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Fairfax Financial

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Employees 51-200
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FY2001 Annual Report · Fairfax Financial
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2001 Annual Report

Contents

Five Year Financial Highlights

Corporate Profile

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders

Fairfax Consolidated Financial Statements

Auditors’ Report to the Shareholders

Valuation Actuary’s Report

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial

Condition and Results of Operations

Supplementary Financial Information

Fairfax Insurance and Reinsurance Companies –

 Combined Financial Statements

Fairfax with Equity Accounting of Lindsey Morden

and TRG – Consolidated Financial Statements

Lindsey Morden Group Inc. –

Consolidated Financial Statements

Fairfax Unconsolidated Financial Statements

Appendix A – November 3, 2001 Letter to

Shareholders

Appendix B – Fairfax Guiding Principles

Consolidated Financial Summary

Corporate Information

1

2

5

24

28

28

29

47

92

94

96

98

100

102

105

106

107

2001 Annual Report

Five Year Financial Highlights

(in $ millions except share and per share data)

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

Revenue

Net earnings (loss)

6,125.7

(346.0)

6,188.5

137.4

5,788.5

124.2

3,574.3

387.5

2,088.3

232.5

Total assets

35,438.7

31,833.3

31,979.1

20,886.7

10,207.3

Common shareholders’

equity

Common shares

outstanding – year-

end (millions)

Return on average

equity

Per share

3,057.6

3,180.3

3,116.0

2,238.9*

1,395.7

14.4

13.1

13.4

12.1*

11.1

(11.9%)

4.1%

4.3%

20.1%

20.4%

Net earnings (loss)

(28.04)

9.41

9.20

32.63

21.59

Common

shareholders’ equity

213.06

242.75

231.98

184.54

125.38

Market prices per share

High

Low

Close

289.00

160.00

164.00

246.00

146.75

228.50

610.00

180.00

245.50

603.00

253.00

540.00

403.00

285.00

320.00

* not including share subscription receipts issued December 22, 1998 or their proceeds

1

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Corporate Profile

Fairfax  Financial  Holdings  Limited  is  a  financial  services  holding  company  whose

corporate objective is to achieve a high rate of return on invested capital and build long term

shareholder value. The company has been under present management since September 1985.

Insurance subsidiaries

Commonwealth Insurance,  based  in  Vancouver,  offers  commercial  property  and  oil,  gas

and  petrochemicals  insurance  in  Canada,  the  United  States  and  internationally,  and

commercial casualty insurance in Canada. The company has been in business since 1947. In

2001, Commonwealth’s net premiums written were $176.4 million. At year-end, the company

had capital and surplus of $161.8 million and there were 142 employees.

Crum & Forster (C&F), based in Morristown, New Jersey, is a national commercial property

and  casualty  insurance  company  in  the  United  States  writing  a  broad  range  of  commercial

coverages.  Its  subsidiary  Seneca  Insurance  provides  property  and  casualty  insurance  to  small

businesses and certain specialty coverages. The company has been in business since 1824. In

2001,  C&F’s  net  premiums  written  were  US$518.7  million.  At  year-end,  the  company  had

capital and surplus of US$956.9 million and there were 1,171 employees.

Falcon  Insurance,  based  in  Hong  Kong,  writes  property  and  casualty  insurance  to  niche

markets  in  Hong  Kong.  In  2001,  Falcon’s  net  premiums  written  were  HK$90.7  million

(approximately  HK$5  =  C$1).  At  year-end,  the  company  had  capital  and  surplus  of

HK$226.7  million  and  there  were  142  employees  (including  100  from  recently  acquired

Winterthur (Asia)).

Federated Insurance, based in Winnipeg, markets a broad range of insurance products in

Canada primarily for commercial customers. The company has been in business since 1920. In

2001,  Federated’s  net  premiums  written  were  $76.3  million,  consisting  of  $59.0  million  of

property  and  casualty  business  and  $17.3  million  of  life  and  group  health  and  disability

products. At year-end, the company had capital and surplus of $46.4 million and there were

245 employees.

Lombard Insurance, based in Toronto, writes a complete range of commercial and personal

insurance  products  in  Canada.  The  company  has  been  in  business  since  1904.  In  2001,

Lombard’s net premiums written (including cessions to CRC (Bermuda)) were $547.1 million.

At  year-end,  the  company  had  capital  and  surplus  of  $162.9 million  and  there  were

737 employees.

Markel Insurance, based in Toronto, is the leading trucking insurance company in Canada

and has provided the Canadian trucking industry with a continuous market for this class of

insurance since 1951. In 2001, Markel’s net premiums written were $75.3 million. At year-end,

the company had capital and surplus of $44.9 million and there were 146 employees.

Ranger Insurance, based in Houston, specializes in writing property and casualty insurance

in the United States to niche markets (propane, agri-products, bail bonds and public entities)

which require unique underwriting, claims and loss control expertise. The company has been

2

in business since 1923. In 2001, Ranger’s net premiums written were US$72.4 million. At year-

end, the company had capital and surplus of US$78.8 million and there were 161 employees.

TIG  Specialty  Insurance,  based  in  Dallas,  is  licensed  to  write  substantially  all  lines  of

property and casualty insurance in all states of the United States. The company has been in

business since 1911. In 2001, TIG’s net premiums written were US$1,023.9 million. At year-

end,  the  company  had  capital  and  surplus  of  US$1,148.4  million  and  there  were

698 employees.

OdysseyRe reinsurance group

OdysseyRe, based in Stamford, Connecticut, underwrites treaty and facultative reinsurance as

well as certain insurance business, with branches in London, Paris, Singapore and Toronto and

affiliated offices in New York, Miami, Mexico City, Santiago, Cologne, Stockholm and Tokyo.

In 2001, OdysseyRe’s net premiums written were US$959.6 million. At year-end, the company

had capital and surplus of US$872.2 million and there were 362 employees.

Other reinsurance subsidiaries

Compagnie  Transcontinentale  de  R´eassurance  (CTR),  based  in  Paris,  writes  life

reinsurance  internationally.  In  2001,  CTR’s  net  premiums  written  were  US$46.7  million,  of

which  US$19.2  million  related  to  life  insurance.  At  year-end,  the  company  had  capital  and

surplus of US$85.5 million and there were 85 employees.

CRC  (Bermuda)  Reinsurance,  based  in  Bermuda,  continues  to  be  a  major  reinsurer  of

Lombard Insurance. At year-end, the company had capital and surplus of $154.4 million.

ORC Re, based in Dublin, was established in 1997. It writes selected long term property and

casualty  reinsurance  and  fully  reinsures  the  reinsurance  portfolios  of  Fairfax’s  international

runoff operations to provide consolidated investment and liquidity management services, with

the RiverStone Group retaining full responsibility for all other aspects of the runoff. At year-

end,  the  company  had  capital  and  surplus  of  US$1,955.1 million  and  there  were  seven

employees.

Wentworth Insurance, based in Barbados, was incorporated in 1990. It writes selected long

term property and casualty reinsurance. At year-end, the company had capital and surplus of

US$54.8 million and there were seven employees.

Runoff subsidiaries

The Resolution Group (TRG) was formed in 1993 to manage the runoff of International

Insurance Company and other discontinued  lines of business written by the  former Talegen

group  of  insurance  companies.  The  runoff  required  effective  management  of  major  direct

excess  and  surplus  lines  insurance  and  reinsurance  liabilities,  the  resolution  of  complex

litigation and the collection and management of reinsurance assets. At year-end, International

Insurance had capital and surplus of US$320.3 million.

3

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

RiverStone Group (RiverStone), run by TRG management, was established following the

acquisition  of  TRG,  primarily  to  manage  the  runoff  of  certain  Fairfax  insurance  subsidiaries

and  other  discontinued  lines  of  business  written  by  other  Fairfax  companies.  RiverStone

manages the Sphere Drake and RiverStone Stockholm runoff operations.

Claims adjusting and insurance brokerage

Lindsey Morden Group is engaged in providing claims adjusting, appraisal and claims and

risk  management  services  to  a  wide  variety  of  insurance  companies  and  self-insured

organizations in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, continental Europe, the Far

East, Latin America and the Middle East. In 2001, revenue totalled $438.9 million (including

$14.2 million from Fairfax group companies). The company was established in 1923, and at

year-end the group had 3,837 employees located in 355 offices.

Hub International is an insurance brokerage company selling a broad range of commercial,

personal and life insurance products. The company was established in 1998, and at year-end

had 1,990 employees in 130 offices in Canada and the United States.

Investment management subsidiary

Hamblin Watsa Investment Counsel (HWIC)  provides  investment  management  to  the

insurance, reinsurance and runoff subsidiaries of Fairfax. HWIC was founded in 1984.

Note: All  companies  are  wholly  owned  except  OdysseyRe,  a  public  company  of  which  Fairfax  owns

73.7%;  TRG,  a  private  company  in  which  Fairfax  owns  an  effective  27.5%  economic  (100%

voting) interest; Lindsey Morden Group, a public company of which Fairfax owns 68.4% of the

equity and 86.6% of the votes; and Hub International, a public company of which Fairfax owns

36.8%.

4

To Our Shareholders:

2001 was our worst year since we began 16 years ago. It was the first year that we lost money

and the third consecutive year we did not achieve our objective of earning a return on equity

in excess of 20%. We lost 11.9% on average shareholders’ equity in 2001 (compared with a loss

of 4.4% for the TSE 300). We had a loss of $346.0 million or $28.04 per share in 2001 compared

to a profit of $137.4 million or $9.41 per share in 2000. For the first time ever, book value per

share  decreased,  by  12.2%  to  $213.06  per  share,  while  our  share  price  dropped  by  28%  to

$164.00 per share from $228.50 per share at year-end 2000. As you can see, on any measure,

2001  was  our  worst  year  ever.  Our  very  poor  results  resulted  in  our  stock  continuing  to  sell

below book value during 2001, making it almost two and a half years that Fairfax’s stock price

has been below book value.

As I write this letter to you, I must say that I am shocked at our atrocious results over the last

three years and I sincerely apologize to you, our shareholders. As it is for myself and most of

our  Board  members,  Fairfax  officers  and  Hamblin  Watsa  principals,  for  many  of  you  your

investment in our company constitutes a significant portion of your net worth, which makes

these results more painful. As always, we have disclosed the past, studied it and learned from it,

and we continue to be focused on performing for you as we have done prior to the past three

years.

Our loss in 2001 emanated from the large losses we suffered in the third quarter of 2001 which

prompted  my  letter  of  November  3,  2001  to  you  (reproduced  in  Appendix  A)  and  also

prompted  us  to  have  our  first  ever  conference  call  to  explain  the  losses  and  answer  all  your

questions.

As the letter explains, our third quarter loss was a result of two negative surprises: World Trade

Center losses and reserve deficiencies.

The  reserve  deficiencies  at  C&F  and  TIG  were  particularly  embarrassing  because  we  had

recognized reserve deficiencies in 2000 and, in fact, had told you in last year’s Annual Report

that we did not expect this to be repeated in 2001. As our letter indicated, these deficiencies

were an industry phenomenon (the U.S. industry reported  in excess of US$8 billion in adverse

reserve development in 2001) and our management teams had been running their companies

for only two years. Against the backdrop of the worst insurance market in 30 years, it has taken

longer for us to recognize and fix the problems of the past – much longer than we had expected

when we purchased both these companies.

In last year’s Annual Report and in our November 3, 2001 letter, we suggested to you that, over

time, C&F and TIG would be seen to be good acquisitions. I have nothing more to add other

than results will ultimately tell the story.

Last  year,  we  told  you  that  the  headwinds  that  had  buffeted  the  U.S.  property  and  casualty

industry for 12 years had changed and we listed the reasons why this up cycle may have some

‘‘shelf life’’. Since then, we have had the World Trade Center loss (the largest loss in the history

of  the  U.S.  property  and  casualty  industry,  estimated  to  be  in  the  US$30  to  US$50  billion

range),  40  year  lows  in  U.S.  short  term  interest  rates,  declining  U.S.  and  European  stock

5

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

markets (European insurers/reinsurers have common stock holdings in excess of their capital)

and asset problems like Enron, KMart, Global Crossing, etc. We think the combination of these

factors will result in the industry requiring a minimum combined ratio of 100% to achieve a

marginal  single  digit  return  on  equity  –  not  too  dissimilar  to  the  experience  of  the

U.S. property and casualty industry in the 1960s or the Japanese property and casualty industry

in the past ten years, both periods during which low interest rates resulted in returns on equity

for industry participants of 5% to 9% even with combined ratios below 100%.

As mentioned in my November 3 letter to you, we are now in a hard market again – a market in

which our product is not being given away but being priced to cover all costs and provide a fair

return  (in  some  cases,  to  pay  back  the  losses  of  the  past  also).  Insurance  capacity  is  being

severely  limited,  prices  are  going  up  dramatically  and  policy  terms  and  conditions  have

tightened significantly. While these conditions have attracted new capital, our guess is that the

factors mentioned earlier will result in the industry’s favorable conditions continuing for some

time.

For the past 16 years, we have carefully expanded through acquisitions, as the opportunity to

grow  internally  was  very  limited.  This  has  now  changed.  We  expect  to  grow  our  insurance/

reinsurance businesses significantly, and increase our retentions significantly, during this hard

market  (with  the  exception  of  TIG  Insurance,  which  because  of  its  MGA  platform  and  our

insistence  on  100%  combined  ratios,  together  with  A.  M.  Best’s  downgrade  of  its  rating  to

BBB+, will likely have a decline in its premium base, particularly its MGA produced program

business). In the section on insurance, we describe more fully what we have already achieved at

our insurance and reinsurance companies.

A very significant positive we had in 2001 was the OdysseyRe IPO completed on June 14, 2001.

With the major support of Rob Giammarco and his team at Banc of America, Dick Falconer at

CIBC  Wood  Gundy  and  many  other  investment  dealers,  OdysseyRe  was  listed  on  the  NYSE

through  the  sale  of  17.1  million  shares  at  US$18  per  share.  After  the  offering,  Fairfax  held

48 million (74%) of OdysseyRe’s common shares and a US$200 million OdysseyRe three-year

term note (US$150 million of which has since been refinanced externally). Based on the IPO

price  of  US$18  per  share,  the  value  of  the  48  million  common  shares  and  the  term  note  of

OdysseyRe,  together  with  our  cash  proceeds  from  the  IPO,  amounted  to  $2  billion

(US$1.3  billion).  This  was  very  gratifying  as  it  showed  that  OdysseyRe,  which  was  formed

through a merger of our interests in Skandia America Re, CTR and TIG Re, had now arrived.

With US$1 billion in net premiums written and US$1 billion in total capital, we anticipate that

OdysseyRe, under Andy Barnard’s leadership, is poised to grow significantly while achieving

our target 100% combined ratio.

Why did we take OdysseyRe public? The reasons, discussed at last year’s annual meeting, were

as follows:

1.

The  NYSE  listing  and  SEC  registration  provided  OdysseyRe  with  a  profile  and

transparency that benefited its worldwide client base.

2.

Ratings were expected to improve, and S&P did in fact upgrade OdysseyRe’s ratings to

A- after the IPO.

6

3.

The  IPO  provided  additional  financial  flexibility  at  the  Fairfax  level.  It  raised

US$434  million  in  cash  and  notes  for  Fairfax  (including  TIG),  and  Fairfax’s

continuing  investment  in  OdysseyRe’s  now  publicly  traded  shares  was  worth

US$864 million at the IPO price (we have stated clearly that we will not sell control of

OdysseyRe).

Our  expectations  were  more  than  realized  by  the  IPO  and  while  OdysseyRe’s  stock  price  is

trading below its IPO price currently, Andy is focused on performing for his shareholders over

the long term.

Our very positive experience with OdysseyRe has resulted in our decision to take C&F public

(assuming markets are willing). The additional financial flexibility at Fairfax will, among other

things,  assist  us  in  achieving  our  objective  of  maintaining  at  least  $800  million  in  cash  and

marketable securities in the holding company (about five times our annual interest expense)

until our consolidated combined ratio comes down below 105% and our earnings cover our

annual  interest  expense  by  five  times,  which  should  permit  our  debt  ratings,  which  were

dropped below investment grade by S&P and others, to become investment grade again.

The past year has tested our small team at Fairfax, the Presidents who run our companies and

our  guiding  principles  like  never  before.  We  were  battered  from  all  sides  and  it  seemed  like

nothing  we  did  worked!  However,  our  guiding  principles  (again  included,  as  Appendix  B)

survived intact, as did our key management group, in good humor and very focused on getting

back to delivering results for our shareholders. During the year, Jonathan Godown (with many

years at A.M Best, S&P and Milliman & Robertson) and Jane Williamson (formerly a partner at

PwC)  joined  Fairfax  from  the  outside  while  Roland  Jackson,  who  was  CFO  at  OdysseyRe,

moved over to Fairfax Inc. Charlie Troiano took Roland’s position at OdysseyRe. Meanwhile, at

Hamblin  Watsa,  my  partner  Roger  Lace  assumed  the  additional  responsibilities  of  chief

investment officer. Our team at Fairfax and Hamblin Watsa and our Presidents continue to be

the major strength of our company.

7

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Below  we  update  (painfully!!)  the  table  on  intrinsic  value  and  stock  prices  that  we  first

presented two years ago.

INTRINSIC VALUE

STOCK PRICE

ROE
%

25.4
31.3
21.2
20.3
23.0
21.3
7.7
20.3
12.1
20.1
21.4
20.4
20.1
4.3
4.1
(11.9)

% Change in
Book Value*
per Share

% Change in
Stock Price

+ 183
+ 41
+ 22
+ 23
+ 39
+ 24
+ 11
+ 48
+ 25
+ 22
+ 63
+ 44
+ 47
+ 26
+
5
– 12

+292
–
3
+ 21
+ 25
– 41
+ 93
+ 18
+ 145
9
+
+ 46
+ 196
+ 10
+ 69
– 55
–
7
– 28

1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001

1985-2001

16.3%

+ 34%

+ 28%

* First measure of intrinsic value as discussed in our 1997 Annual Report

2001  was  all  minuses!  In  fact,  investments  per  share  dropped  by  5%  after  dropping  10%  in

2000. While we definitely dropped intrinsic value last year, particularly at TIG, the long term

value of the rest of our insurance and reinsurance businesses may well have increased because

of the World Trade Center disaster. No substitute for profits though!! By the way, some of you

think that our stock price is low because of a lack of liquidity – the table shows you it is because

of a lack of performance!

As explained to you in our letter of November 3, 2001, the losses in the third quarter plus the

opportunity  that  we  saw  in  the  P&C  industry  resulted  in  our  issuing  1.25  million  shares  at

$200 per share. This was the first time in our 16 years we sold stock below book value – and

oddly enough, this sale was among the toughest to complete. Ten years ago, in 1991, we wrote

to you that we would always sacrifice returns in order to maintain a strong financial position.

Our stock issue in 2001 was a case in point.

8

The table below shows the sources of our net earnings with Lindsey Morden equity accounted.

(This table, like various others below, sets out an analysis which we have consistently used and

which  we  believe  assists  you  to  understand  Fairfax,  even  though  it  may  not  follow  GAAP:

please see note (2) on page 47 in the MD&A. One of the objectives in our guiding principles is

to provide complete disclosure annually to our shareholders, and we work hard to do this in a

manner which best discloses the substance of our information, both good and bad.)

Underwriting

Insurance

Canada

U.S.

Reinsurance

Interest and dividends

Operating income (loss)

Realized gains

Runoff

Claims adjusting (Fairfax portion)

Interest expense

Goodwill and other amortization

Negative goodwill

Swiss Re premium

Kingsmead losses

Restructuring

Corporate overhead and other

Pre-tax income (loss)

Less (add): taxes

Less (add): non-controlling interests

Net earnings (loss)

2001

2000

($ millions)

(119.5)

(637.9)

(214.7)

491.7

(480.4)

213.5

(27.4)

(3.9)

(155.2)

(7.0)

78.6

(143.6)

(116.7)

(49.1)

(38.9)

(730.1)

(382.5)

(1.6)

(346.0)

(13.0)

(588.4)

(97.4)

593.5

(105.3)

378.3

43.3

(15.4)

(164.7)

(5.4)

108.7

(167.2)

(33.0)

(16.4)

(35.5)

(12.6)

(173.3)

23.3

137.4

The  table  shows  you  the  results  from  our  insurance  and  reinsurance  (underwriting  and

investments),  runoff  and  non-insurance  operations.  Runoff  operations  include  TRG,

RiverStone  Stockholm  and  Sphere  Drake.  Claims  adjusting  shows  you  our  share  of  Lindsey

Morden’s  after-tax  income.  Goodwill  and  other  amortization  includes  amortization  of

Hamblin  Watsa, Lombard,  Ranger  and  Seneca.  The  corporate  overhead  expense  is  net  of

Hamblin Watsa’s pre-tax income and interest income on Fairfax’s cash balances. The premium

payable to Swiss Re of $143.6 million is shown separately and discussed in the MD&A under

Swiss Re premium on page 58. Also shown separately are realized gains so that you can better

understand  our  earnings  from  our  operating  companies.  Also,  please  note  the  unaudited

financial statements of our combined insurance and reinsurance operations and of Fairfax with

Lindsey Morden and TRG equity accounted, as well as Lindsey Morden’s financial statements,

shown on pages 94 to 99.

9

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

The principal components of the large loss in 2001 were:

(a) World Trade Center losses of $288.3 million (US$186.8 million), described in detail

on page 50;

(b)

the  net  cost  of  2000  and  prior  years’  reserve  strengthening  at  TIG  and  C&F  of

$304 million (US$197 million), described in detail on page 50;

(c)

Enron  losses  at  OdysseyRe  ($23  million),  Kingsmead  losses  excluding  World  Trade

Center losses ($54.3 million) and restructuring charges ($49.1 million); and

(d) underwriting losses, excluding World Trade Center losses and TIG and C&F’s prior

years’ reserve strengthening, at TIG ($272.7 million) and C&F ($87.6 million) and in

Canada ($80.2 million).

With  some  good  fortune  in  2002,  (a),  (b)  and  (c)  should  not  be  repeated  and  (d)  should  be

significantly  reduced.  However,  in  the  P&C  insurance  industry,  as  our  long-suffering

shareholders know, there are no guarantees.

Interest  and  dividends  declined  by  $101.8  million  in  2001  to  $491.7  million  because  of

increased interest expense on funds withheld payable to reinsurers of $43.9 million (please see

Funds withheld payable to reinsurers on page 61) and a $0.8 billion lower average investment

portfolio  reflecting  the  payout  of  claims  in  the  runoff  operations  and  in  the  U.S.  insurance

companies, as well as a lower investment yield, as discussed on page 56. The funds withheld

payable to reinsurers balance increased in 2001 because of stop loss reinsurance purchased for

C&F and TIG for the years 1999 and 2000 and Fairfax’s corporate insurance cover with Swiss

Re.

In  our  1999  Annual  Report,  we  discussed  Fairfax’s  purchase  of  a  US$1  billion  adverse  loss

development  reinsurance  cover  (for  1998  and  prior  years’  claims  and  unrecoverable

reinsurance)  from  an  AAA  rated  subsidiary  of  Swiss  Re  Group.  In  2001,  we  ceded

US$203.8  million  to  the  cover  for  a  cumulative  total  of  US$727.4  million.  The  adverse

development  (before  redundancies)  arose  mainly  from  C&F  (US$62.4  million),  Ranger

(US$39.5 million) and our runoff subsidiaries (US$96.1 million). The cost of this cover in 2001

is the Swiss Re premium shown of $143.6 million (more on page 58).

We  have  a  separate  section  in  the  MD&A  on  runoff  (page  57),  which  shows  you  the

components of the $27.4 million lost there. The loss on the Kingsmead syndicates, which we

sold to Advent last year, is described further on page 59 in the MD&A.

The large underwriting losses, combined with reduced realized gains, resulted in a pre-tax loss

of $730.1 million in 2001 – the third consecutive year we have had pre-tax losses. With the tax

recovery of $382.5 million, we had a huge net loss of $346.0 million.

Insurance and Reinsurance Operations

The table below shows you the combined ratios of each of our companies for 2001 and 2000.

Also  shown  is  the  ‘‘adjusted’’  combined  ratio  for  2001,  which  excludes  the  impact  of

catastrophe  losses  (World  Trade  Center,  Enron  and  Tropical  Storm  Allison)  and  prior  years’

reserve strengthening for the U.S. insurance group. In the insurance business, there is always

something exceptional taking place in any year – so take ‘‘adjusted’’ with a pinch of salt!!

10

While the group combined ratio at 121% was the second worst combined ratio we have ever

had (140% in 1989 was the worst), the underlying operations in all our companies (with the

exception of TIG) are all much improved. As mentioned in last year’s Annual Report, there is

no  question  that  I  was  too  optimistic  when  we  purchased  C&F  and  TIG  about  industry

conditions in 1998 and 1999 and our ability to turn around these operations. Fully developed

accident year combined ratios for 1999 for C&F and TIG are now running at 146% and 128%

respectively  versus  our  expectations  of  110%  and  105%  at  the  time  of  purchase.  Please  read

that sentence again because it is quite astounding how wrong one can be in this industry. Not

that this helps but the whole industry, including the very best, had a similar experience!

Underwriting
profit (loss)

2001
($ millions)

(58.8)

(2.0)

(76.4)

0.4

Combined ratio

Adjusted
2001
%

122.6

102.8

111.5

99.4

2001
%

162.6

102.8

115.3

99.4

2000
%

105.5

106.5

100.6

103.4

Commonwealth

Federated

Lombard

Markel

Total Canadian insurance(1)

(119.5)

111.0

116.4

102.0

C&F

Ranger

TIG

Falcon

Total U.S. insurance(1)

OdysseyRe(2)

Total

(245.0)

(81.7)

(456.8)

(4.0)

(637.9)

(214.7)

(972.1)

109.0

120.8

116.0

125.2

131.1

182.9

128.1

125.2

124.3

146.3

123.1

173.4

113.7

125.3

124.3

103.1

115.4

108.0

110.4

120.7

116.3

(1) After recoveries under the Swiss Re cover

(2) Including CTR in 2000

On  pages  53  to  56  of  the  MD&A,  we  have  provided  more  disclosure  on  each  company’s

operations so that you can see how each of them individually has done. I will not repeat that

disclosure other than to make the following points:

(a) Canadian insurance operations

We  have  excellent  management  running  our  Canadian  companies  and  those

managements have been in place for some time. However, excluding Markel, 2001

was  a  very  poor  year  for  them. With  the  exception  of  Markel,  which  continued  to

have  excellent  underwriting  results,  all  of  our  Canadian  insurance  companies  had

combined ratios (even adjusted combined ratios!) in excess of 100%. On pages 53 and

54 of the MD&A, we discuss the reasons for their poor underwriting performance in

2001. In this hard market, with price increases in excess of 20% (depending on the

line),  we  expect  Ron  Schwab  (Commonwealth),  John  Paisley  (Federated),  Byron

Messier (Lombard) and Mark Ram (Markel) all to achieve their target 100% combined

11

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

ratios (with expanding volume). Each of these companies has increased its retentions

significantly.

(b) U.S. insurance operations

Because  of  the  prior  years’  reserve  increase  at  C&F  and  TIG,  results  in  our

U.S. operations were very painful. However, as discussed in last year’s Annual Report,

we feel the heavy lifting at C&F and Ranger is over and Bruce Esselborn (C&F) and

Phil  Broughton  (Ranger)  can  focus  on Fairfax’s  target  100%  combined  ratio.

However, I am not going to predict our results – expect me to forecast 2002 results at

the  end  of  the  year!  Having  said  that,  Doug  Libby  (Seneca)  had  another  great  year

with a solid combined ratio of 98%.

TIG, however, continues to be a work in progress. Recently, Courtney Smith resigned

and Jim Dowd took over as Interim CEO. We have three separate businesses in TIG.

We had approximately US$69 million of net premiums written in 2001 in special risk

operations (excess casualty, excess property and healthcare) headquartered in Napa

and  US$60  million  in  Hawaii  (small  commercial  and  personal  lines).  We  are

comfortable with our special risk business run by Steve Brett and our Hawaii business

run  by  Wayne  Hikida  but,  as  mentioned  earlier,  the  program  business  in  Dallas

(approximately US$895 of net premiums written in 2001) will shrink significantly. In

the current environment, we expect our special risk operations to grow significantly.

(c)

Reinsurance operations

Through  Andy  Barnard’s  excellent  leadership,  we  now  have  a  focused  worldwide

reinsurance  company  with  one  platform  and  capital  base  with  approximately

US$1  billion  in  net  premiums  written.  OdysseyRe’s  combined  ratio  for  2001,

excluding  catastrophe  losses  (World  Trade  Center,  Enron  and  Tropical  Storm

Allison), was 103%. In 2002, excluding a repeat of 2001’s unusual events, OdysseyRe

is set to make an underwriting profit and also expand significantly. For more details

on  OdysseyRe,  please  review  its  annual  report,  which  is  on  its  website

(www.odysseyre.com).

12

Many of our long term investors look at our P&C operations and have tried to identify the float

that  we  generate  and  the  cost  of  that  float.  Warren  Buffett  and  Berkshire  Hathaway  first

provided  a  table  disclosing  this  in  their  1990  annual  report.  For  the  first  time,  here  are  our

numbers.

