assets provides for a more stable and diverse earnings base than 
our fertilizer peers. The stability of our Retail earnings has allowed Nutrien to provide 
investors with a sustainable and growing dividend through the cycle, which we have 
increased by 15 percent between 2018 and 2021. Our low-cost fertilizer production 
assets have historically generated significant free cash flow, providing additional 
capital to strategically grow our Retail business.

 Nutrien Annual Report 2021    |    11

Investment Capital 
Expenditures (2018-2021)
(Percentage)

Retail

NPK

55%

45%

Sustainable Agriculture Solutions

Source: Nutrien

Nutrien has the capability to make meaningful improvements to ESG topics that impact agriculture from fertilizer production to 
grower practices in the field. Our agronomists and digital teams support our customers by providing the best agnostic advice and 
access to the products they need. We utilize this field level knowledge to develop innovative products and solutions that not only 
improve the grower’s profitability but also their environmental performance. We will use our leading global position to develop 
partnerships that make a difference across the agriculture value chain, including working with peers to support the development  
of science-based emissions targets for our industry. 

Leading Ag Retail Network

Sustainable Ag Solutions

>2,000 

Retail locations Across  
North America,  
South America and Australia

LEADING PROVIDER OF 
INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS  
AND SERVICES

~3,900 

Agronomists and Crop Consultants  
Provide a Direct Connection  
to the Grower

>10 

Suppliers and  
Downstream Partners in  
Carbon Pilot Program

OVERVIEW        | MANAGEMENTʼS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS      |	FOUR-YEAR	HIGHLIGHTS	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	OTHER	INFORMATION12    |    Nutrien Annual Report 2021 

NUTRIEN’S BASIC BELIEFS & STRATEGIC APPROACH
DRIVING OUR ACTIONS AND PERFORMANCE 

Our strategy and capital allocation priorities are informed by a number of key factors that we believe  

will impact our operating environment over the long-term. We test these views as part of a robust 

annual strategic planning process to ensure that we proactively identify any opportunities and risks  

that could impact our business and strategic priorities. 

Basic Belief

Nutrien’s Approach

Long-term demand growth 

A company’s ability to  

for agricultural products and 

address its key ESG risks and 

services is supported by a 

opportunities is critical to 

growing global population 

long-term corporate viability.

and the need to increase 

output, while minimizing  

the environmental impacts  

of production. 

Leverage our leading production 
and distribution businesses to meet 
the expected growth in global crop 
input demand.

Evolve our portfolio of crop inputs and 
solutions to help growers sustainably 
increase crop yields, while improving 
their profitability.

Link to Integrated Model

Ensuring our strategic, operational 
and capital allocation decisions 
support our sustainability priorities.

Continue to establish Nutrien as a 
global industry leader in sustainability, 
with a focus on initiatives that 
enhance on-farm environmental 
performance and reduce GHG 
emissions from our facilities.

Link to Feeding the Future

OVERVIEW        | MANAGEMENTʼS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS      |	FOUR-YEAR	HIGHLIGHTS	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	OTHER	INFORMATION Nutrien Annual Report 2021    |   13

Technology and innovation 

A low-cost, reliable 

Effective talent management 

will play an increasingly 

production network and 

and forward-looking 

important role in driving 

supply chain are essential  

workforce planning are 

competitive differentiation, 

to delivering value through 

essential to long-term 

supporting operational 

the cycle.

strategic execution.

efficiencies, sustainability  

and growth. 

Invest and deploy solutions and 
technology, using our unique 
channel to support the customer 
and strengthen our global scale.

Accelerate grower adoption of 
innovative and comprehensive 
solutions and technology, such as 
our proprietary products and digital 
sustainability tools, engaging leading 
technology in our fertilizer production 
that lowers cost and improves safety.

Enhancing the value of our 
competitively advantaged 
world-class production platform, 
maximizing asset quality, 
integration value and operational 
resiliency.

Executing on initiatives that drive 
best-in-class safety, operating and 
cost performance and maximize the 
quality and resilience of earnings 
through the cycle.

Link to Strategic Score Card and 
Business Strategy 

Invest in our people programs to 
ensure we attract and retain the 
talent required to deliver on our 
current and future business needs.

Fostering a purpose-driven culture 
and accelerating people and 
leadership development programs, 
while delivering a step improvement  
in diversity and inclusion.

Link to How NTR Delivers Value

OVERVIEW        | MANAGEMENTʼS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS      |	FOUR-YEAR	HIGHLIGHTS	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	OTHER	INFORMATION14    |    Nutrien Annual Report 2021 

CAPITAL ALLOCATION
CREATING LONG-TERM VALUE THROUGH 
DISCIPLINED CAPITAL ALLOCATION 

Nutrien has a proven track record of value generation and efficient capital allocation. Our capital 

allocation policy prioritizes safe and reliable operations, a strong balance sheet, growing our 

business, and strong returns to shareholders through a sustainable dividend and share repurchases. 

Priorities

Safe and  
Reliable  
Operations

Strong  
Balance  
Sheet

Value  
Creation  
Through  
High Return  
Growth 
Opportunities  

Return  
Capital to 
Shareholders

SUSTAINING 
CAPITAL 
EXPENDITURES 1

2021 

$1.2B

2020  

$0.9B

ADJUSTED NET  
DEBT/ADJUSTED 
EBITDA 2

2021 

1.4x

2020  

2.6x

INVESTING 
CAPITAL 
EXPENDITURES

BUSINESS 
ACQUISITIONS 3 

2021 

$510M

2020  

$511M

$88M

$233M

GROWTH  
CAPITAL4

$598M

$744M

CASH USED  
FOR DIVIDENDS  
AND SHARE 
REPURCHASES 1

2021 

$2.1B

2020  

$1.2B

1  This is a supplementary financial measure. See the “Other Financial Measures” section.
2  This is a capital management measure that includes a non-IFRS component. See the “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” and “Other Financial Measures” sections.
3  Net of cash acquired.
4   This is a non-IFRS financial measure. See the “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” section.

OVERVIEW        | MANAGEMENTʼS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS      |	FOUR-YEAR	HIGHLIGHTS	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	OTHER	INFORMATIONHistorical Capital Allocation
(US$ millions)

2018

2019

2020

2021

 Nutrien Annual Report 2021    |   15

2,000

1,600

1,200

800

400

0

Share 
Repurchases

Source: Nutrien

Dividends

Sustaining CapEx

Business Acquisitions 
(net of cash acquired)

Investing 
CapEx

Mine Development 
& Pre-Stripping

What we’ve done

What we’ll do 

Invested in our assets to achieve industry-leading utilization 
rates and safety records. In 2021, we utilized our existing 
capacity to produce record potash volumes and completed 
two major turnarounds in nitrogen that will enhance the long-
term reliability of our assets.

Deliver on our long-term operating targets through 
continuous improvement initiatives and investments that 
enhance reliability and efficiency of our assets.

Maintained investment-grade credit ratings. 

In 2021, we repositioned the balance sheet by reducing long-
term debt by $2.1 billion.

Expect to maintain adjusted net debt/adjusted EBITDA 
leverage ratios below 3 times through the cycle and do not 
anticipate the need to materially reduce our total debt any 
further in the near-term.

Executed several initiatives that generate high returns. 

• 

• 

• 

 Completed Phase 1 Nitrogen brownfield and commenced 
Phase 2, which together add approximately 1.4 million 
tonnes of low-cost production capacity.

 Closed 5 Retail transactions in Brazil since the start of 2020 
that are generating $400 million in run-rate revenue and 
attractive returns on investment.

 Invested in digital and ESG-related capability to grow the 
business and improve our footprint.

We are focused on higher return Retail growth opportunities 
in Brazil, selective tuck-in acquisitions in other core markets, 
and investing in our proprietary products and digital 
capabilities. We expect to enhance our Nitrogen business 
through brownfield expansion and decarbonization projects.

Returned a total of $2.1B to shareholders in 2021 by 
repurchasing 15 million shares and increasing our annualized 
dividend to $1.84 per share, with an average dividend yield  
of 3.0 percent throughout 2021.

Target a sustainable and growing dividend supported by  
the stability of Retail. We expect to allocate at a minimum  
$2 billion to share repurchases in 2022 on a balanced  
cadence throughout the year.

Priorities

Safe and  

Reliable  

Operations

Strong  

Balance  

Sheet

Value  

Creation  

Through  

High Return  

Growth 

Opportunities  

Return  

Capital to 

Shareholders

SUSTAINING 

CAPITAL 

EXPENDITURES 1

2021 

$1.2B

2020  

$0.9B

ADJUSTED NET  

DEBT/ADJUSTED 

EBITDA 2

2021 

1.4x

2020  

2.6x

INVESTING 

CAPITAL 

EXPENDITURES

BUSINESS 

ACQUISITIONS 3 

2021 

$510M

2020  

$511M

$88M

$233M

GROWTH  

CAPITAL4

$598M

$744M

CASH USED  

FOR DIVIDENDS  

AND SHARE 

REPURCHASES 1

2021 

$2.1B

2020  

$1.2B

OVERVIEW        | MANAGEMENTʼS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS      |	FOUR-YEAR	HIGHLIGHTS	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	OTHER	INFORMATION 
16    |    Nutrien Annual Report 2021 

FEEDING THE FUTURE 2030
INTEGRATION OF STRATEGY AND SUSTAINABILITY 
COMMITMENTS
Our Feeding the Future Plan will help advance our industry and world forward for generations to 

come. By the year 2030, we aim to make key transformations through ambitious commitments that 

drive systemic change and lead the next wave of agricultural evolution.

We believe that managing sustainability topics contributes to long-term value creation, protects  

our reputation, enhances our resilience and creates future opportunities. 

In 2021, we established several ESG goals and targets that support our sustainability strategy and 2030 commitments, which  
are tied directly to our Executive compensation. These commitments contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development 
Goals (“UN SDGs”) and have resulted in significant improvement in our ratings from key ESG rating firms.

Our strategy and targets are related to many of the UN SDGs but our primary focus is SDG 2: Zero Hunger through 2.4.1 
sustainable and productive agriculture. We continue to see significant improvement in our overall ratings year-over-year, and 
improvement versus our peers as well.

Nutrien ESG Rating Profile

MSCI ESG Ratings

Lowest

0

CDP Climate

CDP Water 2

S&P Global Corporate 
Sustainability Assessment

D

D-

D-

0

Sustainalytics ESG Risk Rating

100

Vigeo Eiris ESG Overall Score 3

0

2021 Peer Average 1 

2019 Nutrien 

2020 Nutrien  

2021 Nutrien

5.1

5.6

6.2

4.6

B

B

B

B

B

B

53

63

64

30

47

36

28

43

44

52

57

Highest

10

A

A

100

0

100

 Peer groups: MSCI = Specialty Chemicals; CDP and S&P = Chemicals; Sustainalytics = Agricultural Chemicals; Vigeo Eiris = Chemicals North America

1 
2  CDP Water not scored in 2019
3  Peer average not available

OVERVIEW        | MANAGEMENTʼS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS      |	FOUR-YEAR	HIGHLIGHTS	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	OTHER	INFORMATIONOur Global Impact

 Nutrien Annual Report 2021    |   17

Feeding the Planet  
Sustainably
Strengthen food security  
by scaling sustainable and  
productive agriculture. 

Environment and  
Climate Action
Provide solutions and platforms  
to achieve emissions reductions  
in alignment with climate science.

Inclusive  
Agriculture
Support rural livelihoods and increase 
participation of underrepresented 
stakeholders in agriculture.

Nutrien’s 2030 Commitments

We have a number of pathways and opportunities to advance our long-term sustainability commitments and expect to invest 
$500–$700 million to achieve our emissions reduction targets. In 2021, we began our journey towards meeting our Feeding the 
Future Plan with the launch of several initiatives.

FEEDING THE PLANET SUSTAINABLY

ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE ACTION

INCLUSIVE AGRICULTURE

Nutrien Commitments 

Achieve a 30 
percent reduction 
in Scope 1 and 2 
GHG emissions 
per tonne of our 
products produced 
by 2030 (from a 
2018 baseline).

Invest in new 
technologies and 
pursue transition 
to low-carbon 
fertilizers, 
including blue and 
green ammonia.

Create new grower 
financial solutions 
to strengthen 
social, economic 
and environmental 
outcomes in 
agriculture.

Leverage our 
farm-focused 
technology 
partnerships and 
investments to 
drive positive 
impact in industry 
and grower 
innovation and 
inclusion.

Enable growers to 
adopt sustainable 
and productive 
agricultural 
products and 
practices on 
75 million acres 
globally by 2030.

Launch & Scale 
a comprehensive 
Carbon Program, 
empowering 
growers and 
our industry to 
accelerate climate-
smart agriculture 
practices to reduce 
GHG emissions and 
improve soil carbon 
sequestration, 
while rewarding 
growers for 
outcomes achieved.

Our Progress

• 

• 

 Measured and documented 545,000 
sustainable and productive acres in 
North America

 Carbon Program pilots launched 
with approximately 225,000 acres 
subscribed and working with more 
than 10 suppliers and downstream 
partners. We are building the 
frameworks to effectively scale the 
program

• 

• 

• 

 Progressed decarbonization 
projects that are expected to 
reduce CO2 equivalent emissions by 
approximately 1 million tonnes by the 
end of 2023

 Launched Phase 2 energy-efficient 
brownfield nitrogen projects that 
increase ESN® production

 Entered into partnership with EXMAR 
to jointly develop and build a low-
carbon, ammonia-fueled marine vessel

• 

• 

• 

 Leveraged our network of research 
farms, Ag-tech partnerships and 
investments to field trial leading-edge 
Ag technology and innovations 

 Equity, Diversity & Inclusion program 
accelerated to support target 
achievement 

 Evaluated new inclusive financing 
offerings to our customers through 
Nutrien Financial, as well as potential 
financial collaborations with partners 

OVERVIEW        | MANAGEMENTʼS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS      |	FOUR-YEAR	HIGHLIGHTS	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	OTHER	INFORMATION18    |    Nutrien Annual Report 2021 

MARKET CONDITIONS AND OUTLOOK

Agriculture and Retail

R
Operating Environment

Global crop prices were supported by 
strong demand and less than expected 
supply in recent growing seasons, 
resulting in historically low global 
inventory and strong grower margins in 
2021. This led to an increase in global 
planted acreage and higher crop input 
demand in the core markets we serve. 

Favorable weather conditions in the 
spring and fall were also supportive of 
strong fertilizer and crop protection 
applications in most regions of North 
America. US crop yields were near trend 
levels, while drought conditions 
significantly impacted crop production 
in Western Canada. 

Brazilian growers increased total 
plantings by 5 million acres due to record 
profitability and this resulted in higher 
crop input spending through the growing 
season. Australian growers experienced 
favorable weather conditions and 
harvested record wheat production. 

The availability of crop inputs, including 
fertilizer and certain herbicides, was 

K Potash

impacted by global production and 
supply-chain issues in 2021. We utilized 
the scale of our global supply chain and 
strategic partnerships to ensure our 
customers had the product they needed, 
when they needed it. 

Outlook

Agriculture fundamentals remain  
very strong as inventory for key global  
grains and oilseeds is below historical 
average levels, despite record 
production in 2021. Corn and soybean 
prices in the US and Brazil are very 
strong and prospective crop margins  
are well above the 10-year average. 

We expect overall US planted area of 
major crops to be similar to 2021 levels, 
with corn and soybean acreage in the 
range of 91 to 93 million and 87 to 89 
million, respectively. We expect strong 
crop economics will support total Brazilian 
planted acreage and crop input demand in 
2022. Australian growers continue to 
experience favorable weather, which is 
expected to support planted acreage and 
crop input use.

Nutrien is well-positioned on fertilizer 
and crop protection product inventory to 
begin the North American planting 
season. We expect Retail fertilizer 
margins will return to historical average 
levels after increasing in 2021 due to 
strategic procurement in  
a rising price environment. 

US Grower Cash
Production Margins
(US$/acre)

Corn

Soybeans

$597

$531

$415

$339

$328

$353

a r  A

v
3 - Y

g

e

2

v
a r  A
2  F
2
0

e

0 - Y

1

a s t1

c

g

o r e

a r  A

g
v
3 - Y

g

v
2  F

a r  A
2
0

e

2

e

0 - Y

1

a s t1

c

o r e

Source: CRU, Fertecon, USDA, Bloomberg, Nutrien

1  2022F numbers use the December 2022 corn and November 
  2022 soybean futures contracts as of February 10, 2022.

Operating Environment

We estimate global potash shipments 
reached a record of approximately  
70 million tonnes in 2021. This was 
driven by record demand in the US,  
Brazil and Southeast Asian countries. 
Global potash prices increased in 
response to record global demand and 
tightness of supply due to competitor 
mine flooding, new project delays and 
uncertainty around sanctions imposed 
on Belarus by the US and Europe. Global 
potash production increased by an 
estimated 1.2 million tonnes in 2021 
with Nutrien accounting for nearly all 
the net increase. 

Global potash consumption exceeded 
shipment levels resulting in a drawdown 
of inventories, in particular in China and 
India due to lower contract volumes. 
China reportedly accessed its strategic 
potash reserves in the fourth quarter 
to meet domestic demand. 

Outlook

We believe that supply issues will 
continue into 2022, including the 
additional restrictions imposed on 
Belarus potash transported through 
Lithuania. Additional supply is expected 
to come online during the year from new 
projects in Canada and Russia. 

We forecast 2022 global shipments  
in a range of 68 to 71 million tonnes, 
similar to 2021. We expect demand 

US Midwest FOB Potash Price
(US$/tonne)

$802

$565

$388

$333

$280

10-Year Avg 
(2012-2021)

Source: CRU

2019

2020

2021

Year-to-Date 
Feb 10, 2022

OVERVIEW        | MANAGEMENTʼS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS      |	FOUR-YEAR	HIGHLIGHTS	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	OTHER	INFORMATION Nutrien Annual Report 2021    |    19

Nutrien expects record potash sales 
volumes between 13.7 and 14.3 million 
tonnes in 2022. This forecast assumes 
sanctions on Belarus have a temporary 
impact on global supply. If there was  
a more significant long-term impact  

on global supply, Nutrien has the  
capability to further ramp up production 
by hiring additional employees and 
incurring some small incremental  
capital expenditures.

export restrictions and project delays  
also contributed to tight supply. 

Nitrogen benchmark prices increased 
significantly as a result of the tightening 
fundamentals and higher global  
energy costs. 

Nutrien expects to increase Nitrogen 
sales volumes between 10.8 and 
11.3 million tonnes in 2022 with the 
completion of Phase 1 brownfield 
expansion projects in 2021 and higher 
anticipated operating rates.

Outlook

Nitrogen prices are expected to be 
supported by strong demand, high 
energy prices in Europe, government 
restrictions and geopolitical risks in key 
export markets. North American natural 
gas prices increased in early 2022 but 
we expect Henry Hub prices to average 
between $3.75 and $4.25 per MMBtu in 
2022, well below import pricing levels in 
Europe and Asia.

US NOLA FOB Urea Price
(US$/tonne)

$640

$536

$340

$270

$250

10-Year Avg 
(2012-2021)

Source: CRU

2019

2020

2021

Year-to-Date 
Feb 10, 2022

K Potash continued...

growth in China and India due to their 
low inventory levels, and the potential 
for temporary reductions in North 
America and Latin America, following  
a record year. 

N Nitrogen
Operating Environment

Global nitrogen consumption grew 
by approximately one percent in 2021 
driven by increased fertilizer demand for 
agricultural production as well as strong 
industrial demand in the US and Asia. 

Natural gas prices surged in Europe  
and Asia due to tight supplies and 
stronger-than-expected energy 
demand. North American gas prices 
increased but to a much lesser extent 
than other major nitrogen producing 
regions. Record European natural gas 
prices in the second half contributed to  
a significant curtailment of nitrogen 
capacity. Weather-related outages, 

P Phosphate

Operating Environment

Outlook

Global phosphate prices trended 
higher in 2021 supported by strong 
demand and limited new supply. Global 
trade flows continued to adjust to 
US countervailing duties on imports 
from Morocco and Russia. Sulfur 
and ammonia input costs increased 
significantly in 2021, however higher 
phosphate prices supported increased 
production margins. 

We expect phosphate fertilizer prices will 
be supported by a reduction in supply 
from China due to export restrictions 
and elevated raw material input cost. 
This is compounded by tight inventories 
in key import markets such as India. 

Industrial and feed phosphate product 
prices are expected to increase but 
higher sulfur input costs could offset a 
significant portion of this increase. 

US Tampa FOB DAP Price
(US$/tonne)

$827

$641

$434

$345

$323

10-Year Avg 
(2012-2021)

Source: CRU

2019

2020

2021

Year-to-Date 
Feb 10, 2022

We report our results in four reportable operating segments: Nutrien Ag Solutions (“Retail”), Potash, Nitrogen and Phosphate.

• 

• 

 Adjusted EBITDA is the primary profit measure used to evaluate the segments’ performance as it excludes the impact of non-cash impairments 
and other costs that are centrally managed by our corporate function. Refer to Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for details.

 Net sales (sales revenues less freight, transportation and distribution expenses) is the primary revenue measure used in planning and forecasting 
in the Potash, Nitrogen and Phosphate operating segments.

OVERVIEW        | MANAGEMENTʼS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS      |	FOUR-YEAR	HIGHLIGHTS	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	OTHER	INFORMATION20    |    Nutrien Annual Report 2021 

R

NUTRIEN AG SOLUTIONS  
(“RETAIL”) 

$1.9B

Record  
Adjusted EBITDA

10.9%

Total  
Adjusted EBITDA 
 Margin1

$1.0B

Proprietary Products  
Gross Margin

>800K

US Soil  
Sample Tests  
Performed

Our Business 

Nutrien Ag Solutions is the world’s largest retailer of crop inputs and services, with over 2,000 Retail 

locations across the globe providing whole-acre solutions to approximately 500,000 grower accounts in 

North America, South America and Australia. Our focus is to help our customers meet the ever-growing 

demand for food, and advance the efficiency, profitability, and sustainability of their operations.

Our world-class network provides unparalleled access to 
growers with more than 1,500 locations in North America, over 
400 locations in Australia and now more than 125 locations 
in South America, including a growing business in Brazil. Our 
supply chain and strategic partnerships, including over  
1,000 crop input suppliers, ensure reliable delivery of crop 
inputs when our grower customers need them, where they 
need them. 

We have approximately 3,900 agronomists and field experts 
who provide critical advice from the crop planning stage  
right through to harvest. This supports our grower customers 
in the ever-increasing challenge to increase yields and 
maximize returns, while improving on sustainability practices 
and outcomes. 

Our Retail digital platform works seamlessly across Field 
Planning, Digital Agronomy, Ecommerce and Sustainability, 
providing an end-to-end experience for the grower, 
leveraging data to better serve our customers. We have 
also professionalized our long-standing finance offering to 
growers, providing a flexible and competitive option to finance 
their crop inputs. 

We produce approximately 2,000 proprietary products that 
span the crop input chain, including seed, crop nutrients and 
crop protection. Key brands such as our Loveland Products and 
Dyna-Gro seed aim to give growers an advantage in producing 
the highest crop outcomes, while at the same time including 
a portfolio of specialty products that enhance sustainability 
practices. Our proprietary products generate meaningfully 
higher margins compared to third-party products, and we 
produce and distribute them from over 30 formulation 
facilities located in all key markets where we operate.

We are committed to supporting the increase of global food 
production, including the adoption of sustainable agricultural 
products and practices on 75 million acres globally. Our 
agricultural Carbon Program is a key initiative we have rolled 
out to provide farmers with the tools and practices that can 
help improve their environmental footprint, while providing a 
financial vehicle to monetize those improvements, creating a 
win-win situation for our industry and society in the pursuit  
of feeding a growing world. 

1 This is a supplementary financial measure. See the “Other Financial Measures” section.

OVERVIEW        | MANAGEMENTʼS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS      |	FOUR-YEAR	HIGHLIGHTS	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	OTHER	INFORMATION Nutrien Annual Report 2021    |    21

Competitive Landscape

The Ag retail industry is highly fragmented in most of our major markets, but evolving to best meet 

grower needs, with a variety of ownership structures and varying degrees of access to capital. 

The major markets where we operate are primarily comprised 
of many small Ag retailers along with a small number of mid-
sized competitors. 

The US market remains fragmented, including cooperatives 
of various sizes, and continues to be a key focus area to 
grow our leading position through tuck-in acquisitions. In 
Western Canada, Nutrien continues to lead the market and 
grow organically through our proprietary products offering, 
including the Proven seed brand. 

The Australian market is unique in that growers require a full 
suite of crop production inputs, but also solutions for livestock, 
water and irrigation services.

In Brazil, the market Nutrien is strategically targeting is 
characterized by small to medium-sized independent retail 
locations. There is an opportunity for Nutrien to enhance the 
product, service and solution offerings to growers in these 
select regions.

Growers want whole-acre solutions that can include a full suite 
of products, services and solutions, rooted in sound unbiased 
agronomic advice and analytics, stressing the importance of 
timely delivery and reliability of supply.

We believe scale, reliability and innovative solutions, including 
a focus on digital offerings and sustainability, will be required 
in the future in order to meet evolving grower needs and drive 
long-term growth and profitability for Retail.

Our Strategy

We are growing our world-class Retail network through organic growth initiatives and accretive 

acquisitions that enhance our ability to provide leading whole-acre solutions for farmers around  

the world. 

We have opportunity to further realize benefits from an integrated business model, improve scalability and efficiency, and build 
on the trusted relationships with our agronomists and field consultants that have served growers through many agricultural 
cycles. We are committed to growing our business through five key organic pillars, while expanding our footprint through 
strategic acquisitions in our core markets.

Driving Organic Growth

1

2

3

4

5

Network

Proprietary  
Products

Digital  
Platform 

Nutrien  
Financial 

Sustainability

We are focused 
on enhancing the 
utilization of upstream 
products, cross-
company supply 
chain optimization, 
building on the strong 
relationships with our 
external suppliers and 
optimizing our network 
efficiency in order to 
further build on our 
supply chain strength. 

These higher-margin 
products give us 
differentiation and play 
a key role in providing 
leading crop inputs to 
our grower customers. 
They cater to specific 
geographic conditions 
and variability, 
including biologicals 
and nutritional 
solutions that boost 
yields and address soil 
health and agricultural 
sustainability. 

The platform is 
strengthening the 
customer/agronomist 
relationship and 
providing key 
agronomic data and 
insights to help our 
grower customers 
optimize their crop 
input decisions. We 
continue to add 
functionality and plan 
to expand the offering 
to Australia and South 
America in 2022.

Our financing solutions 
provide competitive 
product financing 
for our customers, 
supporting customer 
retention and business 
growth. We are building 
new partnerships with 
diverse grower groups, 
and are exploring 
new finance program 
opportunities to 
promote sustainable 
agriculture and support 
positive environmental 
outcomes. 

We are playing a 
leading role in providing 
the products, services 
and solutions that 
growers need to 
increase production 
and profitability, 
while minimizing 
their environmental 
footprint. Our end-to-
end Carbon Program 
is a key initiative that 
supports delivering on 
this commitment. 

R

OVERVIEW        | MANAGEMENTʼS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS      |	FOUR-YEAR	HIGHLIGHTS	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	OTHER	INFORMATION 
  
22    |    Nutrien Annual Report 2021 

Executing on Accretive Acquisitions

Nutrien Ag Solutions has a solid track record of strategic 
acquisitions in our core markets, which we believe is key to 
best meeting grower needs. Our tuck-in strategy continues 
to add value as we access new customers, further expand 
our higher-margin proprietary products, and integrate the 
business with our digital platform, world-class supply chain, 
and sustainability initiatives. Our primary focus will be on 
selective acquisitions in the US where we have room
to grow.

2021 Performance 

We have made significant progress towards growing our 
business in Brazil, which is one of the largest and fastest-
growing agriculture markets in the world. Our strategy is to 
provide leading whole-acre solutions to growers, similar to our 
other key markets, but with a more asset-lite model and a very 
targeted approach to the customers and regions we serve. 

Our Retail team effectively navigated a number of global supply chain challenges by utilizing the 

scale of our world-class network and strategic partnerships to drive market share gains and  

margin growth.

We achieved record Retail adjusted EBITDA of $1.9 billion, 
exceeded our 2023 adjusted EBITDA margin target and 
geographically diversified our Retail earnings further with  
34 percent of adjusted EBITDA generated outside the US. Our 
ability to respond to a surge in customer demand also resulted 
in market share gains in all major product categories, including 
record crop nutrient sales volumes of 13.4 million tonnes. 

We progressed on a number of organic growth initiatives, 
which yielded strong results, including record adjusted 
EBITDA per US selling location 1 of $1.5 million and normalized 
comparable store sales 2 reaching 7 percent. We improved our 
operating and working capital metrics with our cash operating 
coverage ratio 2 of 58 percent and our average adjusted 
working capital to sales 2 ratio declining to 13 percent. Our 
proprietary products portfolio contributed 23 percent of total 
Retail gross margin, and sales through our digitally enabled 
platform increased to $2.1 billion, representing 17 percent 
of retail sales in North America. Nutrien Financial generated 
growth in US finance offerings and program adoption and 
continued its expansion into Australia.

Acquisitions continue to be a significant part of our growth 
strategy. We completed 12 tuck-in acquisitions in the US and 
Australia in 2021, but were more selective given the stage 
of the agricultural cycle. We have deployed ~$300 million in 
Brazil since the start of 2020 through 5 transactions. We are 
on track to achieve our 2023 target of a run-rate EBITDA of 
$100 million in Brazil, generating over $65 million of EBITDA in 
2021. We have a strong pipeline of acquisition targets and an 
exceptional local team in place to deliver on our strategy.

Nutrien also made progress advancing our Carbon Program 
in 2021. We doubled our initial target acreage sign-ups, 
with approximately 225,000 acres committed across our 
pilot portfolio. There was great interest from a diverse group 
of stakeholders including growers, supply chain partners, 
prospective buyers, NGOs and governments. 2021 was a key 
year of learning, providing valuable insights into how best to 
position and scale our comprehensive Carbon Program to  
drive impact. As we look forward into 2022, we plan to begin  
to scale portions of our North American portfolio, with 
meaningful increases in acreage, and launch pilots in South 
America and Australia.

Proprietary Products Gross Margin
(US$ millions)

+38%

$859

$1,050

$759

$756

2018

2019

2020

2021

Source: Nutrien

1  These are supplementary financial measures. See “Other Financial Measures” section. Excludes acquisitions.
2  These are non-IFRS financial measures. See the “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” section.

R

OVERVIEW        | MANAGEMENTʼS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS      |	FOUR-YEAR	HIGHLIGHTS	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	OTHER	INFORMATIONRETAIL FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 23

(millions of US dollars, except
as otherwise noted)

Sales

Crop nutrients
Crop protection products
Seed
Merchandise
Nutrien Financial
Services and other
Nutrien Financial elimination 1

Cost of goods sold

Gross margin
Expenses 2

Earnings before finance costs

and taxes (“EBIT”)

Depreciation and amortization

EBITDA
Adjustments 3

Adjusted EBITDA

Dollars

Gross Margin

Gross Margin (%)

2021

2020

%
Change

2021

2020

%
Change

2021

2020

1,597
1,551
419
172
189
842
(170)

4,600

1,130
1,303
363
157
129
774
(120)

3,736

41
19
15
10
47
9
42

23

22
24
21
17
100
80
100

26

22
23
20
17
100
62
100

25

7,290
6,333
2,008
1,033
189
1,051
(170)

5,200
5,602
1,790
943
129
1,241
(120)

17,734

14,785

13,134

11,049

4,600
3,378

1,222
706

1,928
11

1,939

3,736
2,974

762
668

1,430
–

1,430

40
13
12
10
47
(15)
42

20

19

23
14

60
6

35
n/m

36

1 Represents elimination for the interest and service fees charged by Nutrien

Financial to Retail branches.

2 Includes selling expenses of $3,124 million (2020 – $2,795 million).
3 See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.

The most significant contributors to the changes in our Retail financial performance were as follows:

Crop nutrients

Crop protection
products

Seed

2021 vs 2020
Sales and gross margin increased in 2021 due to higher global sales volumes and higher selling prices from strong agriculture
fundamentals. Gross margin percentage was flat as increases in selling prices were offset by higher purchasing costs.

Sales and gross margin increased in 2021 primarily due to higher selling prices, market share growth and higher proprietary
product sales. Gross margin percentage increased by 1 percentage point compared to 2020 due to strategic procurement in a
rising pricing environment, higher proprietary product sales and product mix.

