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Fairfax Financial

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FY2005 Annual Report · Fairfax Financial
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2005 Annual Report

Contents

Five Year Financial Highlights**********************
Corporate Profile **********************************
Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders******************
Management’s Responsibility for the Financial

Statements and Management’s Report on Internal
Control over Financial Reporting*****************
Auditors’ Report to the Shareholders ***************
Valuation Actuary’s Report ************************
Fairfax Consolidated Financial Statements **********
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements*********
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial

1

2

4

19

20

21

22

28

Condition and Results of Operations *************

52
Fairfax – Unconsolidated Statements of Earnings **** 125
Appendix A – Fairfax Guiding Principles ************ 126
Consolidated Financial Summary******************* 127
Corporate Information **************************** 128

2005 Annual Report

Five Year Financial Highlights

(in US$ millions except share and per share data or as otherwise indicated)
2001

2005

2004

2003

2002

Revenue

Net earnings (loss)

5,878.2

(497.9)

5,792.6

5,713.9

(19.8)(1)

270.0(1)

5,067.4

263.0

3,962.0

(223.8)

Total assets

27,565.7

26,331.3

25,018.3

22,224.5

22,200.5

Common shareholders’

equity

Common shares

outstanding – year-

end (millions)

Return on average

equity

Per share

Diluted net earnings

(loss)

Common

2,709.9

2,974.7

2,680.0

2,111.4

1,894.8

17.9

16.1

13.9

14.1

14.4

(17.9%)

(1.0%)

10.9%

13.0%

(12.0%)

(30.72)

(2.16)

18.23

18.20

(18.13)

shareholders’ equity

151.52

184.86

192.81

149.31

132.03

Market prices

TSX–Cdn$

High

Low

Close

NYSE–US$

High

Low

Close

218.50

158.29

168.00

179.90

126.73

143.36

250.00

147.71

202.24

187.20

116.00

168.50

248.55

57.00

226.11

178.50

46.71

174.51

195.00

104.99

121.11

289.00

160.00

164.00

90.20(2)
77.00(2)
77.01(2)

–

–

–

(1) Retroactively  restated  pursuant  to  the  change  in  accounting  policy  described  in  note  6  to  the

consolidated financial statements.
(2) Since listing on December 18, 2002.

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.

Canadian insurance – Northbridge

Northbridge  Financial,  based  in  Toronto,  provides  property  and  casualty  insurance
products through its Commonwealth, Federated, Lombard and Markel subsidiaries, primarily
in the Canadian market as well as in selected U.S. and international markets. It is one of the
largest commercial property and casualty insurers in Canada based on gross premiums written.
In  2005,  Northbridge’s  net  premiums  written  were  Cdn$1,188.5  million.  At  year-end,  the
company had capital of Cdn$1,026.8 million and there were 1,573 employees.

U.S. insurance

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. Since January 1, 2006, the specialty niche property
and  casualty  and  accident  and  health  insurance  business  formerly  carried  on  by  Fairmont
Insurance  is  being  carried  on  as  the  Fairmont  Specialty  division  at  C&F.  In  2005,  C&F’s  net
premiums  written  were  US$866.9  million.  At  year-end,  the  company  had  capital  of
US$999.6 million ($961.2 million on a US GAAP basis) and there were 1,015 employees.

Asian insurance – Fairfax Asia

Falcon  Insurance,  based  in  Hong  Kong,  writes  property  and  casualty  insurance  to  niche
markets  in  Hong  Kong.  In  2005,  Falcon’s  net  premiums  written  were  HK$231.7  million
(approximately  HK$7.8  =  US$1).  At  year-end,  the  company  had  capital  and  surplus  of
HK$274.2 million and there were 116 employees.

First  Capital,  based  in  Singapore,  writes  property  and  casualty  insurance  primarily  to
Singapore  markets.  In  2005,  First  Capital’s  net  premiums  written  were  SGD27.8  million
(approximately  SGD1.7  =  US$1).  At  year-end,  the  company  had  capital  and  surplus  of
SGD74.4 million and there were 33 employees.

Reinsurance – OdysseyRe

OdysseyRe, based in Stamford, Connecticut, underwrites treaty and facultative reinsurance as
well  as  specialty  insurance  business,  with  principal  locations  in  the  United  States,  Toronto,
London, Paris, Singapore and Latin America. In 2005, OdysseyRe’s net premiums written were
US$2,314.1  million.  At  year-end,  the  company  had  capital  of  US$1,534.5  million
(US$1,623.4 million on a US GAAP basis) and there were 592 employees.

Runoff and Group Re

The U.S. runoff group consists of the company resulting from the December 2002 merger of
TIG  and  International  Insurance.  At  year-end,  the  merged  company  had  capital  of
US$1,372.6 million (statutory capital and surplus of US$597.3 million).

2

The  European  runoff  group  consists  of  RiverStone  Insurance  UK  and  Dublin,  Ireland-
based nSpire Re. At year-end, this group had combined capital (excluding amounts related to
financing  the  acquisition  of  Fairfax’s  U.S.  insurance  and  reinsurance  companies)  of
US$225.7 million.

The  Resolution  Group  (TRG)  and  the  RiverStone  Group  (run  by  TRG  management)
manage the U.S. and the European runoff groups. TRG/RiverStone has 411 employees in the
U.S., located primarily in Manchester, New Hampshire and Dallas, and 136 employees in its
offices in the United Kingdom.

Group Re  primarily  constitutes  the  participation  by  CRC  (Bermuda),  Wentworth  (based  in
Barbados) and nSpire Re in the reinsurance of Fairfax’s subsidiaries, by quota share or through
participation in those subsidiaries’ third party reinsurance programs on the same terms as the
third party reinsurers. In 2005, its net premiums written were US$326.5 million.

Other

Lindsey  Morden  Group  provides  a  wide  range  of  independent  insurance  claims  services,
including  claims  adjusting,  appraisal  and  claims  and  risk  management  services,  through  a
worldwide  network  of  branches  in  Canada,  the  United  States,  the  United  Kingdom,
continental Europe, the Far East, Latin America and the Middle East. In 2005, revenue totaled
Cdn$432.2 million. At year-end, the group had 3,627 employees located in 289 offices.

MFXchange, established in 2002 and based in Parsippany, New Jersey with offices in Toronto,
Dallas  and  Ireland,  designs,  creates  and  markets  a  full  range  of  state  of  the  art  technology
products  and  services  for  the  insurance  industry,  including  the  insurance,  reinsurance  and
runoff subsidiaries of Fairfax.

Hamblin  Watsa  Investment  Counsel  was  founded  in  1984  and  provides  investment
management to the insurance, reinsurance and runoff subsidiaries of Fairfax.

Notes:

(1) All  companies  are  wholly  owned  except  for  three  public  companies:  59.2%-owned  Northbridge

Financial, 80.1%-owned OdysseyRe, and 81.0%-owned Lindsey Morden Group.

(2) The  foregoing  lists  all  of  Fairfax’s  operating  subsidiaries.  The  Fairfax  corporate  structure  (i.e.,
excluding  a  26.0%  interest  in  the  ICICI/Lombard  joint  venture  and  investments  in  Hub
International and Advent) includes a number of companies, principally investment or intermediate
holding companies (including companies located in various jurisdictions outside North America),
which  are  not  part  of  these  operating  groups.  These  companies  had  no  insurance,  reinsurance,
runoff or other operations.

3

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

To Our Shareholders:

Last year was the toughest year in our history. Record losses from Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and
Wilma, combined with large runoff losses and restrained investment income due to our very
conservative investment position, resulted in a record $498 million* or $30.72 per share loss at
Fairfax.  We  lost  17.9%  of  shareholders’  equity  in  2005  (compared  to  a  return  on  equity  of
about 4.9% for the S&P500 and 24.1% for the S&P/TSX). For the third time in our history, book
value per share dropped – by 18.0% to $151.52 per share – and our share price dropped 14.9%
to $143.36 from $168.50 at year-end 2004. Not a great way to end the second decade of our
existence. However, in spite of the losses in 2004/2005, over the past two decades Fairfax has
compounded book value at a rate of 25.9% per year from $1.52 per share to $151.52 per share,
and  the  stock  price  has  followed,  from  $2.38  (Cdn$3.25),  at  a  compound  rate  of  22.7%  per
year.

Our track record over the past 20 years can be split into two periods – the period from 1985 to
1998 when we earned an average 20.5% return on equity and book value compounded at a rate
of approximately 40% per year, and the seven year stretch from 1999 to 2005 when we earned
an  average  return  on  equity  of  less  than  1%  and  book  value  compounded  at  a  rate  of
approximately  3%  per  year.  The  last  seven  years  have  been  very  disappointing  to  me
personally,  to  the  management  of  the  company,  to  our  Board  and  of  course  to  you  our
shareholders. We never expected to have a dry spell that would last this long. However, during
this time period we have built three excellent insurance/reinsurance operations (Northbridge,
Crum  &  Forster  and  OdysseyRe).  In  the  process  of  building  these  operations,  we  have
segregated in our runoff unit the discontinued lines of business from these operations and the
former MGA-controlled program business at TIG, and we now have a runoff organization that
has a good prospect of approaching breakeven this year (including the results of Group Re) and
has  the  ability  to  make  a  return  in  the  future  by  offering  its  services  to  others.  Most
importantly,  our  guiding  principles  (again  reproduced  in  Appendix  A)  have  been  tested  and
have  survived  –  exactly  the  right  foundation  on  which  to  build  our  company  over  the  next
20 years.

Let me show you what we have built in the past seven years.

Northbridge
(Cdn$)

Gross premiums written
Net premiums written
Shareholders’ equity
Investment portfolio
Combined ratio
Return on equity

1999

2005

1,876
840
521
1,188
394(1) 1,027
1,069(1) 2,594(2)
115.9% 92.9%
2.5% 21.0%

Average
(2002-2005)(3)

92.7%
18.8%

(1) As at December  31, 1998.
(2) Net of economic hedges against a decline in the equity markets.
(3) Simple four-year average.

Northbridge is the largest commercial lines company in Canada, with gross premiums in 2005
of  Cdn$1.9  billion,  net  premiums  of  Cdn$1.2  billion  and  shareholders’  equity  in  excess  of
Cdn$1 billion. It is focused on underwriting profitability: its average combined ratio in the past
four years has been 92.7% and it has earned a 16.5% (expressed in Canadian dollars) return on
equity over 20 years at the insurance company level (with no leverage). In addition, it has an
admirable reserving track record: over the past ten years, it has had a weighted average annual
redundancy of 4.8% on an accident year basis.

*

Amounts in this letter are in U.S. dollars unless specified otherwise. Numbers in the tables in this
letter are in U.S. dollars and $ millions except as otherwise indicated.

4

We have had excellent management at Northbridge led by Byron Messier, Mark Ram (Markel),
Rick Patina (Lombard), Ron Schwab (Commonwealth) and John Paisley (Federated). At the end
of 2005, as planned, Byron Messier retired from Northbridge after a very successful career of
almost 40 years in the Canadian property and casualty insurance industry, the last eleven years
of  which  were  with  Fairfax.  Since  Byron  joined  Fairfax  through  our  purchase  of  Lombard,
Lombard  has  doubled  its  premium  base  and  tripled  its  shareholders’  equity.  Byron  was  also
instrumental in the success of Northbridge when it went public in 2003 and was key to the
establishment  of  Falcon,  ICICI  Lombard  and  Hub.  We  thank  Byron  for  his  significant
accomplishments and wish him well in his retirement. Byron was succeeded at Northbridge by
Mark  Ram,  who  has  built  Markel  into  one  of  Canada’s  most  respected  insurance  companies
with an outstanding track record. Silvy Wright, who has worked closely with Mark since 1994,
has taken over as President and CEO of Markel. Earlier in the year, when Northbridge’s Chief
Financial  Officer,  Greg  Taylor,  moved  to  Fairfax,  John  Varnell,  who  had  retired  as  Fairfax’s
Chief Financial Officer seven years ago and who we knew had the experience and knowledge to
serve as the Chief Financial Officer of Northbridge, seamlessly assumed that position.

Crum & Forster

Gross premiums written
Net premiums written
Shareholders’ equity
Investment portfolio
Combined ratio
Return on equity

1999

2005

1,098
867

745
599
949(1) 1,000(2)
3,301(1) 3,152(3)
122.2% 101.4%
(2.1)% 10.8%

Average
(2002-2005)(4)

105.2%
10.0%

(1) As at December 31, 1998.

(2) After dividend payments of $353 million.

(3) Net of economic hedges against a decline in the equity markets.

(4) Simple four-year average.

Crum  &  Forster  is  a  large  U.S.  commercial  lines  company  operating  on  a  national  platform
with gross premiums in 2005 of $1.1 billion, net premiums of $0.9 billion and shareholders’
equity of $1.0 billion. It is focused on underwriting profitability: its average combined ratio in
the past four years is 105.2% (93.0% on an accident year basis excluding the 2004 and 2005
hurricanes) and it has earned an average return on equity since acquisition in August 1998 of
8.3% (at the insurance company level). Any prior period reserve development was absorbed in
the  hard  markets  of  2002  –  2005  and  we  feel  that  the  company  is  well  reserved,  given  the
cumulative  $3.3  billion  of  net  premiums  written  in  the  2002  –  2005  hard  market.  We  have
excellent management at Crum & Forster with Nick Antonopoulos and Joe Braunstein, Doug
Libby (Seneca) and recently Marc Adee (Fairmont).

5

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

OdysseyRe

Gross premiums written
Net premiums written
Shareholders’ equity
Investment portfolio
Combined ratio
Return on equity

2001*

2005

2,641
1,154
985
2,314
978(1) 1,534
2,673(1) 5,531(2)
115.4% 117.2%
(2.3)% (7.2)%

Average
(2002-2005)(3)

102.8%
11.1%

*

OdysseyRe was taken public in June 2001.

(1) As at December 31, 2000.

(2) Net of economic hedges against a decline in the equity markets.

(3) Simple four-year average.

One of the largest broker reinsurance companies in the world, OdysseyRe has a global franchise
with gross premiums in 2005 of $2.6 billion, net premiums of $2.3 billion and shareholders’
equity of $1.5 billion. It is focused on underwriting profitability: its average combined ratio in
the past four years has been 102.8% (86.6% on an accident year basis, excluding the 2004 and
2005 hurricanes) and it has earned an average return on equity for the four years since 2001,
the year in which it went public, of 11.1%. Any prior period reserve development was absorbed
in the hard markets of 2002 – 2005 and we feel that the company is well reserved, given the
cumulative  $8.4  billion  of  net  premiums  written  in  the  2002  –  2005  hard  market.  Andy
Barnard  has  built  OdysseyRe  from  Skandia  Re  America  that  we  acquired  in  1996  (with  net
premiums  written  of  $201  million  and  shareholders’  equity  of  $365  million)  together  with
Mike Wacek (Americas), Brian Young (London market), Lucien Pietropoli (Euro-Asia) and Jim
Migliorini  (U.S.  insurance).  We  were  very  pleased  last  year  to  welcome  Rob  Giammarco  as
Chief Financial Officer at OdysseyRe after more than a decade on Wall Street.

Runoff

With claims volumes declining, Dennis Gibbs, the CEO of our runoff operations, decided to
reduce  operating  expenses  in  Europe  and  in  the  U.S.  while  continuing  to  pursue  runoff
opportunities  on  both  sides  of  the  Atlantic. With  these  actions,  together  with  significant
commutations and reserve book-ups in both the U.S. and Europe in 2005 (see page 71 in the
MD&A  for  more  details),  the  runoff  operations  (including  Group  Re)  hope  to  approach
breakeven in 2006 for the first time since TIG was put into runoff in late 2002.

6

To give you a sense of what Fairfax has gone through in the last seven years, please note the
following:

Cumulative underwriting losses
Insurance and reinsurance(1)
Runoff(2)
Other costs

Total underwriting losses
Corporate overhead and other
Interest costs

Total losses and expenses

Interest and dividends – Operating companies

Realized gains

– Runoff

– Total

– Operating companies
– Runoff

– Total

Total investment income

Pre-tax loss
Negative goodwill
Minority interests
Tax recovery

Net income

1999 - 2005
($ billions)

1.1
3.1
0.2

4.4
0.2
0.9

5.5

2.0
0.9

2.9

1.6
0.8

2.4

5.3

(0.2)
0.3
(0.3)
0.2

–

Includes $1.0 billion of losses from the 2004 and 2005 hurricanes and the 2001 World Trade

(1)
Center tragedy.

(2)

Includes $0.6 billion of losses from TIG for 1999 – 2001 prior to its inclusion in runoff.

On a cumulative basis, over the past seven years, including huge hurricane losses in 2004 and
2005,  we  essentially  broke  even.  Please  note,  $2.9  billion  in  investment  income  and
$2.4 billion in realized gains were absorbed by the underwriting losses in both the operating
companies  and  runoff.  As  underwriting  discipline  has  been  established  in  our  operating
companies, and the runoffs in the U.S. and Europe are significantly smaller and more stable
than in the past (for example, TIG’s claims count has dropped from 55,000 as at December 31,
2002 to 14,000 currently), these losses should not be repeated in the future.

Also,  of  our  operating  companies’  $6.9  billion  in  net  reserves  as  at  December  31,  2005,
approximately 79% have arisen during the hard markets of 2002 – 2005. Runoff net reserves
were only 26% of our total $9.3 billion of net reserves at the end of 2005, as compared to 46%
at the end of 2001.

This is the reason for the great enthusiasm in our company as we embark on the third decade
of  our  existence.  Simply  said,  we  believe  strongly  that  the  record  of  Fairfax  in  the  next  five
years  should  be  similar  to  (though  less  spectacular  than)  its  first  thirteen  year  record rather
than its last seven year record, and that we are ready to reap the rewards of the extraordinary
amount of work that we have put in during our biblical seven lean years.

7

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

While 2005 (an annus horribilis!!) is a year to be forgotten, let us first put 2005 underwriting
performance in perspective.

Canadian Insurance – Northbridge
U.S. Insurance –

Crum & Forster
Fairmont

Total

Asian Insurance – Fairfax Asia
Reinsurance – OdysseyRe

Total Fairfax

Years ended
December 31,

Combined Ratio

2005

92.9

2004
(%)

87.7

2003

92.6

101.4
97.8

106.5
99.3

104.4
99.2

100.9

105.4

103.3

93.0
117.2

91.9
98.1

96.0
96.9

107.6

97.5

97.6

As you can see from the table, the consolidated combined ratio for Fairfax was 107.6% in 2005,
which included 13.9 percentage points in losses from Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. The
underlying underwriting performance excluding hurricanes remained strong in 2005, and with
improved pricing and terms for exposed property business in the U.S. Gulf Coast, prospects for
an  underwriting  profit  in  2006  look  good – even  if  there  is  substantial  hurricane  activity.
However,  you  should  remember  that  the  insurance  business  is  always  exposed  to  natural
catastrophes,  not  only  hurricanes  in  Florida  and  the  Gulf  Coast  but  also  earthquakes  in
California, Japan and other parts of the world and storms in Europe and Asia (typhoons). In
2005, Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma cost us $431 million, $84 million and $201 million,
respectively, for a total of $716 million. This total of $716 million includes $610 million at our
operating companies or 13.9 points on their combined ratio, compared with 5.1 points in 2004
for  the  2004  hurricanes  and  essentially  nothing for  hurricanes in  2003.  By  comparison,  the
World  Trade  Center  tragedy  cost  us  4.9  combined  ratio  points  and  Hurricane  Andrew  9.3
points. You can see that the 2005 hurricanes, which produced the largest loss ever experienced
by the P&C industry, cost us by far the largest combined ratio points in our history. Were we
surprised at these losses? With the exception of Wilma losses for OdysseyRe from Mexico, our
experience  (particularly  with  80%  of  New  Orleans  being  flooded),  relative  to  others  in  the
industry  and  in  absolute  terms,  was  within  our  expectations. Our  focus  continues  to  be  to
contain worst case events to a maximum of one year’s investment income, recognizing that in
the property and casualty industry, catastrophe losses can be lethal. For example, 20th Century
lost  almost  all  of  the  $700  million  of  capital  it  had  accumulated  over  30  years  from  the
Northridge,  California  earthquake  losses  in  1994.  In  that  year,  20th  Century  collected
earthquake  premiums  of  less  than  $50  million  but  suffered  losses  of  about  $1  billion.  As
another example, Hurricane Andrew in 1992 more than eliminated all the profits Allstate had
made in the state of Florida in the over 50 years it had been in business. Again, a reminder that
premiums and losses are often not correlated in this industry.

8

We have updated the float table for our operating companies that we last showed in this letter
in 2003:

Year

Underwriting
profit (loss)

Average

Benefit
(Cost)
float of float

Average
long
term
Canada
treasury
bond
yield

2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
Weighted average since
inception in 1985

(579.8)
(42.8)
87.7
108.4
(330.6)

4,690.4
4,355.2
4,405.5
5,350.5
6,606.4

5.8%
(12.4%)
(1.0%)
5.7%
2.0% 5.4%
2.0% 5.2%
4.4%
(5.0%)

(4.5%)
Fairfax weighted average financing differential since inception: 1.2%

5.7%

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. As the table shows, the average float from our operating companies increased
23.5%  in  2005,  but  with  a  cost  of  5.0%  due  to  the  unprecedented  hurricane  activity.  Since
inception in 1985, Fairfax had a weighted average cost of float of 4.5% versus the average long
term Canada treasury bond yield of 5.7% — i.e., a differential of 1.2% in our favour.

The table below shows you the breakdown of our total year-end float for the past five years:

Canadian
Insurance

U.S.
Insurance

Asian
Insurance

Reinsurance

384.0
811.7
1,021.1
1,404.2
1,461.8

2,677.4
1,552.6
1,546.9
1,657.1
1,884.9

–
59.2
88.0
119.7
120.2

1,496.6
1,728.8
2,002.7
2,861.4
3,703.5

2001
2002
2003
2004
2005

Total
Insurance
and
Reinsurance

4,558.0
4,152.3
4,658.7
6,042.4
7,170.4

Runoff

Total

1,049.0
1,579.9
1,502.8
1,187.4
1,356.6

5,607.0
5,732.2
6,161.5
7,229.8
8,527.0

In 2005, the Canadian insurance float increased by 4.1% (at no cost), the U.S. insurance float
increased by 13.7% (at a cost of 0.5%), the Asian insurance float remained constant (at no cost)
and the reinsurance float increased by 29.4% (at a cost of 12.0%). The runoff float increased by
14.2%,  largely  due  to  the  receipt  of  funds  on  commutations.  Taking  all  these  components
together, total float increased by 17.9% to $8.5 billion at year-end 2005.

Investment performance in 2005 was again restrained by our very conservative position which
included not reaching for yield, maintaining large cash positions, hedging a significant portion
of our common stock holdings against a decline in the equity markets and the purchase of a
significant  credit  default  swap  position.  Interest  and  dividends  earned  increased  27%  to
$466 million in 2005 while realized gains increased to $511 million from $359 million in 2004
(prior to $159 million and $71 million of non-trading losses in 2005 and 2004, respectively).
Our hedges cost us $148 million in 2005 (included in non-trading losses of $159 million) as net
unrealized mark to market losses reduced net realized gains. We expect the unrealized losses
from our hedges to be just that (i.e., unrealized) and at the end of the day we expect them to
protect our portfolios from a 1 in 50 year or 1 in 100 year event in the financial markets. The
net  total  return  on  our  investment  portfolio  was  6.5%,  slightly  ahead  of  last  year  but
significantly  lower  than  the  9.3%  earned  on  average  over  the  past  20  years.  Our  investment
portfolios  were  up  10.2%  to  $14.9  billion  in  2005  and  were  approximately  $833  per  share,

9

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

similar to $840 per share at year end 2004 in spite of the 11.1% increase in shares outstanding
in 2005.

We again concentrated on reducing financial risk and strengthening our balance sheet in 2005.
In this regard, we did the following:

1. We raised $300 million by issuing 1.84 million shares at $162.75 per share. We felt
that  this  issue  would  see  us  through  the  next  five  years  while  maintaining  a  large
amount of cash in the holding company. One of our largest shareholders took half
the issue. As with the last issue, we did not like the price, but we liked the long term
partners.  To  put  our  recent  issue  in  perspective,  please  consider  the  following:  We
issued approximately 9.8 million shares as we expanded from 1991 to 1999 through
acquisitions. Since 1991, we have repurchased a total of 1.8 million shares but also
issued 5.5 million shares, primarily to maintain our financial strength through the
seven  lean  years  discussed  earlier.  In  total,  since  we  began  in  1985,  shares
outstanding have increased from 5 million to approximately 18 million – a 3.6 times
increase  –  while  net  premiums  earned  and  investment  assets  have  increased  by
456 times and 622 times, respectively. This, of course, has resulted in very significant
increases in net premiums earned per share (from $2 at inception to $285 at the end
of 2005) and investments per share (from $5 at inception to $833 at the end of 2005).
Again, we expect to recoup the small dilution in book value per share from this issue
by the additional flexibility that this issue will provide.

2.

In connection with the business of Fairmont being carried on as a division of Crum &
Forster at the beginning of 2006, Fairmont’s capital of $181 million was contributed
to TIG in exchange for 7.7 million shares of OdysseyRe.

3. With  the  approval  of  the  California  Department  of  Insurance,  the  TIG  trust
established when we put TIG into runoff in 2002 was completely liquidated. When
we  placed  TIG  into  runoff,  all  of  our  OdysseyRe  shares  were  held  at  TIG  or  in  the
TIG  trust,  whereas  we  now  hold  44.6  million  (80%)  of  our  OdysseyRe  shares
(including the 7.7 million shares referred to above), with a market value in excess of
$1 billion, at the holding company level (the remainder are mainly held by TIG). We
have  also  deferred  our  note  due  to  TIG  (now  $122.5  million)  for  another  year  to
June 30, 2007.

4.

Lindsey  Morden,  under  Jan  Christiansen,  was  profitable  in  2005  with  good  cash
flows.

5. We  ended  the  year  with  $559  million  in  cash,  short  term  investments  and

marketable securities at the holding company level.

As we first did last year, we have included segmented balance sheets in the MD&A (please see
page  57)  that  supplement  the  segmented  income  statements  shown  on  page  55.  These
statements show investment portfolios, reinsurance recoverables, provisions for claims and the

10

other  balance  sheet  items  by  company.  Shown  below  is  how  our  consolidated  capital  is
invested.

Insurance

Reinsurance

Canadian
(Northbridge)

U.S.

Asian
(Fairfax Asia)

(OdysseyRe)

Operating
Companies

Runoff and Lindsey

Corporate
Morden and Other

Fairfax

Debt

Non-controlling

interests

Investments in

–

300.0

358.6

–

Fairfax affiliates

–

118.8

Shareholders’ equity

520.4

1,061.4

Total capital

879.0

1,480.2

–

–

–

92.3

92.3

469.5

769.5

374.0

732.6

171.2

1,602.3 2,543.0

13.0

8.3

753.9

Other

–

–

88.5

207.3

487.6

–

(694.9)

–

1,072.0

2,746.1

1,240.7

55.4

(1,136.3) 2,905.9

2,004.0

4,455.5

1,728.3

239.6

(220.6) 6,202.8

% of total capital

14.2%

23.9%

1.5%

32.3%

71.9%

27.9%

3.9%

(3.7)% 100.0%

As you can see, of Fairfax’s total capital of $6,202.8 million, approximately 14% is invested in
Northbridge (compared to 11% in 2004), 24% in U.S. insurance (23% in 2004), 2% in Fairfax
Asia (essentially unchanged from 2004) and 32% in OdysseyRe (29% in 2004), for a total of
72% in our insurance and reinsurance operations. The remaining 28% is invested in our runoff
operations.  Fairfax’s  investment  in  runoff  of  $1,728.3  million  includes  $487.6  million  of
investments in affiliates (which is mainly the 10.9 million shares of OdysseyRe and the shares
of  Fairmont  owned  by  TIG)  and  a  $795.0  million  future  income  taxes  asset  (described  on
page  80). Excluding  the  investment  in  affiliates  and  the  tax  loss  carryforwards,  Fairfax  has
$445.7 million invested in its runoff operations, or approximately 7% of its total capital.

How did each of these operations do in 2005? Shown below for 2005 is the net income from
each of our operations and the return on equity of our operating companies.

Insurance

Reinsurance

Canadian
(Northbridge)

U.S.

Asian
(Fairfax Asia)

(OdysseyRe)

Operating
Companies

Runoff and Lindsey

Corporate
Morden and Other

Other

Fairfax

Net income after taxes

163.4

118.1

7.3

(107.4)

181.4

(533.5)

6.7

(152.5)

(497.9)

Return on average

equity

20.4%

10.2%

7.8%

(7.2%)

5.1%

In spite of unprecedented hurricane activity and our cautious investment strategy, Northbridge
and  Crum  &  Forster  produced  good  returns  on  shareholders’  equity,  while  OdysseyRe  had  a
loss.  Our  operating  companies  were  profitable  in  total,  generating  a  5.1%  return  on  average
equity.  As  discussed  earlier,  runoff  lost  significant  money,  while  Lindsey  Morden  was
profitable.  Assuming  runoff  results  approach  breakeven,  any  profits  from  our  operating
companies will flow through to our shareholders.

11

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

The table below shows the sources of our net earnings with Lindsey Morden equity accounted.
This table, like various others in this letter, is set out in a format which we have consistently
used and we believe assists you in understanding Fairfax.

Underwriting

Insurance – Canada (Northbridge)

– U.S.
– Asia (Fairfax Asia)

Reinsurance (OdysseyRe)

Underwriting income (loss)
Interest and dividends

Operating income
Realized gains
Runoff and other
Claims adjusting (Fairfax portion)
Interest expense
Corporate overhead and other

Pre-tax income (loss)
Taxes
Non-controlling interests

Net earnings (loss)

2005

2004

68.2
(9.1)
4.8
(394.5)

(330.6)
345.4

14.8
294.3
(641.5)
5.4
(185.7)
(8.8)

(521.5)
69.4
(45.8)

115.5
(55.0)
4.7
43.2

108.4
301.4

409.8
162.7
(193.6)
(15.4)
(153.3)
(76.3)

133.9
(74.6)
(79.1)

(497.9)

(19.8)

The  table  shows  the  results  from  our  insurance  and  reinsurance  (underwriting  and
investments),  runoff  and  other,  and  non-insurance  operations.  Runoff  and  other  operations
include  the  U.S.  runoff  group,  the  European  runoff  group  and  our  participation  in  the
reinsurance of  our  subsidiaries,  by  quota  share  or  through  our  participation  in  those
subsidiaries’  third  party  reinsurance  programs  (referred  to  as  ‘‘Group  Re’’).  Claims  adjusting
shows our equity-accounted share of Lindsey Morden’s after-tax results. Also shown separately
are  net  realized  gains  at  our  operating  companies  so  that  you  can  better  understand  our
earnings from our insurance and reinsurance operations.

Operating income dropped dramatically to $14.8 million in 2005 because of an underwriting
loss of $330.6 million emanating from the $610 million of hurricane losses from Hurricanes
Katrina,  Rita  and  Wilma  ($716  million  including  $106  million    from  Group  Re).  While
investment income increased in 2005 to $345.4 million from $301.4 million in 2004, it was
negatively impacted by losses from Advent of $45.1 million in 2005 (compared to income from
Advent of $4.1 million in 2004). The gross yield on the portfolio continued to be low at 3.85%
(3.29% net of guaranteed 7% interest on funds withheld treaties) as we did not reach for yield
by taking additional credit risk. The opportunity cost of not reaching for yield is significant, as
every  1%  increase  in  yield  would  result  in  a  $142  million  increase  in  interest  and  dividend
income.