Year

1986

1987

1988

1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

Underwriting
profit (loss)
($ millions)

Average float*
($ millions)

Benefit
(Cost)
of float

Average long
term Canada
treasury bond
yield

3.5

1.0

0.4

(13.3)

(12.5)

5.3

(16.9)

2.1

(16.9)

(40.9)

(50.6)

(56.2)

(311.4)

(617.1)

(698.8)

(972.1)

29.8

54.8

72.1

80.8

137.1

180.7

183.6

320.4

683.6

913.2

1,423.1

2,683.5

5,303.3

8,545.7

7,905.5

6,898.8

11.6%

1.8%

0.5%

(16.5%)

(9.1%)

2.9%

(9.2%)

0.6%

(2.5%)

(4.5%)

(3.6%)

(2.1%)

(5.9%)

(7.2%)

(8.8%)

(14.1%)

(7.9%)

9.6%

10.0%

10.2%

9.9%

10.8%

9.7%

8.8%

7.8%

8.7%

8.3%

7.6%

6.5%

5.5%

5.7%

5.9%

5.8%

6.1%

Weighted average

Fairfax weighted average financing differential: 1.8%

* Excludes runoff operations

In the table above, float is the sum of loss reserves, including loss adjustment expense reserves,

and  unearned  premium  reserves,  less  accounts  receivable,  reinsurance  recoverables and

deferred premium acquisition costs, for our insurance and reinsurance companies. This float is

the amount of money we hold in our insurance and reinsurance operations because we receive

premiums  much  before  losses  are  paid.  The  cost  of  this  float  is  the  underwriting  loss  or  the

excess of losses and expenses over premiums. Of course, if we have an underwriting profit, our

float  has  no  cost.  Insurance  businesses  are  valuable  if  they  generate  increasing  float  at  an

acceptable  cost.  We  have  compared  our  cost  of  float  to  average  long  term  Canada  treasury

bond yields (which generally are higher than comparable U.S. treasury bond yields).

From the table, the following observations can be made:

1. We have grown our float very significantly over the past 16 years even though in the

past two years it has declined. This growth has been mainly through acquisitions. We

expect growth in the next few years to be internally generated.

13

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

2.

In only five of our 16 years has this float had no cost to us. In another five of those

16  years,  the  float  cost  us  less  than  long  Government  of  Canada  bonds,  i.e.  we

borrowed at rates less than the Government of Canada. In the remaining six years,

our  float  cost  more  than  long  Government  of  Canada  bonds  –  four  of  these  years

being  the  most  recent  four.  In  fact,  in  2001,  our  cost  of  funds  was  over  eight

percentage  points  higher  than  long  Government  of  Canada  bonds  –  the  highest

differential in 16 years. Hopefully an anomaly!!

On  average,  over  16  years,  our  float  cost  us  about  180  basis  points  above  the

Government of Canada’s borrowing cost in the long term market. Our objective, at a

100% combined ratio, is to have no cost for our float.

3.

Finally, of course, the value of the float is not only its cost but also a function of how

well it is invested. On that score, we have one of the best investment teams around

with an excellent track record. Over time, this is a major positive and, as mentioned

before, what attracted me to the business in the first place.

The table below shows you the breakdown of our year-end float for the past four years.

1998

1999

2000

2001

Canadian
Insurance

U.S.
Insurance

Reinsurance
($ millions)

Runoff

Total

784.3

767.3

814.0

1,124.9

4,171.3

4,834.6

3,417.2

3,173.2

3,195.8

3,338.2

2,639.7

2,628.5

–

8,151.4

2,159.1

1,443.9

2,378.4

11,099.2

8,314.8

9,305.0

In  1999,  the  runoff  segment  was  formed  with  the  acquisition  of  TRG,  as  discussed  under

Runoff on page 57. The increase in the reinsurance segment in 1999 reflects the acquisition of

TIG Re, offset by the transfer to runoff of Sphere Drake, ORC Re and RiverStone Stockholm, all

of  which  were  included  in  the  reinsurance  group  at  year-end  1998.  The  increase  in  the  U.S.

insurance segment in 1999 reflects the acquisition of TIG Insurance. The increase in the runoff

segment  in  2001  reflects  the  inclusion  of  CTR’s  non-life  reinsurance  portfolio  effective

January 1, 2001.

Except for acquisitions, the float generated in our U.S. and reinsurance operations has been flat

to declining because we have not increased the amount of insurance/reinsurance business that

we have written due to very soft markets.  In the next three years, as long as current markets

prevail, we expect the float generated in all our businesses, except TIG, to increase.

As  you  know,  each  year  we  emphasize  to  you  the  importance  of  proper  reserving  at  our

insurance  and  reinsurance  companies.  We  have  had  external  actuaries  (two  sets  of  external

actuaries in some cases) reviewing our reserves since we began in 1985. In spite of this huge

focus  on  reserving  conservatively,  in  2001  we  experienced  some  very  significant  unforeseen

prior years’ adverse development in our U.S. insurance companies – some relating to periods

before  we  acquired  the  companies  and  some  relating  to  the  transition  period  of  our  watch

when new management significantly changed underwriting and claims handling practices and

controls. As mentioned earlier in this report, our experience and that of others in the industry

reflected the very poor pricing environment in the late 1990s. In the current vastly improved

14

pricing environment, we do not expect this experience to be repeated. In Canada in 2001, we

had some unexpected development from the past, which we describe on page 65. We continue

our strong focus on conservative reserving.

Claims Adjusting

2001 was a turnaround year for Linsdey Morden. As the table below shows, free cash flow (cash

flow from operations less net capital expenditures), operating earnings and earnings before tax

and goodwill showed vast improvement over last year.

Year ended December 31

Free cash flow

Operating earnings

Earnings before tax and goodwill

2001

2000

($ millions)

20.6

12.7

(7.7)

1.6

(0.8)

(27.1)

It  was  gratifying  that  each  of  the  five  operating  units  (Canada,  U.S.,  U.K.,  Europe  and

International) contributed to the improved results through significant growth in revenue, cost

containment and additional restructuring. Cunningham Linsdey UK had a particularly good

year  as  it  generated  $25.1  million  of  free  cash  flow,  more  than  fully  justifying  our  purchase

price of Ellis & Buckle in 1998 and our faith in the leadership of Gerry Loughney. Aggregate

free  cash  flow  at  the  other  operating  units  was  $12.7  million  (thanks  to  Bill  Hornick  at

Canadian operations, Farid Nagji at U.S. operations, Pim Polak Schoute and Gerard B¨ottcher at

European operations and Jim Grant at International operations) while corporate and financing

costs were $17.2 million.

As Interim CEO, Francis Chou was a tower of strength as he helped guide the turnaround and

helped  select  Karen  Murphy  as  the  continuing  CEO.  Under  Karen’s  disciplined  and  focused

leadership, we expect continued good results in Linsdey Morden.

During  the  year,  Ken  Polley  and  Ferd  Roibas  retired  as  Chairman  and  President  respectively

and  Jim  Dowd  was  named  the  new  Chairman  of  Lindsey  Morden.  For  more  details

on  Lindsey  Morden,  please  review 

its  annual  report,  which 

is  on 

its  website

(www.lindseymordengroupinc.com).

15

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Financial Position

As mentioned in previous Annual Reports, we feel our unaudited balance sheet with Lindsey

Morden  and  TRG  equity  accounted  (shown  on  page  96)  is  the  best  way  to  understand  our

financial position. Below, we show you our year-end financial position compared to the end of

2000.

Cash and marketable securities

Long term debt

Net debt

Common shareholders’ equity

Preferred securities

OdysseyRe non-controlling interest

Total equity

Net debt/equity

Net debt/total capital

2001

2000

($ millions)

833.4

2,205.8

1,372.4

3,057.6

560.8

361.8

545.4

1,851.4

1,306.0

3,180.3

592.0

–

3,980.2

3,772.3

34%

26%

35%

26%

Cash  and  marketable  securities  in  the  holding  company  increased  significantly  due  to  our

$250 million stock issue plus the external refinancing of most of the OdysseyRe debt to Fairfax.

Included also is OdysseyRe’s minority interest which supports repayment of OdysseyRe’s debt.

In spite of the effect of the lower Canadian dollar, our net debt to equity and net debt to capital

ratios were maintained during the year.

In the MD&A, we discuss our cash requirements during 2002 (page 86) and provide a line-by-

line description of all major assets and liabilities on our balance sheet (beginning on page 60).

In spite of the battering inflicted by our results in the last year (and in the two years before

that), our balance sheet has retained its strength.

This demonstrates again the importance of a strong balance sheet and financial position. We

are focused on maintaining this strength. Our financial position continues to be strong for the

following reasons:

1. We have no bank debt. Our debt consists of seven public debentures with a long term

to maturity (2 years to 36 years) and low interest rates (6.875% to 8.30%), two small

debentures  issued  to  vendors,  OdysseyRe’s  debt  created  in  connection  with  its  IPO

and certain debt assumed with the acquisition of TIG. All of the public debentures

were issued under a single trust indenture containing no restrictive covenants, thus

providing us with great flexibility. We have swapped the fixed interest rates on the

five public debentures maturing after 2006 into floating rates (or as noted in the next

sentence),  saving  approximately  153 basis  points 

in  2001.  We  swapped

US$125  million  of  our  7.375%  debentures  due  April  15,  2018  for  Japanese  yen

denominated debt of the same maturity with a fixed rate of 3.48% per annum (see

note 5 to the consolidated financial statements). Including the amortization of the

unrealized foreign exchange loss on this swap over the remaining term to maturity,

the effective rate for 2001 was 4.375% per annum, still below the 7.375% coupon rate

of the swapped debentures.

16

2. We have unsecured, committed, long term bank lines in excess of $900 million with

excellent  covenants.  These  bank  lines  are  with  five  Canadian,  five  U.S.  and  two

European banks. Please see the details on page 87 in the MD&A.

3.

Our net long term debt is less than three  times our normalized earnings base (you

have yet to see it!!). Also, our earnings base is well diversified among many insurance

and reinsurance companies and Lindsey Morden and geographically from Canadian,

U.S. and international sources of income.

4.

Available  cash  flow  at  the  Fairfax  (holding  company)  level  from  dividends,

management fees and interest income should cover our administrative and interest

expenses  and  preferred  dividends  by  one  to  two  times.  This  is  based  on  normal

dividend payouts from our insurance companies, which are less than our maximum

dividend-paying  capacity.  In  2001,  we  took  substantially  less  than  our  normal

dividend  payouts. In  2002,  our  maximum  dividend  capacity  is  $232  million

compared  with  $343  million  in  2001  reflecting  the  poor  operating  results  in  2001,

particularly  at  the  U.S.  insurance  companies.  Note  Fairfax’s  combined  holding

company earnings statement on page 101.

5. With  more  than  $800  million  in  cash  and  marketable  securities  in  the  holding

company  at  year-end,  we  could  pay  our  administrative  and  interest  expenses  and

preferred  dividends  at  Fairfax,  with  no  dividends  from  any  of  our  insurance  or

reinsurance companies, for three to four years – our management holding company

survival ratio!

6.

As discussed on page 85 in the MD&A, with the exception of TIG all our insurance

and reinsurance companies are well capitalized with solvency margins well in excess

of mandated regulatory levels.

7.

Our foreign exchange exposure from our U.S. insurance and reinsurance companies

has been fully hedged by our U.S. dollar debenture issues and the purchase of foreign

exchange contracts. While hedged, the lower Canadian dollar could result in Fairfax

using cash to roll over certain of the foreign exchange contracts referred to in notes

1 and 16 of the financial statements.

8.

Importantly,  the  listing  of  OdysseyRe  and  (assuming  markets  are  willing)  C&F

provide  meaningful  flexibility  to  Fairfax  as  cash  could  be  generated  by  the  sale  of

shares (not the control block).

Investments

Equity markets continued to decline in 2001 with the S&P500 down 13%, the NASDAQ down

21% and the TSE 300 down 14%. Long U.S. treasury yields dropped significantly from 5.46% at

December 31, 2000 to 4.88% at October 31, 2001 but closed the year at 5.47%.

17

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

The unrealized gains (losses) as of year end are as follows:

Bonds

Preferred stocks

Common stocks

Real estate

2001

2000

($ millions)

(321.1)

(463.4)

(0.4)

39.9

4.4

(0.7)

(25.1)

–

(277.2)

(489.2)

Our unrealized bond loss of $463.4 million at the end of 2000 became an unrealized gain of

approximately  $250  million  as  of  October  31,  2001,  but  because  interest  rates  on  long

U.S.  treasuries  increased  after  that  date,  we  ended  the  year  with  an  unrealized  bond  loss  of

$321.1  million.  Assuming  corporate  spreads  remain  at  their  year-end  levels, our  unrealized

bond  losses  would  disappear  if  interest  rates  decline  by  half  a  percentage  point,  and  would

become an unrealized gain in excess of $800 million if interest rates decline by one percentage

point.

We realized $162.3 in gains in 2001 – about 40% of our gains in 2000. Given the size of the

portfolio, we have done much better in the past.  Net gains from bonds were $28.4 million.

Gross  realized  gains  on  common  stocks  in  2001  totaled  $186.7  million  (excluding  the

OdysseyRe IPO gain of $51.2 million). After realized losses of $14.1 million, net realized gains

were $172.6 million. The principal contributors to the stock realized gains were put contracts

on a basket of technology stocks ($75.1 million), Rothmans ($35.0 million) and S&P500 Index

puts ($11.4).

The technology bubble that we discussed in our 1999 and 2000 Annual Reports continued to

deflate in 2001. Most of the ‘‘senior’’ and ‘‘junior’’ issues continued to fall in 2001. The S&P500

also declined but, as the table below shows, continues to sell at very high levels.

As of
December 31

S&P500
Index

Earnings

Price/
Earnings

% Change
in Index

1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
1996-2001

741
970
1,229
1,469
1,320
1,148

39
40
38
49
54
26
–33%

19x
24x
32x
30x
24x
44x
+132%

+31%
+27%
+20%
–10%
–13%
+55%

To put the recent five years in perspective, we show you the charts that we discussed at last

year’s annual meeting.

18

S&P500 Price/Operating Earnings Ratio (Excludes Write Offs) – 1927 - 2001

0
3
9
1

5
3
9
1

0
4
9
1

5
4
9
1

0
5
9
1

5
5
9
1

0
6
9
1

5
6
9
1

0
7
9
1

5
7
9
1

0
8
9
1

5
8
9
1

0
9
9
1

5
9
9
1

0
0
0
2

29
28
27
26
25
24
23
22
21
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7

Norm 

Source: Ned Davis Research, Inc.

Stock Market Capitalization as a Percentage of Nominal GDP – 1925 - 2001

171

156

142

130

118

108

98

90

82

75

68

62

57

52

47

43

39

36

33

30

27

25

23

21

Norm

5
2
9
1

0
3
9
1

5
3
9
1

0
4
9
1

5
4
9
1

0
5
9
1

5
5
9
1

0
6
9
1

5
6
9
1

0
7
9
1

5
7
9
1

0
8
9
1

5
8
9
1

0
9
9
1

5
9
9
1

0
0
0
2

Concept Courtesy: Jim Bianco

29
28
27
26
25
24
23
22
21
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7

171

156

142

130

118

108

98

90

82

75

68

62

57

52

47

43

39

36

33

30

27

25

23

21

Source: Ned Davis Research, Inc.

These  charts  show  you  why  we  have  been  so  concerned  about  valuation  levels  in  the

U.S. market since 1998. On a price to earnings basis for the S&P500 or on a percentage of stock

market capitalization to gross domestic product, recent valuation levels have never been seen

in the past 100 years in the U.S. Ben Graham, the father of value investing who survived the

1929-32 stock market crash and also the 1972-74 debacle, had this to say about both periods:

‘‘What  should  a  conservative  analyst  have  done  in  the  heady  area  and  era  of  high  growth,

high-multiplier  companies?  I  must  say  mournfully  that  he  would  have  to  do  the  near

impossible – namely, turn his back on them and let them alone.’’ Reflecting on his years on

Wall Street, Ben made the point that ‘‘in one important respect, we have made practically no

progress at all and that is in human nature . . . people still want to make money very fast.’’ The

extremely short term focus in the markets today with undue emphasis on quarterly earnings,

19

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

promotional  quarterly  conference  calls  and  huge  volatility  in  stock  prices  suggests  Ben’s

observation is alive and well.

Both of the above charts show that the pendulum does swing back and forth between greed

and  fear  –  and  from  these  levels,  declines  even  to  median  historical  levels  would  be  very

painful. It is important to remember that it took 25 years for the Dow Jones to break its 1929

high (of 381) and 16 years to decisively penetrate the 1000 it first reached in 1966. As we did

last  year,  we  continue  to  remind  you  that  we  think  that  most  participants  in  today’s  equity

markets  in  the  U.S.  will  suffer  permanent  loss  and  it  is  very  likely  that  recent  highs  in  the

S&P500 (1,552) and Dow Jones (11,750) will not be seen again in the next decade. When the

pendulum  does  swing  –  and  it  seems  like  it  has  begun  –  the  two  major  risks  that  we  have

discussed in the past – a potential ‘‘run’’ on mutual funds and the ‘‘repricing of risk’’ (higher

default experience of bonds collateralized with consumer debt) – will be exposed.

This ‘‘off the charts’’ valuation level of the S&P500 has resulted in Fairfax continuing to invest

in S&P500 Index puts – we currently have US$1.1 billion (notional value) at an average strike

price of 1,082. After realizing gains, net of amortization, of US$7.4 million in 2001, the net cost

of our S&P500 put program already expensed over the past four years is US$110.3 million. At

February  28,  2002  the  US$1.1  billion  in  S&P  puts  had  a  carrying  value  and  market  value  of

US$61.6 million.

The US$142 million (notional value) in similar one-year contracts on a basket of technology

stocks  that  we  discussed  last  year  resulted  in  realized  gains  of  US$48.6 million  in  2001

(US$32 million in 2000). We currently have US$46 million of these contracts (with unrealized

gains of US$8.7 million at February 28, 2002).

As discussed in past Annual Reports, the possibilities for realized gains continue to be:

1. We have approximately $5.5 billion invested in ‘‘put’’ bonds (described in our 1997

Annual Report) that have significant upside potential if interest rates decline (limited

downside if interest rates increase). As a result of these put bonds, our bond portfolio

has an average maturity of 8 years to the put date and 18 years to the long date.

2. We  continue  to  have  US$1.1  billion  in  S&P500  Index  puts  at  an  average  level  of

1,082, which can result in large profits if the U.S. stock market declines significantly.

3. We  have  $910  million  invested  in  common  stock  on  which  we  expect  to  make

significant gains over the long term.

20

Our  bond/common  stock  mix  has  not  changed  much  in  the  last  few  years.  We  have

approximately  6%  of  our  investment  portfolio  in  common  shares  and  almost  all  the  rest  in

cash and good quality marketable bonds (98.4% of the bonds are rated investment grade, with

83.7% being rated A or above – please see page 82). By country, our common stock investments

at December 31, 2001 were as follows:

Canada

Japan

U.S.

Other

Carrying Value

Market Value

($ millions)

175.5

146.8

134.8

452.7

909.8

173.7

166.5

204.9

404.6

949.7

While we continue to be worried about the absolute levels of the U.S. stock market, as long

term value investors, we have maintained our investments in North America because of a few

unusual long term value oriented opportunities that came our way last year.

Miscellaneous

Please  review  page  100  which  is  an  unaudited  unconsolidated  balance  sheet  showing  you

where your money is invested. Please note that our assets are all shown there on an equity basis

while a number of the investments included in those assets are publicly traded companies with

market values (which fluctuate, of course). Indirectly, through your shares of Fairfax, you own

48 million shares of Odyssey Re (book cost of $21.19 per share), 9,517,012 shares of Lindsey

Morden (book cost of $10.30 per share), 11,242,201 fully diluted shares of Hub International

(book cost of $11.41 per share) and 7,808,645 shares of Zenith (book cost of $43.93 per share).

Also,  assuming  markets  are  willing,  you  will  indirectly  own  marketable  shares  of  Crum  &

Forster. The market values of these investments, over time, will help you get another reading

on  the  long  term  value  of  your  Fairfax  shares  and,  we  believe,  will  show  you  that  Fairfax  is

worth a lot more than its book value.

We made two very small acquisitions (Winterthur (Asia) and Old Lyme) in late 2001 and early

2002. Please see pages 80 and 40 respectively for more details.

We paid a modest $1.00 per share dividend, as discussed in last year’s Annual Report.

We continue to want to list on the NYSE but the Canadian dollar refuses to cooperate. We are

patient. With the change in accounting for goodwill, our negative goodwill of $51.4 million

will  be  added  to  common  equity  as  of  January  1,  2002  to  increase  book  value  per  share  to

$216.64.

For many years now, we have listed for you the risks in our business (this year beginning on

page 88). They are many and you should read them carefully. I want to particularly highlight

for you the ones on reinsurance recoverables, taxation and ratings. The section on reinsurance

recoverables  beginning  on  page  75  of  the  MD&A  discusses  this  very  significant  asset  on  our

balance sheet. Dennis Gibbs and his team at RiverStone monitor this asset very carefully for us

and while the risks are ever present that some of the reinsurers may default, we think Dennis

21

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

has  this  well  in  control.  The  settlement  of  all  Fairfax  exposures  to  Equitas  in  2001  was  an

example  of  what  RiverStone  can  do.  The  composition  of  the  future  income  tax  asset  is

discussed on page 60. Part of this asset relates to normal timing differences which arise out of

ongoing  operations.  As  for  the  balance,  we  are  confident  that  it  will  be  realized  from  future

profitable  operations. And  finally,  the  claims  paying  rating  from  A.M.  Best  is  critical  to  our

U.S. operations. With Jonathan Godown, we are all focused on improving our ratings.

Your company has gone through a very difficult time in the past three years, particularly last

year. However, in spite of these three years, we have among the best long term track records in

the  property  and  casualty  industry.  Since  we  began  in  1985,  our  book  value  per  share  has

compounded  at  34%  annually,  while  our  stock  price  has  compounded  at  28%.  Your

management team has faced many, many problems during these 16 years but with excellent

people in a team environment with no egos and a strong will, we have worked through these

problems. Let me remind you of the strengths that Fairfax has that I first listed for you in the

1997 Annual Report. They are formidable and they have basically not changed.

1. Eight  main  established  insurance  companies  (Commonwealth,  Crum  &  Forster,  Falcon,

Federated, Lombard, Markel, Ranger and TIG) and an established international reinsurance

company  (OdysseyRe)  with  strong  management  teams  focused  on  underwriting  profit.

These  companies,  together  with  TRG,  whose  expertise  and  ability  complements  our

insurance and reinsurance operations, as well as the claims operations of Lindsey Morden

and our investments in Hub International and Zenith, add up to a widely diversified base

of over $6 billion in revenue and over $35 billion in assets.

2. An  investment  team  with  a  proven  track  record  over  the  long  term  with  the  ability  to

invest directly or indirectly in any market in the world, managing an investment portfolio

of $15 billion which should produce annual investment income (interest and dividends

only) of over $50 per share.

3. A  lean  head  office  team  which  is  experienced  in  monitoring  operations  and  in  reacting

quickly  when  opportunities  develop,  in  all  cases  with  a  continuing  focus  on  financial

conservatism and protecting the company from worst case events.

4. A track record of creating wealth for shareholders over the long term while maintaining

financial soundness.

5. An  unbroken  record  of  treating  people  fairly.  A  company  that  has  not  and  will  not

compromise on its integrity.

6. A commitment to build our company over the long term — and not to flip it in the next

few years. The whole focus of Fairfax is the long term.

In  spite  of  much  trying,  we  were  not  able  to  postpone  our  annual  meeting  to  2003!  So  our

annual meeting this year will be held on Tuesday, April 16, again at 9:30 a.m. in Room 106 at

the  Metro  Toronto  Convention  Centre.  Our  Presidents,  Fairfax  officers  and  Hamblin  Watsa

principals will all be there to answer questions about the future. I hope to attend!

Ken Polley retired last year as a director of Fairfax. Ken has been with us since 1986, almost

since the inception of our company. He has been a great supporter of the company and a good

22

friend  and  we  wish  him  all  the  very  best  in  the  future.  We  welcome  Tony  Griffiths  to  the

Board.  Tony  has  had  a  long  association  with  us  and  is  on  many  of  our  insurance  company

Boards. Given Tony’s extensive turnaround experience in Canada, the timing of his election to

our Board may not be inappropriate.

I want to again highlight our website for you (www.fairfax.ca) and remind you that all our 17

Annual Reports are readily available there, as well as links to the informative websites of our

various individual companies. Our press releases are immediately posted to our website. Our

quarterly reports for 2002 will be posted to our website on the following days after the market

close: first quarter – May 10, second quarter – August 9 and third quarter – November 8. Our

Annual Report will be posted on March 7, 2003.

Again, on your behalf, I would like to thank the Board and the management and employees of

all  our  companies  for  their  dedication  and  commitment  during  the  toughest  year  we  have

experienced.

March 8, 2002

V. Prem Watsa

Chairman and

Chief Executive Officer

23

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Consolidated Financial Statements

Consolidated Balance Sheets
as at December 31, 2001 and 2000

Assets
Cash and short term investments******************************
Marketable securities******************************************
Accounts receivable and other*********************************
Recoverable from reinsurers (note 8) ***************************

2001

2000

($ millions)

751.5

81.9

3,405.2

12,802.1

450.2

95.2

2,917.4

11,099.5

17,040.7

14,562.3

Portfolio investments (note 2)

Subsidiary cash and short term investments

(market value – $2,254.3; 2000 – $1,955.5) *******************
Bonds (market value – $11,424.2; 2000 – $11,295.0) ************
Preferred stocks (market value – $126.4; 2000 – $69.5) **********
Common stocks (market value – $949.7; 2000 – $859.8) ********
Real estate (market value – $82.7; 2000 – $76.3) ****************

2,254.3

11,745.3

1,955.5

11,758.4

126.8

909.8

78.3

70.2

884.9

76.3

Total (market value – $14,837.3; 2000 – $14,256.1) *************

15,114.5

14,745.3

Investments in Hub and Zenith National **********************
Deferred premium acquisition costs****************************
Future income taxes (note 9) **********************************
Premises and equipment **************************************
Goodwill ****************************************************
Other assets **************************************************

471.3

518.0

396.5

386.7

1,718.8

1,276.2

198.1

274.5

102.8

140.8

259.7

65.8

35,438.7

31,833.3

Signed on behalf of the Board

Director

Director

24

Liabilities
Lindsey Morden bank indebtedness****************************
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities ***********************
Funds withheld payable to reinsurers **************************

Provision for claims (note 3) **********************************
Unearned premiums ******************************************
Long term debt (note 5) **************************************
Trust preferred securities of subsidiaries (note 6) ****************

2001

2000

($ millions)

43.2

1,826.8

1,793.1

42.5

1,449.4

1,325.3

3,663.1

2,817.2

22,085.8

20,225.8

2,645.9

2,330.8

360.8

2,252.4

1,990.6

392.0

27,423.3

24,860.8

Non-controlling interests *************************************

1,043.3

Excess of net assets acquired over purchase price paid **********

51.4

Shareholders’ Equity
Common stock (note 7) **************************************
Preferred stock (note 7) ***************************************
Retained earnings ********************************************

2,261.4

200.0

796.2

645.2

129.8

2,012.9

200.0

1,167.4

3,257.6

3,380.3

35,438.7

31,833.3

25

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Consolidated Statements of Earnings
for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000

Revenue

Gross premiums written ***********************************

Net premiums written *************************************

Net premiums earned**************************************
Interest and dividends (note 2)*****************************
Realized gains on investments (note 2) *********************
Realized gain on OdysseyRe IPO****************************
Claims fees ***********************************************

Expenses

Losses on claims ******************************************
Operating expenses****************************************
Commissions, net *****************************************
Interest expense *******************************************
Restructuring and other costs ******************************
Swiss Re premiums ****************************************
Kingsmead losses (note 14) ********************************
Negative goodwill *****************************************

Earnings (loss) before income taxes *********************
Provision for (recovery of) income taxes (note 9) **************

Earnings (loss) from operations*******************************
Non-controlling interests ************************************

Net earnings (loss) ****************************************

2000

2001
($ millions – except
per share amounts)

6,838.0

5,045.1

4,806.7
680.8
162.3
51.2
424.7

6,125.7

4,062.8
1,358.2
1,041.4
168.6
49.1
143.6
116.7
(78.6)

6,054.3

4,566.5

4,610.7
818.1
382.8
–
376.9

6,188.5

3,771.4
1,263.5
885.2
179.6
30.2
167.2
33.0
(108.7)

6,861.8

6,221.4

(736.1)
(386.6)

(349.5)
3.5

(346.0)

(32.9)
(186.3)

153.4
(16.0)

137.4

Net earnings (loss) per share (note 13) ********************

$ (28.04)

$

9.41

Consolidated Statements of Retained Earnings
for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000

Retained earnings – beginning of year ******************
Net earnings (loss) for the year *****************************
Excess over stated value of shares purchased for

cancellation (note 7) ************************************
Preferred share dividends **********************************
Dividend tax **********************************************

2001

2000

($ millions)

1,167.4
(346.0)

1,049.7
137.4

–
(13.0)
(12.2)

(6.3)
(13.4)
–

Retained earnings – end of year *************************

796.2

1,167.4

26

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000 

Operating activities

Earnings (loss) from operations *****************************
Amortization **********************************************
Future income taxes ****************************************
Negative goodwill ******************************************
Gains on investments **************************************

Increase (decrease) in:

Provision for claims ****************************************
Unearned premiums****************************************
Accounts receivable and other ******************************
Recoverable from reinsurers *********************************
Funds withheld payable to reinsurers ************************
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities *********************
Other *****************************************************

2001

2000

($ millions)

(349.5)
70.4
(384.8)
(78.6)
(213.5)

(956.0)

661.3
351.1
(330.5)
(1,026.6)
368.8
298.6
(278.1)

153.4
42.2
(197.4)
(108.7)
(382.8)

(493.3)

(720.4)
(122.5)
(268.9)
(983.3)
(31.1)
(155.6)
98.9

Cash provided by (used in) operating activities***************

(911.4)

(2,676.2)

Investing activities

Investments – purchases ************************************
– sales *****************************************
Sale of marketable securities ********************************
Purchase of capital assets ***********************************
Investments in Hub and Zenith National ********************
Purchase of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired ****************
Proceeds on OdysseyRe IPO (note 14) ***********************

(1,802.3)
2,511.2
13.3
(66.2)
(92.6)
40.3
436.9

(4,420.7)
7,414.9
4.2
(34.7)
(17.7)
(83.3)
–

Cash provided by (used in) investing activities ***************

1,040.6

2,862.7

Financing activities

Subordinate voting shares (note 7) **************************
Trust preferred securities of subsidiary (note 6) ***************
Long term debt – advances (note 14) ************************
Long term debt – repayment ********************************
Bank indebtedness *****************************************
Preferred share dividends ***********************************

Cash provided by (used in) financing activities ***************

Foreign currency translation ********************************

Increase (decrease) in cash resources *********************
Cash resources – beginning of year ***********************

Cash resources – end of year ******************************

248.5
(54.1)
231.9
(11.6)
0.9
(13.0)

402.6

68.3

600.1
2,405.7

3,005.8

(59.7)
–
–
(166.3)
(1.3)
(13.4)

(240.7)

–

(54.2)
2,459.9

2,405.7

Cash resources consist of cash and short term investments, including subsidiary cash and short term

investments.  Short  term  investments  are  readily  convertible  into  cash  and  have  maturities  of  three

months or less.

