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6-K 1 d485485d6k.htm 6-K 6-K

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form 6-K

 

 

Report of Foreign Issuer

Pursuant to Section 13a-16 or 15d-16 of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the month of: May, 2023

Commission File Number: 001-38336

 

 

NUTRIEN LTD.

(Name of registrant)

 

 

 

Suite 1700, 211 19th Street East

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
S7K 5R6

(Address of principal executive office)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:

Form 20-F  ☐            Form 40-F  ☒

Exhibits 99.2 and 99.3 to this report on Form 6-K shall be incorporated by reference into the registrant’s Registration Statements on Form S-8 (File Nos. 333-222384, 333-222385 and 333-226295) and on Form F-10 (File No. 333-263275) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

 

 


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

    NUTRIEN LTD.
Date: May 10, 2023     By:  

/s/ Robert A. Kirkpatrick

    Name:   Robert A. Kirkpatrick
    Title:   Senior Vice President, General Counsel Securities & Corporate Secretary


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

  

Description of Exhibit

99.1    News Release dated May 10, 2023
99.2    Management’s Discussion and Analysis
99.3    Interim Financial Statements and Notes
EX-99.1 2 d485485dex991.htm EX-99.1 EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO    News Release

 

NYSE, TSX: NTR

 

May 10, 2023 – all amounts are in US dollars except as otherwise noted

Nutrien Reports First Quarter 2023 Results

Delivered second highest net earnings of any first quarter on record, advanced strategic initiatives and returned $1.1 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. Full-year guidance reflects expectation for fertilizer benchmark prices to stabilize near mid-cycle values.

SASKATOON, Saskatchewan - Nutrien Ltd. (TSX and NYSE: NTR) announced today its first quarter 2023 results, with net earnings of $0.6 billion ($1.14 diluted net earnings per share). First quarter 2023 adjusted net earnings per share1 was $1.11 and adjusted EBITDA1 was $1.4 billion.

“Nutrien delivered adjusted EBITDA of $1.4 billion in the first quarter and continued to demonstrate the advantages of our flexible, low-cost production assets and global distribution network. We invested in initiatives to sustain and grow our asset base and returned $1.1 billion to shareholders during the quarter,” commented Ken Seitz, Nutrien’s President and CEO.

“Crop input demand has strengthened as the spring planting season progresses in the northern hemisphere and higher cost inventory is moving through the channel. We are encouraged by the continued stabilization of fertilizer markets following a year of unprecedented volatility and anticipate increased demand in the second half of 2023 due to strong agriculture fundamentals, improved grower affordability and lower inventory levels. With fertilizer prices near mid-cycle levels, we expect to generate strong operating cash flows in 2023 and to maintain a balanced and disciplined approach to capital allocation,” added Mr. Seitz.

Highlights2:

 

 

Nutrien Ag Solutions (“Retail”) adjusted EBITDA declined to $(34) million in the first quarter of 2023 primarily due to lower sales and gross margins for crop nutrients and crop protection products compared to the record levels achieved in 2022. Crop nutrient margins were below normalized levels in the first quarter as prices declined and we worked through higher cost inventory.

 

 

Potash adjusted EBITDA declined to $676 million in the first quarter of 2023 due to lower net realized selling prices and lower sales volumes. North American sales volumes were impacted by just-in-time buying. Lower offshore demand from customers in Asia was largely offset by record first quarter Canpotex sales volumes to Brazil.

 

 

Nitrogen adjusted EBITDA declined to $676 million in the first quarter of 2023 due to lower net realized selling prices for all major nitrogen products. This was partially offset by lower natural gas costs and increased operating rates at our North American nitrogen plants.

 

 

Nutrien repurchased 11.8 million shares year-to-date as of March 31, 2023, under its normal course issuer bid programs, for approximately $900 million. The Company’s total shares outstanding declined to 496 million as at the end of the first quarter of 2023, representing a 10 percent reduction compared to the same period in 2022.

 

 

Nutrien full year 2023 adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net earnings per share guidance1 was revised to $6.5 to $8.0 billion and $5.50 to $7.50 per share, respectively.

 

1.

These (and any related guidance, if applicable) are non-IFRS financial measures. See the “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” section for further information.

2.

Our discussion of highlights set out on this page is a comparison of the results for the three months ended March 31, 2023 to the results for the three months ended March 31, 2022, unless otherwise noted.

 

1


Management’s Discussion and Analysis

The following management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) is the responsibility of management and is dated as of May 10, 2023. The Board of Directors (“Board”) of Nutrien carries out its responsibility for review of this disclosure principally through its Audit Committee, composed entirely of independent directors. The Audit Committee reviews and, prior to its publication, approves this disclosure pursuant to the authority delegated to it by the Board. The term “Nutrien” refers to Nutrien Ltd. and the terms “we”, “us”, “our”, “Nutrien” and “the Company” refer to Nutrien and, as applicable, Nutrien and its direct and indirect subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. Additional information relating to Nutrien (which, except as otherwise noted, is not incorporated by reference herein), including our annual report dated February 16, 2023 (“2022 Annual Report”), which includes our annual audited consolidated financial statements and MD&A, and our annual information form dated February 16, 2023, each for the year ended December 31, 2022, can be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. No update is provided to the disclosure in our 2022 annual MD&A except for material information since the date of our annual MD&A. The Company is a foreign private issuer under the rules and regulations of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

This MD&A is based on and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements as at and for the three months ended March 31, 2023 (“interim financial statements”) based on International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard (“IAS”) 34 “Interim Financial Reporting”, unless otherwise noted. This MD&A contains certain non-IFRS financial measures and ratios and forward-looking statements, which are described in the “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” and the “Forward-Looking Statements” sections, respectively.

Market Outlook and Guidance

Agriculture and Retail

 

 

Geopolitical and weather-related challenges continue to impact global agriculture commodity markets, including significant production and export reductions from Ukraine and severe drought conditions in Argentina. The global grain stocks-to-use ratio is projected to end the current growing season at the lowest level in over 25 years. Corn, soybeans and wheat prices have softened recently due to seasonal pressure resulting from the expectation of higher Brazilian and US crop production. However, new crop futures are still approximately 15 percent above the 10-year average and grower margins remain healthy, providing incentive to invest in their crop and boost production.

 

 

We expect an 8 million acre increase in US major crop planted area in 2023, including an additional 3 million acres of corn, which is supportive of crop input demand. Planting activity is progressing well in North America and fertilizer application rates have been in line with historical average levels and well above rates in the spring of 2022. The combination of strong demand and logistical challenges has tightened North American fertilizer supply.

 

 

South American crop production has been mixed as record Brazilian soybean production and strong prospects for the safrinha corn crop are balanced against the impacts of severe drought in Argentina. We expect increased application rates for the 2023 summer crop planting season due to improved affordability ratios compared to the previous year. Australian winter crop planting is progressing well, with no major shifts in acreage expected from record 2022 levels.

Crop Nutrient Markets    

 

 

Potash demand has strengthened in North America as the spring application season has progressed, while engagement in offshore markets has been more variable. We anticipate increased global potash demand in the second half of 2023 as a result of lower expected inventories and improved grower affordability compared to 2022.

 

 

Potash shipments from Belarus are projected to be above our previous expectation for 2023, partially offset by lower expected exports from Russia. We now project Belarusian shipments will be down 25 to 40 percent this year and Russian shipments down 25 to 35 percent compared to 2021. We have maintained our global potash shipment forecast between 63 and 67 million tonnes in 2023.

 

 

North American nitrogen supply has tightened during the spring season due to strong demand and lower net imports. Global nitrogen trade has been impacted by weaker industrial demand in Asia and Europe, and lower Indian urea imports. We expect ammonia markets will strengthen as demand increases and supply remains challenged with approximately 40 percent of European capacity currently curtailed and Russian ammonia exports are constrained.

 

2


 

North American dry phosphate prices firmed during the spring season driven by tight supplies and strong demand, while international prices have remained relatively stable, supported by demand in Brazil and India. Lower ammonia and sulfur prices have been supportive of margins. We expect Chinese phosphate exports to increase moderately year-over-year due to expected loosening of government restrictions.

Financial Guidance

 

 

Based on market factors detailed above, we are revising full-year 2023 adjusted EBITDA guidance2 to $6.5 to $8.0 billion and full year 2023 adjusted net earnings guidance2 to $5.50 to $7.50 per share. We now project cash from operations of $5.0 to $5.8 billion, which is expected to be relatively stable due to an anticipated release in working capital.

 

 

Retail adjusted EBITDA guidance was lowered primarily due to the expectation of below normal crop nutrient gross margins in the first half of 2023 as we work through higher cost inventory.

 

 

Potash adjusted EBITDA guidance decreased due to lower forecasted benchmark fertilizer prices and sales tonnes. Potash sales tonnes guidance of 13.5 to 14.3 million tonnes assumes increased demand year-over-year in our key markets of North America and Brazil, partially offset by lower shipments to China due to delayed contract negotiations with Canpotex.

 

 

Nitrogen adjusted EBITDA guidance decreased due to lower forecasted benchmark fertilizer prices, partially offset by the expectation for lower North American natural gas prices.

All guidance numbers, including those noted above are outlined in the table below. Refer to page 56 of Nutrien’s 2022 Annual Report for related assumptions and sensitivities, except as set forth below.

 

                                                                           
    Guidance Ranges 1 as of  
    May 10, 2023     Feb 15, 2023  
  (billions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)   Low        High        Low     High  

  Adjusted net earnings per share (in US dollars) 2,3

    5.50       7.50       8.45       10.65  

  Adjusted EBITDA 2

    6.5       8.0       8.4       10.0  

  Retail adjusted EBITDA

    1.60       1.75       1.85       2.05  

  Potash adjusted EBITDA

    2.65       3.35       3.7       4.5  

  Nitrogen adjusted EBITDA

    1.95       2.55       2.5       3.2  

  Phosphate adjusted EBITDA (in millions of US dollars)

    550       700       550       750  

  Potash sales tonnes (millions) 4

    13.5       14.3       13.8       14.6  

  Nitrogen sales tonnes (millions) 4

    10.8       11.4       10.8       11.4  

  Depreciation and amortization

    2.1       2.2       2.1       2.2  

  Effective tax rate on adjusted earnings (%)

    23.5       24.0       23.5       24.5  

  1  See the “Forward-Looking Statements” section.

  2  These are non-IFRS financial measures. See the “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” section.

  3  Assumes 499 million shares outstanding for May 10, 2023 adjusted net EPS guidance.

  4  Manufactured product only. Nitrogen sales tonnes includes ESN® products.

 

3


Consolidated Results

 

        Three Months Ended March 31      

(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)

                  2023                  2022          % Change  

Sales

    6,107       7,657       (20

Freight, transportation and distribution

    199       203       (2

Cost of goods sold

    3,995       4,197       (5

Gross margin

    1,913       3,257       (41

Expenses

    974       1,258       (23

Net earnings

    576       1,385       (58

Adjusted EBITDA 1

    1,421       2,615       (46

Diluted net earnings per share

    1.14       2.49       (54

Adjusted net earnings per share 1

    1.11       2.70       (59

Cash used in operating activities                            

    (858     (62     n/m  

Cash used in investing activities

    (694     (457     52  

Cash used for dividends and share repurchases 2

    (1,143     (899     27  

 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.

Net earnings and adjusted EBITDA decreased in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, due to lower net realized selling prices in all segments and lower sales volumes in Retail, Potash and Phosphate. This was partially offset by decreased cost of goods sold from lower natural gas costs and increased operating rates at our North American nitrogen plants. The increase in cash used in operating activities was primarily due to lower earnings across all segments. The increase in cash used in investing activities reflects higher capital expenditures to sustain and grow our asset base and incremental cash used for Retail business acquisitions. Cash used for dividends and share repurchases increased in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 due to higher share repurchases under our normal course issuer bid programs.

Segment Results

Our discussion of segment results set out on the following pages is a comparison of the results for the three months ended March 31, 2023 to the results for the three months ended March 31, 2022, unless otherwise noted.

 

4


 Nutrien Ag Solutions (“Retail”)

 

    Three Months Ended March 31  
 (millions of US dollars, except   Dollars           Gross Margin           Gross Margin (%)  
     as otherwise noted)           2023     2022     % Change                   2023     2022     % Change           2023     2022  

 Sales

                   

Crop nutrients

    1,335       1,587       (16       141       292       (52       11       18  

Crop protection products

    1,154       1,387       (17       208       282       (26       18       20  

Seed

    507       458       11         72       66       9         14       14  

Merchandise

    246       234       5         44       41       7         18       18  

Nutrien Financial

    57       49       16         57       49       16         100       100  

Services and other

    148       175       (15       118       144       (18       80       82  

Nutrien Financial elimination 1

    (25     (29     (14       (25     (29     (14       100       100  
    3,422       3,861       (11       615       845       (27       18       22  

 Cost of goods sold

    2,807       3,016       (7              

 Gross margin

    615       845       (27              

 Expenses ²

    830       755       10                

 (Loss) earnings before finance
costs and taxes (“EBIT”)

    (215     90       n/m                

 Depreciation and amortization

    181       169       7                

 EBITDA

    (34     259       n/m                

 Adjustments 3

    -       (19     (100              

 Adjusted EBITDA

    (34     240       n/m                                                          

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

   

 2  Includes selling expenses of $765 million (2022 – $722 million).

   

 3  See Note 2 to the interim financial statements.

   

 

 

Retail adjusted EBITDA declined primarily due to lower sales and gross margins for crop nutrients and crop protection products compared to the record levels achieved in 2022. Expenses increased primarily due to higher selling expenses resulting from acquisitions completed in 2022 and general inflation. We achieved growth in our high-value proprietary products portfolio in both crop nutritionals and seed. We completed eight acquisitions and focused on the integration of acquisitions completed in 2022.

 

 

Crop nutrients sales decreased primarily due to lower selling prices compared to the exceptionally strong comparable period in 2022. Gross margin per tonne decreased in all regions due to lower selling prices and higher cost inventory, partially offset by growth in proprietary nutritional products. Sales volumes decreased due to delayed grower purchases compared to the prior year and import restrictions in Argentina.

 

 

Crop protection products sales and gross margin decreased, particularly in North America, attributable to a historically strong comparable period in 2022. Lower prices for certain herbicide products also led to reduced margins.

 

 

Seed sales and gross margin increased due to strong corn sales in the southern US and higher proprietary seed margins. Australia experienced higher canola sales due to earlier supply availability.

 

5


 Potash

 

    Three Months Ended March 31  
  (millions of US dollars, except       Dollars           Tonnes (thousands)           Average per Tonne  
     as otherwise noted)         2023           2022      % Change                 2023         2022      % Change                 2023           2022      % Change  

Manufactured product

                        

Net sales

                        

North America

    343       833        (59     854     1,218        (30       401       684        (41

Offshore

    659       1,017        (35     1,782     1,825        (2       370       557        (34
    1,002       1,850        (46     2,636     3,043        (13       380       608        (38

Cost of goods sold

    305       305        -                  115       100        15  

Gross margin – total

    697       1,545        (55           265       508        (48

Expenses ¹

    118       251        (53     Depreciation and amortization

 

            37       37        -  

EBIT

    579       1,294        (55     Gross margin excluding depreciation

 

        

Depreciation and amortization

    97       112        (13    

and amortization – manufactured 2

 

            302       545        (45

EBITDA/ Adjusted EBITDA

    676       1,406        (52     Potash controllable cash cost of

 

        
                                    

product manufactured 2

 

            62       50        24  

 1  Includes provincial mining taxes of $119 million (2022 – $249 million).

 2  These are non-IFRS financial measures. See the “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” section.

 

 

Potash adjusted EBITDA declined due to lower net realized selling prices and lower sales volumes. We adjusted operating rates across our six-mine network in response to lower near-term demand and brought forward maintenance activities, preserving flexibility to increase production as demand increases.

 

 

Sales volumes decreased in North America primarily due to just-in-time buying. Lower offshore demand from customers in Asia was largely offset by record first quarter Canpotex sales volumes to Brazil.

 

 

Net realized selling price decreased due to a decline in benchmark prices compared to the historically strong period in 2022.

 

 

Cost of goods sold per tonne increased primarily due to lower production volumes and a pull forward of maintenance activities.

Canpotex Sales by Market

 

        Three Months Ended March 31  

(percentage of sales volumes, except as otherwise noted)

              2023                 2022             Change  

Other Asian markets 1

    38       45       (7

Latin America

    35       32       3  

Other markets

    13       9       4  

China

    12       13       (1

India

    2       1       1  
      100       100          

 1  All Asian markets except China and India.

 

6


 Nitrogen

 

    Three Months Ended March 31  
  (millions of US dollars, except   Dollars           Tonnes (thousands)           Average per Tonne   
     as otherwise noted)         2023           2022     % Change                 2023         2022      % Change                 2023           2022      % Change  

Manufactured product

                       

Net sales

                       

Ammonia

    385       560       (31     534     595        (10       721       940        (23

Urea and ESN® 1

    461       515       (10     747     651        15         617       792        (22

Solutions, nitrates and sulfates

    333       439       (24     1,076     1,079        -         310       407        (24
    1,179       1,514       (22     2,357     2,325        1         500       651        (23

Cost of goods sold 1

    648       672       (4                275       290        (5

Gross margin – manufactured

    531       842       (37           225       361        (38

Gross margin – other 1,2

    10       18       (44     Depreciation and amortization 1

 

            57       53        7  

Gross margin – total

    541       860       (37     Gross margin excluding depreciation

 

        

(Income) expenses ³

    (1     (12     (92    

and amortization – manufactured 4

 

            282       414        (32

EBIT

    542       872       (38     Ammonia controllable cash cost of

 

        

Depreciation and amortization

    134       123       9      

product manufactured 4

 

            63       56        13  

EBITDA/ Adjusted EBITDA

    676       995       (32                                               

 1  Certain immaterial 2022 figures have been reclassified.

 2  Includes other nitrogen and purchased products and comprises net sales of $133 million (2022 – $227 million) less cost of goods sold of $123 million (2022 – $209 million).