Net  realized  gains  at  our  operating  companies  increased  significantly  in  2005  to
$294.3 million – $409.2 million prior to $114.9 million of non-trading mark to market losses
on our hedges and other derivatives.

The  runoff  and  other  losses  in  2005  of  $641.5  million  consisted  of  $70.4  million  from
operating  costs  in  excess  of  investment  returns  (including  net  realized  gains),  and
$571.1 million of charges relating to a number of items, including reserve strengthening and
hurricane losses at Group Re (details are on page 76 in the MD&A). As a result of actions taken
in 2005 and planned for 2006, we hope to approach a breakeven result in our runoff operations
in 2006 without any unusual items – but until we achieve it, please take this with a grain of
salt.

12

Interest costs increased in 2005, reflecting the additional debt incurred by Fairfax in 2004 and
by OdysseyRe in 2005. Interest and dividend income from holding company cash, short term
investments and marketable securities and performance fees for investment management both
increased in 2005, contributing to a drop in corporate overhead.

Reserving

For our operating companies, our reserves held up well. Northbridge and Crum & Forster both
had  redundancies  while  OdysseyRe’s  emergence  was  absorbed  in  its  combined  ratio. As
mentioned previously, our significant expansion in the hard markets of 2002  – 2005 gives us
comfort  that  we  are  well  reserved.  Our  gold  standard  is  Northbridge:  in  the  past  ten  years,
Northbridge  has  had  an  annual  weighted  average  redundancy  of  4.8%  on  an  accident  year
basis.

As for our runoff and other reserves, excluding $139.2 million resulting from commutations
and  the  settlement  of  reinsurance  disputes,  our  review  resulted  in  reserve  strengthening  of
$259.8 million, as shown in the MD&A on page 76.

Canadian GAAP vs US GAAP

The  major  differences  between  Canadian  GAAP  and  US  GAAP,  discussed  more  fully  in  last
year’s  Annual  Report,  are  updated  and  discussed  in  note  20  to  the  consolidated  financial
statements on page 48. You will note that there is currently only a small difference between
common shareholders’ equity under the two methods. After 2006, Canadian GAAP will, like
US GAAP, require stocks and bonds to be marked to market and the unrealized gains or losses
after taxes to be included in accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity.
Welcome to the new volatility in our book value per share based on fluctuating market values
of stocks and bonds!!

Financial Position

Cash, short term investments and

marketable securities

Long term debt – holding company
Long term debt – subsidiaries
Purchase consideration payable
Net debt

Common shareholders’ equity
Preferred shares and trust preferred

securities of subsidiaries

OdysseyRe non-controlling interest
Total equity

Net debt/equity
Net debt/total capital
Interest coverage

December 31, December 31,
2004(1)

2005

559.0
1,365.3
769.5
192.1
1,767.9

2,769.3

189.0
374.0
3,332.3

53%
35%
N/A

566.8
1,420.9
674.9
195.2
1,724.2

3,034.1

189.0
281.0
3,504.1

49%
33%
1.9x

(1) Retroactively  restated  pursuant  to  the  change  in  accounting  policy  described  in  note  6  to  the

consolidated financial statements.

During 2005, we issued $300 million of equity to solidify the strength of our balance sheet and
achieve the financial flexibility that has been our hallmark in the past. In spite of the loss in
2005, we maintained our financial ratios, and we will strive over time to reduce our financial
leverage  significantly.  As  mentioned  in  last  year’s  Annual  Report,  Fairfax  has  significantly
enhanced  financial flexibility now because Northbridge and OdysseyRe, as public companies,
enjoy  access  to  the  capital  markets.  In  fact,  OdysseyRe,  after  the  hurricane  losses,  raised
$200 million in 2005 in common stock and preferred stock issues (Fairfax purchased sufficient

13

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

shares in the common stock issue to maintain its interest in OdysseyRe at over 80%, and chose
to purchase $15 million of the preferred stock). As Crum & Forster’s debt is registered with the
SEC, it too has access to financing in the capital markets. All three companies are well financed
and have capital in excess of their regulatory requirements, and access to the public markets
provides them with significant additional flexibility.

Here’s another way to look at our financial flexibility, even though we do not intend to sell any
of our subsidiaries:

Cash, short term investments and marketable securities
22.4 million shares of Northbridge
44.6 million shares of OdysseyRe

Holding company debt
Purchase consideration payable
Trust preferred securities of subsidiaries

Total*

At the holding
company level

559
670
1,118

2,347

1,365
192
52

1,609

* Does not include the $300 million of Crum & Forster debt or its $1.0 billion of net equity.

Given no significant debt maturities until 2012, Fairfax has significant flexibility and liquidity
available to it. The following table shows you that in spite of some difficult times in the past
seven  years,  Fairfax  has  maintained  very  significant  levels  of  cash  at  the  holding  company
level:

Holding company cash, short term

investments and marketable securities

559

567

410

328

522

363

491

December 31,

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

Investments

The table below updates the results shown in our 2004 Annual Report. The results are the time-
weighted  returns  achieved  by  Hamblin  Watsa  Investment  Counsel  (Fairfax’s  wholly-owned
investment  manager)  on  stocks  and  bonds  managed  by  it  during  the  past  15  years  for  our
U.S.  insurance  and  reinsurance  companies  (measured  in  U.S.  dollars)  and  for  our  Canadian
insurance  companies  (measured  in  Canadian  dollars),  compared  to  the  benchmark  index  in
each case.

Managed for U.S. companies

Common stocks

S&P 500

Bonds

Merrill Lynch Corporate Index

Managed for Canadian companies

Common stocks

S&P/TSX Composite

Bonds

Scotia Capital Universe Index

5 years

10 years

15 years

20.0%
0.5%

10.4%
6.6%

26.5%
6.6%

9.0%
7.4%

18.6%
9.1%

8.4%
6.3%

21.8%
11.0%

8.7%
7.7%

19.8%
11.5%

9.7%
7.3%

19.8%
10.9%

10.9%
9.4%

14

Our  long  term  results  continue  to  be  excellent.  However,  we  are  very  wary  of  the  risks
prevalent in the U.S. As we have mentioned ad nauseam, the risks in the U.S. are many and
varied. They emanate from the fact that we have had the longest economic recovery with the
shortest recession in living memory. Animal spirits are alive and well and downside risks have
long been forgotten. Having lived through the telecom bubble recently and the oil bubble in
the late 1970s and early 1980s (and perhaps again today), we see all the signs of a bubble in the
housing market currently. It appears to us that buying a house is today viewed as a sure shot
investment – perhaps just as housing prices are on their way down, maybe significantly. The
U.S. consumer is overextended, savings rates are below zero, credit spreads are at record lows
and  even  emerging  market  countries  are  borrowing  long  term  at  very  low  spreads  above
treasuries. We continue to be fascinated – morbidly – by the recent Japanese experience. The
Nikkei  Dow  dropped  from  39,000  in  1989  to  7,600  15  years  later  while  10-year  Japanese
government  bonds  collapsed  from  8.2%  to  0.5%,  totally  contrary  to  normal  historical
investment experience. Japanese market capitalization dropped from 149% of GDP to 53% in
2002. The U.S. market capitalization is still at about 120% of GDP, down from over 170% in
2000 but way above its 80-year average of 58% and even higher than its 1929 high of 87%!!
Speaking of 1929, it took the Dow Jones index 25 years to trade again at the 1929 level, even
though long treasuries dropped for much of that time period. In last year’s Annual Report, we
mentioned Jeremy Grantham of Grantham Mayo, who said in a Barron’s article that of the 28
bubbles that they have studied in all asset categories (including gold, silver, Japanese equities
and 1929), this recent bubble in the U.S. stock market is the only one that has not completely
reversed  itself  (just  as  it  was  about  to  in  2003,  it  turned  and  rebounded).  Given  that  recent
after-tax  profit  margins  in  the  U.S.  have  only  been  experienced  rarely  in  the  past  50  years,
regression  to  the  mean  is  the  great  danger  facing  the  U.S.  stock  markets.  What  does  all  this
mean? Well, for a few years now, we have said that we are protecting our shareholders’ capital
from a 1 in 50 year or 1 in 100 year event. By definition, this is a low probability event (like
Hurricane Katrina) but we want to ensure that we survive this event if and when it happens.

With about half our equity exposure hedged against the S&P500 (some basis risk as our stock
positions are worldwide), the purchase of approximately $250 million in credit default swaps
(giving us about 40 times the exposure), and approximately 76% of our investment portfolio in
government  bonds  and  cash  and  cash  equivalents  (44%  in  government  bonds  and  32%  in
treasury  bills),  we  feel  that  we  have  effectively  protected  our  investment  portfolios  from  a
potential  (though  low  probability)  financial  market  disaster.  The  credit  default  swaps  also
effectively protect our reinsurance recoverables.

  Just  a  brief  overview  for  you  on  our  credit  default  swaps,  which  are  5-year  to  10-year  fixed
income derivatives, which fluctuate with credit spreads, that we have purchased from major
banks.  Here  is  an  example.  To  purchase  a  5-year  $100  million  credit  default  swap  on  a
company that sells at a 30 basis point spread over treasuries, one has to invest 150 basis points
(30  basis  points/year  ×  5  years),  so  $1.5  million  purchases  protection  on  an  underlying
$100 million of credit exposure of the chosen company over the next five years. The maximum
loss to the purchaser in 5 years is $1.5 million if the credit spread stays at 30 basis points or
tightens even further. On the other hand, if the credit spread on this company doubles to 60
basis points, the credit default swap can be worth as much as $3 million, and if the company
goes  bankrupt,  that  swap  can  be  worth  up  to  $100  million.  We  have  a  diversified  list  of
companies, mainly financial institutions, with respect to which we have paid approximately
$250 million to purchase protection on underlying credit exposures.

Accounting  rules  require  these  credit  default  swaps  to  be  marked  to  market  (similar  to  our
S&P500 hedges) on a quarterly basis and the resulting valuation adjustment to be treated as a
realized gain or loss. The following table shows the unrealized mark to market gains and losses

15

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

on  our  equity  hedges  and  credit  default  swaps  during  the  last  three  years  which,  under
accounting rules, have been recorded as realized gains and losses on our earnings statements:

Equity hedges
Credit default swaps

2005

(46.5)
(101.6)

2004

(75.1)
(13.7)

2003

–
(12.5)

(148.1)

(88.8)

(12.5)

Our efforts in hedging our exposures have cost our earnings a total of $249.4 million over the
past three years, reducing our portfolio rate of return by approximately one percentage point
in the last two years. However, the game is not over and we are hoping these unrealized losses
will be short term losses for long term realized gains.

Gross  realized  gains  in  2005  totaled  $625.1  million.  After  realized  losses  of  $226.8  million
(including  $158.7  million  in  mark  to  market  declines  recorded  as  realized  losses)  and
provisions  of  $46.2  million,  net  realized  gains  were  $352.1  million.  Net  gains  from  fixed
income securities were $202.8 million (after $112.2 million of mark to market losses on credit
default  swaps  and  put  bond  warrants),  while  net  gains  from  common  stocks and  other
derivatives  were  $199.7  million  (after  $46.5  million  of  mark  to  market  losses  on  our  equity
hedges).

The principal contributions to common stock realized gains were Zenith National ($85 million,
a gain of 149%), H&R REIT ($40 million, a gain of 48%), Boskalis ($20 million, a gain of 83%)
and Yellow Pages ($20 million, a gain of 23%).

Our net unrealized gains (losses) by asset class at year-end were as follows:

Bonds
Preferred stocks
Common stocks
Strategic investments*
Real estate

2005

(89.0)
0.8
433.3
191.3
0.8

2004

3.9
0.6
279.3
139.0
5.5

537.2

428.3

* Hub International, Zenith National and Advent

In spite of our generally cautious views on stock markets, we do own some common stocks that
fit our long term value-oriented philosophy. Here are our common stock investments broken
down by country. As mentioned earlier, approximately 53% of our common stock position is
protected through equity hedges.

United States
Canada
Other

Miscellaneous

Carrying Value

Market Value

854.1
273.9
971.7

2,099.7

858.2
364.2
1,310.6

2,533.0

Our segmented balance sheets on page 57 show you where your money is invested. Our three
major  operating  companies  are  worth  much  more  than  their  carrying  value  and  we  are
working on achieving that state with our runoff companies as well.

Our company has come a long way since we began in 1985 with one small trucking insurance
company in Canada with Cdn$14 million in premiums and Cdn$10 million in shareholders’
capital. Your management team has faced many, many problems during the past 20 years, but
with excellent people in a team environment with no egos and a strong will, we have managed

16

to overcome these problems as they arose. Over this time period, we have built three excellent
disciplined,  underwriting-focused  insurance  and  reinsurance  companies,  an  excellent  runoff
group  and  a  fledgling  insurance  business  in  Asia.  We  have  an  outstanding  investment  team
with  a  proven  track  record  over  the  long  term  and  the  ability  to  invest  opportunistically
anywhere in the world. We are confident that all these strengths, together with a set of guiding
principles that have met the test of time and our unbroken record of treating people fairly, will
serve our shareholders well over the long term. Our focus has always been to build long term
shareholder value – and that focus has never been stronger.

Our  small  group  of  officers  at  Fairfax  continues  to  work  very  hard  on  your  behalf.  We  are
fortunate  to  have  the  executive  quality  within  our  group  to  be  able  to  move  our  officers
between roles so that each of them finds the greatest satisfaction. Last year Trevor Ambridge,
after serving as Chief Financial Officer for seven years and contributing very significantly both
in time and ability to every aspect of Fairfax’s financial matters, determined to concentrate full
time on his leadership of various strategic projects within the Fairfax group. Greg Taylor, who
had  done  outstanding  work  as  Chief  Financial  Officer  of  Northbridge  since  its  formation,
assumed  the  office  of  Chief  Financial  Officer  of  Fairfax.  We  thought  that  Greg  had
demonstrated  over  time,  including  most  recently  at  Northbridge,  that  he  had  the  skills,
experience  and  energy  to  assume  the  Chief  Financial  Officer  function  at  Fairfax,  and  he  has
more than fulfilled our expectations.

It is with much sadness that we announce the retirement of Robbert Hartog as a Director at the
ripe  old  age  of  87.  Robbert  has  been  with  our  company  from  day  one  as  the  key  founding
shareholder who brought Fairfax into existence 20 years ago. He was the Lead Director (even
before  the  term  was  coined),  Chair  of  the  Audit  Committee  and  the  truth  teller  of  our
company. He devoted endless hours to Fairfax and myself and was our severest critic and our
steadfast champion. There was very little we did without bouncing it off Robbert and he kept
us  on  our  toes  for  the  past  two  decades.  For  his  outstanding  efforts,  on  behalf  of  all  Fairfax
shareholders we have made him Chairman Emeritus – the first in the history of our company.
On behalf of the employees of all of our Fairfax companies and on behalf of all of you, our
shareholders, we thank Robbert and wish him well on his retirement.

Paul Murray, who joined our Board last year, will take over from Robbert as Chair of the Audit
Committee.

We will very much look forward to seeing you at the annual meeting in Toronto at 9:30 a.m.
on Thursday, May 11, 2006 in the Glenn Gould Studio at the Canadian Broadcasting Centre,
250 Front Street West.

I want to again highlight our website for you (www.fairfax.ca) and remind you that all of our
Annual  Reports  since  1985  are  available  there,  as  well  as  our  corporate  governance
documentation and links to the informative websites of our various operating companies. Our
press releases and published financial statements are posted to our website immediately upon
issuance.

I would like to thank the Board and the management and employees of all our companies for
their  outstanding  efforts  during  2005.  We  look  forward  to  continuing  to  build  shareholder
value for you over the long term.

March 10, 2006

V. Prem Watsa
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

17

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

(This page intentionally left blank)

18

Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements

The  preparation  and  presentation  of  the  accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements,
Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  (‘‘MD&A’’)  and  all  financial  information  in  this
Annual Report are the responsibility of management and have been approved by the Board of
Directors.

The  consolidated  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  Canadian
generally accepted accounting principles. Financial statements, by nature, are not precise since
they include certain amounts based upon estimates and judgments. When alternative methods
exist, management has chosen those it deems to be the most appropriate in the circumstances.
The financial information presented elsewhere in this Annual Report is consistent with that in
the consolidated financial statements.

We, as Fairfax’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, will certify Fairfax’s annual
disclosure  document  filed  with  the  SEC  (Form  40-F)  in  accordance  with  the  United  States
Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

The Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring that management fulfills its responsibilities
for  financial  reporting  and  is  ultimately  responsible  for  reviewing  and  approving  the
consolidated financial statements. The Board carries out this responsibility principally through
its Audit Committee which is independent from management.

The  Audit  Committee  is  appointed  by  the  Board  of  Directors  and  reviews  the  consolidated
financial  statements  and  MD&A;  considers  the  report  of  the  external  auditors;  assesses  the
adequacy  of  the  internal  controls  of  the  Company,  including  management’s  assessment
described  below;  examines  the  fees  and  expenses  for  audit  services;  and  recommends  to  the
Board  the  independent  auditors  for  appointment  by  the  shareholders.  The  independent
auditors  have  full  and  free  access  to  the  Audit  Committee  and  meet  with  it  to  discuss  their
audit work, Fairfax’s internal control over financial reporting and financial reporting matters.
The Audit Committee reports its findings to the Board for consideration when approving the
consolidated  financial  statements  for  issuance  to  the  shareholders  and  management’s
assessment of the internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management  is  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining  adequate  internal  control  over
financial reporting.

Management  has  assessed  the  effectiveness  of  the  company’s  internal  control  over  financial
reporting as of December 31, 2005 using criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated
Framework  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway
Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the company’s internal
control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2005.

PricewaterhouseCoopers  LLP,  our  auditors,  have  audited  management’s  assessment  of  the
effectiveness  of  the  company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of  December  31,
2005 as stated in their report which appears herein.

March 31, 2006

V. Prem Watsa
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Greg Taylor
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

19

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Auditors’ Report

To the Shareholders of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Fairfax Financial Holdings
Limited  (the  ‘‘Company’’)  as  at  December  31,  2005  and  2004  and  the  related  consolidated
statements of earnings, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-
year  period  ended  December  31,  2005.  We  have  also  audited  the  effectiveness  of  the
Company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  at  December,  31,  2005  based  on  the
criteria  established  in  Internal  Control  –  Integrated  Framework  issued  by  the  Committee  of
Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission  (COSO)  and  management’s
assessment  thereof  included  in  Management’s  Report  on  Internal  Control  over  Financial
Reporting.  The  Company’s  management  is  responsible  for  these  financial  statements,  for
maintaining  effective  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  and  for  its  assessment  of  the
effectiveness  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting.  Our  responsibility  is  to  express  an
opinion on Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited’s 2005, 2004, and 2003 consolidated financial
statements, an opinion on management’s assessment as at December 31, 2005 and an opinion
on  the  effectiveness  of  the  Company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  at
December 31, 2005 based on our audits.

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

We conducted our audits of the Company’s financial statements in accordance with Canadian
generally accepted auditing standards and the standards of the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to
obtain  reasonable  assurance  about  whether  the  financial  statements  are  free  of  material
misstatement. An audit of financial statements includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting  the  amounts  and  disclosures  in  the  financial  statements.  A  financial  statement
audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We conducted our
audit  of  the  effectiveness  of  the  Company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  and
management’s  assessment  thereof  in  accordance  with  the  standards  of  the  Public  Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial
reporting  was  maintained  in  all  material  respects.  Our  audit  included  obtaining  an
understanding  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  evaluating  management’s
assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control
and  performing  such  other  procedures  as  we  considered  necessary  in  the  circumstances.  We
believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

In  our  opinion,  the  consolidated  financial  statements  referred  to  above  present  fairly,  in  all
material  respects,  the  financial  position  of  the  Company  as  at  December  31,  2005  and  2004
and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period
ended  December  31,  2005  in  accordance  with  Canadian  generally  accepted  accounting

20

principles.  Also,  in  our  opinion,  management’s  assessment  that  the  Company  maintained
effective internal control over financial reporting as at December 31, 2005 is fairly stated, in all
material  respects,  based  on  criteria  established  in  Internal  Control  –  Integrated  Framework
issued by the COSO. Furthermore, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material
respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as at December 31, 2005 based on
criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the COSO.

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

Chartered Accountants
Toronto, Ontario

March 31, 2006

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, 2005 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 7, 2006

21

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Consolidated Financial Statements

Consolidated Balance Sheets
as at December 31, 2005 and 2004

Assets
Cash, short term investments and marketable securities
Accounts receivable and other
Recoverable from reinsurers (including recoverables on paid

losses – $535.3; 2004 – $630.2)

Portfolio investments
Subsidiary cash and short term investments (market value –

$4,526.3; 2004 – $4,047.7)

Bonds (market value – $8,038.4; 2004 – $7,292.7)
Preferred stocks (market value – $16.6; 2004 – $136.4)
Common stocks (market value – $2,533.0; 2004 – $1,957.9)
Investments in Hub, Zenith National and Advent (market value –

$439.1; 2004 – $450.5)

Real estate (market value – $18.0; 2004 – $33.5)

2005

2004(1)

(US$ millions)

559.0
2,380.4

566.8
2,346.0

7,655.6

8,135.5

10,595.0

11,048.3

4,526.3
8,127.4
15.8
2,099.7

247.8
17.2

4,047.7
7,288.8
135.8
1,678.6

311.5
28.0

Total (market value – $15,571.4; 2004 – $13,918.7)

15,034.2

13,490.4

Deferred premium acquisition costs
Future income taxes
Premises and equipment
Goodwill
Other assets

391.5
1,134.3
95.7
210.8
104.2

378.8
973.6
99.8
228.1
112.3

27,565.7

26,331.3

(1) Retroactively restated pursuant to the change in accounting policy described in note 6.

See accompanying notes.

Signed on behalf of the Board

Director

Director

22

Liabilities
Lindsey Morden indebtedness
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Securities sold but not yet purchased
Funds withheld payable to reinsurers

Provision for claims
Unearned premiums
Long term debt – holding company borrowings
Long term debt – subsidiary company borrowings
Purchase consideration payable
Trust preferred securities of subsidiaries

Non-controlling interests

Shareholders’ Equity
Common stock
Other paid in capital
Preferred stock
Retained earnings
Currency translation account

2005
(US$ millions)

2004(1)

63.9
1,150.0
700.3
1,054.4

89.2
1,122.4
539.5
1,033.2

2,968.6

2,784.3

16,029.2
2,429.0
1,365.3
869.3
192.1
52.4

14,983.5
2,368.3
1,420.9
773.0
195.2
52.4

20,937.3

19,793.3

753.9

583.0

2,074.5
59.4
136.6
531.4
104.0

1,781.8
59.4
136.6
1,061.9
131.0

2,905.9

3,170.7

27,565.7

26,331.3

(1) Retroactively restated pursuant to the change in accounting policy described in note 6.

See accompanying notes.

23

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Consolidated Statements of Earnings
for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

Revenue

Gross premiums written

Net premiums written

Net premiums earned
Interest and dividends
Realized gains on investments
Realized gain on Northbridge secondary offering and

IPO

Claims fees

Expenses

Losses on claims
Operating expenses
Commissions, net
Interest expense
Lindsey Morden TPA disposition costs

Earnings (loss) from operations before income

taxes

Provision for (recovery of) income taxes

Net earnings (loss) before non-controlling

interests

Non-controlling interests

Net earnings (loss)

Net earnings (loss) per share
Net earnings (loss) per diluted share
Cash dividends paid per share

2005

2004(1)
(US$ millions except
per share amounts)

2003(1)

5,572.0

5,608.8

5,518.6

4,705.4

4,786.5

4,448.1

4,703.8
466.1
352.1

4,801.5
366.7
248.2

4,209.0
330.1
840.2

–
356.2

40.1
336.1

5.7
328.9

5,878.2

5,792.6

5,713.9

4,387.1
1,071.2
736.0
201.5
–

3,610.6
1,037.6
827.3
166.6
13.4

3,240.6
1,023.4
776.1
147.4
–

6,395.8

5,655.5

5,187.5

(517.6)
(66.8)

137.1
83.0

526.4
191.9

(450.8)
(47.1)

(497.9)

54.1
(73.9)

(19.8)

334.5
(64.5)

270.0

$ (30.72)
$ (30.72)
1.40
$

$ (2.16)
$ (2.16)
1.40
$

$ 18.55
$ 18.23
0.98
$

(1) Retroactively restated pursuant to the change in accounting policy described in note 6.

See accompanying notes.

24

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

Common stock –
Subordinate voting shares – beginning of year
Issuances during the year
Purchases during the year

Subordinate voting shares – end of year

Multiple voting shares – beginning and end of

year

Common stock

Other paid in capital – beginning of year
Issuance of convertible senior debenture
Purchases of convertible senior debenture

Other paid in capital – end of year

Preferred stock –
Series A – beginning of year
Conversion to Series B preferred shares

Series A – end of year

Series B – beginning of year
Conversion from Series A preferred shares

Series B – end of year

Preferred stock

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

for cancellation

Common share dividends
Preferred share dividends

Retained earnings – end of year

Currency translation account – beginning

of year

Foreign exchange impact from foreign

denominated net assets

Foreign exchange impact from hedges
(U.S. denominated debt and forward
contracts, net of tax of $25.7 in 2003)

Currency translation account – end of

2005

2004(1)
(US$ millions)

2003(1)

1,778.0
299.8
(7.1)

2,070.7

1,506.2
299.7
(27.9)

1,778.0

1,531.9
–
(25.7)

1,506.2

3.8

3.8

3.8

2,074.5

1,781.8

1,510.0

59.4
–
–

59.4

51.2
–

51.2

85.4
–

85.4

136.6

1,061.9
(497.9)

(0.3)
(22.5)
(9.8)

531.4

131.0

(27.0)

62.7
–
(3.3)

59.4

136.6
(85.4)

51.2

–
85.4

85.4

136.6

1,114.9
(19.8)

(3.6)
(19.5)
(10.1)

–
62.7
–

62.7

136.6
–

136.6

–
–

–

136.6

873.5
270.0

(4.9)
(13.9)
(9.8)

1,061.9

1,114.9

55.1

75.9

(297.8)

61.5

–

–

291.4

year

104.0

131.0

55.1

Total shareholders’ equity

2,905.9

3,170.7

2,879.3

25

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Number of shares outstanding
Common stock –
Subordinate voting shares – beginning of year
Issuances during the year
Purchases during the year

Subordinate voting shares – end of year
Multiple voting shares – beginning and end of

2005

2004(1)
(US$ millions)

2003(1)

15,342,759
1,843,318
(49,800)

13,151,218
2,406,741
(215,200)

13,391,918
–
(240,700)

17,136,277

15,342,759

13,151,218

year

1,548,000

1,548,000

1,548,000

Interest in shares held through ownership

interest in shareholder

(799,230)

(799,230)

(799,230)

Common stock effectively outstanding – end

of year

17,885,047

16,091,529

13,899,988

Preferred stock –
Series A – beginning of year
Conversion to Series B preferred shares

3,000,000
–

8,000,000
(5,000,000)

8,000,000
–

Series A – end of year

3,000,000

3,000,000

8,000,000

Series B – beginning of year
Conversion from Series A preferred shares

Series B – end of year

5,000,000
–

–
5,000,000

5,000,000

5,000,000

–
–

–

(1) Retroactively restated pursuant to the change in accounting policy described in note 6.

See accompanying notes.

26

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

Operating activities

Earnings (loss) before non-controlling interests
Amortization
Future income taxes
Realized gains on investments

Changes in:

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

Cash provided by operating activities

Investing activities

Investments – purchases

– sales

Sale (purchase) of marketable securities
Sale of Zenith National shares
Purchase of Advent shares
Purchase of capital assets
Purchase of subsidiaries, net of cash
Net proceeds on Northbridge secondary

offering and IPO

Disposition of Lindsey Morden TPA business

2005

2004(1)
(US$ millions)

2003(1)

(450.8)
25.2
(152.3)
(352.1)

(930.0)

951.5
17.7
4.8
533.3
18.6
23.2
8.4

627.5

(6,198.2)
5,503.7
(263.4)
218.5
(34.1)
(20.5)
(52.0)

–
–

54.1
42.6
5.6
(288.3)

(186.0)

333.2
(122.4)
(182.3)
565.7
(76.5)
(319.2)
98.1

110.6

(6,883.2)
4,610.9
1.4
127.6
–
(37.0)
(33.7)

104.8
(22.2)

334.5
52.1
127.0
(845.9)

(332.3)

759.5
235.7
257.4
(793.5)
141.6
59.8
63.5

391.7

(11,280.6)
14,483.6
6.6
–
–
(29.9)
18.7

148.9
–

Cash provided by (used in) investing activities

(846.0)

(2,131.4)

3,347.3

Financing activities

Subordinate voting shares issued
Subordinate voting shares repurchased
Trust preferred securities of subsidiary

repurchased

Non-controlling interests
Issue of OdysseyRe debt
Issue of Crum & Forster debt
Issue of convertible debentures
Long term debt – repayment
Long term debt – issuances
Purchase consideration payable
Lindsey Morden indebtedness
Common share dividends
Preferred share dividends

Cash provided by financing activities

Foreign currency translation

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

Cash resources – end of year

299.8
(7.4)

–
112.4
125.0
–
–
(84.9)
–
(20.0)
(25.3)
(22.5)
(9.8)

367.3

11.9

299.7
(31.5)

(27.4)
–
–
–
–
(240.2)
308.6
(21.9)
71.5
(19.5)
(10.1)

329.2

17.0

160.7
4,429.7

4,590.4

(1,674.6)
6,104.3

4,429.7

–
(30.6)

(136.0)
–
225.0
300.0
200.0
(179.3)
–
(23.3)
(8.8)
(13.9)
(9.8)

323.3

31.9

4,094.2
2,010.1

6,104.3

(1) Retroactively restated pursuant to the change in accounting policy described in note 6.

See accompanying notes.

Cash resources consist of cash and short term investments, including subsidiary cash and short term
investments,  and  excludes  $216.4  ($169.7  at  December  31,  2004;  nil  at  December  31,  2003)  of
subsidiary cash and short term investments pledged for securities sold but not yet purchased, which is
restricted. Short term investments are readily convertible into cash and have maturities of three months
or less.

27

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

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

Business Operations

1.
The  company  is  a  financial  services  holding  company  which,  through  its  subsidiaries,  is
principally  engaged  in  property  and  casualty  insurance  and  reinsurance,  investment
management and insurance claims management.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

2.
The  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  Canadian  generally  accepted
accounting principles (‘‘GAAP’’) 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.  The  principal  financial
statement  components  subject  to  measurement  uncertainty  include  other-than-temporary
declines in the value of investments (note 4), the provision for claims (note 5), the allowance
for  unrecoverable  reinsurance  (note  9)  and  the  carrying  value  of  future  tax  assets  (note  10).
Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Principles of consolidation
The  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  accounts  of  the  company  and  all  of  its
subsidiaries:

Canadian Insurance

Reinsurance

Northbridge Financial Corporation

Odyssey Re Holdings Corp. (OdysseyRe)

(Northbridge)

U.S. Insurance

Crum & Forster Holdings Corp. (C&F)

Fairmont Specialty Group

(Fairmont)

Asian Insurance

Fairfax Asia consists of:

Falcon Insurance Company Limited

First Capital Insurance Limited

ICICI Lombard Joint Venture

(26.0% interest)

Runoff and Other

U.S. runoff consists of:

TIG Insurance Company (TIG)

European runoff consists of:

nSpire Re Limited (nSpire Re)

RiverStone Insurance (UK) Limited

(Riverstone (UK))

RiverStone Managing Agency

Syndicate 3500

Group Re consists of:

CRC (Bermuda) Reinsurance Limited

(CRC (Bermuda))

Wentworth Insurance Company Ltd.