27

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Auditors’ Report to the Shareholders
We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited as at
December 31, 2001 and 2000 and the consolidated statements of earnings, retained earnings
and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
company’s  management.  Our  responsibility  is  to  express  an  opinion  on  these  financial
statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards.
Those  standards  require  that  we  plan  and  perform  an  audit  to  obtain  reasonable  assurance
whether  the  financial  statements  are  free  of  material  misstatement.  An  audit  includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements.  An  audit  also  includes  assessing  the  accounting  principles  used  and  significant
estimates  made  by  management,  as  well  as  evaluating  the  overall  financial  statement
presentation.

In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects,
the financial position of the company as at December 31, 2001 and 2000 and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with Canadian generally
accepted accounting principles.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Chartered Accountants

Toronto, Canada

February 6, 2002

Valuation Actuary’s Report
I  have  reviewed  management’s  valuation,  including  management’s  selection  of  appropriate
assumptions and methods, of the policy liabilities of the subsidiary insurance and reinsurance
companies  of  Fairfax  Financial  Holdings  Limited  in  its  consolidated  balance  sheet  as  at
December 31, 2001 and their change as reflected in its consolidated statement of earnings for
the year then ended, in accordance with Canadian accepted actuarial practice.

In  my  opinion,  management’s  valuation  is  appropriate,  except  as  noted  in  the  following
paragraph, and the consolidated financial statements fairly present its results.

Under Canadian accepted actuarial practice, the valuation of policy liabilities reflects the time
value  of  money.  Management  has  chosen  not  to  reflect  the  time  value  of  money  in  its
valuation of the policy liabilities.

Richard Gauthier, FCIA, FCAS

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Toronto, Canada

February 6, 2002

28

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000

(in $ millions except per share amounts and as otherwise indicated)

1.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  Canadian  generally  accepted

accounting  principles  requires  management  to  make  estimates  and  assumptions  that  affect

reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as

at  the  date  of  the  financial  statements  and  the  reported  amounts  of  revenue  and  expenses

during the periods covered by the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those

estimates.

Business operations

The  company  is  a  financial  services  holding  company  which,  through  its  subsidiaries,  is

principally engaged in property and casualty insurance conducted on a direct and reinsurance

basis, investment management and insurance claims management.

Principles of consolidation

The  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  accounts  of  the  company  and  all  of  its

subsidiaries:

Insurance

Reinsurance group

Commonwealth Insurance Company

Odyssey Re Holdings Corp.

Crum & Forster Holdings, Inc.

Falcon Insurance Company Limited

Federated Insurance Holdings of

Canada Ltd.

Lombard General Insurance Company

of Canada

Markel Insurance Company of Canada

Ranger Insurance Company

TIG Specialty Insurance Company

Runoff

Other reinsurance subsidiaries

Compagnie Transcontinentale de

R´eassurance

CRC (Bermuda) Reinsurance Limited

ORC Re Limited

Wentworth Insurance Company Ltd.

RiverStone Stockholm Insurance Corporation (publ)

Sphere Drake Limited

The Resolution Group, Inc.

Other

Hamblin Watsa Investment Counsel Ltd. (investment management)

Lindsey Morden Group Inc. (insurance claims management)

RiverStone Management Limited (runoff claims management)

All  subsidiaries  are  wholly-owned  except  for  Odyssey  Re  Holdings  with  a  voting  and  equity

interest of 73.7% (note 14), The Resolution Group with an effective 27.5% economic and 100%

voting  interest,  and  Lindsey  Morden  with  a  66.5%  equity  and  85.9%  voting  interest.  The

company has investments in Hub International Limited with a 36.8% (2000 – 41.7%) equity

interest and Zenith National Insurance Corp. with a 42.0% (2000 – 39.0%) equity interest. The

29

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

company has an agreement with Zenith National that it will not seek to control or influence

Zenith’s Board of Directors, management or policies.

Acquisitions  are  accounted  for  by  the  purchase  method,  whereby  the  results  of  acquired

companies are included only from the date of acquisition. Divestitures are included up to the

date of disposal.

Premiums

Insurance  and  reinsurance  premiums  are  taken  into  income  evenly  throughout  the  terms  of

the related policies.

Deferred premium acquisition costs

Certain costs, consisting of brokers’ commissions and premium taxes, of acquiring insurance

premiums  are  deferred,  to  the  extent  that  they  are  considered  recoverable,  and  charged  to

income  as  the  premiums  are  earned.  The  ultimate  recoverability  of  deferred  premium

acquisition costs is determined without regard to investment income.

Investments

Bonds are carried at amortized cost providing for the amortization of the discount or premium

on  a  yield  to  maturity  basis.  Preferred  and  common  stocks  are  carried  at  cost.  Real  estate  is

carried at book value. When there has been a loss in value of an investment that is other than

temporary,  the  investment  is  written  down  to  its  estimated  net  realizable  value.  Such

writedowns are reflected in realized gains (losses) on investments. At December 31, 2001, the

aggregate provision for losses on investments was $37.4 (2000 – $22.7).

The  company  purchases  foreign  currency  forward  contracts  to  hedge  its  foreign  equity

portfolio. At December 31, 2001, the company held Yen 11.6 billion (2000 – Yen 22.5 billion)

of such contracts, maturing in 2002 and 2003. Once the securities are sold, the contracts are

closed out and any gain or loss is then included in realized gains (losses) on investments. Gains

or losses on contracts in excess of hedging requirements are recorded in earnings as they arise.

Provision for claims

Claim provisions are established by the case method as claims are reported. For reinsurance,

the provision for claims is based on reports and individual case estimates received from ceding

companies. The estimates are regularly reviewed and updated as additional information on the

estimated claims becomes known and any resulting adjustments are included in earnings. A

provision  is  also  made  for  management’s  calculation  of  factors  affecting  the  future

development of claims including claims incurred but not reported (IBNR) based on the volume

of business currently in force and the historical experience on claims.

Translation of foreign currencies

Assets  and  liabilities  in  foreign  currencies  are  translated  into  Canadian  dollars  at  year-end

exchange rates. Revenues and expenses are translated at the exchange rates in effect at the date

incurred.  Realized  gains  and  losses  on  foreign  exchange  transactions  are  recognized  in  the

statements of earnings.

30

The operations of the company’s subsidiaries (principally in the United States, France and the

United Kingdom) are self-sustaining. As a result, the assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries

are  translated  at  the  year-end  rates  of  exchange.  Revenue  and  expenses  are  translated  at  the

average rate of exchange for the year. The company enters into foreign currency contracts from

time  to  time  to  hedge  the  foreign  currency  exposure  related  to  its  net  investments  in  self-

sustaining foreign operations. Such contracts are translated at the year-end rates of exchange.

At December 31, 2001, the company had foreign currency contracts hedging its self-sustaining

subsidiaries, maturing as follows:

2002

2003

2004

2006

2007

2008

Notional Value
(US$)

750

925

130

200

420

75

2,500

Certain of the contracts due in 2007 and 2008 have an early termination option which reduces

the term from ten years to five years. If exercised, an additional US$270 and US$75 in notional

value would mature in 2002 and 2003 respectively.

Goodwill

The  excess  of  purchase  cost  over  the  fair  value  of  the  net  assets  of  acquired  businesses  is

amortized on the straight line basis over their estimated useful lives which range from ten years

for  Hamblin  Watsa  Investment  Counsel  Ltd.  and  insurance  company  acquisitions  to  forty

years for Lindsey Morden Group Inc. Effective January 1, 2002, in accordance with changes to

Canadian  generally  accepted  accounting  principles  (GAAP),  goodwill  will  no  longer  be

amortized to earnings over its estimated useful life. The remaining carrying value of goodwill

will  be  charged  to  earnings  when  it  is  determined  that  an  impairment  in  value  exists.  The

company assesses the carrying value of goodwill based on the underlying undiscounted cash

flows and operating results of the subsidiaries.

The  excess  of  the  fair  value  of  net  assets  acquired  over  the  purchase  price  paid  (negative

goodwill)  for  acquired  businesses  is  amortized  to  earnings  over  periods  of  three  to  six  years.

The company periodically reviews the appropriateness of the remaining amortization period of

the negative goodwill based on its evaluation of the facts and circumstances giving rise to the

original negative goodwill at the various acquisition dates. Prior to the fourth quarter of 2000,

all  negative  goodwill  was  amortized  to  earnings  on  a  straight  line  basis  over  ten  years.  The

company  carried  out  a  comprehensive  review  of  the  remaining  useful  life  of  the  negative

goodwill for each acquisition which resulted in a change in the various amortization periods.

This  change  in  estimate  was  applied  on  a  prospective  basis  effective  at  the  beginning  of  the

fourth quarter of 2000, resulting in an increase in negative goodwill amortization of $79.2 for

31

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

the year ended December 31, 2000. Effective January 1, 2002, in accordance with changes in

Canadian GAAP, the negative goodwill balance will be added to shareholders’ equity.

Reinsurance

The company reflects third party reinsurance balances on the balance sheet on a gross basis to

indicate  the  extent  of  credit  risk  related  to  third  party  reinsurance  and  its  obligations  to

policyholders  and  on  a  net  basis  in  the  statement  of  earnings  to  indicate  the  results  of  its

retention of premiums written.

Income taxes

Income taxes reflect the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between

the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases based on tax rates which are

expected to be in effect when the asset or liability is settled.

2.

Investment Information

Portfolio investments comprise:

Subsidiary cash and short term

Investments

Bonds

Canadian – government

– corporate

U.S. – government

– corporate

Other – government

– corporate

Preferred stocks

Canadian

Common stocks

Canadian

U.S.

Other

Real estate

2001

2000

Carrying
Value

Estimated
Fair Value

Carrying
Value

Estimated
Fair Value

2,254.3

2,254.3

1,955.5

1,955.5

723.0

395.2

4,527.3

4,635.6

1,419.0

45.2

739.3

388.4

4,369.1

4,482.7

1,399.2

45.5

851.9

237.9

4,278.7

5,040.5

1,181.5

167.9

798.3

223.6

4,200.5

4,761.2

1,158.4

153.0

126.8

126.4

70.2

69.5

175.5

134.8

599.5

78.3

173.7

204.9

571.1

82.7

166.5

122.0

596.4

76.3

165.7

124.7

569.4

76.3

15,114.5

14,837.3

14,745.3

14,256.1

The  estimated  fair  values  of  preferred  and  common  stocks  and  debt  securities  are  based  on

quoted market values.

Management has reviewed currently available information regarding those investments whose

estimated fair value is less than carrying value, amounting to an aggregate unrealized loss of

$547.9 at December 31, 2001 (2000 – $603.0), and has determined that the carrying values are

expected  to  be  recovered.  Debt  securities  whose  carrying  value  exceeds  market  value  can  be

held until maturity. Preferred and common stock investments have been reviewed to ensure

32

that corporate performance expectations have not changed significantly to adversely affect the

market value of these securities other than on a temporary basis.

The  company’s  subsidiaries  have  pledged  (either  directly  or  indirectly  to  support  letters  of

credit) cash and investments of $3.6 billion as security for reinsurance balances and regulatory

deposits (including $443.0 of intercompany trust funds).

Liquidity and Interest Rate Risk

Maturity profile as at December 31, 2001:

Within 1
Year

1 to 5
Years

6 to 10
Years

Over 10
Years

Total

Bonds (carrying value)

$

530.1

$4,247.7

$4,500.2

$2,467.3

$11,745.3

Effective interest rate

5.7%

Bonds are classified at the earliest of the available maturity dates.

Investment Income

Interest and dividends:

Cash and short term investments

Bonds

Preferred stocks

Common stocks

Expenses

Realized gains on investments:

Bonds

Preferred stocks

Common stocks

OdysseyRe IPO

Other

Provision for losses

Net investment income

3.

Provision for Claims

2001

2000

85.1

540.6

3.6

59.8

689.1

(8.3)

109.5

655.6

4.7

54.2

824.0

(5.9)

680.8

818.1

28.4

0.6

22.3

(0.2)

172.6

403.0

51.2

(1.9)

(37.4)

–

(20.9)

(21.4)

213.5

382.8

894.3

1,200.9

The provisions for unpaid claims and adjustment expenses and for the third party reinsurers’

share thereof are estimates subject to variability, and the variability could be material in the

near term. The variability arises because all events affecting the ultimate settlement of claims

have not taken place and may not take place for some time. Variability can be caused by receipt

of additional claim information, changes in judicial interpretation of contracts or liability or

33

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

significant changes in severity or frequency of claims from historical trends. The estimates are

principally  based  on  the  company’s  historical  experience.  Methods  of  estimation  have  been

used which the company believes produce reasonable results given current information.

Changes in claim liabilities recorded on the balance sheet for the years ended December 31,

2001 and 2000 and their impact on unpaid claims and adjustment expenses for these two years

are as shown in the following table:

Unpaid claim liabilities – beginning of year – net

Foreign exchange effect of change in claim liabilities

Increase in estimated losses and expenses for losses occurring in

prior years

Recovery under Swiss Re cover

Provision for losses and expenses on claims occurring in the

current year

Paid on claims occurring during:

the current year

prior years

Unpaid claim liabilities at December 31 of:

Seneca

Winterthur (Asia)

Unpaid claim liabilities – end of year – net

Unpaid claim liabilities at December 31 of Federated Life

Unpaid claim liabilities – end of year – net

Reinsurance gross-up

Unpaid claim liabilities – end of year – gross

2001

2000

11,154.8

12,179.5

690.8

388.6

494.7

(325.4)

680.4

(404.0)

3,991.8

3,465.2

(1,072.4)

(983.9)

(4,254.6)

(4,242.4)

–

25.7

71.4

–

10,705.4

11,154.8

29.4

30.7

10,734.8

11,185.5

11,351.0

9,040.3

22,085.8

20,225.8

The  foreign  exchange  effect  of  change  in  claim  liabilities  results  from  the  fluctuation  of  the

value of the Canadian dollar in relation to the U.S. dollar and European currencies.

The basic assumptions made in establishing actuarial liabilities are best estimates of possible

outcomes. The company presents its claims on an undiscounted basis.

The company’s provision for asbestos, pollution and other hazards claims is set out in the first

table on page 73 of the MD&A.

As  part  of  its  acquisition  strategy,  the  company  generally  obtains  vendor  indemnifications

from  adverse  development  in  the  acquired  company’s  claims  reserves  and  unrecoverable

reinsurance.  A  summary  of  these  indemnifications  is  set  out  in  the  table  on  page  79  of  the

MD&A.

4.

Contingent Value Rights

As part of the consideration for the purchase of Sphere Drake, the company issued contingent

value  rights  (‘‘CVRs’’)  of  US$170.4  (including  effectively  8%  interest  per  annum)  payable  in

2007,  subject  to  earlier  redemption  at  the  option  of  the  company.  The  amount  payable  at

34

maturity is subject to adjustments for the development of Sphere Drake’s provision for claims

as  at  December  31,  1996,  the  development  of  Sphere  Drake’s  reserves  for  unrecoverable

receivables  from  reinsurers  and  indemnifiers  as  at  December  31,  1996,  the  result  of

commutations and certain actuarial expenses. At December 31, 2001, adverse development has

amounted  to  US$195.8,  which  is  US$25.4  in  excess  of  the  face  value  of  the  CVR  obligation,

thus reducing it to nil.

5.

Long Term Debt

The long term debt at December 31 consists of the following balances:

Fairfax unsecured senior notes of US$100 at 7.75% due

December 15, 2003

Fairfax unsecured senior note at 7.75% due December 15, 2003

Fairfax unsecured senior notes of US$275 at 73/8% due

March 15, 2006(3)

Fairfax FF300 unsecured debt at 21/2% due February 27, 2007

(effectively a FF200 debt at 8%)

Fairfax unsecured senior notes of US$175 at 6.875% due

April 15, 2008(1)

Fairfax unsecured senior notes of US$100 at 8.25% due

October 1, 2015(1)

Fairfax unsecured senior notes of US$225 at 7.375% due

April 15, 2018(1)(2)

Fairfax unsecured senior notes of US$125 at 8.30% due

April 15, 2026(1)

Fairfax unsecured senior notes of US$125 at 7.75% due

July 15, 2037(1)

TIG senior unsecured non-callable notes of US$100 at 8.125% due

April 15, 2005

Other long term debt of TIG

OdysseyRe senior unsecured non-callable notes of US$100 at 7.49%

due November 30, 2006

Other long term debt of OdysseyRe

Lindsey Morden unsecured Series B debentures at 7% due

June 16, 2008

Other long term debt of Lindsey Morden

Less: Lindsey Morden debentures held by Fairfax

Fairfax debentures held by subsidiaries

2001

2000

159.6

25.0

150.2

25.0

439.0

413.0

52.9

52.5

279.4

262.8

159.6

150.2

359.2

338.0

199.5

187.8

199.5

187.8

158.6

22.6

159.6

79.8

125.0

8.2

148.9

27.8

–

–

125.0

14.2

2,427.5

2,083.2

(8.2)

(88.5)

(8.2)

(84.4)

2,330.8

1,990.6

35

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

(1)

In prior years, the company entered into various interest rate swap agreements on the above-noted

debt as a result of which it pays interest on that debt at a rate linked to LIBOR or as noted in

(2) below.

(2) During  1998,  the  company  swapped  US$125  of  its  debt  at  7.375%  due  April  15,  2018  for

Japanese yen denominated debt of the same maturity, with fixed interest at 3.48% per annum.

The pre-tax unrealized gain, net of accumulated amortization, on the foreign exchange component

of the yen debt swap amounted to $1.6 at December 31, 2001 and is being amortized to earnings

over the remaining term to maturity.

(3) During  2001,  the  company  closed  out  the  swap  for  this  debt  and  deferred  the  resulting  gain  of

approximately $25 which will be amortized to earnings over the remaining term to maturity.

Interest expense on long term debt amounted to $164.3 (2000 – $174.1). Interest expense on

Lindsey Morden’s bank indebtedness amounted to $4.3 (2000 – $5.5).

Principal repayments are due as follows:

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

Thereafter

19.3

192.8

5.3

240.0

559.8

1,313.6

6.

Trust Preferred Securities of Subsidiaries

TIG  Holdings  has  issued  $199.5  (US$125)  of  8.597%  junior  subordinated  debentures  to  TIG

Capital  Trust  (a  statutory  business  trust  subsidiary  of  TIG  Holdings)  which,  in  turn,  issued

US$125 of 8.597% mandatory redeemable capital securities, maturing in 2027. On March 21,

2001, one of the company’s subsidiaries acquired US$35 of these trust preferred securities for

approximately US$24.5.

Fairfax  RHINOS  Trust  (a  statutory  business  trust  subsidiary  of  Fairfax  Inc.)  has  issued  $217.1

(US$136) of Redeemable Hybrid Income Overnight Shares (RHINOS) (136,000 trust preferred

securities) with a distribution rate of LIBOR plus 150 basis points maturing February 24, 2003.

The company has agreed to issue US$136 of subordinate voting shares (or convertible preferred

shares)  by  November  24,  2002,  which  proceeds  will  be  used  to  mandatorily  redeem  the

outstanding RHINOS.

7.

Capital Stock

Authorized capital

The  authorized  share  capital  of  the  company  consists  of  an  unlimited  number  of  preferred

shares issuable in series, an unlimited number of multiple voting shares carrying ten votes per

share and an unlimited number of subordinate voting shares carrying one vote per share.

36

Issued capital

2001

number

2000

number

Multiple voting shares

1,548,000

5.0

1,548,000

5.0

Subordinate voting shares

13,602,118

2,275.4

12,352,118

2,026.9

15,150,118

2,280.4

13,900,118

2,031.9

Interest in shares held through

ownership interest in shareholder

(799,230)

(19.0)

(799,230)

(19.0)

Net shares effectively outstanding

14,350,888

2,261.4

13,100,888

2,012.9

Fixed/floating cumulative redeemable

preferred shares, Series A, with a

fixed dividend of 6.5% per annum

until November 30, 2004 and stated

capital of $25 per share

8,000,000

200.0

8,000,000

200.0

On November 20, 2001, the company issued 1,250,000 subordinate voting shares at $200 per

share for net proceeds of $248.5.

In  2000,  under  the  terms  of  normal  course  issuer  bids  approved  by  The  Toronto  Stock

Exchange,  the  company  purchased  and  cancelled  325,309  subordinate  voting  shares  for  an

aggregate cost of $59.7, of which $6.3 was charged to retained earnings.

8.

Reinsurance

The  company  follows  the  policy  of  underwriting  and  reinsuring  contracts  of  insurance  and

reinsurance  which,  depending  on  the  type  of  contract,  generally  limits  the  liability  of  the

individual insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries to a maximum amount on any one loss of

$7.5. Reinsurance is generally placed on an excess of loss basis in several layers. The company’s

reinsurance  does  not,  however,  relieve  the  company  of  its  primary  obligation  to  the

policyholders.

The company has guidelines and a review process in place to assess the creditworthiness of the

companies to which it cedes.

The  company  makes  specific  provisions  against  reinsurance  recoverable  from  companies

considered to be in financial difficulty. In addition, the company records a general allowance

based  upon  analysis  of  historical  recoveries,  the  level  of  allowance  already  in  place  and

management’s judgment. The allocation of the allowance for loss is as follows:

Specific

General

Total

2001

816.9

219.2

1,036.1

2000

785.2

134.7

919.9

37

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

A summary of the company’s reinsurance recoverable by A.M. Best rating of the responsible

reinsurers and outstanding balance at December 31, 2001 is set out in the table on page 78 of

the MD&A.

During  the  year,  the  company  ceded  premiums  earned  of  $1,908.7  (2000  –  $1,427.1)  and

$3,591.6 (2000 – $2,540.6) of claims incurred.

9.

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes differs from the statutory tax rate as certain sources of income

are exempt from tax or are taxed at other than the statutory rate.

A  reconciliation  of  income  tax  calculated  at  the  statutory  tax  rate  with  the  income  tax

provision at the effective tax rate in the financial statements is summarized in the following

table:

Provision for (recovery of) income taxes at statutory

income tax rate

Non-taxable investment income

Income earned outside Canada

Negative goodwill amortization

Change in tax rate for future income taxes

Unrecorded tax benefit of losses and utilization of

2001

2000

(309.2)

(56.4)

11.2

(33.0)

1.4

(14.5)

(13.7)

(149.8)

(49.5)

7.9

prior years’ losses

(0.6)

33.3

Provision for (recovery of) income taxes

(386.6)

(186.3)

Future income taxes of the company are as follows:

Operating and capital losses

Claims discount

Unearned premium reserve

2001

1,182.4

394.8

120.9

2000

784.7

437.0

104.8

Deferred premium acquisition cost

(131.0)

(104.3)

Investments

Allowance for doubtful accounts

Other

Valuation allowance

Future income taxes

(9.1)

55.1

164.4

(58.7)

(24.8)

16.7

130.1

(68.0)

1,718.8

1,276.2

Management reviews the valuation of the future income taxes on an ongoing basis and adjusts

the  valuation  allowance,  as  necessary,  to  reflect  its  anticipated  realization.  Management

expects that these future income taxes will be realized in the normal course of operations.

38

10.

Statutory Requirements

The company’s insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries are subject to certain requirements and

restrictions  under  their  respective  insurance  company  Acts  including  minimum  capital

requirements and dividend restrictions.

The  company  can  receive  up  to  $232  in  2002  as  dividends  from  insurance  and  reinsurance

subsidiaries without obtaining the prior approval of insurance regulators.

At December 31, 2001, statutory surplus, determined in accordance with the various insurance

regulations,  amounted  to  $3.4 billion  for  the  insurance  subsidiaries,  $1.4 billion  for  the

reinsurance subsidiaries and $1.1 billion for the runoff subsidiaries.

11.

Contingencies and Commitments

In 2000, the legal proceedings commenced by Sphere Drake in 1999 against a group of agents

and intermediaries whom it alleged fraudulently obtained and utilized a binding authority to

write  reinsurance  contracts  which  expose  Sphere  Drake  to  significantly  under-priced

U.S. workers’ compensation business, which was filed in New York, was dismissed as to most

defendants primarily on the ground that London, England was a more convenient forum in

which the dispute should be resolved. Sphere Drake subsequently commenced proceedings in

London, England against its agent and the agent of the cedants, alleging fraud and breach of

duty.  Sphere  Drake  has  rescinded  the  majority  of  the  inward  reinsurance  contracts  placed

under the binding authority and is defending arbitration proceedings initiated by the cedants

of a number of those contracts. It is not yet possible to develop any reasonably based estimates

of  the  amount  of  claims  which  might  be  made  on  these  contracts.  However,  based  on

extensive legal advice, Sphere Drake believes that there is abundant evidence of fraud and that

it has substantial grounds to challenge the enforceability of the business bound on its behalf.

While  the  eventual  outcome  is  uncertain,  the  company  believes  that  the  likely  ultimate  net

liability  which  might  arise  in  respect  of  this  business  will  not  be  material  to  Sphere  Drake’s

financial position.

Subsidiaries of the company are also defendants in several damage suits and have been named

as third party in other suits. The uninsured exposure to the company is not considered to be

material to the company’s financial position.

Unsecured letters of credit aggregating $502 have been issued upon the company’s application

and have been pledged as security for subsidiaries’ reinsurance balances, principally relating to

intercompany  reinsurance  between  subsidiaries.  These  are  unsecured  letters  of  credit  in

addition to the secured letters of credit referred to in note 2.

The company under certain circumstances may be obligated to purchase loans to officers and

directors of the company and its subsidiaries from Canadian chartered banks totalling $18.3

(2000 – $16.6) for which 268,911 (2000 – 315,861) subordinate voting shares of the company

with a year-end market value of $44.1 (2000 – $72.2) have been pledged as security.

The  company  also  has  a  restricted  stock  plan  for  the  management  of  its  subsidiaries  with

vesting  periods  of  up  to  ten  years  from  the  date  of  grant.  At  December  31,  2001,  230,800

39

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

(2000 – 227,338) subordinate voting shares had been purchased for the plan at a cost of $66.9

(2000 – $66.9).

Shares for the above-mentioned plans are purchased on the open market. The costs of these

plans are amortized to compensation expense over the vesting period. Amortization expense

for the year for these plans amounted to $7.9 (2000 – $6.2).

12.

Operating Leases

Aggregate  future  minimum  commitments  at  December  31,  2001  under  operating  leases

relating  to  premises,  automobiles  and  equipment  for  various  terms  up  to  ten  years  are  as

follows:

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

Thereafter

102.2

83.2

67.9

56.7

46.7

112.2

13.

Earnings per Share

Earnings per share are calculated after providing for dividends and dividend tax on the Series A

fixed/floating cumulative redeemable preferred shares.

Diluted  and  basic  earnings  per  share  are  the  same  in  2001  and  2000.  The  weighted  average

number of shares for 2001 was 13,241,299 (2000 – 13,172,448).

14.

Acquisitions and Divestitures

Effective January 1, 2002, pending regulatory approval, the company has agreed either directly

or through subsidiaries to acquire Old Lyme Insurance Company of Rhode Island, Inc. and Old

Lyme Insurance Company Ltd. from its equity investee, Hub International Limited, for cash

consideration  estimated  to  be  US$42.0  (Cdn$67.0),  the  fair  value  of  the  net  assets  to  be

acquired.

Effective  December  20,  2001,  the  company purchased  Winterthur  Swiss  Insurance  (Asia)

Limited for US$14.5 (Cdn$23.1) cash. At the date of acquisition, the company had US$122.7

(Cdn$195.8) in total assets and US$108.2 (Cdn$172.7) in total liabilities.