 3  Includes earnings from equity-accounted investees of $30 million (2022 – $37 million).

 4  These are non-IFRS financial measures. See the “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” section.

 

 

Nitrogen adjusted EBITDA declined due to lower net realized selling prices for all major nitrogen products. During the quarter our ammonia utilization rate increased to 95 percent1, due in part to the continued focus on reliability initiatives and investments in our assets. We progressed our inflight brownfield expansions and advanced front-end engineering work on our proposed Geismar clean ammonia plant.

 

 

Sales volumes were slightly higher as we benefited from increased production of urea and ESN® at our Canadian nitrogen facilities, which offset lower ammonia production in Trinidad caused by natural gas curtailments.

 

 

Net realized selling price was lower for all major nitrogen products due to weaker benchmark prices resulting from lower energy prices in key nitrogen producing regions and a temporary reduction in demand.

 

 

Cost of goods sold per tonne decreased primarily due to lower natural gas costs. Ammonia controllable cash cost of product manufactured increased mainly due to higher inputs costs, including materials and electricity.

Natural Gas Prices in Cost of Production

 

    Three Months Ended March 31  

(US dollars per MMBtu, except as otherwise noted)

              2023                 2022             % Change  

Overall gas cost excluding realized derivative impact

    4.85       6.86       (29

Realized derivative impact

    -           (0.01     (100

Overall gas cost

    4.85       6.85       (29

Average NYMEX

    3.42       4.95       (31

Average AECO

    3.21       3.61       (11

 

 

Natural gas prices in our cost of production decreased in the first quarter as a result of lower North American gas index prices and decreased gas costs in Trinidad, where our gas prices are linked to ammonia benchmark prices.

 

 

1.

Excludes Trinidad and Joffre.

 

7


 Phosphate

 

    Three Months Ended March 31  
  (millions of US dollars, except   Dollars           Tonnes (thousands)           Average per Tonne   
     as otherwise noted)         2023           2022      % Change                 2023         2022      % Change                 2023           2022      % Change  

Manufactured product

                        

Net sales

                        

Fertilizer

    264       393        (33     388     460        (16       682       854        (20

Industrial and feed

    182       170        7       160     191        (16       1,136       891        27  
    446       563        (21     548     651        (16       814       865        (6

Cost of goods sold

    357       360        (1                651       552        18  

Gross margin - manufactured

    89       203        (56           163       313        (48

Gross margin – other 1

    (2     4        n/m       Depreciation and amortization

 

            122       63        94  

Gross margin – total

    87       207        (58     Gross margin excluding depreciation

 

        

Expenses

    17       9        89      

and amortization – manufactured 2

 

            285       376        (24

EBIT

    70       198        (65             

Depreciation and amortization

    67       41        63               

EBITDA/ Adjusted EBITDA

    137       239        (43                                               

 1  Includes other phosphate and purchased products and comprises net sales of $68 million (2022 – $72 million) less cost of goods sold of $70 million (2022 – $68 million).

 2  This is a non-IFRS financial measure. See the “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” section.

 

 

Phosphate adjusted EBITDA decreased due to lower sales volumes and lower net realized prices for fertilizer products. We completed several maintenance and reliability initiatives in the first quarter and expect operating rates to increase in the second half of 2023 following the completion of planned turnarounds in the second quarter.

 

 

Sales volumes decreased due to lower production volumes and cautious buying activity.

 

 

Net realized selling price decreased overall as lower fertilizer net realized selling prices were partially offset by higher industrial and feed net realized selling prices.

 

 

Cost of goods sold per tonne increased due to higher depreciation from impairment reversals in 2022, and lower production, partially offset by lower ammonia and sulfur costs.

 

 Corporate and Others

 

        Three Months Ended March 31  

(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)

              2023                 2022         % Change  

Selling expenses

    (2     (2     -  

General and administrative expenses

    84       70       20  

Share-based compensation expense

    15       135       (89

Other (income) expenses

    (81     53       n/m  

EBIT

    (16     (256     (94

Depreciation and amortization

    17       16       6  

EBITDA

    1       (240     n/m  

Adjustments 1

    (14     174       n/m  

Adjusted EBITDA

    (13     (66     (80

 1  See Note 2 to the interim financial statements.

 

 

Share-based compensation expense was lower due to a decrease in the fair value of share-based awards.

 

 

Other (income) expenses of $(81) million was mainly due to an $80 million gain on amendments to our other post-retirement benefit plans, which resulted from design plan changes. In addition, we had net foreign exchange gains in 2023 compared to losses in 2022 mainly due to hedging activities related to our international operations, primarily for Brazil.

 

8


 Eliminations

 

 

Eliminations are not part of the Corporate and Others segment. Eliminations of gross margin between operating segments were $(27) million for the first quarter of 2023 compared to $(200) million in the same period of 2022. We had significant eliminations in the first quarter of 2022 due to higher-margin inventories held by our Retail segment as global commodity benchmark prices increased.

Finance Costs, Income Taxes and Other Comprehensive Income

 

    Three Months Ended March 31  

(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)

                2023                   2022           % Change  

Finance costs

    170       109       56  

Income tax expense

    193       505       (62

Other comprehensive income

    2       176       (99

 

 

Finance costs were higher in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 mainly due to higher interest on short-term debt from increased commercial paper interest rates and a higher average balance borrowed under our credit facilities.

 

 

Income tax expense was lower in the first quarter of 2023 as a result of lower earnings compared to the same period in 2022. The change in the actual effective tax rate on ordinary earnings was a result of decreased earnings in higher tax jurisdictions.

 

 

Other comprehensive income was lower primarily driven by changes in the currency translation of our foreign operations. In the first quarter of 2023, we had lower gains on foreign currency translation of our Retail foreign operations, as the Australian currency depreciated and the Brazilian currency had lower appreciation relative to the US dollar, compared to the same period in 2022.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Sources and Uses of Liquidity

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

Sources and Uses of Cash

 

(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)    Three Months Ended March 31
                 2023                   2022           % Change  

Cash used in operating activities

     (858     (62     n/m  

Cash used in investing activities

     (694     (457     52  

Cash provided by financing activities

     2,129       588       262  

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (5     9       n/m  

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

     572       78       633  

 

9


   
Cash used in operating activities   

• Higher cash used in operating activities in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 was primarily due to lower net earnings from lower net realized selling prices in all segments and lower sales volumes in Retail, Potash and Phosphate.

   
Cash used in investing activities   

• Higher cash used in investing activities in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 mainly due to higher spending to grow our Potash and Nitrogen operational capabilities through our plan to ramp up production and the proposed Geismar clean ammonia project, respectively, and higher spending on strategic Retail business acquisitions. We also continued to prioritize sustaining our assets to ensure we have safe and reliable operations.

   
Cash provided by financing activities   

• Higher cash provided by financing activities in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 was due to the issuance of an aggregate principal amount of $1.5 billion of notes in the first quarter of 2023.

 

• Proceeds from short-term debt increased from higher short-term borrowings in 2023 to temporarily finance our working capital requirements and support repurchases of common shares through our normal course issuer bid programs.

Financial Condition Review

The following balance sheet categories contain variances that are considered material:

 

    As at              

(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)

    March 31, 2023       December 31, 2022       $ Change       % Change  

Assets

       

Cash and cash equivalents

    1,473       901       572       63  

Inventories

    9,852       7,632       2,220       29  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    937       1,615       (678     (42

Liabilities and Equity

       

Short-term debt

    4,013       2,142       1,871       87  

Payables and accrued charges

    10,611       11,291       (680     (6

Long-term debt

    9,510       8,040       1,470       18  

Share capital

    13,878       14,172       (294     (2

Retained earnings

    11,660       11,928       (268     (2

 

 

Explanations for changes in Cash and cash equivalents are in the “Sources and Uses of Cash” section above.

 

 

Inventories increased due to seasonal Retail inventory build-up for the 2023 spring planting and application seasons in North America.

 

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets decreased due to Retail taking delivery of prepaid inventories in preparation for the spring planting and application seasons in North America.

 

 

Short-term debt increased due to additional commercial paper issuances and borrowings under our credit facilities for our seasonal working capital requirements and for share repurchases under our normal course issuer bid programs.

 

 

Payables and accrued charges decreased due to lower income tax payable from payments made for the 2022 tax balance and lower purchases driven by lower input costs. This was partially offset by seasonally high customer prepayments in North America.

 

 

Long-term debt increased due to the issuance of an aggregate principal amount of $1.5 billion of notes in the first quarter of 2023.

 

 

Share capital decreased primarily from shares repurchased under our normal course issuer bid programs.

 

 

Retained earnings decreased as share repurchases and dividends declared in the quarter exceeded net earnings in the first quarter of 2023.

 

10


Capital Structure and Management

Principal Debt Instruments

As part of the normal course of business, we closely monitor our liquidity position. We use a combination of cash generated from operations and short-term and long-term debt to finance our operations. We were in compliance with our debt covenants and did not have any changes to our credit ratings in the three months ended March 31, 2023.

 

 

 

 

  As at March 31, 2023  
(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)               Outstanding and Committed  
  Rate of Interest (%)     Total Facility Limit     Short-Term Debt     Long-Term Debt  

Credit facilities

       

Unsecured revolving term credit facility

    n/a       4,500       -       -  

Unsecured revolving term credit facility

    5.9       2,000       1,250       -  

Uncommitted revolving demand facility

    n/a       1,000       -       -  

Other credit facilities

 

 

 

 

    1,240    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

South America

    1.3 - 77.5         484       157  

Australia

    4.5         147       -  

Other

    0.8 - 4.0         52       3  

Commercial paper

    5.0 - 6.0         1,905       -  

Other short-term and long-term debt

    n/a         175       7  
         

Total

   

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

    4,013       167  

The amount available under the 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.

Our long-term debt consists primarily of notes and debentures. See the “Capital Structure and Management” section of our 2022 Annual Report for information on balances, rates and maturities for our notes and debentures. On March 27, 2023, we issued notes in the aggregate principal amount of $1.5 billion. See Note 8 to the interim financial statements.

Outstanding Share Data

 

 

 

 

 

   As at May 9, 2023  

Common shares

     496,089,482  

Options to purchase common shares

     3,505,340  

For more information on our capital structure and management, see Note 24 to our 2022 annual consolidated financial statements.

 

11


Quarterly Results

 

  (millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)    Q1 2023      Q4 2022      Q3 2022      Q2 2022      Q1 2022      Q4 2021      Q3 2021      Q2 2021  

Sales

     6,107        7,533        8,188        14,506        7,657        7,267        6,024        9,763  

Net earnings

     576        1,118        1,583        3,601        1,385        1,207        726        1,113  

Net earnings attributable to equity holders of Nutrien

     571        1,112        1,577        3,593        1,378        1,201        717        1,108  

Net earnings per share attributable to equity holders of Nutrien

                       

Basic

     1.14        2.15        2.95        6.53        2.49        2.11        1.26        1.94  

Diluted

     1.14        2.15        2.94        6.51        2.49        2.11        1.25        1.94  

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 input inventories are normally accumulated leading up to each application season. Our cash collections generally occur after the application season is complete, while customer prepayments made to us are concentrated in December and January and inventory prepayments paid to our suppliers are typically concentrated in the period from November to January. Feed and industrial sales are more evenly distributed throughout the year.

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 second and third quarters of 2022, earnings were impacted by $450 million and $330 million non-cash impairment reversals at Aurora and White Springs, respectively, of property, plant and equipment in the Phosphate segment related to higher forecasted global prices and a more favorable outlook for phosphate margins. In the fourth quarter of 2021, earnings were impacted by a $142 million loss resulting from the early extinguishment of long-term debt.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Our significant accounting policies are disclosed in our 2022 Annual Report. We have discussed the development, selection and application of our key accounting policies, and the critical accounting estimates and assumptions they involve, with the Audit Committee of the Board. Our critical accounting estimates are discussed on page 65 of our 2022 Annual Report. There were no material changes in the three months ended March 31, 2023 to our critical accounting estimates.

Controls and Procedures

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

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended March 31, 2023 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

12


Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements and other information included in this document, including within the “Market Outlook and Guidance” section, constitute “forward-looking information” or “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) under applicable securities laws (such statements are often accompanied by words such as “anticipate”, “forecast”, “expect”, “believe”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “estimate”, “intend” or other similar words). All statements in this document, other than those relating to historical information or current conditions, are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: Nutrien’s business strategies, plans, prospects and opportunities; Nutrien’s revised 2023 full-year guidance, including expectations regarding our adjusted net earnings per share and adjusted EBITDA (consolidated and by segment); our projections for cash from operations; expectations regarding our growth and capital allocation intentions and strategies; our advancement of strategic growth initiatives; capital spending expectations for 2023; expectations regarding performance of our operating segments in 2023; our operating segment market outlooks and our expectations for market conditions and fundamentals in 2023 and beyond, 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, grower crop investment, crop mix, production volumes and expenses, shipments, consumption, prices and the impact of seasonality, including drought conditions, import and export volumes, economic sanctions, operating rates, natural gas curtailments and the war between Ukraine and Russia; Nutrien’s ability to develop innovative and sustainable solutions; the negotiation of sales contracts; timing and impacts of plant turnarounds; acquisitions and divestitures and the anticipated benefits thereof; 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, this list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the forward-looking statements and the reader should not place undue reliance on these assumptions and such forward-looking statements. Current conditions, economic and otherwise, render assumptions, although reasonable when made, subject to greater uncertainty. The additional key assumptions that have been made include, among other things, assumptions with respect to our ability to successfully complete, integrate and realize the anticipated benefits of our already completed and future acquisitions and divestitures, and that we will be able to implement our standards, controls, procedures and policies in respect of any acquired businesses and to realize the expected synergies on the anticipated timeline or at all; that future business, regulatory and industry conditions will be within the parameters expected by us, including with respect to prices, expenses, margins, demand, supply, product availability, shipments, consumption, weather conditions, supplier agreements, availability and cost of labor and interest, exchange and effective tax rates; assumptions with respect to global economic conditions and the accuracy of our market outlook expectations for 2023 and in the future; our expectations for fertilizer prices to stabilize near mid-cycle values in 2023; assumptions with respect to our intention to complete share repurchases under our normal course issuer bid programs, including the funding of such share repurchases, existing and future market conditions, including with respect to the price of our common shares, and compliance with respect to applicable limitations under securities laws and regulations and stock exchange policies; our expectations regarding any ongoing impacts, direct and indirect, of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, customers, business partners, employees, supply chain, other stakeholders and the overall global economy; our expectations regarding the impacts, direct and indirect, of the war between Ukraine and Russia on, among other things, global supply and demand, including for crop nutrients, energy and commodity prices, global interest rates, supply chains and the global macroeconomic environment, including inflation; the adequacy of our cash generated from operations and our ability to access our credit facilities or capital markets for additional sources of financing; our ability to identify suitable candidates for acquisitions and divestitures and negotiate acceptable terms; our ability to maintain investment grade ratings and achieve our performance targets; our ability to successfully negotiate sales contracts; and our ability to successfully implement new initiatives and programs.

 

13


Events or circumstances that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: general global economic, market and business conditions; failure to complete announced and future acquisitions or divestitures at all or on the expected terms and within the expected timeline; seasonality; 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; any ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting effects on economic conditions and disruptions to global supply chains; the war between Ukraine and Russia and its potential impact on, among other things, global market conditions and supply and demand, including for crop nutrients, energy and commodity prices, interest rates, supply chains and the global economy generally; our ability to execute on our strategies related to environmental, social and governance matters, and achieve related expectations, targets and commitments; the risk that rising interest rates and/or deteriorated business operating results may result in the impairment of assets or goodwill attributed to certain of our cash generating units; and other risk factors detailed from time to time in Nutrien reports filed with the Canadian securities regulators and the SEC in the United States.

The purpose of our 2023 adjusted net earnings per share and adjusted EBITDA (consolidated and by segment) guidance ranges are to assist readers in understanding our expected and targeted financial results, and this information may not be appropriate for other purposes.

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

Terms and Definitions

For the definitions of certain financial and non-financial terms used in this document, as well as a list of abbreviated company names and sources, see the “Terms & Definitions” section of our 2022 Annual Report. All references to per share amounts pertain to diluted net earnings (loss) per share, “n/m” indicates information that is not meaningful, and all financial amounts are stated in millions of US dollars, unless otherwise noted.

 

14


About Nutrien

Nutrien is the world’s largest provider of crop inputs and services, helping to safely and sustainably feed a growing world. We operate a world-class network of production, distribution and retail facilities that positions us to efficiently serve the needs of growers. We focus on creating long-term value for all stakeholders by advancing our key environmental, social and governance priorities.

For Further Information:

Investor Relations:

Jeff Holzman

Vice President, Investor Relations

(306) 933-8545

Investors@nutrien.com

Media Relations:

Megan Fielding

Vice President, Brand & Culture Communications

(403) 797-3015

More information about Nutrien can be found at www.nutrien.com.