(Wentworth)

Retention of U.S. business in nSpire Re

Other

Hamblin Watsa Investment Counsel Ltd. (Hamblin Watsa) (investment management)

Lindsey Morden Group Inc. (Lindsey Morden) (insurance claims management)

All subsidiaries are wholly-owned except for OdysseyRe with an 80.1% interest (2004 – 80.8%),
Northbridge with a 59.2% interest (2004 – 59.2%) and Lindsey Morden with an 81.0% interest
(2004 – 75.0%). The company has investments in Hub International Limited (‘‘Hub’’) with a
25.9%  interest  (2004  –  26.1%)  and  Advent  Capital  (Holdings)  PLC  (‘‘Advent’’)  with  a  46.8%
interest (2004 – 46.8%), which are accounted for on the equity basis. The company also has an
investment  in  Zenith  National  Insurance  Corp.  (‘‘Zenith  National’’)  with  a  10.3%  interest

28

(2004 – 24.4%), which is accounted for on the cost basis as the company does not have the
ability to exercise significant influence over Zenith National.

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  cost.  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.

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
The operations of the company’s subsidiaries (principally in Canada, the United States and the
United Kingdom) are self-sustaining. As a result, the assets and liabilities of the non U.S. dollar
denominated  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 net unrealized gains or
losses which result from translation are deferred and included in shareholders’ equity.

Historically,  prior  to  the  company’s  change  in  functional  currency  to  U.S.  dollars  effective
January 1, 2004, the company had entered into foreign currency contracts from time to time to
hedge  the  foreign  currency  exposure  related  to  its  net  investments  in  self-sustaining
U.S.  operations.  Such  contracts  were  translated  at  the  year-end  rates  of  exchange  and  were
included in shareholders’ equity. The remaining contracts were terminated during 2003.

Goodwill
The company assesses the carrying value of goodwill based on the underlying discounted cash
flows and operating results of its subsidiaries. The carrying value of goodwill will be charged to
earnings  if  and  to  the  extent  that  it  is  determined  that  an  impairment  in  value  exists.
Management has compared the carrying value of goodwill balances as at December 31, 2005
and the estimated fair values of the underlying operations and concluded that there was no
impairment in the value of goodwill. The estimated fair values are sensitive to the cash flow
projections  and  discount  rates  used  in  the  valuation  and  more  specifically  the  ability  of
Lindsey  Morden’s  U.K.  operations  to  meet  their  profit  and  cash  flow  forecasts  for  2006  and
future years.

29

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Negative  goodwill  arising  on  acquisitions  during  the  year  is  recognized  in  the  consolidated
statement of earnings as an extraordinary item.

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.

In order to control the company’s exposure to loss from adverse development of reserves or
reinsurance  recoverables  on  pre-acquisition  reserves  of  companies  acquired  or  from  future
adverse  development  on  long  tail  latent  or  other  potentially  volatile  claims,  and  to  protect
capital,  the  company  obtains  vendor  indemnities  or  purchases  excess  of  loss  reinsurance
protection  from  reinsurers.  For  excess  of  loss  reinsurance  treaties  (other  than  vendor
indemnities),  the  company  generally  pays  the  reinsurer  a  premium  as  losses  from  adverse
development are ceded under the treaty. The company records both the premium charge and
the  related  reinsurance  recovery  in  its  consolidated  statement  of  earnings  in  the  period  in
which the adverse development is ceded to the reinsurer.

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.

Pensions
Accrued  benefit  obligations  for  pensions  and  other  post  retirement  benefits  are  actuarially
determined  using  the  projected  benefit  method  prorated  on  service  and  incorporates
management’s best estimate of future salary levels, other cost escalation, retirement ages of the
employees and other actuarial factors.

Expected return on plan assets is calculated based on the fair value of those assets.

Actuarial  gains  (losses)  arise  from  the  difference  between  the  actual  long  term  rate  of  return
and the expected long term rate of return on plan assets for that period or from changes in
actuarial assumptions used to determine the accrued benefit obligation. The excess of the net
accumulated actuarial gain (loss) over 10 percent of the greater of the benefit obligation and
the fair value of plan assets is amortized over the average remaining service period of active
employees.

Past service costs arising from plan amendments are deferred and amortized on a straight line
basis over the average remaining service period of employees active at the date of amendment.

Future accounting changes
The  Canadian  Institute  of  Chartered  Accountants  (CICA)  has  issued  three  new  accounting
standards: Financial Instruments – Recognition and Measurement, Hedges and Comprehensive
Income which the company will adopt effective January 1, 2007.

Financial  Instruments  –  Recognition  and  Measurement.  The  company’s  financial  assets  and
liabilities will be carried at fair value in its consolidated balance sheet, except for receivables
and  non-trading  financial  liabilities,  which  will  be  carried  at  amortized  cost.  Realized  and
unrealized  gains  and  losses  on  financial  assets  and  liabilities  which  are  held  for  trading  will
continue to be recorded in the consolidated statement of earnings. Unrealized gains and losses
on financial assets which are held as available for sale will be recorded in other comprehensive
income  until  realized,  at  which  time  the  gain  or  loss  will  be  recorded  in  the  consolidated
statement of earnings. All derivatives will be recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance
sheet.

30

Hedges – For fair value hedges, the change in fair value of the hedging derivative will be offset
in the consolidated statement of earnings against the change in the fair value of the hedged
item relating to the hedged risk. For cash flow hedges, the change in fair value of the derivative
to  the  extent  effective  will  be  recorded  in  other  comprehensive  income  until  the  asset  or
liability being hedged affects the consolidated statement of earnings, at which time the related
change  in  fair  value  of  the  derivative  will  also  be  recorded  in  the  consolidated  statement  of
earnings. Any hedge ineffectiveness will be recorded in the consolidated statement of earnings.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income – Unrealized gains and losses on financial assets
which  are  classified  as  available  for  sale,  unrealized  foreign  currency  translation  amounts
arising  from  self-sustaining  foreign  operations,  and  changes  in  the  fair  value  of  cash  flow
hedging  instruments  will  be  recorded  in  a  statement  of  accumulated  other  comprehensive
income  until  recognized  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  earnings.  Accumulated  other
comprehensive income will form part of shareholders’ equity.

The  transitional  impact  of  these  new  standards  is  dependent  on  the  company’s  outstanding
positions,  hedging  strategies  and  market  volatility  at  the  time  of  transition;  however,  these
standards generally align Canadian GAAP with existing US GAAP. The effects of US GAAP are
disclosed in the company’s US GAAP reconciliation note (note 20).

3.
Cash, short term investments and marketable securities are as follows:

Cash, Short Term Investments and Marketable Securities

Cash and short term investments
Cash held in Crum & Forster (including $nil (2004 – $16.3) in interest

escrow account)
Marketable securities

2005

2004

278.8

534.6

1.7
278.5

17.1
15.1

559.0

566.8

Marketable securities include corporate bonds and equities, with a fair value of $284.5 (2004 –
$15.1).

Investment Information

4.
Portfolio investments are comprised as follows, with the estimated fair values of debt securities
and preferred and common stocks based on quoted market values.

31

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

2005

Gross

Gross

2004

Gross

Gross

Carrying Unrealized Unrealized Estimated Carrying Unrealized Unrealized Estimated

Value

Gains

Losses Fair Value

Value

Gains

Losses Fair Value

Subsidiary cash and short term

investments

3,788.9

Subsidiary cash and short term

investments pledged for
securities sold but not yet
purchased

Bonds

737.4

–

–

–

–

3,788.9

3,476.3

737.4

571.4

–

–

Canadian – government

1,345.1

87.2

(2.2)

1,430.1

693.6

49.6

– government
bonds pledged for
securities sold but
not yet purchased

– corporate

U.S. – government

– government bonds
pledged for securities
sold but not yet
purchased

– corporate

Other – government

– corporate

Preferred stocks

Canadian

Common stocks

Canadian

U.S.

Other

Hub, Zenith National and

Advent

Real estate

84.7

185.4

4,574.4

184.0

1,400.4

316.8

36.6

4.7

33.0

4.9

–

27.5

9.0

0.5

–

–

89.4

218.4

82.7

275.6

(143.6)

4,435.7

4,379.9

(1.5)

182.5

78.8

(100.8)

1,327.1

1,227.1

(6.3)

(1.4)

319.5

35.7

371.1

180.0

2.6

16.4

31.2

–

148.5

22.0

4.6

15.8

0.8

–

16.6

135.8

0.6

–

136.4

273.9

854.1

971.7

247.8

17.2

95.7

47.3

353.7

191.3

0.8

(5.4)

(43.2)

(14.8)

364.2

858.2

1,310.6

–

–

439.1

18.0

340.0

511.1

827.5

311.5

28.0

100.8

48.2

210.7

139.0

5.5

(5.8)

(58.2)

(16.4)

435.0

501.1

1,021.8

–

–

450.5

33.5

15,034.2

856.4

(319.2)

15,571.4 13,490.4

779.7

(351.4)

13,918.7

–

–

–

–

(0.1)

3,476.3

571.4

743.2

85.3

291.9

(193.0)

4,218.1

(1.6)

(66.7)

–

(9.6)

77.2

1,308.9

393.1

175.0

The number of continuous months in which securities have been in unrealized loss position as
at December 31, 2005 is as follows:

Less than 12 months

Greater than 12 months

Total

Estimated

Gross

Number Estimated

Gross

Number Estimated

Gross

Number

 Fair Unrealized

of

 Fair Unrealized

of

 Fair Unrealized

of

Value

 Losses Securities

Value

 Losses Securities

Value

 Losses Securities

Bonds

Canadian – government

420.2

U.S.

– government 4,107.9

– corporate

Other

– government

– corporate

Common stocks

Canadian

U.S.

Other

328.5

193.6

12.0

78.0

439.6

171.4

(2.2)

(144.4)

(50.1)

(6.3)

(1.4)

(5.4)

(43.2)

(14.3)

2

36

47

7

2

5

8

8

–

15.8

630.3

–

–

–

–

2.8

Total

5,751.2

(267.3)

115

648.9

–

(0.7)

(50.7)

–

–

–

–

(0.5)

(51.9)

–

5

18

–

–

–

–

4

420.2

4,123.7

958.8

193.6

12.0

78.0

439.6

174.2

(2.2)

(145.1)

(100.8)

(6.3)

(1.4)

(5.4)

(43.2)

(14.8)

27

6,400.1

(319.2)

2

41

65

7

2

5

8

12

142

Management has reviewed currently available information regarding those investments whose
estimated  fair  value  is  less  than  carrying  value  at  December  31,  2005.  Debt  securities  whose
carrying  value  exceeds  market  value  are  expected  to  be  held  until  maturity  or  until  market
value  exceeds  carrying  value.  All  investments  have  been  reviewed  to  ensure  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  has  made  investments  in
certain high yield debt securities for which the market value of the investments is below the

32

carrying  value  to  the  company.  The  company  has  written  down  the  carrying  value  of  these
investments to reflect other than temporary declines in value. The carrying values have been
written  down  to  the  company’s  assessment  of  the  underlying  fair  value  of  the  investments
when the company does not view the current quoted market value as being reflective of the
underlying  value  of  the  investments.  At  December  31,  2005,  the  company  had  total  bonds
rated less than investment grade with an aggregate carrying value of $674.7 (2004 – $477.3),
aggregate  quoted  market  value  of  $644.5  (2004 –  $498.7),  gross  unrealized  gains  of  $43.1
(2004 – $69.0) and gross unrealized losses of $73.2 (2004 – $47.6).

At  December  31,  2005,  as  an  economic  hedge  against  a  decline  in  the  equity  markets,  the
company  had  short  sales  of  approximately  $500.0  notional  amount  of  Standard  &  Poor’s
Depository  Receipts  (‘‘SPDRs’’)  and  $60.3  of  common  stocks  as  well  as  a  Total  Return  Swap
(‘‘swap’’) with a notional value of approximately $550.0 (constituting together hedges with an
aggregate  notional  value  of  approximately  $1,110.3),  as  described  in  the  two  following
paragraphs.  At  December  31,  2005,  common  stocks  in  the  company’s  portfolio  aggregated
$2,099.7, with a market value of $2,533.0.

Simultaneously  with  short  sales  of  approximately  $500.0  ($400.0  at  December  31,  2004)
notional  amount  of  SPDRs  and  $60.3  ($50.0  at  December  31,  2004)  of  common  stocks,  the
company  entered  into  two-year  call  options  (‘‘options’’)  to  limit  the  potential  loss  on  the
future purchase of the SPDRs and the common stocks to $112.1 ($90.0 at December 31, 2004).
The company is required to provide collateral for the obligation to purchase the SPDRs, which
amounted  to  $521.0  ($401.7  at  December  31,  2004)  of  cash  and  short  term  securities  and
$271.9 ($162.5 at December 31, 2004) of bonds at market value (shown on the table above as
subsidiary cash and short term investments and bonds pledged for securities sold but not yet
purchased).  The  collateral  provided  for  the  purchase  of  common  stocks  sold  short  is  $112.3
($70.5 at December 31, 2004) of cash. Both the obligation to purchase the securities sold short
and options are carried at fair value in the consolidated financial statements. The fair value of
the obligation to purchase the SPDRs and common stocks is included in securities sold but not
yet  purchased  and  the  fair  value  of  the  options  is  included  in  common  stocks  on  the
consolidated balance sheet.

The  company  also  has  a  Total  Return  Swap  (the  ‘‘swap’’)  with  a  notional  value  of
approximately $550.0 ($450.0 at December 31, 2004). The company receives floating payments
based on the notional value multiplied by LIBOR. The company pays or receives a fixed rate
based on the change of the SPDRs which are the underlying security multiplied by the notional
value of the swap. Simultaneously, the company entered into an option to limit the potential
loss  on  the  swap  to  $110.0  ($90.0  at  December  31,  2004).  Short  term  securities  have  been
pledged as collateral for the swap in the amount of $104.1 ($99.2 at December 31, 2004). The
fair value of the swap is a liability of $60.5 ($44.9 at December 31, 2004) and is included in
securities sold but not yet purchased on the consolidated balance sheet.

The company also has purchased credit default swaps and put bond warrants which are carried
at fair value of $142.2 ($52.5 at December 31, 2004) and classified as bonds in the table above.

Changes in the fair value for the transactions described above and other derivatives have been
included in realized gains on investments in the consolidated statement of earnings as follows:

SPDRs, common stocks and related options
Swap and related option
Credit default swaps
Put bond warrants and other

Gains (losses)

2005

2004

2003

(20.7)
(25.8)
(101.6)
(10.6)

(36.9)
(38.2)
(13.7)
18.1

–
–
(12.5)
2.0

(158.7)

(70.7)

(10.5)

33

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

In addition to the amounts disclosed in note 12, the company’s subsidiaries have pledged cash
and  investments  of  $2.2  billion  as  security  for  their  own  obligations  to  pay  claims  or  make
premium  payments  (these  pledges  are  either  direct  or  to  support  letters  of  credit).  These
pledges  are  in  the  normal  course  of  business  and  are  generally  released  when  the  payment
obligation is fulfilled.

Liquidity and Interest Rate Risk

Maturity profile as at December 31, 2005 and 2004:

Bonds (carrying value)
Effective interest rate

Bonds (carrying value)
Effective interest rate

Within 1
Year

325.1

Within 1
Year

364.4

1 to 5
Years

674.6

1 to 5
Years

648.7

6 to 10
Years

Over 10
Years

1,154.1

5,973.6

6 to 10
Years

Over 10
Years

874.7

5,401.0

2005
Total

8,127.4
5.0%

2004
Total

7,288.8
5.2%

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 – gain
– (loss)

Derivatives

Preferred stocks – gain
– (loss)
Common stocks – gain
– (loss)
– gain
– (loss)
Mark to market on derivative instruments
Repurchase of debt
Northbridge secondary offering and IPO
Other

Provision for losses and writedowns

Net investment income

2005

2004

2003

118.5
313.3
3.7
52.1

55.2
232.0
3.7
90.4

487.6
(21.5)

381.3
(14.6)

51.4
216.2
7.3
70.7

345.6
(15.5)

466.1

366.7

330.1

291.6
(27.7)
–
–
266.4
(20.0)
66.6
(15.7)
(158.7)
0.5
–
(4.7)
(46.2)

150.8
(11.2)
–
(0.1)
241.5
(7.0)
–
(6.4)
(70.7)
(27.0)
40.1
9.9
(31.6)

754.8
(58.0)
0.1
–
200.2
(11.6)
–
–
(10.5)
–
5.7
(2.8)
(32.0)

352.1

288.3

845.9

818.2

655.0

1,176.0

Equity  earnings  (losses)  for  Hub  and  Advent  of  $3.7  and  $(45.1),  respectively,  for  the  year
ended  December  31,  2005  (2004  –  $5.5  and  $4.1;  2003  –  $9.0  and  $22.1)  are  included  in
interest and dividends – common stock.

34

5.

Provision for Claims

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,
significant  changes  in  severity  or  frequency  of  claims  from  historical  trends,  expansion  of
coverage to include unanticipated exposures, or a variety of other reasons. 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  consolidated  balance  sheets  as  at  December  31,
2005 and 2004 and their impact on unpaid claims and allocated loss 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 claims liabilities of acquired companies at December 31

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

2005

2004

7,831.9
16.8

6,904.9
168.4

523.2
–

340.2
(3.9)

3,792.9

3,231.9

(862.1)
(2,002.7)
38.2

(707.7)
(2,195.2)
93.3

9,338.2
–

9,338.2
6,691.0

7,831.9
26.2

7,858.1
7,125.4

Unpaid claim liabilities – end of year – gross

16,029.2

14,983.5

The  foreign  exchange  effect  of  change  in  claim  liabilities  results  from  the  fluctuation  of  the
value of the U.S. dollar in relation to primarily the Canadian dollar and European currencies.

The basic assumptions made in establishing actuarial liabilities are best estimates of possible
outcomes.  The  company  uses  tabular  reserving  for  workers’  compensation  liabilities  that  are
considered fixed and determinable, and discounts such reserves using interest rates of 3.5% to
5.0% and standard mortality assumptions. Otherwise, the company presents its claims on an
undiscounted basis.

35

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

6.

Long Term Debt

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

Fairfax unsecured senior notes at 7.375% due March 15, 2006(1)(2)
Fairfax 445.7 secured debt at 2.5% due February 27, 2007 (effectively a

433.6 debt at 8%)(5)

Fairfax unsecured senior notes at 6.875% due April 15, 2008(1)(2)(3)
Fairfax unsecured senior notes at 7.75% due April 15, 2012(2)
Fairfax unsecured senior notes at 8.25% due October 1, 2015(3)
Fairfax unsecured senior notes at 7.375% due April 15, 2018(1)(3)(4)
Fairfax unsecured senior notes at 8.30% due April 15, 2026(2)(3)
Fairfax unsecured senior notes at 7.75% due July 15, 2037(1)(3)
Fairfax 5% convertible senior debentures due July 15, 2023(6)
Fairfax Inc. 3.15% exchangeable debenture due November 19, 2009(7)
TIG senior unsecured non-callable notes at 8.125% due

April 15, 2005(1)(2)

Other debt – 6.15% secured loan due January 28, 2009

2005

60.6

51.3
62.1
466.4
100.0
184.2
97.6
91.3
137.4
101.0

–
13.4

2004

67.6

54.8
62.7
466.4
100.0
190.2
97.6
105.5
134.2
101.0

27.3
13.6

Long term debt – holding company borrowings

1,365.3

1,420.9

OdysseyRe unsecured senior non-callable notes at 7.49% due

November 30, 2006

OdysseyRe unsecured senior notes at 6.875% due May 1, 2015(1)(8)
OdysseyRe convertible senior debentures at 4.375% due

June 22, 2022(1)(9)

OdysseyRe unsecured senior notes at 7.65% due November 1, 2013(8)
Crum & Forster unsecured senior notes at 10.375% due June 15, 2013
Lindsey Morden unsecured Series B debentures of Cdn$125 at 7.0% due

June 16, 2008

Other long term debt of Lindsey Morden

Less: Lindsey Morden debentures held by Fairfax

Long term debt – subsidiary company borrowings

40.0
125.0

79.5
225.0
300.0

107.0
0.3

876.8
(7.5)

40.0
–

109.9
225.0
300.0

104.3
0.7

779.9
(6.9)

869.3

773.0

2,234.6

2,193.9

(1) During  2005,  the  company  or  one  of  its  subsidiaries  completed  the  following  transactions  with

respect to its debt:
(a) The company purchased $7.0 of its notes due in 2006, $0.6 of its notes due in 2008, $6.0 of
its notes due in 2018 and $14.2 of its notes due in 2037 and repaid the $27.3 of TIG senior
notes which matured for cash payments of $50.7.

(b) OdysseyRe issued $125.0 principal amount of 6.875% senior notes due in 2015.
(c) OdysseyRe repurchased $30.4 principal amount of its 4.375% convertible senior debentures

due 2022 for cash payments of $34.2.

(2) During 2004, the company completed the following transactions with respect to its debt:

(a) Exchanged  $204.6  of  outstanding  notes  due  in  2005  through  2008  for  cash  of  $59.4
(including  accrued  interest)  and  the  issue  of  $160.4  of  notes  due  in  2012  (which  were
accounted for as a modification of debt).
Issued an aggregate of $295.0 notes due in 2012.

(b)
(c) Purchased $175.5 of notes due in 2005 through 2008 and in 2026.
(d) Exchanged $10.0 of notes due in 2006 for $11.0 of notes due in 2012.

36

(3) During 2002, the company closed out the swaps for this debt and deferred the resulting gain which
is  amortized  to  earnings  over  the  remaining  term  to  maturity.  The  unamortized  balance  at
December 31, 2005 is $44.6 (2004 –$54.2).

(4) During 1998, the company swapped $125.0 of its debt due 2018 for Japanese yen denominated
debt  of  the  same  maturity.  The  company  pays  fixed  interest  at  3.93%  on  ¥16.5  billion  and
receives  a  fixed  rate  interest  at  9.2%  on  a  notional  amount  of  $125.0.  Inception  to  date,  this
instrument has yielded income of $5.3 (2004 – $10.6 loss), all of which has been settled except for
$0.4 (2004 – $0.4) which is due from the counter party at year end.

(5) Secured by LOCs.
(6) Each  $1,000  principal  amount  of  debentures  is  convertible  under  certain  circumstances  into
4.7057 subordinate voting shares ($212.51 per share). Prior to July 15, 2008, the company may
redeem  the  debentures  (effectively  forcing  conversion)  if  the  share  price  exceeds  $293.12  for
20 trading days in any 30-day trading period. The company may redeem the debentures at any
time  commencing  July  15,  2008,  and  the  debenture  holders  can  put  their  debentures  to  the
company for repayment on July 15, 2008, 2013 and 2018. The company has the option to repay
the debentures in cash, subordinate voting shares or a combination thereof. In accordance with
Canadian GAAP, these convertible debentures are recorded as components of debt and equity (see
Change  in  accounting  policy  below).  During  2004,  the  company  purchased  for  cancellation
$6.5 principal amount of these debentures at a cost of $6.7 (including accrued interest).

(7) During 2004, the company, through one if its subsidiaries, purchased its $78.0 principal amount
of  3.15%  exchangeable  debentures  due  2010  in  a  private  transaction.  As  consideration,  the
subsidiary  issued  $101.0  principal  amount  of  new  3.15%  exchangeable  debentures  due  2009
which are collectively exchangeable into an aggregate of 4,300,000 OdysseyRe common shares in
August  2006  (with  respect  to  $32.9  principal  amount  of  new  debentures)  and  November  2006
(with respect to $68.1 principal amount of new debentures).

(8) Redeemable at OdysseyRe’s option at any time.
(9) Redeemable  at  OdysseyRe’s  option.  Each  holder  may,  at  its  option,  require  OdysseyRe  to
repurchase  all  or  a  portion  of  this  debt  (for  cash  or  OdysseyRe  common  shares,  at  OdysseyRe’s
option) on June 22, 2007, 2009, 2012 and 2017. Convertible at the holder’s option, under certain
circumstances, into OdysseyRe common shares in the ratio of 46.9925 OdysseyRe shares for every
$1,000 principal amount of this debt ($21.28 per share).

(10) On  September  23,  2005,  OdysseyRe  entered  into  a  three-year  $150.0  credit  facility  with  a

syndicate of lenders, replacing its existing $90.0 credit facility.

Interest  expense  on  long  term  debt  amounted  to  $192.9  (2004  –  $160.4;  2003  – $145.9).
Interest  expense  on  Lindsey  Morden’s  total  indebtedness  amounted  to  $8.6  (2004  –  $6.2;
2003 – $1.5).

Principal repayments are due as follows:

2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Thereafter

100.6
51.3
161.9
114.4
–
1,806.4

On February 22, 2006, OdysseyRe issued $100.0 floating rate senior notes. The notes were sold
in two tranches; $50.0 of Series A due in 2021 and $50.0 of Series B due in 2016.

Change in accounting policy

Effective January 1, 2005, the company retroactively adopted a new pronouncement issued by
the  CICA  amending  the  accounting  for  certain  financial  instruments  that  have  the
characteristics  of  both  a  liability  and  equity.  This  pronouncement  requires  that  those

37

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

instruments  which  can  be  settled  at  the  issuer’s  option  by  issuing  a  variable  number  of  the
issuer’s own equity instruments be presented partially as liabilities rather than solely as equity.

This affected the company’s 5% convertible senior debentures due July 15, 2023. The portion
of  these  debentures  which  was  formerly  classified  as  other  paid  in  capital  in  shareholders’
equity (other than the $59.4 which represents the value of the holders’ option to convert the
debentures into subordinate voting shares) was reclassified to long term debt. Consequently, a
disbursement of $2.0 associated with this instrument was recorded as interest expense, whereas
prior to the accounting policy change, that disbursement would have directly reduced retained
earnings as a cost of the convertible debentures. The amount currently recorded as long term
debt  will  accrete  to  the  $193.5  face  value  of  the  debt  over  the  remaining  term  to  maturity
ending in 2023.

The impact of restating the consolidated balance sheets previously reported is to both increase
long term debt and decrease other paid in capital by $38.4 at December 31, 2004. The impact
of  restating  the  consolidated  statements  of  earnings  previously  reported  is  to  both  increase
interest expense and decrease net earnings by $2.0 and $1.1 for the years ended December 31,
2004 and 2003, respectively. There was no change to earnings per share or earnings per diluted
share.

7.

Trust Preferred Securities of Subsidiaries

TIG  Holdings  has  issued  8.597%  junior  subordinated  debentures  to  TIG  Capital  Trust  (a
statutory  business  trust  subsidiary  of  TIG  Holdings)  which,  in  turn,  has  issued  8.597%
mandatory  redeemable  capital  securities,  maturing  in  2027.  During  2004,  the  company
acquired  $27.4  of  these  trust  preferred  securities  for  approximately  $23.9,  with  $52.4
outstanding at December 31, 2005 and 2004.

8.

Shareholders’ Equity

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.

Issued capital

Issued capital includes both multiple and subordinate voting shares, Series A preferred shares
and Series B preferred shares.

Series A preferred shares are floating (previously fixed/ floating) rate cumulative redeemable (at
the company’s option) preferred shares with an annual dividend rate based on the prime rate,
but in any event not less than 5% per annum and with stated capital of Cdn$25 per share.

Series  B  preferred  shares  are  fixed  rate  cumulative  redeemable  (at  the  company’s  option)
preferred  shares  with  a  dividend  rate  of  6.5%  per  annum  until  November  30,  2009  and
thereafter at an annual rate based upon the yield of five year Government of Canada bonds,
and stated capital of Cdn$25 per share.

Capital transactions

(a) On  October  5,  2005,  the  company  issued  1,843,318  subordinate  voting  shares  at

$162.75 per share for net proceeds after issue costs (net of tax) of $299.8.

(b) Under  the  terms  of  normal  course  issuer  bids  approved  by  the  Toronto  Stock
Exchange,  during  2005  the  company  purchased  and  cancelled  49,800  (2004  –
215,200;  2003  –  240,700)  subordinate  voting  shares  for  an  aggregate  cost  of  $7.4
(2004 – $31.5; 2003 – $30.6), of which $0.3 (2004 – $3.6; 2003 – $4.9) was charged to
retained earnings.

38

(c) On December 16, 2004, the company issued 2,406,741 subordinate voting shares at

$124.65 per share for net proceeds after issue costs (net of tax) of $299.7.

(d) During 2004, certain holders of the preferred shares elected to convert 5,000,000 of
Series  A  preferred  shares  into  Series  B  preferred  shares  on  a  one-for-one  basis.  At
November  30,  2009  and  every  five  years  thereafter,  the  holders  of  the  preferred
shares – both Series A and B – have the right to convert to the other Series.

9.

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
$10.0 for OdysseyRe, $7.5 (excluding workers’ compensation) for Crum & Forster and $3.3 for
Northbridge. 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 on future collectibility. The allocation of the allowance for loss is as
follows:

Specific
General

Total

2005

2004

377.6
54.9

385.0
149.7

432.5

534.7

During  the  year,  the  company  ceded  premiums  earned  of  $860.1  (2004  –  $862.7;  2003  –
$1,350.4) and claims incurred of $1,522.9 (2004 – $1,134.8; 2003 – $1,614.3).

10.

Income Taxes

The company’s provision for (recovery of) income taxes is as follows:

Current
Future

2005

2004

2003

85.5
(152.3)

(66.8)

77.4
5.6

83.0

64.9
127.0

191.9

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

39

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

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:

2005

2004

2003

(187.0)
(20.2)

50.3
(19.7)

193.2
(18.8)

Provision for (recovery of) income taxes at the

statutory income tax rate

Non-taxable investment income
Tax rate differential on losses incurred (income

earned) outside Canada

Foreign exchange
Change in tax rate for future income taxes
Unrecorded tax benefit of losses
Other including permanent differences

86.6
0.6
–
45.3
7.9

Provision for (recovery of) income taxes

(66.8)

Future income taxes of the company are as follows:

Operating and capital losses
Claims discount
Unearned premium reserve
Deferred premium acquisition cost
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Investments and other

Future income taxes

32.3
20.1
–
–
–

83.0

(6.2)
–
(14.2)
37.9
–

191.9

2005

2004

658.5
298.7
88.3
(88.4)
22.0
155.2

556.3
288.5
85.5
(88.5)
21.7
110.1

1,134.3

973.6

The company has loss carryforwards in the U.S. of approximately $1,014.2, all of which expire
after  2018,  in  Canada  of  approximately  $359.3  expiring  from  2006  to  2015,  in  Ireland  of
$232.6 with no expiry date and in the U.K. of $323.6 with no expiry date. The majority of the
future tax balances relate to the U.S. operations.

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. As at December 31,
2005, management has recorded a valuation allowance of $99.9 (2004 – $54.6), of which $49.2
relates to losses of Lindsey Morden and $50.7 relates to losses incurred primarily in the U.K.
and  Ireland.  Management  expects  that  recorded  future  income  taxes  will  be  realized  in  the
normal course of operations.

11.

Statutory Requirements

The  retained  earnings  of  the  company  are  largely  represented  by  retained  earnings  at  the
insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries. 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’s share
of dividends paid in 2005 by the subsidiaries was $121.7.

12.

Contingencies and Commitments

On September 7, 2005, the company announced that it had received a subpoena from the U.S.
Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  (the  ‘‘SEC’’)  requesting  documents  regarding  any  non-
traditional  insurance  or  reinsurance  product  transactions  entered  into  by  the  entities  in  the
consolidated group and any non-traditional insurance or reinsurance products offered by the
entities in that group. On September 26, 2005, the company announced that it had received a
further subpoena from the SEC as part of its investigation into such loss mitigation products,
requesting  documents  regarding  any  transactions  in  the  company’s  securities,  the
compensation for such transactions and the trading volume or share price of such securities.