On June 14, 2001, Odyssey Re Holdings Corp. (ORH), the U.S. holding company for Odyssey

America Re and its subsidiaries, issued 17,142,857 common shares, in an initial public offering,

at US$18 per share for net proceeds (after expenses of issue) of US$284.8 (Cdn$436.9). Fairfax

and  its  wholly-owned  subsidiary,  TIG,  received  US$233.5  (Cdn  $354.4)  in  cash  from  these

proceeds. After the offering, Fairfax and TIG held 48 million (73.7%) of ORH’s common shares

and a US$200 (Cdn $303.5) ORH three year term note bearing interest at the rate of 2.25% over

LIBOR and repayable in annual principal payments of US$66.7 beginning June 30, 2002. The

company  recorded  a  gain  of  $51.2  on  its  effective  sale  of  a  26.3%  interest  in  ORH.  At

December 31, 2001, US$150 of ORH’s term note had been refinanced and the proceeds paid to

the company.

40

Effective August 31, 2000, Crum & Forster purchased Sen-Tech Holdings, Inc. (and its wholly-

owned  subsidiary,  Seneca  Insurance  Company,  Inc.  of  New  York)  for  US$65  (Cdn$96)  cash.

Effective  December  21,  2000,  Crum  &  Forster  also  purchased  Transnational  Insurance

Company for US$17 (Cdn$26) cash. At the respective dates of acquisition, the companies had

US$193 in total assets and US$119 in total liabilities, at fair value, resulting in goodwill of US$8

which is being amortized on a straight line basis over 10 years.

As part of the acquisition of TIG on April 13, 1999, the company acquired a 90% ownership in

Kingsmead  Managing  Agency,  a  managing  agent  for  three  Lloyd’s  syndicates  for  which  TIG

provided underwriting capacity. On June 29, 2000, the company entered into an agreement to

sell  Kingsmead  to  Advent  Capital  plc  for  a  22%  interest  in  Advent,  which  closed  on

November 16, 2000. There was no gain or loss on the sale. The company recorded operating

losses  from  the  Kingsmead-managed  syndicates  of  $33.0  for  the  year  ended  December  31,

2000. For the year ended December 31, 2001, the company recorded a loss of $116.7 from its

liability for 2000 and prior underwriting years of those syndicates. The losses reflect losses on

unexpired policies from the 2000 underwriting year (including World Trade Center losses of

$62.4) and adverse development from the open underwriting years.

15.

Segmented Information

The  company  is  a  financial  services  holding  company  which,  through  its  subsidiaries,  is

primarily engaged in property and casualty insurance conducted on a direct and reinsurance

basis. The runoff business segment comprises the company’s interest in The Resolution Group

(‘‘TRG’’)  and  its  wholly-owned  subsidiary,  International  Insurance,  Sphere  Drake  and

RiverStone  Stockholm.  The  international  runoff  operations  have  reinsured  their  reinsurance

portfolios to ORC Re to provide consolidated investment and liquidity management services,

with  the  RiverStone  Group  retaining  full  responsibility  for  all  other  aspects  of  the  runoff.

Accordingly,  for  segmented  information,  ORC  Re  is  classified  in  the  Runoff  segment.  The

company also provides claims adjusting, appraisal and loss management services.

41

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Revenue
Net premiums earned
Insurance – Canada
Insurance – US
Reinsurance
Runoff

Interest and dividends
Realized gains
Claims fees

Earnings (loss) before income

taxes

Underwriting results
Insurance – Canada
Insurance – US
Reinsurance

Interest and dividends

Canada

2001

2000

United States
2001

2000

Europe and
Far East

Total

2001

2000

2001

2000

661.0
–
–
–

600.3
–
–
–

46.3
2,510.5
1,054.6
0.4

36.9
2,416.9
813.1
0.4

22.9
16.9
337.7
156.4

19.0
–
411.2
312.9

730.2
2,527.4
1,392.3
156.8

656.2
2,416.9
1,224.3
313.3

661.0

600.3

3,611.8

3,267.3

533.9

743.1

4,806.7

4,610.7

680.8
213.5
424.7

818.1
382.8
376.9

6,125.7

6,188.5

13.8% 13.0%

75.1%

70.9% 11.1%

16.1%

(76.1)
–
–

(76.1)
64.7

(9.7)
–
–

(9.7)
72.3

(29.1)
(633.9)
(149.2)

(812.2)
425.9

5.2
(588.4)
(94.7)

(677.9)
520.3

(14.3)
(4.0)
(65.5)

(83.8)
1.1

(8.5)
–
(2.7)

(11.2)
0.9

(119.5)
(637.9)
(214.7)

(972.1)
491.7

(13.0)
(588.4)
(97.4)

(698.8)
593.5

Operating income (loss)

(11.4)

62.6

(386.3)

(157.6)

(82.7)

(10.3)

(480.4)

(105.3)

Realized gains
Runoff
Claims adjusting
Interest expense
Swiss Re premium
Kingsmead losses
Restructuring charges
Negative goodwill amortization
Corporate overhead and other

Identifiable assets
Insurance
Reinsurance
Claims adjusting
Runoff

Corporate

213.5
(27.4)
(9.9)
(155.2)
(143.6)
(116.7)
(49.1)
78.6
(45.9)

378.3
43.3
(36.2)
(164.7)
(167.2)
(33.0)
(16.4)
108.7
(40.4)

(736.1)

(32.9)

31.4 18,871.8 16,137.3
7,728.3
442.8
6,639.1

7,425.7
458.1
7,477.3

1,296.1
331.4
3,538.5

2,586.9 1,849.8 16,039.8 14,256.1
6,424.4
63.8

7.8
47.6
–

7,419.1
70.9
3,332.2

245.1
–
331.7
3,100.6 4,145.1

6.6
55.5
–

2,649.0 1,905.2 26,862.0 23,844.9 4,721.9

5,197.4 34,232.9 30,947.5

1,205.8

885.8

35,438.7 31,833.3

Amortization

7.7

3.4

36.8

17.3

25.9

21.5

70.4

42.2

7.5%

6.0%

75.8%

74.9% 13.3%

16.3%

Geographic  premiums  are  determined  based  on  the  domicile  of  the  various  subsidiaries  and

where the primary underlying risk of the business resides.

CRC  (Bermuda)  is  included  in  the  Canadian  segment  and  Falcon  is  included  in  the  United

States segment.

Corporate  overhead  and  other  includes  the  company’s  interest  expense  and  corporate

overhead. Corporate assets include cash and short term investments and miscellaneous other

assets in the holding company.

42

16.

Fair Value

Information  on  the  fair  values  of  financial  instruments  of  the  company  where  those  values

differ from their carrying values in the financial statements at December 31, 2001 include:

Marketable securities

Portfolio investments

Investments in Hub and Zenith National

Long term debt

Trust preferred securities of subsidiaries

Foreign exchange contracts

Debt and interest rate swaps

Note
Reference

Carrying
Value

Estimated
Fair Value

2

2

–

5

6

1

5

81.9

88.3

15,114.5

14,837.3

471.3

2,330.8

360.8

(331.5)

–

525.4

1,625.9

221.8

(331.5)

45.7

Included  in  marketable  securities  at  December  31,  2001  were  S&P  put  contracts  with  a

weighted average strike price of 1,054 and a notional value of US$900. The premiums paid to

acquire these contracts are being charged to realized gains on equity investments on a straight

line basis over their terms to maturity during 2002.

The unrealized loss on foreign exchange contracts is offset by an unrealized gain on the value

of the foreign assets hedged by those contracts.

The  amounts  above  do  not  include  the  fair  value  of  underlying  lines  of  business. While  fair

value amounts are designed to represent estimates of the amounts at which instruments could

be  exchanged  in  current  transactions  between  willing  parties,  certain  of  the  company’s

financial instruments lack an available trading market. Therefore, these instruments have been

valued  on  a  going  concern  basis.  Fair  value  information  on  the  provision  for  claims  is  not

determinable.

These fair values have not been reflected in the financial statements.

17.

US GAAP Reconciliation

The consolidated financial statements of the company have been prepared in accordance with

Canadian  generally  accepted  accounting  principles  (‘‘GAAP’’)  which  are  different  in  some

respects from those applicable in the United States, as described below.

Consolidated Statements of Earnings

For the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, significant differences between consolidated

net  earnings  under  Canadian  GAAP  and  consolidated  net  earnings  under  US  GAAP  were  as

follows:

(a)

In Canada, the unrealized loss on the translation of the foreign exchange component

of the yen debt swap is deferred and amortized to income over the remaining term to

maturity. In the U.S., the unrealized foreign exchange loss is recognized in income in

the year, although there is no intention to settle the swap prior to maturity.

(b)

In  Canada,  recoveries  on  certain  stop  loss  reinsurance  treaties  (including  with

Swiss Re) protecting Fairfax, Crum & Foster and TIG are recorded at the same time as

the claims incurred are ceded. In the U.S., these recoveries, which are considered to

43

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

be retroactive reinsurance, are recorded up to the amount of the premium paid with

the excess of the ceded liabilities over the premium paid recorded as a deferred gain.

The deferred gain is amortized to income over the estimated settlement period over

which the company expects to receive the recoveries.

(c)

In Canada, the amortization period of negative goodwill is periodically reviewed to

determine whether the remaining useful life continues to be appropriate or whether

the  amortization  period  should  be  adjusted,  based  on  the  facts  and  circumstances

giving rise to the negative goodwill at the date of acquisition. In the U.S., in the case

of financial institutions, the SEC staff generally take exception to a negative goodwill

amortization period of less than 10 years.

(d) Under  Canadian  GAAP,  the  Canadian  federal  and  provincial  income  tax  rate

reductions  that  are  substantively  enacted  are  reflected  in  the  rate  used  to  measure

future  income  tax  balances.  Under  US  GAAP,  Statement  of  Financial  Accounting

Standards No. 109, ‘‘Accounting for Income Taxes’’, these rate changes do not impact

the measurement of the company’s future income tax balances until they are passed

into law.

(e)

For United States reporting purposes, the company adopted Statement of Financial

Accounting Standards No. 133, ‘‘Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging

Activities’’, for the year ended December 31, 2001.

Under this standard, all derivatives are recognized at fair value in the balance sheet. If

the derivative is a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair

value of the derivative will either be offset in earnings against the change in the fair

value of the hedged item or will be recognized in other comprehensive income until

the  hedged  item  is  recognized  in  earnings.  If  the  change  in  the  fair  value  of  the

derivative  is  not  completely  offset  by  the  change  in  the  value  of  the  item  it  is

hedging, the difference will be recognized immediately in earnings.

The company’s forward contracts are hedges of net investments in subsidiaries and

therefore there is no impact as a result of this Standard.

The following shows the net earnings in accordance with US GAAP:

Net earnings (loss), Canadian GAAP

Foreign exchange gain on yen debt swap, net

of tax

Recoveries on retroactive reinsurance, net of

tax

Amortization of negative goodwill

Change in tax rate for future income taxes

Net earnings (loss), US GAAP

2001

(346.0)

2000

137.4

16.0

9.2

(411.9)

(49.1)

(6.5)

(797.5)

(159.6)

(79.2)

7.9

(84.3)

Net earnings (loss) per share, US GAAP

$

(62.13)

$

(7.42)

44

Consolidated Balance Sheets

In  Canada,  portfolio  investments  are  carried  at  cost  or  amortized  cost  with  a  provision  for

declines  in  value  which  are  considered  to  be  other  than  temporary.  In  the  U.S.,  such

investments  are  classified  as  available  for  sale  and  marked  to  market  through  shareholders’

equity.

In Canada, trust preferred securities of subsidiaries (including RHINOS) are included in total

liabilities.  In  the  U.S.,  trust  preferred  securities  are  shown  as  a  separate  caption  after  total

liabilities, in a manner similar to non-controlling interests.

The  following  shows  the  balance  sheet  amounts  in  accordance  with  US  GAAP,  setting  out

individual amounts where different from the amounts reported under Canadian GAAP:

Assets

Portfolio investments

Bonds

Preferred stocks

Common stocks

Total portfolio investments

Future income taxes

Goodwill

All other assets

Total assets

Liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

All other liabilities

Total liabilities

Trust preferred securities of subsidiaries

Non-controlling interest

Excess of net assets acquired over purchase price paid

Shareholders’ Equity

Total shareholders’ equity

The difference in consolidated shareholders’ equity is as follows:

Shareholders’ equity based on Canadian GAAP

Other comprehensive income

Cumulative reduction in net earnings under US GAAP

Shareholders’ equity based on US GAAP

45

2001

2000

11,424.2

11,295.0

126.4

949.7

69.5

859.8

12,500.3

12,224.3

2,273.3

356.8

1,634.5

352.1

20,663.5

17,583.9

35,793.9

31,794.8

2,936.3

28,898.8

1,935.5

25,836.6

31,835.1

27,772.1

360.8

1,043.3

179.7

392.0

645.2

209.1

1,583.8

1,246.3

2,375.0

2,776.4

2001

2000

3,257.6

3,380.3

(163.3)

(719.3)

(336.1)

(267.8)

2,375.0

2,776.4

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Statement  of  Financial  Accounting  Standards  No.  130  ‘‘Reporting  Comprehensive  Income’’

requires  the  company  to  disclose  items  of  other  comprehensive  income  in  a  financial

statement and to disclose accumulated balances of other comprehensive income in the equity

section of a financial statement. Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and

losses on investments, as follows:

Unrealized gain (loss) on investments available for sale

Less: related deferred income taxes

2001

2000

(281.6)

118.3

(489.2)

153.1

(163.3)

(336.1)

The  cumulative  reduction  in  net  earnings  under  US  GAAP  of  $719.3  at  December  31,  2001

relates  to  the  deferred  gain  on  retroactive  reinsurance  ($595.7  after  tax)  which  is  amortized

into  income  as  the  underlying  claims  are  paid,  and  the  difference  in  amortization  period  of

negative goodwill ($128.3) which reverses in full on January 1, 2002, offset by miscellaneous

other items.

Disclosure of interest and income taxes paid

The aggregate amount of interest paid for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000 was

$163.3  and  $182.0  respectively.  The  aggregate  amount  of  income  taxes  paid  for  the  years

ended December 31, 2001 and 2000 was $31.6 and $4.5 respectively.

Future changes in United States accounting policies

The company is required to adopt for United States reporting purposes Statement of Financial

Accounting Standards No. 142 ‘‘Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets’’. Under this standard,

effective January 1, 2002, goodwill will no longer be amortized over its estimated useful life,

however it will be assessed on an annual basis for impairment requiring writedowns. Similarly,

the excess of net assets over purchase price paid will no longer be amortized to earnings but

will  be  added  to  earnings  through  a  cumulative  catchup  adjustment.  The  impact  of  these

amortization changes would not be material to pre-tax earnings and there would be an increase

in earnings for the cumulative catchup adjustment of $179.7. Giving effect to the elimination

of  negative  goodwill  at  January  1,  2002,  shareholders’  equity  based  on  US  GAAP  would  be

$2,554.7.

46

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations
(figures and amounts are in $ millions except per share amounts and as otherwise indicated)

Notes: (1) Readers of the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and

Results  of  Operations  should  review  the  entire  Annual  Report  for  additional

commentary and information.

(2) Management  analyzes  and  assesses  the  underlying  insurance  and  reinsurance

operations  and  financial  position  of  the  consolidated  group  in  various  ways.

Certain of these measures provided in this Annual Report, which have been used

historically  and  disclosed  regularly  in  Fairfax’s  Annual  Reports  and  interim

financial reporting, even though they do not necessarily follow Canadian generally

accepted accounting principles, include tables showing the company’s sources of

net  earnings  with  Lindsey  Morden  equity  accounted,  adjusted  combined  ratios,

APH  reserves  and  reinsurance  recoverables  excluding  TRG  and  the  company’s

capital  structure  with  Lindsey  Morden  equity  accounted.  Where  non-GAAP

measures are provided, descriptions are clearly provided in the commentary as to

the nature of the adjustments made.

Foreign Exchange

The company’s consolidated financial statements are significantly affected by movements in

the US dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rate. The following table sets out the Canadian dollar

value of US$1.00 used in those statements:

(a) Year end exchange rate

December 31, 2001

December 31, 2000

Increase in the value of the US dollar vs. the Canadian dollar

(b) Average exchange rate for the year

December 31, 2001

December 31, 2000

Increase in the value of the US dollar vs. the Canadian dollar

$1.5963

$1.5020

6.3%

$1.5461

$1.4839

4.2%

Sources of Revenue

Revenue  reflected  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements  includes  net  premiums  earned,

interest and dividend income and realized gains on the sale of investments of the insurance,

reinsurance and runoff companies, and claims adjusting fees of Lindsey Morden.

47

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Revenue by Line of Business

Net premiums earned

Insurance – Canada

Insurance – U.S.

Reinsurance

Runoff

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

730.2

2,527.4

1,392.3

156.8

656.2

2,416.9

1,224.3

313.3

650.0

2,307.0

1,275.2

238.5

687.3

715.5

992.1

–

661.5

205.7

593.4

–

4,806.7

4,610.7

4,470.7

2,394.9

1,460.6

Interest and dividends

Realized gains

Claims fees

680.8

213.5

424.7

818.1

382.8

376.9

753.0

121.7

443.1

443.8

440.8

294.8

254.6

206.8

166.3

6,125.7

6,188.5

5,788.5

3,574.3

2,088.3

Net  premiums  earned  for  the  U.S.  insurance  group  were  reduced  by  premiums  ceded  in  the

third quarter of 2001 under reinsurance protection on reserve strengthening for 2000 and prior

accident years (Ceded Reinsurance Premiums) of $261.1. Total revenue for 2001, before Ceded

Reinsurance Premiums, increased by $198 or 3.2% over 2000.

Claims  fees  for  2001  increased  by  $47.8  or  12.7%  over  2000,  reflecting  higher  revenue

throughout Lindsey Morden’s operations.

As  shown  in  note  15  to  the  financial  statements,  on  a  geographic  basis,  United  States,

Canadian and Europe and Far East operations accounted for 75%, 14% and 11%, respectively,

of net premiums earned in 2001 compared with 71%, 13% and 16%, respectively, in 2000.

Net Earnings

Combined ratios and sources of net earnings (with Lindsey Morden equity accounted) for the

past five years were as set out below. Fuller commentary on combined ratios and on operating

income on a company by company basis is provided below under the sub-headings Insurance

Underwriting and Operating Income.

Adjusted
2001*

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

Combined ratios

Insurance – Canada

– U.S.

Reinsurance

Consolidated

111%

114%

103%

116%

125%

115%

102%

124%

108%

115%

112%

119%

106%

116%

116%

99%

112%

106%

110%

121%

116%

115%

113%

104%

48

Adjusted
2001*

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

Sources of net earnings

Underwriting

Insurance

Canada

U.S.

Reinsurance

(80.2)

(119.5)

(13.0)

(96.6)

(40.3)

(384.8)

(637.9)

(588.4)

(273.1)

(116.5)

(44.5)

(214.7)

(97.4)

(247.4)

(154.6)

5.2

(25.6)

(35.8)

Interest and dividends

491.7

491.7

593.5

711.5

432.0

242.3

Operating income (loss)

(17.8)

(480.4)

(105.3)

94.4

120.6

186.1

Realized gains

Runoff

Claims adjusting

(Fairfax portion)

Interest expense

Goodwill and other

amortization

Negative goodwill

Swiss Re premium

Kingsmead losses

Restructuring

Corporate overhead and

other

Pre-tax income (loss)

Less (add): taxes

Less (add): non-controlling

interests

213.5

(27.4)

378.3

43.3

121.7

(54.2)

440.8

206.8

–

–

(3.9)

(15.4)

2.8

(155.2)

(164.7)

(129.3)

12.4

(84.4)

1.8

(43.2)

(5.1)

(4.9)

(4.8)

(7.0)

78.6

(5.4)

108.7

–

(143.6)

(167.2)

(35.3)

(116.7)

(49.1)

(33.0)

(16.4)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(38.9)

(35.5)

(20.2)

(16.0)

(15.0)

(730.1)

(12.6)

(25.2)

468.5

(382.5)

(173.3)

(158.0)

81.0

331.7

99.2

(1.6)

23.3

8.6

–

–

Net earnings (loss)

(346.0)

137.4

124.2

387.5

232.5

* Excluding the impact of catastrophe losses (World Trade Center, Enron and Tropical Storm Allison)

and prior years’ reserve strengthening for the U.S. insurance group.

Net loss in 2001 was $346.0 compared with net earnings of $137.4 in 2000. The pre-tax loss in

2001 was $730.1 compared with $12.6 in 2000. The 2001 loss was primarily caused by:

) World Trade Center losses of $288.3;

) 2000 and prior years’ reserve strengthening by the U.S. insurance companies of $304;

) Kingsmead losses, excluding those related to the World Trade Center, of $54.3; and

)

restructuring costs of $49.1.

49

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

World Trade Center Losses

Fairfax incurred the following losses from the September 11th terrorist attacks on the World

Trade Center:

Commonwealth

Crum & Forster

TIG

OdysseyRe

Kingsmead

Others

Total Fairfax

OdysseyRe non-controlling interest

Pre-tax impact

After tax impact

Net loss

$

25.8

22.5

16.7

147.1

62.4

13.8

US$

16.7

14.6

10.8

95.3

40.4

9.0

288.3

186.8

(38.3)

(24.8)

250.0

162.0

162.5

105.3

At December 31, 2001, the gross World Trade Center loss amounted to $1,280 (US$802), and

the  aggregate  related  reinsurance  recoverable  amounted  to  $992  (US$615). As  shown  in  the

following table, 95% of the reinsurance recoverable is from reinsurers rated A or higher.

AAA

AA

A

Total A or higher

BBB or lower and unrated

US$

118.8

139.0

326.3

584.1

30.9

% of
total

19.3

22.6

53.1

95.0

5.0

615.0

100.0

In the fourth quarter of 2001, OdysseyRe also recorded a provision of $23 (US$15) related to its

reinsurance exposure to Enron. Fairfax has no other underwriting or investment exposure to

Enron.

2000 and Prior Years’ Reserve Strengthening

In  2001,  the  U.S.  insurance  companies  strengthened  2000  and  prior  accident  years’  claims

reserves  reflecting  unexpected  claims  development  from  pre-acquisition  claims  reserves  and

from  the  post-acquisition  transition  period  when  new  management  significantly  changed

underwriting and claims handling practices and controls.

Crum  &  Forster  recorded  gross  reserve  strengthening  for  2000  and  prior  accident  years  of

$618 (US$400). Of the total, $186 (US$120) was for the 1999 accident year, $73 (US$47) was

for the 2000 accident year and the balance was related to the 1998 and prior accident years

(including a $294 (US$190) cession to fully utilize the vendor-provided reinsurance protection

against  pre-acquisition  adverse  claims  development  and  unrecoverable  reinsurance).  The  net

50

pre-tax  cost  of  the  aggregate  reinsurance  protection  for  this  2000  and  prior  accident  years’

reserve strengthening was $114 (US$74).

TIG recorded gross reserve strengthening for 2000 and prior accident years of $325 (US$210),

of  which  $123  (US$80)  was  for  the  1999  accident  year,  $180  (US$116)  was  for  the  2000

accident year and $22 (US$14) was for unallocated loss adjustment expenses. The net pre-tax

cost of the aggregate reinsurance protection for, and retained losses from, this 2000 and prior

accident years’ reserve strengthening was $190 (US$123).

Ranger recorded gross and net reserve strengthening for 2000 and prior accident years of $63

(US$41),  primarily  relating  to  construction  defect  claims  under  its  California  Artisan

Contractors’ program (discontinued in March 2000) and to its assumed reinsurance program

(discontinued in 1985).

Insurance Underwriting

The  combined  loss  and  expense  ratio  is  the  traditional  measure  of  underwriting  results  of

property  and  casualty  companies.  In  any  year  when  the  ratio  exceeds  100%,  it  generally

indicates that unprofitable business has been underwritten. Fairfax maintains its objective of

achieving combined ratios of 100% or better, recognizing the difficulty of this objective.

A  summary  follows  of  the  net  premiums  written  and  earned,  and  the  loss,  expense  and

combined ratios, for Fairfax’s Canadian insurance companies, U.S. insurance companies and

reinsurance companies, for the years respectively that Fairfax has owned those companies.

Canadian Insurance

NET PREMIUMS

Written

Earned

RATIOS

Loss
(%)

Expense
(%)

Combined
(%)

1985

1986

1987

1988

1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

23.4

56.0

71.4

68.2

35.5

74.5

93.5

128.7

163.5

237.2

684.3

666.9

662.7

684.2

652.4

668.8

875.1

14.0

40.9

62.0

66.3

40.4

78.4

90.5

118.9

150.8

221.3

655.4

654.8

661.5

687.3

650.0

656.2

730.2

96

72

73

73

100

82

60

79

73

77

73

71

70

78

83

72

85

30

23

25

19

40

31

34

35

26

24

29

30

29

28

32

30

31

126

95

98

92

140

113

94

114

99

101

102

101

99

106

115

102

116*

* 111% excluding the impact of catastrophe losses (World Trade Center and Tropical Storm Allison)

51

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

U.S. Insurance

NET PREMIUMS

Written

Earned

174.4

180.3

212.8

201.9

625.9

2,093.2

2,443.4

2,515.2

179.3

173.9

209.4

205.7

715.5

2,307.0

2,416.9

2,527.4

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

RATIOS

Loss
(%)

Expense
(%)

Combined
(%)

77

79

90

77

79

75

89

86

37

40

34

35

37

37

35

39

114

119

124

112

116

112

124

125*

* 114% excluding the impact of catastrophe losses (World Trade Center and Tropical Storm Allison)

and prior years’ reserve strengthening

Reinsurance

NET PREMIUMS

Written

Earned

163.4

527.9

966.5

1,276.9

1,222.9

1,483.7

166.7

593.4

992.1

1,275.2

1,224.3

1,392.3

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

RATIOS

Loss
(%)

Expense
(%)

Combined
(%)

62

72

80

85

71

81

34

34

36

34

37

34

96

106

116

119

108

115*

* 103% excluding the impact of catastrophe losses (World Trade Center and Enron)

Operating Income

Set  out  and  discussed  below  are  the  2001  insurance  underwriting  and  operating  results  of

Fairfax’s insurance and reinsurance companies on a summarized company by company basis.

(Throughout  this  Annual  Report,  for  convenience,  Falcon  is  included  under  U.S.  insurance

companies.)

52

Underwriting profit

(loss)

Adjusted underwriting

profit (loss)(2)

Combined ratio:

Loss & LAE

Commissions

Underwriting expense

Canadian Insurance Companies

Commonwealth Federated

Lombard Markel

Corporate
adjustments

Total

(58.8)

(2.0)

(76.4)

0.4

17.3(1) (119.5)

(21.2)

(2.0)

(74.7)

0.4

17.3(1)

(80.2)

140.4%

73.5% 81.1%

0.9%

21.3%

5.4% 19.0%

23.9% 15.2%

71.2%

5.1%

23.1%

162.6%

102.8% 115.3%

99.4%

Adjusted combined ratio(2)

122.6%

102.8% 115.0%

99.4%

Gross premiums written

Net premiums written

Net premiums earned

374.9

176.4

94.0

92.6

612.7

103.9

76.3

547.1

70.6

498.5

75.3

67.1

0.4

Underwriting profit (loss)

(58.8)

(2.0)

(76.4)

Interest and dividends

Operating income (loss)

84.7%

14.0%

17.7%

116.4%

111.0%

1,184.1

875.1

730.2

17.3(1)

(119.5)

64.7

(54.8)

(1) Swiss Re recovery on 1998 and prior losses, as described in more detail under Swiss Re premium on

page 58

(2) Excluding the impact of catastrophe losses (World Trade Center and Tropical Storm Allison)

Commonwealth  had  an  adjusted  underwriting  loss  of  $21.2  in  2001  compared  with  $3.7  in

2000  and  an  adjusted  combined  ratio  of  122.6%  in  2001  compared  with  105.5%  in  2000,

reflecting  unexpected  and  unusual  losses  in  its  property  book  and  adverse,  but  steadily

improving, results in its energy book. Gross premiums written increased by 76% over 2000 to

$374.9 while net premiums written increased by 121% to $176.4. Commonwealth’s expense

ratio dropped by 2.8 percentage points to 22.2% reflecting its higher net premiums earned in

2001. The company achieved significant price increases on its business in 2001, which will be

realized  in  earned  premiums  in  2002.  Commonwealth  will  be  retaining  more  of  its  own

business in 2002, and its combined ratio is expected to improve significantly in 2002 as a result

of the pricing and underwriting actions taken in 2001.

Federated had an underwriting loss of $2.0 in 2001 compared with $4.6 in 2000 and improved

its  combined  ratio  to  102.8%  in  2001  from  106.5%  in  2000  (including  the  life  company).

Federated’s property and casualty gross premiums written increased by 12% to $72.7 in 2001

while  its  net  premiums  written  increased  by  5%  to  $59.0.  Federated  maintained  its  expense

ratio below 30%. Federated Life had gross premiums written of $19.9, an increase of 8% from

2000. The company achieved a 24% rate increase during 2001, has continued re-underwriting

its book of business and will be retaining more of its own business in 2002. With a high 90%

retention ratio, Federated is on track to have a combined ratio below 100% in 2002.

53

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Lombard had an adjusted underwriting loss of $74.7 in 2001 compared with $2.7 in 2000 and

an adjusted combined ratio of 115.0% in 2001 compared with 100.6% in 2000, due to winter

weather-related and crop hail losses, adverse development on discontinued extended warranty

programs as well as disappointing results from its personal lines book. Excluding prior years’

adverse  development  and  crop  hail  losses,  Lombard’s  adjusted  combined  ratio  in  2001  was

104.9%. Lombard’s gross premiums written (including cessions to CRC (Bermuda)) increased

22% to $612.7 in 2001 while net premiums written (on the same basis) were up 23% to $547.1.

Significant corrective action has been taken including cancellation of unprofitable books and

programs, more stringent underwriting and price increases in excess of 10% in its commercial

lines, with more modest increases in its personal lines. Lombard will be retaining more of its

own business in 2002, and its combined ratio is expected to improve significantly in 2002.