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

Such data is not incorporated by reference herein.

 

 

Nutrien will host a Conference Call on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

Telephone Conference dial-in numbers:

 

 

From Canada and the US 1-888-396-8049

 

International 1-416-764-8683

 

No access code required. Please dial in 15 minutes prior to ensure you are placed on the call in a timely manner.

Live Audio Webcast: Visit https://www.nutrien.com/investors/events/2023-q1-earnings-conference-call

 

15


Appendix A - Selected Additional Financial Data

 

Selected Retail Measures  

Three Months Ended March 31

 

  2023   2022
  Proprietary products gross margin (millions of US dollars)

        Crop nutrients

  54   44

        Crop protection products

  74   111

        Seed

  30   26

        Merchandise

  3   3

        All products

  161   184

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

        Crop nutrients

  38   15

        Crop protection products

  36   39

        Seed

  42   38

        Merchandise

  6   7

        All products

  26   22

  Crop nutrients sales volumes (tonnes – thousands)

        North America

  1,195   1,242

        International

  845   933

        Total

  2,040   2,175

  Crop nutrients selling price per tonne

        North America

  742   867

        International

  532   547

        Total

  655   729

  Crop nutrients gross margin per tonne

        North America

  94   185

        International

  35   67

        Total

  69   134

  Financial performance measures

  2023   2022

        Retail adjusted EBITDA margin (%) 1, 2

  10   11

        Retail adjusted EBITDA per US selling location (thousands of US dollars) 1, 2, 3

  1,709   1,583

        Retail adjusted average working capital to sales (%) 1, 4

  19   14

        Retail adjusted average working capital to sales excluding Nutrien Financial (%) 1, 4

  3   -

        Nutrien Financial adjusted net interest margin (%) 1, 4

  6.6   6.9

        Retail cash operating coverage ratio (%) 1, 4

  59   57

  1   Rolling four quarters ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.

  2   These are supplementary financial measures. See the “Other Financial Measures” section.

  3   Excluding acquisitions.

  4   These are non-IFRS financial measures. See the “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” section.

   

 

  Nutrien Financial    As at March 31, 2023     

As at

December
31, 2022

 
  (millions of US dollars)    Current     

<31 Days

Past Due

    

31–90
Days

Past Due

    

>90 Days

Past Due

     Gross
Receivables
     Allowance 1     Net
Receivables
     Net
Receivables
 

  North America

     1,220        86        139        75        1,520        (28     1,492        2,007  

  International

     677        40        55        26        798        (7     791        662  

  Nutrien Financial receivables

     1,897        126        194        101        2,318        (35     2,283        2,669  

  1   Bad debt expense on the above receivables for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was $1 million (2022 – $1 million) in the Retail segment.

 

 

16


Selected Nitrogen Measures  

Three Months Ended March 31

    2023   2022

Sales volumes (tonnes – thousands)

   

    Fertilizer 1

  1,248   1,153

    Industrial and feed

  1,109   1,172

Net sales (millions of US dollars)

   

    Fertilizer 1

  681   826

    Industrial and feed

  498   688

Net selling price per tonne

   

    Fertilizer 1

  545   716

    Industrial and feed

  449   587

1   Certain immaterial 2022 figures have been reclassified.

Production Measures  

Three Months Ended March 31

    2023   2022

Potash production (Product tonnes – thousands)

 

3,088

 

3,703

Potash shutdown weeks 1

 

4

 

-

Ammonia production – total 2

 

1,431

 

1,403

Ammonia production – adjusted 2, 3

 

1,037

 

958

Ammonia operating rate (%) 3

 

95

 

89

P2O5 production (P2O5 tonnes – thousands)

 

341

 

378

P2O5 operating rate (%)

  81   90

1   Represents weeks of full production shutdown, including inventory adjustments and unplanned events, excluding the impact of any periods of reduced operating rates, planned routine annual maintenance shutdowns and announced workforce reductions.

2   All figures are provided on a gross production basis in thousands of product tonnes.

3   Excludes Trinidad and Joffre.

 

17


Appendix B - Non-IFRS Financial Measures

We use both IFRS measures and certain non-IFRS financial measures to assess performance. Non-IFRS financial measures are financial measures disclosed by the Company that (a) depict historical or expected future financial performance, financial position or cash flow of the 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 the 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 also 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, and gain or loss on disposal of certain businesses and investments.

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.

 

     Three Months Ended March 31  

 (millions of US dollars)

                     2023                        2022  

 Net earnings

     576        1,385  

 Finance costs

     170        109  

 Income tax expense

     193        505  

 Depreciation and amortization

     496        461  

 EBITDA 1

     1,435        2,460  

 Share-based compensation expense

     15        135  

 Foreign exchange (gain) loss, net of related derivatives

     (34      25  

 Integration and restructuring related costs

     5        9  

 COVID-19 related expenses 2

     -        5  

 Gain on disposal of investment

     -        (19

 Adjusted EBITDA

     1,421        2,615  

1   EBITDA is calculated as net earnings 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.

 

18


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, and gain/loss on early extinguishment of debt or on settlement of derivatives due to discontinuance of hedge accounting. 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.

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.

 

    

Three Months Ended

March 31, 2023

 

(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)

    
Increases
(Decreases)
 
 
    Post-Tax      

Per
      Diluted
Share
 
 
 

Net earnings attributable to equity holders of Nutrien

       571       1.14  

Adjustments:

      

Share-based compensation expense

     15       11       0.01  

Foreign exchange gain, net of related derivatives

     (34     (25     (0.05

Integration and restructuring related costs

     5       4       0.01  
       

Adjusted net earnings

             561       1.11  
    

Three Months Ended

March 31, 2022

 

(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)

    
Increases
(Decreases)
 
 
    Post-Tax      

Per
Diluted
Share
 
 
 

Net earnings attributable to equity holders of Nutrien

       1,378       2.49  

Adjustments:

      

Share-based compensation expense

     135       101       0.18  

Foreign exchange loss, net of related derivatives

     25       19       0.04  

Integration and restructuring related costs

     9       7       0.01  

COVID-19 related expenses

     5       4       0.01  

Gain on disposal of investment

     (19     (14     (0.03
       

Adjusted net earnings

             1,495       2.70  

 

19


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 because a meaningful or accurate calculation of reconciling items and the information is not available without unreasonable effort due to unknown variables, including the timing and amount of certain reconciling items, 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. The probable significance of such unavailable information, which could be material to future results, cannot be addressed. Guidance for adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net earnings per share excludes certain items such as, but not limited to, 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, and gain/loss on early extinguishment of debt or on settlement of derivatives due to discontinuance of hedge accounting.

Gross Margin Excluding Depreciation and Amortization Per Tonne - Manufactured

Most directly comparable IFRS financial measure: Gross margin.

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

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

Potash Controllable 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 excluding depreciation and amortization expense included in COPM, royalties, natural gas costs and carbon taxes, change in inventory, and other adjustments, divided by potash production tonnes.

Why we use the measure and why it is useful to investors: To assess operational performance. Potash controllable cash COPM excludes the effects of production from other periods and the impacts of our long-term investment decisions. Potash controllable cash COPM also excludes royalties and natural gas costs and carbon taxes, which management does not consider controllable, as they are primarily driven by regulatory and market conditions.

 

     Three Months Ended March 31  

 (millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)

                     2023                        2022  

 Total COGS – Potash

     305        305  

 Change in inventory

     40        77  

 Other adjustments 1

     (8      (15

 COPM

     337        367  

 Depreciation and amortization in COPM

     (100      (119

 Royalties in COPM

     (31      (45

 Natural gas costs and carbon taxes in COPM

     (16      (17

 Controllable cash COPM

     190        186  

 Production tonnes (tonnes – thousands)

     3,088        3,703  

 Potash controllable cash COPM per tonne

     62        50  

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.

 

20


Ammonia Controllable Cash COPM Per Tonne

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

Definition: Total Nitrogen COGS 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.

 

     Three Months Ended March 31  

 (millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)

                     2023                        2022  

 Total Manufactured COGS – Nitrogen 1

     648        672  

 Total Other COGS – Nitrogen 1

     123        209  

 Total COGS – Nitrogen

     771        881  

 Depreciation and amortization in COGS

     (108      (102

 Cash COGS for products other than ammonia

     (471      (524

 Ammonia

     

Total cash COGS before other adjustments

     192        255  

Other adjustments 2

     (68      (36

Total cash COPM

     124        219  

Natural gas and steam costs in COPM

     (85      (181

Controllable cash COPM

     39        38  

 Production tonnes (net tonnes 3 – thousands)

     628        674  

 Ammonia controllable cash COPM per tonne

     63        56  

1  Certain immaterial 2022 figures have been reclassified.

2  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.

3  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 sales and working capital of certain acquisitions during the first year following the acquisition. We also look at this metric excluding Nutrien Financial revenue and working capital.

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.

 

    Rolling four quarters ended March 31, 2023  
(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)   Q2 2022     Q3 2022     Q4 2022     Q1 2023                 Average/Total    

Current assets

    12,487       11,262       11,668       13,000    

Current liabilities

    (9,177     (5,889     (8,708     (8,980        

Working capital

    3,310       5,373       2,960       4,020       3,916    

Working capital from certain recent acquisitions

    -       -       -       -          

Adjusted working capital

    3,310       5,373       2,960       4,020       3,916    

Nutrien Financial working capital

    (4,404     (3,898     (2,669     (2,283        

Adjusted working capital excluding Nutrien Financial

    (1,094     1,475       291       1,737       602    

Sales

    9,422       3,980       4,087       3,422    

Sales from certain recent acquisitions

    -       -       -       -          

Adjusted sales

    9,422       3,980       4,087       3,422       20,911    

Nutrien Financial revenue

    (91     (65     (62     (57        

Adjusted sales excluding Nutrien Financial

    9,331       3,915       4,025       3,365       20,636    

Adjusted average working capital to sales (%)

            19    

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

 

      3    

 

21


    Rolling four quarters ended March 31, 2022  
(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)   Q2 2021     Q3 2021     Q4 2021     Q1 2022                 Average/Total  

Current assets

    9,300       8,945       9,924       12,392    

Current liabilities

    (7,952     (5,062     (7,828     (9,223        

Working capital

    1,348       3,883       2,096       3,169       2,624    

Working capital from certain recent acquisitions

    -       -       -       -          

Adjusted working capital

    1,348       3,883       2,096       3,169       2,624    

Nutrien Financial working capital

    (3,072     (2,820     (2,150     (2,274        

Adjusted working capital excluding Nutrien Financial

    (1,724     1,063       (54     895       45    

Sales

    7,537       3,347       3,878       3,861    

Sales from certain recent acquisitions

    -       -       -       -          

Adjusted sales

    7,537       3,347       3,878       3,861       18,623    

Nutrien Financial revenue

    (59     (54     (51     (49        

Adjusted sales excluding Nutrien Financial

    7,478       3,293       3,827       3,812       18,410    

Adjusted average working capital to sales (%)

            14    

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

 

      -    

Nutrien Financial Adjusted Net Interest Margin

Definition: Nutrien Financial revenue less deemed interest expense divided by average Nutrien Financial net 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 the financial performance of Nutrien Financial.

 

    Rolling four quarters ended March 31, 2023  
(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)   Q2 2022     Q3 2022     Q4 2022     Q1 2023                 Total/Average    

Nutrien Financial revenue

    91       65       62       57    

Deemed interest expense 1

    (12     (12     (11     (20        

Net interest

    79       53       51       37       220    

Average Nutrien Financial net receivables

    4,404       3,898       2,669       2,283       3,314    

Nutrien Financial adjusted net interest margin (%)

                                    6.6    
    Rolling four quarters ended March 31, 2022  
(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)   Q2 2021     Q3 2021     Q4 2021     Q1 2022     Total/Average    

Nutrien Financial revenue

    59       54       51       49    

Deemed interest expense 1

    (8     (10     (12     (6        

Net interest

    51       44       39       43       177    

Average Nutrien Financial net receivables

    3,072       2,820       2,150       2,274       2,579    

Nutrien Financial adjusted net interest margin (%)

                                    6.9    
 1   Average borrowing rate applied to the notional debt required to fund the portfolio of receivables from customers monitored and serviced by Nutrien Financial.

 

 

22


Retail Cash Operating Coverage Ratio

Definition: Retail selling, general and administrative, and other expenses (income), 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.

 

    Rolling four quarters ended March 31, 2023  
(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)   Q2 2022     Q3 2022     Q4 2022     Q1 2023     Total    

Selling expenses

    1,013       821       836       765       3,435    

General and administrative expenses

    54       50       51       50       205    

Other expenses

    21       19       1       15       56    

Operating expenses

    1,088       890       888       830       3,696    

Depreciation and amortization in operating expenses

    (171     (204     (198     (179     (752)  

Operating expenses excluding depreciation and amortization

    917       686       690       651       2,944    

Gross margin

    2,340       917       1,077       615       4,949    

Depreciation and amortization in cost of goods sold

    4       2       4       2       12    

Gross margin excluding depreciation and amortization

    2,344       919       1,081       617       4,961    

Cash operating coverage ratio (%)

                                    59    
    Rolling four quarters ended March 31, 2022  
(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)   Q2 2021     Q3 2021     Q4 2021     Q1 2022     Total    

Selling expenses

    863       746       848       722       3,179    

General and administrative expenses

    41       45       43       45       174    

Other expenses (income)

    34       17       20       (12     59    

Operating expenses

    938       808       911       755       3,412    

Depreciation and amortization in operating expenses

    (166     (180     (173     (167     (686)  

Operating expenses excluding depreciation and amortization

    772       628       738       588       2,726    

Gross margin

    1,858       917       1,173       845       4,793    

Depreciation and amortization in cost of goods sold

    3       2       5       2       12    

Gross margin excluding depreciation and amortization

    1,861       919       1,178       847       4,805    

Cash operating coverage ratio (%)

                                    57    

Appendix C – Other Financial Measures

Supplementary Financial Measures

Supplementary financial measures are financial measures disclosed by the 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 the 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 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’s shareholders plus repurchase of common shares as reflected in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. This measure is useful as it represents return of capital to shareholders.

 

23


Unaudited   In millions of US dollars except as otherwise noted  

 

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings

 

            Three Months Ended
March 31
 
      Note      2023     2022  

 SALES

     2        6,107       7,657  

 Freight, transportation and distribution

        199       203  

 Cost of goods sold

              3,995       4,197  

 GROSS MARGIN

        1,913       3,257  

 Selling expenses

        770       727  

 General and administrative expenses

        145       126  

 Provincial mining taxes

        119       249  

 Share-based compensation expense

        15       135  

 Other (income) expenses

     4        (75     21  

 EARNINGS BEFORE FINANCE COSTS AND INCOME TAXES

 

     939       1,999  

 Finance costs

              170       109  

 EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

        769       1,890  

 Income tax expense

     5        193       505  

 NET EARNINGS

              576       1,385  

 Attributable to

       

 Equity holders of Nutrien

        571       1,378  

 Non-controlling interest

              5       7  

 NET EARNINGS

              576       1,385  

 NET EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO EQUITY HOLDERS OF NUTRIEN (“EPS”)

 

 Basic

        1.14       2.49  

 Diluted

              1.14       2.49  

 Weighted average shares outstanding for basic EPS

        501,175,000       552,636,000  

 Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted EPS

              502,220,000       554,647,000  
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

 

            Three Months Ended
March 31
 
 (Net of related income taxes)            2023     2022  

 NET EARNINGS

        576       1,385  

 Other comprehensive income

       

 Items that will not be reclassified to net earnings:

       

 Net actuarial (loss) gain on defined benefit plans

        (3     1  

 Net fair value gain on investments

        5       31  

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

       

 Gain on currency translation of foreign operations

        1       128  

 Other

              (1     16  

 OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

              2       176  

 COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

              578       1,561  

 Attributable to

       

 Equity holders of Nutrien

        573       1,554  

 Non-controlling interest

              5       7  

 COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

              578       1,561  

 (See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements)

 

24


Unaudited   In millions of US dollars except as otherwise noted  

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

            Three Months Ended
March 31
 
      Note                   2023                  2022  
                  Note 1  

 OPERATING ACTIVITIES

       

 Net earnings

        576       1,385  

 Adjustments for:

       

 Depreciation and amortization

        496       461  

 Share-based compensation expense

        15       135  

 Gain on disposal of investment

        -       (19

 Provision for deferred income tax

        21       45  

 Long-term income tax receivables

        (72     10  

 Net distributed (undistributed) earnings of equity-accounted investees

        163       (39

 Gain on amendments to other post-retirement pension plans

        (80     -  

 Other long-term assets, liabilities and miscellaneous

              7       30  

 Cash from operations before working capital changes

        1,126       2,008  

 Changes in non-cash operating working capital:

       

 Receivables

        535       (909

 Inventories

        (2,168     (2,609

 Prepaid expenses and other current assets

        675       722  

 Payables and accrued charges

              (1,026     726  

 CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES

              (858     (62

 INVESTING ACTIVITIES

       

 Capital expenditures 1

        (450     (351

 Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

        (111     (41

 Other

        (33     34  

 Net changes in non-cash working capital

              (100     (99

 CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES

              (694     (457

 FINANCING ACTIVITIES

       

 Transaction costs related to debt

        (20     -  

 Proceeds from short-term debt, net

     7        1,873       1,454  

 Proceeds from long-term debt

     8        1,500       -  

 Repayment of long-term debt

        (17     (2

 Repayment of principal portion of lease liabilities

        (87     (79

 Dividends paid to Nutrien’s shareholders

     9        (246     (257

 Repurchase of common shares

     9        (897     (642

 Issuance of common shares

        28       126  

 Other

              (5     (12

 CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES

              2,129       588  

 EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

              (5     9  

 INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

        572       78  

 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS – BEGINNING OF PERIOD

              901       499  

 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS – END OF PERIOD

              1,473       577  

 Cash and cash equivalents is composed of:

       

 Cash

        361       546  

 Short-term investments

              1,112       31  
                1,473       577  

 SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOWS INFORMATION

       

 Interest paid

        98       50  

 Income taxes paid

        1,319       789  

 Total cash outflow for leases

              119       107  

 1 Includes additions to property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets for the three months ended March 31, 2023 of $411 and $39 (2022 – $306 and $45), respectively.