Sales and gross margin increased in 2021 due to significant organic growth achieved in South America and Australia following
recent expansion initiatives and acquisitions, higher planted acreage in key regions where we operate, and strong grower
margins leading to increased purchases. Gross margin percentage increased by 1 percentage point due to price increases,
including from our proprietary products.

Merchandise

Sales and gross margin increased in 2021 due to strong grower and rancher purchasing in Australia.

Nutrien Financial

Gross margin increased in 2021 due to higher utilization and adoption of our programs, including from the expansion of
Nutrien Financial.

Services and
other

Gross margin increased in 2021, despite lower sales due to the divestment of an Australian livestock export business, which
more than offset higher Australian livestock and real estate sales and higher US custom application sales.

Selling expenses

Expenses increased in 2021 due to higher sales activity, while selling expenses as a percentage of sales decreased.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA increased in 2021 primarily due to higher sales and gross margin from strong crop prices driving demand for
crop input products, while improving cash expense levels as a percentage of sales compared to 2020.

OVERVIEW | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

|

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTHER INFORMATION

24 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

SELECTED RETAIL MEASURES

Proprietary products margin as a percentage of product line margin (%)

Crop nutrients
Crop protection products
Seed
All products

Crop nutrients sales volumes (tonnes – thousands)

North America
International
Total

Crop nutrients selling price per tonne

North America
International
Total

Crop nutrients gross margin per tonne

North America
International
Total

2021

2020

21
34
44
23

9,848
3,535
13,383

556
512
545

133
82
119

25
32
46
23

9,746
2,986
12,732

421
367
408

99
55
89

Financial performance measures

2023 Target

2021 Actuals

2020 Actuals

Retail adjusted EBITDA margin (%) 1
Retail adjusted EBITDA per US selling location (thousands of US dollars) 1,2
Retail adjusted average working capital to sales (%) 3
Retail adjusted average working capital to sales excluding Nutrien Financial (%) 3,4
Nutrien Financial adjusted net interest margin (%) 3,4
Retail cash operating coverage ratio (%) 3
Retail normalized comparable store sales (%) 3,4
Retail digital platform sales to total sales (%) 1
Retail grower engagement (%) 4,5

11
1,100
17

60

50

11
1,481
13
–
6.6
58
7
17
11

10
1,075
15
5
5.3
62
6
11
10

1 These are supplementary financial measures. See the “Other Financial Measures” section.
2 Excluding acquisitions.
3 These are non-IFRS financial measures. See the “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” section.
4 No target was provided.
5 Percent of North American Retail growers doing one or more significant activities on the digital platform, such as ordering products and making payments.

Nutrien Financial
We offer flexible financing solutions to our customers in support of Nutrien’s agricultural product and service sales. Qualifying retail
customers in the US and Australia are offered extended payment terms, typically up to one year, to facilitate the alignment of grower
crop cycles with cash flows. Nutrien Financial revenues are primarily earned through interest and service fees that are charged to our
Retail branches.

We hold a significant portion of receivables from customers that have historically experienced a low-default rate. We manage our
credit portfolio based on a combination of review of customer credit metrics, past experience with the customer and exposure to any
single customer. Nutrien Financial, which is our wholly owned finance captive, monitors and services the portfolio of our high-quality
receivables from customers that have the lowest risk of default among Retail’s receivables from customers. We monitor the results of
this portfolio of receivables separately because we calculate the cost of capital attributable to the high-quality receivables from
customers differently from our other receivables. Specifically, we assume a debt to equity ratio of 7:1 in funding Nutrien Financial
receivables, based on the underlying credit quality of the assets.

Nutrien Financial relies on corporate capital for funding. We estimate the deemed interest expense using an average borrowing rate
of 1.25 percent applied to the notional debt required to fund the portfolio of receivables from customers monitored and serviced by
Nutrien Financial. The balance of our Retail receivables (outside of Nutrien Financial) are subject to marginally higher credit risk.

(millions of US dollars)

North America
International
Nutrien Financial
receivables 2

Current

<31 days
past due

31–90 days
past due

>90 days
past due

Gross

Receivables Allowance 1

2021 Net
Receivables

2020 Net
Receivables

1,410
537

1,947

45
47

92

12
26

38

47
54

101

1,514
664

2,178

(26)
(2)

(28)

1,488
662

2,150

1,150
242

1,392

1 Bad debt expense on the above receivables for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $10 million (2020 – $26 million) in the Retail segment.
2 Gross receivables include $1,792 million (2020 – $1,147 million) of very low risk of default and $386 million (2020 – $270 million) of low risk of default.

As at December 31,

OVERVIEW | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

|

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTHER INFORMATION

POTASH

K

 Nutrien Annual Report 2021    |   25

$2.7B

Record  
Adjusted EBITDA

13.6Mmt

Record  
Sales Volume

1Mmt

Potash Produced  
Using Tele-remote and 
Autonomous Methods

Our Business 

Nutrien is well-positioned to create long-term value due to our flexible, low-cost network of 6 mines, 

and significant volume growth optionality. 

As the world’s largest soft rock miner and producer of potash, 
with approximately 21 percent of global capacity, our mines 
are positioned to provide the world with decades of low-cost 
production. Situated in the best potash geology in the world, 
we employ world-class technology, processes and decades  
of experience, enabling our assets to reliably and safely 
produce potash. 

We have 4 million tonnes of available potash capacity  
that can be brought online with limited time and capital 
in response to increasing global demand or due to supply 
interruptions. In addition, we have line of sight to 5 million 
tonnes of additional brownfield expansions, which can be 
incrementally developed at a much lower cost and shorter 
timeline than a greenfield mine.

We operate 6 mines as part of a diverse and flexible network 
that allows us to optimize our assets to cost-effectively supply 
the market and minimize the risk of lost production and sales 
due to unforeseen production downtime. Our product diversity 
allows us to serve customers in all major markets around  
the globe.  

Our extensive transportation and distribution network is 
built to serve global markets and withstand even the most 

disruptive weather or market-driven events. Our North 
American assets alone consist of approximately 6,200 railcars 
and 300 distribution points. Canpotex provides us access to  
4 marine terminals in Canada and the US for delivery to over  
40 international markets, providing the highest level of 
reliability for our customers.

Safety is paramount to Nutrien’s culture and actions,  
and in Potash is supported by actions such as our investment in 
maintaining our production network, decades of  
developing best practices in potash mining and the adoption 
of new technologies.

We are also committed to supporting the communities 
we live in, and with our 6 mines situated in the province of 
Saskatchewan, engaging with Indigenous communities is  
vital to our long-term success. This priority is carried out 
through employment, supply chain and investment that 
provides for the opportunity to build meaningful relationships 
in our communities.

OVERVIEW        | MANAGEMENTʼS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS      |	FOUR-YEAR	HIGHLIGHTS	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	OTHER	INFORMATION26    |    Nutrien Annual Report 2021 

Competitive Landscape

High quality potash reserves in significant quantities are limited to a small number of countries 

globally. Canada has the largest known global potash reserves, accounting for approximately  

38 percent of the total.

More than 75 percent of the world’s potash capacity is held 
by the six largest producers. Our primary competitors are 
located in Russia, Belarus, Canada, Germany, Israel and Jordan. 
Building new production capacity requires significant capital 
and time to bring online. Geological and geopolitical events 
can result in short-term disruptions to global supply.

Most major potash-consuming countries in Asia and Latin 
America have limited or no indigenous production capability 
and rely on imports to meet their needs. This is an important 
difference between potash and other major crop nutrients. Trade 
typically accounts for approximately three-quarters of demand 
for potash, resulting in a globally diversified marketplace.  

Our Strategy

The global demand growth rate for potash has outpaced  
that of other primary nutrients, averaging approximately  
2.9 percent cumulative annual growth rate (“CAGR”) since 
2015, with the expectation of an additional 18 million tonnes 
of new demand added by 2030.

Potash demand growth will be driven by increasing nutrient 
requirements of higher-yielding crops and improving soil 
fertility practices, particularly in emerging markets where 
potash has been historically under-applied and crop yields lag.

We will utilize our world-class network to respond quickly to changes in market supply and demand 

dynamics. We will continue to focus on efficiency and new technologies to lower our costs, optimize 

our asset base, and preserve the reliability and safety of our operations. 

1

Production  
Capacity

2

Network  
Optimization

3

Next Generation  
Potash

In addition to being the world’s largest 
potash producer, our 4 million tonnes of 
available capacity positions us to bring on 
significant additional low-cost production 
that no other existing producer has the 
capability to deliver. Our world-class 
mine network and transportation and 
distribution system reliably provides 
tonnes to key markets around the world. 
We continuously assess market needs, 
preserving the ability to flex our mine 
network and increase production as 
needed to meet demand growth and 
industry supply disruptions.

K

We are focused on achieving the optimal 
production mix, which maximizes 
the benefits of our low-cost position 
and a leading domestic and offshore 
distribution network. At the same time, 
we regularly undertake preventative 
maintenance to ensure the high quality, 
reliability and safety of our operations.

We are investing in initiatives focused 
on self-generated power (including solar 
and wind), autonomous and tele-remote 
mining, and other advanced technologies 
to continue to lower our production 
costs, optimize throughput, and improve 
our environmental footprint and safety 
performance. These are being made from 
the mine face right through to the mill.

Nutrien’s Potash Production and 
Growth Potential
(Millions of Tonnes KCl)

12.8

11.7

12.6

13.8

23Mmt

18Mmt

2018

2019

2020

2021

Available 
Capacity

Future 
Low-Cost 
Brownfield 
Opportunities

Source: Nutrien

OVERVIEW        | MANAGEMENTʼS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS      |	FOUR-YEAR	HIGHLIGHTS	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	OTHER	INFORMATION Nutrien Annual Report 2021    |    27

2021 Performance 

Our Potash network demonstrated its scale, flexibility and reliability this year by significantly 

increasing production, while progressing on innovation initiatives to further optimize our 

production capability and cost profile, and ensuring our workers’ safety remained a top priority.

In response to strong global demand and supply constraints, 
Nutrien stepped up in 2021 and produced nearly 1 million 
tonnes of additional potash compared to what was planned 
at the start of the year. That decision was made to ensure our 
customers around the world received the product they needed 
and highlighted the capability of our flexible 6-mine network. 
We increased production of granular potash in response to 
increased demand for this premium product, showcasing our 
product mix agility. This production increase contributed to 
record potash sales volumes of 13.6 million tonnes, and record 
Potash adjusted EBITDA of $2.7 billion.

Our performance was also largely attributable to the strength 
of our supply chain, where we were able to deliver on our 
sales commitments despite two major weather-related rail 
interruptions in British Columbia. Having access to 6 mines and 
4 marine terminals is a significant advantage for Nutrien and 
underscores our leadership position in the potash business. 
Despite headwinds from a stronger Canadian dollar, raw 
material cost inflation, and higher royalties, our average cost 
of goods sold per tonne was up by only 2 percent, due to mine 
network optimization and focus on cost control.

We advanced autonomous and tele-remote mining initiatives, 
which allow us to remove our operators from the active mining 
face. We are now able to operate mining machines from 
surface at our Lanigan and Cory mines. In 2021, we produced 
more than 1 million tonnes of product using autonomous 
and tele-remote methods. Within the scope of our Predictive 
Maintenance program, many of our key assets utilize machine 
vision capabilities to monitor and predict failures, inform 
maintenance strategies, and minimize downtime of our mines 
and mills. The Next Generation Potash program highlights 
the power of Nutrien’s Potash production network, relying on 
a broad spectrum of internal expertise and experience and 
partnering with local and international partners. 

Progress was made on our self-generation initiatives that 
aim to produce power using wind and solar energy at our 
potash production facilities, and construction of a natural gas 
facility at our Rocanville mine site that is expected to meet the 
majority of power demand with lower-emission electricity than 
available from the public grid.

K

OVERVIEW        | MANAGEMENTʼS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS      |	FOUR-YEAR	HIGHLIGHTS	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	OTHER	INFORMATION28 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

POTASH FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

(millions of US dollars, except
as otherwise noted)

Manufactured product

Net sales

North America
Offshore

Cost of goods sold

Gross margin – total
Expenses 1

EBIT
Depreciation and amortization

EBITDA
Adjustments 2

Adjusted EBITDA

Dollars

Tonnes (thousands)

Average per Tonne

2021

2020

%
Change

2021

2020

%
Change

2021

2020

%
Change

1,638
2,398

4,036
1,285

2,751
512

2,239
488

2,727
9

2,736

908
1,238

2,146
1,183

963
248

715
452

1,167
23

1,190

80
94

88
9

186
106

213
8

134
(61)

130

5,159
8,466

4,815
8,009

13,625

12,824

7
6

6

Depreciation and amortization

Gross margin excluding depreciation
and amortization – manufactured 3

Potash cash cost of product

manufactured 3

317
283

296
94

202
36

189
155

167
92

75
35

68
83

77
2

169
2

238

110

116

63

59

7

1 Includes provincial mining taxes of $466 million (2020 – $201 million).
2 See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.
3 These are non-IFRS financial measures. See the “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” section.

The most significant contributors to the changes in our Potash financial performance were as follows:

2021 vs 2020

Sales volumes

North America and Offshore sales volumes increased in 2021 due to very strong global demand,
tight global supply caused by outages from other potash producers, and our ability to increase
production from our flexible, low-cost network of six mines and integrated transportation and
logistics system.

Net realized selling price

Average selling prices increased in 2021 compared to 2020 due to higher global benchmark prices
and tighter global supply caused by competitor outages and project delays as well as uncertainty
regarding future sanctions on Belarus.

Cost of goods sold per tonne

Costs increased in 2021 due to the stronger Canadian dollar, higher royalties resulting from
increased selling prices, higher input costs resulting from inflation, higher natural gas costs and
changes in mine production mix.

Provincial mining taxes

We are subject to Saskatchewan provincial resource taxes, including the potash production tax
and the resource surcharge. Expenses increased in 2021 primarily due to higher average potash
selling prices, which are the basis for certain taxes.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA increased in 2021 due to the impact of higher net realized selling prices, which
was partially offset by higher cash cost of goods sold per tonne and higher provincial mining taxes.

OVERVIEW | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

|

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTHER INFORMATION

CANPOTEX SALES BY MARKET

(percentage of sales volumes except as otherwise noted)

2021

2020

Change

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 29

Latin America
Other Asian markets 1
China
Other markets
India

1 All Asian markets except China and India.

38
35
11
10
6

32
25
22
7
14

6
10
(11)
3
(8)

POTASH PRODUCTION

(million tonnes KCI)

Rocanville Potash
Allan Potash
Vanscoy Potash
Lanigan Potash
Cory Potash

Patience Lake Potash

Total

Shutdown weeks 3

Operational Capability 2

Production

Nameplate
Capacity 1

2022

2021

6.5
4.0
3.0
3.8
3.0

0.3

5.2
3.0
1.1
2.7
2.0

0.3

5.2
3.0
1.0
2.8
1.8

0.3

20.6

14.3

14.1

2021

5.00
2.78
1.05
2.91
1.77

0.28

13.79

14

2020

5.29
2.79
0.51
2.33
1.40

0.27

12.59

38

1 Represents estimates of capacity as at December 31, 2021. Estimates based on capacity as per design specifications or Canpotex entitlements once

determined. In the case of Patience Lake, estimate reflects current operational capability. Estimates for all other facilities do not necessarily represent
operational capability.

2 Estimated annual achievable production level at current staffing and operational readiness (estimated at the beginning of the year, and may vary during the

year, and year-to-year, including between our facilities). Estimate does not include inventory-related shutdowns and unplanned downtime. In 2021, in
response to strong global demand and supply constraints, we produced nearly 1 million tonnes of additional potash compared to what was planned.
3 Represents weeks of full production shutdown, excluding the impact of any periods of reduced operating rates and planned routine annual maintenance

shutdowns and announced workforce reductions.

OVERVIEW | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

|

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTHER INFORMATION

30    |    Nutrien Annual Report 2021 

NITROGEN

N

$2.3B

Record  
Adjusted EBITDA

500K 

Tonnes
Expected Production Capacity 
from Phase 2 Brownfield 
Projects Started in 2021

1.1M

Tonnes
CO2e Captured

Our Business 

Nutrien has a large, low-cost nitrogen business that supplies a diverse set of agricultural and industrial 

end markets. We play a leading role in providing solutions to the sustainable production and use of 

nitrogen products.

Our 9 nitrogen production facilities across North America and 
Trinidad possess significant advantages. Nutrien is one of the 
largest producers of nitrogen products in the world, including 
ammonia capacity of 7.1 million tonnes. Our sales portfolio 
represents a well-balanced combination of agricultural 
and industrial products, providing flexibility to optimize our 
product mix during changing market conditions. Agriculture 
sales represent approximately 60 percent of our nitrogen sales. 

Our North American operations are situated in close proximity 
to major consuming markets, providing selling and delivery 
advantages. Our operations in Canada and the US have access 
to some of the lowest cost natural gas feedstock supply in 
the world, which represents approximately 80 percent of our 
total nitrogen sales volume. We have an extensive network 
of approximately 220 distribution points with over 1.3 million 
tonnes of storage capacity, providing the ability to place 
product and service customers very efficiently.

Our Trinidad operations are situated on tide water, where 
we deliver to approximately 30 countries, with a focus on 
industrial end markets. We have gas supply contracts in 
Trinidad with gas costs indexed to ammonia prices. We also 
have an investment in a world-scale nitrogen facility in 
Argentina, which serves the growing agricultural markets in 
South America. 

Nutrien is playing a leading role in sustainably feeding the 
world, including improvements to the environmental footprint 
of nitrogen production and agricultural use. We have two 
active carbon sequestration projects and are a leader in 
low-carbon ammonia production, with 1 million tonnes of 
production capability. We also have many nitrogen-based 
fertilizer products that play an innovative and effective role  
in reducing farming’s environmental footprint, including over 
450 thousand tonnes of our proprietary enhanced efficiency 
ESN® product.

OVERVIEW        | MANAGEMENTʼS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS      |	FOUR-YEAR	HIGHLIGHTS	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	OTHER	INFORMATIONCompetitive Landscape

Production of nitrogen is the most geographically diverse of the three primary crop nutrients due to 

the widespread availability of hydrogen sources, with low-cost and reliable energy feedstock being a 

 Nutrien Annual Report 2021    |    31

key competitive advantage. 

Ammonia is primarily consumed close to the regions in which 
it is produced due to the cost of transportation, whereas 
urea and nitrogen solutions are more widely transported and 
traded. We compete with other producers in Canada and the 
US and several offshore suppliers.

Access to reliable and competitively priced energy  
feedstock supply has become an increasingly important driver 
of profitability, as recent weather, political and economic 
events have created additional volatility in certain global 
energy markets. 

Our Strategy

The US remains one of the largest importers of nitrogen and 
a key driver of global trade despite a significant increase in 
domestic capacity and production over the past decade.

In developed regions of the world, nitrogen producers are 
focused on reducing CO2e emissions. In addition, the scope 
of industrial uses for low-carbon ammonia has expanded, 
including marine fuels and as a hydrogen carrier for power 
generation, with the potential to significantly increase global 
demand for ammonia. These changes present an opportunity 
for Nutrien, due to the location of our assets, existing supply 
chain and customer relationships.

Nutrien is growing the nitrogen business through strategic investment projects that improve the 

reliability and energy efficiency of our plants, while increasing capacity and product flexibility. We are 

also taking steps to reduce GHG emissions and are evaluating opportunities to further enhance our 

capability to produce low-carbon ammonia.

1

2

3

Reliability, Efficiency  
and Productivity

Brownfield  
Capacity Expansions

Sustainability  
Leader

We are investing in short-payback 
projects that improve the safety and 
efficiency of our plants. These initiatives 
reduce production costs, help to prevent 
unplanned downtime and provide a safer 
environment for our employees. We 
will continue to optimize our nitrogen 
network to best leverage the production 
flexibility of our low-cost facilities and 
extensive distribution network.

Nutrien is growing and improving the 
position of our assets through low-
risk, high return projects that enhance 
our product mix, improve our energy 
efficiency and expand our North American 
capacity. We expect to invest $260 million 
in a second phase of brownfield  
projects that will add approximately  
500 thousand tonnes of annualized, 
low-cost and environmentally efficient 
production capacity over the next  
few years. 

We are reducing the carbon footprint 
of our nitrogen operations through 
energy efficiency and N2O abatement 
initiatives, as well as evaluating additional 
opportunities to expand our capability 
to produce low-carbon ammonia. We 
are working on a number of innovative 
projects and partnerships, such as a 
pilot with the US Department of Energy 
assessing the feasibility of green 
ammonia, and a partnership with EXMAR 
to develop an ammonia-fueled vessel. We 
are also supporting our grower customers 
reduce their footprint by expanding 
our portfolio of sustainable products 
including ESN®, and sales of urea solutions 
into the DEF market.

N

OVERVIEW        | MANAGEMENTʼS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS      |	FOUR-YEAR	HIGHLIGHTS	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	OTHER	INFORMATION32    |    Nutrien Annual Report 2021 

2021 Performance 

We provided outstanding service to our customers in the wake of strong global demand and 

impacts of weather-related production outages and rising global energy feedstock costs. 

We delivered record Nitrogen adjusted EBITDA of  
$2.3 billion highlighting the advantage of our low-cost  
assets, in-market production and extensive distribution 
network. Despite weather-related production downtime,  
we were able to utilize our geographically diversified network 
to meet our sales commitments. We completed two large 
turnarounds at Borger and Redwater, ensuring continued 
safety, reliability and efficiency at our sites.

Phase 1 of our brownfield expansion projects, which started  
in 2018, was completed in 2021 on time and on budget, and 
we expect to fully realize the benefits of these projects in 2022. 
We initiated Phase 2 of our brownfield expansion projects 
in 2021, which will increase production volume and improve 
energy efficiency and are expected to generate attractive 
returns on investment. 

We captured 1.1 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent  in 2021. 
Sales of our ESN® product and urea solutions product into 
DEF markets in 2021 were over 1 million tonnes, representing 
a combined 6 percent growth rate from 2020. In addition, 
we have approved and commenced with the first tranche of 
decarbonization projects in Nitrogen, allocating $50 million 
towards projects that will reduce our CO2 equivalent emissions 
by approximately 1 million tonnes by the end of 2023 and 
provide a significant step towards our 2030 GHG emissions 
reduction targets.

N

OVERVIEW        | MANAGEMENTʼS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS      |	FOUR-YEAR	HIGHLIGHTS	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	OTHER	INFORMATIONNutrien Annual Report 2021 | 33

NITROGEN FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

(millions of US dollars, except
as otherwise noted)
Manufactured product

Net sales

Ammonia
Urea
Solutions, nitrates and

sulfates

Cost of goods sold

Gross margin – manufactured

Gross margin – other 1

Gross margin – total
Income

EBIT
Depreciation and amortization

EBITDA
Adjustments 2

Adjusted EBITDA

Dollars

Tonnes (thousands)

Average per Tonne

2021

2020

%
Change

2021

2020

%
Change

2021

2020

%
Change

2,919
3,059

4,747

10,725

2,778
3,475

4,713

10,966

5
(12)

1

(2)

Depreciation and amortization

Gross margin excluding depreciation
and amortization – manufactured 3

Ammonia controllable cash cost of

product manufactured 3

477
478

238

371
219

152
52

204

50

224
268

142

203
165

38
55

93

43

113
78

68

83
33

300
(5)

120

16

1,393
1,463

1,128

3,984
2,353

1,631
95

1,726
(3)

1,729
557

2,286
22

2,308

621
933

668

2,222
1,804

418
57

475
(225)

700
599

1,299
(219)

1,080

124
57

69

79
30

290
67

263
(99)

147
(7)

76
n/m

114

1 Includes other nitrogen (including ESN® and Rainbow) and purchased products and comprises net sales of $705 million (2020 – $518 million) less cost of

goods sold of $610 million (2020 – $461 million).
2 See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.
3 These are non-IFRS financial measures. See the “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” section.

The most significant contributors to the changes in our Nitrogen financial performance were as follows:

Sales volumes

Net realized selling price

2021 vs 2020

Sales volumes decreased slightly in 2021 due to more planned plant turnaround activity, temporary
production outages and lower inventory volumes at the beginning of 2021 compared to 2020.

Our average selling price for nitrogen products increased in 2021 due to higher benchmark prices
resulting from the strength in global demand and tight global supply caused by production outages and
higher energy prices in key nitrogen exporting regions.

Cost of goods sold per tonne

Costs were higher in 2021 primarily due to higher natural gas prices. Raw material costs and period costs
related to plant downtime were also higher in 2021 compared to 2020.

Income

Adjusted EBITDA

Other income decreased in 2021 mainly due to a one-time gain in 2020 of $250 million recognized from
the sale of our equity-accounted investment in Misr Fertilizers Production Company S.A.E. (“MOPCO”) and
settlement of related legal claims.

Adjusted EBITDA increased in 2021 primarily due to higher net realized selling prices more than offsetting
higher cash cost of goods sold per tonne from higher natural gas costs.

NATURAL GAS PRICES IN COST OF PRODUCTION

(US dollars per MMBtu, except as otherwise noted)

Overall gas cost excluding realized derivative impact
Realized derivative impact

Overall gas cost

Average NYMEX
Average AECO

Overall gas cost

2021 vs 2020

Gas prices in our cost of production increased in 2021 as a result of higher North American gas
index prices and increased gas costs in Trinidad, where gas prices are linked to ammonia
benchmark prices.

OVERVIEW | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

|

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTHER INFORMATION

2021

4.60
0.01

4.61

3.84
2.84

2020 % Change

2.31
0.05

2.36

2.08
1.68

99
(80)

95

85
69

34 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

SELECTED NITROGEN MEASURES

Sales volumes (tonnes – thousands)

Fertilizer
Industrial and feed

Net sales (millions of US dollars)

Fertilizer
Industrial and feed

Net selling price per tonne

Fertilizer
Industrial and feed

2021

2020

6,028
4,697

2,364
1,620

392
345

6,750
4,216

1,467
755

217
179

NITROGEN PRODUCTION

(million tonnes product)

Trinidad Nitrogen 4

Redwater Nitrogen

Augusta Nitrogen

Lima Nitrogen

Geismar Nitrogen

Carseland Nitrogen

Fort Saskatchewan Nitrogen

Borger Nitrogen

Joffre Nitrogen

Total

Adjusted total 5

Ammonia operating rate 5

Ammonia 1

Production

Urea 2

Production

Annual
Capacity 3

2.2

0.9

0.8

0.7

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

7.1

2021

1.66

0.72

0.73

0.76

0.50

0.52

0.46

0.25

0.40

6.00

3.94

90

Annual
Capacity 3

0.7

0.7

0.6

0.5

0.4

0.8

0.4

0.6

–

4.7

2020

1.57

0.85

0.66

0.61

0.55

0.55

0.48

0.40

0.39

6.06

4.10

93

2021

0.72

0.53

0.55

0.50

0.33

0.72

0.41

0.31

–

4.07

2020

0.73

0.75

0.46

0.40

0.35

0.74

0.44

0.53

–

4.40

1 All figures are shown on a gross production basis.
2 Reflects capacity and production of urea liquor prior to final product upgrade. Urea liquor is used in the production of solid urea, UAN and DEF.
3 Annual capacity estimates include allowances for normal operating plant conditions.
4 In 2021, we temporarily reopened our previously closed ammonia plant in Trinidad to offset reduced production at one of our other ammonia plants. We

expect the plant to operate until mid-2022, after which it will close indefinitely.

5 Excludes Trinidad and Joffre.

OVERVIEW | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

|

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTHER INFORMATION

PHOSPHATE

P

 Nutrien Annual Report 2021    |    35

$540M

Record  
Adjusted EBITDA

89%

P205  
Operating Rate

2,700

Acres of Land Returned Back to 
Productive Use After Phosphate 
Rock Mining (2019–2021)

Our Business 

We are the second largest phosphate producer in North America and sell approximately 3 million 

tonnes of fertilizer, feed and industrial phosphate products.

Nutrien has two large integrated phosphate facilities in the 
US, and 4 regional product upgrade facilities. Due to the high 
quality of our phosphate rock, we can produce a diverse mix of 
phosphate products, including solid and liquid fertilizers, feed 
and industrial acids.

This flexibility allows us to optimize our product mix during 
changing market conditions. We sell the majority of our 
product in the North American market and benefit from our 

extensive distribution network and customer relationships. 
Agriculture sales represent approximately 75 percent of our 
phosphate sales.  

We are expanding production of industrial and specialty 
fertilizer products that have historically provided more stable 
and higher margins. Our MAP with micronized sulfur content is 
one example of innovative product lines we continue to bring 
to the market.

Competitive Landscape

Phosphate rock is found in significant quantity and quality in only a handful of geographic locations, 

and few with a progressive sustainability record.

We compete with producers primarily from China, Morocco, 
Russia, Saudi Arabia and the US. To produce finished 
phosphate products (DAP, MAP), access to low-cost ammonia 
and sulfur is also an important consideration. 

Many factors impact the viability of developing a rock deposit 
for mining. These include the quality of the phosphate rock 
deposit, government stability, environmental requirements 
and proximity to target markets. Given the concentration of 
deposits in North Africa and the Middle East, government 

involvement is a major consideration when evaluating 
potential phosphate project developments. 

Producers in Morocco and Saudi Arabia have added the 
majority of new capacity over the past decade. The ability of 
these countries to add low-cost capacity and operate under 
different environmental regulations resulted in an extended 
period of oversupply in the global market. As a result, total  
US phosphate production has declined by 29 percent over  
this period.

OVERVIEW        | MANAGEMENTʼS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS      |	FOUR-YEAR	HIGHLIGHTS	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	OTHER	INFORMATION36    |    Nutrien Annual Report 2021 

Our Strategy

We are focused on optimizing our existing business by lowering our controllable operating costs, 

increasing plant reliability and further diversifying our product mix.

Phosphate fertilizer remains an essential input for crop nutrition. 
We will continue to invest in our assets, while focusing on 
generating positive free cash flow for the business unit.  

Industrial and specialty fertilizer products continue to be a 
focus area as they historically yield higher margins. We will 

explore value-enhancing strategic partnerships that develop 
additional revenue streams from our existing assets, such as our 
anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (“AHF”) project at Aurora, and our 
hydrofluorosilicic acid (“HFSA”) business at White Springs. 

2021 Performance 

We generated record Phosphate adjusted EBITDA of $540 million due to an improvement in market 

fundamentals and continued improvements to our controllable cost profile and product mix.

Phosphate margins increased significantly as higher selling 
prices more than offset higher raw material costs and lower 
sales volume. We were able to increase our phosphoric acid 
operating rate by 2 percent compared to 2020 and increased 
our proportion of sales of higher-margin specialty phosphate 
products. Construction of our AHF plant with our partner 
Arkema was completed in 2021, and production is expected 
to start in the first half of 2022. Over the last three years we 

returned 2,700 acres of land back to its productive use after 
phosphate mining. We will continue to invest in the reliability 
and safety of our assets. Enhancing reliability reduces GHG 
emissions associated with phosphate production. Additionally, 
we will continue to advance our reclamation projects that 
return land back to its production use. Our reclamation 
process has earned state and national awards in the US.

P

OVERVIEW        | MANAGEMENTʼS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS      |	FOUR-YEAR	HIGHLIGHTS	FINANCIAL	STATEMENTS	OTHER	INFORMATIONPHOSPHATE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 37

(millions of US dollars, except as
otherwise noted)

Manufactured product

Net sales

Fertilizer
Industrial and feed

Cost of goods sold

Gross margin – manufactured

Gross margin – other 1

Gross margin – total
Expenses

EBIT
Depreciation and amortization

EBITDA
Adjustments 3

Adjusted EBITDA

Dollars

Tonnes (thousands)

Average per Tonne

2021

2020

%
Change

2021

2020

%
Change

2021

2020

%
Change

1,840
779

2,619

2,048
733

2,781

(10)
6

(6)

Depreciation and amortization

Gross margin excluding depreciation
and amortization – manufactured 2

602
667

622
469

153
58

211

328
552

387
376

11
78

89

84
21

61
25

n/m
(26)

136

1,108
520

1,628
1,227

401
20

421
36

385
151

536
4

540

671
404

1,075
1,044

31
5

36
791

(755)
218

(537)
769

232

65
29

51
18

n/m
300

n/m
(95)

n/m
(31)

n/m
(99)

133

1 Includes other phosphate and purchased products and comprises net sales of $201 million (2020 – $127 million) less cost of goods sold of $181 million

(2020 – $122 million).