40

Previously,  on  June  24,  2005,  the  company  announced  that  the  company’s  Fairmont
subsidiary  had  received  a  subpoena  from  the  SEC  requesting  documents  regarding  any  non-
traditional  insurance  product  transactions  entered  into  by  Fairmont  with  General  Re
Corporation  or  affiliates  thereof.  The  U.S.  Attorney’s  office  for  the  Southern  District  of  New
York is reviewing documents produced by the company to the SEC and is participating in the
investigation  of  these  matters.  The  company  is  cooperating  fully  with  these  requests.  The
company  has  prepared  presentations  and  provided  documents  to  the  SEC  and  the  U.S.
Attorney’s  office,  and  its  employees,  including  senior  officers,  have  attended  or  have  been
requested to attend interviews conducted by the SEC and the U.S. Attorney’s office.

The  company  and  Prem  Watsa,  the  company’s  Chief  Executive  Officer,  received  subpoenas
from the SEC in connection with the answer to a question on the February 10, 2006 investor
conference call concerning the review of the company’s finite insurance contracts. In the fall of
2005, Fairfax and its subsidiaries prepared and provided to the SEC a list intended to identify
certain  finite  contracts  and  contracts  with  other  non-traditional  features  of  all  Fairfax  group
companies.  As  part  of  the  2005  year-end  reporting  and  closing  process,  Fairfax  and  its
subsidiaries internally reviewed all of the contracts on the list provided to the SEC and some
additional contracts as deemed appropriate.

It  is  possible  that  other  governmental  and  enforcement  agencies  will  seek  to  review
information  related  to  these  matters,  or  that  the  company,  or  other  parties  with  whom  it
interacts,  such  as  customers  or  shareholders,  may  become  subject  to  direct  requests  for
information or other inquiries by such agencies. These inquiries are ongoing and the company
continues to comply with requests for information from the SEC and the U.S. Attorney’s office.
At the present time the company cannot predict the outcome from these continuing inquiries,
or the ultimate effect on its financial statements, which effect could be material and adverse.

Subsidiaries of the company are 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.

In addition to the secured letters of credit referred to in note 4, at December 31, 2005 letters of
credit  aggregating  $450.0  had  been  issued  upon  the  company’s  application  and  pledged  as
security  for  subsidiaries’  reinsurance  balances,  all  relating  to  intercompany  reinsurance
between subsidiaries. These letters of credit are effectively secured by the assets held in trust
derived from the premiums on the company’s corporate insurance cover ultimately reinsured
with a Swiss Re subsidiary, and the interest thereon. The lenders have the ability, in the event
of  a  default,  to  cause  the  commutation  of  this  cover,  thereby  gaining  access  to  the  above-
mentioned assets.

At December 31, 2005, OdysseyRe had pledged and placed on deposit at Lloyd’s approximately
$188.8  (£110.0)  of  U.S.  Treasury  Notes  on  behalf  of  Advent.  Subsequent  to  year  end,  $65.2
(£38.0)  of  these  pledged  funds  were  substituted  with  funds  from  Advent,  thereby  reducing
funds pledged and deposited by OdysseyRe to $123.6 (£72.0). nSpire Re had previously pledged
assets at Lloyd’s on behalf of Advent pursuant to a November 2000 Funding Agreement with
Advent whereby the funds are used to support Advent’s underwriting activities for the 2001 to
2005  underwriting  years  of  account.  Advent  is  responsible  for  the  payment  of  any  losses
resulting from the use of these funds to support its underwriting activities.

A subsidiary of Lindsey Morden owes $62.3 (Cdn$72.8) (2004 – $78.3 (Cdn$105.0)) under an
unsecured  non-revolving  term  credit  facility.  Fairfax  has  extended  its  letter  of  support  of
Lindsey Morden to apply to a two-year extension of this credit facility.

The  company  under  certain  circumstances  may  be  obligated  to  assume  loans  to  officers  and
directors  of  the  company  and  its  subsidiaries  from  Canadian  chartered  banks  totalling  $9.5
(2004 – $9.3) for which 214,186 (2004 – 214,186) subordinate voting shares of the company
with  a  year-end  market  value  of  $30.8  (2004  –  $36.1)  have  been  pledged  as  security  by  the
borrowers.

41

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

The  company  also  has  restricted  stock  plans  or  equivalent  for  management  of  the  holding
company and its subsidiaries with vesting periods of up to ten years from the date of grant. At
December 31, 2005, 245,858 (2004 – 237,853) subordinate voting shares had been purchased
for the plans at a cost of $54.1 (2004 – $51.6).

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 $6.7 (2004 – $10.5; 2003 – $7.7).

13.

Pensions

The company’s subsidiaries have various pension and post retirement benefit plans for their
employees.  These  plans  are  a  combination  of  defined  benefit  plans  which  use  various
measurement  dates  between  September  30,  2005  and  December  31,  2005  and  defined
contribution plans. The following tables set forth the funded status of the company’s benefit
plans along with amounts recognized in the company’s consolidated financial statements for
both pension plans and post retirement benefit plans as of December 31, 2005 and 2004.

Defined Benefit
Pension Plans

Post Retirement
Benefit Plans

2005

2004

2005

2004

Accrued benefit obligation:
Balance – beginning of year

Current service cost
Interest cost
Actuarial losses
Benefits paid
Plan amendments
Foreign exchange (gain) loss

Balance – end of year

Fair value of plan assets:

Balance – beginning of year
Return on plan assets
Employer contributions
Employee contributions
Benefits paid
Foreign exchange gain (loss)

Balance – end of year

Funded status of plans – surplus (deficit)

Unamortized net actuarial loss
Unamortized past service costs
Unamortized transitional obligation

Accrued benefit asset (liability)

Plan assets consist of:
Fixed income securities
Equity securities
Real estate
Other

431.7
14.3
22.9
80.0
(10.0)
0.1
(25.7)

513.3

387.1
41.6
13.0
1.8
(10.0)
(22.9)

410.6

(102.7)
91.2
1.7
(9.5)

(19.3)

274.4
107.5
20.4
8.3

410.6

357.0
13.3
21.4
25.9
(10.2)
2.0
22.3

431.7

325.1
29.6
20.4
2.0
(10.2)
20.2

387.1

(44.6)
38.2
2.6
(10.8)

(14.6)

227.7
124.5
18.7
16.2

387.1

64.9
3.6
3.4
(0.3)
(5.2)
–
0.7

67.1

–
–
3.9
1.3
(5.2)
–

–

(67.1)
12.5
(7.9)
9.2

(53.3)

–
–
–
–

–

58.9
1.8
3.5
4.3
(4.6)
(0.6)
1.6

64.9

–
–
3.5
1.1
(4.6)
–

–

(64.9)
13.7
(9.0)
10.3

(49.9)

–
–
–
–

–

42

Plans with accrued benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of plan assets are as follows:

Accrued benefit obligation
Fair value of plan assets

Defined Benefit
Pension Plans

Post Retirement
Benefit Plans

2005

(513.3)
410.6

(102.7)

2004

(335.4)
278.9

(56.5)

2005

(67.1)
–

(67.1)

2004

(64.9)
–

(64.9)

Elements of expense recognized in the year are as follows:

Defined Benefit
Pension Plans

Post Retirement
Benefit Plans

2005

2004

2005

2004

12.5
22.9
(41.6)
80.0
0.1

11.3
21.4
(29.6)
25.9
2.0

2.3
3.4
–
(0.3)
–

0.7
3.5
–
4.3
(0.6)

73.9

31.0

5.4

7.9

Current service cost, net of employee

contributions

Interest cost
Actual return on plan assets
Actuarial losses
Plan amendments

Elements of employee future benefits cost before
adjustments to recognize the long term nature
of these costs

Adjustments to recognize the long term nature

of employee future benefits costs:

Difference between expected return and actual

return on plan assets for year

18.8

8.9

–

–

Difference between actuarial (gain) loss

recognized for the year and actuarial (gain)
loss on accrued benefit obligation for year
Difference between amortization of past service
costs for year and actuarial plan amendments
for year

Amortization of the transitional obligation

Defined benefit plans expense

(74.7)

(16.5)

1.9

(3.8)

0.9
(1.3)

(56.3)

17.6

–
(1.3)

(8.9)

22.1

(1.1)
1.1

1.9

7.3

(0.3)
1.1

(3.0)

4.9

The significant assumptions used are as follows (weighted average):

Defined Benefit
Pension Plans

2005

2004

Post Retirement
Benefit Plans

2005

2004

Accrued benefit obligation as of December 31:
Discount rate
Rate of compensation increase
Benefit costs for year ended December 31:
Discount rate
Expected long term rate of return on plan assets
Rate of compensation increase

5.5%
6.2%
4.3%

4.9%
4.3%

5.5%
4.3%

5.8%
6.6%
4.3%

5.3%
4.0%

5.9%
–
4.0%

5.8%
4.7%

6.0%
–
4.7%

The total expense recognized for the companies’ defined contribution plans for the year was
$18.5 (2004 – $16.0).

43

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

14.

Operating Leases

Aggregate  future  minimum  commitments  at  December  31,  2005  under  operating  leases
relating  to  premises,  automobiles  and  equipment  for  various  terms  up  to  ten  years  are  as
follows:

2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Thereafter

72.0
62.4
49.8
37.4
30.5
141.6

15.

Earnings per Share

Earnings per share are calculated after providing for dividends on the Series A floating and the
Series B fixed cumulative redeemable preferred shares.

The weighted average number of shares for 2005 was 16,529,218 (2004 – 13,898,948; 2003 –
14,024,338).

Diluted  earnings  per  share  calculations  in  2003  include  the  impact  of  converting  the
convertible debentures into 941,140 common shares. The impact was anti-dilutive in 2005 and
2004.

16.

Acquisitions and Divestitures

Year ended December 31, 2005

On  October  21,  2005,  OdysseyRe  issued  2.0  million  8.125%  Series  A  preferred  shares  and
2.0 million floating rate Series B preferred shares for net proceeds of $97.5. The Series A and
Series B preferred shares each have a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share. A subsidiary of
the  company  subscribed  for  530,000  Series  A  preferred  shares  and  70,000  Series  B  preferred
shares. As at December 31, 2005, 200,000 of the Series A preferred shares had been sold at no
gain or loss.

On October 6, 2005, OdysseyRe, through an underwritten public offering, raised net proceeds
of $102.1 through the issuance of 4.1 million shares of common stock at an offering price of
$24.96 per share. The company purchased 3.1 million of the shares issued, which decreased its
percentage  ownership  of  OdysseyRe  from  80.4%  to  80.1%.  This  share  offering  closed  on
October 12, 2005.

For each of the OdysseyRe transactions described above, the financing raised from unrelated
parties has been recorded in non-controlling interests on the balance sheet.

On  August  31,  2005,  Lindsey  Morden  completed  its  rights  offering,  issuing  a  total  of
7,791,712  subordinate  voting  shares  at  Cdn$4.25  per  share  for  net  proceeds,  after  offering
expenses, of $27.1 (Cdn$32.2). The net proceeds of the offering were used to partially repay the
Cdn$105.0 million of borrowings by a subsidiary of Lindsey Morden under an unsecured non-
revolving term credit facility due March 31, 2006. The company exercised all rights issued to it,
purchasing 7,154,628 subordinate voting shares at a cost of $25.6 (Cdn$30.4), which increased
its percentage ownership of Lindsey Morden from 75.0% to 81.0%.

On  August  2,  2005,  subsidiaries  of  the  company  sold  2.0  million  shares  of  Zenith  National
common stock at $66.00 per share. Net proceeds from the transaction were $132.0, resulting in
a pre-tax realized gain of $79.1. On September 23, 2005, subsidiaries of the company sold an
additional 157,524 shares of Zenith National common stock at $63.70 per share and $30.0 par
value of debentures convertible into the common stock of Zenith National for net proceeds of
$86.5,  resulting  in  a  pre-tax  realized  gain  of  $52.3.  These  two  transactions  reduced  the
company’s  ownership  of  Zenith  National  from  24.4%  to  10.3%  at  year-end.  Subsequent  to
year-end,  subsidiaries  of  the  company  sold  the  remaining  3.8  million  shares  (adjusted  for  a

44

three-for-two  stock  split)  of  Zenith  National  common  stock  at  $50.38  per  share  for  net
proceeds of $193.8, resulting in a realized pre-tax gain of $119.4.

On  June  3,  2005,  Advent,  through  an  underwritten  public  offering,  raised  gross  proceeds  of
$118.4 (£65.0): $72.9 (£40.0) of equity at $0.64 (35 pence) per share and $45.5 (£25.0) of debt.
Concurrent with the equity issue, the shares were listed on the Alternative Investments Market
of  the  London  Stock  Exchange.  The  company  maintained  its  46.8%  interest  in  Advent  by
purchasing its pro rata share of this equity at a total cost of $34.1 (£18.7).

Subsequent to year end, Advent raised an additional $51.5 (£30.0) of equity at $0.34 (20 pence)
per share with the company purchasing its pro rata share at a cost of $24.0 (£14.0), thereby
maintaining its 46.8% interest in Advent.

On December 29, 2004, the company agreed to acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding
common  shares  of  Compagnie  de  R´eassurance  d’Ile  de  France  (‘‘Corifrance’’),  a  French
reinsurance company, for $59.8 (444.0) payable on April 7, 2005. As at January 11, 2005 (the
date  of  acquisition),  the  fair  value  of  assets  and  liabilities  acquired  was  $122.2  (489.9)  and
$62.4 (445.9) respectively, resulting in no goodwill. In addition, the seller agreed to indemnify
the company, up to the purchase price, for any adverse development on acquired net reserves.

Year ended December 31, 2004

On November 15, 2004, OdysseyRe acquired Overseas Partners U.S. Reinsurance Company, a
reinsurance company domiciled in the state of Delaware, for $43.0. The fair value of assets and
liabilities acquired was $237.8 and $194.8 respectively, resulting in no goodwill.

Subsidiaries  of  the  company  sold  3.1  million  shares  of  common  stock  of  Zenith  National  at
$43 per share, in an underwritten public offering which closed on July 30, 2004, resulting in a
pre-tax realized gain after expenses of $40.9.

On May 18, 2004, the company recorded a pre-tax realized gain of $40.1 (Cdn$53.5) on the
sale of 6.0 million common shares of its Northbridge subsidiary in an underwritten secondary
offering at a price of Cdn$25.60 per share, generating net proceeds of $104.8 (Cdn$146.0) and
reducing the company’s ownership of Northbridge from 71.0% to 59.2%.

On  March  14,  2004,  Lindsey  Morden  completed  the  sale  of  its  U.S.  third  party  claims
administration business for a cash payment by Lindsey Morden of $22.0. The disposition of
this business resulted in a charge to earnings of $13.4, consisting of a $3.6 loss on the sale of
the business and other related accruals, including lease termination costs, of $9.8.

Year ended December 31, 2003

On  May  28  and  June  10,  2003,  Northbridge,  the  Canadian  holding  company  for  Lombard
Canada Ltd., Commonwealth Insurance Company, Markel Insurance Company of Canada and
Federated  Holdings  of  Canada  Ltd.  and  their  respective  subsidiaries,  issued  an  aggregate  of
14,740,000 common shares in an initial public offering at Cdn$15 (US$10.82) per share. Net
proceeds  (after  expenses  of  issue)  were  $148.9  (Cdn$206.4).  After  the  offering,  Fairfax  held
36.1 million (71.0%) of Northbridge’s common shares. Fairfax recorded a $5.7 (Cdn$8.0) gain
on its effective sale of a 29.0% interest in Northbridge which is included in realized gains on
investments in the consolidated statement of earnings.

On May 30, 2003, Lindsey Morden acquired all of the outstanding common shares of RSKCo
Services, Inc. (‘‘RSKCo’’), a claims management service provider in the U.S. The purchase price
payable  was  $10.1  and  the  fair  value  of  the  assets  acquired,  including  goodwill  of
approximately $4.7, and liabilities assumed were both $37.7.

On  March  3,  2003,  the  company  purchased  an  additional  4.3  million  outstanding  common
shares of OdysseyRe for $18.15 per share, increasing its interest in OdysseyRe from 73.8% to
80.6%.  As  consideration,  the  company  issued  seven-year  3.15%  notes  exchangeable  in
November 2004 and February 2005 into the same number of OdysseyRe shares purchased.

45

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

17.

Purchase Consideration Payable

On December 16, 2002, the company acquired Xerox’s 72.5% economic interest in TRG, the
holding company of International Insurance Company (‘‘IIC’’), in exchange for payments over
the next 15 years of $424.4 ($203.9 at December 16, 2002 using a discount rate of 9.0% per
annum), payable approximately $5.0 a quarter from 2003 to 2017 and approximately $128.2
on  December  16,  2017.  Upon  this  acquisition,  Xerox’s  non-voting  shares  were  amended  to
make  them  mandatorily  redeemable  for  the  payments  described  above  and  to  eliminate
Xerox’s  participation  in  the  operations  of  IIC,  and  a  direct  contractual  obligation  was
effectively created from the company to Xerox. On December 16, 2002, TIG merged with IIC.

18.

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  nSpire  Re  (which  fully  reinsures  the  U.K.  and
international  runoff  operations,  conducted  primarily  through  RiverStone  (UK))  and  the
U.S. runoff company formed on the merger of TIG and IIC combined with Old Lyme. The U.K.
and international runoff operations have reinsured their reinsurance portfolios to nSpire Re to
provide  consolidated  investment  and  liquidity  management  services,  with  the  RiverStone
Group retaining full responsibility for all other aspects of the business. Included in the runoff
segment  is  Group  Re  which,  through  CRC  (Bermuda)  (Canadian  business),  Wentworth
(international  business)  and  nSpire  Re  (U.S.  business),  writes  and  retains  insurance  business
written  by  other  Fairfax  subsidiaries.  The  company  also  provides  claims  adjusting,  appraisal
and loss management services.

46

Revenue
Net premiums earned
Insurance – Canada

– U.S.
– Asia

Reinsurance
Runoff and Group Re

Interest and dividends
Realized gains
Claims fees

Allocation of revenue
Earnings (loss)

before income
taxes

Underwriting results

Insurance – Canada

– U.S.
– Asia

Reinsurance

Interest and dividends

Operating income
Realized gains (losses)

Runoff and Group Re
Claims adjusting
Interest expense
Corporate and other

Identifiable assets
Insurance
Reinsurance
Runoff and Group Re
Claims adjusting
Corporate

Canada
2004

2005

United States

2003

2005

2004

2003

Europe and Far East
2005

2004

2003

Corporate and other
2004
2005

2003

Total
2004(1)

2005

2003(1)

959.2
1,053.1
68.2
2,287.2
336.1

939.0
1,027.6
57.8
2,320.8
456.3

703.2
991.7
37.2
1,965.1
511.8

4,703.8

4,801.5

4,209.0

466.1
352.1
356.2

366.7
288.3
336.1

330.1
845.9
328.9

5,878.2

5,792.6

5,713.9

891.0
–
–
50.9
221.4

835.7
–
–
46.2
154.9

625.0
–
–
40.5
173.5

57.4
1,053.1
–
1,335.9
68.7

76.9
1,027.6
–
1,381.6
277.0

55.2
991.7
–
1,221.6
86.2

10.8
–
68.2
900.4
46.0

26.4
–
57.8
893.0
24.4

23.0
–
37.2
703.0
252.1

1,163.3 1,036.8

839.0

2,515.1

2,763.1

2,354.7 1,025.4 1,001.6 1,015.3

24.7% 21.6% 19.9%

53.5%

57.5%

56.0% 21.8% 20.9% 24.1%

125.9
–
–
1.6

127.5
67.4

194.9
106.4

301.3
41.5
(18.4)
–
(14.6)

105.9
–
–
3.7

109.6
61.2

170.8
34.7

205.5
11.6
(16.4)
–
(8.3)

40.3
–
–
3.4

43.7
57.1

100.8
67.2

168.0
–
(17.4)
–
(4.4)

(45.3)
(9.1)
–
(393.3)

(447.7)
228.5

(219.2)
212.1

(7.1)
(394.8)
(0.7)
(62.9)
(27.5)

9.2
(55.0)
–
(42.9)

(88.7)
217.3

128.6
140.2

268.8
(119.3)
(18.4)
(58.8)
(20.8)

2.4
(27.1)
–
17.3

(7.4)
146.4

139.0
312.7

(12.4)
–
4.8
(2.8)

(10.4)
49.5

0.4
–
4.7
82.4

87.5
22.9

39.1
(2.2)

110.4
7.3

451.7
(136.2)
(28.1)
(31.4)
(13.8)

36.9
(288.2)
28.4
–
(2.4)

117.7
(85.9)
22.6
–
(2.8)

9.6
–
1.5
40.3

51.4
16.8

68.2
284.1

352.3
26.2
27.7
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–

–
–

68.2
(9.1)
4.8
(394.5)

(330.6)
345.4

115.5
(55.0)
4.7
43.2

108.4
301.4

409.8
162.7

572.5
(193.6)
(12.2)
(153.3)
(76.3)

52.3
(27.1)
1.5
61.0

87.7
220.3

308.0
534.6

842.6
(110.0)
(17.8)
(139.7)
(48.7)

–
(22.0)

–

–
(19.5) (129.4)

14.8
294.3

(22.0)
–
–
(122.8)
35.7

–
–

(19.5) (129.4)
–
–
(94.5) (108.3)
(30.5)
(44.4)

309.1
(641.5)
9.3
(185.7)
(8.8)

309.8

192.4

146.2

(493.0)

51.5

242.2

(225.3)

51.6

406.2 (109.1) (158.4) (268.2)

(517.6)

137.1

526.4

3,380.7 2,683.1 2,373.8
135.3
169.7
516.6
464.9
27.3
43.4
–
–

145.3
463.4
37.7
–

6,728.6
6,597.1
4,787.1
36.0
–

6,577.9
5,407.4
5,083.6
33.3
–

234.0
6,293.6
326.3
320.9
5,266.5 1,321.7 1,457.2
960.6
5,605.0 2,676.7 2,984.3 2,705.2
270.7
–

253.9
–

282.3
–

53.2
–

–
–
–
–
816.6

–
–
–
–
817.9

– 10,430.2
8,064.1
–
7,927.2
–
327.6
–
816.6
576.5

9,587.3
7,034.3
8,532.8
359.0
817.9

8,901.4
6,362.4
8,826.8
351.2
576.5

4,027.1 3,361.1 3,053.0 18,148.8 17,102.2 17,218.3 4,573.2 5,050.1 4,170.5

816.6

817.9

576.5 27,565.7 26,331.3 25,018.3

Amortization

14.6% 12.8% 12.2%
16.4
11.1

7.4

65.8%
13.0

65.0%
18.5

68.8% 16.6% 19.2% 16.7% 3.0% 3.0% 2.3%
–

26.2

13.0

4.8

9.5

–

–

25.2

42.6

52.1

(1) Retroactively restated pursuant to the change in accounting policy described in note 6.

47

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Interest and dividend income for the Canadian Insurance, U.S. Insurance, Asian Insurance and
Reinsurance segments is $65.7, $105.0, $7.5 and $167.2, respectively (2004 – $60.9, $81.3, $2.9
and $156.3) (2003 – $50.8, $76.1, $0.7 and $92.7).

Realized  gains  for  the  Canadian  Insurance,  U.S.  Insurance,  Asian  Insurance  and  Reinsurance
segments are $104.0, $106.9, $1.0 and $104.4, respectively (2004 – $22.6, $85.0, nil and $74.6)
(2003 – $67.2, $308.8, $3.8 and $284.1).

Interest expense for the Canadian Insurance, U.S. Insurance, Asian Insurance and Reinsurance
segments is nil, $32.9, nil and $30.0, respectively (2004 – nil, $33.2, nil and $25.6) (2003 – nil,
$18.7, nil and $12.7).

Geographic  premiums  are  determined  based  on  the  domicile  of  the  various  subsidiaries  and
where the primary underlying risk of the business resides.

Corporate  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.

19.

Fair Value

Information on the fair values of financial instruments of the company, including where those
values  differ  from  their  carrying  values  in  the  financial  statements  at  December  31,  2005,
include:

Marketable securities at holding company

Portfolio investments

Securities sold but not yet purchased

Long term debt

Trust preferred securities of subsidiaries

Purchase consideration payable

Note
Reference

Carrying
Value

Estimated
Fair Value

3

4

4

6

7

17

278.5

284.5

15,034.2

15,571.4

700.3

2,234.6

52.4

192.1

700.3

2,198.6

42.2

192.1

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  and
reinsurance recoverables are not determinable.

These fair values have not been reflected in the financial statements.

20.

US GAAP Reconciliation

The consolidated financial statements of the company have been prepared in accordance with
Canadian  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,  2005,  2004  and  2003,  significant  differences  between
consolidated  net  earnings  under  Canadian  GAAP  and  consolidated  net  earnings  under  US
GAAP were as follows:

(a) Under Canadian GAAP, 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. Under US GAAP, these recoveries, which are
considered  to  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

48

settlement period over which the company expects to receive the recoveries and is
recorded in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

(b) Other than temporary declines are recorded in earnings. Declines in fair values are
generally presumed to be other than temporary if they have persisted over a period of
time  and  factors  indicate  that  recovery  is  uncertain.  Under  Canadian  GAAP,  other
than  temporary  declines  in  the  value  of  investment  securities  to  fair  value  are
recorded in earnings. Under US GAAP, securities are written down to quoted market
value when an other than temporary decline occurs.

The following shows the net earnings in accordance with US GAAP:

Net earnings (loss), Canadian GAAP

2005

(497.9)

Recoveries (deferred gains) on retroactive reinsurance (a)

163.8

Other than temporary declines (b)

27.7

2004

(19.8)

25.3

28.1

Other differences

Tax effect

Net earnings (loss), US GAAP

Other comprehensive income (loss)(1)

(2.0)

(14.4)

(62.4)

(13.1)

(370.8)

6.1

(3.0)

171.0

2003

270.0

(209.4)

(49.9)

1.5

91.0

103.2

445.6

Comprehensive income (loss), US GAAP

(373.8)

177.1

548.8

Net earnings (loss) per share, US GAAP

$ (23.03)

$ (0.29)

$ 6.66

Net earnings (loss) per diluted share, US GAAP

$ (23.03)

$ (0.29)

$ 6.66

(1) Consists of the after-tax change in the mark-to-market valuation of investments of $24.0 (2004 –
$95.1; 2003 – $92.7) and the change in the currency translation adjustment amount of $(27.0)
(2004 – $75.9; 2003 – $352.9).

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.  Strategic  investments
include Hub and Advent which are equity accounted and Zenith which is carried at cost. In the
U.S., such investments (excluding equity accounted investments) are classified as available for
sale and recorded at market values through shareholders’ equity.

As  described  in  footnote  (6)  in  note  6,  under  Canadian  GAAP  the  value  of  the  conversion
option of the company’s 5% convertible senior debentures is included in Other paid in capital.
Under US GAAP the full principal amount of the debentures is included in debt.

49

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

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

Subsidiary cash and short term investments
Bonds
Preferred stocks
Common stocks
Strategic investments
Investments (including subsidiary cash and short term

2005

2004

3,788.9
7,766.5
16.6
2,533.0
351.0

3,476.3
7,130.2
136.4
1,957.9
412.2

investments) pledged for securities sold but not yet purchased

1,009.3

733.9

Total portfolio investments
Future income taxes
Goodwill
All other assets

Total assets

Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Securities sold but not yet purchased
Long term debt – holding company borrowings
Long term debt – subsidiary company borrowings
All other liabilities

Total liabilities

Mandatorily redeemable shares of TRG
Non-controlling interests

Shareholders’ Equity

15,465.3
1,150.2
263.0
11,203.6

13,846.9
1,066.3
280.2
11,667.2

28,082.1

26,860.6

1,749.7
700.3
1,424.7
869.3
19,628.9

1,884.3
539.5
1,480.3
773.0
18,526.8

24,372.9

23,203.9

192.1
752.3

944.4

195.2
583.0

778.2

2,764.8

2,878.5

28,082.1

26,860.6

The difference in consolidated shareholders’ equity is as follows:

Shareholders’ equity based on Canadian GAAP
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Reduction of other paid in capital
Cumulative reduction in net earnings under US GAAP

2005

2004

2003

2,905.9
306.5
(59.4)
(388.2)

3,170.7
282.5
(59.4)
(515.3)

2,879.3
187.5
(62.7)
(541.2)

Shareholders’ equity based on US GAAP

2,764.8

2,878.5

2,462.9

50

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 financial statements. A new Canadian GAAP standard will require this presentation
to be adopted in 2007 (see Future accounting changes in note 2). Other comprehensive income
includes (besides the currency translation account, which is disclosed under Canadian GAAP)
unrealized gains and losses on investments, as follows:

Unrealized gain on investments available for sale
Related deferred income taxes
Other

2005

2004

2003

456.3
(163.8)
14.0

420.1
(151.6)
14.0

271.1
(97.7)
14.1

306.5

282.5

187.5

The  cumulative  reduction  in  net  earnings  under  US  GAAP  of  $388.2  at  December  31,  2005
relates  primarily  to  the  deferred  gain  on  retroactive  reinsurance  ($425.5  after  tax)  which  is
amortized into income as the underlying claims are paid.

Disclosure of Interest and Income Taxes Paid
The aggregate amount of interest paid for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
was $198.4, $175.1 and $140.9, respectively. The aggregate amount of income taxes paid for
the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 was $102.4, $132.6 and $42.9, respectively.

Statement of Cash Flows
There  are  no  significant  differences  on  the  statement  of  cash  flows  under  US  GAAP  as
compared to Canadian GAAP.

51

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations (as of March 31, 2006 except as otherwise indicated)
(Figures and amounts are in US$ and $ millions except per share amounts and as otherwise
indicated. Figures may not add due to rounding.)

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.  Additional  information  relating  to  the  Company,
including its annual information form, can be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com,
which can also be accessed from the company’s website www.fairfax.ca.

(2) Management  analyzes  and  assesses  the  underlying  insurance,  reinsurance  and
runoff operations and the 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,  are  non-GAAP  measures;  these  measures  include  tables
showing  the  company’s  sources  of  net  earnings  with  Lindsey  Morden  equity
accounted  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.

(3) The combined ratio – which may be calculated differently by different companies
and is calculated by the company as the sum of the loss ratio (claims losses and loss
adjustment expenses expressed as a percentage of net premiums earned) and the
expense  ratio  (commissions,  premium  acquisition  costs  and  other  underwriting
expenses as a percentage of net premiums earned) – is the traditional measure of
underwriting results of property and casualty companies, but is regarded as a non-
GAAP measure.

(4) References to other documents or certain websites do not constitute incorporation
for reference in this MD&A of all or any portion of those documents or websites.

(5) References in this MD&A to Fairfax’s insurance and reinsurance operations do not

include Fairfax’s runoff and other operations.

Sources of Revenue

Revenue reflected in the consolidated financial statements for the past three years is shown in
the table below (claims adjusting fees are from Lindsey Morden).