 (See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements)

 

25


Unaudited   In millions of US dollars except as otherwise noted  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

 

                      Accumulated Other Comprehensive
(Loss) Income (“AOCI”)
                         
     Number of
Common
Shares
    Share
Capital
    Contributed
Surplus
    Loss on
Currency
Translation of
Foreign
Operations
    Other    

Total

AOCI

    Retained
Earnings
    Equity
Holders
of
Nutrien
    Non-
Controlling
Interest
    Total
Equity
 
           

 BALANCE – DECEMBER 31, 2021

    557,492,516       15,457       149       (176     30       (146     8,192       23,652       47       23,699  
           

 Net earnings

    -       -       -       -       -       -       1,378       1,378       7       1,385  
           

 Other comprehensive income

    -       -       -       128       48       176       -       176       -       176  
           

 Shares repurchased (Note 9)

    (7,648,235     (212     -       -       -       -       (375     (587     -       (587
           

 Dividends declared

    -       -       -       -       -       -       (265     (265     -       (265
           

 Non-controlling interest transactions

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (11     (11
           

 Effect of share-based compensation including issuance of common shares

    2,275,861       153       (16     -       -       -       -       137       -       137  

 Transfer of net gain on cash flow hedges

    -       -       -       -       (3     (3     -       (3     -       (3

 Transfer of net actuarial gain on defined benefit plans

    -       -       -       -       (1     (1     1       -       -       -  
           

 BALANCE – MARCH 31, 2022

    552,120,142       15,398       133       (48     74       26       8,931       24,488       43       24,531  
           

 BALANCE – DECEMBER 31, 2022

    507,246,105       14,172       109       (374     (17     (391     11,928       25,818       45       25,863  
           

 Net earnings

    -       -       -       -       -       -       571       571       5       576  
           

 Other comprehensive income

    -       -       -       1       1       2       -       2       -       2  
           

 Shares repurchased (Note 9)

    (11,751,290     (328     -       -       -       -       (571     (899     -       (899
           

 Dividends declared

    -       -       -       -       -       -       (265     (265     -       (265
           

 Non-controlling interest transactions

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (6     (6
           

 Effect of share-based compensation including issuance of common shares

    579,208       34       (3     -       -       -       -       31       -       31  

 Transfer of net loss on cash flow hedges

    -       -       -       -       5       5       -       5       -       5  

 Transfer of net actuarial loss on defined benefit plans

    -       -       -       -       3       3       (3     -       -       -  

 Other

    -       -       -       (2     -       (2     -       (2     -       (2
         

 BALANCE – MARCH 31, 2023

    496,074,023       13,878       106       (375     (8     (383     11,660       25,261       44       25,305  
 (See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements)

 

 

26


Unaudited   In millions of US dollars except as otherwise noted  

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

          March 31          December 31  
As at    Note                    2023                      2022                          2022  

ASSETS

             

Current assets

             

Cash and cash equivalents

        1,473        577          901  

Receivables

        6,009        6,437          6,194  

Inventories

        9,852        9,068          7,632  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

          937        943          1,615  
        18,271        17,025          16,342  

Non-current assets

             

Property, plant and equipment

        21,832        19,998          21,767  

Goodwill

        12,433        12,287          12,368  

Intangible assets

        2,292        2,334          2,297  

Investments

        686        757          843  

Other assets

          1,078        867          969  

TOTAL ASSETS

          56,592        53,268          54,586  

LIABILITIES

             

Current liabilities

             

Short-term debt

   7      4,013        3,033          2,142  

Current portion of long-term debt

        545        551          542  

Current portion of lease liabilities

        306        293          305  

Payables and accrued charges

          10,611        11,013          11,291  
        15,475        14,890          14,280  

Non-current liabilities

             

Long-term debt

   8      9,510        7,519          8,040  

Lease liabilities

        880        929          899  

Deferred income tax liabilities

   5      3,603        3,243          3,547  

Pension and other post-retirement benefit liabilities

        242        425          319  

Asset retirement obligations and accrued environmental costs

        1,389        1,523          1,403  

Other non-current liabilities

          188        208          235  

TOTAL LIABILITIES

          31,287        28,737          28,723  

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

             

Share capital

   9      13,878        15,398          14,172  

Contributed surplus

        106        133          109  

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

        (383      26          (391

Retained earnings

          11,660        8,931          11,928  

Equity holders of Nutrien

        25,261        24,488          25,818  

Non-controlling interest

          44        43          45  

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

          25,305        24,531          25,863  

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

          56,592        53,268          54,586  

(See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements)

 

27


Unaudited   In millions of US dollars except as otherwise noted  

 

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

As at and for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023

NOTE 1 BASIS OF PRESENTATION

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.

These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements (“interim financial statements”) are based on International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34, “Interim Financial Reporting”. The accounting policies and methods of computation used in preparing these interim financial statements are materially consistent with those used in the preparation of our 2022 annual consolidated financial statements. These interim financial statements include the accounts of Nutrien and its subsidiaries; however, they do not include all disclosures normally provided in annual consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with our 2022 annual consolidated financial statements.

Certain immaterial 2022 figures have been reclassified in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.

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

These interim financial statements were authorized by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors for issue on May 10, 2023.

NOTE 2 SEGMENT INFORMATION

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

 

28


Unaudited   In millions of US dollars except as otherwise noted  

 

     Three Months Ended March 31, 2023  
      Retail     Potash     Nitrogen     Phosphate      Corporate
and Others
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

 Sales   – third party

     3,422       1,023       1,154       508        -       -       6,107  

             – intersegment

     -       54       264       64        -       (382     -  

 Sales   – total

     3,422       1,077       1,418       572        -       (382     6,107  

 Freight, transportation and distribution

     -       75       106       58        -       (40     199  

 Net sales

     3,422       1,002       1,312       514        -       (342     5,908  

 Cost of goods sold

     2,807       305       771       427        -       (315     3,995  

 Gross margin

     615       697       541       87        -       (27     1,913  

 Selling expenses

     765       3       8       2        (2     (6     770  

 General and administrative expenses

     50       3       5       3        84       -       145  

 Provincial mining taxes

     -       119       -       -        -       -       119  

 Share-based compensation expense

     -       -       -       -        15       -       15  

 Other expenses (income)

     15       (7     (14     12        (81     -       (75

 (Loss) earnings before finance costs and income taxes

     (215     579       542       70        (16     (21     939  

 Depreciation and amortization

     181       97       134       67        17       -       496  

 EBITDA 1

     (34     676       676       137        1       (21     1,435  

 Integration and restructuring related costs

     -       -       -       -        5       -       5  

 Share-based compensation expense

     -       -       -       -        15       -       15  

 Foreign exchange gain, net of related derivatives

     -       -       -       -        (34     -       (34

 Adjusted EBITDA

     (34     676       676       137        (13     (21     1,421  

 Assets – at March 31, 2023

     25,858       13,526       11,673       2,658        3,589       (712     56,592  

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

 

     Three Months Ended March 31, 2022  
      Retail     Potash     Nitrogen     Phosphate      Corporate
and Others
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

 Sales   – third party

     3,833       1,710       1,497       617        -       -       7,657  

             – intersegment

     28       234       339       79        -       (680     -  

 Sales   – total

     3,861       1,944       1,836       696        -       (680     7,657  

 Freight, transportation and distribution

     -       94       95       61        -       (47     203  

 Net sales

     3,861       1,850       1,741       635        -       (633     7,454  

 Cost of goods sold

     3,016       305       881       428        -       (433     4,197  

 Gross margin

     845       1,545       860       207        -       (200     3,257  

 Selling expenses

     722       3       8       2        (2     (6     727  

 General and administrative expenses

     45       2       6       3        70       -       126  

 Provincial mining taxes

     -       249       -       -        -       -       249  

 Share-based compensation expense

     -       -       -       -        135       -       135  

 Other (income) expenses

     (12     (3     (26     4        53       5       21  

 Earnings (loss) before finance costs and income taxes

     90       1,294       872       198        (256     (199     1,999  

 Depreciation and amortization

     169       112       123       41        16       -       461  

 EBITDA

     259       1,406       995       239        (240     (199     2,460  

 Integration and restructuring related costs

     -       -       -       -        9       -       9  

 Share-based compensation expense

     -       -       -       -        135       -       135  

 COVID-19 related expenses

     -       -       -       -        5       -       5  

 Foreign exchange loss, net of related derivatives

     -       -       -       -        25       -       25  

 Gain on disposal of investment

     (19     -       -       -        -       -       (19

 Adjusted EBITDA

     240       1,406       995       239        (66     (199     2,615  

 Assets – at December 31, 2022

     24,451       13,921       11,807       2,661        2,622       (876     54,586  

 

29


Unaudited   In millions of US dollars except as otherwise noted  

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31
 
                      2023              2022  

 Retail sales by product line

     

 Crop nutrients

     1,335        1,587  

 Crop protection products

     1,154        1,387  

 Seed

     507        458  

 Merchandise

     246        234  

 Nutrien Financial

     57        49  

 Services and other

     148        175  

 Nutrien Financial elimination 1

     (25      (29
       3,422        3,861  

 Potash sales by geography

     

 Manufactured product

     

 North America

     417        927  

 Offshore 2

     660        1,017  
       1,077        1,944  

 Nitrogen sales by product line

     

 Manufactured product

     

 Ammonia

     416        591  

 Urea and ESN® 3

     491        540  

 Solutions, nitrates and sulfates

     371        474  

 Other nitrogen and purchased products 3

     140        231  
       1,418        1,836  

 Phosphate sales by product line

     

 Manufactured product

     

 Fertilizer

     302        432  

 Industrial and feed

     195        184  

 Other phosphate and purchased products

     75        80  
       572        696  

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

 2   Relates to Canpotex Limited (“Canpotex”) (Note 11) and includes provisional pricing adjustments for the three months ended March 31, 2023 of $(147) (2022 – $62).

 3  Certain immaterial 2022 figures have been reclassified.

   

   

    

NOTE 3 SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

The following table summarizes the awards granted under our existing share-based compensation plans described in Note 5 of our 2022 annual consolidated financial statements:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31
 
                      2023              2022  

 Stock options:

     

 Granted (number of units)

     301,168        375,483  

 Weighted average grant date fair value (US dollars)

     25.67        20.49  

 Cash-settled share-based awards granted (number of units) 1

             1,003,010                    970,461  

1 For performance share units granted subsequent to January 1, 2022, return on invested capital over a three-year performance cycle is compared to Board-approved targets as an additional performance condition.

 

 

30


Unaudited   In millions of US dollars except as otherwise noted  

 

NOTE 4 OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSES

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31
 
                      2023              2022  

 Integration and restructuring related costs

     5        9  

 Foreign exchange (gain) loss, net of related derivatives

     (34      25  

 Earnings of equity-accounted investees

     (37      (41

 Bad debt expense

     9        -  

 COVID-19 related expenses

     -        5  

 Gain on disposal of investment

     -        (19

 Project feasibility costs

     13        12  

 Customer prepayment costs

     14        13  

 Gain on amendments to other post-retirement pension plans

     (80      -  

 Other expenses

     35        17  
       (75      21  

NOTE 5 INCOME TAXES

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

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31
 
                      2023              2022  

 Income tax expense

     193        505  

 Actual effective tax rate on earnings (%)

     23        26  

 Actual effective tax rate including discrete items (%)

     25        27  

 Discrete tax adjustments that impacted the tax rate

     18        8  

The following table summarizes the income tax balances within the condensed consolidated balance sheets:

 

 Income Tax Assets and Liabilities   Balance Sheet Location   As at March 31, 2023   As at December 31, 2022

 Income tax assets

     

 Current

 

Receivables

  455   144

 Non-current

 

Other assets

  127   54

 Deferred income tax assets

 

Other assets

  487   448

 Total income tax assets

      1,069   646

 Income tax liabilities

   

 Current

 

Payables and accrued charges

  114   899

 Non-current

 

Other non-current liabilities

  48   46

 Deferred income tax liabilities

 

Deferred income tax liabilities

  3,603   3,547

 Total income tax liabilities

      3,765   4,492

 

31


Unaudited   In millions of US dollars except as otherwise noted  

 

NOTE 6  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Fair Value

Estimated fair values for financial instruments are designed to approximate amounts for which the instruments could be exchanged in a current arm’s length transaction between knowledgeable, willing parties. The valuation policies and procedures for financial reporting purposes are determined by our finance department. There have been no changes to our valuation methods presented in Note 10 of the 2022 annual consolidated financial statements and those valuation methods have been applied in these interim financial statements.

The following table presents our fair value hierarchy for financial instruments carried at fair value on a recurring basis or measured at amortized cost and require fair value disclosure. The table does not include fair value information for financial instruments that are measured using their carrying amount as a reasonable approximation of fair value.

 

     March 31, 2023            December 31, 2022  
Financial assets (liabilities) measured at    Carrying
Amount
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3             Carrying
Amount
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  

Fair value on a recurring basis 1

                   

Derivative instrument assets

     7       -       7       -          7       -       7       -  

Other current financial assets
- marketable securities 2

     155       29       126       -          148       19       129       -  

Investments at FVTOCI 3

     205       195       -       10          200       190       -       10  

Derivative instrument liabilities

     (26     -       (26     -          (35     -       (35     -  

Amortized cost

                   

Current portion of long-term debt

                   

Notes and debentures

     (500     (498     -       -          (500     (493     -       -  

Fixed and floating rate debt

     (45     -       (45     -          (42     -       (42     -  

Long-term debt

                   

Notes and debentures

     (9,388     (6,513     (2,372     -          (7,910     (3,581     (3,656     -  

Fixed and floating rate debt

     (122     -       (122     -                (130     -       (130     -  

1  During the periods ended March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, there were no transfers between levels for financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

2  Marketable securities consist of equity and fixed income securities.

3  Investments at fair value through other comprehensive income (“FVTOCI”) is primarily comprised of shares in Sinofert Holdings Ltd.

NOTE 7  SHORT-TERM DEBT

 

     

Rate of

Interest (%)

     Total Facility Limit as
at March 31, 2023
    

As at

March 31, 2023

    

As at

December 31, 2022

 

Credit facilities

           

Unsecured revolving term credit facility

     n/a        4,500        -        -  

Unsecured revolving term credit facility

     5.9        2,000        1,250        500  

Uncommitted revolving demand facility

     n/a        1,000        -        -  

Other credit facilities 1

        1,240        

South America

     1.3 - 77.5           484        453  

Australia

     4.5           147        190  

Other

     0.8           52        9  

Commercial paper

     5.0 - 6.0           1,905        783  

Other short-term debt

     n/a                 175        207  
                         4,013        2,142  

1  Total facility limit amounts include some facilities with maturities in excess of one year.

 

32


Unaudited   In millions of US dollars except as otherwise noted  

 

NOTE 8  LONG-TERM DEBT

 

 Issuance in the first quarter 2023    Rate of interest (%)      Maturity      Amount  

 Notes issued 2023

     4.900        March 27, 2028        750  

 Notes issued 2023

     5.800        March 27, 2053        750  
                         1,500  

The notes issued in the three months ended March 31, 2023 are unsecured, rank equally with our existing unsecured debt, and have no sinking fund requirements prior to maturity. Each series is redeemable and has various provisions for redemption prior to maturity, at our option, at specified prices.

NOTE 9  SHARE CAPITAL

Share Repurchase Programs

 

     Commencement
Date
    Expiry    

Maximum

Shares for
Repurchase

   

Maximum

Shares for
Repurchase (%)

   

Number of

Shares
Repurchased

 

 2021 Normal Course Issuer Bid

    March 1, 2021       February 28, 2022       28,468,448       5       22,186,395  

 2022 Normal Course Issuer Bid

    March 1, 2022       February 7, 2023       55,111,110       10       55,111,110  

 2023 Normal Course Issuer Bid 1

    March 1, 2023       February 29, 2024       24,962,194       5       3,748,498  

1  The 2023 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 laws, including private agreements.

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

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31
 
      2023      2022  

 Number of common shares repurchased for cancellation

     11,751,290        7,648,235  

 Average price per share (US dollars)

     76.57        76.79  

 Total cost

     899        587  

Dividends Declared

We declared a dividend per share of $0.53 (2022 – $0.48) during the three months ended March 31, 2023, payable on April 13, 2023 to shareholders of record on March 31, 2023.

NOTE 10  SEASONALITY

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

 

33


Unaudited   In millions of US dollars except as otherwise noted  

 

NOTE 11  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

We sell potash outside Canada and the United States exclusively through Canpotex. Canpotex sells potash to buyers in export markets pursuant to term and spot contracts at agreed upon prices. Our 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 2.