2 This is a non-IFRS financial measure. See the “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” section.
3 See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.

The most significant contributors to the changes in our Phosphate financial performance were as follows:

Sales volumes

Net realized selling price

Cost of goods sold per tonne

Impairment of assets

2021 vs 2020

Sales volumes decreased in 2021 from lower fertilizer volumes due to a slower start to the
season and lower inventory volumes at the beginning of 2021, partially offset by higher
industrial and feed volumes due to changes in product mix.

Our average realized phosphate fertilizer selling prices increased in 2021 consistent with
higher global benchmark prices driven by higher global demand, tight global supply and
higher raw material costs compared to 2020. Industrial and feed selling prices increased to a
lesser extent than fertilizer selling prices due to a lag in price realizations relative to spot prices.

Costs increased in 2021 due to higher sulfur and ammonia input costs, partially offset by lower
depreciation and amortization from lower depreciable asset values resulting from the asset
impairment recorded in the third quarter of 2020. In 2020, costs were also favorably impacted
by a change in estimate related to an asset retirement obligation.

In 2020, we recorded non-cash impairments of assets relating to our property, plant and
equipment at Aurora and White Springs of $545 million and $215 million, respectively,
primarily due to lower long-term forecasted global phosphate prices.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA increased in 2021 due to the impact of higher selling prices more than
offsetting higher cost of goods sold per tonne.

OVERVIEW | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

|

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTHER INFORMATION

38 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

PHOSPHATE PRODUCTION

Phosphate Rock

Phosphoric Acid (P2O5)

Liquid Products

Solid Fertilizer Products

Production

Production

Production

Production

Annual
Capacity

2021

2020

Annual
Capacity

2021

2020

Annual
Capacity

2021

2020

Annual
Capacity

2021

2020

5.4

2.0

7.40

3.77

1.62

5.39

3.94

1.81

5.75

1.2

0.5

1.70

1.05

0.47

1.52

0.98

0.46

1.44

2.7 1 2.12

0.7 2 0.44

3.40

2.56

1.99

0.43

2.42

0.8

0.8

1.60

0.80

0.40

1.20

0.83

0.35

1.18

89

85

(million tonnes)

Aurora Phosphate

White Springs Phosphate

Total

P2O5 operating rate

1 A substantial portion is consumed internally in the production of downstream products. The balance is exported to phosphate fertilizer producers or sold

domestically to dealers who custom-mix liquid fertilizer. Capacity comprised of 2.0 million tonnes merchant grade acid and 0.7 million tonnes
superphosphoric acid.

2 Represents annual superphosphoric acid capacity. A substantial portion is consumed internally in the production of downstream products. The balance is

exported to phosphate fertilizer producers or sold domestically to dealers who custom-mix liquid fertilizer.

In addition to the production above, annual capacity (in millions of tonnes) for phosphate feed and purified acid was 0.7 and 0.3,
respectively. Production in 2021 was 0.31 and 0.24, respectively, and 2020 production was 0.31 and 0.20, respectively.

OVERVIEW | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

|

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTHER INFORMATION

CORPORATE AND OTHERS FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

“Corporate and Others” is a non-operating segment comprising corporate and administrative functions that provide support and
governance to our operating business units.

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 39

(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)

Sales 1

Cost of goods sold

Gross margin

Selling expenses

General and administrative expenses

Share-based compensation expense

Impairment of assets

Other expenses

EBIT

Depreciation and amortization

EBITDA

Adjustments 2

Adjusted EBITDA

2021

2020

%
Change

–

–

–

(21)

275

198

–

253

(705)

49

(656)

348

(308)

82

74

8

(24)

269

69

5

230

(541)

52

(489)

203

(286)

(100)

(100)

(100)

(13)

2

187

(100)

10

30

(6)

34

71

8

1 Primarily relates to our non-core Canadian business that was sold in 2020.
2 See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.

The most significant contributors to the changes in our Corporate and Others financial performance were as follows:

2021 vs 2020

Share-based compensation
expense

Share-based compensation expense was higher in 2021 due to higher payout amounts and
higher value of share-based awards outstanding.

Other expenses

Increase in expenses was primarily due to additional cloud computing related expenses
recognized in the first half of 2021 from our change in accounting policy and higher foreign
exchange losses.

ELIMINATIONS

Eliminations of sales between operating segments in 2021 were $(1,612) million (2020 – $(1,115) million) with gross margin recovery
of $(89) million (2020 – $21 million). Eliminations are not part of the Corporate and Others segment.

Eliminations increased due to higher-margin inventories held by our Retail segment as global commodity benchmark
prices increased.

OVERVIEW | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

|

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTHER INFORMATION

40 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

FINANCE COSTS, INCOME TAX EXPENSE (RECOVERY)
AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)

Finance costs
Income tax expense (recovery)
Other comprehensive income

2021

613
989
78

2020

520
(77)
194

%
Change

18
n/m
(60)

The most significant contributors to the changes in our finance costs, income taxes and other comprehensive income were
as follows:

2021 vs 2020

Finance costs

Finance costs increased mainly due to a loss of $142 million on early extinguishment of long-term debt,
which primarily represents interest that we would have paid in future years if the long-term debt was not
extinguished.

Weighted Average Debt Balances and Rates
(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)

Short-term balance 1
Short-term rate (%) 1
Long-term balance (excluding lease obligations)
Long-term rate (excluding lease obligations) (%)
Lease obligations balance
Lease obligations rate (%)

2021

648
1.0
9,689
4.5
1,163
2.8

2020

2,329
1.7
9,282
4.5
1,089
3.1

1 North American weighted average short-term debt balances were $451 million (2020 – $2,092 million) and rates were

0.2 percent (2020 – 1.4 percent).

Income tax expense
(recovery)

There was an income tax expense in 2021 compared to a recovery in 2020 primarily due to significantly
higher earnings in 2021 and discrete tax adjustments in 2020. The discrete tax adjustments in 2020 were
primarily related to recoveries of prior year taxes due to US legislative changes. The change in effective
tax rate is a result of significantly higher earnings in all jurisdictions.

Effective Tax Rates and Discrete Items
(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)

Actual effective tax rate on earnings (%)
Actual effective tax rate including discrete items (%)
Discrete tax adjustments that impacted the rate

2021

2020

24
24
(15)

3
(20)
(80)

Other
comprehensive
income

Other comprehensive income decreased primarily due to a lower gain on translation of our Retail
operations in Australia as the Australian dollar weakened relative to the US dollar partially offset by
higher fair value gain related to our investment in Sinofert Holdings Ltd. from share price movements.

OVERVIEW | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

|

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTHER INFORMATION

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)

Sales 1
Net earnings
Basic net earnings per share
Diluted net earnings per share
Total assets
Total non-current financial liabilities
Dividends declared per share

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 41

2021

27,712
3,179
5.53
5.52
49,954
8,455
1.84

2020

20,908
459
0.81
0.81
47,192
10,947
1.80

2019

20,084
992
1.70
1.70
46,799
9,431
1.33

1 Certain immaterial figures have been reclassified for the year ended December 31, 2019.

2021 vs 2020

2020 vs 2019

Sales

Net earnings and
earnings per share

Sales increased due to strong demand for global
crop inputs and tight global fertilizer supply
resulting in higher net realized selling prices
across our segments and higher Potash
sales volumes.

Net earnings and earnings per share increased in
2021 compared to 2020 due to higher gross
margins from higher net realized selling prices. In
2020, we recorded a non-cash impairment of
our Phosphate property, plant and equipment at
Aurora and White Springs facilities and a net gain
from disposal of our investment in MOPCO,
which we do not incur in 2021.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a limited impact on
our performance in 2021 and 2020.

Sales increased as higher Retail sales from
acquisitions and strong organic growth, coupled
with higher potash and nitrogen sales volumes,
more than offset the impact of lower crop nutrient
selling prices.

Net earnings and earnings per share decreased
compared to 2019 due to a non-cash impairment
of our Phosphate property, plant and equipment at
our Aurora and White Springs facilities and lower
crop nutrient realized selling prices more than
offsetting a net gain from disposal of our
investment in MOPCO.

Assets and
non-current
financial liabilities

Assets increased slightly from 2020. Our working
capital assets increased due to higher actual and
anticipated sales activity resulting in higher
receivables, inventories and prepaid expenses.

Assets increased slightly from 2019. Recent
acquisitions and higher cash and cash equivalents
offset the non-cash impairment of assets and
disposal of our investment in MOPCO in 2020.

Non-current financial liabilities decreased due to
the early extinguishment of debt in 2021.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a limited impact on
our financial condition as at December 31, 2021
and 2020.

Dividends declared per share increased as the
dividend per share increased by one cent in 2021
compared to 2020.

Non-current financial liabilities increased due to
higher long-term debt from the issuance of
new notes.

In 2019, the Board declared three quarterly
dividends following five quarterly dividends in
2018. In 2021 and 2020, the Board declared four
quarterly dividends each year.

Dividends declared
per share

OVERVIEW | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

|

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTHER INFORMATION

42 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

FINANCIAL CONDITION REVIEW
Balance Sheet Analysis

Assets

Liabilities

For information regarding changes in cash and cash equivalents,
refer to the “Sources and Uses of Cash” section and the
consolidated statements of cash flows in our consolidated
financial statements.

Receivables increased due to higher sales across all of our
segments. This was a result of increased crop nutrient net
realized selling prices and strong demand for crop inputs. Certain
income tax receivables previously classified as non-current are
currently realizable within one year.

Inventories increased due to the higher than average levels of
inventory from higher cost to produce or purchase inventory and
higher volumes of inventory held to meet anticipated demand
and tight global supply.

Prepaid expenses and other current assets increased from higher
prepaid inventory resulting from increases in crop input prices.

Property, plant and equipment increased primarily from ongoing
capital projects including Next Generation, Nitrogen brownfield
projects and recent acquisitions primarily in South America.

Short-term debt increased due to higher commercial paper
issuances as part of our working capital management.

Long-term debt (including current portion) decreased due to
early extinguishment of $2.1 billion in notes and debentures
in 2021.

Payables and accrued charges increased due to higher
payables balances from rising inventory costs, higher customer
prepayments in anticipation of higher demand in 2022 and
higher income tax payable from increased earnings.

Shareholders’ Equity

Retained earnings increased as net earnings exceeded
dividends declared and share repurchases.

We do not hold material cash and cash equivalents in currencies other than the US dollar and Canadian dollar. We held
approximately $275 million US dollar equivalent in other jurisdictions outside the US and Canada. We do not depend on repatriation
of cash from our foreign subsidiaries to meet our liquidity and capital resources needs in North America.

OVERVIEW | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

|

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTHER INFORMATION

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 43

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Sources and Uses of Liquidity
Liquidity risk arises from our general funding needs and in the management of our assets, liabilities and capital structure. We
manage liquidity risk to maintain sufficient liquid financial resources to fund our financial position and meet our commitments and
obligations in a cost-effective manner. Our 2021 significant liquidity sources are listed below along with our expected ongoing
primary uses of liquidity:

Primary Uses of Liquidity

Primary Sources of Liquidity

(cid:129) inventory purchases and production
(cid:129) operational expenses
(cid:129) seasonal working capital requirements
(cid:129) investing to sustain and grow our safe, reliable and cost-

efficient operations through sustaining and investing capital

(cid:129) business acquisitions
(cid:129) returning cash to our shareholders through dividends and

share repurchases (see Note 23 to the consolidated financial
statements)

(cid:129) principal payments of debt securities (see Note 18 to the

consolidated financial statements)

(cid:129) cash from operations (including customer prepayments)
(cid:129) commercial paper issuances
(cid:129) increase of credit facility limits and drawdowns
(cid:129) debt capital markets

We believe that 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. We
do not reasonably expect any presently known trend or uncertainty to affect our ability to access our historical sources of liquidity.

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OTHER INFORMATION

44 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

Sources and Uses of Cash

Our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities are summarized in the following table:

(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)

Cash provided by operating activities
Cash used in investing activities
Cash used in financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash provided by
operating
activities

Cash used in
investing
activities

Cash used in
financing
activities

2021

3,886
(1,807)
(3,003)
(31)

(955)

2020

3,323
(1,204)
(1,339)
3

783

%
Change

17
50
124
n/m

n/m

(cid:129) Higher cash provided by operating
activities due to higher earnings
from strong demand for crop inputs
and tight fertilizer supply in 2021,
partially offset by higher working
capital needs to meet anticipated
demand and tight global supply.

(cid:129) Higher cash used in investing
activities due to an increase of
$234 million in capital expenditures
from higher planned plant
turnaround activities in our
Nitrogen segment and higher
maintenance activities in our Potash
segment to maintain safe and
reliable operations. We also received
proceeds of $540 million in 2020
from the disposal of our investment
in MOPCO, resulting in lower cash
spend in 2020.

(cid:129) Higher cash used in financing

activities due to early
extinguishment of debt of $2 billion
compared to long-term net debt
issuance of $500 million in 2020.

(cid:129) This is partially offset by an increase
of $1.3 billion in short-term net
debt proceeds compared to
repayment of $892 million in 2020.
Short-term debt drawdowns are
used to manage working capital
requirements and other short-term
finance needs.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTHER INFORMATION

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 45

Cash Requirements

The following aggregated information about our contractual obligations and other commitments summarizes our liquidity and
capital resource requirements as at December 31, 2021:

(millions of US dollars) at December 31, 2021

Long-term debt
Estimated interest payments on long-term debt
Lease liabilities
Estimated interest payments on lease liabilities
Purchase commitments
Capital commitments
Other commitments
Derivatives
Asset retirement obligations and accrued

environmental costs 1

Total

Financial Statement
Note Reference

Notes 18, 26
Note 26
Notes 19, 26
Note 26
Note 26
Note 26
Note 26
Note 10

Total

7,813
5,258
1,220
155
2,732
81
509
20

Payments Due by Period

Within
1 Year

1 to 3
Years

3 to 5
Years

Over 5
Years

544
346
286
27
2,091
72
183
20

525
638
384
39
488
9
138
–

1,071
607
202
25
42
–
91
–

5,673
3,667
348
64
111
–
97
–

Note 22

3,260

150

260

109

2,741

21,048

3,719

2,481

2,147

12,701

1 Commitments reflect the estimated cash outflows for these obligations. See Note 22 to the consolidated financial statements for details.

The information presented in the table above excludes:

(cid:129) planned (but not legally committed) cash requirements;

(cid:129) annual outflows for sustaining capital expenditures, business acquisitions and shareholder returns including share repurchases

and dividends; and

(cid:129) estimated capital investment requirements in the range of $500 to $700 million by 2030 to achieve our 30 percent operational

emissions reduction target.

For information on income taxes and pension and other post-retirement benefit funding, refer to Note 8 and Note 21, respectively,
to the consolidated financial statements. Future cash requirements are subject to changes in regulations, actuarial assumptions, and
our expected operating results.

On February 16, 2022, our Board approved a share repurchase program of up to a maximum of 55,111,100 or 10 percent of the
public float (as defined in the TSX Company Manual) of Nutrien’s common shares. Subject to acceptance by the TSX, the 2022 share
repurchase program will commence on March 1, 2022, and will expire on the earlier of February 28, 2023, the date on which we have
acquired the maximum number of common shares allowable or the date we determine not to make any further repurchases.

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OTHER INFORMATION

46 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT

We manage our capital structure with a focus on maintaining a strong balance sheet, enabling a strong investment-grade credit rating.

Principal Debt Instruments
We use a combination of cash generated from operations and short-term and long-term debt to finance our operations. As at
December 31, 2021, we had the following debt instruments available:

(millions of US dollars, except
as otherwise noted)

Credit facilities

Unsecured revolving term

credit facility 1

Uncommitted revolving
demand facility
Other credit facilities 2

Commercial paper
Other short-term debt

Total

Outstanding and Committed

Short-Term

Long-Term

Rate of
Interest (%)

Total
Facility
Limit

As at
December 31,
2021

As at
December 31,
2020

As at
December 31,
2021

As at
December 31,
2020

n/a

4,500

n/a
0.8 - 13.1
0.3 - 0.4
n/a

500
720

–

–
313
1,170
77

1,560

–

–
159
–
–

159

–

–
141
–
–

141

–

–
67
–
–

67

1 In 2021, we extended the maturity date from April 10, 2023 to June 4, 2026, subject to extension at the request of Nutrien provided that the resulting

maturity date shall not exceed five years from the date of request.

2 Other credit facilities are unsecured and consist of South American facilities with debt of $211 million (December 31, 2020 – $172 million) and interest rates
ranging from 1.8 percent to 13.1 percent, Australian facilities with debt of $211 million (December 31, 2020 – $19 million) and interest rates ranging from
0.8 percent to 0.9 percent, and other facilities with debt of $32 million (December 31, 2020 – $35 million) and interest rates ranging from 1.4 percent to
3.9 percent.

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OTHER INFORMATION

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 47

Our commercial paper program is limited to the undrawn availability of backup funds under the $4,500 million unsecured revolving
term credit facility and excess cash invested in highly liquid securities. As at December 31, 2021, letters of credit consisted of
$132 million outstanding and committed with $407 million remaining credit available.

Our long-term debt consists primarily of notes and debentures with the following maturities and interest rates:

On December 16, 2021, we redeemed $1.8 billion in aggregate principal amount of our long-term debt and completed a tender
offer for $203 million in aggregate principal amount of notes and debentures. See Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements.
The total cash spend for this repurchase was $2.2 billion and the related loss on debt extinguishment was $142 million. The debt
repayment was funded by cash and commercial paper and is expected to result in an annualized interest savings of approximately
$60 million.

We also have lease obligations totaling $1,220 million (including current portion) with a weighted average effective interest rate of
2.8 percent as at December 31, 2021.

Following the decision by global regulators to replace Interbank Offered Rates (“IBORs”) with alternative nearly risk-free rates
(“RFRs”), in August 2020 the International Accounting Standards Board completed Phase 2 of the Interest Rate Benchmark Reform.
We updated existing contracts extending past 2021 that referenced IBORs and there was no material impact on our consolidated
financial statements as a result of the transition.

Debt Covenants
Our credit facilities have financial tests and other covenants with which we must comply at each quarter-end. Non-compliance
with any such covenants could result in accelerated payment of amounts borrowed and termination of lenders’ further funding
obligations under the credit facilities. We were in compliance with all such covenants as at December 31, 2021.

The table below summarizes the limit and result of our key financial covenant:

At December 31

Debt to capital ratio 1

Limit

2021

0.65 : 1.00

0.32 : 1.00

1 Refer to Note 24 to the consolidated financial statements for the detailed calculation.

Credit Ratings
Our ability to access reasonably priced debt in the capital markets depends, in part, on the quality of our credit ratings. We continue
to maintain investment-grade credit ratings for our long-term debt. A downgrade of the credit rating of our long-term debt could
increase the interest rates applicable to borrowings under our credit facilities.

Commercial paper markets are normally a source of same-day cash for us. Our access to the US commercial paper market primarily
depends on maintaining our current short-term credit ratings as well as general conditions in the money markets.

As at December 31,

Moody’s
S&P

Long-Term Debt Rating (Outlook)

Short-Term Debt Rating

2021

2020

Baa2 (stable)
BBB (stable)

Baa2 (stable)
BBB (stable)

2021

P-2
A-2

2020

P-2
A-2

A security rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. Such ratings may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any
time by the respective credit rating agency and each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTHER INFORMATION

48 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

Outstanding Share Data

Common shares
Options to purchase common shares

February 17, 2022

551,302,860
6,723,663

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

For more information on our short-term debt and long-term debt, see Note 17 and Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

Principal off-balance sheet activities primarily include:

(cid:129) Agreement to reimburse losses of Canpotex (see Note 29 to the consolidated financial statements).

(cid:129) Issuance of guarantee contracts (see Note 22 and Note 27 to the consolidated financial statements).

(cid:129) Agency arrangements with financial institutions in relation to certain customer loans (see Note 10 and Note 11 to the

consolidated financial statements).

(cid:129) Certain non-financial derivatives that were entered into and continued to be held for the purpose of the receipt or delivery of a
non-financial item in accordance with expected purchase, sale or usage requirements. Other derivatives are included on our
balance sheet at fair value (see Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements).

We do not reasonably expect any presently known trend or uncertainty to affect our ability to continue using these arrangements.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTHER INFORMATION

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 49

OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Related Party Transactions
Our most significant related party is Canpotex, which provides us with low-cost marketing and logistics for the offshore potash
markets that we serve. Refer to Note 28 to the consolidated financial statements for information on our related party transactions.

Market Risks Associated With Financial Instruments
Market risk is the potential for loss from adverse changes in the market value of financial instruments. The level of market risk to
which we are exposed varies depending on the composition of our derivative instrument portfolio, as well as current and expected
market conditions. See Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements for information on our financial instruments, including the
risks and risk management associated with such instruments.

Critical Accounting Estimates
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS, which requires us to make judgments, assumptions and
estimates in applying accounting policies. Critical accounting estimates are those which are highly uncertain at the time they are
made or where different estimates would be reasonably likely to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of
operations. 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.

Refer to the notes to the consolidated financial statements for additional information on the following critical accounting estimates
including methodology used for calculating our estimates (when applicable), key assumptions used, and factors considered in our
estimates and judgments.

In 2021, we amended our critical accounting estimates to exclude business combinations – measurement of assets acquired and
liabilities assumed. Unlike prior years, there were no business acquisitions in 2021 that required critical accounting estimates or
judgment that could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Financial Statement
Reference

Critical Accounting Estimate Description

Note 13 and Note 30

Long-lived asset impairment and reversals

We review, at each reporting period, for conditions to determine whether there is any indication that an impairment
exists that could potentially impact the carrying amount of our long-lived assets to be held and used. When such
indicators exist, impairment testing is performed.

We review, at each reporting period, for possible reversal of the impairment for non-financial assets, other
than goodwill.

Significant estimates in the testing for potential impairment include determining the discount rate and making
assumptions about future sales, market conditions, terminal growth rates and cash flow forecasts over the long-term
life of the assets or cash-generating units (“CGUs”). Certain assumptions are driven by external factors that could have
a material impact on our analysis and could impact our financial condition and performance.

Note 14 and Note 30

Goodwill impairment

Operating segments other than Phosphate have goodwill allocated to them that must be assessed for impairment
when events or circumstances indicate there could be an impairment, or at least annually. Based on our assumptions
at the time of our goodwill impairment testing, the recoverable amount of each of our CGUs or groups of CGUs
containing goodwill was in excess of their carrying amounts. Key assumptions in our testing models may change, and
changes that could reasonably be expected to occur may cause impairment. Such change in assumptions could be
driven by global supply and demand and other market factors and changes in regulations and other future events
outside our control.

Refer to Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements for the sensitivity of the results of goodwill impairment
testing to changes in key assumptions.

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OTHER INFORMATION

50 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

Financial Statement
Reference

Note 8, Note 29 and
Note 30

Critical Accounting Estimate Description

Income taxes – measurement

Significant estimates for the measurement of our income taxes include assessing the probability and measurement of
our uncertain tax provisions related to complex global tax regulations, estimating forecasted taxable income and the
timing of reversal of temporary differences, and assessing the probability of future taxable income used to recognize
deferred tax assets. Although we believe our assumptions and estimates are reasonable, our tax assets are realizable,
and our accruals for tax liabilities are adequate for all open tax years based on our interpretation of tax laws and prior
experience, actual results could differ. Changes in the income tax legislations, regulations and interpretations may
result in a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Income taxes are recorded in our Corporate and
Others segment.

Note 22 and Note 30

Asset retirement obligations (“AROs”) and accrued environmental costs (“ERLs”) – measurement

The Potash and Phosphate segments have these liabilities (which have a high degree of estimation uncertainty for
future costs and estimated timelines) associated with their mining operations while the Corporate and Others
segment has AROs and ERLs associated with non-operational mines.

For the Nitrogen segment, we have not recorded any asset retirement obligations as no significant asset retirement
obligations have been identified or there is no reasonable basis for estimating a date or range of dates of cessation of
operations. We considered the historical performance of our facilities as well as our planned maintenance, major
upgrades and replacements, which can extend the useful lives of our facilities indefinitely.

QUARTERLY RESULTS

(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)

Q4

Q3

Q2

Q1

Q4

Q3

Q2

Q1

2021

2020

Sales 1
Net earnings (loss)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to equity

holders of Nutrien

Adjusted EBITDA 2
Net earnings (loss) per share attributable

to equity holders of Nutrien

7,267
1,207

1,201
2,463

6,024
726

717
1,642

9,763
1,113

1,108
2,215

Basic
Diluted

2.11
2.11

1.26
1.25

1.94
1.94

1 Certain immaterial figures have been reclassified in the first three quarters of 2020.
2 This is a non-IFRS financial measure. See the “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” section.

127
806

0.22
0.22

4,658
133

4,052
316

4,227
(587)

316
768

(587)
670

8,431
765

765
1,721

4,198
(35)

(35)
508

0.55
0.55

(1.03)
(1.03)

1.34
1.34

(0.06)
(0.06)

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 vendors are typically concentrated in the period from
November to January. Feed and industrial sales are more evenly distributed throughout the year.

Our earnings are significantly affected by fertilizer benchmark prices, which have been volatile over the last two years and are
affected by demand-supply conditions, grower affordability and weather.

In the third quarter of 2020, earnings were impacted by an $823 million non-cash impairment of property, plant and equipment
primarily in the Phosphate segment as a result of lower long-term forecasted global phosphate prices. In the fourth quarter of 2020,
earnings were impacted by a $250 million net gain from disposal of our MOPCO investment and settlement of related legal claims.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTHER INFORMATION

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 51

Fourth Quarter Financial Performance

(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)

Three months ended December 31

Retail

Crop nutrients
Crop protection products
Seed
Merchandise
Nutrien Financial
Services and other
Nutrien Financial elimination 1

Total

2021

2,035
1,113
189
270
51
267
(47)

3,878

Sales

2020

1,108
828
152
240
37
290
(37)

2,618

% Change

2021

2020

% Change

Gross Margin

84
34
24
13
38
(8)
27

48

428
414
57
45
51
225
(47)

1,173

236
343
58
41
37
207
(37)

885

81
21
(2)
10
38
9
27

33

1 Represents elimination for the interest and service fees charged by Nutrien Financial to Retail branches.

(US dollars, except as otherwise noted)

Manufactured Product Sales Tonnes
(thousands)

Manufactured Product
Average Net Price per MT

Three months ended December 31

2021

2020

% Change

2021

2020

% Change

Potash

North America
Offshore

Sales
Cost of goods sold

Gross margin

Nitrogen

Ammonia
Urea
Solutions, nitrates and sulfates

Sales
Cost of goods sold

Gross margin

Phosphate

Fertilizer
Industrial and feed

Sales
Cost of goods sold

Gross margin

1,002
2,054

3,056

790
824
1,221

2,835

509
202

711

1,041
1,613

2,654

730
853
1,262

2,845

466
182

648

(4)
27

15

8
(3)
(3)

–

9
11

10

494
450

465
100

365

656
670
316

514
256

258

741
766

749
526

223

192
156

170
116

54

216
270
133

195
162

33

387
551

433
410

23

157
188

174
(14)

576

204
148
138

164
58

682

91
39

73
28

870

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OTHER INFORMATION

52 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

Highlights of our 2021 fourth quarter compared to the 2020 fourth quarter results were as follows:

Retail

Potash

Nitrogen

Q4 2021 vs Q4 2020

Gross margin increased due to higher sales from strong crop prices driving demand for crop input
products. Selling expenses increased due to higher sales activity but decreased as a percentage of sales.

Gross margin increased due to higher net realized selling prices and record sales volumes in the fourth
quarter of 2021. Net realized selling price increased in the fourth quarter of 2021 due to strong global
demand supported by higher crop prices and impacts to global supply caused by competitor outages and
project delays. Cost of goods sold per tonne decreased in the fourth quarter of 2021 due to lower
depreciation and amortization compared to the same period of 2020 that was caused by production mix
and from the timing of maintenance projects.

Gross margin increased due to higher net realized selling prices from higher benchmark prices resulting
from the strength in global agriculture markets and tight global nitrogen markets caused by a recovery in
industrial nitrogen demand, production outages and higher energy prices. This was partially offset by an
increase in cost of goods sold per tonne resulting from higher natural gas costs. Sales volumes decreased
slightly as we sold more ammonia in lieu of downstream product with lower nitrogen content and due to
production outages in the fourth quarter. Other income decreased mainly due to a gain on disposal of our
MOPCO investment and settlement of related legal claims in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Phosphate

Gross margin increased due to higher net realized selling prices from higher global benchmark prices
driven by higher global demand and tight global supply. This was partially offset by an increase in cost of
goods sold per tonne resulting from higher raw material input costs.

Other fourth quarter
financial highlights

Corporate and Others other expenses increased from $76 million to $112 million in 2021 primarily due to
higher foreign exchange losses and higher expenses related to asset retirement obligations and accrued
environmental costs of our non-operational sites from changes in our cost and discount rate estimates.
This was partially offset by lower integration and restructuring related costs.

An income tax expense was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2021 due to higher earnings before income
taxes. An income tax recovery was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2020 as the $250 million net gain on
disposal of our investment in MOPCO did not increase income tax expense due to available capital losses.
We also had discrete tax adjustments primarily related to recoveries of prior year taxes due to US legislative
changes. The change in the actual effective tax rate on earnings is a result of a change in the
proportionate earnings (loss) between jurisdictions.

We had higher cash flows from operating activities in the fourth quarter of 2021 compared to the same
period in 2020 due to higher earnings from strong demand for crop inputs and tight fertilizer supply in
2021. The early repayment of long-term debt and repurchase of common shares in the fourth quarter of
2021 led to a higher use of cash flows from financing activities. This increase was partially offset with an
increase in short-term debt proceeds compared to short-term debt repayments in the fourth quarter
of 2020.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTHER INFORMATION

2022 GUIDANCE

(billions of US dollars except as otherwise noted)

Adjusted net earnings per share (“Adjusted EPS”) 2,3
Adjusted EBITDA 2
Retail adjusted EBITDA
Potash adjusted EBITDA
Nitrogen adjusted EBITDA
Phosphate adjusted EBITDA (in USD millions)
Potash sales tonnes (millions) 4
Nitrogen sales tonnes (millions) 4
Depreciation and amortization
Effective tax rate on adjusted earnings (%)
Sustaining capital expenditures 5

1 See the “Forward-Looking Statements” section.
2 These are non-IFRS financial measures. See the “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” section.
3 Assumes 546 million shares outstanding for all EPS guidance and sensitivities.
4 Manufactured product only. Nitrogen sales tonnes excludes ESN® products.
5 This is a supplementary financial measure. See the “Other Financial Measures” section.
ASSUMPTIONS
2022 Average Canadian to US dollar exchange rate
2022 NYMEX natural gas (US dollars per MMBtu)

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 53

2022
Guidance Ranges 1

Low

10.20
10.0
1.7
5.0
3.2
500
13.7
10.8
2.0
25
1.2

High

11.80
11.2
1.8
5.5
3.6
600
14.3
11.3
2.1
26
1.3

1.26
~4.00

2022 SENSITIVITIES

PRICE AND VOLUME SENSITIVITIES

(millions of US dollars, except EPS amounts)

Price

Volume

Retail

Potash changes by $25/tonne
Ammonia changes by $25/tonne
Urea changes by $25/tonne

Potash changes by 100,000 tonnes
Nitrogen changes by 50,000 N tonnes

Crop nutrients changes by 1% 1
Crop protection changes by 1% 1
Seed changes by 1% 1

1 Gross margin as a percentage of sales.

INPUT COST SENSITIVITIES

(millions of US dollars, except EPS amounts)

NYMEX natural gas price changes by $1/MMBtu (impact on Nitrogen)

Canadian to US dollar changes by $0.02

Effect on

Adjusted EPS

Adjusted EBITDA

±0.40
±0.07
±0.11

±0.05
±0.04

±0.11
±0.08
±0.03

±290
±50
±80

±40
±30

±80
±60
±20

Effect on

Adjusted EPS

Adjusted EBITDA

±0.25

±0.03

±180

±20

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OTHER INFORMATION

54 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

ENTERPRISE RISK MANAGEMENT

Nutrien integrates risk management into our strategic and business activities to facilitate informed

risk taking and responsible management of resources. We manage risk through our enterprise risk

management process, which focuses on identifying and managing risks that are critical to

achieving our strategic objectives, including those risks related to climate change.