Net premiums earned

Insurance – Canada (Northbridge)
Insurance – U.S.
Insurance – Asia (Fairfax Asia)
Reinsurance (OdysseyRe)
Runoff and other

Interest and dividends
Realized gains
Claims fees

2005

2004

2003

959.2
1,053.1
68.2
2,287.2
336.1

4,703.8
466.1
352.1
356.2

939.0
1,027.6
57.8
2,320.8
456.3

4,801.5
366.7
288.3
336.1

703.2
991.7
37.2
1,965.1
511.8

4,209.0
330.1
845.9
328.9

5,878.2

5,792.6

5,713.9

Revenue  in  2005  increased  to  $5,878.2  from  $5,792.6  in  2004,  principally  as  a  result  of
increased investment income and net realized gains, offset by lower earned premiums. During

52

2005, net premiums written by Northbridge, Crum & Forster and OdysseyRe, expressed in local
currency, decreased 5.0%, 0.3% and 1.5%, respectively, from 2004. Consolidated net premiums
written in 2005 decreased by 1.7% to $4,705.4 from $4,786.5 in 2004. Net premiums earned
from  the  insurance  and  reinsurance  operations  increased  by  0.5%  to  $4,367.7  in  2005  from
$4,345.2 in 2004.

Claims  fees  for  2005  increased  by  6.0%  over  2004,  principally  reflecting  growth  in
international  and  U.S.  revenues  offset  by  declining  revenues  in  Europe  (including  foreign
exchange movements against the U.S. dollar).

As shown in note 18 to the consolidated financial statements, on a geographic basis, United
States, Canadian, and Europe and Far East operations accounted for 53.5%, 24.7% and 21.8%,
respectively,  of  net  premiums  earned  in  2005  compared  with  57.5%,  21.6%  and  20.9%,
respectively, in 2004.

The significant changes in net premiums earned for 2005 compared with 2004 in the various
geographic areas were caused by the following factors:

(a)

The growth in Canadian net premiums earned from $1,036.8 in 2004 to $1,163.3 in
2005  was  due  primarily  to  the  strengthening  of  the  Canadian  dollar  against  the
U.S. dollar in respect of the Northbridge premiums and to increased Canadian-based
business in Group Re.

(b) The decrease in U.S. net premiums earned by Runoff and Group Re from $277.0 in
2004  to  $68.7  in  2005  was  due  primarily  to  a  reduction  of  earned  premiums  in
U.S. runoff and less third party reinsurance business in Group Re.

(c)

The increase in Europe and Far East net premiums earned by Runoff and Group Re
from  $24.4  in  2004  to  $46.0  in  2005  was  due  primarily  to  the  acquisition  of
Compagnie de R´eassurance d’Ile de France by the Runoff group.

Net Earnings

Combined ratios and sources of net earnings (with Lindsey Morden equity accounted) for the
past three years are as set out beginning on page 54. Commentary on combined ratios and on
operating  income  on  a  segment  by  segment  basis  is  provided  under  Underwriting  and
Operating Income beginning on page 61.

The following table shows the combined ratios and underwriting and operating results for each
of the company’s insurance and reinsurance operations and, as applicable, for its runoff and
other operations, as well as the earnings contributions from its claims adjusting, appraisal and
loss  management  services.  In  that  table,  interest  and  dividends  and  realized  gains  on  the
consolidated statements of earnings are broken out so that those items are shown separately as

53

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

they relate to the insurance and reinsurance operating results, and are comprised in Runoff and
other as they relate to that segment.

Combined ratios (1)(2)

Insurance – Canada (Northbridge)

– U.S.
– Asia (Fairfax Asia)

Reinsurance (OdysseyRe)

Consolidated

Sources of net earnings

Underwriting

Insurance – Canada (Northbridge)

– U.S.
– Asia (Fairfax Asia)

Reinsurance (OdysseyRe)

Underwriting income (loss)
Interest and dividends

Operating income
Realized gains
Runoff and other
Claims adjusting (Fairfax portion)
Interest expense
Corporate overhead and other

Pre-tax income (loss)
Taxes
Non-controlling interests

Net earnings (loss)

2005

2004

2003

92.9%
100.9%
93.0%
117.2%

87.7%
105.4%
91.9%
98.1%

92.6%
102.7%
96.0%
96.9%

107.6%

97.5%

97.6%

68.2
(9.1)
4.8
(394.5)

(330.6)
345.4

14.8
294.3
(641.5)
5.4
(185.7)
(8.8)

(521.5)
69.4
(45.8)

115.5
(55.0)
4.7
43.2

108.4
301.4

409.8
162.7
(193.6)
(15.4)
(153.3)
(76.3)

133.9
(74.6)
(79.1)

52.3
(27.1)
1.5
61.0

87.7
220.3

308.0
534.6
(110.0)
(16.6)
(139.7)
(48.7)

527.6
(187.6)
(70.0)

(497.9)

(19.8)

270.0

(1) The  2005  combined  ratios  include  7.9  combined  ratio  points  for  Canadian  insurance,  8.9
combined  ratio  points  for  U.S.  insurance,  19.0  combined  ratio  points  for  reinsurance  and  13.9
consolidated combined ratio points, arising from the 2005 hurricane losses.

(2) The  2004  combined  ratios  include  2.9  combined  ratio  points  for  Canadian  insurance,  9.4
combined  ratio  points  for  U.S.  insurance,  4.2  combined  ratio  points  for  reinsurance  and  5.1
consolidated combined ratio points, arising from the 2004 third quarter hurricane losses.

The company’s insurance and reinsurance operations incurred an underwriting loss of $330.6,
reflecting  the  impact  of  $609.9  of  net  losses  from  Hurricanes  Katrina,  Rita  and  Wilma  (‘‘the
2005 hurricanes’’). Prior to giving effect to these losses, those operations would have generated
an underwriting profit of $279.3. The consolidated combined ratio of the company’s insurance
and  reinsurance  operations  was  107.6%.  Prior  to  giving  effect  to  the  2005  hurricane  losses,
those operations would have had a consolidated combined ratio of 93.7%, reflecting continued
strong underwriting performance prior to the impact of the hurricane losses. By comparison,
the company’s insurance and reinsurance operations had a net underwriting profit of $108.4 in
2004  (an  underwriting  profit  of  $330.5  prior  to  giving  effect  to  the  losses  during  the  third
quarter of 2004 from Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne (‘‘the 2004 third quarter
hurricanes’’)).  The  company’s  2004  consolidated  combined  ratio  was  97.5%  (92.4%  prior  to
giving effect to the 2004 third quarter hurricane losses).

The net loss increased to $497.9 ($30.72 per share) in 2005 from a net loss of $19.8 ($2.16 per
share) in 2004, primarily due to the 2005 hurricanes, partially offset by increased investment
income and net realized gains (described under ‘‘Interest and Dividends’’ and ‘‘Realized Gains’’

54

below)  and  a  recovery  of  income  taxes.  Prior  to  the  impact  of  $715.5  of  consolidated  losses
resulting  from  the  2005  hurricanes  and  $465.5  of  charges  resulting  from  actions  taken  in
runoff,  earnings  from  operations  before  income  taxes  in  2005  would  have  been  $663.4,
compared to $389.8 in 2004 prior to giving effect to $252.7 in losses resulting from the 2004
third quarter hurricanes.

Of the $1,071.2 of consolidated operating expenses in 2005 ($1,037.6 in 2004), $737.9 ($715.9
in  2004)  related  to  insurance,  reinsurance,  runoff  and  other  operations  (including  $22.7  in
restructuring charges) and corporate overhead, while the balance of $333.3 ($321.7 in 2004)
related to Lindsey Morden.

Cash  flow  from  operations  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2005  amounted  to  $346.0  for
Northbridge  ($250.5  in  2004),  $9.1  for  Crum  &  Forster  ($94.7  in  2004)  and  $397.3  for
OdysseyRe  ($603.2  in  2004).  Increased  cash  flows  at  Northbridge  were  primarily  increases
occurring  in  the  normal  course  of  operations.  Decreased  cash  flows  at  Crum  &  Forster  were
primarily a result of lower proceeds from commutations and higher catastrophe and asbestos
loss  payments,  partially  offset  by  a  reduction  in  all  other  claims  payments.  Decreased  cash
flows  at  OdysseyRe  reflect  an  increase  in  paid  losses  related  to  2004  and  2005  catastrophes,
principally the 2005 hurricanes.

The  above  sources  of  net  earnings  (with  Lindsey  Morden  equity  accounted)  presented  by
business segment were as set out below for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
(commentary  on  the  company’s  2005  fourth  quarter  results,  compared  with  its  2004  fourth
quarter results, is contained on page 2 of the company’s February 9, 2006 news release relating
to its financial results for 2005, which commentary is incorporated herein by reference). The
intercompany  adjustment  for  gross  premiums  written  eliminates  premiums  on  reinsurance
ceded within the group, primarily to OdysseyRe, nSpire Re and Group Re. The intercompany
adjustment  for  realized  gains  eliminates  gains  or  losses  on  purchase  and  sale  transactions
within the group.

Year ended December 31, 2005

Northbridge

Insurance

 Asia OdysseyRe Operations

 Other

Intercompany

 Other Consolidated

U.S.

Fairfax

Ongoing Runoff &

Corporate &

Gross premiums written

1,545.2

1,303.6

76.6

2,641.4

5,566.8

377.6

(372.4)

Net premiums written

978.8

1,026.0

46.5

2,314.1

4,365.4

340.0

Net premiums earned

959.2

1,053.1

68.2

2,287.2

4,367.7

336.1

Underwriting profit (loss)
Interest and dividends

Operating income before:
Realized gains
Runoff and other operating (loss)
Claims adjusting
Interest expense
Corporate overhead and other

Pre-tax income (loss)
Recovery of taxes
Non-controlling interests

Net earnings (loss)

68.2
65.7

133.9
104.0
–
–
–
(14.6)

(9.1)
105.0

95.9
106.9
–
–
(32.9)
(2.5)

4.8
7.5

12.3
1.0
–
–
–
(2.4)

(394.5)
167.2

(227.3)
104.4
–
–
(30.0)
(25.0)

(330.6)
345.4

14.8
316.3
–
–
(62.9)
(44.5)

–
–

–
55.4
(696.9)
–
–
–

223.3

167.4

10.9

(177.9)

223.7

(641.5)

–

–

–
–

–
(24.7)
–
–
–
–

(24.7)

–

–

–

–
–

–
2.7
–
5.4
(122.8)
35.7

(79.0)

5,572.0

4,705.4

4,703.8

(330.6)
345.4

14.8
349.7
(696.9)
5.4
(185.7)
(8.8)

(521.5)
69.4
(45.8)

(497.9)

55

–

–

–

–
–

–
24.3
–
(15.4)
(94.5)
(44.4)

–

–

–
–

–
(43.8)
–
–
–
–

–

–

–

–
–

–
3.1
–
(16.6)
(108.3)
(30.5)

–

–

–
–

–
(132.4)
–
–
–
–

5,608.8

4,786.5

4,801.5

108.4
301.4

409.8
288.3
(319.2)
(15.4)
(153.3)
(76.3)

133.9
(74.6)
(79.1)

(19.8)

5,518.6

4,448.1

4,209.0

87.7
220.3

308.0
845.9
(421.3)
(16.6)
(139.7)
(48.7)

527.6
(187.6)
(70.0)

270.0

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Year ended December 31, 2004

Northbridge

Insurance

 Asia OdysseyRe Operations

Other

Intercompany

Other Consolidated

U.S.

Fairfax

Ongoing Runoff &

Corporate &

Gross premiums written

1,483.1

1,345.1

86.7

2,631.6

5,546.5

584.2

(521.9)

Net premiums written

957.6

1,036.0

59.6

2,349.6

4,402.8

383.7

Net premiums earned

939.0

1,027.6

57.8

2,320.8

4,345.2

456.3

115.5
60.9

176.4
22.6
–
–
–
(8.3)

(55.0)
81.3

26.3
85.0
–
–
(33.2)
(8.4)

4.7
2.9

7.6
–
–
–
–
(2.8)

43.2
156.3

199.5
74.6
–
–
(25.6)
(12.4)

108.4
301.4

409.8
182.2
–
–
(58.8)
(31.9)

–
–

–
125.6
(319.2)
–
–
–

190.7

69.7

4.8

236.1

501.3

(193.6)

(43.8)

(130.0)

Underwriting profit (loss)
Interest and dividends

Operating income before:
Realized gains
Runoff and other operating (loss)
Claims adjusting
Interest expense
Corporate overhead and other

Pre-tax income (loss)
Taxes
Non-controlling interests

Net earnings (loss)

Year ended December 31, 2003

Northbridge

Insurance

Asia OdysseyRe Operations

Other

Intercompany

Other Consolidated

U.S.

Fairfax

Ongoing Runoff &

Corporate &

Gross premiums written

1,318.6

1,396.0

81.8

2,558.2

5,354.6

582.2

(418.2)

Net premiums written

802.3

1,092.1

61.6

2,153.6

4,109.6

338.5

Net premiums earned

703.2

991.7

37.2

1,965.1

3,697.2

511.8

Underwriting profit (loss)
Interest and dividends

Operating income before:
Realized gains
Runoff and other operating (loss)
Claims adjusting
Interest expense
Corporate overhead and other

Pre-tax income (loss)
Taxes
Non-controlling interests

Net earnings

52.3
50.8

103.1
67.2
–
–
–
(4.4)

(27.1)
76.1

49.0
308.8
–
–
(18.7)
(5.9)

165.9

333.2

1.5
0.7

2.2
3.8
–
–
–
–

6.0

61.0
92.7

153.7
284.1
–
–
(12.7)
(7.9)

87.7
220.3

308.0
663.9
–
–
(31.4)
(18.2)

–
–

–
311.3
(421.3)
–
–
–

417.2

922.3

(110.0)

(132.4)

(152.3)

Reference is made to note 2, as well as note 20, to the consolidated financial statements for a
discussion of future accounting changes.

56

Segmented Balance Sheet

The company’s segmented balance sheets as at December 31, 2005 and 2004 are presented to
disclose the assets and liabilities of, and the capital invested by the company in, each of the
company’s  major  segments.  The  segmented  balance  sheets  have  been  prepared  on  the
following basis:

(a)

(b)

The  balance  sheet  for  each  segment  is  on  a  legal  entity  basis  for  the  subsidiaries
within  the  segment  (except  for  nSpire  Re  in  Runoff  and  Other,  which  excludes
balances  related  to  U.S.  acquisition  financing),  prepared  in  accordance  with
Canadian  GAAP  and  Fairfax’s  accounting  policies  and  basis  of  accounting.
Accordingly, these segmented balance sheets differ from those published by Crum &
Forster and OdysseyRe due to differences between Canadian and US GAAP.

Investments  in  affiliates,  which  are  carried  at  cost,  are  disclosed  in  the  business
segments on pages 61 to 80. Affiliated insurance and reinsurance balances, including
premiums  receivable,  reinsurance  recoverable,  deferred  premium  acquisition  costs,
funds withheld payable to reinsurers, provision for claims and unearned premiums
are not shown separately but are eliminated in Corporate and Other.

(c) Corporate and Other includes Fairfax entity and its subsidiary intermediate holding
companies  as  well  as  the  consolidating  and  eliminating  entries  required  under
Canadian GAAP to prepare consolidated financial statements. The most significant of
those  entries  derive  from  the  elimination  of  intercompany  reinsurance  (primarily
consisting  of  normal  course  reinsurance  provided  by  Group  Re and  normal  course
reinsurance between OdysseyRe and the primary insurers or created as a result of pre-
acquisition  reinsurance  relationships),  which  affects  Recoverable  from  reinsurers,
Provision for claims and Unearned premiums. The $1,602.3 corporate and other long
term debt as at December 31, 2005 consists primarily of Fairfax debt of $1,365.3 (see
note  6  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements),  TIG  trust  preferred  securities  of
$52.4  (see  note  7  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements)  and  purchase
consideration payable of $192.1 (related to the TRG acquisition referred to in note 17
to the consolidated financial statements).

57

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Segmented Balance Sheet as at December 31, 2005

Insurance

Reinsurance

Northbridge

U.S.

Asia

OdysseyRe

Companies

 Other

Morden

and Other

Fairfax

Fairfax

Operating

Runoff and

Lindsey

Corporate

Assets
Cash, short term investments
and marketable securities
Accounts receivable and other
Recoverable from reinsurers
Portfolio investments
Deferred premium acquisition

costs

Future income taxes
Premises and equipment
Goodwill
Due from affiliates
Other assets
Investments in Fairfax affiliates

–
438.0
1,330.3
2,447.7

1.7
382.9
2,244.9
3,784.9

–
38.2
48.7
190.7

122.0
61.8
15.0
16.1
–
1.3
–

78.5
182.3
4.2
7.3
–
25.6
118.8

6.7
0.5
1.0
5.4
2.5
–
–

–
872.4
1,478.0
5,670.4

173.6
212.8
12.2
12.2
–
24.5
88.5

1.7
1,731.5
5,101.9
12,093.7

380.8
457.4
32.4
41.0
2.5
51.4
207.3

–
654.6
4,078.2
2,927.0

10.7
795.0
8.5
–
94.5
14.9
487.6

–
115.7
–
10.0

–
2.4
11.2
175.6
2.1
8.8
–

557.3
(121.4)
(1,524.5)
3.5

559.0
2,380.4
7,655.6
15,034.2

–
(120.5)
43.6
(5.8)
(99.1)
29.1
(694.9)

391.5
1,134.3
95.7
210.8
–
104.2
–

Total assets

4,432.2

6,831.1

293.7

8,544.6

20,101.6

9,071.0

325.8

(1,932.7) 27,565.7

Liabilities
Lindsey Morden indebtedness
Accounts payable and accrued

liabilities

Securities sold but not yet

purchased
Due to affiliates
Funds withheld payable to

reinsurers

Provision for claims
Unearned premiums
Deferred taxes payable
Long term debt

–

–

–

–

–

–

63.9

–

63.9

208.2

256.3

21.1

149.8

635.4

310.8

82.2

121.6

1,150.0

227.5
3.3

329.7
6.8

58.7
2,198.1
852.1
5.3
–

301.1
3,896.8
560.2
–
300.0

–
–

0.1
114.7
58.3
–
–

139.2
3.3

192.7
5,121.9
933.7
–
469.5

696.4
13.4

552.6
11,331.5
2,404.3
5.3
769.5

3.9
–

620.4
6,251.9
155.7
–
–

–
–

–
–
–
3.0
107.3

–
(13.4)

700.3
–

(118.6)

1,054.4
(1,554.2) 16,029.2
2,429.0
–
2,479.1

(131.0)
(8.3)
1,602.3

Total liabilities

3,553.2

5,650.9

194.2

7,010.1

16,408.4

7,342.7

256.4

(101.6) 23,905.9

Non-controlling interests

–

–

7.2

–

7.2

–

1.0

745.7

753.9

Shareholders’ equity

879.0

1,180.2

92.3

1,534.5

3,686.0

1,728.3

68.4

(2,576.8)

2,905.9

Total liabilities and

shareholders’ equity

Capital
Debt
Non-controlling interests
Investments in Fairfax affiliates
Shareholders’ equity

Total capital

4,432.2

6,831.1

293.7

8,544.6

20,101.6

9,071.0

325.8

(1,932.7) 27,565.7

–
358.6
–
520.4

300.0
–
118.8
1,061.4

879.0

1,480.2

–
–
–
92.3

92.3

469.5
374.0
88.5
1,072.0

769.5
732.6
207.3
2,746.1

–
–
487.6
1,240.7

171.2
13.0
–
55.4

1,602.3
8.3
(694.9)
(1,136.3)

2,543.0
753.9
–
2,905.9

2,004.0

4,455.5

1,728.3

239.6

(220.6)

6,202.8

% of total capital

14.2%

23.9%

1.5%

32.3%

71.9%

27.9%

3.9%

(3.7)% 100.0%

58

Segmented Balance Sheet as at December 31, 2004

Insurance

Reinsurance

Northbridge

U.S.

Asia

OdysseyRe

Companies

 Other

Morden

Fairfax

Operating

Runoff and

Lindsey

Corporate
and Other(1) Fairfax(1)

Assets
Cash, short term investments
and marketable securities
Accounts receivable and other
Recoverable from reinsurers
Portfolio investments
Deferred premium acquisition

costs

Future income taxes
Premises and equipment
Goodwill
Due from affiliates
Other assets
Investments in Fairfax affiliates

–
488.1
1,049.3
1,983.7

17.1
446.4
1,965.0
3,574.1

–
36.4
57.8
167.2

110.1
44.1
11.2
16.6
–
1.3
–

83.0
160.9
5.3
7.3
1.1
27.2
101.6

7.6
2.2
1.2
6.0
7.7
–
–

–
857.0
1,275.8
4,762.2

171.1
169.9
11.9
13.0
8.7
15.4
87.9

17.1
1,827.9
4,347.9
10,487.2

371.8
377.1
29.6
42.9
17.5
43.9
189.5

–
479.6
5,045.6
2,875.2

7.0
728.9
9.4
–
359.4
28.9
461.3

–
118.0
–
23.7

–
2.7
13.3
192.4
1.3
8.9
–

549.7
(79.5)
(1,258.0)
104.3

566.8
2,346.0
8,135.5
13,490.4

–
(135.1)
47.5
(7.2)
(378.2)
30.6
(650.8)

378.8
973.6
99.8
228.1
–
112.3
–

Total assets

3,704.4

6,389.0

286.1

7,372.9

17,752.4

9,995.3

360.3

(1,776.7) 26,331.3

Liabilities
Lindsey Morden indebtedness
Accounts payable and accrued

liabilities

Securities sold but not yet

purchased

Funds withheld payable to

reinsurers

Provision for claims
Unearned premiums
Deferred taxes payable
Long term debt

–

–

–

–

–

–

89.2

–

89.2

171.5

274.4

20.8

180.3

647.0

341.5

102.4

31.5

1,122.4

221.0

217.4

–

56.2

494.6

–

–

44.9

539.5

47.4
1,744.2
794.3
6.8
–

292.4
3,576.7
592.6
–
300.0

0.2
96.1
79.8
–
–

194.8
4,228.0
898.2
–
374.9

534.8
9,645.0
2,364.9
6.8
674.9

602.1
6,657.5
138.3
–
–

–
–
–
2.8
105.1

(103.7)

1,033.2
(1,319.0) 14,983.5
2,368.3
–
2,441.5

(134.9)
(9.6)
1,661.5

Total liabilities

2,985.2

5,253.5

196.9

5,932.4

14,368.0

7,739.4

299.5

170.7

22,577.6

Non-controlling interests

–

–

0.9

–

0.9

–

1.2

580.9

583.0

Shareholders’ equity

719.2

1,135.5

88.3

1,440.5

3,383.5

2,255.9

59.6

(2,528.3)

3,170.7

Total liabilities and

shareholders’ equity

Capital
Debt
Non-controlling interests
Investments in Fairfax affiliates
Shareholders’ equity

Total capital

3,704.4

6,389.0

286.1

7,372.9

17,752.4

9,995.3

360.3

(1,776.7) 26,331.3

–
293.4
–
425.8

300.0
–
101.6
1,033.9

719.2

1,435.5

–
–
–
88.3

88.3

374.9
281.0
87.9
1,071.6

674.9
574.4
189.5
2,619.6

–
–
461.3
1,794.6

194.3
14.9
–
44.7

1,661.5
(6.3)
(650.8)
(1,288.2)

2,530.7
583.0
–
3,170.7

1,815.4

4,058.4

2,255.9

253.9

(283.8)

6,284.4

% of total capital

11.4%

22.8%

1.4%

28.9%

64.5%

35.9%

4.0%

(4.4%)

100.0%

(1) Retroactively  restated  pursuant  to  the  change  in  accounting  policy  described  in  note  6  to  the

consolidated financial statements.

59

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Reinsurance recoverables decreased to $7,655.6 from $8,135.5 in 2004, notwithstanding
an increase in reinsurance recoverables in 2005 due to ceded losses from the 2005 hurricanes.

Future  income  taxes  represent  amounts  expected  to  be  recovered  in  future  years.  At
December 31, 2005 future income taxes of $1,134.3 (of which $825.1 related to Fairfax Inc.,
Fairfax’s U.S. holding company, and subsidiaries in its U.S. consolidated tax group) consisted
of $658.5 of capitalized operating and capital losses, and timing differences of $475.8 which
represent  primarily  expenses  recorded  in  the  financial  statements  but  not  yet  deducted  for
income  tax  purposes.  The  capitalized  operating  losses  relate  primarily  to  Fairfax  Inc.  and  its
U.S.  subsidiaries  ($355.0),  where  all  of  the  losses  expire  after  2018,  the  Canadian  holding
company  ($126.7)  and  European  runoff  ($127.5),  with  the  remainder  relating  primarily  to
Lindsey Morden.

To facilitate the utilization of its future U.S. income taxes asset and to optimize the cash flow
from U.S. tax sharing payments,  the company increased its interest in OdysseyRe to in excess
of 80% in 2003, to permit OdysseyRe to be included in Fairfax’s U.S. consolidated tax group.

The  portion  of  Fairfax’s  future  income  taxes  asset  consisting  of  capitalized  operating  and
capital losses related to its U.S. consolidated tax group increased by $103.2 in 2005, primarily
as a result of losses from the 2005 hurricanes. Future income taxes for the consolidated group
increased by $160.7 in 2005 as a result of changes in the ordinary course for timing differences
as  a  result  of  increased  business  volumes,  and  changes  in  the  non-U.S.  components  of  this
asset, including the impact of foreign exchange.

The company’s valuation allowance on its future income taxes asset as at December 31, 2005
was  $99.9,  of  which  approximately  half  related  to  losses  incurred  primarily  in  the  U.K.  and
Ireland, and the remainder related to losses incurred at Lindsey Morden. Differences between
expected and actual future operating results could adversely impact the company’s ability to
realize  the  future  income  taxes  asset  within  a  reasonable  period  of  time  given  the  inherent
uncertainty in projecting operating company earnings and industry conditions. The company
expects to realize the benefit of these capitalized losses from future profitable operations.

In determining the need for a valuation allowance, management considers primarily current
and  expected  profitability  of  the  companies.  Management  reviews  the  recoverability  of  the
future  income  taxes  asset  and  the  valuation  allowance  on  a  quarterly  basis.  The  timing
differences  principally  relate  to  insurance-related  balances  such  as  claims,  deferred  premium
acquisition costs and unearned premiums; such timing differences are expected to continue for
the foreseeable future in light of the company’s ongoing operations.

Portfolio  investments  include  investments  in  25.9%-owned  Hub  International  Limited
($111.7),  10.3%-owned  Zenith  National  Insurance  Corp.  ($74.1)  (subsequently  sold  for  a
$119.4 pre-tax gain) and 46.8%-owned Advent Capital Holdings PLC ($62.0), all of which are
publicly listed companies.

Goodwill decreased to $210.8 (of which $175.6 relates to Lindsey Morden) at December 31,
2005 from  $228.1  at  December  31,  2004, due  principally  to  the  weakening  of  the  pound
sterling against the U.S. dollar during 2005.

60

Components of Net Earnings

Underwriting and Operating Income

Set out and discussed below are the 2005, 2004 and 2003 underwriting and operating results of
Fairfax’s insurance and reinsurance operations on a summarized company by company basis.

Canadian Insurance – Northbridge

Underwriting profit

Combined ratio:

Loss & LAE
Commissions
Underwriting expense

Gross premiums written

Net premiums written

Net premiums earned

Underwriting profit
Interest and dividends

Operating income
Realized gains

Pre-tax income before interest and other

Net income after taxes

2005

68.2

2004

115.5

2003

52.3

67.9%
6.3%
18.7%

62.2%
7.3%
18.2%

65.5%
6.7%
20.4%

92.9%

87.7%

92.6%

1,545.2

1,483.1

1,318.6

978.8

959.2

68.2
65.7

133.9
104.0

237.9

163.4

957.6

939.0

115.5
60.9

176.4
22.6

199.0

124.3

802.3

703.2

52.3
50.8

103.1
67.2

170.3

108.3

In  2005,  Northbridge  earned  underwriting  profit  of  $68.2,  a  41.0%  decline  relative  to
underwriting profit of $115.5 earned in 2004. Although underwriting profit increased at three
of  Northbridge’s  four  operating  subsidiaries,  the  underwriting  year  was  affected  by  the
unprecedented  2005  hurricanes.  Despite  an  adverse  underwriting  impact  aggregating  7.9
combined  ratio  points  from  Hurricanes  Katrina,  Rita  and  Wilma,  Northbridge  produced  a
combined ratio of 92.9% in 2005, compared to 87.7% in 2004. Net premiums written and net
premiums  earned  at  Northbridge  declined  (measured  in  Canadian  dollars)  5.0%  in  2005
relative  to  2004  as  a  result  of  a  restructuring  in  its  personal  lines  segment,  reinstatement
premiums triggered under certain reinsurance treaties, the absence of profit sharing premium,
general competitive pressures and the sale of Federated Life Insurance Company of Canada.

Northbridge’s operating income declined to $133.9 in 2005 from $176.4 in 2004, largely as a
result of the impact of the 2005 hurricanes. However, net income after taxes for 2005 at $163.4
improved 31.5% from $124.3 in 2004, primarily as a result of significant net realized gains on
portfolio investments and a reduced effective tax rate. This increase in net income after taxes
in 2005 produced a return on average equity, while remaining debt free, of 21.0% (expressed in
Canadian  dollars).  Northbridge’s  average  annual  return  on  average  equity  over  the  past
20 years since inception in 1985 is 16.5% (expressed in Canadian dollars).

Continued premium growth and improved underwriting performance generated a record 2004
underwriting profit for Northbridge of $115.5, an increase of 120.8% over underwriting profit
of  $52.3  earned  in  2003.  Notwithstanding  the  impact  of  $27.5  in  losses  related  to  the  2004
third  quarter  hurricanes  (representing  2.9  combined  ratio  points),  Northbridge’s  combined
ratio improved to 87.7% in 2004 from 92.6% in 2003.

61

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Set out below are the balance sheets for Northbridge as at December 31, 2005 and 2004.

Assets

Accounts receivable and other

Recoverable from reinsurers

Portfolio investments

Deferred premium acquisition costs

Future income taxes

Premises and equipment

Goodwill

Other assets

Total assets

Liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Securities sold but not yet purchased

Due to affiliates

Funds withheld payable to reinsurers

Provision for claims

Unearned premiums

Deferred taxes payable

Total liabilities

Shareholders’ equity

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

2005

2004

438.0

488.1

1,330.3

1,049.3

2,447.7

1,983.7

122.0

110.1

61.8

15.0

16.1

1.3

44.1

11.2

16.6

1.3

4,432.2

3,704.4

208.2

227.5

3.3

58.7

171.5

221.0

–

47.4

2,198.1

1,744.2

852.1

794.3

5.3

6.8

3,553.2

2,985.2

879.0

719.2

4,432.2

3,704.4

Northbridge’s  assets  and  liabilities  generally  increased  in  2005  due  to  increased  profitability
and cash flow generation and general business growth in recent years, as well as a moderate
appreciation  of  the  Canadian  dollar  relative  to  the  U.S.  dollar.  Portfolio  investments  at
December 31, 2005 totaled $2,447.7, an increase of 23.4% over December 31, 2004, driven by
the generation of cash from operations, investment income and net realized gains. Amounts
recoverable  from  reinsurers  increased  $281.0  in  2005  from  2004,  primarily  as  a  result  of  the
2005  hurricanes.  The  accounts  receivable  and  other  balance  declined  to  $438.0  at  year  end
2005 from $488.1 a year earlier, primarily due to a one-time transfer of assets from the Facility
Association in 2005 (that transfer increased portfolio investments).

Provision  for  claims  increased  in  2005,  primarily  due  to  the  2005  hurricanes,  to  $2,198.1  at
December  31,  2005  from  $1,744.2  a  year  earlier.  Common  shareholders’  equity  at
December 31, 2005 was $879.0 compared to $719.2 at December 31, 2004 as a result of 2005
earnings of $163.4, dividends paid in 2005 of $28.7 and appreciation of the Canadian dollar
relative to the U.S. dollar.