 

  As at   March 31, 2023   December 31, 2022

  Receivables from Canpotex

  528   866

NOTE 12  BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

On October 1, 2022, we acquired Casa do Adubo S.A. (“Casa do Adubo”). We have revised the total consideration paid for the acquisition to $277, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired, and amounts held in escrow, as a result of obtaining additional information and finalizing the purchase price agreement during the allowed measurement period, resulting in an increase to goodwill and intangible assets. Preliminary goodwill recognized on the Casa do Adubo acquisition was $177 as at March 31, 2023.

We have engaged independent valuation experts to assist in determining the fair value of certain assets acquired and liabilities assumed and related deferred income tax impacts. The valuation technique and judgments applied are consistent with those methods presented in Note 25 of the 2022 annual consolidated financial statements. As at March 31, 2023, the total consideration and purchase price allocation for Casa do Adubo is not final as we are continuing to obtain and verify information required to determine the fair value of certain assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the amount of deferred income taxes arising on their recognition. We will finalize the amounts recognized as we obtain the information necessary to complete the analysis within one year from the date of acquisition.

The following table allocates preliminary values to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities based upon fair values at their respective acquisition date:

 

     March 31, 2023  
     Casa do Adubo  
      Preliminary at
December 31, 2022
    Adjustments1     Revised Fair Value  

 Receivables

     174       (1     173  

 Inventories

     107       -       107  

 Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     3       -       3  

 Property, plant and equipment

     24       -       24  

 Goodwill

     145       32       177  

 Intangible assets

     95       8       103  

 Other non-current assets

     6       -       6  

 Total assets

     554       39       593  

 Short-term debt

     14       -       14  

 Payables and accrued charges

     159       -       159  

 Long-term debt, including current portion

     91       -       91  

 Lease liabilities, including current portion

     10       -       10  

 Other non-current liabilities

     1       -       1  

 Total liabilities

     275       -       275  

 Total consideration, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired

     279       39       318  

 Amounts held in escrow

     (48     7       (41

 Total consideration, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired, and amounts held in escrow

     231       46       277  

 1 We recorded adjustments to the preliminary fair value to reflect facts and circumstances in existence as of the date of acquisition. These adjustments primarily relate to changes in the preliminary valuation assumptions, including refinement of intangible assets. All measurement period adjustments were offset against goodwill.

 

34

EX-99.2 3 d485485dex992.htm EX-99.2 EX-99.2

Exhibit 99.2

 

 

LOGO

NUTRIEN LTD.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

AS AT AND FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED

MARCH 31, 2023

 

 


Management’s Discussion and Analysis

The following management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) is the responsibility of management and is dated as of May 10, 2023. The Board of Directors (“Board”) of Nutrien carries out its responsibility for review of this disclosure principally through its Audit Committee, composed entirely of independent directors. The Audit Committee reviews and, prior to its publication, approves this disclosure pursuant to the authority delegated to it by the Board. The term “Nutrien” refers to Nutrien Ltd. and the terms “we”, “us”, “our”, “Nutrien” and “the Company” refer to Nutrien and, as applicable, Nutrien and its direct and indirect subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. Additional information relating to Nutrien (which, except as otherwise noted, is not incorporated by reference herein), including our annual report dated February 16, 2023 (“2022 Annual Report”), which includes our annual audited consolidated financial statements and MD&A, and our annual information form dated February 16, 2023, each for the year ended December 31, 2022, can be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. No update is provided to the disclosure in our 2022 annual MD&A except for material information since the date of our annual MD&A. The Company is a foreign private issuer under the rules and regulations of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

This MD&A is based on and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements as at and for the three months ended March 31, 2023 (“interim financial statements”) based on International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard (“IAS”) 34 “Interim Financial Reporting”, unless otherwise noted. This MD&A contains certain non-IFRS financial measures and ratios and forward-looking statements, which are described in the “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” and the “Forward-Looking Statements” sections, respectively.

Market Outlook and Guidance

Agriculture and Retail

 

 

Geopolitical and weather-related challenges continue to impact global agriculture commodity markets, including significant production and export reductions from Ukraine and severe drought conditions in Argentina. The global grain stocks-to-use ratio is projected to end the current growing season at the lowest level in over 25 years. Corn, soybeans and wheat prices have softened recently due to seasonal pressure resulting from the expectation of higher Brazilian and US crop production. However, new crop futures are still approximately 15 percent above the 10-year average and grower margins remain healthy, providing incentive to invest in their crop and boost production.

 

 

We expect an 8 million acre increase in US major crop planted area in 2023, including an additional 3 million acres of corn, which is supportive of crop input demand. Planting activity is progressing well in North America and fertilizer application rates have been in line with historical average levels and well above rates in the spring of 2022. The combination of strong demand and logistical challenges has tightened North American fertilizer supply.

 

 

South American crop production has been mixed as record Brazilian soybean production and strong prospects for the safrinha corn crop are balanced against the impacts of severe drought in Argentina. We expect increased application rates for the 2023 summer crop planting season due to improved affordability ratios compared to the previous year. Australian winter crop planting is progressing well, with no major shifts in acreage expected from record 2022 levels.

Crop Nutrient Markets    

 

 

Potash demand has strengthened in North America as the spring application season has progressed, while engagement in offshore markets has been more variable. We anticipate increased global potash demand in the second half of 2023 as a result of lower expected inventories and improved grower affordability compared to 2022.

 

 

Potash shipments from Belarus are projected to be above our previous expectation for 2023, partially offset by lower expected exports from Russia. We now project Belarusian shipments will be down 25 to 40 percent this year and Russian shipments down 25 to 35 percent compared to 2021. We have maintained our global potash shipment forecast between 63 and 67 million tonnes in 2023.

 

 

North American nitrogen supply has tightened during the spring season due to strong demand and lower net imports. Global nitrogen trade has been impacted by weaker industrial demand in Asia and Europe, and lower Indian urea imports. We expect ammonia markets will strengthen as demand increases and supply remains challenged with approximately 40 percent of European capacity currently curtailed and Russian ammonia exports are constrained.

 

2


 

North American dry phosphate prices firmed during the spring season driven by tight supplies and strong demand, while international prices have remained relatively stable, supported by demand in Brazil and India. Lower ammonia and sulfur prices have been supportive of margins. We expect Chinese phosphate exports to increase moderately year-over-year due to expected loosening of government restrictions.

Financial Guidance

 

 

Based on market factors detailed above, we are revising full-year 2023 adjusted EBITDA guidance2 to $6.5 to $8.0 billion and full year 2023 adjusted net earnings guidance2 to $5.50 to $7.50 per share. We now project cash from operations of $5.0 to $5.8 billion, which is expected to be relatively stable due to an anticipated release in working capital.

 

 

Retail adjusted EBITDA guidance was lowered primarily due to the expectation of below normal crop nutrient gross margins in the first half of 2023 as we work through higher cost inventory.

 

 

Potash adjusted EBITDA guidance decreased due to lower forecasted benchmark fertilizer prices and sales tonnes. Potash sales tonnes guidance of 13.5 to 14.3 million tonnes assumes increased demand year-over-year in our key markets of North America and Brazil, partially offset by lower shipments to China due to delayed contract negotiations with Canpotex.

 

 

Nitrogen adjusted EBITDA guidance decreased due to lower forecasted benchmark fertilizer prices, partially offset by the expectation for lower North American natural gas prices.

All guidance numbers, including those noted above are outlined in the table below. Refer to page 56 of Nutrien’s 2022 Annual Report for related assumptions and sensitivities, except as set forth below.

 

                                                                           
    Guidance Ranges 1 as of  
    May 10, 2023     Feb 15, 2023  
  (billions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)   Low        High        Low     High  

  Adjusted net earnings per share (in US dollars) 2,3

    5.50       7.50       8.45       10.65  

  Adjusted EBITDA 2

    6.5       8.0       8.4       10.0  

  Retail adjusted EBITDA

    1.60       1.75       1.85       2.05  

  Potash adjusted EBITDA

    2.65       3.35       3.7       4.5  

  Nitrogen adjusted EBITDA

    1.95       2.55       2.5       3.2  

  Phosphate adjusted EBITDA (in millions of US dollars)

    550       700       550       750  

  Potash sales tonnes (millions) 4

    13.5       14.3       13.8       14.6  

  Nitrogen sales tonnes (millions) 4

    10.8       11.4       10.8       11.4  

  Depreciation and amortization

    2.1       2.2       2.1       2.2  

  Effective tax rate on adjusted earnings (%)

    23.5       24.0       23.5       24.5  

  1  See the “Forward-Looking Statements” section.

  2  These are non-IFRS financial measures. See the “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” section.

  3  Assumes 499 million shares outstanding for May 10, 2023 adjusted net EPS guidance.

  4  Manufactured product only. Nitrogen sales tonnes includes ESN® products.

 

3


Consolidated Results

 

        Three Months Ended March 31      

(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)

                  2023                  2022          % Change  

Sales

    6,107       7,657       (20

Freight, transportation and distribution

    199       203       (2

Cost of goods sold

    3,995       4,197       (5

Gross margin

    1,913       3,257       (41

Expenses

    974       1,258       (23

Net earnings

    576       1,385       (58

Adjusted EBITDA 1

    1,421       2,615       (46

Diluted net earnings per share

    1.14       2.49       (54

Adjusted net earnings per share 1

    1.11       2.70       (59

Cash used in operating activities                            

    (858     (62     n/m  

Cash used in investing activities

    (694     (457     52  

Cash used for dividends and share repurchases 2

    (1,143     (899     27  

 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.

Net earnings and adjusted EBITDA decreased in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, due to lower net realized selling prices in all segments and lower sales volumes in Retail, Potash and Phosphate. This was partially offset by decreased cost of goods sold from lower natural gas costs and increased operating rates at our North American nitrogen plants. The increase in cash used in operating activities was primarily due to lower earnings across all segments. The increase in cash used in investing activities reflects higher capital expenditures to sustain and grow our asset base and incremental cash used for Retail business acquisitions. Cash used for dividends and share repurchases increased in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 due to higher share repurchases under our normal course issuer bid programs.

Segment Results

Our discussion of segment results set out on the following pages is a comparison of the results for the three months ended March 31, 2023 to the results for the three months ended March 31, 2022, unless otherwise noted.

 

4


 Nutrien Ag Solutions (“Retail”)

 

    Three Months Ended March 31  
 (millions of US dollars, except   Dollars           Gross Margin           Gross Margin (%)  
     as otherwise noted)           2023     2022     % Change                   2023     2022     % Change           2023     2022  

 Sales

                   

Crop nutrients

    1,335       1,587       (16       141       292       (52       11       18  

Crop protection products

    1,154       1,387       (17       208       282       (26       18       20  

Seed

    507       458       11         72       66       9         14       14  

Merchandise

    246       234       5         44       41       7         18       18  

Nutrien Financial

    57       49       16         57       49       16         100       100  

Services and other

    148       175       (15       118       144       (18       80       82  

Nutrien Financial elimination 1

    (25     (29     (14       (25     (29     (14       100       100  
    3,422       3,861       (11       615       845       (27       18       22  

 Cost of goods sold

    2,807       3,016       (7              

 Gross margin

    615       845       (27              

 Expenses ²

    830       755       10                

 (Loss) earnings before finance
costs and taxes (“EBIT”)

    (215     90       n/m                

 Depreciation and amortization

    181       169       7                

 EBITDA

    (34     259       n/m                

 Adjustments 3

    -       (19     (100              

 Adjusted EBITDA

    (34     240       n/m                                                          

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

   

 2  Includes selling expenses of $765 million (2022 – $722 million).

   

 3  See Note 2 to the interim financial statements.

   

 

 

Retail adjusted EBITDA declined primarily due to lower sales and gross margins for crop nutrients and crop protection products compared to the record levels achieved in 2022. Expenses increased primarily due to higher selling expenses resulting from acquisitions completed in 2022 and general inflation. We achieved growth in our high-value proprietary products portfolio in both crop nutritionals and seed. We completed eight acquisitions and focused on the integration of acquisitions completed in 2022.

 

 

Crop nutrients sales decreased primarily due to lower selling prices compared to the exceptionally strong comparable period in 2022. Gross margin per tonne decreased in all regions due to lower selling prices and higher cost inventory, partially offset by growth in proprietary nutritional products. Sales volumes decreased due to delayed grower purchases compared to the prior year and import restrictions in Argentina.

 

 

Crop protection products sales and gross margin decreased, particularly in North America, attributable to a historically strong comparable period in 2022. Lower prices for certain herbicide products also led to reduced margins.

 

 

Seed sales and gross margin increased due to strong corn sales in the southern US and higher proprietary seed margins. Australia experienced higher canola sales due to earlier supply availability.

 

5


 Potash

 

    Three Months Ended March 31  
  (millions of US dollars, except       Dollars           Tonnes (thousands)           Average per Tonne  
     as otherwise noted)         2023           2022      % Change                 2023         2022      % Change                 2023           2022      % Change  

Manufactured product

                        

Net sales

                        

North America

    343       833        (59     854     1,218        (30       401       684        (41

Offshore

    659       1,017        (35     1,782     1,825        (2       370       557        (34
    1,002       1,850        (46     2,636     3,043        (13       380       608        (38

Cost of goods sold

    305       305        -                  115       100        15  

Gross margin – total

    697       1,545        (55           265       508        (48

Expenses ¹

    118       251        (53     Depreciation and amortization

 

            37       37        -  

EBIT

    579       1,294        (55     Gross margin excluding depreciation

 

        

Depreciation and amortization

    97       112        (13    

and amortization – manufactured 2

 

            302       545        (45

EBITDA/ Adjusted EBITDA

    676       1,406        (52     Potash controllable cash cost of

 

        
                                    

product manufactured 2

 

            62       50        24  

 1  Includes provincial mining taxes of $119 million (2022 – $249 million).

 2  These are non-IFRS financial measures. See the “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” section.

 

 

Potash adjusted EBITDA declined due to lower net realized selling prices and lower sales volumes. We adjusted operating rates across our six-mine network in response to lower near-term demand and brought forward maintenance activities, preserving flexibility to increase production as demand increases.

 

 

Sales volumes decreased in North America primarily due to just-in-time buying. Lower offshore demand from customers in Asia was largely offset by record first quarter Canpotex sales volumes to Brazil.

 

 

Net realized selling price decreased due to a decline in benchmark prices compared to the historically strong period in 2022.

 

 

Cost of goods sold per tonne increased primarily due to lower production volumes and a pull forward of maintenance activities.

Canpotex Sales by Market

 

        Three Months Ended March 31  

(percentage of sales volumes, except as otherwise noted)

              2023                 2022             Change  

Other Asian markets 1

    38       45       (7

Latin America

    35       32       3  

Other markets

    13       9       4  

China

    12       13       (1

India

    2       1       1  
      100       100          

 1  All Asian markets except China and India.

 

6


 Nitrogen

 

    Three Months Ended March 31  
  (millions of US dollars, except   Dollars           Tonnes (thousands)           Average per Tonne   
     as otherwise noted)         2023           2022     % Change                 2023         2022      % Change                 2023           2022      % Change  

Manufactured product

                       

Net sales

                       

Ammonia

    385       560       (31     534     595        (10       721       940        (23

Urea and ESN® 1

    461       515       (10     747     651        15         617       792        (22

Solutions, nitrates and sulfates

    333       439       (24     1,076     1,079        -         310       407        (24
    1,179       1,514       (22     2,357     2,325        1         500       651        (23

Cost of goods sold 1

    648       672       (4                275       290        (5

Gross margin – manufactured

    531       842       (37           225       361        (38

Gross margin – other 1,2

    10       18       (44     Depreciation and amortization 1

 

            57       53        7  

Gross margin – total

    541       860       (37     Gross margin excluding depreciation

 

        

(Income) expenses ³

    (1     (12     (92    

and amortization – manufactured 4

 

            282       414        (32

EBIT

    542       872       (38     Ammonia controllable cash cost of

 

        

Depreciation and amortization

    134       123       9      

product manufactured 4

 

            63       56        13  

EBITDA/ Adjusted EBITDA

    676       995       (32                                               

 1  Certain immaterial 2022 figures have been reclassified.

 2  Includes other nitrogen and purchased products and comprises net sales of $133 million (2022 – $227 million) less cost of goods sold of $123 million (2022 – $209 million).

 3  Includes earnings from equity-accounted investees of $30 million (2022 – $37 million).

 4  These are non-IFRS financial measures. See the “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” section.

 

 

Nitrogen adjusted EBITDA declined due to lower net realized selling prices for all major nitrogen products. During the quarter our ammonia utilization rate increased to 95 percent1, due in part to the continued focus on reliability initiatives and investments in our assets. We progressed our inflight brownfield expansions and advanced front-end engineering work on our proposed Geismar clean ammonia plant.

 

 

Sales volumes were slightly higher as we benefited from increased production of urea and ESN® at our Canadian nitrogen facilities, which offset lower ammonia production in Trinidad caused by natural gas curtailments.

 

 

Net realized selling price was lower for all major nitrogen products due to weaker benchmark prices resulting from lower energy prices in key nitrogen producing regions and a temporary reduction in demand.

 

 

Cost of goods sold per tonne decreased primarily due to lower natural gas costs. Ammonia controllable cash cost of product manufactured increased mainly due to higher inputs costs, including materials and electricity.