Risk Governance
Risk management is an integral part of our business and is governed by our Board and Board committees, who oversee our Executive
Leadership Team in understanding the principal risks to our business and strategy. Nutrien’s Executive Leadership Team has the
responsibility of ensuring the Company’s key risks are being appropriately identified, assessed and addressed. With respect to
climate-change matters, our Board Safety & Sustainability Committee has responsibility for oversight of our general strategy and
policies for mitigating our climate-related risks and pursuing climate-related opportunities.

Responsibility and accountability for risk management are embedded in all levels of our organization, and we strive to integrate risk
management into key decision-making processes and strategies. By considering risk throughout our business, we seek to align our
strategy with our vision and effectively manage the risks that could have an impact on our ability to deliver our strategy. Nutrien uses
the “Three Lines Model” for enterprise risk governance to define relationships and to clarify roles and responsibilities.

Key Risks
We characterize a key risk as a risk or combination of risks that could threaten the achievement of our vision, our business model,
future financial performance or ability to deliver on our strategy. We evaluate and develop responses for those risks that could have
significant business, financial, reputational, safety, health or environmental impacts.

We continue to assess and respond to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and our stakeholders and evaluate
related governmental and public health actions. The implications and related risks of the COVID-19 pandemic are summarized
below. Depending on the extent and duration of the pandemic, it may also have the effect of heightening some of our other key
risks. A summary of the risks we consider to be key risks at this time are discussed below. While these represent our key risks, we also
continue to be exposed to other important general business, operational and climate-related risks. For a more detailed discussion of
our key risks and all our risks, refer to Nutrien’s 2021 Annual Information Form.

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OTHER INFORMATION

1 Agriculture Changes and Trends

Associated Key Priorities

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 55

Description
The following factors, in addition to other factors, could
impact our strategy, demand for our products and/or services
and/or financial performance: farm and industry
consolidation; shifting grower demographics; agriculture
productivity and development; increasing focus on
sustainability in agriculture, including soil health and
availability of arable land; diminishing biodiversity; climate
change; water management; changes in consumer food
preferences; government and climate-related initiatives; and
technological innovation and digital business models.

Risk Management Approach
Our integrated business platform and diversified portfolio are
designed to respond and adapt to changes in the agriculture
industry. Nutrien provides a diverse portfolio of products,
services and digital analytics that support growers to produce
higher yields in a sustainable manner.

We believe Nutrien’s integrated digital platform positions our
Retail business as a leader in agricultural solutions for growers
and we are actively involved in the ag technology innovation
space through external investments and partnership. Our digital
tools allow growers to track their sustainability outcomes,
providing transparency to value-chain partners. Our teams
have strong industry knowledge and customer relationships.

In 2021, we launched our Feeding the Future Plan, which
strives to transform agriculture through six 2030
commitments that address feeding the planet sustainably,
supporting environment and climate action, driving inclusive
agriculture, and helping meet the United Nations’ Zero Hunger
Sustainable Development Goal.

2 Shifting Market Fundamentals

Associated Key Priorities

Description
Changes in global macro-economic conditions – including
trade tariffs and/or other trade restrictions, volatility in
global markets, supply chain constraints, increased price
competition, or a significant change in agriculture production
or consumption trends – could lead to a low crop price
environment and reduced demand for our products or
increased prices or decreased availability of raw materials
used in making our products.

Risk Management Approach
Our diversified business model and portfolio of agricultural
products, services and solutions, combined with our global
presence, is designed to enable us to respond to changing
economic conditions.

We have a favorable cost-to-service position and the flexibility
to make operational changes across our portfolio in order to
minimize the impact of changing market dynamics. We also
engage in market development, education, training and
customer relations initiatives that support growth.

3 Climate Change

Associated Key Priorities

Description
We are subject to risks related to climate change, which
are commonly grouped into physical risk and transition
risk categories.

Climate change may cause or result in, among other things,
more frequent and severe weather events, diminishing
biodiversity, changing weather factors such as changing
temperatures, precipitation, wind, and water levels, and affect
freshwater availability. Physical risks from climate change may
also result in operational or supply chain delays, depending on
the nature of the event.

Impacts of climate-related transition risks include, among
other things, policy constraints on emissions, imposition of
carbon pricing mechanisms, water restrictions, land use
restrictions or incentives, changing consumer behavior and
preferences, and market demand and supply shifts. We are
also subject to reputational risks associated with climate
change, including our stakeholders’ perception of our role in
the transition to a lower-carbon economy. These factors as
well as other factors resulting from climate change could
adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of
operations or liquidity.

Risk Management Approach
We have a sustainability strategy and an active Issues
Management Team and have developed commitments
supporting environmental and climate action as part of our
Feeding the Future Plan. Our 2030 commitments focus on:
investing in new technologies and pursuing the transition to
low-carbon fertilizers; achieving at least a 30 percent
reduction in Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions per tonne of our
products produced (from a baseline year of 2018); launching
and scaling a comprehensive Carbon Program, empowering
growers and our industry to accelerate climate-smart
agriculture and soil carbon sequestration; and enabling
growers to adopt sustainable and productive agricultural
products and practices on 75 million acres globally.

We focus on research and development to help advance our
products and sustainable agriculture and continue to offer
growers products and technologies with a lower
environmental impact and facilitate the adoption of
agronomic best practices.

Learn More Refer to our website at www.nutrien.com
for more information on our Feeding the Future Plan
and our environment and climate action commitments.

Sustainability

Growth and Capital Allocation

Innovation and Technology

Employees

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56 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

4 Changing Regulations

Associated Key Priorities

Description
Changing laws, regulations and government policies –
including those relating to health and safety, taxes and
royalties, environment and climate change, including
regulation of GHG emissions – could affect our ability to
produce or sell certain products, reduce our efficiency and
competitive advantage, increase our costs of raw materials,
energy, transportation or compliance, or require us to make
capital improvements to our operations – all of which could
impact our strategy, operations, financial performance
or reputation.

Risk Management Approach
We have a Government & Industry Affairs Team and an active
engagement strategy with governments and regulators that
keeps us current on regulatory developments affecting our
business, allowing us to anticipate new or changing laws and
regulations and put the Company in the best position for
success while leveraging our industry association allies. We
have a sustainability strategy and have developed
commitments supporting environment and climate action,
including GHG emissions reductions as part of our Feeding the
Future Plan, to assist in managing the impact of potential
regulatory changes. We work to minimize our Canadian, US
and other international compliance costs through the
implementation of various efficiency and GHG emissions
reduction projects such as cogeneration and carbon capture.

5 COVID-19 Pandemic

Associated Key Priorities

Description
Nutrien’s business, financial condition, results of operations
or liquidity could be materially and adversely affected by the
outbreak of epidemics, pandemics and other public health
crises including the COVID-19 pandemic and any new
variations or mutations of the COVID-19 virus.

The COVID-19 pandemic has continued to cause disruption,
volatility and uncertainty in economies and markets around
the world. The ongoing pandemic, and the actions that have
been or may be taken by governments in response thereto,
has resulted in, and may continue to result in, among other
things, increased volatility in financial markets, commodity
prices, and inflation and foreign exchange rates; significant
disruptions to global supply chains; labor shortages;
challenges in bringing employees back to pre-pandemic work
arrangements; travel bans, restrictions and quarantines;
temporary operational restrictions and extended shutdowns
of certain businesses; and political and economic instability
and civil unrest.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had limited effect on our
reported financial results to date, but could in the future
significantly impact our operations, create significant supply
chain challenges and disruptions, and/or limit our ability to
timely sell or distribute our products in the future, which
would negatively impact our business, financial condition and
operating results.

Risk Management Approach
While COVID-19 has had limited impact on our reported
results to date, pandemic recovery continues to be a focus for
Nutrien. As public health and perception dynamically change,
we analyze and adapt our response to safeguard our
employees and other key stakeholders while supplying critical
agricultural products and solutions to growers.

Our response is focused on ensuring business continuity,
providing a safe working environment for our workforce, and
supporting our employees and communities. Ongoing
activities include critical forecasting for further pandemic
disruptions to business and evaluations of employee and
community safety protection requirements.

Our operations have been designated as part of critical
infrastructure and as essential businesses (or equivalents) in
our core markets, allowing us to continue to operate. Our crisis
management team and leadership continue to monitor the
COVID-19 situation and evaluate governmental and other
public health authority actions being taken to curtail its spread.

Sustainability

Growth and Capital Allocation

Innovation and Technology

Employees

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6 Cybersecurity Threats

Associated Key Priorities

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 57

Description
Cyberattacks, ransomware events, and breaches or exposure
to potential computer viruses of our systems, third-party
service providers’ systems or cloud-based platforms could
lead to disruptions to our operations, loss of data, or the
unintended disclosure of confidential information and/or
personally identifiable information or property damage. Any
of these could result in business disruptions, reputational
damage, personal injury or third-party claims, impacting our
operations, financial performance or reputation.

Risk Management Approach
We maintain an enhanced focus on cybersecurity and data
privacy in conjunction with our cybersecurity strategy, policy
and framework. Threat and risk assessments are completed for
all new information technology systems, and our cybersecurity
incident response processes are backstopped by external
response measures.

Nutrien promotes a strong culture of cybersecurity
awareness as cyber safety is important to the resiliency of our
digital livelihood, both at work and in our personal lives.
Regular simulated phishing, global broadcasts and
targeted cybersecurity training are components of our
comprehensive cybersecurity awareness program. We also
share our awareness of cybersecurity fundamentals through
training sessions with key customers, suppliers and
community members.

7 Political, Economic and Social Instability

Associated Key Priorities

Description
Political, economic and social instability may affect our
business including, for instance, if any of the jurisdictions in
which we operate or do business in introduce restrictions on
monetary distributions, forced divestitures or changes to or
nullification of existing agreements, mining permits or leases,
or the imposition of tariffs, exchange controls, international
trade restrictions, embargoes, barriers, or other restrictions.
Instability in political or regulatory regimes could also affect
our ability to do business and could impact our sales and
operating results, our reputation, or the value of our assets.

Risk Management Approach
We have a Government & Industry Affairs Team and an active
engagement strategy with governments, regulators and other
stakeholders in the countries where we operate or plan to
operate. We assess capital investments and project decisions
against political, country and other related risk factors.
Dedicated teams regularly monitor developments and global
trends that may impact us.

8 Stakeholder Support

Associated Key Priorities

Description
Our stakeholders may not support our business plans,
structure, strategy or sustainability initiatives, such as ESG
initiatives and strategy, climate commitments, and social
responsibilities. Loss of stakeholder confidence could impair
our ability to execute our business plans, could negatively
impact our ability to produce or sell our products, and may
lead to reputational damage, increased costs, financial losses,
shareholder action or negatively impact our access to or cost
of capital.

Our ability to meet our commitments that are part of
our Feeding the Future Plan, including reducing our GHG
emissions, is subject to several assumptions, risks and
uncertainties, and our actions taken in implementing these
objectives may expose us to certain additional financial and
operational risks. Such risks and our inability to meet our
commitments may have an adverse effect on our
stakeholder support.

Risk Management Approach
We have an Issues Management Team that continuously
monitors stakeholder issues and that regularly engages with
our stakeholders to identify and address their concerns and
communicate the long-term value opportunities associated
with our business plans. We also have an active Community
Relations Team and community investment programs.

We recently launched our Feeding the Future Plan as part of
our sustainability strategy, which is structured to support what
matters most to our stakeholders, which includes supporting
environmental and climate action, and equality, diversity, and
inclusivity in agriculture.

Sustainability

Growth and Capital Allocation

Innovation and Technology

Employees

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58 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

9 Talent and Organizational Culture

Associated Key Priorities

Description
An inability to attract, develop, engage or retain skilled
employees, or establish the right organizational culture or
promote and foster a respectful, diverse, and inclusive
workplace, could impact productivity, reliability, safety
performance, costs, customer relationships, and/or
our reputation.

Risk Management Approach
We have a proactive in-house Talent Attraction and
Sourcing Team that focuses on efficiently building a diverse
and talented workforce with the current and future skills
we need. We are committed to the career development of
our employees and building a culture grounded in our
organizational purpose and the values of safety and integrity.
We believe our active listening strategy identifies potential
issues employees experience and assists in engagement and
our inclusive culture. Our talent succession process focuses on
identifying and managing critical roles and the proactive build-
up of internal and external bench strength with an eye to
diversity. Our incentive programs are competitive and
performance-based and support our purpose-driven culture.

10 Capital Redeployment

Associated Key Priorities

Description
Our inability to deploy capital to efficiently achieve sustained
growth, effectively execute on opportunities or meet investor
preferences – whether due to market conditions, lack of
options or otherwise, or deploying capital in a manner
inconsistent with our strategic priorities – could impact our
returns, operations, reputation or access to or cost of capital.

Risk Management Approach
We are focused on creating long-term value and our capital
allocation policy prioritizes maintaining safe and reliable
operations, a strong balance sheet, creating value through
high return growth opportunities and returning capital to
shareholders. In addition to increasing our annualized dividend
and maintaining a strong balance sheet, during 2021 we
repurchased 15 million shares under our share repurchase
program, reduced our long-term debt by $2.1 billion and
announced capital commitments to reduce our GHG emissions
intensity by 2030.

See page 14 of this report for more information on our
capital allocation priorities.

11 Safety, Health and Environment

Associated Key Priorities

Description
Our operations are subject to safety, health, and
environmental risks inherent in the mining, manufacturing,
transportation, storage, and distribution of our products.
These factors could result in injuries or fatalities, or impact
the air quality, biodiversity, water resources, or related
ecosystems near our operations, impacting our operations,
financial performance or reputation.

Risk Management Approach
We have robust governance processes that ensure we
follow all regulatory, industry, and internal standards of safety,
health, and environmental responsibility that involve
independent audits and assessments. We have structured
incident prevention and response systems in place, conduct
regular security vulnerability assessments, and maintain
protocols for employees working and traveling abroad. Further,
we have robust process safety management and
preventive maintenance programs. We have developed
crisis communication protocols and emergency response
programs and personnel can be deployed in the event of a
significant incident.

We maintain environmental monitoring and control systems,
including third-party reviews of key containment structures.

Sustainability

Growth and Capital Allocation

Innovation and Technology

Employees

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Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 59

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed
by Nutrien in its annual filings, interim filings (as these terms are defined in National Instrument 52-109 – Certification of Disclosure
in Issuers’ Annual and Interim Filings (“NI 52-109”)) and other reports filed or submitted by us under securities legislation is recorded,
processed, summarized and reported within the required time periods. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, after
evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by the annual filings,
being December 31, 2021, have concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in providing
reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by Nutrien in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or
submitted by it under securities legislation is (a) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in
the securities legislation, and (b) accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of
human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and
procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
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 NI 52-109. Internal control over financial
reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and preparation of consolidated
financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the design and effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of the end of
the fiscal year covered by this report based on the framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013). Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as at December 31, 2021, Nutrien Ltd. did maintain effective internal control over financial
reporting. There have been no changes that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control
over financial reporting.

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as at December 31, 2021 was audited by KPMG LLP, as
reflected in their report, which is included in this 2021 Annual Report.

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60 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements and other information included in this document, including within the “2022 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”, “plan” 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 2022 annual guidance, including our expectations regarding our adjusted net earnings per
share, adjusted EBITDA (consolidated and by segment); expectations regarding our adjusted net debt to adjusted EBITDA leverage
ratios; expectations regarding adjusted EBITDA growth; expectations regarding our growth and capital allocation intentions and
strategies; capital spending expectations for 2022; expectations regarding performance of our operating segments in 2022,
including our operating segment market outlooks and market conditions for 2022, 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; expectations regarding our operating segment production and capacity,
including the anticipated benefits in connection with the Phase 2 brownfield nitrogen expansion project and the timing thereof;
expectations regarding global population growth; expectations concerning future product offerings, including the planned
expansion of our digital platform to markets in Australia and South America; expectations regarding repurchases of our common
shares, including the timing thereof; expectations regarding the sufficiency of Nutrien’s liquidity, including the sources thereof, to
meet our anticipated capital expenditures and other cash requirements; the negotiation of sales contracts and the associated prices
thereunder; expectations regarding acquisitions and divestitures; expected timing for the indefinite closure of our ammonia plant in
Trinidad; expectations regarding our sustainability, climate-change and ESG initiatives, including our GHG emissions reduction
strategy and related programs and initiatives, as well as our various ESG performance targets and aspirations as set out in our
Feeding the Future Plan; our GHG emissions reduction target, including our plans with respect thereto and estimated capital
expenditures required to achieve that target; initiatives to promote sustainable and productive agriculture; expectations regarding
contributions to pensions and post-retirement plans; and expectations in connection with our ability to deliver long-term returns to
shareholders. 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, the list of assumptions set forth
below 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.

In respect of our GHG emissions reduction and other sustainability and climate-related initiatives and targets, we have made
assumptions with respect to, among other things: that such target is achievable by deploying capital into nitrous oxide (“N2O”)
abatement at our nitric acid production facilities, energy efficiency improvements, carbon capture, utilization and storage, the use of
natural gas to generate electricity and waste heat recovery; our ability to successfully deploy capital and pursue other operational
measures, including the successful application to our current and future operations of existing and new technologies; the successful
implementation by us of proposed or potential plans in respect thereof; projected capital investment levels, the flexibility of our
capital spending plans and the associated sources of funding; our ability to otherwise implement all technology necessary to achieve
our GHG emissions reduction and other sustainability and climate-related initiatives and targets; and the development, availability
and performance of technology and technological innovations and associated expected future results.

Additional key assumptions that have been made in relation to the operation of our business as currently planned and our ability to
achieve our business objectives 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 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, inflation and effective tax rates; assumptions with respect to global economic conditions and the accuracy of our market
outlook expectations for 2022 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

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Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 61

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; our ability to successfully implement new initiatives and programs; and our ability to redeploy capital to generate higher
returns for shareholders.

Events or circumstances could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.

With respect to our GHG emissions reduction and other sustainability and climate-related initiatives and targets, such events or
circumstances include, but are not limited to: our ability to deploy sufficient capital to fund the necessary expenditures to implement
the necessary operational changes to achieve these initiatives and targets; our ability to implement requisite operational changes;
our ability to implement some or all of the technology necessary to efficiently and effectively achieve expected future results,
including in respect of such GHG emissions reduction target; the availability and commercial viability and scalability of emission
reduction strategies and related technology and products; and the development and execution of implementing strategies to meet
such GHG emissions reduction target.

With respect to our business generally and our ability to meet the other targets, commitments, goals, strategies and related
milestones and schedules disclosed herein, such events or circumstances 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 efficacy and distribution of
vaccines and treatments in respect thereof, and its resulting effects on economic conditions, restrictions imposed by public health
authorities or governments, including vaccine mandates, 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 Securities and Exchange Commission in the US.

The purpose of our expected adjusted net earnings per share, adjusted EBITDA (consolidated and by segment) and sustaining capital
expenditures guidance ranges, as well as our adjusted net earnings per share and adjusted EBITDA price and volume sensitivities
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.

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62 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

APPENDIX A – NON-IFRS FINANCIAL MEASURES

We use both IFRS and certain non-IFRS financial measures to assess performance. Non-IFRS financial measures are financial
measures disclosed by a company that (a) depict historical or expected future financial performance, financial position or cash flow
of a company, (b) with respect to their composition, exclude amounts that are included in, or include amounts that are excluded
from, the composition of the most directly comparable financial measure disclosed in the primary financial statements of the
company, (c) are not disclosed in the financial statements of the company and (d) are not a ratio, fraction, percentage or similar
representation. Non-IFRS ratios are financial measures disclosed by a company that are in the form of a ratio, fraction, percentage or
similar representation that has a non-IFRS financial measure as one or more of its components, and that are not disclosed in the
financial statements of the company.

These non-IFRS financial measures and non-IFRS ratios are not standardized financial measures under IFRS and, therefore, are
unlikely to be comparable to similar financial measures presented by other companies. Management believes these non-IFRS
financial measures and non-IFRS ratios 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 and non-IFRS ratios 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 and non-IFRS ratios, their compositions, 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 and non-IFRS ratios are calculated on a consistent basis from period to period and are adjusted for
specific items in each period, as applicable. As additional non-recurring or unusual items arise in the future, we generally exclude
these items in our calculations.

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,
share-based compensation and certain foreign exchange gain/loss (net of related derivatives). We also adjust this measure for the
following other income and expenses that are excluded when management evaluates the performance of our day-to-day
operations: integration and restructuring related costs, impairment or reversal of impairment of assets, COVID-19 related expenses,
gain or loss on disposal of certain businesses and investments, and IFRS adoption transition adjustments.

In 2021, we amended our calculation of adjusted EBITDA to adjust for the impact of integration and 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 and as a component of employee remuneration calculations.

(millions of US dollars)
Net earnings
Finance costs
Income tax expense (recovery)
Depreciation and amortization
EBITDA1
Share-based compensation expense
Foreign exchange loss, net of related derivatives
Integration and restructuring related costs
Impairment of assets
COVID-19 related expenses 2
Loss on disposal of business
Net gain on disposal of investment in MOPCO
Cloud computing transition adjustment 3
Adjusted EBITDA

2021
3,179
613
989
1,951
6,732
198
39
43
33
45
–
–
36
7,126

2020
459
520
(77)
1,989
2,891
69
19
60
824
48
6
(250)
–
3,667

1 EBITDA is calculated as net earnings (loss) before finance costs, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization.
2 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.

3 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.

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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: Adjusted net earnings and related per share information are calculated as net earnings (loss) before share-based
compensation and certain foreign exchange gain/loss (net of related derivatives), net of tax. We also adjust this measure for the
following other income and expenses (net of tax) that are excluded when management evaluates the performance of our day-to-day
operations: certain integration and restructuring related costs, impairment or reversal of impairment of assets, COVID-19 related
expenses (including those recorded under finance costs), gain or loss on disposal of certain businesses and investments, IFRS
adoption transition adjustments and gain/loss on early extinguishment of debt. 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 integration and restructuring related costs, cloud computing transition
adjustment, and gain/loss on early extinguishment of debt. 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 and is used
as a component of employee remuneration calculations.

(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)
Net earnings attributable to equity holders of Nutrien
Adjustments:
Share-based compensation expense
Foreign exchange loss, net of related derivatives
Integration and restructuring related costs
Impairment of assets
COVID-19 related expenses
Loss on disposal of business
Net gain on disposal of investment in MOPCO
Cloud computing transition adjustment
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
Adjusted net earnings

2021

2020

Increases
(Decreases)

Post-Tax
3,153

Per Diluted
Share
5.52

Increases
(Decreases)

Post-Tax
459

Per Diluted
Share
0.81

198
39
43
33
45
–
–
36
142

151
30
33
25
34
–
–
27
104
3,557

0.27
0.05
0.06
0.04
0.06
–
–
0.05
0.18
6.23

69
19
60
824
67
6
(250)
–
–

50
14
44
657
49
4
(250)
–
–
1,027

0.09
0.02
0.08
1.15
0.09
–
(0.44)
–
–
1.80

Adjusted EBITDA (Consolidated) and Adjusted Net Earnings Per Share Guidance
Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net earnings per share 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 share-based compensation, certain foreign
exchange gain/loss (net of related derivatives), integration and restructuring related costs, impairment or reversal of impairment of
assets, COVID-19 related expenses (including those recorded under finance costs), gain or loss on disposal of certain businesses and
investments, IFRS adoption transition adjustments, and gain/loss on early extinguishment of debt.

Free Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow Including Changes in Non-Cash Operating
Working Capital
Most directly comparable IFRS financial measure: Cash provided by (used in) operating activities.

Definition: Free cash flow is calculated as cash provided by (used in) operating activities less sustaining capital expenditures and
before changes in non-cash operating working capital. Free cash flow including non-cash operating working capital is calculated as
cash provided by operating activities less sustaining capital expenditures.

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.

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OTHER INFORMATION

64 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

(millions of US dollars)

Cash provided by operating activities
Sustaining capital expenditures

Free cash flow including changes in non-cash operating working capital
Changes in non-cash operating working capital

Free cash flow

Growth Capital
Most directly comparable IFRS financial measure: Capital expenditures.

2021

3,886
(1,247)

2,639
(1,661)

4,300

2020

3,323
(919)

2,404
574

1,830

Definition: Investing capital expenditures plus business acquisitions, net of cash acquired. Reconciliations are provided in the
“Capital Allocation” section.

Why we use the measure and why it is useful to investors: To demonstrate how we allocate our capital to our various priorities
including growth and expansion projects and acquisitions.

Gross Margin Excluding Depreciation and Amortization Per Tonne – Manufactured
Most directly comparable IFRS financial measure: Gross margin.

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

Potash Cash Cost of Product Manufactured (“COPM”) Per Tonne
Most directly comparable IFRS financial measure: Cost of goods sold (“COGS”) for the Potash segment.

Definition: Total 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.

(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)

Total COGS – Potash
Change in inventory
Other adjustments 1
COPM
Depreciation and amortization included in COPM
Cash COPM
Production tonnes (tonnes – thousands)
Potash cash COPM per tonne

2021

1,285
22
(6)
1,301
(430)
871
13,790
63

2020

1,183
(10)
(12)
1,161
(424)
737
12,595
59

1 Other adjustments include unallocated production overhead that is recognized as part of cost of goods sold but is not included in the measurement of

inventory and changes in inventory balances.

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OTHER INFORMATION

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 65

Ammonia Controllable Cash COPM Per Tonne
Most directly comparable IFRS financial measure: Total manufactured 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.

(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)

Total Manufactured COGS – Nitrogen
Total Other COGS – Nitrogen

Total COGS – Nitrogen
Depreciation and amortization in COGS
Cash COGS for products other than ammonia

Ammonia

Total cash COGS before other adjustments
Other adjustments 1

Total cash COPM
Natural gas and steam costs included in COPM

Controllable cash COPM

Production tonnes (net tonnes 2 – thousands)

Ammonia controllable cash COPM per tonne

2021

2,353
610

2,963
(473)
(1,740)

750
(96)

654
(515)

139
2,769

50

2020

1,804
461

2,265
(522)
(1,342)

401
(52)

349
(235)

114
2,649

43

1 Other adjustments include unallocated production overhead that is recognized as part of cost of goods sold but is not included in the measurement of

inventory and changes in inventory balances.

2 Ammonia tonnes available for sale, as not upgraded to other Nitrogen products.

Retail Adjusted Average Working Capital to Sales and Retail Adjusted Average
Working Capital to Sales Excluding Nutrien Financial
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 Holdings Limited) during the first year following
the acquisition. 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.

(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)

Average current assets
Average current liabilities
Average working capital
Average working capital from certain recent acquisitions
Adjusted average working capital
Average Nutrien Financial working capital
Adjusted average working capital excluding Nutrien Financial

Sales
Sales from certain recent acquisitions
Adjusted sales
Nutrien Financial revenue
Adjusted sales excluding Nutrien Financial

Adjusted average working capital to sales (%)
Adjusted average working capital to sales excluding Nutrien Financial (%)

2021

9,332
(7,093)
2,239
–
2,239
(2,316)
(77)

17,734
–
17,734
(189)
17,545

13
–

2020

7,998
(5,825)
2,173
(11)
2,162
(1,502)
660

14,785
(686)
14,099
(129)
13,970

15
5

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66 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

Nutrien Financial Adjusted Net Interest Margin
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.

(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)

Nutrien Financial revenue
Deemed interest expense 1
Net interest
Average Nutrien Financial receivables
Nutrien Financial adjusted net interest margin (%)

2021

189
(36)
153
2,316
6.6

2020

129
(49)
80
1,502
5.3

1 Average borrowing rate applied to the notional debt required to fund the portfolio of receivables from customers monitored and serviced by Nutrien Financial.

Retail Cash Operating Coverage Ratio
Definition: Retail selling, general and administrative, and other 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.

(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)

Selling expenses
General and administrative expenses
Other expenses
Operating expenses
Depreciation and amortization in operating expenses
Operating expenses excluding depreciation and amortization
Gross margin
Depreciation and amortization in cost of goods sold
Gross margin excluding depreciation and amortization
Cash operating coverage ratio (%)

2021

3,124
168
86
3,378
(694)
2,684
4,600
12
4,612
58

2020

2,795
135
44
2,974
(658)
2,316
3,736
10
3,746
62

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.

(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)

Sales from comparable base

Prior period
Adjustments 1
Revised prior period
Current period

Comparable store sales (%)
Prior period normalized for benchmark prices and foreign exchange rates

Normalized comparable store sales (%)

2021

2020

14,785
(476)
14,309
17,511
22
16,350

7

13,282
–
13,282
13,546
2
12,784

6

1 Adjustments relate to prior period sales related to closed locations or businesses that no longer exist in the current period in order to provide a comparable

base in our calculation.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTHER INFORMATION

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 67

APPENDIX B – OTHER FINANCIAL MEASURES
Supplementary Financial Measures
Supplementary financial measures are financial measures disclosed by a company that (a) are, or are intended to be, disclosed on a
periodic basis to depict the historical or expected future financial performance, financial position or cash flow of a company, (b) are
not disclosed in the financial statements of the company, (c) are not non-IFRS financial measures, and (d) are not non-IFRS ratios.

The following section provides an explanation of the composition of those supplementary financial measures if not previously provided.

Retail adjusted EBITDA margin: Retail adjusted EBITDA divided by Retail sales for the last four rolling quarters.

Retail digital platform sales: Grower and employee sales in North America entered directly into the digital platform.

Retail digital platform sales to total sales: Grower and employee sales in North America entered directly into the digital platform
as a percentage of total sales in North America.

Sustaining capital expenditures: Represents capital expenditures that are required to sustain operations at existing levels and
include major repairs and maintenance and plant turnarounds.

Investing capital expenditures: Represents capital expenditures related to significant expansions of current operations or to create
cost savings (synergies). Investing capital excludes capital outlays for business acquisitions and equity-accounted investees.

Mine development and pre-stripping capital expenditures: Represents capital expenditures that are required for activities to open
new areas underground and/or develop a mine or ore body to allow for future production mining and activities required to prepare
and/or access the ore i.e., removal of an overburden that allows access to the ore.

Retail adjusted EBITDA per US selling location: Calculated as total Retail US adjusted EBITDA for the last four rolling quarters,
representing the organic EBITDA component, which excludes 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 in those quarters.

Cash used for dividends and share repurchases (shareholder returns): Calculated as dividends paid to Nutrien shareholders plus
repurchase of common shares per the consolidated statements of cash flows. This measure is useful as it represents return of capital
to shareholders.

Capital Management Measures
Capital management measures are financial measures disclosed by a company that (a) are intended to enable an individual to
evaluate a company’s objectives, policies and processes for managing the entity’s capital, (b) are not a component of a line item
disclosed in the primary financial statements of the company, (c) are disclosed in the notes of the financial statements of the
company, and (d) are not disclosed in the primary financial statements of the company.

The following section outlines our capital management measure, its composition and why management uses the measure.

Adjusted Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA: Calculated as adjusted net debt to adjusted EBITDA. Both components are non-IFRS
financial measures. This ratio measures financial leverage and our ability to pay our debt.

The most directly comparable measure for adjusted net debt is total short-term and long-term debt and lease liabilities less cash and
cash equivalents and is defined as the total of short-term and long-term debt plus lease liabilities less cash and cash equivalents and
unamortized fair value adjustments. This measure is useful as it adjusts for the unamortized fair value adjustments that arose at the
time of the merger and is non-cash by nature.

(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)

Short-term debt

Current portion of long-term debt

Current portion of lease liabilities

Long-term debt

Lease liabilities

Total debt

Cash and cash equivalents

Unamortized fair value adjustments
Adjusted net debt

2021

1,560

545

286

7,521

934

10,846

(499)

(325)
10,022

2020

159

14

249

10,047

891

11,360

(1,454)

(404)
9,502

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTHER INFORMATION

68 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

The following information is not part of our MD&A on SEDAR and EDGAR and is furnished for those readers who may find value in
the use of such information over the long term. In future years, we plan to expand the historical data in these tables as the
information becomes available.