For more information on Northbridge’s results, please see its 2005 annual report posted on its
website www.norfin.com.

62

U.S. Insurance

Year ended December 31, 2005

Underwriting profit (loss)

Combined ratio:

Loss & LAE
Commissions
Underwriting expense

Gross premiums written

Net premiums written

Net premiums earned

Underwriting profit (loss)
Interest and dividends

Operating income
Realized gains

Pre-tax income before interest and other

Net income after taxes

Year ended December 31, 2004

Underwriting profit (loss)

Combined ratio:

Loss & LAE
Commissions
Underwriting expense

Gross premiums written

Net premiums written

Net premiums earned

Underwriting profit (loss)
Interest and dividends

Operating income
Realized gains

Pre-tax income before interest and other

Net income after taxes

63

Crum &
Forster(1)

Fairmont

Total

(12.6)

3.5

(9.1)

73.2%
10.3%
17.9%

63.2%
11.7%
22.9%

71.7%
10.5%
18.7%

101.4%

97.8% 100.9%

1,097.8

205.8

1,303.6

866.9

892.1

(12.6)
100.4

87.8
96.9

184.7

106.3

159.1

1,026.0

161.0

1,053.1

3.5
4.6

8.1
10.0

18.1

11.8

(9.1)
105.0

95.9
106.9

202.8

118.1

Crum &
Forster(1)

Fairmont

Total

(56.2)

1.2

(55.0)

77.1%
10.5%
18.9%

64.4%
13.8%
21.1%

75.0%
11.2%
19.2%

106.5%

99.3% 105.4%

1,139.0

206.1

1,345.1

869.6

859.0

(56.2)
73.0

16.8
77.8

94.6

38.3

166.4

1,036.0

168.6

1,027.6

1.2
8.3

9.5
7.2

16.7

11.2

(55.0)
81.3

26.3
85.0

111.3

49.5

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Year ended December 31, 2003

Underwriting profit (loss)

(32.7)

1.7

3.9

(27.1)

Crum &
Forster(1)

Fairmont

Old Lyme(2)

Total

Combined ratio:

Loss & LAE
Commissions
Underwriting expense

74.5%
9.9%
20.0%

64.6%
14.5%
20.1%

58.2%
28.2%
6.3%

71.6%
11.8%
19.3%

104.4%

99.2%

92.7% 102.7%

Gross premiums written

1,104.2

Net premiums written

Net premiums earned

Underwriting profit (loss)
Interest and dividends

Operating income
Realized gains

Pre-tax income before interest and other

Net income after taxes

857.3

735.3

(32.7)
59.2

26.5
294.8

321.3

176.8

242.3

185.4

203.3

1.7
14.4

16.1
13.8

29.9

18.2

49.5

1,396.0

49.4

1,092.1

53.1

991.7

3.9
2.5

6.4
0.2

6.6

4.8

(27.1)
76.1

49.0
308.8

357.8

199.8

(1) These  results  differ  from  those  published  by  Crum  &  Forster  Holdings  Corp.,  primarily  due  to
differences  between  Canadian  and  US  GAAP,  relating  principally  to  the  treatment  of  retroactive
reinsurance (explained in note 20 to the consolidated financial statements).

(2) Transferred to runoff effective January 1, 2004.

The U.S. insurance combined ratio for 2005 was 100.9% (including 8.9 combined ratio points
arising from the 2005 hurricanes) compared to 105.4% for 2004 (including 9.4 combined ratio
points arising from the 2004 third quarter hurricanes).

Crum  &  Forster’s  combined  ratio  of  101.4%  in  2005  included  10.4  combined  ratio  points
arising from the 2005 hurricanes. Underwriting results also reflected a net benefit of $31.7 or
3.4  combined  ratio  points  related  to  favorable  development  of  prior  years’  loss  reserves,
primarily  with  respect  to  the  2004  third  quarter  hurricanes.  The  2005  combined  ratio  of
101.4% is 5.1 combined ratio points lower than the 2004 combined ratio of 106.5%. Excluding
the 2005 hurricanes and the 2004 third quarter hurricanes, the combined ratio improved to
91.0%  in  2005  from  95.4%  in  2004,  reflecting  the  aforementioned  favorable  reserve
development  in  2005  and  management’s  strict  underwriting  discipline  and  expense  focus.
Crum & Forster’s net premiums written of $866.9 remained relatively stable compared to 2004,
reflecting intense competition for both new and renewal business. United States Fire Insurance,
Crum & Forster’s principal operating subsidiary, paid an $88.5 dividend in 2005 to its parent
holding  company.  Its  2006  dividend  capacity  is  approximately  $94.  North  River  Insurance,
Crum & Forster’s New Jersey-domiciled operating subsidiary, paid a $4.9 dividend in 2005 and
has  2006  dividend  capacity  of  approximately  $32.  Cash  flow  from  operations  at  Crum  &
Forster  was  $9.1  in  2005  compared  to  2004  operating  cash  flow  of  $94.7.  The  significant
decline  from  2004  is  attributable  to  numerous  factors,  particularly  lower  proceeds  from
reinsurance  commutations  and  higher  catastrophe  losses  and  asbestos  payments,  partially
offset by a reduction in all other claim payments.

Crum  &  Forster’s  combined  ratio  of  106.5%  in  2004  included  11.1  combined  ratio  points
arising from the 2004 third quarter hurricanes. Underwriting results also reflected a net cost of

64

$25.0 or 2.4 combined ratio points related to development of prior years’ loss reserves. Such
net prior year loss development included redundancies as well as $100.0 APH strengthening,
recorded  following  an  independent  ground-up  study,  all  of  which  was  covered  by  aggregate
stop loss reinsurance.

For the year ended December 31, 2005, Crum & Forster earned net income of $106.3 (2004 –
$38.3),  producing  a  return  on  average  equity  of  10.8%  (2004  –  3.9%).  Crum  &  Forster’s
cumulative  earnings  since  acquisition  on  August  13,  1998  have  been  $491.1,  from  which  it
paid  dividends  to  Fairfax  of  $352.9.  Its  average  annual  return  on  average  equity  since
acquisition has been 8.3%.

Fairmont’s combined ratio of 97.8% reflects its continued focus on underwriting profitability.
Fairmont’s disciplined response to competitive pressure resulted in a decrease in net premiums
written to $159.1 in 2005 from $166.4 in 2004. Beginning in 2006, Fairmont’s business is being
carried on as the Fairmont Specialty division of Crum & Forster.

Set out below are the balance sheets for U.S. insurance as at December 31, 2005 and 2004.

December 31, 2005

Crum &
Forster(1) Fairmont

Intrasegment
Eliminations

U.S.
Insurance

Assets
Cash, short term investments and

marketable securities

Accounts receivable and other
Recoverable from reinsurers
Portfolio investments
Deferred premium acquisition costs
Future income taxes
Premises and equipment
Goodwill
Other assets
Investments in Fairfax affiliates

Total assets

Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Securities sold but not yet purchased
Due to affiliates
Funds withheld payable to reinsurers
Provision for claims
Unearned premiums
Long term debt

Total liabilities
Shareholders’ equity

Total liabilities and shareholders’

1.7
336.0
2,152.0
3,481.7
70.8
154.6
4.2
7.3
24.1
111.6

6,344.0

237.6
329.7
8.3
296.7
3,672.5
499.6
300.0

5,344.4
999.6

–
46.9
107.8
303.2
7.7
27.7
–
–
1.5
7.2

502.0

18.8
–
(1.5)
4.5
239.0
60.6
–

321.4
180.6

–
–
(14.9)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

(14.9)

(0.1)
–
–
(0.1)
(14.7)
–
–

(14.9)
–

1.7
382.9
2,244.9
3,784.9
78.5
182.3
4.2
7.3
25.6
118.8

6,831.1

256.3
329.7
6.8
301.1
3,896.8
560.2
300.0

5,650.9
1,180.2

equity

6,344.0

502.0

(14.9)

6,831.1

65

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

December 31, 2004

Crum &
Forster(1) Fairmont

Intrasegment
Eliminations

U.S.
Insurance

Assets
Cash, short term investments and

marketable securities

Accounts receivable and other
Recoverable from reinsurers
Portfolio investments
Deferred premium acquisition costs
Future income taxes
Premises and equipment
Goodwill
Due from affiliates
Other assets
Investments in Fairfax affiliates

Total assets

Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Securities sold but not yet purchased
Funds withheld payable to reinsurers
Provision for claims
Unearned premiums
Long term debt

Total liabilities
Shareholders’ equity

Total liabilities and shareholders’

17.1
391.0
1,853.1
3,301.3
75.0
127.9
5.3
7.3
(4.1)
24.7
101.6

5,900.2

244.3
217.4
287.7
3,355.4
528.6
300.0

4,933.4
966.8

–
55.4
126.4
272.8
8.0
33.0
–
–
5.2
2.5
–

503.3

30.1
–
4.9
235.6
64.0
–

334.6
168.7

–
–
(14.5)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

(14.5)

–
–
(0.2)
(14.3)
–
–

(14.5)
–

17.1
446.4
1,965.0
3,574.1
83.0
160.9
5.3
7.3
1.1
27.2
101.6

6,389.0

274.4
217.4
292.4
3,576.7
592.6
300.0

5,253.5
1,135.5

equity

5,900.2

503.3

(14.5)

6,389.0

(1) These balance sheets differ from those published by Crum & Forster Holdings Corp., primarily due
to differences between Canadian and US GAAP, relating principally to the treatment of retroactive
reinsurance (explained in note 20 to the consolidated financial statements).

Under the terms of the trust indenture governing its 2003 $300 note issue due in 2013, Crum &
Forster may only pay dividends to Fairfax if the dividend capacity of its insurance subsidiaries
is greater than two times its interest expense, and the dividends paid may not exceed 75% of
cumulative  consolidated  US  GAAP  net  income  since  April  1,  2003.  At  December  31,  2005,
Crum  &  Forster  had  $90.4  (2004  –  $63.7)  of  remaining  coverage  under  its  excess  of  loss
reinsurance treaties for 2000 and prior accident years.

Significant changes to Crum & Forster’s balance sheet at December 31, 2005 as compared to
2004 are an increase in reinsurance recoverables from $1,853.1 to $2,152.0 and an increase in
provision  for  claims  from  $3,355.4  to  $3,672.5,  both  primarily  as  a  result  of  the  2005
hurricanes,  and  an  increase  in  portfolio  investments  (net  of  securities  sold  but  not  yet
purchased)  of  $68.1,  primarily  as  a  result  of  realized  investment  gains  partially  offset  by
dividends paid to its parent.

66

Investments by Crum & Forster and Fairmont in Fairfax affiliates consist of:

Affiliate

Northbridge
OdysseyRe (common shares)
TRG Holdings (Class 1 shares)
MFX
Lindsey Morden

Crum
& Forster

Fairmont
% interest % interest

15.2
1.2
5.2
9.3
–

–
–
–
–
9.0

For  more  information  on  Crum  &  Forster,  please  see  its  10-K  report  for  2005 which  will  be
posted on its website www.cfins.com.

Asian Insurance – Fairfax Asia

Underwriting profit

Combined ratio:

Loss & LAE
Commissions
Underwriting expense

Gross premiums written

Net premiums written

Net premiums earned

Underwriting profit
Interest and dividends

Operating income
Realized gains

Pre-tax income before interest and other

Net income after taxes

2005

2004

2003

4.8

4.7

1.5

65.5% 55.9% 53.5%
12.3% 18.0% 22.3%
15.2% 18.0% 20.2%

93.0% 91.9% 96.0%

76.6

46.5

68.2

4.8
7.5

12.3
1.0

13.3

7.3

86.7

59.6

57.8

4.7
2.9

7.6
–

7.6

4.1

81.8

61.6

37.2

1.5
0.7

2.2
3.8

6.0

8.5

Effective January 1, 2004 Fairfax Asia consists of the company’s Asian operations: Falcon, First
Capital and a 26.0% interest in ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company, India’s largest (by
market  share)  private  general  insurer  (the  remaining  74.0%  interest  is  held  by  ICICI  Bank,
India’s  second  largest  bank).  During  the  12-month  period  ended  December  31,  ICICI
Lombard’s gross premiums written in 2005 increased by 86.0% over 2004, to $330.8 and its net
earnings improved in 2005 by 27.4% over 2004, to $13.0.

The increase in Fairfax Asia’s combined ratio to 93.0% in 2005 from 91.9% in 2004 reflects an
increase  in  Falcon’s  combined  ratio  to  98.7%  in  2005  from  95.0%  in  2004,  principally  as  a
result of its employer construction line of business, partially offset by First Capital’s consistent
combined ratio of 82.0% on substantially increased net premiums earned.

The  decrease  in  gross  and  net  premiums  written  reflects  Falcon’s  response  to  further  rate
softening in the Hong Kong market. The increase in investment income relates mainly to an
increased equity pickup from Fairfax Asia’s 26.0% interest in ICICI Lombard.

The decrease in the combined ratio to 91.9% in 2004 from 96.0% in 2003 reflects the inclusion
in 2004 of First Capital’s strong underwriting results.

67

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Set out below are the balance sheets for Fairfax Asia as at December 31, 2005 and 2004:

Assets
Accounts receivable and other
Recoverable from reinsurers
Portfolio investments
Deferred premium acquisition costs
Future income taxes
Premises and equipment
Goodwill
Due from affiliates

Total assets

Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Funds withheld payable to reinsurers
Provision for claims
Unearned premiums

Total liabilities
Non-controlling interests
Shareholders’ equity

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

Reinsurance – OdysseyRe(1)

Underwriting profit (loss)

Combined ratio:

Loss & LAE
Commissions
Underwriting expense

Gross premiums written

Net premiums written

Net premiums earned

Underwriting profit (loss)
Interest and dividends

Operating income (loss)
Realized gains

Pre-tax income (loss) before interest and other

Net income (loss) after taxes

2005

2004

38.2
48.7
190.7
6.7
0.5
1.0
5.4
2.5

36.4
57.8
167.2
7.6
2.2
1.2
6.0
7.7

293.7

286.1

21.1
0.1
114.7
58.3

194.2
7.2
92.3

20.8
0.2
96.1
79.8

196.9
0.9
88.3

293.7

286.1

2005

(394.5)

2004

43.2

2003

61.0

90.3%
20.7%
6.2%

70.0%
22.6%
5.5%

67.5%
24.2%
5.2%

117.2%

98.1%

96.9%

2,641.4

2,631.6

2,558.2

2,314.1

2,349.6

2,153.6

2,287.2

2,320.8

1,965.1

(394.5)
167.2

(227.3)
104.4

(122.9)

(107.4)

43.2
156.3

199.5
74.6

274.1

160.1

61.0
92.7

153.7
284.1

437.8

276.5

(1) These  results  differ  from  those  published  by  Odyssey  Re  Holdings  Corp.  primarily  due  to
differences  between  Canadian  and  US  GAAP  relating  principally  to  the  treatment  of  retroactive
reinsurance, and the exclusion from the 2004 results of First Capital (First Capital’s results are
included  in  Fairfax  Asia  above).  In  addition,  these  results  do  not  reflect  changes  from  the
restatement  by  Odyssey  Re  Holdings  Corp.  of  the  accounting  for  certain  reinsurance  contracts,
which are not material to Fairfax.

68

In 2005, a year of unprecedented catastrophes, OdysseyRe’s combined ratio was 117.2%, which
included 19.0 combined ratio points ($436.0 of pre-tax losses, net of applicable reinstatement
premiums and reinsurance) arising from Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. This compares to
a combined ratio of 98.1% in 2004, which included 4.2 combined ratio points arising from the
2004 third quarter hurricanes. OdysseyRe’s combined ratio in 2005 also included 8.2 combined
ratio points ($189.0 of net pre-tax losses) in adverse loss development from prior period losses
(7.4  combined  ratio  points  in  2004).  Gross  premiums  written  were  virtually  unchanged  in
2005,  following  an  average  annual  increase  of  34.0%  from  2002  to  2004.  For  2005,  gross
premiums written in the United States represented 55% of the total, with non-U.S. premiums
representing  45%.  In  2005,  OdysseyRe  produced  a  net  loss  of  $107.4  as  compared  to  net
income of $160.1 in 2004, primarily driven by losses from the 2005 hurricanes.

OdysseyRe’s combined ratio was 98.1% in 2004 (including 4.2 combined ratio points arising
from  the  2004  third  quarter  hurricanes).  Net  premiums  written  increased  by  9.1%  in  2004,
which followed increases of 32.0% in 2003 and 65.7% in 2002. During this three year period,
OdysseyRe significantly expanded its presence in the global marketplace through a deliberate
strategy  of  product  and  geographic  diversification.  The  diversification  of  activity  OdysseyRe
has achieved was responsible for its ability to produce an underwriting profit in 2004 despite
incurring losses from the 2004 third quarter hurricanes.

OdysseyRe’s  net  operating  cash  flow  was  $397.3  in  2005  as  compared  to  $603.2  in  2004,
reflecting an increase in paid losses related to 2004 and 2005 catastrophes, principally the 2005
hurricanes.

OdysseyRe announced its decision in February 2006 to restate its financial results for the years
2000 through 2004, as well as its results for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. The
primary reason for the restatement was to correct the accounting treatment (relating primarily
to  the  timing  of  recognition  of  premiums  and  unearned  profit  commissions)  for  certain
contract  features  of  seven  ceded  and  two  assumed  reinsurance  contracts,  to  correct  the
accounting treatment of ceding commissions relating to three ceded aggregate excess of loss
contracts,  to  correct  the  accounting  treatment  for  one  assumed  reinsurance  contract  (to  be
deposit  accounted  rather  than  reinsurance  accounted  as  a  result  of  Odyssey’s  inability  to
conclude that there is a reasonable possibility of a loss under the contract), and to record other
adjustments  to  reflect  unrelated  items  of  an  immaterial  nature.  In  addition,  OdysseyRe  re-
evaluated the accounting for a reinsurance contract entered into on the purchase of a business
from  Skandia  Insurance  Company  Ltd.  (Skandia)  in  1995.  This  contract  was  assigned  by
Skandia to nSpire Re in 1999 and accordingly is eliminated on consolidation at Fairfax. As a
result,  the  restatement  of  the  Skandia  reinsurance  contract  at  the  OdysseyRe  level  had  no
impact  on  the  Fairfax  consolidated  results.  Fairfax  assessed  the  individual  and  aggregate
components of OdysseyRe’s restatement and concluded that they were not individually or in
the aggregate material at the consolidated Fairfax level. Consequently, Fairfax is not restating
its financial results for any period as a result of OdysseyRe’s restatement.

In addition, in connection with this restatement and a review of OdysseyRe’s internal controls
over financial reporting, OdysseyRe has concluded that it has a material weakness with respect
to  the  accounting  for  complex  reinsurance  transactions,  including  the  controls  over  the
evaluation and accounting for certain contract features at December 31, 2005 and 2004. Fairfax
assessed this material weakness in the OdysseyRe internal controls over financial reporting and
concluded  that  at  the  Fairfax  level  there  was  no  material  weakness  in  internal  controls  over
financial reporting.

69

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Set out below are the balance sheets for OdysseyRe as at December 31, 2005 and 2004:

Assets
Accounts receivable and other
Recoverable from reinsurers
Portfolio investments
Deferred premium acquisition costs
Future income taxes
Premises and equipment
Goodwill
Due from affiliates
Other assets
Investments in Fairfax affiliates

Total assets

Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Securities sold but not yet purchased
Due to affiliates
Funds withheld payable to reinsurers
Provision for claims
Unearned premiums
Long term debt

Total liabilities
Shareholders’ equity

2005

2004

872.4
1,478.0
5,670.4
173.6
212.8
12.2
12.2
–
24.5
88.5

857.0
1,275.8
4,762.2
171.1
169.9
11.9
13.0
8.7
15.4
87.9

8,544.6

7,372.9

149.8
139.2
3.3
192.7
5,121.9
933.7
469.5

7,010.1
1,534.5

180.3
56.2
–
194.8
4,228.0
898.2
374.9

5,932.4
1,440.5

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

8,544.6

7,372.9

(1) These balance sheets differ from those published by Odyssey Re Holdings Corp. primarily due to
differences  between  Canadian  and  US  GAAP  relating  principally  to  the  treatment  of  retroactive
reinsurance, and the exclusion from the 2004 results of First Capital (First Capital’s results are
included  in  Fairfax  Asia  above).  In  addition,  these  balance  sheets  do  not  reflect  changes  by
Odyssey  Re  Holdings  Corp.  in  the  accounting  treatment  of  or  relating  to  certain  reinsurance
contracts, which are not material to Fairfax.

Portfolio  investments  increased  by  $908.2  or  19.1%  in  2005,  primarily  as  a  result  of  strong
operating  cash  flow  during  the  year.  At  December  31,  2005,  OdysseyRe  had  total  debt  of
$469.5, representing debt as a percentage of total capitalization of 23.4%. Total shareholders’
equity increased $94.0 or 6.5%, primarily reflecting the issuance of $102.4 in common stock
and  $100.0  in  preferred  stock.  Since  the  end  of  2001,  OdysseyRe’s  common  shareholders’
equity has increased by a compounded annual rate of 16.3% on a US GAAP basis. In February
2006, OdysseyRe completed a private sale of $100.0 of floating rate senior notes, 50% of which
were due in each of 2016 and 2021.

OdysseyRe’s investments in Fairfax affiliates consist of:

Affiliate

TRG Holdings (Class 1 shares)
Fairfax Asia
MFX

% interest

47.4
44.0
7.4

For more information on OdysseyRe’s results, please see its 10-K report for 2005 and its 2005
annual report, both of which will be posted on its website www.odysseyre.com.

70

Interest and Dividends

Interest and dividend income earned by the company’s insurance and reinsurance operations
in 2005 increased to $345.4 from $301.4 in 2004, due primarily to higher short term interest
rates  and  increased  investment  portfolios  reflecting  positive  cash  flow  from  operations,
partially  offset  by  the  company’s  share  of  Advent’s  $45.1  hurricane-affected  loss.  Increases
from 2003 to 2004 were due primarily to an increase in yield resulting from the reinvestment
of a significant portion of cash and short term investments, primarily in U.S. treasury bonds,
and to increased investment portfolios.

Realized Gains

Net realized gains earned by the company’s insurance and reinsurance operations increased in
2005  to  $294.3  (despite  $114.9  of  non-trading  losses  resulting  from  mark  to  market
adjustments)  from  $162.7  in  2004.  Consolidated  net  realized  gains  of  $352.1  included  net
realized gains of $55.4 in the runoff segment and net realized gains at Lindsey Morden. The
consolidated  net  realized  gains  included  $158.7  of  non-trading  losses,  consisting  of  $46.5  of
mark to market adjustments, recorded as realized losses, related to the economic hedges put in
place by the company against a decline in the equity markets and $112.2 of mark to market
adjustments,  recorded  as  realized  losses,  arising  from  other  derivatives  in  the  company’s
investment  portfolio,  primarily  credit  default  swaps.  Included  in  consolidated  net  realized
gains  for  2005  was  a  provision  of  $46.2  (2004  –  $31.6)  for  other  than  temporary  losses  and
writedowns of certain bonds and common stocks.

Net realized gains earned by the company’s insurance and reinsurance operations decreased in
2004  to  $162.7,  after  $97.7  of  non-trading  losses,  from  $534.6  in  2003.  The  $97.7  of  non-
trading losses consisted of $70.7 of mark to market changes in fair value, recorded as realized
losses, primarily relating to the economic hedges put in place by the company against a decline
in the equity markets, and $27.0 of costs, recorded as realized losses, in connection with the
company’s repurchase of outstanding debt at a premium to par.

Runoff and Other

The  runoff  business  segment  was  formed  with  the  acquisition  on  August  11,  1999  of  the
company’s interest in The Resolution Group (TRG), which was comprised of the outstanding
runoff  management  expertise  and  experienced,  highly  respected  personnel  of  TRG,  and  a
wholly-owned  insurance  subsidiary  in  runoff,  International  Insurance  Company  (IIC).  The
Runoff and other segment currently consists of three groups: the U.S. runoff group, consisting
primarily  of  TIG  Insurance  Company  (TIG);  the  European  runoff  group  (RiverStone
Insurance  UK  and  nSpire  Re);  and  Group  Re,  which  predominantly  constitutes  the
participation  by  CRC  (Bermuda),  Wentworth  (based  in  Barbados)  and  nSpire  Re  in  the
reinsurance  of  Fairfax’s  subsidiaries,  by  quota  share  or  through  participation  in  those
subsidiaries’  third  party  reinsurance  programs.  The  U.S.  and  European  runoff  groups  are
managed by the dedicated TRG runoff management operation, now usually identified under
the RiverStone name, which has 547 employees in the U.S. and Europe. Group Re’s activities
are managed by Fairfax.

U.S. runoff group

The U.S. runoff group consists of TIG Insurance Company (and Old Lyme Insurance, which is
not significant). TIG, as it exists today, is the result of its merger with IIC, which was acquired
via the TRG acquisition, 27.5% in 1999 and 72.5% in 2002. For a detailed description of the
history of the U.S. runoff group, please refer to page 62 of Fairfax’s 2004 Annual Report.

During 2005, the trust established for the benefit of TIG at the commencement of TIG’s runoff
in  December  2002  was  terminated  and  the  remaining  assets  in  the  trust  were  released.  The

71

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

assets  released  were  all  the  shares  of  the  Fairmont  companies  and  the  remaining  2  million
shares of OdysseyRe.

Effective December 31, 2005, all the shares of the Fairmont companies were transferred to TIG
from its immediate parent company in exchange for 7.7 million shares of OdysseyRe (with a
market value of $193.1 at December 31, 2005). Concurrently, the historical business written by
Fairmont was placed into runoff and will be reported as U.S. runoff effective January 1, 2006
(as noted previously, Fairmont’s business continued, beginning in 2006, as a division of Crum
& Forster).

European runoff group

The European runoff group consists principally of RiverStone Insurance UK and nSpire Re.

RiverStone Insurance UK includes Sphere Drake Insurance and Syndicate 3500. Sphere Drake
Insurance ceased underwriting and was put into runoff in 1999. In 2004, substantially all of
Sphere  Drake  Insurance’s  insurance  and  reinsurance  portfolio  was  amalgamated  into
RiverStone Insurance UK, forming the unified European runoff platform. RiverStone Insurance
UK  resulted  from  the  amalgamation  during  2002  of  RiverStone  Stockholm,  Sphere  Drake
Bermuda and CTR’s non-life operations, all of which ceased underwriting and were put into
runoff between 1999 and 2001. In November 2003, RiverStone formed a new runoff syndicate
at Lloyd’s of London, Syndicate 3500, to provide reinsurance-to-close for the 2000 and prior
underwriting years of Kingsmead syndicates 271 and 506 for which TIG, along with third party
capital providers, had provided underwriting capacity for 2000 and prior underwriting years.
In 2005, gross and net provisions for claims of $32.7 and $20.2, respectively, were transferred
to  Syndicate  3500  as  a  result  of  the  reinsurance-to-close  of  the  2001  year  of  account  of
Syndicate 506. RiverStone Insurance UK reinsures the insurance and reinsurance portfolio of
Syndicate 3500. This transaction allowed RiverStone to integrate direct management of these
liabilities into the European runoff platform.

During 2005, RiverStone Insurance UK obtained U.S. court sanction for the previously English-
court approved transfer of certain obligations from an affiliate, to facilitate its carrying on the
European  runoff  as  described  above.  The  obtaining  of  these  approvals  will  not  result  in  the
acceleration  of  the  making  or  payment  of  claims  or  have  any  other  material  effect  on  the
operation of the European runoff.

nSpire  Re,  headquartered  in  Ireland,  reinsures  the  insurance  and  reinsurance  portfolios  of
RiverStone  Insurance  UK  and  benefits  from  the  protection  provided  by  the  Swiss  Re  Cover
(described  commencing  on  page  73)  from  aggregate  adverse  development  of  claims  and
uncollectible reinsurance on 1998 and prior net reserves. nSpire Re’s insurance and reinsurance
obligations  are  guaranteed  by  Fairfax.  RiverStone  Insurance  UK,  with  136  employees  in  its
offices  in  the  United  Kingdom,  provides  the  management  (including  claims  handling)  of
nSpire  Re’s  insurance  and  reinsurance  liabilities  and  the  collection  and  management  of  its
reinsurance  assets.  nSpire  Re  provides  consolidated  investment  and  liquidity  management
services  to  the  European  runoff  group.  In  addition  to  its  role  in  the  consolidation  of  the
European runoff companies, nSpire Re also has two other mandates, described in the following
paragraph and under Group Re below.

nSpire  Re  served  as  the  entity  through  which  Fairfax  primarily  provided  financing  for  the
acquisition  of  its  U.S.  insurance  and  reinsurance  companies.  nSpire  Re’s  capital  and  surplus
includes $1.6 billion of equity in Fairfax’s U.S. holding company and company debt resulting
from those acquisitions. For each of its U.S. acquisitions, Fairfax financed the acquisition, at
the  Canadian  holding  company,  with  an  issue  of  subordinate  voting  shares  and  long  term
debt. The proceeds of this long term financing were invested in nSpire Re’s capital which then
provided  the  acquisition  financing  to  Fairfax’s  U.S.  holding  company  to  complete  the
acquisition.

72

Related party transactions of nSpire Re, including its provision of reinsurance to affiliates, is
effected on market terms and at market prices, and require approval by nSpire Re’s board of
directors,  three  of  whose  five  members  are  unrelated  to  Fairfax.  nSpire  Re’s  accounts  are
audited  annually  by  PricewaterhouseCoopers  LLP,  and  its  reserves  are  certified  annually  by
Milliman USA and are included in the consolidated reserves on which PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP provides an annual valuation actuary’s report, which is included on page 21.

In January 2005, the European runoff group purchased Compagnie de R´eassurance d’Ile de France
(Corifrance), a French reinsurance company in runoff, for $59.8 (444.0). The purchase price was
the amount by which the $122.2 (489.9) fair value of Corifrance’s assets exceeded the $62.4 (445.9)
fair  value  of  Corifrance’s  liabilities.  As  part  of  the  consideration  for  the  purchase,  the  European
runoff group received an indemnity from the seller, capped at the amount of the purchase price,
for any adverse development of the net reserves acquired.

During  2005,  the  simplification  of  Fairfax’s  European  runoff  structure  continued,  with  the
elimination of various European holding companies.

Group Re

Consistent  with  the  company’s  objective  of  retaining  more  business  for  its  own  account  in
favourable  market  conditions,  CRC  (Bermuda),  Wentworth  and  nSpire  Re  participate  in  the
reinsurance  of  Fairfax’s  subsidiaries,  by  quota  share  or  through  participation  in  those
subsidiaries’  third  party  reinsurance  programs  on  the  same  terms,  including  pricing,  as  the
third  party  reinsurers.  The  provision  of  such  reinsurance,  which  varies  by  program  and  by
subsidiary, is shown separately as ‘‘Group Re’’. Since 2004, Group Re, through nSpire Re, has
also written third party business. Group Re’s cumulative pre-tax income since its inception in
2002 is $20.1, notwithstanding its hurricane-related $80.0 pre-tax loss in 2005.

Swiss Re Cover

As  part  of  its  acquisition  of  TIG  effective  April  13,  1999,  Fairfax  purchased  a  $1  billion
corporate insurance cover ultimately reinsured with a Swiss Re subsidiary (the Swiss Re Cover),
protecting  it,  on  an  aggregate  basis,  from  adverse  development  of  claims  and  uncollectible
reinsurance above the aggregate reserves set up by all of its subsidiaries (including TIG, but not
including other subsidiaries acquired after 1998) at December 31, 1998. At December 31, 2005,
the company had ceded losses under this cover utilizing the full $1 billion limit of that cover
($1 billion at December 31, 2004).