Natural Gas Prices in Cost of Production

 

    Three Months Ended March 31  

(US dollars per MMBtu, except as otherwise noted)

              2023                 2022             % Change  

Overall gas cost excluding realized derivative impact

    4.85       6.86       (29

Realized derivative impact

    -           (0.01     (100

Overall gas cost

    4.85       6.85       (29

Average NYMEX

    3.42       4.95       (31

Average AECO

    3.21       3.61       (11

 

 

Natural gas prices in our cost of production decreased in the first quarter as a result of lower North American gas index prices and decreased gas costs in Trinidad, where our gas prices are linked to ammonia benchmark prices.

 

 

1.

Excludes Trinidad and Joffre.

 

7


 Phosphate

 

    Three Months Ended March 31  
  (millions of US dollars, except   Dollars           Tonnes (thousands)           Average per Tonne   
     as otherwise noted)         2023           2022      % Change                 2023         2022      % Change                 2023           2022      % Change  

Manufactured product

                        

Net sales

                        

Fertilizer

    264       393        (33     388     460        (16       682       854        (20

Industrial and feed

    182       170        7       160     191        (16       1,136       891        27  
    446       563        (21     548     651        (16       814       865        (6

Cost of goods sold

    357       360        (1                651       552        18  

Gross margin - manufactured

    89       203        (56           163       313        (48

Gross margin – other 1

    (2     4        n/m       Depreciation and amortization

 

            122       63        94  

Gross margin – total

    87       207        (58     Gross margin excluding depreciation

 

        

Expenses

    17       9        89      

and amortization – manufactured 2

 

            285       376        (24

EBIT

    70       198        (65             

Depreciation and amortization

    67       41        63               

EBITDA/ Adjusted EBITDA

    137       239        (43                                               

 1  Includes other phosphate and purchased products and comprises net sales of $68 million (2022 – $72 million) less cost of goods sold of $70 million (2022 – $68 million).

 2  This is a non-IFRS financial measure. See the “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” section.

 

 

Phosphate adjusted EBITDA decreased due to lower sales volumes and lower net realized prices for fertilizer products. We completed several maintenance and reliability initiatives in the first quarter and expect operating rates to increase in the second half of 2023 following the completion of planned turnarounds in the second quarter.

 

 

Sales volumes decreased due to lower production volumes and cautious buying activity.

 

 

Net realized selling price decreased overall as lower fertilizer net realized selling prices were partially offset by higher industrial and feed net realized selling prices.

 

 

Cost of goods sold per tonne increased due to higher depreciation from impairment reversals in 2022, and lower production, partially offset by lower ammonia and sulfur costs.

 

 Corporate and Others

 

        Three Months Ended March 31  

(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)

              2023                 2022         % Change  

Selling expenses

    (2     (2     -  

General and administrative expenses

    84       70       20  

Share-based compensation expense

    15       135       (89

Other (income) expenses

    (81     53       n/m  

EBIT

    (16     (256     (94

Depreciation and amortization

    17       16       6  

EBITDA

    1       (240     n/m  

Adjustments 1

    (14     174       n/m  

Adjusted EBITDA

    (13     (66     (80

 1  See Note 2 to the interim financial statements.

 

 

Share-based compensation expense was lower due to a decrease in the fair value of share-based awards.

 

 

Other (income) expenses of $(81) million was mainly due to an $80 million gain on amendments to our other post-retirement benefit plans, which resulted from design plan changes. In addition, we had net foreign exchange gains in 2023 compared to losses in 2022 mainly due to hedging activities related to our international operations, primarily for Brazil.

 

8


 Eliminations

 

 

Eliminations are not part of the Corporate and Others segment. Eliminations of gross margin between operating segments were $(27) million for the first quarter of 2023 compared to $(200) million in the same period of 2022. We had significant eliminations in the first quarter of 2022 due to higher-margin inventories held by our Retail segment as global commodity benchmark prices increased.

Finance Costs, Income Taxes and Other Comprehensive Income

 

    Three Months Ended March 31  

(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)

                2023                   2022           % Change  

Finance costs

    170       109       56  

Income tax expense

    193       505       (62

Other comprehensive income

    2       176       (99

 

 

Finance costs were higher in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 mainly due to higher interest on short-term debt from increased commercial paper interest rates and a higher average balance borrowed under our credit facilities.

 

 

Income tax expense was lower in the first quarter of 2023 as a result of lower earnings compared to the same period in 2022. The change in the actual effective tax rate on ordinary earnings was a result of decreased earnings in higher tax jurisdictions.

 

 

Other comprehensive income was lower primarily driven by changes in the currency translation of our foreign operations. In the first quarter of 2023, we had lower gains on foreign currency translation of our Retail foreign operations, as the Australian currency depreciated and the Brazilian currency had lower appreciation relative to the US dollar, compared to the same period in 2022.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Sources and Uses of Liquidity

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

Sources and Uses of Cash

 

(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)    Three Months Ended March 31
                 2023                   2022           % Change  

Cash used in operating activities

     (858     (62     n/m  

Cash used in investing activities

     (694     (457     52  

Cash provided by financing activities

     2,129       588       262  

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (5     9       n/m  

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

     572       78       633  

 

9


   
Cash used in operating activities   

• Higher cash used in operating activities in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 was primarily due to lower net earnings from lower net realized selling prices in all segments and lower sales volumes in Retail, Potash and Phosphate.

   
Cash used in investing activities   

• Higher cash used in investing activities in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 mainly due to higher spending to grow our Potash and Nitrogen operational capabilities through our plan to ramp up production and the proposed Geismar clean ammonia project, respectively, and higher spending on strategic Retail business acquisitions. We also continued to prioritize sustaining our assets to ensure we have safe and reliable operations.

   
Cash provided by financing activities   

• Higher cash provided by financing activities in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 was due to the issuance of an aggregate principal amount of $1.5 billion of notes in the first quarter of 2023.

 

• Proceeds from short-term debt increased from higher short-term borrowings in 2023 to temporarily finance our working capital requirements and support repurchases of common shares through our normal course issuer bid programs.

Financial Condition Review

The following balance sheet categories contain variances that are considered material:

 

    As at              

(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)

    March 31, 2023       December 31, 2022       $ Change       % Change  

Assets

       

Cash and cash equivalents

    1,473       901       572       63  

Inventories

    9,852       7,632       2,220       29  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    937       1,615       (678     (42

Liabilities and Equity

       

Short-term debt

    4,013       2,142       1,871       87  

Payables and accrued charges

    10,611       11,291       (680     (6

Long-term debt

    9,510       8,040       1,470       18  

Share capital

    13,878       14,172       (294     (2

Retained earnings

    11,660       11,928       (268     (2

 

 

Explanations for changes in Cash and cash equivalents are in the “Sources and Uses of Cash” section above.

 

 

Inventories increased due to seasonal Retail inventory build-up for the 2023 spring planting and application seasons in North America.

 

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets decreased due to Retail taking delivery of prepaid inventories in preparation for the spring planting and application seasons in North America.

 

 

Short-term debt increased due to additional commercial paper issuances and borrowings under our credit facilities for our seasonal working capital requirements and for share repurchases under our normal course issuer bid programs.

 

 

Payables and accrued charges decreased due to lower income tax payable from payments made for the 2022 tax balance and lower purchases driven by lower input costs. This was partially offset by seasonally high customer prepayments in North America.

 

 

Long-term debt increased due to the issuance of an aggregate principal amount of $1.5 billion of notes in the first quarter of 2023.

 

 

Share capital decreased primarily from shares repurchased under our normal course issuer bid programs.

 

 

Retained earnings decreased as share repurchases and dividends declared in the quarter exceeded net earnings in the first quarter of 2023.

 

10


Capital Structure and Management

Principal Debt Instruments

As part of the normal course of business, we closely monitor our liquidity position. We use a combination of cash generated from operations and short-term and long-term debt to finance our operations. We were in compliance with our debt covenants and did not have any changes to our credit ratings in the three months ended March 31, 2023.

 

 

 

 

  As at March 31, 2023  
(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)               Outstanding and Committed  
  Rate of Interest (%)     Total Facility Limit     Short-Term Debt     Long-Term Debt  

Credit facilities

       

Unsecured revolving term credit facility

    n/a       4,500       -       -  

Unsecured revolving term credit facility

    5.9       2,000       1,250       -  

Uncommitted revolving demand facility

    n/a       1,000       -       -  

Other credit facilities

 

 

 

 

    1,240    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

South America

    1.3 - 77.5         484       157  

Australia

    4.5         147       -  

Other

    0.8 - 4.0         52       3  

Commercial paper

    5.0 - 6.0         1,905       -  

Other short-term and long-term debt

    n/a         175       7  
         

Total

   

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

    4,013       167  

The amount available under the 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.

Our long-term debt consists primarily of notes and debentures. See the “Capital Structure and Management” section of our 2022 Annual Report for information on balances, rates and maturities for our notes and debentures. On March 27, 2023, we issued notes in the aggregate principal amount of $1.5 billion. See Note 8 to the interim financial statements.

Outstanding Share Data

 

 

 

 

 

   As at May 9, 2023  

Common shares

     496,089,482  

Options to purchase common shares

     3,505,340  

For more information on our capital structure and management, see Note 24 to our 2022 annual consolidated financial statements.

 

11


Quarterly Results

 

  (millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)    Q1 2023      Q4 2022      Q3 2022      Q2 2022      Q1 2022      Q4 2021      Q3 2021      Q2 2021  

Sales

     6,107        7,533        8,188        14,506        7,657        7,267        6,024        9,763  

Net earnings

     576        1,118        1,583        3,601        1,385        1,207        726        1,113  

Net earnings attributable to equity holders of Nutrien

     571        1,112        1,577        3,593        1,378        1,201        717        1,108  

Net earnings per share attributable to equity holders of Nutrien

                       

Basic

     1.14        2.15        2.95        6.53        2.49        2.11        1.26        1.94  

Diluted

     1.14        2.15        2.94        6.51        2.49        2.11        1.25        1.94  

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 input inventories are normally accumulated leading up to each application season. Our cash collections generally occur after the application season is complete, while customer prepayments made to us are concentrated in December and January and inventory prepayments paid to our suppliers are typically concentrated in the period from November to January. Feed and industrial sales are more evenly distributed throughout the year.

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 second and third quarters of 2022, earnings were impacted by $450 million and $330 million non-cash impairment reversals at Aurora and White Springs, respectively, of property, plant and equipment in the Phosphate segment related to higher forecasted global prices and a more favorable outlook for phosphate margins. In the fourth quarter of 2021, earnings were impacted by a $142 million loss resulting from the early extinguishment of long-term debt.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Our significant accounting policies are disclosed in our 2022 Annual Report. We have discussed the development, selection and application of our key accounting policies, and the critical accounting estimates and assumptions they involve, with the Audit Committee of the Board. Our critical accounting estimates are discussed on page 65 of our 2022 Annual Report. There were no material changes in the three months ended March 31, 2023 to our critical accounting estimates.

Controls and Procedures

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

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended March 31, 2023 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

12


Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements and other information included in this document, including within the “Market Outlook and Guidance” section, constitute “forward-looking information” or “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) under applicable securities laws (such statements are often accompanied by words such as “anticipate”, “forecast”, “expect”, “believe”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “estimate”, “intend” or other similar words). All statements in this document, other than those relating to historical information or current conditions, are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: Nutrien’s business strategies, plans, prospects and opportunities; Nutrien’s revised 2023 full-year guidance, including expectations regarding our adjusted net earnings per share and adjusted EBITDA (consolidated and by segment); our projections for cash from operations; expectations regarding our growth and capital allocation intentions and strategies; our advancement of strategic growth initiatives; capital spending expectations for 2023; expectations regarding performance of our operating segments in 2023; our operating segment market outlooks and our expectations for market conditions and fundamentals in 2023 and beyond, 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, grower crop investment, crop mix, production volumes and expenses, shipments, consumption, prices and the impact of seasonality, including drought conditions, import and export volumes, economic sanctions, operating rates, natural gas curtailments and the war between Ukraine and Russia; Nutrien’s ability to develop innovative and sustainable solutions; the negotiation of sales contracts; timing and impacts of plant turnarounds; acquisitions and divestitures and the anticipated benefits thereof; 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, this list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the forward-looking statements and the reader should not place undue reliance on these assumptions and such forward-looking statements. Current conditions, economic and otherwise, render assumptions, although reasonable when made, subject to greater uncertainty. The additional key assumptions that have been made include, among other things, assumptions with respect to our ability to successfully complete, integrate and realize the anticipated benefits of our already completed and future acquisitions and divestitures, and that we will be able to implement our standards, controls, procedures and policies in respect of any acquired businesses and to realize the expected synergies on the anticipated timeline or at all; that future business, regulatory and industry conditions will be within the parameters expected by us, including with respect to prices, expenses, margins, demand, supply, product availability, shipments, consumption, weather conditions, supplier agreements, availability and cost of labor and interest, exchange and effective tax rates; assumptions with respect to global economic conditions and the accuracy of our market outlook expectations for 2023 and in the future; our expectations for fertilizer prices to stabilize near mid-cycle values in 2023; assumptions with respect to our intention to complete share repurchases under our normal course issuer bid programs, including the funding of such share repurchases, existing and future market conditions, including with respect to the price of our common shares, and compliance with respect to applicable limitations under securities laws and regulations and stock exchange policies; our expectations regarding any ongoing impacts, direct and indirect, of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, customers, business partners, employees, supply chain, other stakeholders and the overall global economy; our expectations regarding the impacts, direct and indirect, of the war between Ukraine and Russia on, among other things, global supply and demand, including for crop nutrients, energy and commodity prices, global interest rates, supply chains and the global macroeconomic environment, including inflation; the adequacy of our cash generated from operations and our ability to access our credit facilities or capital markets for additional sources of financing; our ability to identify suitable candidates for acquisitions and divestitures and negotiate acceptable terms; our ability to maintain investment grade ratings and achieve our performance targets; our ability to successfully negotiate sales contracts; and our ability to successfully implement new initiatives and programs.

 

13


Events or circumstances that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: general global economic, market and business conditions; failure to complete announced and future acquisitions or divestitures at all or on the expected terms and within the expected timeline; seasonality; 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; any ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting effects on economic conditions and disruptions to global supply chains; the war between Ukraine and Russia and its potential impact on, among other things, global market conditions and supply and demand, including for crop nutrients, energy and commodity prices, interest rates, supply chains and the global economy generally; our ability to execute on our strategies related to environmental, social and governance matters, and achieve related expectations, targets and commitments; the risk that rising interest rates and/or deteriorated business operating results may result in the impairment of assets or goodwill attributed to certain of our cash generating units; and other risk factors detailed from time to time in Nutrien reports filed with the Canadian securities regulators and the SEC in the United States.

The purpose of our 2023 adjusted net earnings per share and adjusted EBITDA (consolidated and by segment) guidance ranges are to assist readers in understanding our expected and targeted financial results, and this information may not be appropriate for other purposes.

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

Terms and Definitions

For the definitions of certain financial and non-financial terms used in this document, as well as a list of abbreviated company names and sources, see the “Terms & Definitions” section of our 2022 Annual Report. All references to per share amounts pertain to diluted net earnings (loss) per share, “n/m” indicates information that is not meaningful, and all financial amounts are stated in millions of US dollars, unless otherwise noted.

 

14


Appendix A - Selected Additional Financial Data

 

Selected Retail Measures  

Three Months Ended March 31

 

  2023   2022
  Proprietary products gross margin (millions of US dollars)

        Crop nutrients

  54   44

        Crop protection products

  74   111

        Seed

  30   26

        Merchandise

  3   3

        All products

  161   184

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

        Crop nutrients

  38   15

        Crop protection products

  36   39

        Seed

  42   38

        Merchandise

  6   7

        All products

  26   22

  Crop nutrients sales volumes (tonnes – thousands)

        North America

  1,195   1,242

        International

  845   933

        Total

  2,040   2,175

  Crop nutrients selling price per tonne

        North America

  742   867

        International

  532   547

        Total

  655   729

  Crop nutrients gross margin per tonne

        North America

  94   185

        International

  35   67

        Total

  69   134

  Financial performance measures

  2023   2022

        Retail adjusted EBITDA margin (%) 1, 2

  10   11

        Retail adjusted EBITDA per US selling location (thousands of US dollars) 1, 2, 3

  1,709   1,583

        Retail adjusted average working capital to sales (%) 1, 4

  19   14

        Retail adjusted average working capital to sales excluding Nutrien Financial (%) 1, 4

  3   -

        Nutrien Financial adjusted net interest margin (%) 1, 4

  6.6   6.9

        Retail cash operating coverage ratio (%) 1, 4

  59   57

  1   Rolling four quarters ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.

  2   These are supplementary financial measures. See the “Other Financial Measures” section.

  3   Excluding acquisitions.

  4   These are non-IFRS financial measures. See the “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” section.

   

 

  Nutrien Financial    As at March 31, 2023     

As at

December
31, 2022

 
  (millions of US dollars)    Current     

<31 Days

Past Due

    

31–90
Days

Past Due

    

>90 Days

Past Due

     Gross
Receivables
     Allowance 1     Net
Receivables
     Net
Receivables
 

  North America

     1,220        86        139        75        1,520        (28     1,492        2,007  

  International

     677        40        55        26        798        (7     791        662  

  Nutrien Financial receivables

     1,897        126        194        101        2,318        (35     2,283        2,669  

  1   Bad debt expense on the above receivables for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was $1 million (2022 – $1 million) in the Retail segment.