Summary Financial Information

(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)

2021

2020

2019

2018

Operations
Sales 1
Earnings before finance costs and income taxes
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations
Net earnings
Diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations
Diluted net earnings per share
Finance costs
Adjusted EBITDA 2
Cash provided by operating activities

Balance Sheet
Total assets
Short-term debt and long-term debt (including leases)
Shareholders’ equity

Common Share Information

Weighted average common shares (millions)
Closing share price on NYSE (USD)
Total shareholder return percentage (%)

Operating Segment Information

Retail net sales 1,3
Potash net sales
Nitrogen net sales 4
Phosphate net sales 4
Retail adjusted EBITDA
Potash adjusted EBITDA
Nitrogen adjusted EBITDA 4
Phosphate adjusted EBITDA 4

Capital Allocation

Sustaining capital expenditures 5
Investing capital expenditures 5
Mine development and pre-stripping expenditures 5
Business acquisitions (net of cash acquired)
Dividends paid
Payments for share repurchases

27,712
4,781
3,179
3,179
5.52
5.52
613
7,126
3,886

49,954
10,846
23,699

571
75.20
60.8

17,734
4,036
4,689
1,829
1,939
2,736
2,308
540

1,247
510
156
88
1,045
1,035

20,908
902
459
459
0.81
0.81
520
3,667
3,323

47,192
11,360
22,403

570
48.16
5.5

14,785
2,146
2,740
1,202
1,430
1,190
1,080
232

919
511
109
233
1,030
160

20,084
1,862
992
992
1.70
1.70
554
4,025
3,665

46,799
11,104
22,907

583
47.91
5.5

13,282
2,604
2,848
1,368
1,231
1,593
1,239
194

1,018
772
96
911
1,022
1,930

19,636
414
(31)
3,573
(0.05)
5.72
538
3,934
2,052

45,502
9,223
24,425

625
47.00
(6.6)

12,520
2,667
2,965
1,561
1,206
1,606
1,215
255

985
320
100
433
952
1,800

1 Certain immaterial figures have been reclassified for 2019 and 2018.
2 This is a non-IFRS financial measure. See the “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” section. Additional information relating to 2019 and 2018 is contained in the

“Appendix – Non-IFRS Financial Measures” sections of Nutrien’s MD&A dated February 19, 2020 for the year ended December 31, 2019 and its MD&A dated
February 20, 2019 for the year ended December 31, 2018, respectively, which information is incorporated by reference herein. Such MD&A are available on
SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

3 Certain immaterial figures have been reclassified or grouped together for 2018.
4 Restated 2018 for the reclassification of sulfate from the Phosphate segment to the Nitrogen segment.
5 These are supplementary financial measures. See the “Other Financial Measures” section.

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

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FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTHER INFORMATION

Summary Non-Financial Information

(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)

2021

2020

2019

2018

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 69

Safety

Total recordable injury frequency 1

Lost-time injury frequency 1

Serious injury and fatality incidents

Environment

Environmental incidents 1

Community

Community investment ($ millions)

Employees

Employees at December 31

Total employee turnover rate (%)

Proportion of women (%)

Proportion of women in senior leadership (director level and

above) (%)

1 Restated 2018-2020 as a result of changes to classification of incidents.

1.11

0.27

–

24

19

1.13

0.26

1

23

18

1.29

0.31

1

24

17

1.38

0.37

2

20

17

23,500

23,100

22,300

20,300

15

20

21

13

20

19

13

19

15

14

17

17

Summary Production and Sales Volumes Information

Production (thousands)

Potash production (product tonnes)

Nitrogen production (total ammonia tonnes) 1
Phosphate production (P2O5 tonnes) 2

Sales of manufactured product tonnes (thousands)

Retail crop nutrient tonnes sold

Potash tonnes sold

Nitrogen tonnes sold 3

Phosphate tonnes sold 3

1 All figures are provided on a gross production basis.
2 Excludes Redwater. 2018 figures were restated to exclude Redwater.
3 Restated 2018 for the reclassification of sulfate from the Phosphate segment.

2021

2020

2019

2018

13,790

5,996

1,518

13,383

13,625

10,725

2,619

12,595

6,063

1,444

12,732

12,824

10,966

2,781

11,700

6,164

1,514

11,048

11,521

10,270

2,889

12,842

6,372

1,551

10,689

13,019

10,598

3,272

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTHER INFORMATION

70    |    Nutrien Annual Report 2021 

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS  
& NOTES

OVERVIEW MANAGEMENTʼS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS        | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS       | OTHER INFORMATIONNutrien Annual Report 2021    |    71

72  Management’s Responsibility
73 

Reports of the Independent Registered  
Public Accounting Firm
2021 At a Glance 
Consolidated Statements of Earnings 
 Consolidated Statements of  
Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 Consolidated Statements of Changes  
in Shareholders’ Equity
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Description of Business
Note 1 
Basis of Presentation
Note 2 
Segment Information
Note 3 
Nature of Expenses
Note 4 
Share-Based Compensation
Note 5 
Other Expenses (Income)
Note 6 
Finance Costs
Note 7 
Income Taxes
Note 8 
Note 9   Net Earnings Per Share
Note 10 

76 
77 
77 

78 
79 

80 
81 
81 
82 
85 
86 
88 
88 
89 
91 
92 

 Financial Instruments and Related  
Risk Management

Note 11  Receivables
Note 12 
Inventories
Note 13  Property, Plant and Equipment

96 
97 
97 
 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
100  Note 14 
Investments
102  Note 15 
102  Note 16  Other Assets
103  Note 17   Short-Term Debt
104  Note 18  Long-Term Debt
106  Note 19  Lease Liabilities
106  Note 20   Payables and Accrued Charges
107  Note 21  

 Pension and Other Post-Retirement  
Benefits
 Asset Retirement Obligations  
and Accrued Environmental Costs

110  Note 22  

 Capital Management

111  Note 23   Share Capital
113  Note 24  
114  Note 25   Business Combinations
116  Note 26   Commitments
117  Note 27   Guarantees
117  Note 28   Related Party Transactions
118  Note 29  Contingencies and Other Matters
120  Note 30 

 Accounting Policies, Estimates  
and Judgments

OVERVIEW MANAGEMENTʼS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS        | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS       | OTHER INFORMATION 
72 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY

Management’s Responsibility for Financial Reporting

Management’s Report on the Consolidated Financial Statements
The accompanying consolidated financial statements and related financial information are the responsibility of the management of
Nutrien Ltd. (the “Company”). They have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as
issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and include amounts based on estimates and judgments. Financial
information included elsewhere in this report is consistent with the consolidated financial statements.

The consolidated financial statements are approved by the Board of Directors on the recommendation of the audit committee. The
audit committee, appointed by the Board of Directors, is composed entirely of independent directors. The audit committee discusses
and analyzes the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”)
with management before such information is approved by the committee and submitted to securities commissions or other
regulatory authorities. The audit committee and management also analyze the annual consolidated financial statements and MD&A
prior to their approval by the Board of Directors.

The audit committee’s duties also include reviewing critical accounting policies and significant estimates and judgments underlying
the consolidated financial statements as presented by management and approving the fees of our independent registered public
accounting firm.

Our independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG LLP, performs an audit of the consolidated financial statements, the
results of which are reflected in their Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for 2021. KPMG LLP has full and
independent access to the audit committee to discuss their audit and related matters.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules
13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of 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.

Under our supervision and with the participation of management, the Company conducted an evaluation of the design and
effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of the end of the fiscal year covered by this report, based on the
framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control – Integrated
Framework (2013). Based on this evaluation, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2021, the Company did maintain
effective internal control over financial reporting.

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as at December 31, 2021 has been audited by
KPMG LLP, as reflected in their Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for 2021.

Ken Seitz
Interim President and Chief Executive Officer
February 17, 2022

Pedro Farah
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
February 17, 2022

OVERVIEW

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|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 73

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Nutrien Ltd.

Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Nutrien Ltd. and subsidiaries’ (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31,
2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework
(2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)
(“PCAOB”), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the related consolidated
statements of earnings, comprehensive income, cash flows, and changes in shareholders’ equity for the years then ended, and
the related notes (collectively, the “consolidated financial statements”), and our report dated February 17, 2022 expressed an
unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment
of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on
Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial
reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with
respect to the Company in accordance with the US federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities
and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material
respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial
reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of
internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in
the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability
of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain
to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets
of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are
being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable
assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that
could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also,
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because
of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Chartered Professional Accountants

Calgary, Canada
February 17, 2022

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

74 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Nutrien Ltd.

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Nutrien Ltd. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of
December 31, 2021 and 2020, the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, cash flows, and changes in
shareholders’ equity for the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively, the “consolidated financial statements”). In our
opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of
December 31, 2021 and 2020, and its financial performance and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with
International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)
(“PCAOB”), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal
Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our
report dated February 17, 2022 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over
financial reporting.

Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB
and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the US federal securities laws and the
applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement,
whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the
consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such
procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial
statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as
well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable
basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial
statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or
disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or
complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial
statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the
critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 75

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Continued

Goodwill Impairment Assessment of the Retail North America Group of
Cash-Generating Units
As discussed in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements, the carrying amount of goodwill as of December 31, 2021 was
$12,220 million, of which $6,898 million of goodwill has been allocated to the Retail North America group of cash-generating units
(“Retail North America CGU”). The Retail North America CGU is tested for impairment annually, and whenever events or changes in
circumstances may indicate the carrying amount, including goodwill, exceeds its estimated recoverable amount. The calculation of
the recoverable amount of the Retail North America CGU involved estimates including forecasted earnings before tax, interest,
depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), terminal growth rate and the discount rate.

We identified the calculation of the recoverable amount of goodwill for the Retail North America CGU as a critical audit matter. A
high degree of auditor judgment was required to evaluate the Company’s forecasted EBITDA, terminal growth rate and discount rate
used to calculate the recoverable amount of the Retail North America CGU. Minor changes to these assumptions could have had a
significant effect on the Company’s calculation of the recoverable amount of the Retail North America CGU. Additionally, the audit
effort associated with this estimate required specialized skills and knowledge.

The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design and tested the
operating effectiveness of certain internal controls related to the calculation of the recoverable amount of goodwill for the Retail
North America CGU. This included controls related to the determination of forecasted EBITDA, terminal growth rate and the discount
rate. We evaluated the Company’s forecasted EBITDA for the Retail North America CGU by comparing to historical results and
forecasted planted acreage in the United States. We evaluated the terminal growth rate by comparing to the historical growth of the
Retail North America CGU and to market information, including forecasted inflation and forecasted gross domestic product in the
United States. We evaluated the Company’s historical forecasts of EBITDA by comparing to actual results to assess the Company’s
ability to accurately forecast. In addition, we involved valuation professionals with specialized skills and knowledge, who assisted in:

(cid:129) evaluating the Company’s determination of the discount rate by comparing the inputs to the discount rate to publicly available

market data for comparable entities and assessing the resulting discount rate, and

(cid:129) evaluating the Company’s estimate of the recoverable amount of the Retail North America CGU by comparing the results of the

Company’s estimate to publicly available market data and valuation metrics for comparable entities.

Chartered Professional Accountants

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2018.

Calgary, Canada
February 17, 2022

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

76 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

2021 AT A GLANCE

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 77

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

For the years ended December 31

Sales
Freight, transportation and distribution
Cost of goods sold
Gross Margin
Selling expenses
General and administrative expenses
Provincial mining taxes
Share-based compensation
Impairment of assets
Other expenses (income)
Earnings before finance costs and income taxes
Finance costs
Earnings before income taxes
Income tax expense (recovery)

Net Earnings

Attributable to

Equity holders of Nutrien
Non-controlling interest

Net earnings

Net earnings per share attributable to equity holders of nutrien (“EPS”)

Basic
Diluted

Weighted average shares outstanding for basic EPS
Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted EPS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the years ended December 31 (net of related income taxes)

Net earnings
Other comprehensive income

Items that will not be reclassified to net earnings:
Net actuarial gain on defined benefit plans
Net fair value gain (loss) on investments

Items that have been or may be subsequently reclassified to net earnings:

(Loss) gain on currency translation of foreign operations
Other

Other comprehensive income

Comprehensive income

Attributable to

Equity holders of Nutrien
Non-controlling interest

Comprehensive income

(See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements)

NOTE

3
4
4, 12

4
4
4
5
13, 14
6

7

8

9

9
9

NOTE

21
15

2021

27,712
851
17,452
9,409
3,142
477
466
198
33
312
4,781
613
4,168
989

3,179

3,153
26

3,179

5.53
5.52

2020

20,908
855
14,814
5,239
2,813
429
204
69
824
(2)
902
520
382
(77)

459

459
–

459

0.81
0.81

569,664,000
571,289,000

569,657,000
569,686,000

2021

3,179

95
81

(115)
17

78

3,257

3,232
25

3,257

2020

459

75
(7)

142
(16)

194

653

653
–

653

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

78 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

NOTE

5
13

6

6
16

13, 14
25
6

17
18
18
18, 19
23
23
23

For the years ended December 31

Operating activities
Net earnings
Adjustments for:

Depreciation and amortization
Share-based compensation expense
Impairment of assets
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
Net gain on disposal of investment in Misr Fertilizers Production Company S.A.E.

(“MOPCO”)

Recovery of deferred income tax
Cloud computing transition adjustment
Other long-term assets, liabilities and miscellaneous

Cash from operations before working capital changes
Changes in non-cash operating working capital:

Receivables
Inventories
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Payables and accrued charges

Cash provided by operating activities

Investing activities
Capital expenditures 1
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired
Proceeds from disposal of investment in MOPCO
Other

Cash used in investing activities

Financing activities
Transaction costs related to debt
Proceeds from (repayment of) short-term debt, net
Proceeds from long-term debt
Repayment of long-term debt
Repayment of principal portion of lease liabilities
Dividends paid to Nutrien’s shareholders
Repurchase of common shares
Issuance of common shares
Other

Cash used in financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents – end of year

Cash and cash equivalents comprised of:
Cash
Short-term investments

Supplemental cash flows information
Interest paid
Income taxes paid
Total cash outflow for leases

2021

3,179

1,951
198
33
142

–
(31)
36
39

5,547

(1,669)
(1,459)
(227)
1,694

3,886

(1,783)
(88)
–
64

(1,807)

(7)
1,344
86
(2,212)
(320)
(1,045)
(1,035)
200
(14)

(3,003)

(31)

(955)
1,454

499

428
71

499

491
435
393

2020

459

1,989
69
824
–

(250)
(9)
–
(333)

2,749

145
85
(10)
354

3,323

(1,549)
(233)
540
38

(1,204)

(15)
(892)
1,541
(509)
(274)
(1,030)
(160)
–
–

(1,339)

3

783
671

1,454

1,375
79

1,454

498
156
345

1 Includes additions to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets of $1,676 and $107 (2020 – $1,423 and $126), respectively.

(See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements)

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 79

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Number of
Common
Shares

Share
Capital

Contributed
Surplus

Balance – December 31, 2019 572,942,809
–
Net earnings
Other comprehensive income
–
(3,832,580)
Shares repurchased (Note 23)
Dividends declared (Note 23)
–
Effect of share-based

15,771
–
–
(105)
–

compensation including
issuance of common shares

Transfer of net loss on cash

flow hedges

Transfer of net actuarial gain
on defined benefit plans

150,177

–

–

7

–

–

Balance – December 31, 2020 569,260,406

15,673

Net earnings
Other comprehensive (loss)

income

Shares repurchased (Note 23)
Dividends declared (Note 23)
Non-controlling interest

transactions

Effect of share-based

compensation including
issuance of common shares

Transfer of net gain on cash

flow hedges

Transfer of net actuarial gain
on defined benefit plans
Share cancellation (Note 23)

–

–

–
(15,982,154)
–

–
(442)
–

–

–

4,424,437

226

–

–
(210,173)

–

–
–

248
–
–
(55)
–

12

–

–

205

–

–
(47)
–

–

(9)

–

–
–

Accumulated
Other Comprehensive
(Loss) Income (“AOCI”)

Loss on
Currency
Translation
of Foreign
Operations Other

Total
AOCI

Retained
Earnings

(204)
–
142
–
–

(47)
–
52
–
–

(251)
–
194
–
–

7,101
459
–
–
(1,029)

Equity
Holders
of
Nutrien
(Note 2)

22,869
459
194
(160)
(1,029)

–

–

–

–

–

13

13

–

–

(75)

(75)

75

19

13

–

(62)

(57)

(119)

6,606

22,365

–

–

–

3,153

3,153

(114)
–
–

193
–
–

–
(616)
(1,046)

79
(1,105)
(1,046)

Non-
Controlling
Interest
(Note 2)

Total
Equity

38 22,907
459
–
194
–
–
(160)
– (1,029)

–

–

–

19

13

–

38 22,403

26

3,179

(1)
78
– (1,105)
– (1,046)

79
–
–

–

–

–

–

(11)

(11)

(95)
–

(95)
–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

95
–

–

(16)

(16)

217

(11)

–
–

–

–

–
–

217

(11)

–
–

Balance – December 31, 2021 557,492,516 15,457

149

(176)

30

(146)

8,192

23,652

47 23,699

(See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements)

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

80 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

As at December 31

Assets

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Receivables

Inventories

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Goodwill

Other intangible assets

Investments

Other assets

TOTAL ASSETS

Liabilities

Current liabilities

Short-term debt

Current portion of long-term debt

Current portion of lease liabilities

Payables and accrued charges

Non-current liabilities

Long-term debt

Lease liabilities

Deferred income tax liabilities

Pension and other post-retirement benefit liabilities

Asset retirement obligations and accrued environmental costs

Other non-current liabilities

TOTAL LIABILITIES

Shareholders’ Equity

Share capital

Contributed surplus

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Retained earnings

Equity holders of Nutrien

Non-controlling interest

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements)

Approved by the Board of Directors,

NOTE

2021

11

12

13

14

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

18

19

8

21

22

23

499

5,366

6,328

1,653

13,846

20,016

12,220

2,340

703

829

49,954

1,560

545

286

10,052

12,443

7,521

934

3,165

419

1,566

207

26,255

15,457

149

(146)

8,192

23,652

47

23,699

49,954

2020
Note 2

1,454

3,626

4,930

1,460

11,470

19,660

12,198

2,388

562

914

47,192

159

14

249

8,058

8,480

10,047

891

3,149

454

1,597

171

24,789

15,673

205

(119)

6,606

22,365

38

22,403

47,192

Director

Director

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 81

NOTE 1 DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

Nutrien Ltd. (collectively with its subsidiaries, “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.

The Company is a corporation organized under the laws of Canada with its registered head office located at Suite 1700, 211
19th Street East, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, S7K 5R6. As at December 31, 2021, the Company had assets as follows:

Segment

Description

Nutrien
Ag Solutions
(“Retail”)

(cid:129) various retail facilities across the US, Canada, Australia and South America

(cid:129) private label and proprietary crop protection products and nutritionals

(cid:129) an innovative integrated digital platform for growers and crop consultants

Potash

Nitrogen

(cid:129) financing solutions provider in support of Nutrien’s agricultural product and service sales

(cid:129) 6 operations in the province of Saskatchewan

(cid:129) 8 production facilities in North America: 4 in Alberta, 1 in Georgia, 1 in Louisiana, 1 in Ohio and 1 in Texas

(cid:129) 1 large-scale operation in Trinidad

(cid:129) 5 upgrade facilities in North America: 3 in Alberta, 1 in Missouri and 1 in Washington

(cid:129) 50 percent investment in Profertil S.A. (“Profertil”), a nitrogen producer based in Argentina

Phosphate

(cid:129) 2 mines and processing plants: 1 in Florida and 1 in North Carolina

(cid:129) phosphate feed plants in Illinois, Missouri and Nebraska

(cid:129) 1 industrial phosphoric acid plant in Ohio

Corporate and
Others

(cid:129) investment in Canpotex Limited (“Canpotex”), a Canadian potash export, sales and marketing company

owned in equal shares by Nutrien and another potash producer

(cid:129) 22 percent investment in Sinofert Holdings Limited (“Sinofert”), a fertilizer supplier and distributor in China

NOTE 2 BASIS OF PRESENTATION

We prepared these consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). We have consistently applied
the same accounting policies throughout all periods presented, as if these policies had always been in effect, with
the exception of the accounting standards adopted effective January 1, 2021, as disclosed in Note 30.

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

These consolidated financial statements were authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on February 17, 2022.

Sensitivity analyses included throughout the notes should be used with caution as the changes are hypothetical and not reflective of
future performance. The sensitivities have been calculated independently of changes in other key variables. Changes in one factor
may result in changes in another, which could increase or reduce certain sensitivities. We prepared these consolidated financial
statements under the historical cost basis, except for items that IFRS requires to be measured at fair value. Details of our accounting
policies are primarily disclosed in Note 30. Reference to n/a indicates information is not applicable.

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

82 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

NOTE 3 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 produces.

The Executive Leadership Team (“ELT”), comprised of officers at the Executive Vice President level and above, is the Chief Operating
Decision Maker (“CODM”). The CODM uses adjusted net earnings (loss) before finance costs, income taxes, and depreciation and
amortization (“adjusted EBITDA”) to measure performance and allocate resources to the operating segments. The CODM considers
adjusted EBITDA to be a meaningful measure because it is not impacted by long-term investment and financing decisions, but rather
focuses on the performance of our day-to-day operations. In addition, it excludes the impact of impairments and other costs that are
centrally managed by our corporate function.

We determine the composition of the reportable segments based on factors including risks and returns, internal organization, and
internal reports reviewed by the CODM. We allocate certain expenses across segments based on reasonable considerations such as
production capacities or historical trends.

2021

Sales – third party

– intersegment

Sales – total
Freight, transportation and distribution
Net sales
Cost of goods sold
Gross margin
Selling expenses
General and administrative expenses
Provincial mining taxes
Share-based compensation expense
Impairment of assets (Note 13)
Other expenses (income)

Earnings (loss) before finance costs

and income taxes

Depreciation and amortization
EBITDA 1
Integration and restructuring related

costs

Share-based compensation expense
Impairment of assets (Note 13)
COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic
(“COVID-19”) related expenses

Foreign exchange loss, net of

related derivatives

Cloud computing transition

adjustment (Note 6)

Retail

17,665
69
17,734
–
17,734
13,134
4,600
3,124
168
–
–
–
86

1,222
706
1,928

10
–
–

–

–

1

Potash

Nitrogen

Phosphate

Corporate
and Others

Eliminations

Consolidated

4,021
386
4,407
371
4,036
1,285
2,751
9
8
466
–
7
22

2,239
488
2,727

–
–
7

–

–

2

4,216
921
5,137
448
4,689
2,963
1,726
24
15
–
–
22
(64)

1,729
557
2,286

–
–
22

–

–

–

1,810
236
2,046
217
1,829
1,408
421
6
11
–
–
4
15

385
151
536

–
–
4

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(21)
275
–
198
–
253

(705)
49
(656)

33
198
–

45

39

33

–
(1,612)
(1,612)
(185)
(1,427)
(1,338)
(89)
–
–
–
–
–
–

(89)
–
(89)

–
–
–

–

–

–

27,712
–
27,712
851
26,861
17,452
9,409
3,142
477
466
198
33
312

4,781
1,951
6,732

43
198
33

45

39

36

Adjusted EBITDA

Assets

1,939

2,736

2,308

22,387

13,148

11,093

540

1,699

(308)

2,266

(89)

(639)

7,126

49,954

1 EBITDA is calculated as net earnings (loss) before finance costs, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization.

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 83

NOTE 3 SEGMENT INFORMATION CONTINUED

2020

Sales – third party

– intersegment

Sales – total
Freight, transportation and distribution
Net sales
Cost of goods sold
Gross margin
Selling expenses
General and administrative expenses
Provincial mining taxes
Share-based compensation expense
Impairment of assets (Note 13)
Other expenses (income)

Earnings (loss) before finance costs and

income taxes

Depreciation and amortization

EBITDA
Integration and restructuring related costs
Share-based compensation expense
Impairment of assets (Note 13)
COVID-19 related expenses
Foreign exchange loss, net of

related derivatives

Loss on disposal of business
Net gain on disposal of investment in

MOPCO (Note 6)

Adjusted EBITDA
Assets 2

Retail

14,748
37
14,785
–
14,785
11,049
3,736
2,795
135
–
–
–
44

762
668

1,430
–
–
–
–

–
–

Potash

Nitrogen

Phosphate

Corporate
and Others

Eliminations

Consolidated

2,265
248
2,513
367
2,146
1,183
963
9
7
201
–
23
8

715
452

1,167
–
–
23
–

–
–

2,572
628
3,200
460
2,740
2,265
475
27
8
1
–
27
(288)

700
599

1,299
4
–
27
–

–
–

1,241
202
1,443
241
1,202
1,166
36
6
10
–
–
769
6

(755)
218

(537)
–
–
769
–

–
–

82 1
–
82
–
82
74
8
(24)
269
2
69
5
228

(541)
52

(489)
56
69
5
48

19
6

–
(1,115)
(1,115)
(213)
(902)
(923)
21
–
–
–
–
–
–

21
–

21
–
–
–
–

–
–

20,908
–
20,908
855
20,053
14,814
5,239
2,813
429
204
69
824
(2)

902
1,989

2,891
60
69
824
48

19
6

–
1,430
20,526

–
1,190
12,032

(250)
1,080
10,612

–
232
1,462

–
(286)
2,983

–
21
(423)

(250)
3,667
47,192

1 Primarily relates to our non-core Canadian business, which was sold in 2020.
2 In 2021, we reassessed the appropriate segment wherein certain assets related to transportation, distribution and logistics should be categorized. After our

evaluation was complete, we determined the assets should be categorized in the Potash, Nitrogen and Phosphate segments.

Our Retail segment primarily generates revenue from sales of the following:

Crop nutrients

Dry and liquid macronutrient products including potash, nitrogen and phosphate, proprietary
liquid micronutrient products, and nutrient application services.

Crop protection products

Various third-party supplier and proprietary products designed to maintain crop quality and
manage plant diseases, weeds and other pests.

Seed

Merchandise

Nutrien Financial

Various third-party supplier seed brands and proprietary seed product lines.

Fencing, feed supplements, livestock-related animal health products, storage and irrigation
equipment, and other products.

Financing solutions provided to Retail branches and customers in support of Nutrien’s
agricultural product and service sales.

Services and other revenues

Product application, soil and leaf testing, crop scouting and precision agriculture services, and
water services.

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

84 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

NOTE 3 SEGMENT INFORMATION CONTINUED

Products

Sales prices impacted by

Potash

(cid:129) North American – primarily granular

(cid:129) North American prices referenced at

(cid:129) Offshore (international) – primarily granular

and standard

Nitrogen

(cid:129) Ammonia, urea, urea ammonium nitrate, industrial
grade ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate

delivered prices (including transportation and
distribution costs)

(cid:129) International prices pursuant to term and spot
contract prices (excluding transportation and
distribution costs)

(cid:129) Global energy costs and supply

Phosphate

(cid:129) Solid fertilizer, liquid fertilizer, industrial products and

(cid:129) Global prices and supplies of ammonia and sulfur

feed products

Retail sales by product line

Crop nutrients
Crop protection products
Seed
Merchandise
Nutrien Financial
Services and other
Nutrien Financial elimination 1

Potash sales by geography
Manufactured product
North America
Offshore 2

Nitrogen sales by product line
Manufactured product

Ammonia
Urea
Solutions, nitrates and sulfates
Other nitrogen and purchased products

Phosphate sales by product line

Manufactured product

Fertilizer
Industrial and feed

Other phosphate and purchased products

2021

2020

7,290
6,333
2,008
1,033
189
1,051
(170)

5,200
5,602
1,790
943
129
1,241
(120)

17,734

14,785

2,009
2,398

4,407

1,556
1,568
1,274
739

5,137

1,250
574
222

2,046

1,275
1,238

2,513

779
1,040
816
565

3,200

838
454
151

1,443

1 Represents elimination for the interest and service fees charged by Nutrien Financial to Retail branches.
2 Relates to Canpotex (Note 28) and includes other revenue representing provisional pricing adjustments of $282 (2020 – $(32)).

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 85

NOTE 3 SEGMENT INFORMATION CONTINUED

United States
Canada
Australia
Canpotex (Note 28)
Trinidad
Brazil
Other

Sales – Third Party 1

Non-Current Assets 2

2021

2020

16,009
3,094
3,591
2,398
258
567
1,795 3

12,373
2,565
3,231
1,238
101
284
1,116 3

27,712

20,908

2021

15,095
17,766
1,202
–
638
391
340

35,432

2020

15,268
17,435
1,305
–
644
284
280

35,216

1 Sales by location of customers.
2 Excludes financial instruments (other than equity-accounted investees), deferred tax assets and post-employment benefit assets.
3 Other third-party sales primarily relate to Argentina of $526 (2020 – $372), Europe of $236 (2020 – $183) and Others of $1,033 (2020 – $561).

Canpotex Sales by market (%)

Latin America
China
India
Other Asian markets
Other markets

NOTE 4 NATURE OF EXPENSES

Purchased and produced raw materials and product for resale 1
Depreciation and amortization
Employee costs 2
Freight
Impairment of assets (Note 13)
Provincial mining taxes 3
Integration and restructuring related costs
Contract services
Lease expense 4
Fleet fuel, repairs and maintenance
COVID-19 related expenses (Note 6)
Cloud computing transition adjustment (Note 6)
Net gain on disposal of investment in MOPCO (Note 6)
Other

Total cost of goods sold and expenses

2021

2020

38
11
6
35
10

32
22
14
25
7

2021

14,711
1,951
3,007
1,023
33
466
43
590
81
302
45
36
–
643

22,931

2020

12,110
1,989
2,450
963
824
204
60
617
60
222
48
–
(250)
709

20,006

1 Significant expenses include: supplies, energy, fuel, purchases of raw material (natural gas – feedstock, sulfur, ammonia and reagents) and product for resale

(crop nutrients and protection products, and seed).

2 Includes salaries and wages, employee benefits, and share-based compensation.
3 Includes Saskatchewan potash production tax, and Saskatchewan resource surcharge of $341 and $125 (2020 – $86 and $118), respectively, as required

under Saskatchewan provincial legislation.

4 Includes lease expense relating to short-term leases, leases of low value and variable lease payments.

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

86 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

NOTE 5

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

We have share-based compensation plans for eligible employees and directors as part of their remuneration
package, including Stock Options, Performance Share Units (“PSUs”), Restricted Share Units (“RSUs”) and Deferred
Share Units (“DSUs”).

Plans

Stock Options

PSUs

Eligibility

Officers and
eligible employees

Officers and
eligible employees

Granted

Annually

Annually

RSUs

DSUs

Stock Appreciation
Rights (“SARs”) /
Tandem Stock
Appreciation Rights
(“TSARs”) 3

Eligible employees

Annually

Non-executive
directors

Awards no longer
granted; legacy
awards only

At the discretion
of the Board of
Directors

Awards no longer
granted; legacy
awards only

Vesting Period

Maximum Term Settlement

25 percent per year over four
years

On third anniversary of grant
date based on total
shareholder return over a
three-year performance
cycle, compared to average
total shareholder return of a
peer group of companies
over the same period

On third anniversary of grant
date and not subject to
performance conditions

10 years

Shares 1

Not applicable

Cash

Not applicable

Cash

Fully vest upon grant

Not applicable

Cash 2

25 percent per year over four
years

10 years

Cash

1 Stock options may also be settled by cash settlement or, if approved by the Company, by a broker-assisted “cashless exercise” arrangement or a “net

exercise” arrangement.

2 Directors can redeem their DSUs for cash only when they leave the Board of Directors for an amount equal to the market value of the common shares at the

time of redemption or as mandated by the Nutrien DSU Plan.

3 Holders of TSARs have the ability to choose between (a) receiving in cash the price of our shares on the date of exercise in excess of the exercise price of the

right or (b) receiving common shares by paying the exercise price of the right. Our past experience and future expectation is that substantially all TSAR
holders will elect to choose the first option.

The weighted average fair value of stock options granted was estimated as of the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton
option-pricing model. The weighted average grant date fair value of stock options per unit granted in 2021 was $11.77 (2020 –
$7.18). The weighted average assumptions by year of grant that impacted current year results are as follows:

Assumptions

Based On

Exercise price per option

Expected annual dividend yield (%)
Expected volatility (%)

Risk-free interest rate (%)

Average expected life of options (years)

Quoted market closing price of common shares on the
last trading day immediately preceding the date of
the grant
Annualized dividend rate as of the date of the grant
Historical volatility of Nutrien’s shares over a period
commensurate with the expected life of the grant
Zero-coupon government issues implied yield available
on equivalent remaining term at the time of the grant
Historical experience

Year of Grant

2021

2020

56.64
3.22

29

1.11
8.5

42.23
4.36

29

1.51
8.5

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 87

NOTE 5 SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION CONTINUED

Number of Shares Subject to Option

Weighted Average Exercise Price

Outstanding – beginning of year
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited or cancelled
Expired

2021

2020

10,997,892
1,518,490
(4,336,682)
(375,005)
(1,059,975)

9,191,480
2,293,802
(123,403)
(34,506)
(329,481)

Outstanding – end of year

6,744,720

10,997,892

2021

53.59
56.62
45.24
50.34
85.66

54.87

2020

56.88
42.23
42.24
57.45
75.92

53.59

The aggregate grant date fair value of all stock options granted in 2021 was $18. The average share price in 2021 was $61.26
per share.