Markel produced a combined ratio of 99.4% in 2001, a year that saw disastrous performance

for  writers  of  long-haul  trucking  insurance  in  Canada  and  the  U.S.,  with  combined  ratios

estimated  as  high  as  180%.  Celebrating  its  50th  year  serving  the  transportation  industry  in

2001,  Markel,  under  the  guidance  of  Mark  Ram  and  his  team,  has  built  a  highly  successful

business  approach  for  this  historically  difficult  class  of  business.  Claims  satisfaction  and

account retention ratios at Markel have both run consistently above 90%, an indication of the

company’s expertise and commitment to providing excellent value to its customers. Without

the  significant  investment  in  highly  experienced  underwriting,  claims,  safety  and  training

teams,  each  the  largest  of  its  type  in  Canada,  Markel’s  performance,  and  its  reputation  for

offering unique products and services, would not be possible. Gross premiums written in 2001

were $103.9 million, an increase of 17%, while net premiums written grew to $75.3  million,

up 16% from 2000.

U.S. Insurance Companies

Crum &
Forster

Ranger

TIG

Falcon

Corporate
adjustments

Total

Underwriting profit (loss)

(245.0)

(81.7)

(456.8)

(4.0)

149.6(1) (637.9)

Adjusted underwriting profit (loss)(2)

(87.6)

(20.5)

(272.7)

(4.0)

(384.8)

Combined ratio:

Loss & LAE

Commissions

Underwriting expense

88.6% 136.0%

90.0% 76.8%

13.9%

28.6%

21.1%

25.8%

22.9% 12.8%

15.2% 35.6%

131.1% 182.9% 128.1% 125.2%

Adjusted combined ratio(2)

109.0% 120.8% 116.0% 125.2%

Gross premiums written

1,295.5

128.5

2,239.6

Net premiums written

801.9

111.9

1,583.0

Net premiums earned

787.2

98.5

1,625.8

33.7

18.4

15.9

85.4%

20.0%

19.9%

125.3%

113.8%

3,697.3

2,515.2

2,527.4

Underwriting profit (loss)

(245.0)

(81.7)

(456.8)

(4.0)

149.6(1)

(637.9)

Interest and dividends

Operating income (loss)

249.8

(388.1)

54

(1) Swiss Re recovery on 1998 and prior losses, as described in more detail under Swiss Re premium on

page 58

(2) Excluding  the  impact  of  catastrophe  losses  (World  Trade  Center,  Enron  and  Tropical  Storm

Allison) and prior years’ reserve strengthening

Crum & Forster had an adjusted underwriting loss of $87.6 in 2001 compared with $197.9 in

2000,  and  an  adjusted  combined  ratio  of  109.0%  compared  with  a  fully  developed  2000

accident  year  combined  ratio  of  116.8%, reflecting  double  digit  price  increases  in  2000  and

2001 and management’s re-underwriting actions. Crum & Forster’s gross premiums written in

2001  increased  by  28%  to  $1,295.5  while  net  premiums  written  (before  ceded  reinsurance

premiums  of  $185.8  in  connection  with  reserve  strengthening)  increased  40%  to  $987.7

principally due to price increases realized during 2001 and the impact of the higher U.S. dollar/

Canadian  dollar  exchange  rate  during  the  year.  The  retention  ratio  of  44%  during  2001

reflected continuing re-underwriting of the business, including the push for additional price

increases during the year. Excluding Seneca, new business premium in 2001 was up 116% to

US$368.8 from US$170.7 in 2000.

Ranger had an adjusted underwriting loss of $20.5 in 2001 compared with $47.6 in 2000, and

an  adjusted  combined  ratio  of  120.8%  compared  with  a  fully  developed  2000  accident  year

combined  ratio  of  121.6%,  reflecting  Ranger’s  continued  extremely  high  expense  ratio

(including commissions) of 46.9% due to a 47% decrease in premiums written from 1999 to

2000. The company continues to manage its expenses aggressively. Ranger’s gross premiums

written  in  2001  increased  11%  to  $128.5  from  $115.7  in  2000,  principally  due  to  price

increases  realized  during  2001  and  the  impact  of  the  higher  U.S.  dollar/Canadian  dollar

exchange rate during 2001. Its net premiums written in 2001 increased 60% to $111.9 from

$69.7,  reflecting  increased  retentions  and  lower  reinsurance  costs  in  2001.  As  net  premiums

earned  increase  in  2002  reflecting  the  benefit  of  double  digit  price  increases  in  2001

(continuing in 2002), the expense ratio should decrease, and this along with price increases,

focused  underwriting  and  higher  retentions  should  result  in  a  significantly  improved

combined ratio in 2002.

TIG’s adjusted underwriting loss in 2001 was $272.7 compared with $345.9 in 2000, and its

adjusted  combined  ratio  was  116.0%  compared  with  a  fully  developed  2000  accident  year

combined ratio of 129.4%, reflecting double digit price increases achieved starting in the third

quarter  of  2000  and  management’s  strengthening  of  claims  and  underwriting  controls  since

1999,  the  effect  of  which  is  emerging  at  a  slower  pace  than  expected.  TIG’s  gross  premiums

written in 2001 were $2,239.6, an increase of 9% from $2,046.9 in 2000. Net premiums written

(before  ceded  reinsurance  premiums  of  $75.3  in  connection  with  reserve  strengthening)

increased 14.2% to $1,658.3.

Falcon  had  an  underwriting  loss  of  $4.0  in  2001  compared  with  $6.6  in  2000  and  had  a

combined ratio of 125.2% in 2001 compared with 173.4% in 2000. A principal component of

Falcon’s high combined ratio was its expense ratio of 48.4% (including a commission rate of

12.8%) reflecting its transition from a startup in 1999. Net premiums written in 2001 increased

by 37% to $18.4 (HK$90.7) from $12.6 (HK$66.1) in 2000. The acquisition of Winterthur (Asia)

55

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

in  December  2001,  referred  to  on  page  80,  should  address  Falcon’s  expense  structure  as  it

targets a 100% combined ratio in 2002.

Reinsurance

Underwriting profit (loss)

Adjusted underwriting profit (loss)(2)

OdysseyRe(1)

(214.7)

(44.5)

Combined ratio:

Loss & LAE

Commissions

Underwriting expense

Adjusted combined ratio(2)

Gross premiums written

Net premiums written

Net premiums earned

Underwriting profit (loss)

Interest and dividends

Operating income (loss)

80.6%

27.6%

7.2%

115.4%

103.1%

1,731.5

1,483.7

1,392.3

(214.7)

176.1

(38.6)

(1) These  results  differ  from  those  published  by  Odyssey  Re  Holdings  Corp.  (ORH)  due  to  the

elimination of intercompany transactions and purchase price and other adjustments made as part

of ORH’s IPO.

(2) Excluding  the  impact  of  catastrophe  losses  (World  Trade  Center,  Enron  and  Tropical  Storm

Allison)

OdysseyRe had an adjusted underwriting loss of $44.5 in 2001 compared with $97.4 in 2000

and an adjusted combined ratio of 103.1% in 2001 compared to 108.0% in 2000, representing

substantial  improvements  in  2001  over  its  2000  results. Net  premiums  written  increased  by

21% in 2001 to $1,483.7 from $1,222.9 in 2000, reflecting price increases achieved in 2001 and

the impact of the higher U.S. dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rate during the year. Given the

increase in underlying insurance rates and the higher reinsurance pricing experienced in 2001

and  expected  for  2002,  OdysseyRe  is  well  positioned  to  achieve  its  objective  of  a  100%

combined ratio in 2002.

Interest and Dividends

Interest  and  dividends  declined  by  $101.8  from  $593.5  in  2000  to  $491.7  in  2001  reflecting

primarily:

) a  $0.8  billion  decrease  in  the  average  investment  portfolios  of  the  insurance  and
reinsurance companies in 2001 due to the significant reduction in Crum & Forster’s net

premiums  earned  which  declined  from  US$933.7  in  1997  (the  year  before  Fairfax’s

56

acquisition)  to  a  low  of  US$548.0  in  2000  and  a  significant  reduction  in  the  net

premiums written of Odyssey America Re (formerly TIG Re) of US$100.0 from 1997 to

1999 as it exited the reverse flow and facultative business;

) an increase in funds withheld interest expense from $102.4 in 2000 to $146.3 in 2001,
reflecting  the  stop  loss  treaties  at  Crum  &  Forster,  TIG  and  OdysseyRe  and  Fairfax’s

Swiss Re cover described under Funds withheld payable to reinsurers on page 61; and

)

lower interest rates prevailing in 2001.

Other Components of Net Earnings

Realized gains. Net realized gains (excluding a realized gain on the OdysseyRe IPO of $51.2

in 2001) decreased in 2001 to $162.3 from $378.3 in 2000. The 2001 realized gains  resulted

from put contracts on a basket of technology stocks, as well as from S&P500 Index puts and the

sale of individual common stocks and bonds.

On June 14, 2001, Odyssey Re Holdings Corp. (ORH), the U.S. holding company for Odyssey

America Re and its subsidiaries, issued 17,142,857 common shares, in an initial public offering,

at US$18 per share for net proceeds (after expenses of issue) of $436.9 (US$284.8). Fairfax and

its wholly-owned subsidiary, TIG Specialty Insurance, received $354.4 (US$233.5) in cash from

these  proceeds.  Fairfax  recorded  a  $51.2  gain  on  this  transaction,  which  constituted  an

effective sale of a 26.3% interest in ORH.

After  the  offering,  Fairfax  and  TIG  held  48  million  (73.7%)  of  ORH’s  common  shares  and  a

$303.5 (US$200) ORH three year term note bearing interest at the rate of 2.25% over LIBOR

and repayable by annual principal payments of US$66.7 beginning June 30, 2002. Based on the

IPO price of US$18 per share, the value of the company’s 48 million common shares, the term

note  of  ORH  and  the  cash  proceeds  received  from  the  IPO  amounted  to  $2  billion

(US$1.3 billion).

Runoff. The  runoff  business  segment  was  formed  with  the  acquisition  of  the  company’s

interest  in  The  Resolution  Group  (TRG)  and  its  wholly-owned  subsidiary,  International

Insurance, on August 11, 1999.

Fairfax  purchased  100%  of  TRG’s  voting  common  shares  for  US$97  which  represents  an

effective 27.5% economic interest in TRG’s results of operations and net assets. Xerox retains

all of TRG’s participating non-voting preferred shares, resulting in an effective 72.5% economic

interest in TRG’s results of operations and net assets. Xerox’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Ridge

Re,  also  provides  TRG’s  wholly-owned  subsidiary,  International  Insurance,  with  the  vendor

indemnity  (unutilized  coverage  of  $186  (US$116)  at  December  31,  2001)  referred  to  under

Additional Reinsurance Protection on page 79. International Insurance’s cessions to Ridge Re

are  fully  collateralized  by  trust  funds  in  the  same  amount  as  the  cessions.  As  agreed  in

connection  with  Fairfax’s  purchase  of  its  interest  in  TRG,  TRG  is  maintained  as  a  distinct

company for its common and preferred shareholders and cannot engage in transactions with

other  Fairfax  subsidiaries.  Accordingly,  TRG  is  considered  to  be  a  financial  investment  and

Fairfax’s exposure to loss (regardless of the results of International Insurance) is limited to its

US$97 investment.

57

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

The  runoff  segment  also  includes  the  company’s  European  runoff  operations,  consisting  of

Sphere Drake, which was transferred to runoff effective July 1, 1999, RiverStone Stockholm, a

runoff company purchased in September 1998, and CTR’s non-life reinsurance business, which

is included in the runoff segment as effective January 1, 2001, CTR’s non-life reinsurance new

and renewal business was written by the Euro-Asia division of OdysseyRe. (CTR continues to

write a small portfolio of life reinsurance business.) ORC Re reinsures the reinsurance portfolios

of  the  European  runoff  operations  to  provide  consolidated  investment  and  liquidity

management  services,  with  the  RiverStone  Group  retaining  full  responsibility  for  all  other

aspects of the runoff. Accordingly, for operating segment purposes, ORC Re is classified in the

runoff segment.

Set out below is a summary of 2001 operating results:

Gross premiums written

Net premiums written

Net premiums earned

Losses on claims

Operating expenses

Interest and dividends

Operating income (loss)

TRG

0.4

0.4

0.4

(15.6)

(21.0)

66.4

30.2

European
runoff

78.9

43.3

Total

79.3

43.7

156.4
(207.3)(1)
(107.4)

156.8

(222.9)

(128.4)

100.7

167.1

(57.6)

(27.4)

(1) Net of Swiss Re recovery of $121.1 on 1998 and prior losses, as described in more detail under

Swiss Re premium below on this page, the benefit of which has been indirectly provided to ORC Re

The  loss  of  $27.4  resulted  primarily  from  claims  handling  costs  and  Sphere  Drake’s  reserve

strengthening  for  1996  and  subsequent  losses  referred  to  on  page  72,  net  of  the  protection

provided by the company’s Swiss Re cover, in excess of interest and dividend income.

Claims adjusting. Fairfax’s $3.9 share of Lindsey Morden’s loss in 2001, compared with a

$15.4  share  of  the  loss  in  2000,  reflects  Lindsey  Morden’s  significantly  higher  revenue

throughout  its  operations  and  substantially  improved  operating  profit  (reflecting  cost

reductions) from its Canada, U.S. and U.K. operations, as well as an absence of non-recurring

items.

Interest expense.

Interest expense decreased in 2001 due to the benefit of the company’s

interest  rate  swaps  offset  by  the  higher  U.S.  dollar/Canadian  dollar  exchange  rate  and  the

external  issuance  of  OdysseyRe’s  debt  in  the  fourth  quarter  of  2001.  Under  its  interest  rate

swaps,  the  company  receives  the  fixed  coupon  interest  rate  on  its  swapped  debt  and  pays

interest at floating interest rates based on LIBOR. The benefit of these swaps amounted to $26.6

or 153 basis points in 2001 compared to 69 basis points in 2000.

Swiss  Re  premium. As  part  of  its  acquisition  of  TIG  effective  April  13,  1999,  Fairfax

purchased a US$1 billion corporate insurance cover from Swiss Re (Swiss Re Cover) protecting

it from adverse development in claims and unrecoverable reinsurance above the reserves set up

by all of its subsidiaries (including TIG Specialty Insurance and Odyssey America Re (formerly

58

TIG Re) but not including other subsidiaries acquired after 1998) at December 31, 1998. With

the  OdysseyRe  IPO,  effective  June  14,  2001  Odyssey  America  Re’s  and  Odyssey  Reinsurance

Corporation’s claims and unrecoverable reinsurance were no longer protected by the Swiss Re

Cover.

In  2001,  Fairfax  strengthened  1998  and  prior  reserves  and  ceded  these  losses  of  $315.1

(US$203.8) to Swiss Re for which it will pay an additional premium of $143.6 (US$92.9) to a

funds withheld account to the benefit of Swiss Re. Ownership of the investments in the funds

withheld account remains with Fairfax. The cessions by operating segment for 2001 and 2000

were as follows:

Canadian insurance

U.S. insurance

Reinsurance

Runoff

Kingsmead

Total

2001

2000

17.3

(14.4)

149.6

247.5

–

33.7

121.1

131.8

27.1

5.9

315.1

404.5

The  Swiss  Re  premium  cost  was  $143.6  for  2001  compared  with  $167.2  for  2000  reflecting

lower cessions but a higher premium rate.

The premium payable of $97.2 in respect of losses ceded to September 30, 2001 was paid in the

first quarter of 2002 with the balance of the Swiss Re premium of $46.4 payable in the second

quarter of 2002. Additional premium will be payable to Swiss Re if additional losses are ceded

to this cover in future years.

Kingsmead losses. At the time of the acquisition of TIG, TIG Specialty Insurance had a 90%

ownership in Kingsmead Managing Agency, a managing agent for three Lloyd’s syndicates for

which TIG provided underwriting capacity of £151.4 for 2000. In the fourth quarter of 2000,

Fairfax  sold  its  investment  in  Kingsmead  to  Advent  Capital  plc  but  retained  liability  for  the

2000 and prior underwriting years’ liabilities until those years are closed in accordance with

Lloyd’s requirements. The Kingsmead loss of $116.7 in 2001 reflects World Trade Center net

losses of $62.4 (US$40.4) from unexpired policies from the 2000 underwriting year and adverse

development  (net  of  the  Swiss  Re  recovery  referred  to  above)  of  $54.3  from  2000  and  prior

open underwriting years for which the company remains responsible.

Restructuring. The restructuring costs of $49.1 in 2001 are comprised of:

) a termination fee of $13.4 on the cancellation of TIG’s computer services contract with
a third party as part of the company’s strategy to realize significant cost savings over

the next three years by building a common U.S. insurance group systems platform;

) TIG’s costs of closing certain offices and related severances ($19.3); and

) TIG’s  costs  of  insourcing  claims  from  third  party  administrators  and  terminating

managing general agent relationships ($16.4).

59

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Corporate  overhead  and  other.  Corporate  overhead  and  other  consists  of  holding

company  expenses  net  of  Hamblin  Watsa’s  pre-tax  income  and  interest  income  on  Fairfax’s

cash  balances,  as  set  out  in  more  detail  in  the  combined  holding  company  statement  of

earnings on page 101.

Taxes.  The  company  recorded  a  recovery  for  income  taxes  in  2001  due  to  income  earned

outside  Canada  at  lower  rates  of  tax  and  operating  losses  in  higher  tax  rate  jurisdictions  as

summarized in the income tax rate reconciliation table in note 9 to the financial statements.

Non-controlling  interests.  The  non-controlling  interests  represent  the  33.5%  public

minority  interest  in  Lindsey  Morden,  Xerox’s  effective  72.5%  economic  interest  in  TRG  and

the 26.3% public minority interest in OdysseyRe since its IPO on June 14, 2001.

Balance Sheet Analysis

Cash  and  short  term  investments  and  Marketable  securities  consist  of  the  holding

company’s  cash  deposits  and  short  term  investments  which  it  maintains  as  a  safety  net  to

ensure that it can cover its debt service and operating requirements for some years even if its

insurance subsidiaries pay no dividends (see the discussion on page 86). Cash and short term

investments  consist  of  the  company’s  bank  operating  account,  overnight  bank  deposits  and

investments  in  short  term  government  treasury  bills.  Marketable  securities  include  the

company’s investment in S&P500 Index put contracts ($67.7).

Accounts  receivable  and  other consists  of  premiums  receivable  (net  of  provisions  for

uncollectible  amounts)  of  $2.3  billion,  funds  withheld  receivables  from  cedants  and  other

reinsurance  balances  of  $546,  accrued  interest  of  $149,  prepaid  expenses  of  $153  and  other

accounts receivable of $257.

Recoverable from reinsurers consists of future recoveries on unpaid claims ($11.4 billion),

reinsurance  receivable  on  paid  losses  ($1.0  billion)  and  unearned  premiums  from  reinsurers

($402). Please see Reinsurance Recoverables beginning on page 75 for a detailed discussion of

amounts recoverable from reinsurers.

Investments in Hub and Zenith National represent Fairfax’s investment in 37%-owned

Hub  International  Limited  ($128) and  42%-owned  Zenith  National  Insurance  Corp.  ($343),

both of which are publicly listed companies (the combined market value of these investments

was $525 at December 31, 2001).

Deferred  premium  acquisition  costs  (DPAC)  consist  of  brokers’  commissions  and

premium taxes. These are deferred, together with the related unearned premiums (UPR), and

amortized  to  income  over  the  term  of  the  underlying  insurance  policies.  Unlike  many

companies in the insurance industry, the company does not defer internal underwriting costs

as  part  of  DPAC  and  the  recoverability  of  DPAC  is  determined  without  giving  credit  to

investment income. The ratio of DPAC to UPR (19.6% at December 31, 2001) varies from time

to  time  depending  on  the  mix  of  business  being  written  and  the  estimated  recoverability  of

DPAC given expected loss ratios on the UPR.

Future  income  taxes  represent  amounts  expected  to  be  recovered  in  future  years.  At

December 31, 2001 future income taxes consisted of $1,123 of capitalized operating and capital

60

losses ($1,182 gross less a valuation allowance of $59), and timing differences of $596 which

represent expenses recorded in the financial statements but not yet deducted for income tax

purposes.  The  capitalized  operating  losses  relate  primarily  to  the  U.S.  companies  ($944,

including  $430  arising  on  the  acquisition  of  TIG  in  1999), where  80%  of  the  losses  expire

between 2020 and 2022, the Canadian holding company ($88), Sphere Drake ($35) and CTR

($21).  The  company  expects  to  realize  the  benefit  of  these  capitalized  losses  from  future

profitable operations during the loss carryforward period. The valuation allowance recognizes

the  uncertainty  in  realizing  the  benefit  of  certain  of  the  operating  losses  depending  on  the

jurisdiction  and  on  the  time  limit  before  the  losses  expire.  In  determining  the  need  for  a

valuation allowance, management considers the progress being made to achieve underwriting

profitability, including achieved premium rate increases, additional reinsurance protection and

the elimination of poor performing business. For recent acquisitions, such as CFI and TIG, pre-

acquisition history is not considered representative of future results. Management reviews the

recoverability  of  the  future  tax  asset  and  the  valuation  allowance  on  an  ongoing  basis.  The

timing  differences  principally  relate  to  insurance-related  balances  such  as  claims,  DPAC  and

UPR; such timing differences are expected to continue for the foreseeable future in light of the

company’s ongoing operations.

Goodwill arises on the acquisition of companies where the purchase price paid exceeds the

fair value of the underlying net tangible assets acquired. Goodwill at December 31, 2001 arises

from  Lindsey  Morden  ($231),  Lombard’s  acquisition  of  brokers  ($21),  Crum  &  Forster’s

acquisition of Seneca and Transnational in 2000 ($12), Falcon ($6), Ranger ($2) and Hamblin

Watsa  ($2).  Lindsey  Morden’s  goodwill  is  amortized  to  income  on  a  straight  line  basis  over

40 years while the other companies’ goodwill is amortized to income on a straight line basis

over  ten  years.  In  accordance  with  changes  in  Canadian  accounting  standards,  effective

January 1, 2002 goodwill will no longer be amortized to earnings but will be subject to writeoff

if and when it is determined that an impairment in value exists.

Other  assets  include  loans  receivable  and  shares  held  in  connection  with  the  company’s

management  share  purchase  and  restricted  stock  grant  programs and  miscellaneous  other

balances.

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities  include  employee  related  liabilities,  amounts

due to brokers and agents including contingent commissions, liabilities for operating expenses

incurred  in  the  normal  course  of  business,  dividends  payable  to  policyholders,  salvage  and

subrogation payable and other similar balances.

Funds  withheld  payable  to  reinsurers  represent  premiums  and  accumulated  accrued

interest (at rates ranging from 5.75% to 8.0% per annum) on aggregate stop loss reinsurance

treaties,  principally  relating  to  OdysseyRe  ($487),  Fairfax’s  corporate  insurance  cover  with

Swiss Re ($474), Crum & Forster ($407) and TIG ($353). The companies retain ownership of the

underlying investments, but the interest earned on those investments accrues to the reinsurers.

Claims payable under such treaties are paid first out of the funds withheld payable balances.

Provision for claims consists of the gross amount of individual case reserves established by

the  insurance  companies,  individual  case  estimates  reported  by  ceding  companies  to  the

reinsurance  companies  and  management’s  estimate  of  claims  incurred  but  not  reported

61

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

(IBNR)  based  on  the  volume  of  business  currently  in  force  and  the  historical  experience  on

claims. Please see Provision for Claims beginning below on this page for a detailed discussion

of the company’s provision for claims.

Unearned premiums are described above under Deferred premium acquisition costs.

Non-controlling  interests  represent  the  minority  shareholders’  72.5%  share  of  the

underlying  net  assets  of  TRG  ($612),  26.3%  share  of  the  underlying  net  assets  of  OdysseyRe

($362) and 33.5% share of the underlying net assets of Lindsey Morden ($69). All of the assets

and  liabilities,  including  long  term  debt,  of  these  companies  are  included  in  the  company’s

consolidated balance sheet.

Excess of net assets acquired over purchase price paid (negative goodwill) represents

the aggregate unamortized amount of such excess,  which arose as a  result of the company’s

acquisition of certain companies at prices less than the fair value of the underlying net tangible

assets acquired. In accordance with changes in Canadian accounting standards, the balance of

negative goodwill of $51.4 will be added to the company’s retained earnings as of January 1,

2002.

Provision for Claims

Claim provisions are established by the case method as claims are reported. The provisions are

subsequently adjusted as additional information on the estimated amount of a claim becomes

known  during  the  course  of  its  settlement.  A  provision  is  also  made  for  management’s

calculation of factors affecting the future development of claims including IBNR based on the

volume of business currently in force and the historical experience on claims.

As time passes, more information about the claims becomes known and provision estimates are

appropriately adjusted upward or downward. Because of the estimation elements encompassed

in this process, and the time it takes to settle many of the more substantial claims, several years

are required before a meaningful comparison of actual losses to the original provisions can be

developed.

The development of the provision for claims is shown by the difference between estimates of

reserves as of the initial year-end and the re-estimated liability at each subsequent year-end.

This is based on actual payments in full or partial settlement of claims, plus re-estimates of the

reserves  required  for  claims  still  open  or  claims  still  unreported.  Unfavourable  development

means that the original reserve estimates were lower than subsequently indicated.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the provision for claims and loss adjustment

expense (LAE) for the insurance, reinsurance and runoff lines of business for the past five years.

As  shown  in  the  table,  the  sum  of  the  provision  for  claims  for  all  of  Fairfax’s  insurance,

reinsurance and runoff subsidiaries is $22,085.8 as at December 31, 2001 – the amount shown

as Provision for claims on Fairfax’s consolidated balance sheet on page 25. The Other shown in

the following table was the $14 Fairfax indemnification of Ranger reserves.

62

Reconciliation of Provision for Claims

and LAE as at December 31

Insurance subsidiaries owned

throughout the year – net of
indemnification

Insurance subsidiaries acquired

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

5,603.8

5,538.5

4,258.2

1,107.6

978.5

during the year

25.7

71.4

1,187.2

3,802.8

–

Total insurance subsidiaries

5,629.5

5,609.9

5,445.4

4,910.4

978.5

Reinsurance subsidiaries owned

throughout the year

3,356.7

3,641.3

2,732.9

2,981.6

1,215.1

Reinsurance subsidiaries acquired

during the year

–

–

1,394.9

1,362.3

1,869.5

Total reinsurance subsidiaries

3,356.7

3,641.3

4,127.8

4,343.9

3,084.6

Runoff subsidiaries owned
throughout the year

Runoff subsidiaries acquired during

2,448.6

2,307.7

1,733.0

the year

–

–

873.3

Total runoff subsidiaries

2,448.6

2,307.7

2,606.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

Federated Life
Other

29.4
–

30.7
–

28.5
–

26.7
14.0

24.6
14.0

Total provision for claims and LAE
Reinsurance gross-up

11,464.2
10,621.6

11,589.6
8,636.2

12,208.0
8,234.2

9,295.0
3,866.2

4,101.7
2,221.0

Total including gross-up

22,085.8

20,225.8

20,442.2

13,161.2

6,322.7

The  seven  tables  that  follow  show  the  reconciliation  and  the  reserve  development  of  the

insurance  (Canadian  and  U.S.),  reinsurance  and  runoff  subsidiaries’  provision  for  claims,

before the company’s US$1 billion corporate insurance cover from Swiss Re. Cessions to the

Swiss Re corporate cover by group for 2001 and 2000 are set out under Swiss Re premium on

page  58.  Because  business  is  written  in  various  locations,  there  will  necessarily  be  some

distortions  caused  by  foreign  exchange  fluctuations.  The  insurance  subsidiaries’  tables  are

presented  in  Canadian  dollars  for  the  Canadian  subsidiaries  and  in  U.S.  dollars  for  the  U.S.

subsidiaries  (as  noted  previously,  Falcon  is  included  with  the  U.S.  insurance  subsidiaries  for

convenience). The reinsurance and runoff subsidiaries’ tables are presented in U.S. dollars as

the reinsurance and runoff businesses are substantially transacted in that currency.

Canadian Insurance Subsidiaries

The  following  table  shows  for  Fairfax’s  Canadian  insurance  subsidiaries  the  provision  for

claims liability for unpaid losses and LAE as originally and as currently estimated for the years

1997 through 2001. The favourable or unfavourable development from prior years is credited

or charged to each year’s earnings.

63

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Reconciliation of Provision for Claims –

Canadian Insurance Subsidiaries

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

Provision for claims and LAE at January 1

896.1

890.4

818.8

764.0

746.1

Incurred losses on claims and LAE

Provision for current accident year’s claims

537.3

502.8

561.0

545.3

553.9

Increase (decrease) in provision for prior

accident years’ claims

43.6

(17.1)

(8.0)

(2.5)

(12.0)

Total incurred losses on claims and LAE

580.9

485.7

553.0

542.8

541.9

Payments for losses on claims and LAE

Payments on current accident year’s claims

(245.5)

(215.0)

(231.0)

(239.4)

(285.1)

Payments on prior accident years’ claims

(296.7)

(265.0)

(250.4)

(248.6)

(238.9)

Total payments for losses on claims and LAE

(542.2)

(480.0)

(481.4)

(488.0)

(524.0)

Provision for claims and LAE at December 31

934.8

896.1

890.4

818.8

764.0

The company strives to establish adequate provisions at the original valuation date. It is the

company’s objective to have favourable development from the past. The reserves will always be

subject to upward or downward development in the future.