 

 

16


Selected Nitrogen Measures  

Three Months Ended March 31

    2023   2022

Sales volumes (tonnes – thousands)

   

    Fertilizer 1

  1,248   1,153

    Industrial and feed

  1,109   1,172

Net sales (millions of US dollars)

   

    Fertilizer 1

  681   826

    Industrial and feed

  498   688

Net selling price per tonne

   

    Fertilizer 1

  545   716

    Industrial and feed

  449   587

1   Certain immaterial 2022 figures have been reclassified.

Production Measures  

Three Months Ended March 31

    2023   2022

Potash production (Product tonnes – thousands)

 

3,088

 

3,703

Potash shutdown weeks 1

 

4

 

-

Ammonia production – total 2

 

1,431

 

1,403

Ammonia production – adjusted 2, 3

 

1,037

 

958

Ammonia operating rate (%) 3

 

95

 

89

P2O5 production (P2O5 tonnes – thousands)

 

341

 

378

P2O5 operating rate (%)

  81   90

1   Represents weeks of full production shutdown, including inventory adjustments and unplanned events, excluding the impact of any periods of reduced operating rates, planned routine annual maintenance shutdowns and announced workforce reductions.

2   All figures are provided on a gross production basis in thousands of product tonnes.

3   Excludes Trinidad and Joffre.

 

17


Appendix B - Non-IFRS Financial Measures

We use both IFRS measures and certain non-IFRS financial measures to assess performance. Non-IFRS financial measures are financial measures disclosed by the Company that (a) depict historical or expected future financial performance, financial position or cash flow of the 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 the 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 also 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, and gain or loss on disposal of certain businesses and investments.

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.

 

     Three Months Ended March 31  

 (millions of US dollars)

                     2023                        2022  

 Net earnings

     576        1,385  

 Finance costs

     170        109  

 Income tax expense

     193        505  

 Depreciation and amortization

     496        461  

 EBITDA 1

     1,435        2,460  

 Share-based compensation expense

     15        135  

 Foreign exchange (gain) loss, net of related derivatives

     (34      25  

 Integration and restructuring related costs

     5        9  

 COVID-19 related expenses 2

     -        5  

 Gain on disposal of investment

     -        (19

 Adjusted EBITDA

     1,421        2,615  

1   EBITDA is calculated as net earnings 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.

 

18


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, and gain/loss on early extinguishment of debt or on settlement of derivatives due to discontinuance of hedge accounting. 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.

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.

 

    

Three Months Ended

March 31, 2023

 

(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)

    
Increases
(Decreases)
 
 
    Post-Tax      

Per
      Diluted
Share
 
 
 

Net earnings attributable to equity holders of Nutrien

       571       1.14  

Adjustments:

      

Share-based compensation expense

     15       11       0.01  

Foreign exchange gain, net of related derivatives

     (34     (25     (0.05

Integration and restructuring related costs

     5       4       0.01  
       

Adjusted net earnings

             561       1.11  
    

Three Months Ended

March 31, 2022

 

(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)

    
Increases
(Decreases)
 
 
    Post-Tax      

Per
Diluted
Share
 
 
 

Net earnings attributable to equity holders of Nutrien

       1,378       2.49  

Adjustments:

      

Share-based compensation expense

     135       101       0.18  

Foreign exchange loss, net of related derivatives

     25       19       0.04  

Integration and restructuring related costs

     9       7       0.01  

COVID-19 related expenses

     5       4       0.01  

Gain on disposal of investment

     (19     (14     (0.03
       

Adjusted net earnings

             1,495       2.70  

 

19


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 because a meaningful or accurate calculation of reconciling items and the information is not available without unreasonable effort due to unknown variables, including the timing and amount of certain reconciling items, 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. The probable significance of such unavailable information, which could be material to future results, cannot be addressed. Guidance for adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net earnings per share excludes certain items such as, but not limited to, 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, and gain/loss on early extinguishment of debt or on settlement of derivatives due to discontinuance of hedge accounting.

Gross Margin Excluding Depreciation and Amortization Per Tonne - Manufactured

Most directly comparable IFRS financial measure: Gross margin.

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

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

Potash Controllable 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 excluding depreciation and amortization expense included in COPM, royalties, natural gas costs and carbon taxes, change in inventory, and other adjustments, divided by potash production tonnes.

Why we use the measure and why it is useful to investors: To assess operational performance. Potash controllable cash COPM excludes the effects of production from other periods and the impacts of our long-term investment decisions. Potash controllable cash COPM also excludes royalties and natural gas costs and carbon taxes, which management does not consider controllable, as they are primarily driven by regulatory and market conditions.

 

     Three Months Ended March 31  

 (millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)

                     2023                        2022  

 Total COGS – Potash

     305        305  

 Change in inventory

     40        77  

 Other adjustments 1

     (8      (15

 COPM

     337        367  

 Depreciation and amortization in COPM

     (100      (119

 Royalties in COPM

     (31      (45

 Natural gas costs and carbon taxes in COPM

     (16      (17

 Controllable cash COPM

     190        186  

 Production tonnes (tonnes – thousands)

     3,088        3,703  

 Potash controllable cash COPM per tonne

     62        50  

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.

 

20


Ammonia Controllable Cash COPM Per Tonne

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

Definition: Total Nitrogen COGS 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.

 

     Three Months Ended March 31  

 (millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)

                     2023                        2022  

 Total Manufactured COGS – Nitrogen 1

     648        672  

 Total Other COGS – Nitrogen 1

     123        209  

 Total COGS – Nitrogen

     771        881  

 Depreciation and amortization in COGS

     (108      (102

 Cash COGS for products other than ammonia

     (471      (524

 Ammonia

     

Total cash COGS before other adjustments

     192        255  

Other adjustments 2

     (68      (36

Total cash COPM

     124        219  

Natural gas and steam costs in COPM

     (85      (181

Controllable cash COPM

     39        38  

 Production tonnes (net tonnes 3 – thousands)

     628        674  

 Ammonia controllable cash COPM per tonne

     63        56  

1  Certain immaterial 2022 figures have been reclassified.

2  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.

3  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 sales and working capital of certain acquisitions during the first year following the acquisition. We also look at this metric excluding Nutrien Financial revenue and working capital.

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.

 

    Rolling four quarters ended March 31, 2023  
(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)   Q2 2022     Q3 2022     Q4 2022     Q1 2023                 Average/Total    

Current assets

    12,487       11,262       11,668       13,000    

Current liabilities

    (9,177     (5,889     (8,708     (8,980        

Working capital

    3,310       5,373       2,960       4,020       3,916    

Working capital from certain recent acquisitions

    -       -       -       -          

Adjusted working capital

    3,310       5,373       2,960       4,020       3,916    

Nutrien Financial working capital

    (4,404     (3,898     (2,669     (2,283        

Adjusted working capital excluding Nutrien Financial

    (1,094     1,475       291       1,737       602    

Sales

    9,422       3,980       4,087       3,422    

Sales from certain recent acquisitions

    -       -       -       -          

Adjusted sales

    9,422       3,980       4,087       3,422       20,911    

Nutrien Financial revenue

    (91     (65     (62     (57        

Adjusted sales excluding Nutrien Financial

    9,331       3,915       4,025       3,365       20,636    

Adjusted average working capital to sales (%)

            19    

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

 

      3    

 

21


    Rolling four quarters ended March 31, 2022  
(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)   Q2 2021     Q3 2021     Q4 2021     Q1 2022                 Average/Total  

Current assets

    9,300       8,945       9,924       12,392    

Current liabilities

    (7,952     (5,062     (7,828     (9,223        

Working capital

    1,348       3,883       2,096       3,169       2,624    

Working capital from certain recent acquisitions

    -       -       -       -          

Adjusted working capital

    1,348       3,883       2,096       3,169       2,624    

Nutrien Financial working capital

    (3,072     (2,820     (2,150     (2,274        

Adjusted working capital excluding Nutrien Financial

    (1,724     1,063       (54     895       45    

Sales

    7,537       3,347       3,878       3,861    

Sales from certain recent acquisitions

    -       -       -       -          

Adjusted sales

    7,537       3,347       3,878       3,861       18,623    

Nutrien Financial revenue

    (59     (54     (51     (49        

Adjusted sales excluding Nutrien Financial

    7,478       3,293       3,827       3,812       18,410    

Adjusted average working capital to sales (%)

            14    

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

 

      -    

Nutrien Financial Adjusted Net Interest Margin

Definition: Nutrien Financial revenue less deemed interest expense divided by average Nutrien Financial net 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 the financial performance of Nutrien Financial.

 

    Rolling four quarters ended March 31, 2023  
(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)   Q2 2022     Q3 2022     Q4 2022     Q1 2023                 Total/Average    

Nutrien Financial revenue

    91       65       62       57    

Deemed interest expense 1

    (12     (12     (11     (20        

Net interest

    79       53       51       37       220    

Average Nutrien Financial net receivables

    4,404       3,898       2,669       2,283       3,314    

Nutrien Financial adjusted net interest margin (%)

                                    6.6    
    Rolling four quarters ended March 31, 2022  
(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)   Q2 2021     Q3 2021     Q4 2021     Q1 2022     Total/Average    

Nutrien Financial revenue

    59       54       51       49    

Deemed interest expense 1

    (8     (10     (12     (6        

Net interest

    51       44       39       43       177    

Average Nutrien Financial net receivables

    3,072       2,820       2,150       2,274       2,579    

Nutrien Financial adjusted net interest margin (%)

                                    6.9    
 1   Average borrowing rate applied to the notional debt required to fund the portfolio of receivables from customers monitored and serviced by Nutrien Financial.

 

 

22


Retail Cash Operating Coverage Ratio

Definition: Retail selling, general and administrative, and other expenses (income), 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.

 

    Rolling four quarters ended March 31, 2023  
(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)   Q2 2022     Q3 2022     Q4 2022     Q1 2023     Total    

Selling expenses

    1,013       821       836       765       3,435    

General and administrative expenses

    54       50       51       50       205    

Other expenses

    21       19       1       15       56    

Operating expenses

    1,088       890       888       830       3,696    

Depreciation and amortization in operating expenses

    (171     (204     (198     (179     (752)  

Operating expenses excluding depreciation and amortization

    917       686       690       651       2,944    

Gross margin

    2,340       917       1,077       615       4,949    

Depreciation and amortization in cost of goods sold

    4       2       4       2       12    

Gross margin excluding depreciation and amortization

    2,344       919       1,081       617       4,961    

Cash operating coverage ratio (%)

                                    59    
    Rolling four quarters ended March 31, 2022  
(millions of US dollars, except as otherwise noted)   Q2 2021     Q3 2021     Q4 2021     Q1 2022     Total    

Selling expenses

    863       746       848       722       3,179    

General and administrative expenses

    41       45       43       45       174    

Other expenses (income)

    34       17       20       (12     59    

Operating expenses

    938       808       911       755       3,412    

Depreciation and amortization in operating expenses

    (166     (180     (173     (167     (686)  

Operating expenses excluding depreciation and amortization

    772       628       738       588       2,726    

Gross margin

    1,858       917       1,173       845       4,793    

Depreciation and amortization in cost of goods sold

    3       2       5       2       12    

Gross margin excluding depreciation and amortization

    1,861       919       1,178       847       4,805    

Cash operating coverage ratio (%)

                                    57    

Appendix C – Other Financial Measures

Supplementary Financial Measures

Supplementary financial measures are financial measures disclosed by the 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 the 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 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’s shareholders plus repurchase of common shares as reflected in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. This measure is useful as it represents return of capital to shareholders.

 

23

EX-99.3 4 d485485dex993.htm EX-99.3 EX-99.3

Exhibit 99.3

 

 

LOGO

NUTRIEN LTD.

INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES

AS AT AND FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED

MARCH 31, 2023

 

 


Unaudited   In millions of US dollars except as otherwise noted  

 

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings

 

            Three Months Ended
March 31
 
      Note      2023     2022  

 SALES

     2        6,107       7,657  

 Freight, transportation and distribution

        199       203  

 Cost of goods sold

              3,995       4,197  

 GROSS MARGIN

        1,913       3,257  

 Selling expenses

        770       727  

 General and administrative expenses

        145       126  

 Provincial mining taxes

        119       249  

 Share-based compensation expense

        15       135  

 Other (income) expenses

     4        (75     21  

 EARNINGS BEFORE FINANCE COSTS AND INCOME TAXES

 

     939       1,999  

 Finance costs

              170       109  

 EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

        769       1,890  

 Income tax expense

     5        193       505  

 NET EARNINGS

              576       1,385  

 Attributable to

       

 Equity holders of Nutrien

        571       1,378  

 Non-controlling interest

              5       7  

 NET EARNINGS

              576       1,385  

 NET EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO EQUITY HOLDERS OF NUTRIEN (“EPS”)

 

 Basic

        1.14       2.49  

 Diluted

              1.14       2.49  

 Weighted average shares outstanding for basic EPS

        501,175,000       552,636,000  

 Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted EPS

              502,220,000       554,647,000  
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

 

            Three Months Ended
March 31
 
 (Net of related income taxes)            2023     2022  

 NET EARNINGS

        576       1,385  

 Other comprehensive income

       

 Items that will not be reclassified to net earnings:

       

 Net actuarial (loss) gain on defined benefit plans

        (3     1  

 Net fair value gain on investments

        5       31  

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

       

 Gain on currency translation of foreign operations

        1       128  

 Other

              (1     16  

 OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

              2       176  

 COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

              578       1,561  

 Attributable to

       

 Equity holders of Nutrien

        573       1,554  

 Non-controlling interest

              5       7  

 COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

              578       1,561  

 (See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements)

 

24


Unaudited   In millions of US dollars except as otherwise noted  

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

            Three Months Ended
March 31
 
      Note                   2023                  2022  
                  Note 1  

 OPERATING ACTIVITIES

       

 Net earnings

        576       1,385  

 Adjustments for:

       

 Depreciation and amortization

        496       461  

 Share-based compensation expense

        15       135  

 Gain on disposal of investment

        -       (19

 Provision for deferred income tax

        21       45  

 Long-term income tax receivables

        (72     10  

 Net distributed (undistributed) earnings of equity-accounted investees

        163       (39

 Gain on amendments to other post-retirement pension plans

        (80     -  

 Other long-term assets, liabilities and miscellaneous

              7       30  

 Cash from operations before working capital changes

        1,126       2,008  

 Changes in non-cash operating working capital:

       

 Receivables

        535       (909

 Inventories

        (2,168     (2,609

 Prepaid expenses and other current assets

        675       722  

 Payables and accrued charges

              (1,026     726  

 CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES

              (858     (62

 INVESTING ACTIVITIES

       

 Capital expenditures 1

        (450     (351

 Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

        (111     (41

 Other

        (33     34  

 Net changes in non-cash working capital

              (100     (99

 CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES

              (694     (457

 FINANCING ACTIVITIES

       

 Transaction costs related to debt

        (20     -  

 Proceeds from short-term debt, net

     7        1,873       1,454  

 Proceeds from long-term debt

     8        1,500       -  

 Repayment of long-term debt

        (17     (2

 Repayment of principal portion of lease liabilities

        (87     (79

 Dividends paid to Nutrien’s shareholders

     9        (246     (257

 Repurchase of common shares

     9        (897     (642

 Issuance of common shares

        28       126  

 Other

              (5     (12

 CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES

              2,129       588  

 EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

              (5     9  

 INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

        572       78  

 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS – BEGINNING OF PERIOD

              901       499  

 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS – END OF PERIOD

              1,473       577  

 Cash and cash equivalents is composed of:

       

 Cash

        361       546  

 Short-term investments

              1,112       31  
                1,473       577  

 SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOWS INFORMATION

       

 Interest paid

        98       50  

 Income taxes paid

        1,319       789  

 Total cash outflow for leases

              119       107  

 1 Includes additions to property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets for the three months ended March 31, 2023 of $411 and $39 (2022 – $306 and $45), respectively.