The following table summarizes information about our stock options outstanding as at December 31, 2021, with expiry dates
ranging from May 2022 to February 2031:

Range of Exercise Prices

$37.84 to $41.77
$41.78 to $43.36
$43.37 to $50.22
$50.23 to $55.08
$55.09 to $67.05
$67.06 to $109.45

Options Outstanding

Options Exercisable

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Life in Years

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

4
7
5
5
8
2

5

39.01
42.23
45.40
53.11
55.62
89.85

54.87

Number

564,087
142,206
820,061
671,391

– 1

1,098,494

3,296,239

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

39.01
42.23
45.65
52.78
–
89.85

60.55

Number

564,087
1,559,353
1,049,233
1,178,225
1,295,328
1,098,494

6,744,720

1 Options granted in this range of exercise prices have not yet met the vesting period.

Stock Options
PSUs
RSUs
DSUs
SARs/TSARs

Units Granted
in 2021

Units Outstanding
as at December 31, 2021

1,518,490
757,212
537,867
27,478
–

6,744,720
2,174,490
1,447,292
373,779
504,217

Compensation Expense

2021

14
104
47
12
21

198

2020

14
31
22
2
–

69

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

88 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

NOTE 6 OTHER EXPENSES (INCOME)

Integration and restructuring related costs
Foreign exchange loss, net of related derivatives
Earnings of equity-accounted investees
Bad debt expense
COVID-19 related expenses (Note 30)
Cloud computing transition adjustment
Loss on disposal of business
Net gain on disposal of investment in MOPCO
Other expenses

2021

43
42
(89)
26
45
36
–
–
209

312

2020

60
18
(73)
6
48
–
6
(250)
183

(2)

In 2021, the IFRS Interpretations Committee published a final agenda decision that clarified 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.

In 2020, as a result of a strategic decision, we disposed our equity-accounted investment in MOPCO, a nitrogen producer based in
Egypt. We received cash consideration of $540 for the disposal of the investment and settlement of legal claims that resulted in a
gain of $250.

NOTE 7 FINANCE COSTS

Interest expense

Short-term debt
Long-term debt
Lease liabilities (Note 19)
COVID-19 related

Loss on early extinguishment of debt (Note 18)
Unwinding of discount on asset retirement obligations (Note 22)
Interest on net defined benefit pension and other post-retirement plan obligations (Note 21)
Borrowing costs capitalized to property, plant and equipment
Interest income

2021

2020

60
415
33
–
142
(9)
9
(29)
(8)

613

50
392
34
19
–
33
13
(20)
(1)

520

Borrowing costs capitalized to property, plant and equipment in 2021 were calculated by applying an average capitalization rate of
4.1 percent (2020 – 3.9 percent) to expenditures on qualifying assets.

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 89

NOTE 8 INCOME TAXES

Income Taxes Included in Net Earnings

We operate in a specialized industry and in several tax jurisdictions; as a result, our earnings are subject to various rates of taxation.

Current income tax

Tax expense (recovery) for current year
Adjustments in respect of prior years

Total current income tax expense (recovery)

Deferred income tax

Origination and reversal of temporary differences
Adjustments in respect of prior years
Change in recognition of tax losses and deductible temporary differences
Impact of tax rate changes

Total deferred income tax recovery

Income tax expense (recovery) included in net earnings

2021

2020

1,033
(13)

1,020

(30)
6
(6)
(1)

(31)

989

(38)
(30)

(68)

72
(58)
(20)
(3)

(9)

(77)

The provision for income taxes differs from the amount that would have resulted from applying the Canadian statutory income tax
rates to earnings (loss) before income taxes as follows:

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

Canada
United States
Trinidad
Australia
Other

Canadian federal and provincial statutory income tax rate (%)

Income tax at statutory rates
Adjusted for the effect of:

Impact of foreign tax rates
Production-related deductions
Non-taxable income
Change in recognition of tax losses and deductible temporary differences
Recovery of prior year taxes due to US legislative changes
Non-deductible expenses
Foreign accrual property income
Other

Income tax expense (recovery) included in net earnings

2021

2020

1,884
1,319
256
204
505

4,168

27

1,125

(98)
(24)
(18)
(6)
(4)
12
2
–

989

525
(506)
(44)
83
324

382

27

103

(18)
(12)
(59)
(20)
(94)
13
7
3

(77)

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

90 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

NOTE 8 INCOME TAXES CONTINUED

Deferred Income Taxes

In respect of each type of temporary difference, unused tax loss and unused tax credit, the amounts of deferred tax assets and
liabilities recognized in the consolidated balance sheets as at December 31 and the amount of the deferred tax (recovery) expense
recognized in net earnings were:

Deferred Income Tax (Assets)
Liabilities

Deferred Income Tax (Recovery)
Expense Recognized in Net
Earnings

2021

2020

2021

2020

Deferred income tax assets

Asset retirement obligations and accrued environmental costs
Tax loss and other carryforwards
Pension and other post-retirement benefit liabilities
Lease liabilities
Long-term debt
Inventories
Receivables
Payables and accrued charges
Other assets

Deferred income tax liabilities

Property, plant and equipment
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Payables and accrued charges
Other liabilities

(354)
(297)
(178)
(151)
(140)
(126)
(44)
(14)
(1)

3,765
404
–
39

2,903

(376)
(370)
(161)
(201)
(102)
(37)
(50)
–
(12)

3,637
471
72
36

2,907

Reconciliation of net deferred income tax liabilities:

Balance – beginning of year
Income tax recovery recognized in net earnings
Income tax charge recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”)
Other

Balance – end of year

21
75
(45)
47
(39)
(90)
6
(14)
11

132
(64)
(72)
1

(31)

2021

2,907
(31)
30
(3)

2,903

20
(98)
(12)
26
3
20
2
25
17

(12)
(67)
72
(5)

(9)

2020

2,896
(9)
17
3

2,907

Amounts and expiry dates of unused tax losses and unused tax credits as at December 31, 2021, were:

Unused federal operating losses
Unused federal capital losses
Unused investment tax credits

The unused tax losses and credits with no expiry dates can be carried forward indefinitely.

Amount

Expiry Date

1,206
589
22

2022 – Indefinite
Indefinite
2022 – 2040

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 91

NOTE 8 INCOME TAXES CONTINUED

As at December 31, 2021, we had $742 of federal tax losses for which we did not recognize deferred tax assets.

We have determined that it is probable that all recognized deferred tax assets will be realized through a combination of future
reversals of temporary differences and taxable income.

We did not recognize deferred tax liabilities related to temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries and equity-
accounted investees amounting to $10,241 as at December 31, 2021 (2020 – $8,911).

In 2021, previously unrecognized operating losses were recognized due to a revised estimate of future taxable profits resulting in an
increase in deferred tax assets of $6. In 2020, previously unrecognized capital losses were utilized primarily as a result of the net gain
on disposal of investment in MOPCO. In addition, as a result of the non-cash impairment of assets relating to our property, plant and
equipment at White Springs, management revised its estimate of future taxable profits and derecognized deferred tax assets related
to Florida tax losses and deductible temporary differences. In aggregate, the net decrease in unrecognized deferred tax assets in
2020 was $20.

NOTE 9 NET EARNINGS PER SHARE

Weighted average number of common shares
Dilutive effect of stock options

Weighted average number of diluted common shares

2021

2020

569,664,000
1,625,000

569,657,000
29,000

571,289,000

569,686,000

Options excluded from the calculation of diluted net earnings per share due to the option exercise prices being greater than the
average market price of common shares were as follows:

Number of options excluded
Performance option plan years fully excluded 1
Stock option plan years fully excluded

1 Previously granted under a legacy long-term incentive plan.

2021

2020

2,393,822
2012 – 2015
2021

9,875,797
2011 – 2017
2015, 2017 – 2020

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

92 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

NOTE 10 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RELATED RISK MANAGEMENT

Our ELT, along with the Board of Directors (including Board of Directors committees), is responsible for monitoring
our risk exposures and managing our policies to address these risks. Our strategic and risk management processes
are integrated to ensure we understand the benefit from the relationship between strategy, risk and value creation.
Outlined below are our risk management strategies we have developed to mitigate the financial market risks that we
are exposed to.

Credit Risk

Risk Management Strategies

Receivables from
customers

(cid:129) establish credit approval policies and procedures for new and existing customers

(cid:129) extend credit to qualified customers through:

(cid:129) review of credit agency reports, financial statements and/or credit references, as available

(cid:129) review of existing customer accounts every 12 to 24 months based on the credit limit amounts

(cid:129) evaluation of customer and country risk for international customers

(cid:129) establish credit period:

(cid:129) 15 and 30 days for wholesale fertilizer customers

(cid:129) 30 days for industrial and feed customers

(cid:129) 30 to 360 days for Retail customers, including Nutrien Financial

(cid:129) up to 180 days for select export sales customers, including Canpotex

(cid:129) transact on a cash basis with certain customers who may not meet specified benchmark

creditworthiness or cannot provide other evidence of ability to pay

(cid:129) execute agency arrangements with financial institutions or other partners with which we have only a

limited recourse involvement

(cid:129) sell receivables to financial institutions which substantially transfer the risks and rewards

(cid:129) set eligibility requirements for Nutrien Financial to limit the risk of the receivables

(cid:129) may require security over certain crop or livestock inventories

(cid:129) set up provision using the lifetime expected credit loss method considering all possible default events

over the expected life of a financial instrument. Receivables are grouped based on days past due and/or
customer credit risk profile. Estimated losses on receivables are based on known troubled accounts and
historical experience of losses incurred. Receivables are considered to be in default and are written off
against the allowance when it is probable that all remaining contractual payments due will not be
collected in accordance with the terms of the agreement.

Cash and cash
equivalents and other
receivables

(cid:129) require acceptable minimum counterparty credit ratings

(cid:129) limit counterparty or credit exposure

(cid:129) select counterparties with investment-grade quality

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 93

NOTE 10 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RELATED RISK MANAGEMENT CONTINUED

Maximum exposure to credit risk as at December 31:

Cash and cash equivalents
Receivables (excluding income tax receivable)

2021

499
5,143
5,642

2020

1,454
3,543
4,997

Risk

Liquidity

Risk Management Strategies

(cid:129) establish an external borrowing policy to maintain sufficient liquid financial resources to fund our

operations and meet our commitments and obligations in a cost-effective manner

(cid:129) maintain an optimal capital structure

(cid:129) maintain investment-grade credit ratings that provide ease of access to the debt capital and

commercial paper markets

(cid:129) maintain sufficient short-term credit availability

(cid:129) uphold long-term relationships with a sufficient number of high-quality and diverse lenders

Refer to Note 17 for our available credit facilities.

The following maturity analysis of our financial liabilities and gross settled derivative contracts (for which the cash flows are settled
simultaneously) is based on the expected undiscounted contractual cash flows from the date of the consolidated balance sheets to
the contractual maturity date.

2021

Short-term debt 1
Payables and accrued charges 2
Long-term debt, including current portion 1
Lease liabilities, including current portion 1
Derivatives

Carrying Amount
of Liability as at
December 31

Contractual
Cash
Flows

1,560
8,861
8,066
1,220
20

1,560
8,861
13,071
1,375
20

Within
1 Year

1,560
8,861
890
313
20

19,727

24,887

11,644

1 to 3
Years

–
–
1,163
423
–

1,586

3 to 5
Years

–
–
1,678
227
–

1,905

Over 5
Years

–
–
9,340
412
–

9,752

1 Contractual cash flows include contractual interest payments related to debt obligations and lease liabilities. Interest rates on debt with variable rates are

based on the prevailing rates as at December 31, 2021.

2 Excludes non-financial liabilities and includes payables of approximately $1.7 billion related to our prepaid inventory to secure product discounts. We

consider these payables to be part of our working capital. For these payables, we participated in arrangements where the vendors sold their right to receive
payment to financial institutions without extending the original payment terms. These payables were paid in January 2022.

Foreign Exchange Risk

Risk Management Strategies

Foreign currency
denominated
accounts

(cid:129) execute foreign currency derivative contracts within certain prescribed limits for both forecast

operating and capital expenditures to manage the earnings impact, including those related to our
equity-accounted investees, that could occur from a reasonably possible strengthening or weakening of
the US dollar

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

94 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

NOTE 10 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RELATED RISK MANAGEMENT CONTINUED

The fair value of our net foreign exchange currency derivative assets (liabilities) at December 31, 2021 was $1 (2020 – $14). The
following table presents the significant foreign currency derivatives that existed at December 31:

2021

2020

Sell/buy

Notional

Maturities

Derivatives not designated as hedges

Average
contract
rate

1.2799
–
1.3841
1.3860
5.4519

1.2500
1.2600
1.4060
1.3797

Notional

Maturities

514
126
28
92
31

70
55
61
–

2021
2021
2021
2021
2021

2021
2021
2021
–

Average
contract
rate

1.2796
1.2804
1.3661
1.3640
4.2879

1.3147
1.3665
1.3216
–

522
–
19
113
135

20
20
71
72

2022
2022
2022
2022
2022

2022
2022
2022
2022

343

2022

1.2547

254

2021

1.3190

Forwards

USD/CAD 1
CAD/USD
USD/AUD 2
AUD/USD
BRL 3/USD

Options

USD/CAD – buy USD puts
USD/CAD – sell USD calls
AUD/USD – buy USD calls
AUD/USD – sell USD puts

Derivatives designated as hedges

Forwards

USD/CAD

1 Canadian dollars
2 Australian dollars
3 Brazilian real

Market Risks

Type

Risk Management Strategies

Interest rate

Short-term and
long-term debt

(cid:129) use a portfolio of fixed and floating rate instruments

(cid:129) align current and long-term assets with demand and

Price

Price

Natural gas
derivative
instruments

fixed-term debt

(cid:129) monitor the effects of market changes in interest rates

(cid:129) use interest rate swaps, if desired

(cid:129) diversify our forecast gas volume requirements, including a
portion of annual requirements purchased at spot market
prices, a portion at fixed prices (up to 10 years) and a portion
indexed to the market price of ammonia

(cid:129) acquire a reliable supply of natural gas feedstock and fuel on a

location-adjusted, cost-competitive basis

Investment at
fair value

(cid:129) ensure the security of principal amounts invested

(cid:129) provide for an adequate degree of liquidity

(cid:129) achieve a satisfactory return

We do not believe
we have material
exposure to
interest or price
risk on our
financial
instruments as at
December 31,
2021 and 2020.

In 2020, we entered into cash flow hedges on our interest rate derivative contracts that matured in the same year and had a total
notional amount of $680.

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 95

NOTE 10 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RELATED RISK MANAGEMENT CONTINUED

Fair Value

Financial instruments included in the consolidated balance sheets are measured either at fair value or amortized cost. The following
tables explain the valuation methods used to determine the fair value of each financial instrument and its associated level in the fair
value hierarchy.

Financial Instruments at Fair Value

Fair Value Method

Cash and cash equivalents

Carrying amount (approximation to fair value assumed due to short-term nature)

Equity securities

Debt securities

Foreign currency derivatives not
traded in an active market

Foreign exchange forward contracts,
swaps and options and natural gas
swaps not traded in an active market

Closing bid price of the common shares as at the balance sheet date

Closing bid price of the debt or other instruments with similar terms and credit risk (Level 2)
as at the balance sheet date

Quoted forward exchange rates (Level 2) as at the balance sheet date

Based on a discounted cash flow model. Inputs included contractual cash flows based
on prices for natural gas futures contracts, fixed prices and notional volumes specified
by the swap contracts, the time value of money, liquidity risk, our own credit risk (related to
instruments in a liability position) and counterparty credit risk (related to instruments in
an asset position). Futures contract prices used as inputs in the model were supported by
prices quoted in an active market and therefore categorized in Level 2.

Financial Instruments at Amortized Cost

Fair Value Method

Receivables, short-term debt and
payables and accrued charges

Carrying amount (approximation to fair value assumed due to short-term nature)

Long-term debt

Quoted market prices (Level 1 or 2 depending on the market liquidity of the debt)

Other long-term debt instruments

Carrying amount

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

2021

2020

Financial assets (liabilities) measured at

Carrying
Amount

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Fair value on a recurring basis 1
Cash and cash equivalents
Derivative instrument assets
Other current financial assets –

marketable securities 2

Investments at fair value through other
comprehensive income (“FVTOCI”)
(Note 15)

Derivative instrument liabilities

Amortized cost

Current portion of long-term debt

Notes and debentures
Fixed and floating rate debt

Long-term debt

Notes and debentures
Fixed and floating rate debt

499
19

134

244
(20)

–
–

19

234
–

(500)
(45)

(506)
–

499
19

115

–
(20)

–
(45)

(7,424)
(97)

(4,021)
–

(4,709)
(97)

–
–

–

10
–

–
–

–
–

Carrying
Amount

1,454
45

161

153
(48)

–
(14)

Level 1

Level 2

–
–

24

153
–

–
–

1,454
45

137

–
(48)

–
(14)

(9,994)
(53)

(3,801)
–

(7,955)
(53)

1 During 2021 and 2020, there were no transfers between levelling for financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Our policy is to

recognize transfers at the end of the reporting period.

2 Marketable securities consist of equity and fixed income securities.

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

96 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

NOTE 11 RECEIVABLES

Receivables from customers

Third parties

Related party – Canpotex

Less allowance for expected credit losses of

receivables from customers

Rebates
Income taxes (Note 8)
Other receivables

Segment

2021

2020

Retail (Nutrien Financial) 1
Retail
Potash, Nitrogen, Phosphate
Potash (Note 28)

2,178
977
804
828

1,417
1,158
391
122

(82)

(69)

4,705
222
223
216

5,366

3,019
256
83
268

3,626

1 Includes $1,792 of very low risk of default and $386 of low risk of default (2020 – $1,147 of very low risk of default and $270 of low risk of default).

Qualifying receivables from customers financed by Nutrien Financial represents high-quality receivables from customers that have
been rated very low to low risk of default among Retail’s receivables from customers.

Customer credit with a financial institution of $405 at December 31, 2021, related to our agency agreement, is not recognized in our
consolidated balance sheets. Through the agency agreement, we only have a limited recourse involvement to the extent of an
indemnification of the financial institution to a maximum of 5 percent (2020 – 5 percent) of the qualified customer loans. Historical
indemnification losses on this arrangement have been negligible, and the average aging of the customer loans with the financial
institution is current.

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 97

NOTE 12 INVENTORIES

Product purchased for resale
Finished products
Intermediate products
Raw materials
Materials and supplies

Inventories expensed to cost of goods sold during the year were $17,243 (2020 – $14,347).

2021

4,889
410
206
337
486

6,328

2020

3,655
384
227
215
449

4,930

NOTE 13 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

The majority of our tangible assets are buildings, machinery and equipment used to produce or distribute our
products and render our services. Right-of-use (“ROU”) assets primarily include railcars, marine vessels, real estate
and mobile equipment.

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

98 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

NOTE 13 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT CONTINUED

Useful life range (years)

4 – 85

1 – 65

1 – 80

1 –60

n/a

Land and
Improvements

Buildings and
Improvements

Machinery
and
Equipment

Mine
Development
Costs

Assets Under
Construction

Total

Carrying amount – December 31, 2020
Acquisitions (Note 25)
Additions
Additions – ROU assets
Disposals
Transfers
Foreign currency translation and other
Depreciation
Depreciation – ROU assets
Impairment

Carrying amount – December 31, 2021

Balance – December 31, 2021 comprised of:

Cost
Accumulated depreciation and

impairments

Carrying amount – December 31, 2021

Balance – December 31, 2021 comprised of:
Owned property, plant and equipment
ROU assets

Carrying amount – December 31, 2021

Carrying amount – December 31, 2019
Acquisitions (Note 25)
Additions
Additions – ROU assets
Disposals
Transfers
Foreign currency translation and other
Depreciation
Depreciation – ROU assets
Impairment

Carrying amount – December 31, 2020

Balance – December 31, 2020 comprised of:

Cost
Accumulated depreciation and

impairments

Carrying amount – December 31, 2020

Balance – December 31, 2020 comprised of:
Owned property, plant and equipment
ROU assets

Carrying amount – December 31, 2020

1,090
2
7
–
(29)
38
2
(35)
(2)
–

1,073

6,305
3
18
140
(21)
142
(34)
(191)
(57)
–

10,336
5
97
238
(35)
874
(41)
(991)
(248)
(14)

6,305

10,221

723
–
–
–
–
145
55
(70)
–
–

853

1,206 19,660
10
1,768
378
(86)
–
(101)
(1,287)
(307)
(19)

–
1,646
–
(1)
(1,199)
(83)
–
–
(5)

1,564 20,016

1,547

8,584

20,627

2,496

1,564 34,818

(474)

1,073

1,044
29

1,073

1,160
8
25
–
(5)
46
(15)
(39)
(2)
(88)

1,090

(2,279)

(10,406)

(1,643)

– (14,802)

6,305

10,221

5,930
375

6,305

6,409
27
91
24
(9)
58
–
(198)
(55)
(42)

6,305

9,517
704

10,221

10,641
42
224
299
(34)
923
30
(1,060)
(222)
(507)

10,336

853

853
–

853

747
–
1
–
–
164
30
(82)
–
(137)

723

1,564 20,016

1,564 18,908
1,108

–

1,564 20,016

1,378 20,335
77
1,418
323
(48)
–
35
(1,379)
(279)
(822)

–
1,077
–
–
(1,191)
(10)
–
–
(48)

1,206 19,660

1,530

8,377

19,730

2,279

1,206 33,122

(440)

1,090

1,061
29

1,090

(2,072)

(9,394)

(1,556)

– (13,462)

6,305

10,336

5,986
319

6,305

9,665
671

10,336

723

723
–

723

1,206 19,660

1,206 18,641
1,019

–

1,206 19,660

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 99

NOTE 13 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT CONTINUED

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment was included in the following:

2021

133
1,052
416
36

1,637

112

2020

138
1,111
393
56

1,698

132

Aurora

White Springs

Phosphate

Freight, transportation and distribution
Cost of goods sold
Selling expenses
General and administrative expenses

Depreciation recorded in earnings

Depreciation recorded in inventory

Impairment

In 2020, we recorded the following impairments:

Cash-generating units (“CGUs”)

Segment
Impairment indicator
Pre-tax impairment loss ($)
Pre-tax recoverable amount ($)
Post-tax recoverable amount ($)
Valuation technique

Key assumptions

Lower long-term forecasted global phosphate prices
215
160
n/a

545
n/a
995
Fair value less costs of disposal
(“FVLCD”) a Level 3 measurement

Value in use (“VIU”)

2029
16.0
12.0

End of mine life (proven and probable reserves) (year)
Pre-tax discount rate (%)
Post-tax discount rate (%)

2050
n/a
10.5

For our Aurora CGU, the recoverable amount was based on after-tax discounted cash flows (using a five-year projection and a
terminal year thereafter to the expected mine life), which incorporated assumptions an independent market participant would apply.
For our White Springs CGU, the recoverable amount was based on pre-tax discounted cash flows until the end of the mine life. There
were no reversals of impairment in 2021.

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

100 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

NOTE 14 GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Customer

Goodwill

Relationships 2 Technology

Trade
Names

Other

Total

Other Intangibles

Useful life range (years)

n/a

5 – 15

2 – 24

1 – 20 3

1 – 30

Carrying amount – December 31, 2020
Acquisitions (Note 25)
Additions – internally developed
Foreign currency translation and other
Disposals
Cloud computing transition adjustment (Note 6)
Amortization 1

Carrying amount – December 31, 2021

Balance – December 31, 2021 comprised of:

Cost
Accumulated amortization and impairment

Carrying amount – December 31, 2021

Carrying amount – December 31, 2019
Acquisitions (Note 25)
Additions – internally developed
Foreign currency translation and other
Disposals
Amortization 1

Carrying amount – December 31, 2020

Balance – December 31, 2020 comprised of:

Cost
Accumulated amortization and impairment

Carrying amount – December 31, 2020

12,198
77
–
(49)
(6)
–
–

12,220

12,227
(7)

12,220

11,986
167
–
45
–
–

12,198

12,205
(7)

12,198

1,515
16
–
(15)
–
–
(166)

1,350

1,961
(611)

1,350

1,584
74
–
22
–
(165)

1,515

1,971
(456)

1,515

437
–
118
143
–
(34)
(69)

595

808
(213)

595

351
2
106
20
(3)
(39)

437

544
(107)

437

75
–
19
(3)
–
–
(11)

80

127
(47)

80

62
8
–
14
–
(9)

75

111
(36)

75

361
–
9
13
–
–
(68)

315

2,388
16
146
138
–
(34)
(314)

2,340

619
(304)

3,515
(1,175)

315

2,340

431
6
16
(22)
–
(70)

361

2,428
90
122
34
(3)
(283)

2,388

597
(236)

3,223
(835)

361

2,388

1 Amortization of $260 was included in selling expenses during the year ended December 31, 2021 (2020 – $254).
2 The average remaining amortization period of customer relationships as at December 31, 2021, was approximately 5 years.
3 Certain trade names have indefinite useful lives as there are no regulatory, legal, contractual, cooperative, economic or other factors that limit their

useful lives.

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 101

NOTE 14 GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS CONTINUED

Goodwill Impairment Testing

We performed our annual impairment test on goodwill and did not identify any impairment; however, the recoverable amount for
Retail – North America did not substantially exceed its carrying amount. In testing for impairment of goodwill, we calculate the
recoverable amount for a CGU or groups of CGUs containing goodwill. We used the FVLCD methodology based on after-tax
discounted cash flows (five-year projections and a terminal year thereafter) and incorporated assumptions an independent market
participant would apply including considerations related to climate-change initiatives. We adjusted discount rates for each CGU or
group of CGUs for the risk associated with achieving our forecasts (five-year projections) and for the country risk premium in which
we expect to generate cash flows. FVLCD is a Level 3 measurement. We use our market capitalization and comparative market
multiples to corroborate discounted cash flow results.

The key assumptions with the greatest influence on the calculation of the recoverable amounts are the discount rates, terminal
growth rates and cash flow forecasts. The key forecast assumptions were based on historical data and estimates of future results
from internal sources as well as industry and market trends.

Retail – North America
Retail – International 1
Potash
Nitrogen

Terminal Growth Rate (%)

Discount Rate (%)

2021

2.5
2.0 – 6.2
2.5
2.0

2020

2021

2020

2.5
2.0
2.5
2.0

7.4
8.0 – 15.5
7.7
7.8

7.5
7.8 – 16.0
8.0
8.0

1 The discount rates reflect the country risk premium and size for our international groups of CGUs.

The Retail – North America group of CGUs recoverable amount exceeds its carrying amount by $1.5 billion, which is 12 percent of
the carrying amount. Goodwill is more susceptible to impairment risk if business operating results or economic conditions
deteriorate and we do not meet our forecasts. A reduction in the terminal growth rate, an increase in the discount rate or a decrease
in forecasted EBITDA could cause impairment in the future. The following table indicates the percentage by which key assumptions
would need to change individually for the estimated recoverable amount to be equal to the carrying amount:

Key Assumptions

Change Required for
Carrying Amount to Equal
Recoverable Amount

Value Used in
Impairment Model

Terminal growth rate (%)
Forecasted EBITDA over forecast period (in billions of US dollars)
Discount rate (%)

0.8 percentage point decrease
9.8 percent decrease
0.6 percentage point increase

2.5
6.8
7.4

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

102 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

NOTE 15

INVESTMENTS

Name

Principal Activity

Principal Place
of Business and
Incorporation

Proportion of Ownership Interest
and Voting Rights Held (%)

Carrying Amount

2021

2020

2021

2020

Equity-accounted

investees

Profertil
Canpotex
Other associates

and joint ventures

Total equity-accounted

investees

Investments at FVTOCI
Sinofert

Other

Total investments

at FVTOCI

Total investments

Nitrogen Producer
Marketing and Logistics

Argentina
Canada

50
50

50
50

Fertilizer Supplier

and Distributor China/Bermuda

22

22

277
–

182

459

234
10

244

703

233
–

176

409

153
–

153

562

We continuously assess our ability to exercise significant influence or joint control over our investments. Our 22 percent ownership
in Sinofert does not constitute significant influence as we do not have any representation on the board of directors of Sinofert. We
elected to account for our investment in Sinofert as FVTOCI as it is held for strategic purposes.

Future conditions related to Profertil may be affected by political, economic and social instability. We are exposed to foreign
exchange risk related to fluctuations in the Argentine peso against the US dollar. This may also restrict our ability to obtain dividends
from Profertil.

NOTE 16 OTHER ASSETS

Deferred income tax assets (Note 8)
Ammonia catalysts – net of accumulated amortization of $85 (2020 – $76)
Long-term income tax receivable (Note 8)
Accrued pension benefit assets (Note 21)
Other

2021

2020

262
88
166
170
143

829

242
89
305
109
169

914

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 103

NOTE 17

SHORT-TERM DEBT

We use our $4.5 billion commercial paper program for our short-term cash requirements. The commercial paper
program is backstopped by the $4.5 billion unsecured revolving term credit facility (“Nutrien Credit Facility”). Credit
facilities are renegotiated periodically.

Other credit facilities 1
Commercial paper 2
Other short-term debt

Rate of Interest (%)

0.8 – 13.1
0.3 – 0.4

2021

313
1,170
77

1,560

2020

159
–
–

159

1 Credit facilities are unsecured and consist of South American facilities with debt of $74 (2020 – $109) and interest rates ranging from 1.8 percent to

13.1 percent, Australian facilities with debt of $211 (2020 – $19) and interest rates ranging from 0.8 percent to 0.9 percent, and other facilities with debt of
$28 (2020 – $31) and an interest rate of 1.4 percent.

2 The amount available under the commercial paper program is limited to the availability of backup funds under the Nutrien Credit Facility and excess cash

invested in highly liquid securities

Credit facilities

Nutrien Credit Facility 1
Uncommitted revolving demand facility
Other credit facilities 2

Total Facility Limit as at
December 31, 2021

Total Facility Limit as at
December 31, 2020

4,500
500
720

4,500
500
740

1 In 2021, we extended the maturity date from April 10, 2023 to June 4, 2026, subject to extension at the request of Nutrien provided that the resulting

maturity date shall not exceed five years from the date of request.

2 Total facility limit amounts include some facilities with maturities in excess of one year.

Principal covenants and events of default under the Nutrien Credit Facility include a debt to capital ratio (refer to Note 24) and other
customary events of default and covenant provisions. Non-compliance with such covenants could result in accelerated repayment
and/or termination of the credit facility. We were in compliance with all covenants as at December 31, 2021.

In 2020, we entered into new committed revolving credit facilities totaling approximately $1,500, all with the same principal
covenants and events of default as our existing credit facilities. We closed these credit facilities after the issuance of the new notes
in 2020.

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

104 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

NOTE 18

LONG-TERM DEBT

We source our borrowings for funding purposes primarily through notes, debentures and long-term credit facilities.
We have access to the capital markets through our base shelf prospectus.

Rate of Interest (%)

Maturity

2021

2020

Notes 1

3.150
1.900
3.500
3.625
3.375
3.000
4.000
4.200
2.950
4.125
7.125
5.875
5.625
6.125
4.900
5.250
5.000
3.950
7.800
Various

October 1, 2022
May 13, 2023
June 1, 2023
March 15, 2024
March 15, 2025
April 1, 2025
December 15, 2026
April 1, 2029
May 13, 2030
March 15, 2035
May 23, 2036
December 1, 2036
December 1, 2040
January 15, 2041
June 1, 2043
January 15, 2045
April 1, 2049
May 13, 2050
February 1, 2027
Various

500
500
–
–
–
500
500
750
500
450
212
500
500
401
500
489
750
500
120
141

500
500
500
750
550
500
500
750
500
450
300
500
500
500
500
500
750
500
125
67

7,813
325
(72)

8,066
(545)

7,521

9,742
404
(85)

10,061
(14)

10,047

Debentures 1
Other credit facilities 2

Add net unamortized fair value adjustments
Less net unamortized debt issue costs

Less current maturities

1 Each series of notes and debentures is unsecured and has no sinking fund requirements prior to maturity. Each series is redeemable and has various

provisions that allow redemption prior to maturity, at our option, at specified prices.