The following table shows for Fairfax’s Canadian insurance subsidiaries the original provision

for  claims  reserves  including  LAE  at  each  calendar  year-end  commencing  in  1991  with  the

subsequent  cumulative  payments  made  from  these  years  and  the  subsequent  re-estimated

amount of these reserves. The following Canadian insurance subsidiaries’ reserves are included

from the respective years in which such subsidiaries were acquired:

Markel

Federated

Commonwealth

Lombard (including CRC (Bermuda))

Year
Acquired

1985

1990

1990

1994

64

Provision for Canadian Insurance Subsidiaries’ Claims Reserve Development

As at
December 31

Provision for claims including LAE
Cumulative payments as of:
One year later
Two years later
Three years later
Four years later
Five years later
Six years later
Seven years later
Eight years later
Nine years later
Ten years later
Reserves re-estimated as of:
One year later
Two years later
Three years later
Four years later
Five years later
Six years later
Seven years later
Eight years later
Nine years later
Ten years later
Favourable (unfavourable)

1991
and
prior 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

168.4 179.6 185.0 673.8 695.3 746.1 764.0 818.8 890.4 896.1 934.8

63.0 233.8 219.9 238.9 248.6 250.4 265.0 296.7

56.8
87.9 105.5 351.6 355.0 386.4 392.7 409.9 439.6

48.1
75.4
94.8 110.6 127.4 457.7 455.3 494.0 504.8 536.7
110.8 126.1 147.3 525.5 532.0 577.1 588.6
120.4 137.7 159.5 577.5 585.8 633.4
128.1 146.0 166.0 612.7 628.0
134.5 150.6 170.9 645.7
138.3 154.1 175.0
141.3 157.7
144.1

168.0 179.9 187.8 677.9 678.6 734.1 761.6 810.8 873.3 939.7
157.8 174.8 191.8 676.8 692.9 743.4 758.6 808.3 902.5
157.7 171.8 197.8 685.7 704.4 748.5 757.0 833.8
156.3 177.5 198.7 688.8 707.1 750.2 780.5
158.4 177.4 199.3 695.9 705.7 764.6
161.1 178.0 197.7 694.5 718.1
162.5 175.9 198.8 709.7
160.6 178.0 198.7
161.9 177.4
162.0

development

6.4

2.2

(13.7)

(35.9)

(22.8)

(18.5)

(16.5)

(15.0)

(12.1)

(43.6)

The  Canadian  insurance  subsidiaries  had  unfavourable  development  of  $43.6  during  2001,

relating to the unfavourable impact of foreign exchange on U.S. dollar claims affecting all years

($12.9),  adverse  development  on  the  1994  and  prior  years  at  Lombard  ($14.9),  adverse

development  on  Lombard’s  discontinued  extended  warranty  programs affecting  the  1996  to

1998 years ($12.0), and adverse development on the 2000 year at Commonwealth in its U.S.

property  and  energy  books  ($5.3)  and  at  Lombard  in  its  property  book  ($7.4),  offset  by

redundancies for Federated and Markel ($8.9). Note that when in any year there is a reserve

strengthening  or  redundancy  for  a  prior  year,  the  amount  of  the  change  in  favourable

(unfavourable)  development  thereby  reflected  for  that  prior  year  is  also  reflected  in  the

favourable (unfavourable) development for each year thereafter.

Management is disappointed with the unfavourable development for the Canadian insurance

subsidiaries.  Future  development  could  be  significantly  different  from  the  past  due  to  many

unknown factors.

65

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

U.S. Insurance Subsidiaries

The  following  table  shows  for  Fairfax’s  U.S.  insurance  subsidiaries  the  provision  for  claims

liability for unpaid losses and LAE as originally and as currently estimated for the years 1997

through  2001.  The  favourable  or  unfavourable  development  from  prior  years  is  credited  or

charged to each year’s earnings.

Reconciliation of Provision for Claims –

U.S. Insurance Subsidiaries

Provision for claims and LAE at
January 1 for Ranger, for C&F
and Falcon beginning in
1999, for TIG beginning in
2000 and for Seneca
beginning in 2001

Incurred losses on claims and

LAE
Provision for current accident

2001
(US$)

2000
(US$)

1999
(US$)

1998
(US$)

1997
(US$)

3,138.3

3,138.6

2,693.9

184.0

187.6

year’s claims

1,448.3

1,317.1

624.7

104.5

105.5

Increase in provision for prior

accident years’ claims

Total incurred losses on claims

and LAE

Payments for losses on claims

and LAE
Payments on current accident

year’s claims

Payments on prior accident

years’ claims

Total payments for losses on

claims and LAE

Provision for claims and LAE at

December 31

Provision for claims and LAE
for Winterthur (Asia) at
December 31

Provision for claims and LAE
for Seneca Insurance at
December 31

Provision for claims and LAE

for TIG Specialty Insurance at
December 31

Provision for claims and LAE
for C&F at December 31
Provision for claims and LAE
for Falcon at December 31

Provision for claims and LAE

for U.S. insurance subsidiaries
at December 31 before
indemnification

Reserve indemnification

69.4

284.8

29.8

43.8

8.7

1,517.7

1,601.9

654.5

148.3

114.2

(434.7)

(434.6)

(272.5)

(40.5)

(38.0)

(1,296.4)

(1,215.1)

(755.3)

(70.1)

(79.8)

(1,731.1)

(1,649.7)

(1,027.8)

(110.6)

(117.8)

2,924.9

3,090.8

2,320.6

221.7

184.0

16.1

–

–

–

–

–

47.5

–

–

–

–

–

818.0

–

–

–

–

–

2,466.7

5.5

–

–

–

–

–

2,941.0
–

3,138.3
–

3,138.6
–

2,693.9
(34.0)

184.0
(34.0)

66

2001
(US$)

2000
(US$)

1999
(US$)

1998
(US$)

1997
(US$)

Provision for claims and LAE

for U.S. insurance subsidiaries
after indemnification

Exchange rate
Converted to Canadian dollars

2,941.0
1.5963

150.0
1.4296
C$4,694.7 C$4,713.8 C$4,555.0 C$4,091.6 C$ 214.5

3,138.6
1.4513

3,138.3
1.5020

2,659.9
1.5382

The company strives to establish adequate provisions at the original valuation date. It is the

company’s objective to have favourable development from the past. The reserves will always be

subject to upward or downward development in the future.

The  following  table  shows  for  Fairfax’s  U.S.  insurance  subsidiaries  the  original  provision  for

claims  reserves  including  LAE  at  each  calendar  year-end  commencing  in  1993  (the  date  of

Ranger’s acquisition) with the subsequent cumulative payments made from these years and the

subsequent re-estimated amounts of these reserves. The following U.S. insurance subsidiaries’

reserves are included from the respective years in which such subsidiaries were acquired:

Ranger
C&F
Falcon
TIG
Seneca
Winterthur (Asia)

Provision for U.S. Insurance Subsidiaries’ Claims Reserve Development
As at
December 31

1993
(US$)

1994
(US$)

1995
(US$)

1996
(US$)

1997
(US$)

1998
(US$)

Year Acquired

1993
1998
1998
1999
2000
2001

1999
(US$)

2000
(US$)

2001
(US$)

Provision for claims
including LAE

Cumulative payments as of:
One year later
Two years later
Three years later
Four years later
Five years later
Six years later
Seven years later
Eight years later

Reserves re-estimated as of:
One year later
Two years later
Three years later
Four years later
Five years later
Six years later
Seven years later
Eight years later

Favourable (unfavourable)

173.9 154.9 157.8 187.6 184.0 2,693.9 3,138.6 3,138.3 2,941.0

78.5

89.1

69.4

79.8

70.1

755.3 1,215.1 1,296.4

141.7 130.0 119.9 125.3 128.0 1,363.2 2,105.3
169.3 158.7 135.2 157.5 168.9 1,822.7
185.8 166.9 155.2 184.1 212.8
188.3 179.9 171.8 204.6
194.4 193.9 174.8
197.7 193.3
196.5

171.4 191.0 183.2 196.3 227.8 2,723.7 3,423.4 3,207.7
199.6 206.9 190.9 229.1 236.3 2,715.8 3,524.2
214.5 216.8 210.8 236.3 251.9 2,765.8
222.2 226.0 212.9 246.7 279.0
227.6 229.8 216.2 261.1
229.4 232.0 220.6
232.9 235.7
236.8

development

(62.9)

(80.8)

(62.8)

(73.5)

(95.0)

(71.9)

(385.6)

(69.4)

67

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Ranger’s generally unfavourable development over the years has been a source of significant

concern.  Ranger’s  new  senior  management  team  took  the  necessary  steps  to  eliminate  and

terminate unprofitable lines of business in 1999. Ranger’s net adverse development of US$41.0

in  2001 resulted  from  its  discontinued  California  Artisan  Contractors’  program  where  the

losses  continued  to  develop  with  a  greater  frequency  than  had  been  expected  (US$34.5,

affecting  the  1996  to  1998  years),  its  1985  and  prior  discontinued  assumed  reinsurance

program  (US$3.0),  and  its  continuing  excess  umbrella  and  bail  bond  programs  (US$3.5,

affecting the 1998 year).

Crum  &  Forster  recorded  gross  reserve  strengthening  for  2000  and  prior  accident  years  of

US$400. Of the total, US$120 was for the 1999 accident year, US$47 was for the 2000 accident

year  and  the  balance  was  related  to  the  1998  and  prior  accident  years  (including  a  US$190

cession  to  fully  utilize  the  vendor-provided  reinsurance  protection  against  pre-acquisition

adverse claims development and unrecoverable reinsurance).

TIG recorded gross reserve strengthening for 2000 and prior accident years of US$210, of which

US$80 was for the 1999 accident year, US$116 was for the 2000 accident year and US$14 was

for unallocated loss adjustment expenses.

Note that when in any year there is a reserve strengthening or redundancy for a prior year, the

amount  of  the  change  in  favourable  (unfavourable)  development  thereby  reflected  for  that

prior  year  is  also  reflected  in  the  favourable  (unfavourable)  development  for  each  year

thereafter.

Management is disappointed with the continuing adverse development in each of the last five

years and since the acquisition of Ranger in 1993. Future development could be significantly

different from the past due to many unknown factors.

68

Reinsurance Subsidiaries

The  following  table  shows  for  Fairfax’s  reinsurance  subsidiaries  the  provision  for  claims

liability for unpaid losses and LAE as originally and as currently estimated for the years 1997

through  2001.  The  favourable  or  unfavourable  development  from  prior  years  is  credited  or

charged to each year’s earnings.

Reconciliation of Provision for Claims –

Reinsurance Subsidiaries

Provision for claims and LAE at
January 1 (in 1997, only for
Odyssey Reinsurance (New
York) and Wentworth)
Provision for claims and LAE
for CTR, Sphere Drake,
RiverStone Stockholm and
Dai Tokyo (UK) (transferred
to runoff)

Adjusted provision for claims

2001
(US$)

2000
(US$)

1999
(US$)

1998
(US$)

1997
(US$)

2,424.3

2,844.2

2,824.0

2,157.7

858.5

(388.2)

(67.4)

(1,264.4)

–

–

and LAE at January 1

2,036.1

2,776.8

1,559.6

2,157.7

858.5

Incurred losses on claims and

LAE

Provision for current accident

year’s claims

739.6

523.6

623.7

504.3

150.2

Increase (decrease) in provision

for prior accident years’
claims

Total incurred losses on claims

45.8

62.1

(15.9)

26.0

(7.9)

and LAE

785.4

585.7

607.8

530.3

142.3

Payments for losses on claims

and LAE

Payments on current accident

year’s claims

(100.2)

(36.9)

(6.4)

(292.3)

(31.1)

Payments on prior accident

years’ claims

(618.5)

(901.3)

(277.9)

(457.3)

(119.7)

Total payments for losses on

claims and LAE

(718.7)

(938.2)

(284.3)

(749.6)

(150.8)

Provision for claims and LAE at

December 31

2,102.8

2,424.3

1,883.1

1,938.4

850.0

Provision for claims and LAE

for CTR and Sphere Drake at
December 31

Provision for claims and LAE

for RiverStone Stockholm and
ORC Re at December 31
Provision for claims and LAE
for TIG Re at December 31

–

–

–

–

–

–

69

–

–

–

1,307.7

885.6

961.1

–

–

–

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

2001
(US$)

2000
(US$)

1999
(US$)

1998
(US$)

1997
(US$)

Provision for claims and LAE

for reinsurance subsidiaries at
December 31

Exchange rate
Converted to Canadian dollars

2,102.8
1.5963

2,157.7
1.4296
C$3,356.7 C$3,641.3 C$4,127.8 C$4,343.9 C$3,084.6

2,424.3
1.5020

2,844.2
1.4513

2,824.0
1.5382

The company strives to establish adequate provisions at the original valuation date. It is the

company’s objective to have favourable development from the past. The reserves will always be

subject to upward or downward development in the future.

The  following  table  shows  for  Fairfax’s  reinsurance  subsidiaries  the  original  provision  for

claims  reserves  including  LAE  at  each  calendar  year-end  commencing  in  1996  (the  date  of

Odyssey  Reinsurance  (New  York)’s  acquisition)  with  the  subsequent  cumulative  payments

made  from  these  years  and  the  subsequent  re-estimated  amount  of  these  reserves.  The

following  reinsurance  subsidiaries’  reserves  are  included  from  the  respective  years  in  which

such subsidiaries were acquired:

Odyssey Reinsurance (New York)

CTR (transferred to runoff January 1, 2001)

Sphere Drake (transferred to runoff July 1, 1999)

TIG Re (now Odyssey America Re)

1996

1997

1997

1999

70

Provision for Reinsurance Subsidiaries’ Claims Reserve Development

As at December 31

1996
(US$)

1997
(US$)

1998
(US$)

1999
(US$)

2000
(US$)

2001
(US$)

Provision for claims including LAE

858.5 2,157.7

2,824.0 2,844.2 2,424.3 2,102.8

Provision for claims including LAE

for Sphere Drake, RiverStone

Stockholm and Dai Tokyo (UK)

(transferred to runoff)

Provision for claims including LAE

for CTR (transferred to runoff)

Adjusted provision for claims

–

–

(886.5) (1,264.4)

(67.4)

–

(420.4)

(451.7)

(546.5)

(388.2)

–

–

including LAE

858.5

850.8

1,107.9 2,230.3 2,036.1 2,102.8

Cumulative payments as of:

One year later

Two years later

Three years later

Four years later

Five years later

Reserves re-estimated as of:

One year later

Two years later

Three years later

Four years later

Five years later

Favourable (unfavourable)

124.9

231.5

332.6

410.0

50.3

630.8

618.5

180.1 1,111.8

288.5

833.6

1,113.9 2,239.5 2,081.9

840.5

1,132.5 2,262.7

847.8

1,117.8

820.1

119.7

229.1

314.0

387.6

447.8

850.6

834.3

857.2

868.9

852.1

development

6.4

30.7

(9.9)

(32.4)

(45.8)

The unfavourable development of US$45.8 in 2001 was primarily due to adverse development

on  the  1997  to  2000  excess  casualty  business  (US$16.2),  strengthening  of  APH  reserves  for

years  prior  to  1995  (US$15.0)  and  adverse  development  on  the  Newline  Lloyd’s  syndicate

discontinued  North  American  treaty  and  binder  business  affecting  the  1997  to  2000  years

(US$4.6). Note that when in any year there is a reserve strengthening or redundancy for a prior

year, the amount of the change in favourable (unfavourable) development thereby reflected for

that  prior  year  is  also  reflected  in  the  favourable  (unfavourable)  development  for  each  year

thereafter.

Future  development  could  be  significantly  different  from  the  past  due  to  many  unknown

factors.

Runoff Subsidiaries

The following table shows for Fairfax’s runoff subsidiaries the provision for claims liability for

unpaid  losses  and  LAE  as  originally  and  as  currently  estimated  since  1998  (the  date  of

RiverStone Stockholm’s acquisition). The favourable or unfavourable development from prior

years is credited or charged to each year’s earnings.

71

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Reconciliation of Provision for Claims –

Runoff Subsidiaries

2001
(US$)

2000
(US$)

1999
(US$)

Provision for claims and LAE at January 1 for

RiverStone Stockholm and Sphere Drake, and for

TRG beginning in 2000

1,536.4

1,795.8

1,264.5

Provision for claims and LAE for CTR and Dai Tokyo

(UK) (transferred to runoff)

388.2

67.4

–

Incurred losses on claims and LAE

Foreign exchange effect on claims

Provision for current accident year’s claims

Increase in provision for prior accident years’

claims

Total incurred losses on claims and LAE

Payments for losses on claims and LAE

Payments on current accident year’s claims

Payments on prior accident years’ claims

1,924.6

1,863.2

1,264.5

24.8

46.5

184.8

256.1

5.0

155.7

123.1

283.8

(19.1)

187.8

40.7

209.4

0.1

(646.9)

(46.7)

(563.9)

(99.4)

(180.4)

Total payments for losses on claims and LAE

(646.8)

(610.6)

(279.8)

Provision for claims and LAE at December 31

1,533.9

1,536.4

Provision for claims and LAE for TRG at December 31

–

–

1,194.1

601.7

Provision for claims and LAE for runoff subsidiaries at

December 31

Exchange rate

1,533.9

1.5963

1,536.4

1.5020

1,795.8

1.4513

Converted to Canadian dollars

C$2,448.6

C$2,307.7

C$2,606.3

The  unfavourable  development  of  US$184.8  in  2001 related  to  additional  development  on

Sphere Drake’s 1996 and subsequent reserves of US$191.0, adverse development on CTR’s 2000

and  prior  claims  of  US$15.5, and  adverse  development  on  TRG’s  1992  and  prior  claims  of

US$10.1, partially  offset  by  favourable  development  of  US$31.8  on  RiverStone  Stockholm’s

claims. Approximately 70% of the runoff claims reserves are expected to be paid out over the

next five years (80% over the next ten years).

The company strives to establish adequate provisions at the original valuation date. It is the

company’s objective to have favourable development from the past. The reserves will always be

subject to upward or downward development in the future.

72

Asbestos, Pollution and Other Hazards

A  number  of  Fairfax’s  subsidiaries  wrote  insurance  and  reinsurance  policies  prior  to  their

acquisition  by  Fairfax  which  involve  asbestos-related,  environmental  pollution  and  other

hazards  (APH)  coverage,  primarily  in  the  United  States.  Following  is  an  analysis  of  Fairfax’s

gross and net reserves from APH exposures at year-end 2001 and 2000 and the movement in

gross and net reserves for those years. The second table excludes TRG, since Fairfax’s exposure

to loss at TRG is limited to its US$97 investment, as discussed under Runoff on page 57.

2001

2000

Provision for APH claims and LAE at January 1

2,411.5

1,049.3

2,634.7

APH losses and LAE incurred during the year

320.8

142.7

420.7

Gross
(US$)

Net
(US$)

Gross
(US$)

Net
(US$)

962.4

203.1

APH losses and LAE paid during the year

(480.9)

(202.3)

(675.5)

(139.8)

Provision for APH claims and LAE at December 31

2,251.4

989.7

2,379.9

1,025.7

Dai Tokyo (UK) provision for APH claims and LAE

at December 31

–

–

31.6

23.6

Total provision for APH claims and LAE at

December 31

Comprising:

Outstanding

IBNR

Excluding TRG

Provision for APH claims and LAE at January 1

APH losses and LAE incurred during the year

2,251.4

989.7

2,411.5

1,049.3

791.9

1,459.5

249.3

740.4

958.6

1,452.9

267.8

781.5

2001

2000

Gross
(US$)

1,154.5

167.7

Net
(US$)

716.4

127.1

Gross
(US$)

1,042.4

231.5

Net
(US$)

639.9

146.4

APH losses and LAE paid during the year

(337.2)

(187.6)

(151.0)

(93.5)

Provision for APH claims and LAE at December 31

985.0

655.9

1,122.9

692.8

Dai Tokyo (UK) provision for APH claims and LAE at

December 31

–

–

31.6

23.6

Total provision for APH claims and LAE at

December 31

Comprising:

Outstanding

IBNR

985.0

655.9

1,154.5

716.4

325.2

659.8

205.3

450.6

374.9

779.6

221.8

494.6

The  2001  gross  amount  of  US$2,251.4  is  included  in  the  $22,085.8  shown  as  Provision  for

claims at December 31, 2001 on Fairfax’s consolidated balance sheet on page 25.

Since Fairfax’s acquisition of TRG in 1999, RiverStone has largely managed all of the group’s

APH claims.  RiverStone is focused on commuting or buying back major APH exposures and

APH-exposed  policies.  In  2001,  Fairfax  commuted  its  liabilities  assumed  and  reinsurance

73

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

recoverable (excluding certain facultative contracts) balances with Equitas, and settled another

commutation  involving  substantial  APH  exposure.  In  2000,  there  was  a  buyback  and

cancellation  of  a  major  APH-exposed  policy.  These  commutations  were  beneficial  to  the

company. However, because a commutation (which includes for this purpose a buyback and

cancellation)  constitutes  a  prepayment  of  the  commuted  claims,  the  effect  of  these

commutations on the foregoing tables is to create an unrealistic amount of paid claims in the

year of commutation. These commutations in effect removed any liability for the APH claims

settled  by  the  commutations;  therefore,  a  more  informative  presentation  of  the  analysis

intended  to  be  presented  in  the  foregoing  tables  would  be  to  eliminate  the  commuted

exposures both from the provision for APH claims and from the APH losses and LAE incurred

and  paid,  as  shown  in  the  following  table,  which  again  excludes  TRG. (Note  that  it  is

reasonable  to  expect  that  the  portion  of  the  incurred  and  paid  net  losses  shown  in  the

following  table  which  relate  to  Crum  &  Forster  will  ultimately  be  recovered  under  Crum  &

Forster’s stop loss protections.)

Provision for APH claims and LAE at January 1

APH losses and LAE incurred during the year

2001

2000

Gross
(US$)

979.5

168.1

Net
(US$)

635.2

127.6

Gross
(US$)

831.7

205.8

Net
(US$)

561.4

137.7

APH losses and LAE paid during the year

(162.6)

(106.9)

(89.6)

(87.5)

Provision for APH claims and LAE at December 31

985.0

655.9

947.9

611.6

Dai Tokyo (UK) provision for APH claims and LAE

at December 31

–

–

31.6

23.6

Total provision for APH claims and LAE at

December 31

Comprising:

Outstanding

IBNR

985.0

655.9

979.5

635.2

331.1

653.9

210.2

445.7

318.1

661.4

196.7

438.5

Survival ratio – 3 year (before reinsurance

protection)

Survival ratio – 3 year (after reinsurance protection)

6.7

9.1

7.2

11.1

The 3-year survival ratio represents the outstanding APH claims and LAE (including IBNR) at

December 31 divided by the average paid APH claims for the last three years. The survival ratio

after  reinsurance  protection  includes  one-half  of  the  remaining  reinsurance  protection  at

December  31,  2001  for  Crum  &  Forster  and  one-half  of  Fairfax’s  remaining  Swiss  Re  cover.

Based  on  the  preceding  table,  Fairfax’s  3-year  survival  ratio  before  and  after  reinsurance

protection was 6.7 and 9.1 years respectively, which compares favourably with A.M. Best Co’s

normalized  (to  exclude  unusually  large  Fibreboard  asbestos  payouts)  3-year  average  survival

ratio  of  6.7  years  for  the  U.S.  property  and  casualty  insurance  industry,  as  set  out  in  their

special report dated November 5, 2001 on U.S. property and casualty insurers’ and reinsurers’

December 31, 2000 asbestos and environmental claims reserve information. (That report also

recognized  that  companies  which  aggressively  pursue  buybacks  to  seal  off  future  claims  (as

74

Fairfax does) will record higher payouts, lower reserves, and therefore, correspondingly  lower

survival ratios.)

Many insurance coverage issues and circumstantial uncertainties make the estimation of these

reserves  very  difficult.  Inconsistencies  among  the  States  with  regard  to  coverage,  occurrence

definitions and Superfund reform can all affect the outcome of APH claims. Also, beginning in

2000, there was renewed asbestos liability activity primarily relating to the emergence of so-

called  non-products 

liability  claims.  Generally,  as  asbestos  defendants,  especially

manufacturers  of  products  containing  asbestos,  exhaust  available  product  hazard  coverage,

they  are  increasingly  seeking  to  expand  available  insurance  coverage  by  alleging  that  the

asbestos claims to which they are subject are not product hazard claims, but are rather so-called

non-products claims for which the liability limits of their insurance have not been exhausted.

These APH reserves are continuously monitored by management and are reviewed extensively

by  independent  consulting  actuaries.  The  reinsurance  protection  discussed  under  Additional

Reinsurance Protection on page 79 would apply to adverse development of APH reserves.

Reinsurance Recoverables

Fairfax’s  subsidiaries  purchase  certain  reinsurance  so  as  to  reduce  their  liability  on  the

insurance and reinsurance risks which they write. Fairfax strives to minimize the credit risk of

purchasing  reinsurance  through  adherence  to  its  internal  reinsurance  guidelines.  To  be  an

ongoing reinsurer of Fairfax, a company must have high A.M. Best and/or Standard & Poor’s

ratings and maintain capital and surplus exceeding US$500. Most of the reinsurance balances

for  reinsurers  rated  B++  and  lower  or  which  are  not  rated  were  inherited  by  Fairfax  on

acquisition  of  a  subsidiary.  The  risk  of  uncollectible  reinsurance  has  been  mitigated  by  the

additional  reinsurance  protection  outlined  under  Additional  Reinsurance  Protection  on

page  79. Certain  of  the  tables  and  commentary  in  this  section  treat  TRG-related  balances  as

excluded  from  Fairfax,  since  Fairfax’s  exposure  to  loss  at  TRG  is  limited  to  its  US$97

investment, as discussed under Runoff on page 57.

The  following  table  shows  Fairfax’s  top  50  reinsurance  groups  (based  on  gross  reinsurance

recoverable)  at  December  31,  2001,  excluding  TRG-related  balances.  These  50  reinsurance

groups  represent  91.1%  of  Fairfax’s  $10,770.0  in  total  reinsurance  recoverable,  excluding

TRG-related balances (which total is net of bad debt reserves aggregating $293.2).

Group

Swiss Re

Munich Re
Great West Life

General Electric
Zurich Re
Lloyd’s
Aegon

Principal Reinsurers

European Reinsurance Co.
of Zurich
American Reinsurance
London Life & Casualty
Reinsurance
GE Frankona Ruck, A.G.
Zurich Reinsurance (N.A.) Inc.
Lloyd’s of London Underwriters
ARC Re & Pyramid Insurance
Companies

Berkshire Hathaway General Reinsurance Corp.

A.M. Best
Rating
Gross
(or S&P Reinsurance

Net
Reinsurance
equivalent)(1) Recoverable Recoverable(2)

A++

A++
A

A++
A
A–
NR

A++

2,288.3

1,068.1
821.6

633.5
579.7
419.9
417.9

398.2

1,526.4

423.1
57.1

626.3
457.5
377.6
3.8

373.2

75

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Group

St. Paul

Gerling Global
Royal & Sun
Alliance

AXA
CNA
Chubb
AIG
HDI
Phoenix
Ace
XL
Hartford(4)
Everest
Nationwide

White Mountains
Aioi
Manulife(6)
SCOR
GROUPAMA
Trenwick

Principal Reinsurers

Mountain Ridge Ins.
Co. of N.A.(3)
Gerling Global International Re

Security Ins. Co. of Hartford
AXA Corporate Solutions
Continental Casualty
Federal Ins. Co.
Transatlantic Re
Hannover Ruck
Enterprise Group Ins. Co.
Insurance Co. of North America
XL Reinsurance America Inc.
New England Re
Everest Reinsurance Co.
Nationwide Mutual Insurance
Company
Folksamerica Reinsurance Co.
Aioi Insurance Co. Ltd.
Manufacturers P&C Barbados
SCOR
GAN Life
Trenwick America
Reinsurance Co.
GIO Australia Ltd
PMA Capital Insurance Co.
Partner Reinsurance Co. of US
Houston Casualty Co.

AMP
PMA
PartnerRe
HCC
American Financial Great American Assurance Co.
Liberty Mutual
Citigroup
Allstate
Toa Re
BRIT
Markel
Unum/Provident
BCHS
Allianz
Planet
Taisei
Charter Re
PXRE
Nissan

Employers Insurance of Wausau
Travelers Indemnity Co.
Allstate
Toa Reins. Co. Ltd.
BRIT Insurance
Terra Nova Insurance Co. Ltd.
Unum Life Ins. Of America
Blue Cross
Cornhill Ins. Co.
Planet Insurance
Taisei F&M Insurance Company
Charter Re
PXRE Reinsurance Co.
Nissan Fire & Marine
Insurance Co.
Sentry Ins., a Mutual Co.
Berkley Insurance Co.
London & Edinbrugh Insurance
Co. Ltd.