As of December 31, 2002, Fairfax assigned the full benefit of the Swiss Re Cover to nSpire Re
which  had  previously  provided  the  indirect  benefit  of  the  Swiss  Re  Cover  to  TIG  and  the
European runoff companies. Although Fairfax remains legally liable for its original obligations
with respect to the Swiss Re Cover, under the terms of the assignment agreement, nSpire Re is
responsible  to  Fairfax  for  all  premium  and  interest  payments  after  2002  for  any  additional
losses ceded to the Swiss Re Cover. At December 31, 2005, there remains no unused protection
under  the  Swiss  Re  Cover  (nil  at  December  31,  2004;  $3.9  at  December  31,  2003).  At
December  31,  2005,  the  premiums  plus  interest  paid  or  earned  on  the  Swiss  Re  Cover
aggregated $564.2.

In December 2003, an affiliate of nSpire Re entered into a $300 revolving letter of credit facility
with 11 banks which is used to provide letters of credit for reinsurance contracts of nSpire Re
provided for the benefit of other Fairfax subsidiaries. The facility was increased to $450 during
2004. The facility is effectively secured by the assets held in trust derived from the premiums
on the Swiss Re Cover and the interest thereon. The lenders have the ability, in the event of a
default, to cause the commutation of this cover, thereby gaining access to the trust account
assets.  The  aggregate  amount  of  letters  of  credit  issued  from  time  to  time  under  this  facility

73

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

may not exceed the agreed margined value of the assets in the trust account. Currently, there
are $450 of letters of credit issued under this facility.

With  the  Odyssey  Re  Holdings  IPO,  effective  June  14,  2001  further  adverse  development  in
Odyssey  America  Re’s  and  Odyssey  Reinsurance  Corporation’s  claims  and  uncollectible
reinsurance  was  no  longer  protected  by  the  Swiss  Re  Cover.  Similarly,  with  the  Northbridge
IPO,  effective  May  28,  2003  further  adverse  development  in  the  claims  and  uncollectible
reinsurance of the subsidiaries of Northbridge was no longer protected by the Swiss Re Cover.
In  each  case,  at  the  date  of  the  IPO,  ultimate  reserves  and  claim  payout  patterns  were
contractually ‘‘fixed’’ for purposes of the Swiss Re Cover.

The premiums and interest paid for the Swiss Re Cover are placed into a trust account for the
benefit of Swiss Re and are guaranteed by Fairfax to earn 7% per annum. The trust assets are
managed  by  Hamblin  Watsa  and  to  the  extent  they  earn  less  than  7%  per  annum,  or  the
market value of the trust account assets falls below the required level, top-up payments into
the  trust  account  are  required.  For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2005,  investment  income
(including realized gains and losses) from the assets in the trust account was $3.9 less than the
contractual 7% per annum rate of interest. Since inception of the trust account in 1999, the
cumulative  investment  income  (including  realized  gains  and  losses)  has  exceeded  the
cumulative contractual 7% per annum rate of interest by $6.4.

The cessions to the Swiss Re Cover since inception have resulted from adverse development at
the various operating segments, as follows:

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

Cumulative

Canadian insurance
U.S. insurance
Reinsurance
Runoff and other

Total

–
3.9
–
–

3.9

0.9
85.8
–
176.9

263.6

(0.1)
2.9
–
2.3

11.3
94.9
–
97.6

(9.7)
166.6
22.6
93.0

(3.2)
186.1
53.3
14.9

(0.8)
540.2
75.9
384.7

5.1

203.8

272.5

251.1

1,000.0

The  majority  of  the  cumulative  cessions  to  the  Swiss  Re  Cover  resulted  from  reserve
deficiencies of $438.3 for TIG, $232.7 for the European runoff group and $193.1 for Crum &
Forster. TIG is included in the Runoff segment since 2002 and U.S. insurance prior thereto.

Commutations

During  2005,  in  pursuance  of  Fairfax’s  goal  of  simplifying  its  runoff  structure  and  in
recognition  of  the  strength  and  stability  achieved  by  TIG  (U.S.  runoff)  since  the
commencement of TIG’s runoff in December 2002, TIG commuted the adverse development
covers provided to it by Chubb Re and nSpire Re soon after the commencement of its runoff,
and  agreed  to  commute  the  adverse  development  cover  provided  to  IIC  (with  which  TIG
merged soon after the commencement of its runoff) by Ridge Re (a subsidiary of Xerox) at the
time of Xerox’s restructuring of its financial services businesses in 1992.

The Chubb Re/nSpire Re commutations resulted in a $103.1 operating loss taken in the second
quarter of 2005 (the inception of Chubb Re cover had resulted in an $89.2 operating gain in
2003), while the Ridge Re commutation had no material effect on income. Normal effects of
the commutations were that TIG’s net loss reserves (provision for claims) were increased by the
amount of reserves which were formerly reinsured, and TIG’s cash was increased by the cash it
received  on  the  commutations  –  approximately  $197  from  the  second  quarter  Chubb
Re/nSpire Re commutations and approximately $373 from the Ridge Re commutation, which
was agreed to during the fourth quarter and which closed at the beginning of March 2006. The
$373  cash  proceeds  received  on  closing  at  the  beginning  of  March  2006  was  included  in
Accounts receivable and other at December 31, 2005.

74

Results and balance sheet

Set out below is a summary of the operating results of Runoff and other for the years ended
December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003.

Year ended December 31, 2005

Gross premiums written

Net premiums written

Net premiums earned
Losses on claims (excluding the reinsurance

commutation below)

Operating expenses
Interest and dividends

Operating income (loss)
Realized gains (losses)

Loss on reinsurance commutation(1)

U.S.

14.8

(15.2)

(20.1)

(143.3)
(18.5)
49.0

(132.9)
(0.1)

(133.0)
(103.1)

Europe

Group Re

28.6

28.7

41.3

(296.5)
(95.7)
(16.3)

(367.2)
41.8

(325.4)
–

334.2

326.5

314.9

(337.9)
(80.6)
9.9

(93.7)
13.7

(80.0)
–

Total

377.6

340.0

336.1

(777.7)
(194.8)
42.6

(593.8)
55.4

(538.4)
(103.1)

Pre-tax (loss) before interest and other

(236.1)

(325.4)

(80.0)

(641.5)

Europe

Group Re

399.3

341.4

343.0

(254.2)
(78.4)
23.1

33.5
15.0

48.5
–
–

48.5

Total

584.2

383.7

456.3

(526.2)
(207.2)
32.3

(244.8)
74.3

(170.5)
(74.4)
51.3

(193.6)

Year ended December 31, 2004

Gross premiums written

Net premiums written

Net premiums earned
Losses on claims (excluding the reinsurance

commutation below)

Operating expenses
Interest and dividends

Operating income (loss)
Realized gains (except as noted below)

Loss on reinsurance commutation(2)
Realized gains (losses) on intra-group sales

U.S.

67.8

17.1

68.1

(95.8)
(57.1)
27.1

(57.7)
54.1

(3.6)
(31.9)
61.6(3)

117.1

25.2

45.2

(176.2)
(71.7)
(17.9)

(220.6)
5.2

(215.4)
(42.5)
(10.3)(4)

Pre-tax income (loss) before interest and other

26.1

(268.2)

75

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Year ended December 31, 2003

Gross premiums written

Net premiums written

Net premiums earned
Losses on claims
Operating expenses
Interest and dividends

Operating income (loss)
Realized gains

U.S.

Europe

Group Re

325.8

(1.4)

196.1
(429.0)(1)
(153.9)
36.8

(350.0)
213.8

(1.1)

71.1

71.3
(119.3)
(54.0)
20.0

(82.0)
91.6

9.6

257.5

268.8

244.4
(177.9)
(71.4)
15.6

10.7
5.9

16.6

Total

582.2

338.5

511.8
(726.2)
(279.3)
72.4

(421.3)
311.3

(110.0)

Pre-tax income (loss) before interest and other

(136.2)

(1) See ‘‘Commutations’’ on page 74.

(2) At the end of the 2004 third quarter, TIG agreed to commute a number of excess of loss reinsurance
contracts  aggregating  $665.0  of  coverage.  These  commutations  resulted  in  a  net  pre-tax  loss  of
$74.4 ($31.9 at the U.S. runoff group and $42.5 at the European runoff group).

The loss at the European runoff group resulted from the operation of the loss allocation terms in the
retrocessional  arrangements  between  TIG’s  third  party  reinsurer  and  nSpire  Re  and  the
establishment of a reserve with respect to other third party retrocessional arrangements.

(3) Realized gain on the sale in the 2004 second quarter of Northbridge shares from the U.S. runoff
companies  to  other  Fairfax  group  companies,  to  facilitate  the  secondary  offering  of  Northbridge
shares by the company (this gain is eliminated on consolidation).

(4) Realized loss on a sale in the 2004 first quarter of bonds from the European runoff companies to

other Fairfax group companies (this loss is eliminated on consolidation).

The runoff and other pre-tax loss of $641.5 for the year ended December 31, 2005 included the
following charges totaling $571.1:

) $105.6 of Group Re losses from Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma;

) $78.0 of reserve strengthening on certain U.S. runoff discontinued program business;

) $43.8 of mark to market adjustments on runoff derivatives investments;

) $181.8  of  reserve  strengthening  (including  the  impact  of  foreign  currency  losses)  in

European runoff;

) $139.2  as  the  result  of  reinsurance  commutations  and  the  settlement  of  reinsurance

disputes; and

) $22.7 in connection with the closure and consolidation of claims processing locations.

The  remaining  amount  of  pre-tax  loss  resulted  from  the  continuing  effect  of  operating  and
internal claims handling costs in excess of net investment income, partially offset by realized
gains on securities sold. Prior to giving effect to the items listed above, the runoff and other
pre-tax loss for 2005 was $70.4, below the company’s expectation of a runoff and other pre-tax
loss of $100 for 2005.

As a result of actions taken in 2005 and planned for 2006, the company hopes to achieve a pre-
tax operating result (excluding unusual items) approaching breakeven for the runoff and other
segment in 2006.

Runoff cash flow is volatile and ensuring its sufficiency requires constant focus. This situation
stems  principally  from  the  requirement  to  pay  gross  claims  initially  while  third  party

76

reinsurance  is  only  collected  subsequently  in  accordance  with  its  terms  and  from  the  delay,
until some time after claims are paid, of the release of assets pledged to secure the payment of
those  claims.  During  2005,  the  runoff  group  required  cash  flow  funding  from  Fairfax  of
approximately  $163.5,  excluding  $75.0  in  connection  with  Group  Re  hurricane  losses.
Commutations  effected  during  2004  and  2005  increased  the  U.S.  runoff  group’s
unencumbered asset base, with the result that cash flow at the U.S. runoff operations appears
adequate in 2006. The European runoff group is anticipated to require cash flow funding from
Fairfax  of  $150  to  $200  in  2006,  prior  to  any  management  actions  which  would  improve
European  runoff  cash  flow  and  prior  to  the  ultimate  cash  flow  implications  of  the  collateral
substitution described in the next sentence. In connection with the restatement of the Skandia
reinsurance contract referred to on page 69, in March 2006, nSpire Re replaced $78 of letters of
credit  with  cash  funding  to  OdysseyRe  which  required  approximately  $16  of  additional
funding from Fairfax in the first quarter of 2006.

Excluding the loss on commutation and the Northbridge gain, the U.S. runoff group’s pre-tax
loss  of  $3.6  in  2004  reflected  operating  and  internal  claims  handling  costs  in  excess  of  net
investment  income,  substantially  offset  by  realized  gains  (including  the  gain  on  the  sale  of
Zenith National shares of $38.8).

Excluding  the  footnoted  items,  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2004,  the  European  runoff
group had a pre-tax loss of $215.4, of which $75.0 reflected a strengthening of construction
defect reserves, $22.5 related to various costs and losses allocated to the European runoff group
and the remainder was primarily attributable to operating and internal claims handling costs
in excess of net investment income and the investment income being reduced as a result of
funds withheld requirements under the Swiss Re Cover.

77

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Set out below are the balance sheets for Runoff and other as at December 31, 2005 and 2004.

Fairfax affiliates

340.7

Total assets

5,416.2

3,153.0

December 31, 2005

Assets
Accounts receivable

and other

Recoverable from

reinsurers

Portfolio

investments
Deferred premium
acquisition costs
Future income taxes
Premises and
equipment

Due from affiliates
Other assets
Investments in

Liabilities
Accounts payable
and accrued
liabilities

Securities sold but

not yet purchased

Due to affiliates
Funds withheld
payable to
reinsurers

Provision for claims
Unearned premiums

Total liabilities

Shareholders’

equity

Total liabilities and
shareholders’
equity

U.S.
Runoff

European
Runoff

Group Re

Intrasegment
Eliminations

Runoff and
Other

420.6

189.9

2,522.1

1,626.0

46.3

40.4

(2.2)

654.6

(110.3)

4,078.2

1,313.8

1,113.5

499.7

–
696.1

0.7
122.2
–

10.6
98.9

7.8
43.3
14.9

48.1

102.4

203.6

3.9
–

–
–

16.0
3,898.2
23.1

4,043.6

603.4
2,078.6
41.7

2,927.3

0.1

–
–
–

98.8

685.3

4.8

–
71.0

3.2
385.4
90.9

555.3

–

–
–

–
(71.0)
–

–

(183.5)

2,927.0

10.7
795.0

8.5
94.5
14.9

487.6

9,071.0

–

310.8

–
(71.0)

(2.2)
(110.3)
–

(183.5)

3.9
–

620.4
6,251.9
155.7

7,342.7

1,372.6

225.7

130.0

–

1,728.3

5,416.2

3,153.0

685.3

(183.5)

9,071.0

78

December 31, 2004

Assets
Accounts receivable

and other

Recoverable from

reinsurers

Portfolio

investments
Deferred premium
acquisition costs
Future income taxes
Premises and
equipment

Due from affiliates
Other assets
Investments in

U.S.
Runoff

European
Runoff

Group Re

Intrasegment
Eliminations

Runoff and
Other

90.4

429.4

3,376.4

1,833.3

50.5

73.2

(90.7)

479.6

(237.3)

5,045.6

1,337.6

1,062.3

475.3

–
618.8

2.1
156.6
–

7.0
110.1

7.3
176.1
28.9

–
–

–
26.7
–

80.0

705.7

Fairfax affiliates

278.9

102.4

Total assets

5,860.8

3,756.8

–

–
–

–
–
–

–

(328.0)

2,875.2

7.0
728.9

9.4
359.4
28.9

461.3

9,995.3

Liabilities
Accounts payable
and accrued
liabilities

Funds withheld
payable to
reinsurers

Provision for claims
Unearned premiums

Total liabilities

Shareholders’

equity

Total liabilities and
shareholders’
equity

138.3

196.3

6.9

–

341.5

102.3
4,117.1
21.9

4,379.6

579.8
2,409.9
27.6

3,213.6

10.7
367.8
88.8

474.2

(90.7)
(237.3)
–

(328.0)

602.1
6,657.5
138.3

7,739.4

1,481.2

543.2

231.5

–

2,255.9

5,860.8

3,756.8

705.7

(328.0)

9,995.3

The balance sheet for Runoff and other represents the sum of individual entity balance sheets
even though the individual entities are not necessarily a part of the same ownership structure.
The European runoff balance sheet excludes the $1.6 billion of capital, previously discussed,
which was provided to nSpire Re to facilitate the acquisitions of U.S. insurance and reinsurance
companies. The following commentary relates to the balance sheet as at December 31, 2005.

Approximately  $627.2  and  $725.1  of  the  cash  and  short  term  investments  and  portfolio
investments held by the U.S. runoff and the European runoff, respectively, are pledged in the
ordinary  course  of  carrying  on  their  business,  to  support  insurance  and  reinsurance
obligations. Reinsurance recoverables include, in the U.S. runoff segment, $575.0 emanating
from  IIC,  predominantly  representing  reinsurance  recoverables  on  asbestos,  pollution  and
health hazard claims, and include, in the European runoff segment, the $1 billion recoverable
under the Swiss Re Cover.

79

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

The $795.0 future income taxes asset consists of $696.1 in the U.S. runoff segment and $98.9
in  the  European  runoff  segment.  The  $696.1  future  income  taxes asset  on  the  U.S.  runoff
balance  sheet  consists  principally  of  $226.8  of  capitalized  U.S.  operating  losses  remaining
available  for  use,  approximately  $152.5  of  timing  differences  and  approximately  $316.8  of
capitalized  U.S.  operating  losses  which  have  already  been  used  by  other  Fairfax  subsidiaries
within the U.S. consolidated tax return (and have therefore been eliminated in the preparation
of  the  consolidated  balance  sheet)  but  which  remain  with  the  U.S.  runoff  companies  on  a
stand-alone basis. The unused portion of the future income taxes asset may be realized (as it
has been in recent years) by filing a consolidated tax return whereby TIG’s net operating loss
carryforwards are available to offset taxable income at Crum & Forster, OdysseyRe and other
Fairfax subsidiaries within the U.S. consolidated tax return.

Runoff and other’s investments in Fairfax affiliates consist of:

Affiliate

OdysseyRe (TIG)
Lindsey Morden (nSpire Re, CRC (Bermuda), TIG)
Fairfax Asia (Wentworth)
TRG Holdings (Class 1 shares) (nSpire Re/Wentworth)
Fairmont (TIG)

% interest

15.8
71.9
56.0
47.4
100.0

Funds withheld payable to reinsurers at the European runoff includes $564.2, held in a trust
account, under the Swiss Re Cover.

U.S.  runoff’s  consolidated  GAAP  shareholders’  equity  of  $1,372.6  as  at  December  31,  2005,
shown  in  the  balance  sheet  above,  differs  from  TIG’s  standalone  statutory  surplus  of  $597.3
primarily because it includes future income taxes (TIG’s standalone $606.4 of the U.S. runoff’s
consolidated  $696.1  of  future  income  taxes)  and  the  reinsurance  recoverables  which  are
eliminated  from  the  statutory  surplus  pursuant  to  a  statutory  schedule  F  penalty  ($99.9,
principally  reinsurance  due  from  non-U.S.  reinsurers  which  are  not  licensed  in  the  United
States).

Interest expense

Interest  expense  increased  to  $185.7  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2005  compared  to
$153.3 in 2004, reflecting interest expense on the net additional debt issued by Fairfax during
2004 and the OdysseyRe debt issued in the second quarter of 2005. Prior year interest expense
at  Fairfax  was  reduced  as  a  result  of  favourable  interest  rate  swap  income  and  the  release  of
deferred interest rate swap gains on the buyback of debt discussed in note 6 to the consolidated
financial statements. Increases in interest expense in 2004 as compared to 2003 relate to the
timing  of  debt  issues  at  Crum  & Forster  and  OdysseyRe.  The  interest  expense  comprises  the
following:

Fairfax
Crum & Forster
OdysseyRe

2005

2004

2003

122.8
32.9
30.0

94.5
33.2
25.6

108.3
18.7
12.7

185.7

153.3

139.7

Corporate overhead and other

Corporate overhead and other consists of the expenses of all of the group holding companies
net  of  the  company’s  investment  management  and  administration  fees  and  investment

80

income on Fairfax’s cash, short term investments and marketable securities, and comprises the
following:

Fairfax corporate overhead (net of investment

income)

Investment management and administration

fees

Corporate overhead of subsidiary holding

companies

Internet and technology expenses
Other

2005

2004

2003

24.8

56.8

35.3

(55.8)

(32.7)

(36.5)

44.5
4.0
(8.7)

8.8

31.9
11.9
8.4

76.3

18.2
15.6
16.1

48.7

Corporate  overhead  in  2005  decreased  at  Fairfax  from  the  prior  year  due  to  increased
investment  income,  and  increased  at  the  subsidiary  holding  companies  due  primarily  to
additional professional fees, including for reviews pursuant to Sarbanes-Oxley, and personnel
retirement costs. Investment management and administration fees increased due to the growth
of investment assets and higher performance fees for investment management. Internet and
technology  expenses  decreased  in  2005  as  over  one-third  of  the  revenues  of  MFX,  the
company’s  technology  subsidiary,  were  derived  from  a  significant  number  of  third  party
clients.

Increases  in  2004  corporate  overhead  as  compared  to  2003  related  primarily  to  additional
professional  fees,  personnel  retirement  costs  and  the  inclusion  of  charitable  donations  in
overhead.

Taxes

The  company  recorded  an  income  tax  recovery  of  $66.8  on  its  consolidated  statement  of
earnings in 2005 due to the significant losses in the year. This income tax benefit is lower than
might be expected principally due to runoff losses incurred in jurisdictions with lower income
tax rates, certain expenses which are not deductible for tax and certain runoff losses on which
no tax benefits have been recognized.

Non-controlling interests

The non-controlling interests on the company’s consolidated statements of earnings represent
the public minority interests in the net income or loss of Northbridge, OdysseyRe and Lindsey
Morden, as summarized in the table below.

Northbridge
OdysseyRe
Lindsey Morden

2005

2004

2003

66.7
(20.9)
1.3

46.1
32.9
(5.1)

14.8
55.2
(5.5)

47.1

73.9

64.5

Non-controlling interests on the consolidated balance sheet as at December 31, 2005 represent
the minority shareholders’ 40.8% share of the underlying net assets of Northbridge ($358.6),
19.9%  share  of  the  underlying  net  assets  of  OdysseyRe  ($374.0)  and  19.0%  share  of  the
underlying net assets of Lindsey Morden ($13.0). All of the assets and liabilities, including long
term debt, of these companies are included in the company’s consolidated balance sheet.

81

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Provision for Claims

Since 1985, in order to ensure so far as possible that the company’s provision for claims (often
called ‘‘reserves’’) is adequate, management has established procedures so that the provision
for claims at the company’s insurance, reinsurance and runoff operations are subject to several
reviews, including by one or more independent actuaries. The reserves are reviewed separately
by, and must be acceptable to, internal actuaries at each operating company, the chief actuary
at  Fairfax’s  head  office,  and  one  or  more  independent  actuaries,  including  an  independent
valuation actuary whose report appears in each Annual Report.

In the ordinary course of carrying on their business, Fairfax’s insurance, reinsurance and runoff
companies  pledge  their  own  assets  as  security  for  their  own  obligations  to  pay  claims  or  to
make  premium  (and  accrued  interest)  payments.  Common  situations  where  assets  are  so
pledged,  either  directly,  or  to  support  letters  of  credit  issued  for  the  following  purposes,  are
regulatory deposits (such as with states for workers’ compensation business), deposits of funds
at Lloyd’s in support of London market underwriting, and the provision of security as a non-
admitted company, as security for claims assumed or to support funds withheld obligations.
Generally, the pledged assets are released as the underlying payment obligation is fulfilled. The
$2.2  billion  of  cash  and  investments  pledged  by  the  company’s  subsidiaries,  referred  to  in
note  4  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements,  has  been  pledged  in  the  ordinary  course  of
business to support the pledging subsidiary’s own obligations, as described in this paragraph
(these  pledges  do  not  involve  the  cross-collateralization  by  one  group  company  of  another
group company’s obligations).

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 (incurred but
not reported) 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
consequently 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.  Favourable  development
(redundancies)  means  that  subsequent  reserve  estimates  are  lower  than  originally  indicated,
while  unfavourable  development  means  that  the  original  reserve  estimates  were  lower  than

82

subsequently indicated. The $523.2 aggregate unfavourable development in 2005 is comprised
as shown in the following table:

Northbridge
U.S. insurance
Fairfax Asia
OdysseyRe
Runoff and other

Total

Favourable
(unfavourable)

31.4
31.3(1)
(5.1)
(166.5)
(414.3)

(523.2)

(1) Net of $26.7 of redundancies inuring to the benefit of aggregate stop loss covers.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the provision for claims and loss adjustment
expense (LAE) for the insurance, reinsurance and runoff and other 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 and other operations is $16,029.2 as at December 31, 2005 –
the amount shown as Provision for claims on Fairfax’s consolidated balance sheet.

Reconciliation of Provision for Claims and LAE as at December 31

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

Insurance subsidiaries owned
throughout the year – net
of indemnification
Insurance subsidiaries

acquired during the year

3,037.3

2,699.8

2,356.7

1,932.1

1,938.6

–

21.1

–

–

16.1

Total insurance subsidiaries

3,037.3

2,720.9

2,356.7

1,932.1

1,954.7

Reinsurance subsidiaries
owned throughout the
year

Reinsurance subsidiaries

3,869.6

3,058.9

2,341.7

1,834.3

1,674.4

acquired during the year

–

77.1

–

10.3

–

Total reinsurance subsidiaries

3,869.6

3,136.0

2,341.7

1,844.6

1,674.4

Runoff and other subsidiaries

owned throughout the
year

Runoff and other subsidiaries
acquired during the year

Total runoff and other

subsidiaries

Federated Life

Total provision for claims

and LAE

Reinsurance gross-up

2,393.1

1,975.0

2,206.5

3,100.4

3,077.4

38.2

–

–

40.5

–

2,431.3

1,975.0

2,206.5

3,140.9

3,077.4

–

26.2

24.1

18.3

18.4

9,338.2
6,691.0

7,858.1
7,125.4

6,929.0
7,439.1

6,935.9
6,461.4

6,724.9
7,110.8

Total including gross-up

16,029.2

14,983.5

14,368.1

13,397.3

13,835.7

83

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

The  nine  tables  that  follow  show  the  reconciliation  and  the  reserve  development  of
Northbridge  (Canadian  insurance),  U.S.  insurance,  Fairfax  Asia  (Asian  insurance),  OdysseyRe
(reinsurance) and Runoff and other’s net provision for claims. Because business is written in
various  locations,  there  will  necessarily  be  some  distortions  caused  by  foreign  exchange
fluctuations.  The  insurance  operations’  tables  are  presented  in  Canadian  dollars  for
Northbridge  (Canadian  insurance)  and  in  U.S.  dollars  for  U.S.  and  Asian  insurance.  The
OdysseyRe  (reinsurance)  and  Runoff  and  other  tables  are  presented  in  U.S.  dollars  as  the
reinsurance and runoff businesses are substantially transacted in that currency.

In all cases, the company strives to establish adequate provisions at the original valuation date,
so  that  if  there  is  any  development  from  the  past,  it  will  be  favourable  development.  The
reserves will always be subject to upward or downward development in the future, and future
development could be significantly different from the past due to many unknown factors.

With regard to the four tables below showing claims reserve development, note that when in
any  year  there  is  a  redundancy  or  reserve  strengthening  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.

84

Canadian Insurance – Northbridge

The following table shows for Northbridge (excluding Federated Life, which was sold in 2005)
the  provision  for  claims  liability  for  unpaid  losses  and  LAE  as  originally  and  as  currently
estimated for the years 2001 through 2005. The favourable or unfavourable development from
prior years is credited or charged to each year’s earnings.

Reconciliation of Provision for Claims – Northbridge

Provision for claims and LAE at

January 1

1,153.9

855.4

728.9

621.9

585.5

2005

2004

2003
(in Cdn $)

2002

2001

Incurred losses on claims and LAE
Provision for current accident

year’s claims

Foreign exchange effect on claims
Increase (decrease) in provision

825.9
(5.8)

736.3
(13.3)

619.6
(27.2)

525.5
(1.5)

456.0
–

for prior accident years’ claims

(38.1)

15.0

19.2

8.2

32.4

Total incurred losses on claims and

LAE

782.0

738.0

611.6

532.2

488.4

Payments for losses on claims and

LAE
Payments on current accident

year’s claims

(248.1)

(206.1)

(211.4)

(224.5)

(228.3)

Payments on prior accident years’

claims

(279.1)

(233.4)

(273.7)

(200.7)

(223.7)

Total payments for losses on claims

and LAE

(527.2)

(439.5)

(485.1)

(425.2)

(452.0)

Provision for claims and LAE at

December 31

Exchange rate
Provision for claims and LAE at
December 31 converted to

1,408.7
0.8561

1,153.9
0.8347

855.4
0.7738

728.9
0.6330

621.9
0.6264

U.S. dollars

1,205.9

963.1

661.9

461.4

389.6

85

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

The following table shows for Northbridge (excluding Federated Life, which was sold in 2005)
the original provision for claims reserves including LAE at each calendar year-end commencing
in 1995, the subsequent cumulative payments made from these years and the subsequent re-
estimated amount of these reserves.

Provision for Northbridge’s Claims Reserve Development

As at
December 31

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

2004

2005

(in Cdn$)

Provision for claims including LAE

532.7 552.8 569.0 593.3 603.3 585.5 621.9 728.9 855.4 1,153.9 1,408.7

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

178.8 195.0 193.5 196.8 218.9 223.7 200.7 273.7 233.4

279.1

280.4 298.2 294.4 315.9 334.4 333.8 366.6 396.9 377.9

348.1 369.6 377.0 393.3 417.8 458.2 451.4 500.1

400.8 428.6 441.1 455.4 516.9 525.3 527.2

437.5 470.3 487.2 533.1 566.7 573.9

468.5 498.4 545.6 567.4 600.7

487.2 547.0 572.2 590.4

528.3 567.1 588.4

544.3 579.4

553.6

516.1 550.3 561.5 573.9 596.7 617.9 630.1 724.8 864.8 1,114.6

526.2 551.2 556.6 574.1 621.6 634.3 672.3 792.1 880.8

528.7 552.2 561.0 593.3 638.0 673.9 721.8 812.2

529.0 556.6 580.7 607.3 674.9 717.2 741.6

528.5 567.2 592.3 644.6 711.8 724.5

537.3 579.3 624.8 673.5 714.0

547.6 607.5 650.8 674.4

574.9 630.8 652.2

596.0 631.8

596.6

Favourable (unfavourable)

development

(63.9) (79.0) (83.2) (81.1) (110.7) (139.0) (119.7) (83.3) (25.4)

39.3

(Amounts in this paragraph are in Canadian dollars.) The strengthening of the Canadian dollar
against the U.S. dollar during 2005 had a favourable impact of $5.8 (of which $1.2 related to
prior  years)  on  Commonwealth’s  (and  thus  Northbridge’s)  reserves.  Excluding  the  currency
translation  effect,  Northbridge  experienced  $38.1  in  favourable  reserve  development  during
2005.  The  net  amount  of  $38.1  is  comprised  of  favourable  reserve  development  at  Lombard
($7.9),  Federated  ($1.8),  Markel  ($2.7)  and  Commonwealth  ($25.7).  The  favourable
development relates generally to better than expected development on property lines in the
most recent accident years.

As  shown  in  Northbridge’s  annual  report,  on  an  accident  year  basis  (under  which  all  claims
attribute  back  to  the  year  of  loss,  regardless  of  when  they  are  reported  or  adjusted),
Northbridge’s annual weighted average reserve development during the last ten accident years
has been favourable (redundant) by 4.8%.

86

U.S. Insurance

The  following  table  shows  for  Fairfax’s  U.S.  insurance  operations  the  provision  for  claims
liability for unpaid losses and LAE as originally and as currently estimated for the years 2001
through  2005.  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

Provision for claims and LAE at

January 1

1,703.1

1,669.7

1,447.6

1,535.5

1,946.1

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

Incurred losses on claims and LAE
Provision for current accident

year’s claims

785.9

795.4

585.5

517.4

545.6

Increase (decrease) in provision for

prior accident years’ claims

(31.3)

(30.1)(1)

40.5

20.8

(13.0)

Total incurred losses on claims and

LAE

754.6

765.3

626.0

538.2

532.6

Payments for losses on claims and

LAE
Payments on current accident

year’s claims

(171.5)

(185.6)

(123.8)

(148.0)

(180.6)

Payments on prior accident years’

claims

(529.5)

(546.3)

(280.1)

(478.1)

(762.6)

Total payments for losses on claims

and LAE

(701.0)

(731.9)

(403.9)

(626.1)

(943.2)

Provision for claims and LAE at

December 31

1,756.7

1,703.1

1,669.7

1,447.6

1,535.5

(1) Offset in Crum & Forster’s underwriting results by ceding premiums paid on strengthening prior

years’ loss reserves, resulting in a net cost to Crum & Forster of $25.0.