2 Other credit facilities are unsecured and consist of South American facilities with debt of $137 (2020 – $63) and interest rates ranging from 1.9 percent to

12.2 percent and other facilities with debt of $4 (2020 – $4) and an interest rate of 3.9 percent.

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 105

NOTE 18 LONG-TERM DEBT CONTINUED

In 2021, we redeemed the entire outstanding principal amount of these notes in accordance with the optional redemption provisions
provided in the indenture governing these notes:

Rate of interest (%)

Maturity

Redeemed

Notes
Notes
Notes

Principal amount
Add net unamortized fair value adjustments
Less net unamortized debt issue costs

Carrying amount

3.500
3.625
3.375

June 1, 2023
March 15, 2024
March 15, 2025

500
750
550

1,800
5
(5)

1,800

We also completed a cash tender offer to purchase the following debentures and notes, up to a maximum aggregate purchase price
of $300:

Rate of interest (%)

Maturity

Redeemed

Debentures
Notes
Notes
Notes

Principal amount
Add net unamortized fair value adjustments

Carrying amount

7.800
7.125
6.125
5.250

February 1, 2027
May 23, 2036
January 15, 2041
January 15, 2045

5
88
99
11

203
53

256

The redemption and cash tender offers were funded by using cash on hand and proceeds from the issuance of commercial paper. The
total cash spend, including accrued interest, was $2.2 billion. As a result of the early extinguishment of debt, we recorded a loss on
extinguishment of debt of $142 (Note 7).

We are subject to certain customary covenants including limitation on liens, merger and change of control covenants, and customary
events of default. As calculated in Note 24, we were in compliance with these covenants as at December 31, 2021.

Short-Term
Debt

Long-Term
Debt

Lease
Liabilities

Balance – December 31, 2020
Cash flows (cash inflows and outflows presented on a net basis)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
Additions and other adjustments to ROU assets
Foreign currency translation and other non-cash changes

Balance – December 31, 2021

Balance – December 31, 2019
Cash flows (cash inflows and outflows presented on a net basis)
Additions and other adjustments to ROU assets
Foreign currency translation and other non-cash changes

Balance – December 31, 2020

159
1,344
–
–
57

1,560

976
(892)
–
75

159

10,061
(2,133)
142
–
(4)

8,066

9,055
1,017
–
(11)

10,061

1,140
(320)
–
408
(8)

1,220

1,073
(274)
320
21

1,140

Total

11,360
(1,109)
142
408
45

10,846

11,104
(149)
320
85

11,360

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

106 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

NOTE 19

LEASE LIABILITIES

Lease liabilities – non-current
Current portion of lease liabilities

Total

Average Rate of Interest (%)

2.9
2.5

2021

934
286

1,220

NOTE 20 PAYABLES AND ACCRUED CHARGES

Payables and accrued charges consist primarily of amounts we owe to suppliers and prepayments made by
customers planning to purchase our products for the upcoming growing season.

Trade and other payables
Customer prepayments
Dividends
Accrued compensation
Current portion of asset retirement obligations and accrued environmental costs (Note 22)
Accrued interest
Current portion of share-based compensation (Note 5)
Current portion of derivatives
Income taxes (Note 8)
Current portion of pension and other post-retirement benefits (Note 21)
Other accrued charges and others

2021

5,179
2,083
257
669
170
80
185
20
606
16
787

10,052

2020

891
249

1,140

2020

4,415
1,800
256
513
162
99
95
39
48
15
616

8,058

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 107

NOTE 21

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS

We offer the following pension and other post-retirement benefits to qualified employees: defined benefit pension
plans; defined contribution pension plans; and health, disability, dental and life insurance (referred to as other
defined benefit) plans. Substantially all our employees participate in at least one of these plans.

Description of Defined Benefit Pension Plans

Plan Type

Contributions

United States

(cid:129) non-contributory,

Canada

(cid:129) guaranteed annual pension payments for life,

(cid:129) benefits generally depend on years of service
and compensation level in the final years
leading up to age 65,

(cid:129) benefits available starting at age 55 at a

reduced rate, and

(cid:129) plans provide for maximum pensionable salary

and maximum annual benefit limits.

Supplemental Plans
in US and Canada
for Senior
Management

(cid:129) non-contributory,

(cid:129) unfunded, and

(cid:129) supplementary pension benefits.

(cid:129) made to meet or exceed minimum funding

requirements of the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974 and associated Internal
Revenue Service regulations and procedures.

(cid:129) made to meet or exceed minimum funding
requirements based on provincial statutory
requirements and associated federal
taxation rules.

(cid:129) provided for by charges to earnings sufficient to
meet the projected benefit obligations, and

(cid:129) payments to plans are made as plan payments to

retirees occur.

Our defined benefit pension plans are funded with separate funds that are legally separated from the Company and administered
through an employee benefits or management committee in each country, which is composed of our employees. The employee
benefits or management committee is required by law to act in the best interests of the plan participants and, in the US and Canada,
is responsible for the governance of the plans, including setting certain policies (e.g., investment and contribution) of the funds. The
current investment policy for each country’s plans generally does not include any asset/liability matching strategies or currency
hedging strategies. Plan assets held in trusts are governed by local regulations and practices in each country, as is the nature of the
relationship between the Company and the trustees and their composition.

Description of Other Post-Retirement Plans

We provide health care plans for certain eligible retired employees in the US, Canada and Trinidad. Eligibility for these benefits is
generally based on a combination of age and years of service at retirement. Certain terms of the plans include:

(cid:129) coordination with government-provided medical insurance in each country;

(cid:129) certain unfunded cost-sharing features such as co-insurance, deductibles and co-payments – benefits subject to change;

(cid:129) for certain plans, maximum lifetime benefits;

(cid:129) at retirement, the employee’s spouse and certain dependent children may be eligible for coverage;

(cid:129) benefits are self-insured and are administered through third-party providers; and

(cid:129) generally, retirees contribute toward annual cost of the plans.

We provide non-contributory life insurance plans for certain retired employees who meet specific age and service
eligibility requirements.

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

108 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

NOTE 21 PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS CONTINUED

Risks

The defined benefit pension and other post-retirement plans expose us to broadly similar actuarial risks. The most significant risks
include investment risk and interest rate risk as discussed below. Other risks include longevity risk and salary risk.

Investment Risk

A deficit will be created if plan assets underperform the discount rate used in the defined benefit
obligation valuation. To mitigate investment risk, we employ:

(cid:129) a total return on investment approach whereby a diversified mix of equities and fixed income

investments is used to maximize long-term return for a prudent level of risk; and

(cid:129) risk tolerance established through careful consideration of plan liabilities, plan funded status and

corporate financial condition.

Other assets such as private equity and hedge funds are not used at this time. Our policy is not to invest
in commodities, precious metals, mineral rights, bullions or collectibles. Investment risk is measured and
monitored on an ongoing basis through quarterly investment portfolio reviews, annual liability
measurements and periodic asset/liability studies.

Interest Rate Risk

A decrease in bond interest rates will increase the pension liability; however, this is generally expected
to be partially offset by an increase in the return on the plan’s debt investments.

Financial Information

Balance – beginning of year
Components of defined benefit expense recognized in earnings

Current service cost for benefits earned during the year
Interest (expense) income
Past service cost, including curtailment gains and settlements 1
Foreign exchange rate changes and other

Subtotal of components of defined benefit expense (recovery)

recognized in earnings

Remeasurements of the net defined benefit liability recognized

in OCI during the year
Actuarial gain arising from:

Changes in financial assumptions
Changes in demographic assumptions

Gain on plan assets (excluding amounts included in net interest)

Subtotal of remeasurements

Cash flows

Contributions by plan participants
Employer contributions
Benefits paid

Subtotal of cash flows

Balance – end of year 2

Balance comprised of:
Non-current assets

Other assets (Note 16)

Current liabilities

Payables and accrued charges (Note 20)

Non-current liabilities

Pension and other post-retirement benefit liabilities

2021

Plan
Assets

1,706

Obligation

(2,066)

Net

Obligation

(360)

(2,044)

2020

Plan
Assets

1,621

–
53
(132)
(1)

Net

(423)

(36)
(13)
1
(4)

(36)
(66)
133
(3)

28

(80)

(52)

(153)
12
–

(141)

(5)
–
96

91

–
–
230

230

5
26
(96)

(65)

(153)
12
230

89

–
26
–

26

(36)
(57)
(2)
(7)

(102)

6
83
3

92

(6)
–
86

80

–
48
–
(1)

47

–
–
33

33

6
25
(86)

(55)

(36)
(9)
(2)
(8)

(55)

6
83
36

125

–
25
–

25

(1,996)

1,731

(265)

(2,066)

1,706

(360)

170

(16)

(419)

109

(15)

(454)

1 During 2020, we transferred certain pension plan obligations to an insurance company.
2 Obligations arising from funded and unfunded pension plans are $1,659 and $337 (2020 – $1,690 and $376), respectively. Other post-retirement benefit

plans have no plan assets and are unfunded.

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 109

NOTE 21 PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS CONTINUED

Plan Assets

As at December 31, the fair value of plan assets of our defined benefit pension plans, by asset category, were as follows:

2021

2020

Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets

11

22
–
–
–

33

Other 1

Total

7

18

257
28
1,020
386

1,698

279
28
1,020
386

1,731

Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets

9

19
158
–
–

186

Other 1

33

483
–
977
27

Total

42

502
158
977
27

1,520

1,706

Cash and cash equivalents
Equity securities and equity funds

US 2
International
Debt securities 2, 3
Other 2

Total pension plan assets

1 Approximately 100 percent (2020 – 76 percent) of the Other plan assets are held in funds whose fair values are estimated using their net asset value per

share. For the majority of these funds, the redemption frequency is immediate. The Plan Committee manages the asset allocation based upon our current
liquidity and income needs.

2 Certain funds have been reclassified for the year ended December 31, 2020.
3 Debt securities included US securities of 71 percent (2020 – 60 percent) and International securities of 28 percent (2020 – 40 percent) and Mortgage Backed

Securities of 1 percent (2020 – nil).

We use letters of credit or surety bonds to secure certain Canadian unfunded defined benefit plan liabilities as at December 31, 2021.

We expect to contribute approximately $115 to all pension and post-retirement plans in 2022. Total contributions recognized as
expense under all defined contribution plans for 2021 was $111 (2020 – $116).

We used the following significant assumptions to determine the benefit obligations and expense for our significant plans as at
and for the year ended December 31. These assumptions are determined by management and are reviewed annually by our
independent actuaries.

Assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations 1 :

Discount rate (%)
Rate of increase in compensation levels (%)
Medical cost trend rate – assumed (%) 2
Medical cost trend rate – year reaches ultimate trend rate
Mortality assumptions (years) 3

Life expectancy at 65 for a male member currently at age 65
Life expectancy at 65 for a female member currently at age 65

Average duration of the defined benefit obligations (years) 4

Pension

Other

2021

2020

2021

2020

3.09
4.27
n/a
n/a

20.7
22.9
15.3

2.83
4.57
n/a
n/a

20.6
22.8
15.4

2.97
n/a
4.50 – 6.50
2030

2.66
n/a
4.50 – 5.80
2037

20.6
23.2
14.9

20.2
22.8
15.2

1 The current year’s expense is determined using the assumptions that existed at the end of the previous year.
2 We assumed a graded medical cost trend rate starting at 6.50 percent in 2021, moving to 4.50 percent by 2030 (2020 – starting at 5.80 percent, moving to

4.50 percent by 2037).

3 Based on actuarial advice in accordance with the latest available published tables, adjusted where appropriate to reflect future longevity improvements for

each country.

4 Weighted average length of the underlying cash flows.

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

110 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

NOTE 21 PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS CONTINUED

Of the most significant assumptions, a change in discount rates has the greatest potential impact on our pension and other post-
retirement benefit plans, with sensitivity to change as follows:

Change in Assumption

As reported

Discount rate 1.0 percentage point decrease
1.0 percentage point increase

2021

2020

Benefit
Obligations

Expense in
Earnings Before
Income Taxes

Benefit
Obligations

Expense in
Earnings Before
Income Taxes

1,996

330
(260)

55

20
(20)

2,066

360
(280)

52

10
(10)

NOTE 22

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS AND ACCRUED ENVIRONMENTAL COSTS

A provision is an estimated liability with uncertainty over the timing or amount that will be paid. The most significant
asset retirement and environmental remediation provisions relate to costs to restore potash and phosphate sites to
their original, or another specified, condition.

The pre-tax risk-free discount rate, expected cash flow payments and sensitivity to changes in the discount rate on the recorded
liability for asset retirement obligations and accrued environmental costs as at December 31, 2021, were as follows:

Asset retirement obligations

Retail
Potash
Phosphate
Corporate and other 4,5
Accrued environmental costs

Retail
Corporate and other

Total

Cash Flow

Payments (years) 1

Discounted
Cash Flows 2,3

Discount Rate

+0.5%

(75)

-0.5%

85

1 – 30
31 – 440
1 – 79
1 – 485

1 – 30
1 – 24

23
96
496
616

86
419

1,736

(5)

5

1 Time frame in which payments are expected to principally occur from December 31, 2021. Adjustments to the years can result from changes to the mine life

and/or changes in the rate of tailings volumes.

2 Risk-free discount rates used to discount cash flows reflect current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the timing and

jurisdiction of the obligation. Risk-free rates range from 1.9 percent to 5.5 percent.

3 Total undiscounted cash flows are $3.3 billion. For the Potash segment, this represents total undiscounted cash flows in the first year of decommissioning.

This excludes subsequent years of tailings dissolution, fine tails capping, tailings management area reclamation, post-reclamation activities and monitoring,
and final decommissioning, which are estimated to take an additional 126 to 409 years.

4 For nitrogen sites, we have not recorded any asset retirement obligations as no significant asset retirement obligations have been identified or there is no

reasonable basis for estimating a date or range of dates of cessation of operations. We considered the historical performance of our facilities as well as our
planned maintenance, major upgrades and replacements, which can extend the useful lives of our facilities indefinitely.

5 Includes certain potash and phosphate sites that are non-operating sites, with the majority of phosphate site payments taking place over the next 18 years.

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 111

NOTE 22 ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS AND ACCRUED ENVIRONMENTAL COSTS CONTINUED

Asset
Retirement
Obligations

Accrued
Environmental
Costs

Balance – December 31, 2020
Disposals
Additional provisions
Change in estimates
Settlements
Accretion
Foreign currency translation and other

Balance – December 31, 2021

Balance – December 31, 2021 comprised of:

Current liabilities

Payables and accrued charges (Note 20)

Non-current liabilities

Asset retirement obligations and accrued environmental costs

1,209
–
22
78
(89)
12
(1)

1,231

115

1,116

Total

1,759
(4)
23
77
(116)
(9)
6

1,736

550
(4)
1
(1)
(27)
(21)
7

505

55

170

450

1,566

We are subject to numerous environmental requirements under federal, provincial, state and local laws in the countries in which we
operate. We have gypsum stack capping, and closure and post-closure obligations through our subsidiaries, PCS Phosphate
Company, Inc. in White Springs, Florida, and PCS Nitrogen Inc. in Geismar, Louisiana, pursuant to the financial assurance regulatory
requirements in those states. The recorded provisions may not necessarily reflect our obligations under these financial assurances.

NOTE 23

SHARE CAPITAL

Authorized

We are authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares without par value and an unlimited number of preferred shares.
The common shares are not redeemable or convertible. The preferred shares may be issued in one or more series with rights and
conditions to be determined by the Board of Directors.

Issued

Balance – December 31, 2020
Issued under option plans and share-settled plans
Repurchased
Shares cancellation

Balance – December 31, 2021

Number of Common Shares

Share Capital

569,260,406
4,424,437
(15,982,154)
(210,173)

557,492,516

15,673
226
(442)
–

15,457

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

112 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

NOTE 23 SHARE CAPITAL CONTINUED

Share Repurchase Programs

Commencement
Date

Maximum
Shares for
Repurchase

Maximum
Shares for
Repurchase (%)

Number of
Shares
Repurchased

Expiry

2019 Normal Course Issuer Bid
2020 Normal Course Issuer Bid
2021 Normal Course Issuer Bid 1
2022 Normal Course Issuer Bid 2

February 27, 2019
February 27, 2020
March 1, 2021
March 1, 2022

February 26, 2020
February 26, 2021
February 28, 2022
February 28, 2023

42,164,420
28,572,458
28,468,448
55,111,100

7
5
5
10

33,256,668
710,100
15,982,154
–

1 The 2021 normal course issuer bid will expire earlier than the date above if we acquire the maximum number of common shares allowable or otherwise

decide not to make any further repurchases. As of February 15, 2022, an additional 6,204,241 common shares were repurchased for cancellation at a cost of
$445 and an average price per share of $71.70.

2 On February 16, 2022, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program, which is subject to the acceptance by the Toronto Stock Exchange. The
2022 normal course issuer bid will expire earlier than the date above if we acquire the maximum number of common shares allowable or otherwise decide
not to make any further repurchases.

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.

Summary of share repurchases

Number of common shares repurchased for cancellation
Average price per share (US dollars)
Total cost

2021

2020

15,982,154
69.17
1,105

3,832,580
41.96
160

Dividends Declared

Declared

February 17, 2021
May 17, 2021
August 9, 2021
November 1, 2021

2021

Per Share

Declared

February 19, 2020
May 6, 2020
August 10, 2020
December 10, 2020

0.46
0.46
0.46
0.46

1.84

2020

Per Share

0.45
0.45
0.45
0.45

1.80

On February 16, 2022, our Board of Directors declared an increase to our quarterly dividend to $0.48 per share payable on April 14,
2022, to shareholders of record on March 31, 2022. The total estimated dividend to be paid is $265.

Share Cancellation

During 2021, we cancelled 210,173 shares due to the expiration of the period when legacy companies’ (Potash Corporation of
Saskatchewan Inc. and Agrium Inc.) shares could be exchanged under the plan of arrangement, wherein Nutrien became the parent
company of the legacy companies.

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 113

NOTE 24 CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

Our capital allocation policy prioritizes safe and reliable operations, a healthy balance sheet, a sustainable dividend
to shareholders and a strategy to allocate remaining cash flow that maximizes shareholder value.

We include total debt, adjusted total debt, adjusted net debt and adjusted shareholders’ equity as components of our capital
structure. We monitor our capital structure and, based on changes in economic conditions, may adjust the structure by adjusting the
amount of dividends paid to shareholders, repurchasing shares, issuing new shares, issuing new debt or retiring existing debt.

We use a combination of short-term and long-term debt to finance our operations. We typically pay floating rates of interest on
short-term debt and credit facilities, and fixed rates on notes and debentures.

We monitor the following measures to evaluate our ability to service debt, make strategic investments and ensure we are in
compliance with our debt covenants:

Adjusted net debt to adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA to adjusted finance costs
Debt to capital (calculated as adjusted total debt to adjusted capital) (Limit: 0.65 : 1.00)

2021

2020

1.4
14.3
0.32 : 1.00

2.6
7.4
0.34 : 1.00

Adjusted EBITDA is calculated in Note 3, while the calculation of the remaining components included in the above ratios are set out
in the following tables:

Short-term debt
Current portion of long-term debt
Current portion of lease liabilities
Long-term debt
Lease liabilities

Total debt
Letters of credit – financial

Adjusted total debt

2021

1,560
545
286
7,521
934

10,846
114

10,960

2020

159
14
249
10,047
891

11,360
150

11,510

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

114 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

NOTE 24 CAPITAL MANAGEMENT CONTINUED

Total debt
Cash and cash equivalents
Unamortized fair value adjustments

Adjusted net debt

Total shareholders’ equity
Adjusted total debt

Adjusted capital 1

1 Restated to reflect 2021 calculation.

Finance costs
Unwinding of discount on asset retirement obligations
Borrowing costs capitalized to property, plant and equipment
Interest on net defined benefit pension and other post-retirement plan obligations
Loss on early extinguishment of debt

Adjusted finance costs

2021

10,846
(499)
(325)

10,022

2021

23,699
10,960

34,659

2021

613
9
29
(9)
(142)

500

2020

11,360
(1,454)
(404)

9,502

2020

22,403
11,510

33,913

2020

520
(33)
20
(13)
–

494

In 2020, we filed a base shelf prospectus in Canada and the US qualifying the issuance of up to $5 billion of common shares, debt
securities and other securities during a period of 25 months from March 16, 2020. In 2020, we filed a prospectus supplement to
issue $1,500 of notes.

NOTE 25

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

The Company’s business combinations include various digital agriculture, proprietary products and agricultural
services.

Acquisition date

Various

Individually Immaterial Acquisitions

Purchase price, net of cash and
cash equivalents acquired

Goodwill and expected benefits
of the acquisition

$88 (2020 – $233)

$77 (2020 – $133)

The expected benefits of the acquisitions resulting in goodwill include:

(cid:129) synergies from expected reduction in operating costs

(cid:129) wider distribution channel for selling products of acquired businesses

(cid:129) a larger assembled workforce

(cid:129) potential increase in customer base

(cid:129) enhanced ability to innovate

Description

2021 – 36 Retail locations (2020 – 43 including Tec Agro Group, a leading agriculture retailer in
Brazil)

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 115

NOTE 25 BUSINESS COMBINATIONS CONTINUED

We allocated the following values to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities based upon fair values at their respective acquisition
date. The information below represents preliminary fair values. For certain acquisitions, we finalized the purchase price with no
material change to the fair values disclosed in prior periods. Refer to Note 30 for details of our valuation technique and judgments
applied.

2021

2020

Receivables
Inventories
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Goodwill
Other intangible assets
Other non-current assets

Total assets

Short-term debt
Payables and accrued charges
Long-term debt, including current portion
Lease liabilities, including current portion
Other non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Total consideration, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired

Financial Information Related to the Acquired Operations

2021 Proforma (estimated as if acquisitions occurred at the beginning of the year)

Sales
Earnings before finance costs and income taxes

From date of acquisition

Sales
Earnings before finance costs and income taxes

43
24
–
10
77
16
4

174

11
50
7
1
17

86

88

68
63
4
73
133
47
2

390

36
108
–
2
11

157

233

160
10

2021 Actuals

2020 Actuals

80
7

190
12

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

116 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

NOTE 26

COMMITMENTS

A commitment is a legally binding and enforceable agreement to purchase goods or services in the future. The
amounts below reflect our commitments based on current expected contract prices.

As at December 31, 2021, minimum future commitments under our contractual arrangements were as follows:

Principal Portion and
Estimated Interest

Lease
Liabilities

Long-Term
Debt

Purchase
Commitments

Capital
Commitments

Other
Commitments

313
423
227
412

890
1,163
1,678
9,340

1,375

13,071

2,091
488
42
111

2,732

72
9
–
–

81

183
138
91
97

509

Total

3,549
2,221
2,038
9,960

17,768

Within 1 year
1 to 3 years
3 to 5 years
Over 5 years

Total

Purchase Commitments

We have a long-term natural gas purchase agreement in Trinidad that expires on December 31, 2023. The contract provides for
prices that vary primarily with ammonia market prices and annual escalating floor prices. The commitments included in the
foregoing table are based on floor prices and minimum purchase quantities.

Profertil has various gas contracts denominated in US dollars that expire in 2022 and 2023 and account for virtually all of Profertil’s
gas requirements. YPF S.A., our joint venture partner in Profertil, supplies approximately 70 percent of the gas under these contracts.

The Carseland facility has a power co-generation agreement, expiring on December 31, 2026, which provides 60 megawatt-hours of
power per hour. The price for the power is based on a fixed charge adjusted for inflation and a variable charge based on the cost of
natural gas provided to the facility for power generation.

Agreements for the purchase of sulfur for use in production of phosphoric acid provide for specified purchase quantities and prices
based on market rates at the time of delivery. Commitments included in the foregoing table are based on expected contract prices.

As part of the agreement to sell the Conda Phosphate operations (“CPO”), we entered into long-term strategic supply and offtake
agreements that extend to 2023. Under the terms of the supply and offtake agreements, we will supply 100 percent of the ammonia
requirements of CPO and purchase 100 percent of the monoammonium phosphate (“MAP”) product produced at CPO. The MAP
production is estimated at 330,000 tonnes per year.

Other Commitments

Other commitments consist principally of pipeline capacity, technology service contracts, managed services contracts, throughput
and various rail contracts, the latest of which expires in 2027, and mineral lease commitments, the latest of which expires in 2041.

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 117

NOTE 27 GUARANTEES

In the normal course of business, we provide indemnification agreements to counterparties in transactions such as
purchase and sale contracts, service agreements, director/officer contracts, and leasing transactions. The terms of
these indemnification agreements

(cid:129) may require us to compensate counterparties for costs incurred as a result of various events, including environmental liabilities
and changes in (or in the interpretation of) laws and regulations, or as a result of litigation claims or statutory sanctions that may
be suffered by a counterparty as a consequence of the transaction;

(cid:129) will vary based upon the contract, the nature of which prevents us from making a reasonable estimate of the maximum potential

amount that we could be required to pay to counterparties; and

(cid:129) have not historically resulted in any significant payments by Nutrien and, as at December 31, 2021, no amounts have been

accrued in the consolidated financial statements (except for accruals relating to certain underlying liabilities).

We directly guarantee our share of certain commitments of Canpotex (such as railcar leases) under certain agreements with third
parties. We would be required to perform on these guarantees in the event of default by the investee. No material loss is anticipated
by reason of such agreements and guarantees.

NOTE 28

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

We transact with a number of related parties, the most significant being with our associates and joint ventures, key
management personnel, and post-employment benefit plans.

Sale of Goods

We sell potash outside Canada and the US exclusively through Canpotex. Canpotex sells potash to buyers in export markets pursuant
to term and spot contracts at agreed upon prices. Our total 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 3. The receivable
outstanding from Canpotex is shown in Note 11 and arose from sale transactions described above. It is unsecured and bears
no interest. There are no provisions held against this receivable.

Key Management Personnel Compensation and Transactions with Post-Employment Benefit Plans

Salaries and other short-term benefits
Share-based compensation
Post-employment benefits
Termination benefits

Disclosures related to our post-employment benefit plans are shown in Note 21.

2021

2020

16
55
4
7

82

16
26
2
–

44

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

118 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

NOTE 29

CONTINGENCIES AND OTHER MATTERS

Contingent liabilities, which are not recognized in the consolidated financial statements but may be disclosed, are
possible obligations as a result of uncertain future events outside of our control or present obligations not
recognized because the amount cannot be sufficiently measured or payment is not probable.

Accounting Estimates and Judgments
The following judgments are required to determine our exposure to possible losses and gains related to environmental matters and
other various claims and lawsuits pending:

(cid:129) prediction of the outcome of uncertain events (i.e., being virtually certain, probable, remote or undeterminable);

(cid:129) determination of whether recognition or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements is required; and

(cid:129) estimation of potential financial effects.

Where no amounts are recognized, such amounts are contingent and disclosure may be appropriate. While the amount disclosed in
the consolidated financial statements may not be material, the potential for large liabilities exists and, therefore, these estimates
could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Supporting Information

Canpotex

Nutrien is a shareholder in Canpotex, which markets Canadian potash outside of Canada and the US. Should any operating losses
or other liabilities be incurred by Canpotex, the shareholders have contractually agreed to reimburse it in proportion to each
shareholder’s productive capacity. Through December 31, 2021, we are not aware of any operating losses or other liabilities.

Mining Risk

The risk of underground water inflows and other underground risks is insured on a limited basis, subject to insurance market
availability. Through December 31, 2021, we are not aware of any material losses or other liabilities that we have not accrued for.

Environmental Remediation, Legal and Other Matters

We are engaged in ongoing site assessment and/or remediation activities at a number of facilities and sites. Anticipated costs
associated with these matters are added to accrued environmental costs in the manner described in Note 22.

We have established provisions for environmental site assessment and/or remediation matters to the extent that we consider
expenses associated with those matters likely to be incurred. Except for the uncertainties described below, we do not believe that
our future obligations with respect to these matters are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated
financial statements.

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 119

NOTE 29 CONTINGENCIES AND OTHER MATTERS CONTINUED

Legal matters with significant uncertainties include the following:

(cid:129) The United States Environmental Protection Agency (“US EPA”) has an ongoing enforcement initiative directed at the phosphate
industry related to the scope of an exemption for mineral processing wastes under the US Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act (“RCRA”). This initiative affects the Conda Phosphate plant previously owned by Nu-West Industries, Inc. (“Nu-West”), a wholly
owned subsidiary of Agrium Inc., and the Nutrien phosphoric acid facilities in Aurora, North Carolina; Geismar, Louisiana; and
White Springs, Florida. All of these facilities received US EPA notices of violation (“NOVs”) that remain outstanding for alleged
violations of the RCRA and various other environmental laws. Notwithstanding the sale of the Conda Phosphate operations in
January 2018, Nu-West remains responsible for environmental liabilities attributable to its historic activities and for resolution of
the NOVs. All of the facilities have been and continue to be involved in ongoing discussions with the US EPA, the US Department of
Justice and the related state agencies to resolve these matters. Due to the nature of the allegations, we are uncertain as to how the
matters will be resolved. Based on settlements with other members of the phosphate industry, we expect that a resolution could
involve any or all of the following: 1) penalties, which we currently believe will not be material; 2) modification of certain operating
practices; 3) capital improvement projects; 4) providing financial assurance for the future closure, maintenance and monitoring
costs for the phosphogypsum stack system; and 5) addressing findings resulting from the RCRA section 3013 site investigations.

(cid:129) We operate in countries that are parties to the Paris Agreement adopted in December 2015 pursuant to the United Nations

Framework Convention on Climate Change. Each country that is a party to the Paris Agreement submitted an Intended Nationally
Determined Contribution (“INDC”) toward the control of greenhouse gas emissions. The impacts on our operations of these INDCs
and other national and local efforts to limit or tax greenhouse gas emissions cannot be determined with any certainty at this time.

In addition, various other claims and lawsuits are pending against the Company in the ordinary course of business. While it is not
possible to determine the ultimate outcome of such actions at this time, and inherent uncertainties exist in predicting such
outcomes, we believe that the ultimate resolution of such actions is not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our
consolidated financial statements.

The breadth of our operations and the global complexity of tax regulations require assessments of uncertainties and judgments in
estimating the taxes we will ultimately pay. The final taxes paid are dependent upon many factors, including negotiations with taxing
authorities in various jurisdictions, outcomes of tax litigation, and resolution of disputes arising from federal, provincial, state and
local tax audits. The resolution of these uncertainties and the associated final taxes may result in adjustments to our tax assets and
tax liabilities.

We own facilities that have been either permanently or indefinitely shut down. We expect to incur nominal annual expenditures for
site security and other maintenance costs at some of these facilities. Should the facilities be dismantled, certain other shutdown-
related costs may be incurred. Such costs are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial
statements and would be recognized and recorded in the period in which they are incurred.

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

120 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

NOTE 30

ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS

The following discusses the significant accounting policies, estimates, judgments and assumptions that we have
adopted and applied and how they affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements. Certain of
our policies involve accounting estimates and judgments because they require us to make subjective or complex
judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain and because of the likelihood that materially different
amounts could be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions.

Basis of Consolidation

These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and entities we control.

(cid:129) Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Company until the date on which control

ceases. They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases.

(cid:129) Intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated on consolidation.

Principal (wholly owned) Operating Subsidiaries

Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc.

Agrium Inc.

Agrium Canada Partnership

Agrium Potash Ltd.

Agrium U.S. Inc.

Cominco Fertilizer Partnership

Loveland Products Inc.

Nutrien Ag Solutions Argentina S.A

Nutrien Ag Solutions (Canada) Inc.

Nutrien Ag Solutions, Inc.

Nutrien Ag Solutions Limited

PCS Nitrogen Fertilizer, LP

PCS Nitrogen Ohio LP

PCS Sales (USA) Inc.

PCS Nitrogen Trinidad Limited

PCS Phosphate Company, Inc.

Phosphate Holding Company, Inc.

COVID-19

Location

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

US

US

US

Argentina

Canada

US

Australia

US

US

US

Principal Activity

Mining and/or processing of crop nutrients and
corporate functions

Manufacturer and distributor of crop nutrients and
corporate functions

Manufacturer and distributor of crop nutrients

Crop input retailer

Production of nitrogen products in the US

Production of nitrogen products in the state of Ohio

Marketing and sales of the Company’s products

Trinidad

Production of nitrogen products in Trinidad

US

US

Mining and/or processing of phosphate products

Mining and/or processing of phosphate products and
production of nitrogen products in the US

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic we have assessed our accounting estimates and other matters that require the use of
forecasted financial information. The assessment included estimates of the unknown future impacts of the pandemic using
information that is reasonably available at this time. Accounting estimates and other matters assessed include the allowance for
expected credit losses of receivables from customers, valuation of inventory, goodwill and other long-lived assets, financial assets,
tax assets, pension obligations and assets, and revenue recognition. Based on the current assessment, there was not a material
impact on these consolidated financial statements. As a result of the pandemic, we incurred directly attributable and incremental
COVID-19 related expenses in other (income) expenses (Note 6).