 (See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements)

 

25


Unaudited   In millions of US dollars except as otherwise noted  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

 

                      Accumulated Other Comprehensive
(Loss) Income (“AOCI”)
                         
     Number of
Common
Shares
    Share
Capital
    Contributed
Surplus
    Loss on
Currency
Translation of
Foreign
Operations
    Other    

Total

AOCI

    Retained
Earnings
    Equity
Holders
of
Nutrien
    Non-
Controlling
Interest
    Total
Equity
 
           

 BALANCE – DECEMBER 31, 2021

    557,492,516       15,457       149       (176     30       (146     8,192       23,652       47       23,699  
           

 Net earnings

    -       -       -       -       -       -       1,378       1,378       7       1,385  
           

 Other comprehensive income

    -       -       -       128       48       176       -       176       -       176  
           

 Shares repurchased (Note 9)

    (7,648,235     (212     -       -       -       -       (375     (587     -       (587
           

 Dividends declared

    -       -       -       -       -       -       (265     (265     -       (265
           

 Non-controlling interest transactions

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (11     (11
           

 Effect of share-based compensation including issuance of common shares

    2,275,861       153       (16     -       -       -       -       137       -       137  

 Transfer of net gain on cash flow hedges

    -       -       -       -       (3     (3     -       (3     -       (3

 Transfer of net actuarial gain on defined benefit plans

    -       -       -       -       (1     (1     1       -       -       -  
           

 BALANCE – MARCH 31, 2022

    552,120,142       15,398       133       (48     74       26       8,931       24,488       43       24,531  
           

 BALANCE – DECEMBER 31, 2022

    507,246,105       14,172       109       (374     (17     (391     11,928       25,818       45       25,863  
           

 Net earnings

    -       -       -       -       -       -       571       571       5       576  
           

 Other comprehensive income

    -       -       -       1       1       2       -       2       -       2  
           

 Shares repurchased (Note 9)

    (11,751,290     (328     -       -       -       -       (571     (899     -       (899
           

 Dividends declared

    -       -       -       -       -       -       (265     (265     -       (265
           

 Non-controlling interest transactions

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (6     (6
           

 Effect of share-based compensation including issuance of common shares

    579,208       34       (3     -       -       -       -       31       -       31  

 Transfer of net loss on cash flow hedges

    -       -       -       -       5       5       -       5       -       5  

 Transfer of net actuarial loss on defined benefit plans

    -       -       -       -       3       3       (3     -       -       -  

 Other

    -       -       -       (2     -       (2     -       (2     -       (2
         

 BALANCE – MARCH 31, 2023

    496,074,023       13,878       106       (375     (8     (383     11,660       25,261       44       25,305  
 (See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements)

 

 

26


Unaudited   In millions of US dollars except as otherwise noted  

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

          March 31          December 31  
As at    Note                    2023                      2022                          2022  

ASSETS

             

Current assets

             

Cash and cash equivalents

        1,473        577          901  

Receivables

        6,009        6,437          6,194  

Inventories

        9,852        9,068          7,632  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

          937        943          1,615  
        18,271        17,025          16,342  

Non-current assets

             

Property, plant and equipment

        21,832        19,998          21,767  

Goodwill

        12,433        12,287          12,368  

Intangible assets

        2,292        2,334          2,297  

Investments

        686        757          843  

Other assets

          1,078        867          969  

TOTAL ASSETS

          56,592        53,268          54,586  

LIABILITIES

             

Current liabilities

             

Short-term debt

   7      4,013        3,033          2,142  

Current portion of long-term debt

        545        551          542  

Current portion of lease liabilities

        306        293          305  

Payables and accrued charges

          10,611        11,013          11,291  
        15,475        14,890          14,280  

Non-current liabilities

             

Long-term debt

   8      9,510        7,519          8,040  

Lease liabilities

        880        929          899  

Deferred income tax liabilities

   5      3,603        3,243          3,547  

Pension and other post-retirement benefit liabilities

        242        425          319  

Asset retirement obligations and accrued environmental costs

        1,389        1,523          1,403  

Other non-current liabilities

          188        208          235  

TOTAL LIABILITIES

          31,287        28,737          28,723  

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

             

Share capital

   9      13,878        15,398          14,172  

Contributed surplus

        106        133          109  

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

        (383      26          (391

Retained earnings

          11,660        8,931          11,928  

Equity holders of Nutrien

        25,261        24,488          25,818  

Non-controlling interest

          44        43          45  

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

          25,305        24,531          25,863  

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

          56,592        53,268          54,586  

(See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements)

 

27


Unaudited   In millions of US dollars except as otherwise noted  

 

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

As at and for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023

NOTE 1 BASIS OF PRESENTATION

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.

These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements (“interim financial statements”) are based on International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34, “Interim Financial Reporting”. The accounting policies and methods of computation used in preparing these interim financial statements are materially consistent with those used in the preparation of our 2022 annual consolidated financial statements. These interim financial statements include the accounts of Nutrien and its subsidiaries; however, they do not include all disclosures normally provided in annual consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with our 2022 annual consolidated financial statements.

Certain immaterial 2022 figures have been reclassified in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.

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

These interim financial statements were authorized by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors for issue on May 10, 2023.

NOTE 2 SEGMENT INFORMATION

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

 

28


Unaudited   In millions of US dollars except as otherwise noted  

 

     Three Months Ended March 31, 2023  
      Retail     Potash     Nitrogen     Phosphate      Corporate
and Others
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

 Sales   – third party

     3,422       1,023       1,154       508        -       -       6,107  

             – intersegment

     -       54       264       64        -       (382     -  

 Sales   – total

     3,422       1,077       1,418       572        -       (382     6,107  

 Freight, transportation and distribution

     -       75       106       58        -       (40     199  

 Net sales

     3,422       1,002       1,312       514        -       (342     5,908  

 Cost of goods sold

     2,807       305       771       427        -       (315     3,995  

 Gross margin

     615       697       541       87        -       (27     1,913  

 Selling expenses

     765       3       8       2        (2     (6     770  

 General and administrative expenses

     50       3       5       3        84       -       145  

 Provincial mining taxes

     -       119       -       -        -       -       119  

 Share-based compensation expense

     -       -       -       -        15       -       15  

 Other expenses (income)

     15       (7     (14     12        (81     -       (75

 (Loss) earnings before finance costs and income taxes

     (215     579       542       70        (16     (21     939  

 Depreciation and amortization

     181       97       134       67        17       -       496  

 EBITDA 1

     (34     676       676       137        1       (21     1,435  

 Integration and restructuring related costs

     -       -       -       -        5       -       5  

 Share-based compensation expense

     -       -       -       -        15       -       15  

 Foreign exchange gain, net of related derivatives

     -       -       -       -        (34     -       (34

 Adjusted EBITDA

     (34     676       676       137        (13     (21     1,421  

 Assets – at March 31, 2023

     25,858       13,526       11,673       2,658        3,589       (712     56,592  

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

 

     Three Months Ended March 31, 2022  
      Retail     Potash     Nitrogen     Phosphate      Corporate
and Others
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

 Sales   – third party

     3,833       1,710       1,497       617        -       -       7,657  

             – intersegment

     28       234       339       79        -       (680     -  

 Sales   – total

     3,861       1,944       1,836       696        -       (680     7,657  

 Freight, transportation and distribution

     -       94       95       61        -       (47     203  

 Net sales

     3,861       1,850       1,741       635        -       (633     7,454  

 Cost of goods sold

     3,016       305       881       428        -       (433     4,197  

 Gross margin

     845       1,545       860       207        -       (200     3,257  

 Selling expenses

     722       3       8       2        (2     (6     727  

 General and administrative expenses

     45       2       6       3        70       -       126  

 Provincial mining taxes

     -       249       -       -        -       -       249  

 Share-based compensation expense

     -       -       -       -        135       -       135  

 Other (income) expenses

     (12     (3     (26     4        53       5       21  

 Earnings (loss) before finance costs and income taxes

     90       1,294       872       198        (256     (199     1,999  

 Depreciation and amortization

     169       112       123       41        16       -       461  

 EBITDA

     259       1,406       995       239        (240     (199     2,460  

 Integration and restructuring related costs

     -       -       -       -        9       -       9  

 Share-based compensation expense

     -       -       -       -        135       -       135  

 COVID-19 related expenses

     -       -       -       -        5       -       5  

 Foreign exchange loss, net of related derivatives

     -       -       -       -        25       -       25  

 Gain on disposal of investment

     (19     -       -       -        -       -       (19

 Adjusted EBITDA

     240       1,406       995       239        (66     (199     2,615  

 Assets – at December 31, 2022

     24,451       13,921       11,807       2,661        2,622       (876     54,586  

 

29


Unaudited   In millions of US dollars except as otherwise noted  

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31
 
                      2023              2022  

 Retail sales by product line

     

 Crop nutrients

     1,335        1,587  

 Crop protection products

     1,154        1,387  

 Seed

     507        458  

 Merchandise

     246        234  

 Nutrien Financial

     57        49  

 Services and other

     148        175  

 Nutrien Financial elimination 1

     (25      (29
       3,422        3,861  

 Potash sales by geography

     

 Manufactured product

     

 North America

     417        927  

 Offshore 2

     660        1,017  
       1,077        1,944  

 Nitrogen sales by product line

     

 Manufactured product

     

 Ammonia

     416        591  

 Urea and ESN® 3

     491        540  

 Solutions, nitrates and sulfates

     371        474  

 Other nitrogen and purchased products 3

     140        231  
       1,418        1,836  

 Phosphate sales by product line

     

 Manufactured product

     

 Fertilizer

     302        432  

 Industrial and feed

     195        184  

 Other phosphate and purchased products

     75        80  
       572        696  

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

 2   Relates to Canpotex Limited (“Canpotex”) (Note 11) and includes provisional pricing adjustments for the three months ended March 31, 2023 of $(147) (2022 – $62).

 3  Certain immaterial 2022 figures have been reclassified.

   

   

    

NOTE 3 SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

The following table summarizes the awards granted under our existing share-based compensation plans described in Note 5 of our 2022 annual consolidated financial statements:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31
 
                      2023              2022  

 Stock options:

     

 Granted (number of units)

     301,168        375,483  

 Weighted average grant date fair value (US dollars)

     25.67        20.49  

 Cash-settled share-based awards granted (number of units) 1

             1,003,010                    970,461  

1 For performance share units granted subsequent to January 1, 2022, return on invested capital over a three-year performance cycle is compared to Board-approved targets as an additional performance condition.

 

 

30


Unaudited   In millions of US dollars except as otherwise noted  

 

NOTE 4 OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSES

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31
 
                      2023              2022  

 Integration and restructuring related costs

     5        9  

 Foreign exchange (gain) loss, net of related derivatives

     (34      25  

 Earnings of equity-accounted investees

     (37      (41

 Bad debt expense

     9        -  

 COVID-19 related expenses

     -        5  

 Gain on disposal of investment

     -        (19

 Project feasibility costs

     13        12  

 Customer prepayment costs

     14        13  

 Gain on amendments to other post-retirement pension plans

     (80      -  

 Other expenses

     35        17  
       (75      21  

NOTE 5 INCOME TAXES

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

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31
 
                      2023              2022  

 Income tax expense

     193        505  

 Actual effective tax rate on earnings (%)

     23        26  

 Actual effective tax rate including discrete items (%)

     25        27  

 Discrete tax adjustments that impacted the tax rate

     18        8  

The following table summarizes the income tax balances within the condensed consolidated balance sheets:

 

 Income Tax Assets and Liabilities   Balance Sheet Location   As at March 31, 2023   As at December 31, 2022

 Income tax assets

     

 Current

 

Receivables

  455   144

 Non-current

 

Other assets

  127   54

 Deferred income tax assets

 

Other assets

  487   448

 Total income tax assets

      1,069   646

 Income tax liabilities

   

 Current

 

Payables and accrued charges

  114   899

 Non-current

 

Other non-current liabilities

  48   46

 Deferred income tax liabilities

 

Deferred income tax liabilities

  3,603   3,547

 Total income tax liabilities

      3,765   4,492

 

31


Unaudited   In millions of US dollars except as otherwise noted  

 

NOTE 6  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Fair Value

Estimated fair values for financial instruments are designed to approximate amounts for which the instruments could be exchanged in a current arm’s length transaction between knowledgeable, willing parties. The valuation policies and procedures for financial reporting purposes are determined by our finance department. There have been no changes to our valuation methods presented in Note 10 of the 2022 annual consolidated financial statements and those valuation methods have been applied in these interim financial statements.

The following table presents our fair value hierarchy for financial instruments carried at fair value on a recurring basis or measured at amortized cost and require fair value disclosure. The table does not include fair value information for financial instruments that are measured using their carrying amount as a reasonable approximation of fair value.

 

     March 31, 2023            December 31, 2022  
Financial assets (liabilities) measured at    Carrying
Amount
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3             Carrying
Amount
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  

Fair value on a recurring basis 1

                   

Derivative instrument assets

     7       -       7       -          7       -       7       -  

Other current financial assets
- marketable securities 2

     155       29       126       -          148       19       129       -  

Investments at FVTOCI 3

     205       195       -       10          200       190       -       10  

Derivative instrument liabilities

     (26     -       (26     -          (35     -       (35     -  

Amortized cost

                   

Current portion of long-term debt

                   

Notes and debentures

     (500     (498     -       -          (500     (493     -       -  

Fixed and floating rate debt

     (45     -       (45     -          (42     -       (42     -  

Long-term debt

                   

Notes and debentures

     (9,388     (6,513     (2,372     -          (7,910     (3,581     (3,656     -  

Fixed and floating rate debt

     (122     -       (122     -                (130     -       (130     -  

1  During the periods ended March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, there were no transfers between levels for financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

2  Marketable securities consist of equity and fixed income securities.

3  Investments at fair value through other comprehensive income (“FVTOCI”) is primarily comprised of shares in Sinofert Holdings Ltd.

NOTE 7  SHORT-TERM DEBT

 

     

Rate of

Interest (%)

     Total Facility Limit as
at March 31, 2023
    

As at

March 31, 2023

    

As at

December 31, 2022

 

Credit facilities

           

Unsecured revolving term credit facility

     n/a        4,500        -        -  

Unsecured revolving term credit facility

     5.9        2,000        1,250        500  

Uncommitted revolving demand facility

     n/a        1,000        -        -  

Other credit facilities 1

        1,240        

South America

     1.3 - 77.5           484        453  

Australia

     4.5           147        190  

Other

     0.8           52        9  

Commercial paper

     5.0 - 6.0           1,905        783  

Other short-term debt

     n/a                 175        207  
                         4,013        2,142  

1  Total facility limit amounts include some facilities with maturities in excess of one year.

 

32


Unaudited   In millions of US dollars except as otherwise noted  

 

NOTE 8  LONG-TERM DEBT

 

 Issuance in the first quarter 2023    Rate of interest (%)      Maturity      Amount  

 Notes issued 2023

     4.900        March 27, 2028        750  

 Notes issued 2023

     5.800        March 27, 2053        750  
                         1,500  

The notes issued in the three months ended March 31, 2023 are unsecured, rank equally with our existing unsecured debt, and have no sinking fund requirements prior to maturity. Each series is redeemable and has various provisions for redemption prior to maturity, at our option, at specified prices.

NOTE 9  SHARE CAPITAL

Share Repurchase Programs

 

     Commencement
Date
    Expiry    

Maximum

Shares for
Repurchase

   

Maximum

Shares for
Repurchase (%)

   

Number of

Shares
Repurchased

 

 2021 Normal Course Issuer Bid

    March 1, 2021       February 28, 2022       28,468,448       5       22,186,395  

 2022 Normal Course Issuer Bid

    March 1, 2022       February 7, 2023       55,111,110       10       55,111,110  

 2023 Normal Course Issuer Bid 1

    March 1, 2023       February 29, 2024       24,962,194       5       3,748,498  

1  The 2023 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 laws, including private agreements.

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

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31
 
      2023      2022  

 Number of common shares repurchased for cancellation

     11,751,290        7,648,235  

 Average price per share (US dollars)

     76.57        76.79  

 Total cost

     899        587  

Dividends Declared

We declared a dividend per share of $0.53 (2022 – $0.48) during the three months ended March 31, 2023, payable on April 13, 2023 to shareholders of record on March 31, 2023.

NOTE 10  SEASONALITY

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

 

33


Unaudited   In millions of US dollars except as otherwise noted  

 

NOTE 11  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

We sell potash outside Canada and the United States exclusively through Canpotex. Canpotex sells potash to buyers in export markets pursuant to term and spot contracts at agreed upon prices. Our 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 2.

 

  As at   March 31, 2023   December 31, 2022

  Receivables from Canpotex

  528   866

NOTE 12  BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

On October 1, 2022, we acquired Casa do Adubo S.A. (“Casa do Adubo”). We have revised the total consideration paid for the acquisition to $277, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired, and amounts held in escrow, as a result of obtaining additional information and finalizing the purchase price agreement during the allowed measurement period, resulting in an increase to goodwill and intangible assets. Preliminary goodwill recognized on the Casa do Adubo acquisition was $177 as at March 31, 2023.

We have engaged independent valuation experts to assist in determining the fair value of certain assets acquired and liabilities assumed and related deferred income tax impacts. The valuation technique and judgments applied are consistent with those methods presented in Note 25 of the 2022 annual consolidated financial statements. As at March 31, 2023, the total consideration and purchase price allocation for Casa do Adubo is not final as we are continuing to obtain and verify information required to determine the fair value of certain assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the amount of deferred income taxes arising on their recognition. We will finalize the amounts recognized as we obtain the information necessary to complete the analysis within one year from the date of acquisition.

The following table allocates preliminary values to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities based upon fair values at their respective acquisition date:

 

     March 31, 2023  
     Casa do Adubo  
      Preliminary at
December 31, 2022
    Adjustments1     Revised Fair Value  

 Receivables

     174       (1     173  

 Inventories

     107       -       107  

 Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     3       -       3  

 Property, plant and equipment

     24       -       24  

 Goodwill

     145       32       177  

 Intangible assets

     95       8       103  

 Other non-current assets

     6       -       6  

 Total assets

     554       39       593  

 Short-term debt

     14       -       14  

 Payables and accrued charges

     159       -       159  

 Long-term debt, including current portion

     91       -       91  

 Lease liabilities, including current portion

     10       -       10  

 Other non-current liabilities

     1       -       1  

 Total liabilities

     275       -       275  

 Total consideration, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired

     279       39       318  

 Amounts held in escrow

     (48     7       (41

 Total consideration, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired, and amounts held in escrow

     231       46       277  

 1 We recorded adjustments to the preliminary fair value to reflect facts and circumstances in existence as of the date of acquisition. These adjustments primarily relate to changes in the preliminary valuation assumptions, including refinement of intangible assets. All measurement period adjustments were offset against goodwill.

 

34