Sentry Group
W.R. Berkley
CGNU

Other reinsurers

Total reinsurance recoverable
Provision for uncollectible reinsurance

Net reinsurance recoverable

(1) Of principal reinsurer

76

A.M. Best
Rating
Gross
(or S&P Reinsurance

Net
Reinsurance
equivalent)(1) Recoverable Recoverable(2)

NR

A

A+
A+
A
A++
A++
A+
NR
A
A+
B+
A+
A+

A–
A+(5)
NR
A+
BBB(5)
A–

BBB(5)
A
A+
A+
A
A+
A++
A+
A+
A–
A–
A
NR
A++
NR
NR
NR
A
A

A+
A
B+

359.9

309.9

199.3
180.7
174.8
173.0
171.6
134.8
117.1
109.9
103.1
80.1
74.4
72.7

68.9
57.6
53.3
52.1
51.9
48.6

43.7
42.9
42.5
39.5
37.6
34.7
32.4
28.2
28.1
27.0
23.7
23.4
22.5
21.2
20.7
20.2
20.0
19.8
19.3

17.5
15.9
15.0

139.8

134.5

199.3
95.0
150.2
81.7
159.8
102.9
1.2
99.3
97.8
74.9
65.8
72.2

63.4
55.0
27.7
45.8
12.5
39.5

40.6
34.0
29.2
32.4
31.7
32.0
32.1
26.4
25.1
26.8
20.3
23.4
—
19.0
2.9
20.1
20.0
19.7
19.0

17.5
14.0
14.3

1,246.5

11,063.2
293.2

10,770.0

1,080.1

7,143.9
293.2

6,850.7

(2) Net  of  outstanding  balances  for  which  security  is  held,  but  before  specific  provisions  for

uncollectible reinsurance

(3) Fully secured by letters of credit and/or trust funds (gross reinsurance recoverable from Mountain

Ridge is $200.3 million)

(4) Rated A+ by A.M. Best

(5) S&P rating

(6) Rated A++ by A.M. Best

The  following  table  shows  the  classification  of  the  $11,063.2  total  reinsurance  recoverable,

excluding  TRG-related  balances,  shown  above  by  credit  rating  of  the  responsible  reinsurers.

(This and the following table reflect some reclassifications,  from those disclosed last year,  of

outstanding balances for which security is held. Pools and associations, now shown separately,

are generally government or similar insurance funds carrying very little credit risk.)

A.M. Best
Gross
Rating
(or S&P
Reinsurance
equivalent) Recoverable

Outstanding
Balances
for which

Provision
for

Net
Unsecured
Security Uncollectible Reinsurance
Reinsurance Recoverable

is Held

A++

A+

A

A–

B++

B+

B

Lower than B

Not rated

Pools &

3,879.4

1,369.2

2,795.6

909.4

127.2

204.8

25.3

97.3

837.4

199.8

1,730.0

197.7

16.6

19.3

10.6

1.4

1,485.4

904.0

5.8

0.8

8.8

0.7

1.6

4.1

5.7

53.2

165.0

3,036.2

1,168.6

1,056.8

711.0

109.0

181.4

9.0

42.7

416.4

associations

169.6

2.5

—

167.1

11,063.2

3,919.3

245.7

6,898.2

Provision for uncollectible

reinsurance

– specific

– general

Net reinsurance recoverable

245.7

47.5

10,770.0

To support gross reinsurance recoverable balances, Fairfax has the benefit of letters of credit,

trust funds or offsetting balances payable totalling $3,919.3, as follows:

for  reinsurers  rated  A–  or  better,  Fairfax  has  security  of  $2,964.9  against  outstanding

reinsurance recoverable of $8,953.6;

for  reinsurers  rated  B++  or  lower,  Fairfax  has  security  of  $47.9  against  outstanding

reinsurance recoverable of $454.6;

for  unrated  reinsurers,  Fairfax  has  security  of  $904.0  against  outstanding  reinsurance

recoverable of $1,485.4; and

77

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

for  pools  &  associations,  Fairfax  has  security  of  $2.5  against  outstanding  reinsurance

recoverable of $169.6.

Lloyd’s  is  also  required  to  maintain  funds  in  Canada  and  the  United  States  which  are

monitored by the applicable regulatory authorities.

As  shown  above,  excluding  pools  &  associations,  Fairfax  has  gross  outstanding  reinsurance

balances for reinsurers which are rated B++ or lower or which are unrated of $1,940.0 for which

it  holds  security  of  $951.9  and  has  an  aggregate  provision  for  uncollectible  reinsurance  of

$277.1  (28%  of  the  net  exposure  prior  to  such  provision),  leaving  a  net  exposure  of  $711.0.

Fairfax  believes  that  its  provision  for  uncollectible  reinsurance  provides  for  all  likely  losses

arising from uncollectible reinsurance at December 31, 2001.

On June 28, 2001, Fairfax completed a settlement of all claims liabilities and all reinsurance

recoverable from Equitas (excluding certain facultative reinsurance). The aggregate amount of

claims  liabilities  and  reinsurance  recoverable  settled  was  approximately  $520  and  $480

respectively.

The  following  table  shows  the  classification  of  the  $13,838.2  total  gross  reinsurance

recoverable, including TRG-related balances, by credit rating of the responsible reinsurers. This

table  is  identical  to  the  preceding  table,  except  that  it  includes  TRG-related  balances.  As

discussed under Runoff on page 57, Fairfax’s exposure to loss at TRG is limited to its US$97

investment.

A.M. Best
Gross
Rating
(or S&P
Reinsurance
equivalent) Recoverable

Outstanding
Balances
for which

Provision
for

Net
Unsecured
Security Uncollectible Reinsurance
is Held Reinsurance Recoverable

A++

A+

A

A–

B++

B+

B

Lower than B

Not rated

Pools &

4,095.5

1,644.7

3,132.7

949.2

145.4

281.0

26.8

139.5

894.5

226.6

1,731.3

199.3

20.5

20.2

10.6

1.4

3,211.5

1,676.2

19.3

4.2

11.9

2.9

1.6

7.1

5.7

82.2

682.0

3,181.7

1,413.9

1,389.5

747.0

123.3

253.7

10.5

55.9

853.3

associations

211.9

2.7

—

209.2

13,838.2

4,783.3

816.9

8,238.0

Provision for uncollectible

reinsurance

– specific

– general

Net reinsurance recoverable

816.9

219.2

12,802.1

The  reinsurance  protection  discussed  under  Additional  Reinsurance  Protection  on  page  79

would apply to adverse development of unrecoverable reinsurance.

78

Additional Reinsurance Protection

At December 31, 2000, the company had unutilized indemnifications relating to its acquisition

of  CTR,  Sphere  Drake  and  Crum  &  Forster  of  $23,  $47  and  $259  respectively.  In  2001,  the

company settled the CTR indemnity with the vendor at fair value. The Sphere Drake and Crum

& Forster vendor indemnities were fully utilized during 2001.

Shown  below  are  the  continuing  indemnifications  originally  received  by  Fairfax  on  the

acquisition  of  its  various  insurance  and  reinsurance  subsidiaries  and  additional  reinsurance

protection  purchased  by  Fairfax  in  1999  and  Crum  &  Forster  in  2001.  These  protect  Fairfax

from  adverse  development  in  the  respective  companies’  claims  reserves  and  unrecoverable

reinsurance  as  at  the  end  of  the  respective  original  years  shown.  The  protected  net  reserves

represent  the  respective  companies’  carried  reserves,  net  of  reinsurance  recoverable,  at

December 31, 2001, which are subject to the related protection.

During 1999, the indemnity in respect of Odyssey Reinsurance (New York) was assumed by a

Fairfax  reinsurance  subsidiary  in  consideration  of  a  cash  payment  made  to  that  reinsurer,

which Fairfax believes represented fair value to assume that indemnity.

Year

Company

1992

International Insurance
(TRG)

1995(1) Odyssey Reinsurance
(New York)

1998

All Fairfax subsidiaries
owned at the end
of 1998 and TIG
(Swiss Re cover)(4)

2001

Crum & Forster

Unused

Protected Net

Protections at

Reserves at

 December 31,

December 31,

Amount

Amount

(US$)

(C$)

US$ 578(2)

923(2)

US$ 175

279

US$1,000(3)
US$ 400(3)

1,596

639

2,514

2001

(C$)

186

112

435

303

850

2001

(C$)

136

1,483

5,389

1,633

(1) This indemnity is provided by a Fairfax reinsurance subsidiary, as described above.

(2) After coinsurance

(3) Additional premium is payable as additional losses are ceded to this cover.

(4) Effective  June  14,  2001,  with  the  Odyssey  IPO,  the  net  reserves  of  Odyssey  America  Re  and

Odyssey Reinsurance (New York) are no longer covered.

Insurance Environment

The  property  and  casualty  insurance  market  changed  significantly  in  2001  following  the

September  11th  terrorist  attacks.  Many  reinsurers  and  insurers  suffered  substantial  losses  on

the World Trade Center catastrophe; in addition, their capital and surplus has been negatively

impacted by falling equity values. Since September 11, 2001, insurance and reinsurance prices

have been increasing significantly as capacity and terms and conditions tighten dramatically.

Combined  ratios  in  Canada,  for  U.S.  commercial  lines  and  for  U.S.  reinsurance  in  2001  are

expected  to  be  approximately  108%,  118%  and  145%  respectively.  The  World  Trade  Center

79

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

losses  and  continuing  adverse  development  from  very  inadequate  pricing  in  2000  and  prior

years  negatively  impacted  on  2001  combined  ratios.  Significant  restructuring  and

consolidation continues to take place in the industry, and the industry continues to be highly

competitive.

Acquisitions

Effective  December  20,  2001,  the  company  purchased  Winterthur  Swiss  Insurance  (Asia)

Limited for US$14.5 (Cdn$23.1) cash. At the date of acquisition, the company had US$122.7

(Cdn$195.8) in total assets and US$108.2 (Cdn$172.7) in total liabilities. The balance sheet of

Winterthur (Asia) upon acquisition was as follows:

Investments, including cash

Accounts receivable, including reinsurance

Other assets

Total assets

Provision for claims

Other liabilities

Shareholders’ equity

(US$)

71.3

47.0

4.4

122.7

82.9

25.3

14.5

Interest and Dividend Income

The  majority  of  interest  and  dividend  income  is  earned  by  the  insurance,  reinsurance  and

runoff companies. Upon the acquisitions noted below, the respective amounts shown below

were added to the company’s portfolio investments.

Acquisition Date

Company Acquired

Portfolio
Investments

March 21, 1990

November 14, 1990

December 31, 1993

November 30, 1994

May 31, 1996

February 27, 1997

December 3, 1997

August 13, 1998

September 4, 1998

April 13, 1999

August 11, 1999

Federated

Commonwealth

Ranger

Lombard (including CRC (Bermuda))

Odyssey Reinsurance (New York)

CTR

Sphere Drake

Crum & Forster

RiverStone Stockholm

TIG

TRG

101

130

400

684

1,490

764

1,068

4,955

831

5,597

1,670

80

Average
Investments at
Carrying Value Amount Yield
(%)

Pre-Tax

Interest and Dividend Income

1985

1986

1987

1988

1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

29.1

64.2

109.8

130.8

135.7

237.9

338.5

366.5

418.2

852.0

1,608.1

2,548.1

4,584.6

8,877.5

14,684.0

16,306.2

15,542.0

2.4

4.7

8.0

8.9

11.6

20.7

26.1

24.0

23.3

58.2

89.4

151.4

254.6

443.8

753.0

818.1

680.8

8.45

7.29

7.32

6.82

8.57

8.70

7.70

6.55

5.56

6.83

5.56

5.94

5.55

5.00

5.13

5.02

4.38

After Tax

Per Share
($)

Amount

Yield
(%)

Per Share
($)

0.87

0.96

1.10

1.22

1.51

2.75

4.44

4.17

3.78

7.12

10.00

15.42

23.64

37.37

56.48

62.10

51.41

1.3

2.5

5.5

6.6

8.5

14.0

17.7

17.8

18.0

39.6

73.7

111.5

174.4

337.5

492.0

578.4

462.9

4.37

3.93

5.01

5.06

6.29

5.89

5.24

4.84

4.30

4.65

4.58

4.37

3.80

3.80

3.35

3.55

2.98

0.45

0.52

0.77

0.90

1.11

1.86

3.02

3.09

2.92

4.85

8.25

11.35

16.19

28.42

36.91

43.91

34.96

Interest and dividend income decreased in 2001 due to the decrease in the average investments

resulting  from  negative  cash  flows  at  the  U.S.  insurance  companies  and  OdysseyRe  as  those

companies re-underwrote their business, and from the ongoing reduction of the runoff claims

portfolios. As shown, the pre-tax and after tax income yields decreased in 2001 due to lower

interest  rates  and  the  impact  of  higher  interest  expense  on  funds  withheld  payable  to

reinsurers  of  $43.9,  partially  offset  by  a  weaker  Canadian  dollar.  Since  1985,  pre-tax  interest

and dividend income per share has compounded at 29.0% per year.

81

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Investments  for  the  past  seventeen  years  are  shown  in  the  following  table,  the  first  five

columns of which show them at their average carrying values for each year, and the final two

columns of which show them at their year-end carrying values.

Cash and
Short Term
Investments

Preferred Common

Total Investments

Bonds

Stocks

Stocks Average Year-End Per Share
($)

1985

1986

1987

1988

1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

10.5

16.6

28.0

29.8

20.6

33.6

60.1

78.0

103.0

226.2

298.0

15.4

24.5

26.2

23.6

28.5

99.2

140.2

108.8

90.7

303.9

796.3

470.7

1,462.1

822.6

2,989.1

1,116.3

6,856.7

1,858.6 11,583.3

2,530.2 12,532.5

2,794.3 11,751.8

0.8

8.0

16.5

25.2

32.2

45.7

75.7

99.8

118.6

132.1

157.0

168.4

226.9

213.3

144.5

102.1

98.5

2.4

15.1

39.1

52.2

54.4

59.4

62.5

79.9

105.9

189.8

29.1

64.2

109.8

130.8

135.7

237.9

338.5

366.5

418.2

852.0

32.8

95.6

124.0

137.6

133.9

335.7

341.2

396.2

848.8

1,551.3

356.8

1,608.1

1,668.7

446.9

2,548.1

3,454.5

546.0

4,584.6

5,795.7

691.2

8,877.5 12,108.4

6.55

13.65

16.90

18.79

18.30

61.30

62.54

65.44

106.70

173.25

188.14

330.07

520.62

998.03

1,097.6 14,684.0 17,478.7

1,298.57

1,141.4 16,306.2 15,290.7

1,167.15

897.4 15,542.0 15,947.9

1,111.28

Total  investments  and  total  investments  per  share  decreased  at  year-end  2001  due  to  the

payment  of  claims  by  the  runoff  operations  and  by  Crum  &  Forster  and  Ranger  which

significantly  reduced  premium  volumes  from  1997  to  2000  as  they  re-underwrote  their

business. Since 1985, investments per share have compounded at 37.8% per year.

The breakdown of the bond portfolio, by the higher of the S&P and Moody’s credit ratings, as

at December 31, 2001 was as follows:

Credit
Rating

AAA

AA

A

BBB

BB

B

Lower than B and unrated

Carrying
Value

6,271.0

1,326.9

2,229.5

1,725.9

156.1

22.3

13.6

Market
Value

6,090.9

1,322.6

2,223.6

1,616.7

135.8

22.2

12.4

Unrealized
gain/(loss)

(180.1)

(4.3)

(5.9)

(109.2)

(20.3)

(0.1)

(1.2)

Total

11,745.3

11,424.2

(321.1)

98.4%  of  the  fixed  income  portfolio  is  rated  investment  grade,  with  83.7%  being  rated  A  or

better.

82

Return on Investment Portfolio

The following table shows the performance of the investment portfolio for the past seventeen

years. The total return includes all interest and dividend income, gains (losses) on the disposal

of securities and the change in the unrealized gains (losses) during the year.

Average

Interest
and
Investments at Dividends
Earned
Carrying Value

Realized
Gains
(Losses)
after
Provisions

Change in
Unrealized
Gains
(Losses)

1985

1986

1987

1988

1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

29.1

64.2

109.8

130.8

135.7

237.9

338.5

366.5

418.2

852.0

1,608.1

2,548.1

4,584.6

8,877.5

14,684.0

16,306.2

15,542.0

2.4

4.7

8.0

8.9

11.6

20.7

26.1

24.0

23.3

58.2

89.4

151.4

254.6

443.8

753.0

818.1

680.8

0.5

1.0

9.2

7.8

15.5

2.3

(4.5)

3.4

27.8

20.0

71.9

131.3

206.8

440.8

121.6

382.8

162.3

0.9

(0.4)

(8.0)

12.1

(6.3)

(33.0)

27.8

(11.2)

28.8

(42.4)

45.4

112.6

(4.5)

(117.2)

Total Return
on Average
Investments
(%)

3.8

5.3

9.2

28.9

20.8

13

8

8

22

15

(10.0)

(4)

49.4

16.2

79.9

35.8

206.7

395.3

456.9

767.4

15

4

19

4

13

16

10

9

(1,232.1)

(357.5)

(2)

737.4

212.0

1,938.3

1,055.1

12

7

Investment gains (losses) have been an important component of Fairfax’s net earnings since

1985.  The  amount  has  fluctuated  significantly  from  period  to  period,  but  the  amount  of

investment gains (losses) for any period has no predictive value and variations in amount from

period  to  period  have  no  practical  analytic  value.  At  December  31,  2001,  the  aggregate

provision for losses on investments was $37.4 (2000 – $22.7). At December 31, 2001 the Fairfax

investment  portfolio  had  an  unrealized  loss  of  $277.2  compared  to  an  unrealized  loss  at

December 31, 2000 of $489.2.

The company has a long term value-oriented investment philosophy. It continues to expect

fluctuations in the stock market.

83

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Capital Resources

At  December  31,  2001,  total  capital,  comprising  shareholders’  equity  and  non-controlling

(minority) interests, was $4,300.9, compared to $4,025.5 at December 31, 2000.

The following table shows the level of capital as at December 31 for the past five years:

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

Non-controlling interests

1,043.3

645.2

601.6

87.9

20.5

Common shareholders’ equity

3,057.6 3,180.3 3,116.0 2,238.9 1,395.7

Preferred stock

200.0

200.0

200.0

–

–

4,300.9 4,025.5 3,917.6 2,326.8 1,416.2

Fairfax’s  consolidated  balance  sheet  as  at  December  31,  2001  continues  to  reflect  significant

financial  strength.  Fairfax’s  common  shareholders’  equity  decreased  from  $3,180.3  at

December 31, 2000 to $3,057.6 at December 31, 2001 as a result of the 2001 loss of $346.0 and

preferred dividends and related dividend tax (for 2001 and 2000) of $25.2, offset by a common

share issue of $248.5.

The company has issued and repurchased common shares over the last five years as follows:

Date

1997 – issue of shares

– repurchase of shares

1998 – issue of shares

1999 – issue of shares

– repurchase of shares

2000 – repurchase of shares

2001 – issue of shares

Number of
subordinate
voting shares

Average
issue/repurchase
price per share
($)

Net proceeds/
repurchase cost

671,472

(5,100)

1,000,000

2,000,000

(706,103)

(325,309)

1,250,000

393.30

308.82

475.00

500.00

292.88

183.47

200.00

253.7

(1.6)

455.6

959.7

(206.8)

(59.7)

248.5

Fairfax’s  indirect  ownership  of  its  own  shares  through  The  Sixty  Two  Investment  Company

Limited results in an effective reduction of shares outstanding by 799,230, and this reduction

has been reflected in the earnings per share and book value per share figures.

84

A common measure of capital adequacy in the property and casualty industry is the premiums

to  surplus  (or  common  shareholders’  equity)  ratio.  This  is  shown  for  the  insurance  and

reinsurance subsidiaries of Fairfax for the past five years in the following table:

Net Premiums Written to Surplus
(Common Shareholders’ Equity)
1999

2000

1998

2001

1997

Insurance

Commonwealth

Crum & Forster

Falcon

Federated

Lombard

Markel

Ranger

TIG Specialty Insurance

Reinsurance

OdysseyRe

Canadian insurance industry

U.S. insurance industry

1.1

0.5

0.4

1.8

2.5

1.7

0.9

0.7

1.0

1.4

1.2

0.5

0.5

0.3

1.7

2.0

1.4

0.4

0.8

0.7

1.3

0.9

0.3

0.6

0.3

1.6

1.7

1.1

0.8

1.1

0.6

1.2

0.8

0.5

0.7

0.1

1.6

1.7

1.3

1.2

–

0.5

1.2

0.8

0.6

–

–

1.2

1.4

0.9

1.1

–

0.5

1.2

0.9

In Canada, property and casualty companies are regulated by the Office of the Superintendent

of  Financial  Institutions  on  the  basis  of  their  Section  516  surplus.  At  December  31,  2001,

Fairfax’s Canadian property and casualty insurance subsidiaries had a combined Section 516

surplus of approximately $206 (2000 – $241) in excess of minimum requirements.

In  the  U.S.,  the  National  Association  of  Insurance  Commissioners  (NAIC)  has  developed  a

model law and risk-based capital (RBC) formula designed to help regulators identify property

and casualty insurers that may be inadequately capitalized. Under the NAIC’s requirements, an

insurer  must  maintain  total  capital  and  surplus  above  a  calculated  threshold  or  face  varying

levels of regulatory action. The threshold is based on a formula that attempts to quantify the

risk  of  a  company’s  insurance,  investment  and  other  business  activities.  Fairfax  does  not

anticipate any adverse effects of such requirements. At the end of 2001, the U.S. insurance and

reinsurance  subsidiaries  had  capital  and  surplus  in  excess  of  the  regulatory  minimum

requirement  of  two  times  the  authorized  control  level  –  except  for  TIG,  each  subsidiary  had

capital  and  surplus  in  excess  of  three  times  the  authorized  control  level.  The  company’s

objective is for TIG to have capital and surplus in excess of three times the authorized control

level. Subsequent to December 31, 2001 Fairfax contributed additional capital of $69 (US$43)

to TIG as part of its commitment to strengthen TIG’s capital ratio. TIG does not intend to pay

dividends until it has capital and surplus in excess of three times the authorized control level.

85

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Fairfax  and  its  insurance  and  reinsurance  subsidiaries  are  rated  as  follows  by  the  respective

rating agencies:

Fairfax
Commonwealth
Crum & Forster
Falcon
Federated
Lombard
Markel
Ranger
TIG Specialty Insurance
CRC (Bermuda)
OdysseyRe

Liquidity

A.M. Best

Standard
& Poor’s

Fitch

DBRS

Moody’s

bbb–
A–
A–
–
A–
A–
A–
B++
B++
A–
A

BB+

BBB
BBB
BBB
BBB
BBB
BBB
–
BBB
–
A–

BB+
BBB+
BBB+
–
BBB+
BBB+
BBB+
BBB+
BBB+
–
A–

BBB–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Ba2
–
Baa2
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Baa1

The  purpose  of  liquidity  management  is  to  ensure  that  there  is  sufficient  cash  to  meet  all

financial commitments and obligations as they fall due.

Fairfax’s  combined  holding  company  earnings  statement  is  set  out  on  page  101,  and  its

composition is explained on page 92. As shown, the holding companies had revenue of $223.6

in  2001,  consisting  of  dividends  from  their  insurance  and  reinsurance  subsidiaries  ($54.9),

interest  income  ($8.8),  management  fees  ($24.5)  and  realized  gains  ($135.4).  After  interest

expense  ($166.0)  and  operating  and  other  expenses  ($58.1),  the  holding  companies  had  a

nominal  pre-tax  loss.  The  operating  expenses  include,  besides  administration  expenses,  the

cost of Fairfax’s corporate catastrophe cover from Swiss Re and certain systems and other costs

of insurance subsidiaries reimbursed by the holding companies. This income statement shows

that in 2001, Fairfax essentially met all its obligations from internal sources.

For 2002, Fairfax’s access to dividends from its subsidiaries has declined to $232 from $343 in

2001.  Based  on  its  access  to  these  dividends,  its  receipt  of  management  fees  and  its  cash

holding, Fairfax should again meet all its debt service and overhead obligations from internal

sources.

At  the  end  of  2001,  Fairfax  had  a  large  cash  and  marketable  securities  holding  of  $833.4

available to meet upcoming obligations and unexpected requirements absent any other source

of funds. If not used for these purposes, the cash in the holding company would permit Fairfax

to meet its net interest, preferred dividend and other overhead expenses for three to four years,

without access to any dividends from its insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries. As noted on

pages  59  and  85  respectively,  subsequent  to  December  31,  2001  Fairfax  paid  Swiss  Re  a

premium  of  $97  (and  will  pay  a  further  premium  of  $46  in  the  second  quarter),  and

contributed  additional  capital  of  $69  to  TIG,  out  of  its  cash  holding. In  connection  with

arrangements for the use of cash derived from the OdysseyRe IPO, Fairfax will repay US$100 to

TIG in June 2002, and would receive US$50 in respect of the remaining amount of OdysseyRe’s

term note issued on its IPO if that note is refinanced externally. Payments may also be required

86

during  2002  on  the  foreign  exchange  contracts  referred  to  in  notes  1  (under  Translation  of

foreign currencies) and 16 to the financial statements.

Also, as of February 28, 2002 Fairfax has $915 of unsecured, committed bank lines, of which

$620 are five-year lines (subject to reduction over the last three years of the five-year term if

they are not renewed) and the remainder are non-renewed lines reducing over the period to

2004. The company has used $455 of the credit available under the lines for the issuance of

letters  of  credit  in  support  of  its  subsidiaries’  reinsurance  obligations,  principally  relating  to

intercompany reinsurance of subsidiaries. The only significant covenant attached to these lines

is a covenant to maintain a net debt to equity ratio not exceeding 1:1.

The  company  manages  its  debt  levels  based  on  the  following  financial  measurements  and

ratios (with Lindsey Morden equity accounted):

Cash and marketable securities

Long term debt

Net debt

2001

833.4

2,205.8

1,372.4

2000

545.4

1,851.4

1,306.0

1999

712.7

1,959.0

1,246.3

1998

305.4

1,444.4

1,139.0

1997

207.1

718.4

511.3

Common shareholders’ equity

3,057.6

3,180.3

3,116.0

2,238.9

1,395.7

Preferred shares and trust preferred

securities of subsidiaries

OdysseyRe non-controlling interest

560.8

361.8

592.0

578.8

–

–

–

–

–

–

Total equity

3,980.2

3,772.3

3,694.8

2,238.9

1,395.7

Net debt/equity

Net debt/total capital

Net debt/earnings

Interest coverage

34%

26%

N/A

N/A

35%

26%

9.5x

0.9x

34%

25%

10.0x

0.7x

51%

34%

3.1x

6.6x

37%

27%

2.2x

8.7x

The  company’s  financial  position  remains  strong  with  net  debt/equity  and  net  debt/total

capital ratios at the end of 2001 which are virtually unchanged from the end of 2000. The long

term debt and net debt at December 31, 2001 includes external debt issued by OdysseyRe of

$239  (US$150)  in  the  fourth  quarter  of  2001.  Total  equity  includes  OdysseyRe’s  26.3%

non-controlling  interest  which  supports  repayment  of  OdysseyRe’s  debt.  The  decrease  in

preferred shares and trust preferred securities of subsidiaries resulted from a repurchase of trust

preferred securities in the second quarter of 2001.

Fairfax has no debt maturities in 2002 and debt maturities of $184.6 in 2003. The RHINOS trust

preferred securities of $217.1 also mature in 2003.

The recent net debt/earnings and interest coverage ratios reflect the company’s unsatisfactory

results since 1999.

87

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Issues and Risks

The  following  issues  and  risks,  among  others,  should  also  be  considered  in  evaluating  the

outlook of the company.

Claims Reserves

The major risk that all property and casualty insurance and reinsurance companies face is that

the provision for claims is an estimate and may be found to be deficient in the future as a result

of  unanticipated  frequency  or  severity  of  claims  or  for  a  variety  of  other  reasons  including

unpredictable  jury  verdicts,  expansion  of  insurance  coverage  to  include  exposures  not

contemplated at the time of policy issue (e.g. asbestos, pollution, breast implants), and poor

weather. Fairfax’s gross provision for claims was $22,085.8 at December 31, 2001.

Reinsurance Recoverables

Most insurance and reinsurance companies reduce their liability for any individual claim by

reinsuring  amounts  in  excess  of  the  maximum  they  want  to  retain.  This  third  party

reinsurance does not relieve the company of its primary obligation to the insured. Reinsurance

recoverables can become an issue mainly due to solvency credit concerns, given the long time

period over which claims are paid and the resulting recoveries are received from the reinsurers,

or policy disputes. Fairfax had $12,802.1 recoverable from reinsurers as at December 31, 2001.

Catastrophe Exposure

Insurance and reinsurance companies are subject to losses from catastrophes like earthquakes,

windstorms,  hailstorms  or  terrorist  attacks,  which  are  unpredictable  and  can  be  very

significant.

Prices

Prices  in  the  insurance  and  reinsurance  industry  are  cyclical  and  can  fluctuate  quite

dramatically.  With  under-reserving,  competitors  can  price  below  underlying  costs  for  many

years and still survive.

Foreign Exchange

The company has assets, liabilities, revenue and costs that are subject to currency fluctuations,

particularly  in  the  U.S.  dollar  but  also  other  foreign  currencies.  These  currency  fluctuations

have been and can be very significant.

Cost of Revenue

Unlike most businesses, the insurance and reinsurance business can have enormous costs that

can  significantly  exceed  the  premiums  received  on  the  underlying  policies.  Similar  to  short

selling in the stock market (selling shares not owned), there is no limit to the losses that can

arise from most insurance policies, even though most contracts have policy limits.

88

Regulation

Insurance  and  reinsurance  companies  are  regulated  businesses  which  means  that  except  as

permitted  by  applicable  regulation,  Fairfax  does  not  have  access  to  its  insurance  and

reinsurance subsidiaries’ net income and shareholders’ capital without the requisite approval

of applicable insurance regulatory authorities.

Taxation

Realization  of  the  future  income  taxes  asset  is  dependent  upon  the  generation  of  taxable

income in those jurisdictions where the relevant tax losses and other timing differences exist.