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 121

NOTE 30 ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS CONTINUED

Climate Change

In 2021, we announced our Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) commitment to help address our key climate-related risks
related to climate change and reduce our carbon footprint. There were also recent developments in the ESG frameworks and
regulatory initiatives and we recognize that these developments could further impact our accounting estimates and judgments
including, but not limited to, assessment of our asset useful lives, impairment of other long-lived assets, valuation of inventory, and
asset retirement obligations and accrued environmental costs. We have monitored and will continue to monitor these developments
as they affect our consolidated financial statements.

Foreign Currency Transactions

The consolidated financial statements are presented in US dollars, which we determined to be the functional currency of the
Company and the majority of our subsidiaries. In determining the functional currency of our operations, we primarily considered the
currency that determines the pricing of transactions rather than focusing on the currency in which transactions are denominated.

Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of foreign currency transactions, and from the translation at
period-end of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, are recognized and presented in the consolidated
statements of earnings within other (income) expenses, as applicable, in the period in which they arise. Non-monetary assets
measured at historical cost are translated at the average monthly exchange rate prevailing at the time of the transaction, unless the
exchange rate in effect on the date of the transaction is available and it is apparent that such rate is a more suitable measurement.

Assets and liabilities in foreign operations are translated using the period-end rate, while the income and expenses are translated
using the average monthly exchange rate. Equity of the foreign operation is translated using the historical rate at the time of the
acquisition. Exchange gains and losses resulting from translation are recognized in other comprehensive income and accumulated in
a separate reserve within equity. The cumulative amount is reclassified to profit or loss when the foreign operation is disposed of.

Revenue
We recognize revenue when we transfer control over a good or service to a customer.

Transfer of Control for Sale of Goods

Transfer of Control for Sale of Services

At the point in time when the product is
(cid:129) purchased at our Retail farm center,
(cid:129) delivered and accepted by customers at their premises, or
(cid:129) loaded for shipping.

Over time as the promised service is rendered

Judgment is used to determine whether we are acting as principal or agent by evaluating who:

(cid:129) has the primary responsibility for fulfilling the promised good;

(cid:129) bears the inventory risk including if the vendor has the right to have its product returned on demand; and

(cid:129) has discretion for establishing the price.

For transactions in which we act as an agent rather than the principal, revenue is recognized net of any commissions earned. The
related commissions are recognized as the sales occur or as unconditional contracts are signed.

We recognize profits on sales to Canpotex when there is a transfer of control, either at the time the product is loaded for shipping or
delivered, depending on the terms of the contract. Sales are recognized using a provisional price at the time control is transferred to
Canpotex, with the final pricing determined upon Canpotex’s final sale to a third party (generally between one to three months from
date of sale to Canpotex).

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

122 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

NOTE 30 ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS CONTINUED

Our sales revenue relating to our Potash, Nitrogen and Phosphate segments is generally recorded and measured based on the
“freight on board” mine, plant, warehouse or terminal price specified in the contract (except for certain vessel sales or specific
product sales that are shipped and recorded on a delivered basis), which reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in
exchange for the goods or services, net of any variable consideration (e.g., any trade discounts or estimated volume rebates). Our
customer contracts may provide certain product quality specification guarantees but do not generally provide for refunds or returns.
Sales prices are based on North American and international benchmark market prices, which are subject to global supply and
demand, and other market factors.

For our Retail segment, we do not provide general warranties; however, our customer contracts may provide certain product quality
specification guarantees. Returns and incentives are estimated based on historical and forecasted data, contractual terms, and
current conditions.

Transportation costs are generally recovered from the customer through sales pricing. Where customer contracts include volume
rebates, we estimate revenue at the earlier of when the most likely amount of consideration we expect to receive has been
determined or when it is highly probable that a significant reversal will not occur.

Due to the nature of goods and services sold, any single estimate would have only a negligible impact on revenue.

As the expected period between when control over a promised good or service is transferred and when the customer pays for that
good or service is generally less than 12 months, we apply the practical expedient as provided in IFRS 15, “Revenue from Contracts
with Customers,” and do not adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of financing.

Intersegment sales are made under terms that approximate market value.

Seasonality in our business results from increased demand for products during 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 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.

Share-Based Compensation
For awards with performance conditions that determine the number of options or units to which employees are entitled,
measurement of compensation cost is based on our best estimate of the outcome of the performance conditions. Changes to
vesting assumptions are reflected in earnings immediately for compensation cost already recognized.

For Plans Settled Through the Issuance of Equity

For Plans Settled Through Cash

(cid:129) fair value for stock options is determined on grant date using

(cid:129) a liability is recorded based on the fair value of the awards

the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model, and

each period.

(cid:129) fair value for PSUs is determined on grant date by projecting

the outcome of performance conditions.

Estimation involves determining:

(cid:129) stock option-pricing model assumptions as described in the weighted average assumptions table in Note 5;
(cid:129) forfeiture rate for options granted based on past experience and future expectations, and adjusted upon actual vesting;
(cid:129) projected outcome of performance conditions for PSUs, including the relative ranking of our total shareholder return, including

expected dividends, compared with a specified peer group using a Monte Carlo simulation option-pricing model; and

(cid:129) the number of dividend equivalent units expected to be earned.

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 123

NOTE 30 ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS CONTINUED

Income Taxes
Taxation on earnings (loss) is comprised of current and deferred income tax. Taxation is recognized in the statements of earnings
unless it relates to items recognized either in OCI or directly in shareholders’ equity.

Current Income Tax

Deferred Income Tax

(cid:129) is the expected tax payable on the taxable earnings for the year

(cid:129) is recognized using the liability method

and includes any adjustments to income tax payable or
recoverable in respect of previous years

(cid:129) is calculated using rates enacted or substantively enacted at
the dates of the consolidated balance sheets in the countries
where our subsidiaries and equity-accounted investees
operate and generate taxable earnings

(cid:129) is the best estimate expected to be paid to (or recovered from)

the taxation authorities

(cid:129) is based on temporary differences between carrying

amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective income
tax bases

(cid:129) is determined using tax rates that have been enacted or
substantively enacted by the dates of the consolidated
balance sheets and are expected to apply when the related
deferred income tax asset is realized or the deferred income
tax liability is settled

Current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset only if certain criteria are met.

The realized and unrealized excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements are recognized in contributed
surplus as current and deferred tax, respectively.

The final taxes paid, and potential adjustments to tax assets and liabilities, are dependent upon many factors including

(cid:129) negotiations with taxation authorities in various jurisdictions;

(cid:129) outcomes of tax litigation; and

(cid:129) resolution of disputes arising from federal, provincial, state and local tax audits.

Deferred income tax is not accounted for

(cid:129) with respect to investments in subsidiaries and equity-accounted investees where we are able to control the reversal of the

temporary difference and that difference is not expected to reverse in the foreseeable future; and

(cid:129) if arising from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction, other than a business combination, that at the time of

the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss.

Deferred tax assets are

(cid:129) recognized to the extent it is probable future taxable profit will be available to use deductible temporary differences and could
be reduced if projected earnings are not achieved or increased if earnings previously not projected become probable; and

(cid:129) reviewed at each balance sheet date and amended to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will

be realized.

Financial Instruments
Financial assets are measured at fair value (either through OCI or through profit or loss) or amortized cost depending on the objective
of the business model for managing the instrument or group of instruments and the contractual terms of the cash flows.

For equity investments not held for trading, we may make an irrevocable election at initial recognition to recognize changes in fair
value through OCI rather than profit or loss.

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

124 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

NOTE 30 ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS CONTINUED

Financial instruments are classified and measured as follows:

Fair Value Classification

Instrument type

Fair Value Through Profit or
Loss

FVTOCI

Cash and cash
equivalents, derivatives,
and certain equity
investments not held for
trading

Certain equity
investments not held
for trading which an
irrevocable election was
made

Amortized Cost

Receivables, short-term debt, payables
and accrued charges, long-term debt,
lease liabilities, other long-term debt
instruments

Fair value gains and losses

Profit or loss

OCI

–

Interest and dividends

Profit or loss

Profit or loss

Profit or loss: effective interest rate

Impairment of assets

–

Foreign exchange

Transaction costs

Profit or loss

Profit or loss

–

OCI

OCI

Profit or loss

Profit or loss

Included in cost of instrument

Financial instruments are recognized at trade date when we commit to purchase or sell the asset. Financial assets are derecognized
when the rights to receive cash flow from the investments have expired or we have transferred the rights to receive cash flow and all
the risks and rewards of ownership have also been substantially transferred.

Derivatives are used to lock in commodity prices, interest rates and exchange rates. For designated and qualified cash flow hedges

(cid:129) the effective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative is accumulated in OCI;

(cid:129) when the hedged forecast transaction occurs, the related gain or loss is removed from AOCI and included in the cost of inventory;

(cid:129) the hedging gain or loss included in the cost of inventory is recognized in earnings when the product containing the hedged item

is sold or becomes impaired; and

(cid:129) the ineffective portions of hedges are recorded in net earnings in the current period.

We assess whether our derivatives hedging transactions are expected to be or were highly effective, both at the hedge’s inception
and on an ongoing basis, in offsetting changes in fair values of hedged items.

Hedging Transaction

Measurement of Ineffectiveness

Potential Sources of Ineffectiveness

New York Mercantile
Exchange (“NYMEX”)
natural gas hedges

Assessed on a prospective and
retrospective basis using regression
analyses

Changes in:
(cid:129) timing of forecast transactions

(cid:129) volume delivered

Foreign exchange and
interest rate

Comparison of the cumulative changes
in fair value and the cumulative
change in the fair value of a
hypothetical derivative with
terms based on the hedged forecast
cash flows

(cid:129) our credit risk or the credit risk of a counterparty

Changes in:
(cid:129) timing or amounts of forecasted cash flows

(cid:129) embedded optionality

(cid:129) our credit risk or the credit risk of a counterparty

Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset, and the net amount is presented in the consolidated balance sheets when we

(cid:129) currently have a legally enforceable right to offset the recognized amounts; and

(cid:129) intend either to settle on a net basis, or to realize the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously.

Fair Value Measurements
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.

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 125

NOTE 30 ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS CONTINUED

Fair value measurements are categorized into different levels within a fair value hierarchy based on the degree to which the lowest
level inputs are observable and their significance:

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Unadjusted quoted prices (in active markets
accessible at the measurement date for
identical assets or liabilities)

Quoted prices (in markets that are not
active or based on inputs that are
observable for substantially the full term
of the asset or liability)

Prices or valuation techniques
that require inputs that are both
unobservable and significant to the
overall measurement

Fair value estimates

(cid:129) are at a point in time and may change in subsequent reporting periods due to market conditions or other factors;

(cid:129) can be determined using multiple methods, which can cause values (or a range of reasonable values) to differ; and

(cid:129) may require assumptions about costs/prices over time, discount and inflation rates, defaults, and other relevant variables.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
Highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less from the date of purchase are considered to be cash equivalents.

Receivables
Receivables from customers are recognized initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortized cost less allowance for
expected credit losses of receivables from customers.

Vendors may offer various incentives to purchase products for resale. Vendor rebates and prepay discounts are accounted for as a
reduction of the prices of the suppliers’ products. Rebates based on the amount of materials purchased reduce cost of goods sold as
inventory is sold. Rebates earned based on sales volumes of products are offset to cost of goods sold.

Rebates that are probable and can be reasonably estimated are accrued. Rebates that are not probable or estimable are accrued
when certain milestones are achieved.

Estimation of rebates can be complex in nature as vendor arrangements are diverse. The amount of the accrual is determined by
analyzing and reviewing historical trends to apply negotiated rates to estimated and actual purchase volumes. Estimated amounts
accrued throughout the year could also be impacted if actual purchase volumes differ from projected volumes.

Inventories
Inventories are valued monthly at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Costs are allocated to inventory using the weighted
average cost method.

Net realizable value is based on

Products and Raw Materials

(cid:129) selling price of the finished product (in ordinary course of

business) less the estimated costs of completion and estimated
costs to make the sale

Materials and Supplies

(cid:129) replacement cost

A writedown is recognized if the carrying amount exceeds net realizable value and may be reversed if the circumstances that
caused it no longer exist. Various factors impact our estimates of net realizable value, including inventory levels, forecasted prices
of key production inputs, global nutrient capacities, crop price trends, climate-change initiatives, and changes in regulations and
standards employed.

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

126 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

NOTE 30 ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS CONTINUED

Property, Plant and Equipment

Measurement

Owned
(cid:129) cost, which includes capitalized borrowing costs,

Right-of-Use (leased)
(cid:129) cost less accumulated depreciation and any

Depreciation
method

Judgment/practical
expedients

less accumulated depreciation and any
accumulated impairment losses

(cid:129) cost of major inspections and overhauls

is capitalized

(cid:129) maintenance and repair expenditures that do not
improve or extend productive life are expensed in
the period incurred

(cid:129) certain property, plant and equipment directly
related to our Potash, Nitrogen and Phosphate
segments uses units-of-production based on the
shorter of estimates of reserves or service lives

(cid:129) pre-stripping costs uses units-of-production over
the ore mined from the mineable acreage stripped

accumulated impairment losses

(cid:129) lease payments are allocated between finance

costs and a reduction of the liability, and
discounted using the interest rate implicit in the
lease, if available, or an incremental borrowing
rate, being a rate that we would have to pay to
borrow the funds required to obtain a similar
asset, adjusted for term, security, asset value and
the borrower’s economic environment
(cid:129) straight-line over the shorter of the asset’s

useful life and the lease term

(cid:129) remaining assets uses straight-line
Estimated useful lives, expected patterns of consumption, depreciation method and residual values are
reviewed at least annually.
Judgment is required in determining

(cid:129) costs, including income or expenses derived

from an asset under construction, that are eligible
for capitalization;

(cid:129) timing to cease cost capitalization, generally when
the asset is capable of operating in the manner
intended by management, but also considering
the circumstances and the industry in which the
asset is to be operated, normally predetermined
by management with reference to such factors as
productive capacity;

(cid:129) the appropriate level of componentization (for
individual components for which different
depreciation methods or rates are appropriate);

(cid:129) repairs and maintenance that qualify as major

inspections and overhauls; and

Judgment is required to determine whether a
contract or arrangement includes a lease and if it is
reasonably certain that an extension option will be
exercised. We seek to maximize operational
flexibility in managing our leasing activities by
including extension options when negotiating new
leases. Extension options are exercisable at our
option and not by the lessors. In determining if a
renewal period should be included in the lease
term, we consider all relevant factors that create an
economic incentive for us to exercise a renewal,
including

(cid:129) the location of the asset and the availability of

suitable alternatives

(cid:129) the significance of the asset to operations, and

(cid:129) our business strategy.

(cid:129) useful life over which such costs should be

depreciated, which may be impacted by changes
in our strategy, process or operations as a result of
climate-change initiatives.

Estimation is used to determine the useful lives of
ROU assets, the lease term and the appropriate
discount rate applied to the lease payments to
calculate the lease liability.

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION &ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 127

NOTE 30 ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS CONTINUED

Owned
Uncertainties are inherent in estimating reserve
quantities, particularly as they relate to assumptions
regarding future prices, the geology of our mines,
the mining methods used, and the related costs
incurred to develop and mine reserves. Changes in
these assumptions could result in material
adjustments to reserve estimates, which could result
in impairments or changes to depreciation expense
in future periods.

Other

Not applicable.

Right-of-Use (leased)
We have chosen to

(cid:129) include the use of a single discount rate for a
portfolio of leases with reasonably similar
characteristics,

(cid:129) not separate non-lease components and instead
to account for lease and non-lease components
as a single arrangement, and

(cid:129) use exemptions for short-term and low-value

leases which allow payments to be expensed as
incurred.

Lease agreements do not contain significant
covenants; however, leased assets may be used as
security for lease liabilities and other borrowings.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill is carried at cost, is not amortized, and represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the
Company’s share of the net identifiable assets of the acquired subsidiary at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is allocated to a CGU or
group of CGUs for impairment testing based on the level at which it is monitored by management, and not at a level higher than an
operating segment. The allocation is made to the CGU or group of CGUs expected to benefit from the business combination in which
the goodwill arose.

Other intangible assets are generally measured at cost less accumulated amortization and any accumulated impairment losses. We
use judgment to determine which expenditures are eligible for capitalization as intangible assets. Costs incurred internally from
researching and developing a product are expensed as incurred until technological feasibility is established, at which time the costs
are capitalized until the product is available for its intended use. Judgment is required in determining when technological feasibility
of a product is established. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. At
least annually, the useful lives are reviewed and adjusted if appropriate.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
To assess impairment, assets are grouped at the smallest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash inflows that are
largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets (this can be at the asset or CGU level).

At the end of each reporting period, we review conditions to determine whether there is any indication that an impairment exists
that could potentially impact the carrying amounts of both our long-lived assets to be held and used (including property, plant and
equipment, and investments), and our goodwill and other intangible assets. When such indicators exist, impairment testing is
performed. Regardless, goodwill is tested at least annually (in the fourth quarter).

We review, at each reporting period, for possible reversal of the impairment for non-financial assets, other than goodwill.

Estimates and judgment involves

(cid:129) identifying the appropriate asset, group of assets, CGU or groups of CGUs;

(cid:129) determining the appropriate discount rate for assessing the recoverable amount;

(cid:129) making assumptions about future sales, market conditions, terminal growth rates and cash flow forecasts over the long-term life

of the assets or CGUs; and

(cid:129) evaluating impacts of climate change to our strategy, processes and operations.

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

128 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

NOTE 30 ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS CONTINUED

We cannot predict if an event that triggers impairment or a reversal of impairment will occur, when it will occur or how it will
affect reported asset amounts. Asset impairment amounts previously recorded could be affected if different assumptions were used
or if market and other conditions change. Such changes could result in non-cash charges materially affecting our consolidated
financial statements.

Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits
Employee retirement and other defined benefit plans costs, including current and past service costs, gains or losses on curtailments
and settlements, and remeasurements, are actuarially determined on a regular basis using the projected unit credit method.

When a plan amendment occurs before a settlement, we recognize past service cost before any gain or loss on settlement.

Our discount rate assumptions are impacted by:

(cid:129) the weighted average interest rate at which each pension and other post-retirement plan liability could be effectively settled at

the measurement date;

(cid:129) country specific rates; and

(cid:129) the use of a yield curve approach based on the respective plans’ demographics, expected future pension benefits and medical

claims. Payments are measured and discounted to determine the present value of the expected future cash flows. The cash flows
are discounted using yields on high-quality AA-rated non-callable bonds with cash flows of similar timing where there is a deep
market for such bonds. Where we do not believe there is a deep market for such bonds (such as for terms in excess of 10 years in
Canada), the cash flows are discounted using a yield curve derived from yields on provincial bonds rated AA or better to which a
spread adjustment is added to reflect the additional risk of corporate bonds.

Net actuarial gains or loss incurred during the period for defined benefit plans are closed out to retained earnings at each
period-end.

Asset Retirement Obligations and Accrued Environmental Costs
Asset retirement obligations and accrued environmental costs include:

(cid:129) reclamation and restoration costs at our potash and phosphate mining operations, including management of materials generated

by mining and mineral processing, such as various mine tailings and gypsum;

(cid:129) land reclamation and revegetation programs;

(cid:129) decommissioning of underground and surface operating facilities;

(cid:129) general cleanup activities aimed at returning the areas to an environmentally acceptable condition; and

(cid:129) post-closure care and maintenance.

We consider the following factors as we estimate our provisions:

(cid:129) environmental laws and regulations and interpretations by regulatory authorities, including updates on climate change,

could change or circumstances affecting our operations could change, either of that could result in significant changes to
current plans;

(cid:129) the nature, extent and timing of current and proposed reclamation and closure techniques in view of present environmental

laws and regulations;

(cid:129) appropriate technical resources, including outside consultants, assist us in developing specific site closure and post-closure

plans in accordance with the jurisdiction requirements; and

(cid:129) timing of settlement of the obligations, which is typically correlated with mine life estimates except for certain land

reclamation programs.

It is reasonably possible that the ultimate costs could change in the future and that changes to these estimates could have a material
effect on our consolidated financial statements. We review our estimates for any changes in assumptions at the end of each
reporting period.

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 129

NOTE 30 ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS CONTINUED

We recognized contingent liabilities related to our business combinations or acquisitions, which represent additional
environmental costs that are present obligations although cash outflows of resources are not probable. These contingent liabilities
are subsequently measured at the higher of the amount initially recognized and the amount that would be recognized if the liability
becomes probable.

Restructuring Charges
Plant shutdowns, sales of business units or other corporate restructurings may trigger restructuring charges. The provision is based
on the best estimate of a detailed formal plan, which includes determining the incremental costs for employee termination, contract
termination and other exit costs.

Business Combinations
Purchase price allocation involves judgment in identifying assets acquired and liabilities assumed, and estimation of their fair
values. Key assumptions include discount rates and revenue growth rates specific to the acquired assets or liabilities assumed. We
performed a thorough review of all internal and external sources of information available on circumstances that existed at the
acquisition date. We also engaged independent valuation experts on certain acquisitions to assist in determining the fair value of
certain assets acquired and liabilities assumed and related deferred income tax impacts. To determine fair values, we generally use
the following valuation techniques:

Account

Valuation Technique and Judgments Applied

Property, plant and
equipment

Market approach for land and certain types of personal property: sales comparison that measures the
value of an asset through an analysis of sales and offerings of comparable assets.

Other intangible assets

Replacement costs for all other depreciable property, plant and equipment: measures the value of an
asset by estimating the costs to acquire or construct comparable assets and adjusts for age and
condition of the asset.

Income approach – multi-period excess earnings method: measures the value of an asset based on the
present value of the incremental after-tax cash flows attributable to the asset after deducting
contributory asset charges (“CACs”). Allocation of CACs is a matter of judgment and based on the
nature of the acquired businesses’ operations and historical trends.

We considered several factors in determining the fair value of customer relationships, such as
customers’ relationships with the acquired company and its employees, the segmentation of
customers, historical customer attrition rates, and revenue growth.

Other provisions and
contingent liabilities

Decision-tree approach of future costs and a risk premium to capture the compensation sought by risk-
averse market participants for bearing the uncertainty inherent in the cash flows of the liability.

For each business combination, we elect to measure the non-controlling interest in the acquired entity either at fair value or at the
proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. Foreign exchange hedge gains or losses which we designated a cash
flow hedge are included in the consideration. The gain or loss from the cash flow hedge is deferred in OCI and subsequently recorded
as an adjustment to goodwill when the business combination occurs.

Transaction costs are recorded in integration and restructuring related costs in other (income) expenses.

Standards, Amendments and Interpretations Effective and Applied
The IASB and IFRS Interpretations Committee (“IFRIC”) have issued certain standards and amendments or interpretations to existing
standards that were effective, and we have applied.

In 2021, we have adopted the following amended standards and interpretations with no material impact on our consolidated
financial statements:

(cid:129) IFRIC Final Agenda, Cloud computing arrangements (refer to Note 6 for further details)

(cid:129) Interest Rate Benchmark Reform – Phase 2, Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

130 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

In millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted

NOTE 30 ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS CONTINUED

Standards, Amendments and Interpretations Not Yet Effective and Not Applied
The IASB and IFRIC have issued the following standards, amendments or interpretations to existing standards that were not yet
effective and not applied as at December 31, 2021.

The following amended standards will be adopted in 2022 and are not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated
financial statements:

(cid:129) Amendments

(cid:129) IFRS 3, “Business Combinations”

(cid:129) IAS 16, “Property, Plant and Equipment”

(cid:129) IAS 37, “Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets” – onerous contracts

(cid:129) Annual improvements to IFRS 2018 – 2020

The following amended standards are being reviewed to determine the potential impact on our consolidated financial statements:

(cid:129) IAS 1, “Presentation of Financial Statements” – classification of liabilities as current or non-current

(cid:129) IAS 1, “Presentation of Financial Statements” – IFRS Practice Statement 2 – disclosure of accounting policies

(cid:129) IAS 8, “Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors” – definition of accounting estimates

(cid:129) IAS 12, “Income Taxes”

(cid:129) IFRS 17, “Insurance Contracts”

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

|

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

TERMS & DEFINITIONS

Nutrien Annual Report 2021 | 131

Terms

AECO

Argus

Bloomberg

CDP Climate

CDP Water

CRU

ESG

FTSE Russell

ISS Quality Scores

Moody’s

MSCI ESG Rating

NYMEX

NYSE

S&P/S&P Global Corporate
Sustainability Assessment

TSX

USDA

CAD

USD

AUD

Scientific Terms

Potash

Nitrogen

Phosphate

Product Measures

K2O tonne
N tonne

P2O5 tonne
Product tonne

Alberta Energy Company, Canada

Argus Media group, UK

Bloomberg Finance L.P., USA

CDP Worldwide, England

CDP Worldwide, England

CRU International limited, UK

Environmental, social and governance

FTSE International Limited, England

Institutional Shareholder Services Inc., USA

Moody’s Corporation (NYSE: MCO), USA

MSCI Inc., USA

New York Mercantile Exchange, USA

New York Stock Exchange, USA

S&P Global Inc., USA

Toronto Stock Exchange, Canada

United States Department of Agriculture, USA

Canadian dollar

United States dollar

Australian dollar

KCI

CO2e
DEF

ESN®

NH3
P2O5
UAN

AS

DAP

MAP

MGA

MST

SPA

potassium chloride, 60–63.2% K2O (solid)
carbon dioxide equivalent

diesel exhaust fluid

environmentally smart nitrogen, 44% nitrogen

ammonia (anhydrous), 82.2% N (liquid)

phosphorus pentoxide

nitrogen solutions, 28–32% N (liquid)

ammonium sulfate (solid)

diammonium phosphate, 46% P2O5 (solid)
monoammonium phosphate, 52% P2O5 (solid)
merchant grade acid, 54% P2O5 (liquid)
micronized sulfur technology, P + S

superphosphoric acid, 70% P2O5 (liquid)

Measures the potassium content of products having different chemical analyses

Measures the nitrogen content of products having different chemical analyses

Measures the phosphorus content of products having different chemical analyses

Standard measure of the weights of all types of potash, nitrogen and phosphate products

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

132 | Nutrien Annual Report 2021

Definitions

Blue/low-carbon ammonia

Brownfield

Community investment

Cumulative annual growth rate

COVID-19

Environmental incidents

Green ammonia

Greenhouse gas

Latin America

Lost-time injury frequency

Merger

Mmt

North America

Offshore

Scope 1

Scope 2

Scope 3

Total employee turnover rate

Total recordable injury frequency

Total shareholder return

Voluntary employee turnover

Ammonia produced primarily utilizing carbon capture, utilization and storage (“CCUS”)
or other low-emission production technologies to significantly reduce the carbon
intensity of resultant production.

New project expanding or developing an existing facility or operation.

Represents cash disbursements, matching of employee gifts and in-kind contributions of
equipment, goods and services and employee volunteerism (on corporate time).

Represents the rate of return that would be required for an investment to grow from
its beginning balance to its ending balance assuming the profits were reinvested at
the end of each year of the investment’s lifespan.

COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic

Number of incidents includes release quantities that exceed the US Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act limits; in potash facilities
any release that exceeds Saskatchewan release limits (based on the Saskatchewan
Environmental Code); non-compliance incidents that exceed $10,000 in costs to reach
compliance; or enforcement actions with fines exceeding $1,000.

Ammonia made of hydrogen obtained through a process that uses 100 percent renewable
and carbon-free sources such as water electrolysis with renewable power.

Gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation.

South America, Central America, Caribbean and Mexico

Total lost-time injuries for every 200,000 hours worked for all Nutrien employees,
contractors and others on site. Calculated as the total lost-time injuries multiplied by
200,000 hours worked divided by the actual number of hours worked.

The merger of equals transaction between PotashCorp and Agrium completed effective
January 1, 2018, pursuant to which PotashCorp and Agrium combined their businesses
pursuant to a statutory plan of arrangement under the Canada Business Corporations Act
and became wholly owned subsidiaries of Nutrien Ltd.

Million metric tonnes

Canada and the US

All markets except Canada and the US

Direct green house gas emissions produced in owned or controlled facilities

Green house gas emissions that result from the generation of purchased or acquired
electricity, heating, cooling and steam consumed by Nutrien

Indirect green house gas emissions not included in Scope 1 or Scope 2 emissions that
occur outside of the organization, including both upstream and downstream emissions

The number of permanent employees who left the Company due to voluntary and
involuntary terminations, including retirements and deaths, as a percentage of average
permanent employees for the year.

Total recordable injuries for every 200,000 hours worked for all Nutrien employees,
contractors and others on site. Calculated as the total recordable injuries multiplied by
200,000 hours worked divided by the actual number of hours worked.

Return on investment in Nutrien shares from the time the investment is made based on
two components: (1) growth in share price and (2) return from reinvested dividend income
on the shares.

The number of permanent employees who left the Company due to voluntary
terminations as a percentage of average permanent employees for the year. Includes
voluntary retirements and resignations.

OVERVIEW

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

| OTHER INFORMATION

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Nutrien Annual Report 2021    |    133

Russell Girling  
Chair

Christopher Burley
Director

Maura Clark  
Director

Miranda Hubbs 
Director

Raj Kushwaha 
Director

Alice Laberge 
Director

Consuelo Madere 
Director

Keith Martell 
Director

Aaron Regent 
Director

Nelson L.C. Silva 
Director

SENIOR MANAGEMENT

Ken Seitz
Interim President and 
Chief Executive Officer 

Pedro Farah
Executive Vice 
President and Chief 
Financial Officer

Noralee Bradley
Executive Vice  
President and Chief 
Legal Officer

Brent Poohkay
Executive Vice 
President and Chief 
Information Officer

Raef Sully
Executive Vice President 
and CEO of Nitrogen and 
Phosphate

Mark Thompson
Executive Vice  
President and  
Chief Strategy and 
Sustainability Officer

Michael Webb
Executive Vice 
President and Chief 
Human Resources and 
Administrative Officer

OVERVIEW MANAGEMENTʼS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS  FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS        | OTHER INFORMATION134    |    Nutrien Annual Report 2021 

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

Dividends 
Dividend amounts paid to shareholders resident in  
Canada are adjusted by the exchange rate applicable on  
the dividend record date. Dividends are normally paid in 
January, April, July and October with record dates normally  
set approximately three weeks in advance of the payment  
date. Future cash dividends will be paid out of, and are 
conditioned upon, the Company’s available earnings. 
Shareholders who wish to have their dividends deposited 
directly to their bank accounts should contact the transfer 
agent and registrar, Computershare Investor Services Inc.

Ownership 
On February 17, 2022, 
there were 906 holders of 
record of the Company’s 
common shares.

Common Share Prices
The Company’s common shares 
are traded on the Toronto Stock 
Exchange and the New York Stock 
Exchange. Nutrien is included in 
the S&P/TSX 60 and the S&P/TSX 
Composite indices. 

It also has corporate offices at: 

 13131 Lake Fraser Drive SE 
Calgary, Alberta  
Canada  T2J 7E8 

5296 Harvest Lake Drive 
Loveland, Colorado 
US  80538

Offices
Nutrien’s registered head office is: 

Suite 1700, 211 19th Street East 
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan 
Canada  S7K 5R6

Investor Relations

Investor Relations Department

Email 

investors@nutrien.com

Phone 

(403) 225-7451

NYSE Corporate Governance
The certifications required by Section 302 of the  
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are filed as exhibits to  
our 2021 Annual Report on Form 40-F. 

Transfer Agent 
You can contact Computershare Investor Services Inc.,  
the Company’s transfer agent, as follows: 

Phone 

 1-800-564-6253 
 (toll-free within Canada and the US) 
1-514-982-7555  
(from any country other than Canada and the US)

By Fax 

1-888-453-0330 
(all countries)

By Mail 

  Computershare 
100 University Ave, 
8th Floor, North Tower 
Toronto, ON  M5J 2Y1

Internet 

  Access your registered account on the Investor 
Centre website: 
www.investorcentre.com

OVERVIEW MANAGEMENTʼS DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS   FOUR-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS        | OTHER INFORMATION 
Nutrien Annual Report 2021    |    135

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