Common Stock Holdings

The  company  has  common  stocks  in  its  portfolio,  the  market  value  of  which  is  exposed  to

fluctuations in the stock market.

Goodwill

Most  of  the  goodwill  on  the  balance  sheet  comes  from  Lindsey  Morden.  Continued

profitability is essential for there to be no deterioration in the carrying value of the goodwill.

Ratings

The  company  has  claims  paying  and  debt  ratings  by  the  major  rating  agencies  in  North

America. As financial stability is very important to its customers, the company is vulnerable to

downgrades by the rating agencies.

Holding Company

Being a small holding company, Fairfax is very dependent on strong operating management,

which makes it vulnerable to management turnover.

Quarterly Data (unaudited)

(in $ millions except per share data)

Years ended December 31

2001

Revenue

First
Quarter

Second
quarter

Third
quarter

Fourth
quarter

Full
year

1,528.3

1,531.7

1,336.7

1,729.0 6,125.7

Net earnings (loss)

Net earnings (loss) per share

30.9

$2.11

46.0

$3.27

(458.3)

$(35.23)

35.4

(346.0)

$1.81 $(28.04)

2000

Revenue

1,485.6*

1,537.8*

1,345.4*

1,819.7 6,188.5

Net earnings (loss)

Net earnings (loss) per share

35.9

$2.58

83.6

$5.95

(22.1)

$(1.93)

40.0

$2.81

137.4

$9.41

* Reclassified to conform with year-end presentation

89

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Stock Prices

Below  are  The  Toronto  Stock  Exchange  high,  low  and  closing  prices  of  subordinate  voting

shares of Fairfax for each quarter of 2001 and 2000.

First
quarter
($)

Second
quarter
($)

Third
quarter
($)

Fourth
quarter
($)

289.00

185.00

199.50

246.00

146.75

178.00

234.00

171.50

227.90

194.00

150.00

162.00

242.50

174.00

202.31

201.00

161.00

188.25

227.00

160.00

164.00

242.20

176.00

228.50

2001

High

Low

Close

2000

High

Low

Close

90

(This page intentionally left blank)

91

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Supplementary Financial Information

The  following  unaudited  financial  information  is  prepared  as  supplementary  information  to

the Company’s consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended December 31,

2001 and 2000. The purpose of each supplementary statement and its basis of preparation are

discussed below.

The combined balance sheets and combined statements of earnings for Fairfax’s insurance and

reinsurance companies are intended to provide more detailed information on the underlying

core  operations.  The  individual  balance  sheets  and  statements  of  earnings  of  each  of  the

underlying  insurance  and  reinsurance  companies  have  been  added  together  without

adjustment for items such as intersegment transactions and purchase price adjustments.

The  consolidated  financial  statements  of  Fairfax  with  equity  accounting  of  Lindsey  Morden

and TRG are intended to present Fairfax’s financial position:

(a)

consistent with its bank agreements where Lindsey Morden debt is excluded from the

net debt to equity ratios since Lindsey Morden is a separate public company whose

debt  has  not  been  guaranteed  by  Fairfax.  Lindsey  Morden  is  not  part  of  Fairfax’s

primary operating segment of insurance and reinsurance; and

(b)

excluding TRG’s consolidated assets (primarily consisting of reinsurance recoverable

and provision for claims) and results of operations in accordance with the economic

substance  of  the  investment.  Fairfax  has  a  minority  27.5%  economic  interest  in

TRG’s  net  assets  and  results  of  operation  and  is  precluded,  by  agreement,  from

exercising control over TRG’s wholly-owned subsidiary, International Insurance. As

discussed on page 57 of the MD&A, TRG is considered to be a financial investment

and Fairfax’s exposure to loss (regardless of the results of International Insurance) is

limited to its US$97 investment.

The consolidated balance sheets and statements of earnings of Lindsey Morden Group Inc. are

intended to provide supplementary financial information on Lindsey Morden’s operations to

Fairfax’s  consolidated  financial  statements  with  equity  accounting  of  Lindsey  Morden  and

TRG. These statements have been extracted from the audited consolidated financial statements

of Lindsey Morden Group as at and for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000. For more

details  on  Lindsey  Morden,  please  review  its  annual  report,  which  is  on  its  website

(www.lindseymordengroupinc.com).

The  unconsolidated  balance  sheets  of  Fairfax  are  intended  to  provide  a  summary  of  the

holding  company’s  investments  in  its  subsidiaries  by  operating  segment  and  its  other  assets

and  liabilities  including  long  term  debt.  The  investments  in  subsidiaries  are  carried  on  the

equity  basis  whereby  the  investment  reflects  the  cost  of  acquisition  and  post-acquisition

earnings (including the effect of purchase price adjustments) less dividends received. Certain

comparative balances have been reclassified to conform with the current year’s presentation.

The  unconsolidated  statements  of  earnings  provide  supplementary  information  on  the

holding company’s sources of revenue and interest and overhead requirements, both of which

are discussed in more detail under Liquidity on page 86 of the MD&A. The combined holding

company  statements  of  earnings  include  the  unconsolidated  earnings  statements  of  Fairfax

92

Financial Holdings Limited, the Canadian holding company, and the U.S. holding companies

which have issued long term debt or trust preferred securities and which carry out certain of

Fairfax’s  parent  company  corporate  functions.  These  statements  exclude  intercompany

arrangements  other  than  dividends  from  subsidiaries,  and  exclude  the  combined  holding

company’s  premium  payments  and  recoveries  under  the  corporate  insurance  cover  with

Swiss  Re.  None  of  the  companies  pays  tax  currently,  and  accordingly  these  statements  are

presented on a pre-tax basis.

93

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Fairfax Insurance and Reinsurance Companies

Combined Balance Sheets
as at December 31, 2001 and 2000

(unaudited – $ millions)

Assets

Accounts receivable and other *************************
Recoverable from reinsurers ***************************

Portfolio investments (at carrying value)
Cash and short term investments **********************
Bonds************************************************
Preferred stocks ***************************************
Common stocks **************************************
Real estate *******************************************

2001

2000

2,221.6

11,949.6

14,171.2

1,707.7

8,904.5

126.9

556.9

16.2

2,713.3

7,224.3

9,937.6

1,437.1

9,940.0

70.2

562.3

64.6

11,312.2

12,074.2

Investments in Hub and Zenith************************
Deferred premium acquisition costs ********************
Future income taxes **********************************
Capital assets *****************************************
Goodwill *********************************************
Other assets ******************************************

471.3

492.1

1,344.4

98.2

33.7

23.2

396.5

382.9

989.8

98.8

31.5

12.5

Liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities****************
Funds withheld payable to reinsurers ******************

Provision for claims***********************************
Unearned premiums **********************************
Long term debt ***************************************

Shareholders’ Equity

Capital stock *****************************************
Contributed surplus***********************************
Retained earnings*************************************

27,946.3

23,923.8

937.2

1,253.0

2,190.2

19,000.4

2,589.0

262.0

1,135.2

1,324.7

2,459.9

14,958.1

2,233.3

27.8

21,851.4

17,219.2

2,990.7

682.7

231.3

3,904.7

2,965.6

698.7

580.4

4,244.7

27,946.3

23,923.8

94

Fairfax Insurance and Reinsurance Companies

Combined Statements of Earnings
for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000

(unaudited – $ millions)

Revenue

Gross premiums written **************************************

6,802.0

5,524.5

Net premiums written ****************************************

5,063.0

4,335.1

Net premiums earned*****************************************

4,649.9

4,297.3

2001

2000

Expenses

Losses on claims *********************************************
Operating expenses*******************************************
Commissions, net ********************************************

3,880.1

3,484.3

750.6

991.3

674.1

837.7

5,622.0

4,996.1

Underwriting loss *******************************************

(972.1)

(698.8)

Investment and other income (expense)

Interest and dividends ****************************************
Realized gains on investments

Kingsmead losses *********************************************
Restructuring and other costs *********************************
Other********************************************************

Earnings (loss) before income taxes*************************
Provision for (recovery of) income taxes ***********************

491.7

53.7

545.4

(116.7)

(49.1)

(11.6)

593.5

90.3

683.8

(33.0)

(16.4)

(6.1)

368.0

628.3

(604.1)

(255.0)

(70.5)

(281.7)

Earnings (loss) from operations*****************************

(349.1)

211.2

Loss ratio ****************************************************
Expense ratio ************************************************

83.4%

37.5%

81.1%

35.2%

Combined ratio **********************************************

120.9%

116.3%

95

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Fairfax with Equity Accounting of Lindsey Morden and TRG

Consolidated Balance Sheets
as at December 31, 2001 and 2000

(unaudited – $ millions)

Assets

Cash and short term investments *********************************
751.5
Marketable securities *********************************************
81.9
Accounts receivable and other ************************************
3,222.0
Recoverable from reinsurers ************************************** 10,759.3

450.2
95.2
2,724.8
8,900.4

2001

2000

Portfolio investments
Subsidiary cash and short term investments

(market value – $2,032.6; 2000 – $1,838.0) **********************

2,032.6

1,838.0

Bonds

(market value – $10,450.4; 2000 – $10,400.7) ******************** 10,794.1

10,855.8

Preferred stocks

(market value – $126.4; 2000 – $69.5)***************************

126.8

70.2

14,814.7

12,170.6

Common stocks

(market value – $941.6; 2000 – $859.8)**************************
Real estate (market value – $82.7; 2000 – $76.3) *******************

901.7
78.3
Total (market value – $13,633.7; 2000 – $13,244.3) ****************** 13,933.5

Investment in Lindsey Morden and TRG **************************
Investments in Hub and Zenith National **************************
Deferred premium acquisition costs *******************************
Future income taxes *********************************************
Premises and equipment *****************************************
Goodwill ********************************************************
Other assets *****************************************************

308.0
471.3
518.0
1,699.6
175.3
43.8
85.2

884.9
76.3

13,725.2

305.9
396.5
386.7
1,263.6
87.7
34.1
61.6

32,049.4

28,431.9

Liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities ***************************
Funds withheld payable to reinsurers *****************************

1,743.2
1,793.1

3,536.3
Provision for claims********************************************** 19,665.0
Unearned premiums *********************************************
2,645.9
Long term debt **************************************************
2,205.8
Trust preferred securities of subsidiaries ***************************
360.8

1,320.2
1,325.3

2,645.5

17,831.9
2,252.3
1,851.4
392.0

Non-controlling interest******************************************
Excess of net assets acquired over purchase price paid **************

361.8

16.2

–

78.5

24,877.5

22,327.6

Shareholders’ Equity

Common stock **************************************************
Preferred stock***************************************************
Retained earnings************************************************

2,261.4
200.0
796.2

2,012.9
200.0
1,167.4

3,257.6

3,380.3

32,049.4

28,431.9

96

Fairfax with Equity Accounting of Lindsey Morden and TRG

Consolidated Statements of Earnings
for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000

(unaudited – $ millions except per share amounts)

Revenue

Gross premiums written*****************************************

6,838.0

6,054.3

Net premiums written*******************************************

5,045.1

4,566.5

2001

2000

Net premiums earned *******************************************
Interest and dividends ******************************************
Realized gains on investments ***********************************
Realized gain on OdysseyRe IPO *********************************
Equity earnings (loss) of Lindsey Morden and TRG****************

Expenses

Losses on claims ************************************************
Operating expenses *********************************************
Commissions, net **********************************************
Interest expense ************************************************
Restructuring and other costs ************************************
Swiss Re premiums**********************************************
Kingsmead losses ***********************************************
Negative goodwill **********************************************

Earnings (loss) before income taxes ***************************
Provision for (recovery of) income taxes**************************

Net earnings (loss) before non-controlling interests **********
Non-controlling interests ****************************************

4,806.7

4,610.7

602.5

173.6

51.2

10.0

742.8

381.6

–

(7.7)

5,644.0

5,727.4

4,061.2

3,755.5

882.9

1,041.4

160.1

49.1

143.6

116.7

840.0

885.2

164.7

16.4

167.2

33.0

(59.7)

(99.2)

6,395.3

5,762.8

(751.3)

(382.1)

(369.2)

(23.2)

(35.4)

(172.8)

137.4

–

Net earnings (loss) *********************************************

(346.0)

137.4

Net earnings (loss) per share***********************************

$ (28.04)

$

9.41

97

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Lindsey Morden Group Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets
as at December 31, 2001 and 2000

($ millions)

Assets

Cash ****************************************************
Accounts receivable **************************************
Claims in process ****************************************
Prepaid expenses*****************************************
Income taxes recoverable *********************************

Property and equipment *********************************
Goodwill ************************************************
Future income taxes *************************************
Other assets *********************************************

Liabilities

Bank indebtedness ***************************************
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities *******************
Income taxes payable ************************************
Current portion of long term debt ************************
Deferred revenue ****************************************
Future income taxes *************************************

Long term debt ******************************************
Employee future benefits *********************************
Other liabilities ******************************************

Shareholders’ Equity************************************

2001

2000
[Restated]

2.8

98.4

51.5

6.4

1.6

160.7

29.3

230.7

13.9

24.2

458.8

43.0

89.2

1.6

10.6

28.0

5.3

177.7

127.7

5.5

3.4

314.3

144.5

458.8

1.4

87.9

52.1

5.5

7.0

153.9

29.8

225.6

14.7

25.0

449.0

42.5

76.7

8.5

2.3

28.0

6.6

164.6

133.5

5.7

3.1

306.9

142.1

449.0

98

Lindsey Morden Group Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Earnings
for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000

($ millions except per share amounts)

2001

2000
[Restated]

Revenue ********************************************************

438.9

377.3

Cost and expenses

Cost of service **************************************************
Selling, general and administration ******************************
Interest*********************************************************
Other **********************************************************

Earnings (loss) before income taxes ***************************
Recovery of income taxes******************************************

Earnings (loss) before goodwill amortization*****************
Goodwill amortization ********************************************

Net earnings (loss)**********************************************

350.5

306.0

75.7

13.5

–

69.7

14.9

13.8

439.7

404.4

(0.8)

(4.1)

3.3

9.1

(5.8)

(27.1)

(13.0)

(14.1)

9.0

(23.1)

Earnings (loss) per share
Including goodwill amortization ***********************************
Excluding goodwill amortization ***********************************

$ (0.41)

$ (1.94)

$ 0.23

$ (1.18)

Consolidated Statements of Retained Earnings (Deficit)
for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000

($ millions)

Retained earnings (deficit) – beginning of year ****************
Net earnings (loss) for the year ************************************
Dividends paid ***************************************************

2001

(15.0)

(5.8)

–

Retained earnings (deficit) – end of year ***********************

(20.8)

2000
[Restated]

20.6

(23.1)

(12.5)

(15.0)

99

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited

Unconsolidated Balance Sheets
as at December 31, 2001 and 2000

(unaudited – $ millions)

Assets

Subsidiary companies

Insurance – Canada *******************************************
Insurance – US************************************************
Reinsurance **************************************************
Runoff *******************************************************
Other investments **********************************************

Cash and short term investments ********************************
Marketable securities ********************************************
Swiss Re recoverable (net)****************************************
Other assets ****************************************************

2001

2000
[Restated]

593.0

1,981.1

1,017.0

440.0

19.5

565.2

1,789.8

1,567.8

301.3

20.7

4,050.6

4,244.8

751.5

81.9

543.4

86.5

450.2

95.2

311.8

128.1

5,513.9

5,230.1

Liabilities

Accounts payable and other liabilities ****************************
Long term debt *************************************************

382.6

82.6

1,873.7

1,767.2

Shareholders’ Equity

Common stock *************************************************
Preferred stock **************************************************
Retained earnings ***********************************************

2,256.3

1,849.8

2,261.4

2,012.9

200.0

796.2

200.0

1,167.4

3,257.6

3,380.3

5,513.9

5,230.1

100

Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited

Unconsolidated Statements of Earnings
(combined holding company earnings statements)

for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000

(unaudited – $ millions)

Revenue

Dividend income *************************************************
Interest income **************************************************
Management fees *************************************************
Realized gains (losses)*********************************************
Realized gain on Odyssey IPO *************************************

Expenses

Interest expense **************************************************
Operating expenses ***********************************************
Other ************************************************************

2001

2000

54.9

8.8

24.5

84.2

51.2

322.8

21.1

24.3

23.8

–

223.6

392.0

166.0

165.3

51.4

6.7

51.0

22.7

224.1

239.0

Earnings (loss) before income taxes*****************************

(0.5)

153.0

101

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

APPENDIX A – NOVEMBER 3, 2001 LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS

November 3, 2001

To our shareholders:

It is now exactly two years from the day I wrote to you in 1999  after our stock price  dropped
dramatically when the 1999 second quarter  results were reported.  Fairfax was trading at $210
then and it is trading at $207 today. In spite of a tremendous improvement in our  two large
U.S. insurance companies, our results have  not been good during this  time period  and our
stock price reflects  this.

Recently, we have had two negative surprises that are reflected in  our third  quarter  loss  — the
largest loss we have had since we began  in 1985.

1.

World Trade Centre losses

The tragic events of September 11 resulted in a gross loss of US$625 million
($964 million) and a net, after reinsurance, pretax  loss of  US$152 million
($234 million). Excluding the minority interest of 26% of OdysseyRe  that is public,
Fairfax had a net pretax loss of US$131 million ($202  million), not too different from
the range which we announced on September 17, 2001.  We  have  solid  reinsurers
backing our recoveries with more than  90% rated  A–  and above.

2.

Reserve deficiencies

During the first nine months of 2001, we had significant development in the prior years’
reserves of Crum & Forster (CFI) and TIG. For CFI, we booked a gross  reserve
increase of US$400 million, which includes the US$190 million remaining protection
on 1998 and prior reserves which we obtained on the acquisition of CFI and
US$210 million gross for the 1999 and 2000 accident  years. After reinsurance, the net
cost to CFI of this reserve increase was US$74 million ($115 million).  For TIG,  we
booked a gross reserve increase of US$200  million, primarily for  the 1999 and  2000
accident years which, after reinsurance, cost  TIG US$113  million ($174 million).

While this was a surprise for us, and clearly very embarrassing, given our  policy of
always being well reserved, you should note  that:

(a)

(b)

(c)

This is an industry phenomenon as  company after  company  in the  U.S. has
recently reported similar developments reflecting  the soft insurance markets  of
the late 1990s.

Our management teams, led by Bruce Esselborn at CFI and Courtney Smith at
TIG, have been running our companies for only two years. Against  the backdrop
of the worst insurance market in thirty years, it has taken  longer for them  to fix
the problems of the past.

These reserve increases, large as they have been, clearly put  the past  behind us
and position both companies firmly for the future.

95 Wellington Street West, Suite 800 Toronto  Ontario M5J 2N7 Telephone 416/367 4941 Telecopier 367 4946

102

So, with hindsight, would we have bought these companies?  You be the judge. The table
below shows purchase price vs book value for both  companies.

Purchase Price vs Book Value
(US$ millions)

CFI
TIG

Purchase Price

680
845

Book at Purchase
8571
8042

Book at Sept 30/01

957
852

1 After pre-acquisition reserve strengthening of $227
2 After pre-acquisition reserve strengthening and other balance sheet cleanup of $211

In spite of the reserve strengthening, CFI’s purchase price  is well below its book value at
September 30, 2001 and TIG’s is about the same.  And,  now  we have a  major  presence  in
commercial insurance in the world’s largest insurance market just as  these markets  are
tightening significantly. Please remember also that with TIG, we acquired TIG Re, which
helped make OdysseyRe one of the largest  broker reinsurers  in the world.

These companies could not be purchased today at the prices we paid  for them and, unlike
other companies in our industry, we have no goodwill to speak of on our  balance sheet.

Combined Ratios for CFI/TIG

Because of the significant transition that both companies have undergone in  the past two years,
we think it is important to focus on the policy year combined  ratio, that is the combined  ratio
of the business written, new and renewed, in 2001. For CFI, this is running  at 104% and for
TIG at 108%. Given the very significant  price increases being achieved currently, our 100%
target combined ratios for 2002 are in sight.

Investment Portfolios

While the right hand side of our balance sheet has  disappointed us in  2001, the left  hand side
has been  very strong. Primarily because of our S&P put position  (US$1.1 billion  at  an average
exercise price of 1206), we had an unrealized gain in our investment  portfolio in excess of
$300 million at September 30, 2001. As of October  31, the drop  in long  U.S. treasury interest
rates has  resulted in our bond portfolios having an unrealized gain of approximately
$250 million (a far cry from an unrealized loss of $463 million  as  of December  31, 2000 and
$1,241 million as of December 31, 1999). We think the U.S. is in  a recession and the only
question is how long and how deep. With 93%  of the  portfolio in high  quality  bonds (and an
option feature that extends the average maturity  to  18 years) and US$1.1 billion in S&P puts,
we think we are very well positioned for this  environment. As discussed in the 2000 Annual
Report, if U.S. long treasuries drop to 4%, the unrealized gain in our bond portfolios  would be
about $800 million.

Property and Casualty Industry Conditions

When we began in September 1985, industry conditions in Canada and the U.S. were just
turning. Our largest competitor went bankrupt in  late 1985 and our  premiums quadrupled  in
1986 as the pricing environment turned  dramatically.  In the  P&C industry, this is called a hard
market. Beginning in 1988, pricing began  to soften again and only began turning upwards in
2000. In our 2000 Annual Report, we listed some of the reasons why we  felt the cycle had
turned. With the World Trade Centre industry loss, estimated  to be in  the US$30 to
US$50 billion range, we are in a hard market again — the best since  we began in  1985.

103

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Insurance capacity is being severely limited, prices are going up dramatically and policy  terms
and conditions have tightened significantly.

For the past 15 years, we have carefully  expanded through acquisition, as the  opportunity  to
grow internally was very limited. This has  now  changed. We expect  to grow each of our
insurance/reinsurance businesses significantly during this  hard market. In the last  hard  market,
we had one company, Markel Insurance. In  the current one, we have four  Canadian  companies,
three U.S. companies and one large worldwide  reinsurer — all with excellent management and
operating on a decentralized basis unburdened with bureaucracy — to grow  their businesses
significantly in this market.

Given the opportunity that we see in the  P&C  industry  and given the two  negative  surprises
that we have had in 2001, we have decided to  do an issue of subordinate  voting  shares to
strengthen our balance sheet and to take full  advantage  of the growth opportunities ahead of
us. While this issue is very mildly dilutive to you,  we think that,  longer term, the internal
growth opportunities will more than compensate. Note, we are  not doing this issue to  buy
another company, something I said we would not do below $500 per  share.  This equity issue
will help increase cash in the holding company  to a level  in  excess of $800 million  at  year end
2001! In addition, we continue to have over $1 billion in bank lines.

While we have one of the best long-term track records in our  industry, we have  not performed
for you, our shareholders, in the past three years.  We  believe  our time has come and that your
patience will be rewarded.

V. Prem Watsa

104

APPENDIX B

GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR FAIRFAX FINANCIAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

OBJECTIVES:

1) We expect to earn long term returns on shareholders’ equity in excess of 20% annually

by running Fairfax and its subsidiaries for the long term benefit of customers,

employees and shareholders – at the expense of short term profits if necessary.

Our focus is long term growth in book value per share and not quarterly earnings. We

plan to grow through internal means as well as through friendly acquisitions.

2) We always want to be soundly financed.

3) We provide complete disclosure annually to our shareholders.

STRUCTURE:

1) Our companies are decentralized and run by the presidents except for performance

evaluation, succession planning, acquisitions and financing which are done by or with

Fairfax. Cooperation among companies is encouraged to the benefit of Fairfax in total.

2) Complete and open communication between Fairfax and subsidiaries is an essential

requirement at Fairfax.

3)

Share ownership and large incentives are encouraged across the Group.

4)

Fairfax will always be a very small holding company and not an operating company.

VALUES:

1) Honesty and integrity are essential in all our relationships and will never be

compromised.

2) We are results oriented – not political.

3) We are team players – no ‘‘egos’’. A confrontational style is not appropriate. We value

loyalty – to Fairfax and our colleagues.

4) We are hard working but not at the expense of our families.

5) We always look at opportunities but emphasize downside protection and look for ways

to minimize loss of capital.

6) We are entrepreneurial. We encourage calculated risk taking. It is all right to fail but we

should learn from our mistakes.

7) We will never bet the company on any project or acquisition.

8) We believe in having fun – at work!

105

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Consolidated Financial Summary (in $ millions except share and per share data)(1)

Per Share

Return on
average

shareholders’ holders’
equity

equity

Net
Share- earnings
– fully
diluted Revenue

As at and for the years ended December 31:

Earnings
before
income

Net
taxes earnings

(0.9)

(0.9)

Total
assets(2)

Invest-
ments

Net
debt(3)

Share-
holders’

Shares
equity outstanding

Closing
share
price

1985

1986

1987

1988

1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

–

 25.4%

 31.3%

2.08

 5.89

 8.32

 21.2%  10.13

 20.3%  12.41

 23.0%  17.29

 21.3%  21.41

 7.7% 23.76

 20.3%  35.13

 12.1%  43.77

(1.89)

1.35

2.23

1.94

2.25

2.92

3.94

1.76

5.42

4.66

17.0

53.7

113.0

133.6

125.8

195.4

250.0

286.8

344.0

634.9

 20.1%  53.28

9.79 1,145.5

 21.4%  87.05

15.36 1,475.8

 20.4% 125.38

21.59 2,088.3

 20.1% 184.54

32.63 3,574.3

9.1

18.2

21.3

19.2

23.2

32.5

7.0

46.7

46.0

95.9

187.3

336.0

484.8

41.5

129.8

185.4

246.8

248.1

536.0

516.6

590.5

1,200.3

32.7

95.6

124.0

137.5

133.9

335.7

341.2

396.2

848.8

2,173.4

1,551.3

2,873.5

1,668.1

6.5

16.0

14.4

16.7

21.3

22.5

10.0

33.3

38.1

87.5

150.8

5,778.4

3,454.5

–

2.8

2.8

28.2

22.0

65.9

51.3

68.2

132.4

218.0

227.7

369.4

10.4

41.3

61.0

74.2

90.8

94.7

116.8

143.8

279.5

391.9

472.6

911.1

5,000

7,007

7,337

7,322

7,316

5,477

5,455

6,055

7,955

8,955

8,869

3.25(4)
12.75

12.37

15.00

18.75

11.00

21.25

25.00

61.25

67.00

98.00

10,466

290.00

232.5 10,207.3

5,795.7

511.3

1,395.7

11,132

320.00

387.5 20,886.7 12,108.4

1,139.0

2,238.9

12,132

540.00

 4.3% 231.98

9.20 5,788.5

(17.3) 124.2 31,979.1 17,434.9

1,246.3

3,116.0

13,426

245.50

 4.1% 242.75

9.41 6,188.5

(32.9) 137.4 31,833.3 15,290.7

1,306.0

3,180.3

13,101

228.50

 (11.9%) 213.06 (28.04) 6,125.7

(736.1)

(346.0) 35,438.7 15,947.9

1,372.4

3,057.6

14,351

164.00

(1) All share references are to common shares
(2) Commencing in 1995, reflects a change in accounting policy for reinsurance recoverables
(3) Total debt (beginning in 1994, net of cash in the holding company) with Lindsey Morden equity accounted
(4) When current management took over in September 1985

106

Directors of the Company
* Winslow W. Bennett

President, Winwood Holdings Ltd.
* Anthony F. Griffiths (as of April 2002)

Corporate Director

* Robbert Hartog

President, Robhar Investments Ltd.
Paul B. Ingrey
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,
Arch Reinsurance Ltd.
V. Prem Watsa
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

* Audit Committee Member

Operating Management
John Watson, Chairman
Ronald Schwab, President
Commonwealth Insurance Company
Bruce Esselborn, Chairman
Crum & Forster Holdings, Inc.
Kenneth Kwok, President
Falcon Insurance Company Limited
John M. Paisley, President
Federated Insurance Company of Canada
Anthony F. Hamblin, President
Hamblin Watsa Investment Counsel Ltd.
Martin P. Hughes, Chairman
Richard A. Gulliver, President
Hub International Limited
Karen Murphy, President
Lindsey Morden Group Inc.
Byron G. Messier, President
Lombard General Insurance Company of
Canada
Mark J. Ram, President
Markel Insurance Company of Canada
Andrew A. Barnard, President
Odyssey Re Holdings Corp.
Philip Broughton, President
Ranger Insurance Company
James F. Dowd, Interim President
TIG Specialty Insurance Company
Michael A. Coutu, Chairman
Dennis C. Gibbs, President
TRG Holding Corporation

Officers of the Company
Trevor J. Ambridge
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Sam Chan
Vice President
Francis Chou
Vice President
Jean Cloutier
Vice President and Chief Actuary
J. Paul T. Fink
Vice President
Jonathan Godown
Vice President
Bradley P. Martin
Vice President
Elizabeth J. Murphy
Vice President and Corporate Secretary
Eric P. Salsberg
Vice President, Corporate Affairs
Ronald Schokking
Vice President, Finance
V. Prem Watsa
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
M. Jane Williamson
Vice President

Officers of Fairfax Inc.
Cindy Crandall, Vice President
James F. Dowd, President
Scott Galiardo, Vice President
Roland Jackson, Vice President

Head Office
95 Wellington Street West
Suite 800
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5J 2N7
Telephone (416) 367-4941
Website www.fairfax.ca

Auditors
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

General Counsel
Torys

Transfer Agent and Registrar
CIBC Mellon Trust Company

Share Listing
The Toronto Stock Exchange
Stock Symbol FFH

Annual Meeting
The annual meeting of shareholders of
Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited will be
held on Tuesday, April 16, 2002 at 9:30 a.m.
in Room 106 at the Metro Toronto
Convention Centre, 255 Front Street West,
Toronto.

107