The  following  table  shows  for  Fairfax’s  U.S.  insurance  operations  the  original  provision  for
claims reserves including LAE at each calendar year-end commencing in 1995, 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:

Fairmont (Ranger)
Crum & Forster
Seneca

Year Acquired

1993
1998
2000

87

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Provision for U.S. Insurance Operations’ Claims Reserve Development

As at
December 31

Provision for claims

1995 1996 1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

including LAE

157.8 187.6 184.0 2,688.4 2,311.4 1,946.1 1,535.5 1,447.6 1,669.7 1,703.1 1,756.7

Cumulative payments as of:

One year later

Two years later

69.4

79.8

70.1

754.4

782.8

762.6

119.9 125.3 128.0 1,361.8 1,396.7 1,127.7

478.1

690.8

Three years later

135.2 157.5 168.9 1,819.4 1,663.7 1,259.5 1,025.7

529.5

546.3

912.8

280.1

702.4

982.8

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

155.2 184.1 212.8 2,092.7 1,728.2 1,524.6 1,251.5

171.8 204.6 222.7 2,116.0 1,982.2 1,705.5

174.8 209.3 259.1 2,306.0 2,159.3

175.3 244.5 276.1 2,462.3

204.9 261.0 274.3

220.3 258.4

217.8

183.2 196.3 227.8 2,718.1 2,356.5 1,933.1 1,556.3 1,488.0 1,639.6 1,671.8

190.9 229.1 236.3 2,712.3 2,411.9 1,950.9 1,630.0 1,498.4 1,673.8

Three years later

210.8 236.3 251.9 2,762.1 2,425.3 1,971.3 1,644.7 1,527.9

Four years later

Five years later

Six years later

Seven years later

Eight years later

Nine years later

Ten years later

Favourable (unfavourable)

212.9 246.7 279.0 2,777.2 2,441.9 1,985.9 1,672.8

216.2 261.1 279.0 2,791.7 2,473.7 2,010.2

220.6 261.1 279.7 2,835.1 2,505.4

220.6 261.4 281.0 2,863.3

220.0 263.6 281.6

222.6 262.4

221.4

development

(63.6) (74.8) (97.6)

(174.9)

(194.0)

(64.1)

(137.3)

(80.3)

(4.1)

31.3

In  2005  there  was  favourable  development  of  $58.0  prior  to  $26.7  inuring  to  the  benefit  of
retroactive  aggregate  stop  loss  covers,  resulting  in  a  net  redundancy  of  $31.3.  The  net
favourable development was comprised of favourable development of $99.7 on accident years
1999 through 2004, with approximately 60% emanating from property and commercial multi-
peril business and the balance from casualty business, and favourable emergence on non-latent
umbrella  and  casualty  reserves  from  older  accident  years,  partially  offset  by  adverse
development  on  asbestos  and  environmental  liabilities  and  by  the  strengthening  of  surety
lines of business (exited in 2005).

88

Asian Insurance – Fairfax Asia

The following table shows for Fairfax Asia the provision for claims liability for unpaid losses
and  LAE  as  originally  and  as  currently  estimated  for  the  years  2001  through  2005.  The
favourable or unfavourable development from prior years is credited or charged to each year’s
earnings.

Reconciliation of Provision for Claims – Fairfax Asia

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

Provision for claims and LAE at January 1

54.7

25.1

23.1

29.6

11.0

Incurred losses on claims and LAE

Provision for current accident year’s claims
Foreign exchange effect on claims
Increase (decrease) in provision for prior accident

39.6
(0.2)

24.9
–

20.6
–

20.1
–

years’ claims

5.1

(0.2)

(0.7)

3.2

Total incurred losses on claims and LAE

44.5

24.7

19.9

23.3

6.9
–

2.4

9.3

Payments for losses on claims and LAE

Payments on current accident year’s claims
Payments on prior accident years’ claims

(11.2)
(13.3)

(8.3)
(7.9)

(7.8)
(10.1)

(10.8)
(19.0)

(1.1)
(5.7)

Total payments for losses on claims and LAE

(24.5)

(16.2)

(17.9)

(29.8)

(6.8)

Provision for claims and LAE at December 31 before

the undernoted

74.7

33.6

25.1

23.1

13.5

Provision for claims and LAE for Winterthur (Asia) at

December 31

Provision for claims and LAE for First Capital at

December 31

–

–

Provision for claims and LAE at December 31

74.7

–

21.1

54.7

–

–

–

–

16.1

–

25.1

23.1

29.6

The following table shows for Fairfax Asia the original provision for claims reserves including
LAE at each calendar year-end commencing in 1998 (when Fairfax Asia began), the subsequent
cumulative payments made from these years and the subsequent re-estimated amount of these
reserves. The following Asian insurance subsidiaries’ reserves are included from the respective
years in which such subsidiaries were acquired:

Falcon
Winterthur (Asia)
First Capital

Year Acquired

1998
2001
2004

89

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Provision for Fairfax Asia’s Claims Reserve Development

As at December 31

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

Provision for claims including LAE

Cumulative payments as of:

5.6

9.2

11.0

29.6

23.1

25.1

54.7

74.7

One year later

Two years later

Three years later

Four years later

Five years later

Six years later

Seven 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

Favourable (unfavourable) development

0.9

1.4

3.2

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.5

5.6

3.5

3.8

3.8

3.6

3.5

3.5

2.1

7.9

13.3

13.1

10.1

14.1

16.5

19.0

26.1

27.9

29.1

59.6

24.9

23.1

22.4

22.2

21.3

32.8

32.3

32.2

31.5

5.7

7.9

9.7

10.8

11.6

13.4

14.1

13.6

13.3

12.8

2.3

5.3

6.3

7.0

7.1

7.2

8.9

9.1

9.3

8.3

8.0

7.5

1.7

(1.8)

(1.9)

1.8

2.0

(4.9)

Fairfax  Asia  experienced  unfavourable  development  in  2005,  mainly  relating  to  professional
indemnity claims at First Capital.

90

Reinsurance – OdysseyRe

The following table shows for OdysseyRe the provision for claims liability for unpaid losses and
LAE as originally and as currently estimated for the years 2001 through 2005. The favourable or
unfavourable development from prior years is credited or charged to each year’s earnings.

Reconciliation of Provision for Claims –
OdysseyRe

Provision for claims and LAE at

January 1

3,136.0

2,341.7

1,844.6

1,674.4

1,666.8

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

Incurred losses on claims and

LAE
Provision for current accident

year’s claims

1,897.3

1,448.4

1,208.8

920.0

702.7

Foreign exchange effect on

claims

Increase in provision for prior

(28.1)

24.9

14.8

5.1

(0.4)

accident years’ claims

166.5

181.2

116.9

66.0

23.0

Total incurred losses on claims

and LAE

2,035.7

1,654.5

1,340.5

991.1

725.3

Payments for losses on claims

and LAE
Payments on current accident

year’s claims

(388.4)

(304.9)

(241.6)

(215.0)

(121.5)

Payments on prior accident

years’ claims

(913.7)

(632.4)

(601.8)

(616.2)

(596.2)

Total payments for losses on

claims and LAE

(1,302.1)

(937.3)

(843.4)

(831.2)

(717.7)

Provision for claims and LAE at

December 31 before the
undernoted

Provision for claims and LAE for
First Capital at December 31
Provision for claims and LAE at
December 31 for Opus Re

Provision for claims and LAE at

3,869.6

3,058.9

2,341.7

1,834.3

1,674.4

–

–

–

77.1(1)

–

–

10.3

–

–

–

December 31

3,869.6

3,136.0

2,341.7

1,844.6

1,674.4

(1) Reflects the removal to the Fairfax Asia segment of First Capital’s provision for claims and LAE.

The following table shows for OdysseyRe the original provision for claims reserves including
LAE  at  each  calendar  year-end  commencing  in  1996  (the  year  of  Fairfax’s  first  reinsurance
company  acquisition),  the  subsequent  cumulative  payments  made  from  these  years  and  the
subsequent re-estimated amount of these reserves. This table differs from the comparable table
published  by  Odyssey  Re  Holdings  Corp.  in  its  10-K  as  it  does  not  reflect  changes  by  that
company in the accounting treatment of or relating to certain reinsurance contracts, which are
not material to Fairfax.

91

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Provision for OdysseyRe’s 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
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
Favourable

(unfavourable)
development

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

1,991.8 2,134.3 1,987.6 1,831.5 1,666.8 1,674.4 1,844.6 2,341.7 3,136.0 3,869.6

456.8
837.2

594.1

596.2
546.1
993.7 1,054.6 1,041.3 1,009.9

608.5

616.2
985.4

632.4
601.8
998.8 1,212.9

913.7

1,142.1 1,341.5 1,352.9 1,332.8 1,276.4 1,295.5 1,423.6
1,349.2 1,517.6 1,546.2 1,505.5 1,553.1 1,601.6
1,475.0 1,648.3 1,675.4 1,718.4 1,802.2
1,586.2 1,754.9 1,828.1 1,901.2
1,680.3 1,848.5 1,941.1
1,757.7 1,928.5
1,820.3

2,106.7 2,113.0 2,033.8 1,846.2 1,689.9 1,740.4 1,961.5 2,522.9 3,302.5
2,121.0 2,151.3 2,043.0 1,862.2 1,768.1 1,904.2 2,201.0 2,782.8
2,105.0 2,130.9 2,043.7 1,931.4 1,987.9 2,155.2 2,527.7
2,073.6 2,128.2 2,084.8 2,113.2 2,241.1 2,468.0
2,065.8 2,150.3 2,215.6 2,292.2 2,535.0
2,065.6 2,207.1 2,305.5 2,526.7
2,067.9 2,244.3 2,429.1
2,094.2 2,326.2
2,167.3

(175.5)

(191.9)

(441.5)

(695.2)

(868.2)

(793.6)

(683.1)

(441.1)

(166.5)

The unfavourable development of $166.5 in 2005 included $15.0 of development on the 2004
third  quarter  hurricanes,  with  the  remaining  increases  predominantly  attributable  to  U.S.
casualty classes of business (including asbestos) written in 2001 and prior, which were partially
offset  by  favorable  reserve  development  related  to  business  written  in  2003  and  2004.  Also
reflected  in  OdysseyRe’s  2005  underwriting  results  are  $22.5  of  additional  premium  paid  on
the strengthening of prior years’ loss reserves.

Runoff and Other

The  following  table  shows  for  Fairfax’s  runoff  and  other  operations  the  provision  for  claims
liability for unpaid losses and LAE as originally and as currently estimated for the years 2001
through  2005.  The  favourable  or  unfavourable  development  from  prior  years  is  credited  or
charged to each year’s earnings.

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Reconciliation of Provision for Claims – Runoff and Other

Provision for claims and LAE at

January 1

1,975.0

2,206.5

3,140.9

3,077.4

3,412.9

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

Incurred losses on claims and LAE

Provision for current accident year’s

claims

Foreign exchange effect on claims
Increase in provision for prior accident

years’ claims

Recovery under Swiss Re Cover

389.8
17.0

414.3
–

399.4
81.1

580.7
66.6

826.1
3.0

1,031.8
38.3

177.8
(3.9)

286.1
(263.6)

241.3
(5.2)

290.2
(210.5)

Total incurred losses on claims and LAE

821.1

654.4

669.8

1,065.2

1,149.8

Payments for losses on claims and LAE
Payments on current accident year’s

claims

(86.7)

(51.2)

(74.2)

(172.3)

(264.3)

Payments on prior accident years’

claims

Total payments for losses on claims

(316.3)(1) (834.7)

(1,530.0)

(869.9)

(1,221.0)

and LAE

(403.0)

(885.9)

(1,604.2)

(1,042.2)

(1,485.3)

Provision for claims and LAE at

December 31 before the undernoted

2,393.1

1,975.0

2,206.5

3,100.4

3,077.4

Provision for claims and LAE for
Corifrance at December 31

Provision for claims and LAE for Old

Lyme at December 31

Provision for claims and LAE at

38.2

–

–

–

–

–

–

40.5

–

–

December 31

2,431.3

1,975.0

2,206.5

3,140.9

3,077.4

(1) Reduced  by  $570.3  of  proceeds  received  and  proceeds  due  from  two  significant  commutations

referred to in ‘‘Commutations’’ on page 74.

The unfavourable development of $414.3 in 2005 was comprised of $139.2 from reinsurance
commutations  and  the  settlement  of  reinsurance  disputes;  $85.6  from  U.S.  runoff, relating
primarily to development on prior years’ workers’ compensation claims and unallocated loss
adjustment expenses; $175.3 from European runoff, consisting of development at RiverStone
Insurance  UK,  World  Trade  Center  losses  at  Syndicate  3500, uncollectible  reinsurance,
discontinued  public  entity  excess  business  and  unallocated  loss  adjustment  expenses;  and
$14.2 relating  primarily  to  prior  years’  casualty  business  at  CRC  (Bermuda)  and  the
discontinued CTR life business at Wentworth.

Asbestos, Pollution and Other Hazards

General APH Discussion

A number of Fairfax’s subsidiaries wrote general liability policies and reinsurance prior to their
acquisition  by  Fairfax  under  which  policyholders  continue  to  present  asbestos-related  injury
claims, claims alleging injury, damage or clean up costs arising from environmental pollution,
and  other  health  hazard  or  mass  tort  (APH)  claims.  The  vast  majority  of  these  claims  are
presented under policies written many years ago.

There is a great deal of uncertainty surrounding these types of claims. This uncertainty impacts
the  ability  of  insurers  and  reinsurers  to  estimate  the  ultimate  amount  of  unpaid  claims  and

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FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

related settlement expenses. The majority of these claims differ from any other type of claim
because there is little consistent precedent to determine what, if any, coverage exists or which,
if any, policy years and insurers/reinsurers may be liable. These uncertainties are exacerbated
by inconsistent court decisions and judicial and legislative interpretations of coverage that in
some cases have eroded the clear and express intent of the parties to the insurance contracts,
and  in  others  have  expanded  theories  of  liability.  The  industry  as  a  whole  is  engaged  in
extensive  litigation  over  these  coverage  and  liability  issues  and  is  thus  confronted  with
continuing  uncertainty  in  its  efforts  to  quantify  APH  exposures.  Conventional  actuarial
reserving  techniques  cannot  be  used  to  estimate  the  ultimate  cost  of  such  claims,  due  to
inadequate loss development patterns and inconsistent emerging legal doctrine.

Since  Fairfax’s  acquisition  of  TRG  in  1999,  RiverStone  has  managed  the  group’s  direct  APH
claims.  In  light  of  the  intensive  claim  settlement  process  for  these  claims,  which  involves
comprehensive fact gathering and subject matter expertise, management believes it is prudent
to have a centralized claim facility to handle these claims on behalf of all the Fairfax groups.
RiverStone’s  APH  claim  staff  focuses  on  defending  Fairfax  against  unwarranted  claims,
pursuing aggressive claim handling and proactive resolution strategies, and minimizing costs.
Over half of the professional members of this staff are attorneys experienced in asbestos and
environmental pollution liabilities. OdysseyRe also has a dedicated claim unit which manages
its  APH  exposure.  This  unit  performs  audits  of  policyholders  with  significant  asbestos  and
environmental  pollution  to  assess  their  potential  liabilities.  This  unit  also  monitors
developments  within  the  insurance  industry  that  might  have  a  potential  impact  on
OdysseyRe’s reserves.

Following is an analysis of Fairfax’s gross and net loss and ALAE reserves from APH exposures at
year-end 2005, 2004, and 2003 and the movement in gross and net reserves for those years:

2005

2004

2003

Gross

Net

Gross

Net

Gross

Net

Runoff Companies

Provision for APH claims and ALAE at January 1

1,440.1

375.0

1,460.0

426.1

1,402.7

419.5

APH losses and ALAE incurred during the year

APH losses and ALAE paid during the year

112.9

269.0

45.2

54.6

184.4

204.3

(0.5)

300.1

50.6

242.8

61.8

55.2

Provision for APH claims and ALAE at December 31

1,284.0

365.6

1,440.1

375.0

1,460.0

426.1

Operating Companies

Provision for APH claims and ALAE at January 1

878.0

675.6

838.5

654.0

723.0

565.7

APH losses and ALAE incurred during the year

APH losses and ALAE paid during the year

102.9

129.7

92.9

92.6

168.5

125.7

235.4

173.2

129.0

104.1

119.9

84.9

Provision for APH claims and ALAE at December 31

851.2

675.9

878.0

675.6

838.5

654.0

Fairfax Total

Provision for APH claims and ALAE at January 1

2,318.1

1,050.6

2,298.5

1,080.1

2,125.7

985.2

APH losses and ALAE incurred during the year

215.8

138.1

352.9

125.3

535.5

235.0

APH losses and ALAE paid during the year

398.7

147.2

333.3

154.7

362.7

140.1

Provision for APH claims and ALAE at December 31

2,135.2

1,041.5

2,318.1

1,050.6

2,298.5

1,080.1

Of the $61.8 shown for runoff companies as the net incurred loss and ALAE for 2003, $24.7
relates to a one-time reclassification of reserves from non-latent classes into asbestos.

Asbestos Claim Discussion

Asbestos continues to be the most significant and difficult mass tort for the insurance industry
in  terms  of  claims  volume  and  dollar  exposure.  The  company  believes  that  the  insurance
industry  has  been  adversely  affected  by  judicial  interpretations  that  have  had  the  effect  of

94

maximizing  insurance  recoveries  for  asbestos  claims,  from  both  a  coverage  and  liability
perspective.  Generally  speaking,  only  policies  underwritten  prior  to  1986  have  potential
asbestos exposure, since most policies underwritten after this date contain an absolute asbestos
exclusion.

In recent years, especially from 2001 through 2003, the industry had experienced increasing
numbers  of  asbestos  claimants,  including  claims  from  individuals  who  do  not  appear  to  be
impaired by asbestos exposure. Since 2003, however, new claim filings have been fairly stable.
It  is  possible  that  the  increases  observed  in  the  early  part  of  the  decade  were  triggered  by
various  state  tort  reforms  (discussed  immediately  below).  At  this  point,  it  is  too  early  to  tell
whether claim filings will return to pre-2004 levels, remain stable, or begin to decrease.

Since 2001, several states have proposed, and in many cases enacted, tort reform statutes that
impact  asbestos  litigation  by,  for  example,  making  it  more  difficult  for  a  diverse  group  of
plaintiffs to jointly file a single case, reducing ‘‘forum-shopping’’ by requiring that a potential
plaintiff  must  have  been  exposed  to  asbestos  in  the  state  in  which  he/she  files  a  lawsuit,  or
permitting consolidation of discovery. These statutes typically apply to suits filed after a stated
date. When a statute is proposed or enacted, asbestos defendants often experience a marked
increase  in  new  lawsuits,  as  plaintiffs’  attorneys  rush  to  file  before  the  effective  date  of  the
legislation.  Some  of  this  increased  claim  volume  likely  represents  an  acceleration  of  valid
claims that would have been brought in the future, while some claims will likely prove to have
little  or  no  merit.  As  many  of  these  claims  are  still  pending,  it  is  still  too  early  to  tell  what
portion  of  the  increased  number  of  suits  represents  valid  claims.  Also,  the  acceleration  of
claims  increases  the  uncertainty  surrounding  projections  of  future  claims  in  the  affected
jurisdictions. The company’s reserves include a provision which is considered prudent for the
ultimate cost of claims filed in these jurisdictions.

Following  is  an  analysis  of  Fairfax’s  gross  and  net  loss  and  ALAE  reserves  from  asbestos
exposures at year-end 2005, 2004, and 2003 and the movement in gross and net reserves for
those years:

2005

2004

2003

Gross

Net

Gross

Net

Gross

Net

Runoff Companies

Provision for asbestos claims and ALAE at January 1

962.0

250.8

901.5

278.1

804.0

218.1

Asbestos losses and ALAE incurred during the year

Asbestos losses and ALAE paid during the year

105.4

210.6

39.9

42.3

199.9

139.3

1.7

260.7

29.0

163.2

77.1

17.2

Provision for asbestos claims and ALAE at December 31

856.8

248.4

962.0

250.8

901.5

278.1

Operating Companies

Provision for asbestos claims and ALAE at January 1

725.3

538.5

674.9

494.1

527.7

383.2

Asbestos losses and ALAE incurred during the year

Asbestos losses and ALAE paid during the year

83.6

106.6

75.7

68.2

141.4

113.8

242.6

168.3

91.1

69.4

95.4

57.4

Provision for asbestos claims and ALAE at December 31

702.3

546.0

725.3

538.5

674.9

494.1

Fairfax Total

Provision for asbestos claims and ALAE at January 1

1,687.3

789.3

1,576.4

772.2

1,331.7

601.3

Asbestos losses and ALAE incurred during the year

188.9

115.6

341.3

115.5

503.3

245.4

Asbestos losses and ALAE paid during the year

317.2

110.4

230.4

98.4

258.6

74.6

Provision for asbestos claims and ALAE at December 31

1,559.0

794.5

1,687.3

789.3

1,576.4

772.2

Of the $77.1 shown for runoff companies as the net incurred loss and ALAE for 2003, $24.7
relates to a one-time reclassification of reserves from non-latent classes into asbestos, and an
additional $16.0 relates to a similar reclassification of reserves from environmental pollution
into asbestos.

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FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Following  is  an  analysis  of  Fairfax’s  U.S.-based  subsidiaries’  gross  and  net  loss  and  ALAE
reserves for asbestos exposures at year-end 2005, 2004, and 2003 and the movement in gross
and net reserves for those years (throughout this section, in the interests of clarity, TIG and
International  Insurance  (IIC)  are  presented  separately,  notwithstanding  their  merger  in
December, 2002):

2005

2004

2003

Gross

Net

Gross

Net

Gross

Net

IIC

Provision for asbestos claims and ALAE at January 1

687.5

130.0

586.1

132.2

640.3

140.3

Asbestos losses and ALAE incurred during the year

Asbestos losses and ALAE paid during the year

58.4

153.1

(2.3)

196.4

3.6

95.0

1.8

4.0

87.9

142.1

2.0

10.1

Provision for asbestos claims and ALAE at December 31

592.8

124.1

687.5

130.0

586.1

132.2

Crum & Forster (C&F)

Provision for asbestos claims and ALAE at January 1

482.2

408.8

458.1

366.4

333.5

264.8

Asbestos losses and ALAE incurred during the year

Asbestos losses and ALAE paid during the year

29.7

85.0

31.5

63.6

87.0

62.8

90.5

48.1

195.7

149.8

71.1

48.2

Provision for asbestos claims and ALAE at December 31

426.9

376.7

482.2

408.8

458.1

366.4

OdysseyRe(1)

Provision for asbestos claims and ALAE at January 1

242.2

129.3

215.7

127.3

189.7

118.0

Asbestos losses and ALAE incurred during the year

Asbestos losses and ALAE paid during the year

54.2

21.6

44.4

4.6

54.6

28.1

22.6

20.5

46.4

20.4

18.3

9.0

Provision for asbestos claims and ALAE at December 31

274.8

169.1

242.2

129.3

215.7

127.3

TIG

Provision for asbestos claims and ALAE at January 1

Asbestos losses and ALAE incurred during the year

Asbestos losses and ALAE paid during the year

97.7

1.4

4.4

8.5

5.1

2.1

102.7

11.8

0.0

5.0

Provision for asbestos claims and ALAE at December 31

94.7

11.5

97.7

Ranger (Fairmont)

Provision for asbestos claims and ALAE at January 1

Asbestos losses and ALAE incurred during the year

Asbestos losses and ALAE paid during the year

Provision for asbestos claims and ALAE at December 31

0.9

(0.3)

0.0

0.6

0.4

(0.3)

0.0

0.1

1.1

(0.1)

0.1

0.9

36.0

75.3

8.6

12.3

2.6

3.1

102.7

11.8

4.5

0.4

3.8

1.1

0.3

0.2

0.1

0.4

0.0

3.3

8.5

0.4

0.8

0.7

0.4

(1) Net reserves presented for OdysseyRe exclude cessions under a stop loss agreement with nSpire Re.
In  OdysseyRe’s  financial  disclosures,  its  net  reserves  include  cessions  under  this  reinsurance
protection.

The policyholders with the most significant asbestos exposure are traditional defendants who
manufactured,  distributed  or  installed  asbestos  products  on  a  nationwide  basis.  IIC,  which
underwrote insurance generally for Fortune 500 type risks between 1971 and 1986 with mostly
high layer excess liability coverages (as opposed to primary or umbrella policies), is exposed to
these risks and has the bulk of the direct asbestos exposure within Fairfax. While these insureds
are relatively small in number, asbestos exposures for such entities have increased over the past
decade  due  to  the  rising  volume  of  claims,  the  erosion  of  underlying  limits,  and  the
bankruptcies  of  target  defendants.  As  reflected  above,  these  direct  liabilities  are  very  highly
reinsured.

Fairfax’s other U.S.-based insurers have asbestos exposure related mostly to less prominent or
‘‘peripheral’’  defendants,  including  a  mix  of  manufacturers,  distributors,  and  installers  of
asbestos-containing products as well as premises owners. For the most part, these insureds are
defendants  on  a  regional  rather  than  a  nationwide  basis.  OdysseyRe  has  asbestos  exposure
arising  from  reinsurance  contracts  entered  into  before  1984.  TIG  has  both  direct  and

96

reinsurance assumed asbestos exposures. TIG’s net retention on its direct exposure is protected
by an $89 APH reinsurance cover provided by Pyramid Insurance Company (owned by Aegon)
which  is  fully  collateralized  and  reflected  in  the  above  table.  Additionally,  TIG’s  assumed
exposure  is  100%  reinsured  by  ARC  Insurance  Company  (also  owned  by  Aegon);  this
reinsurance is fully collateralized and reflected in the above table.

Reserves for asbestos cannot be estimated using traditional loss reserving techniques that rely
on historical accident year loss development factors. Because each insured presents different
liability and coverage issues, IIC and C&F, which have the bulk of Fairfax’s asbestos liabilities,
evaluate  their  asbestos  exposure  on  an  insured-by-insured  basis.  Since  the  mid-1990s  these
entities have utilized a sophisticated, non-traditional methodology that draws upon company
experience  and  supplemental  databases  to  assess  asbestos  liabilities  on  reported  claims.  The
methodology  utilizes  a  comprehensive  ground-up,  exposure-based  analysis  that  constitutes
industry  ‘‘best  practice’’  approach  for  asbestos  reserving.  The  methodology  was  initially
critiqued by outside legal and actuarial consultants and the results are annually reviewed by
independent actuaries, all of whom have consistently found the methodology comprehensive
and the results reasonable.

In  the  course  of  the  insured-by-insured  evaluation,  the  following  factors  are  considered:
available insurance coverage, including any umbrella or excess insurance that has been issued
to  the  insured;  limits,  deductibles,  and  self-insured  retentions;  an  analysis  of  each  insured’s
potential liability; the jurisdictions involved; past and anticipated future asbestos claim filings
against  the  insured;  loss  development  on  pending  claims;  past  settlement  values  of  similar
claims;  allocated  claim  adjustment  expenses;  and  applicable  coverage  defences.  The
evaluations are based on current trends without any consideration of potential federal asbestos
legislation in the future. (See ‘‘Asbestos Legislative Reform Discussion’’ below.)

In addition to estimating liabilities for reported asbestos claims, IIC and C&F estimate reserves
for additional claims to be reported in the future as well as the reopening of any claim closed in
the  past.  This  component  of  the  total  IBNR  reserve  is  estimated  using  information  as  to  the
reporting  patterns  of  known  insureds,  historical  settlement  costs  per  insured,  and
characteristics  of  insureds  such  as  limits  exposed,  attachment  points,  and  the  number  of
coverage years.

Since their asbestos exposure is considerably less than that of IIC and C&F, OdysseyRe, TIG and
Ranger  do  not  use  the  above  methodology  to  establish  asbestos  reserves.  Case  reserves  are
established where sufficient information has been developed to indicate the involvement of a
specific insurance policy, and at Odyssey Re may include an additional amount as determined
by that company’s dedicated asbestos and environmental pollution claims unit based on the
claims audits of cedants. In addition, bulk IBNR reserves based on various methods such as loss
development  or  market  share,  utilizing  industry  benchmarks  of  ultimate  liability,  are
established to cover additional exposures on both reported and unasserted claims as well as for
allocated claim adjustment costs.

The early part of this decade saw a rash of bankruptcies stemming from an increase in asbestos
claims. As the rate of new claim filings has stabilized, so has the number of defendants seeking
bankruptcy protection. Asbestos-related bankruptcies now total approximately 72 companies,

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FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

an  increase  from  71  at  year-end  2004.  The  following  table  presents  an  analysis  of  IIC’s  and
C&F’s exposure to these entities:

IIC

C&F

Number of
Bankrupt
Defendants

Number of
Limits
Potentially
Bankrupt
At Risk ($) Defendants

Limits
Potentially
At Risk ($)

No insurance issued to defendant

Accounts resolved

No exposure due to asbestos

exclusions

Potential future exposure

Total

49

13

3

7

72

–

–

–

221

221

52

17

0

3

72

–

–

–

26

26

As a result of the processes, procedures, and analyses described above, management believes
that the reserves carried for asbestos claims at December 31, 2005 are appropriate based upon
known facts and current law. However, there are a number of uncertainties surrounding the
ultimate value of these claims that may result in changes in these estimates as new information
emerges.  Among  these  are:  the  unpredictability  inherent  in  litigation,  impacts  from  the
bankruptcy protection sought by asbestos producers and defendants, uncertainty as to whether
new  claim  filings  will  return  to  pre-2004  levels,  the  resolution  of  disputes  pertaining  to  the
amount  of  coverage  for  ‘‘non-products’’  claims  asserted  under  premises/operations  general
liability  policies,  and  future  developments  regarding  the  ability  to  recover  reinsurance  for
asbestos claims. It is also not possible to predict, nor has management assumed, any changes in
the  legal,  social,  or  economic  environments  and  their  impact  on  future  asbestos  claim
development. The Company’s asbestos reserves also do not reflect any impact from potential
federal asbestos legislation, discussed below.

As part of the overall review of its asbestos exposure, Fairfax compares its level of reserves to
various industry benchmarks. The most widely reported benchmark is the survival ratio, which
represents the outstanding loss and ALAE reserves (including IBNR) at December 31 divided by
the  average  paid  losses  and  ALAE  for  the  past  three  years.  The  resulting  ratio  is  a  simple
measure of the estimated number of years before the year-end loss and ALAE reserves would be
exhausted using recent payment run rates (the higher the ratio, the more years the loss and
ALAE reserves would be expected to cover). The following table presents the asbestos survival
ratios for IIC, C&F and OdysseyRe:

IIC

Net loss and ALAE reserves

3-year average net paid losses and ALAE

3-year Survival Ratio

C&F

Net loss and ALAE reserves

3-year average net paid losses and ALAE

3-year Survival Ratio

OdysseyRe

Net loss and ALAE reserves

3-year average net paid losses and ALAE

3-year Survival Ratio

98

124.1

5.9

21.0

376.7

53.3

7.1

169.1

11.4

14.8

Asbestos Legislative Reform Discussion

The  United  States  Congress  has  been  unsuccessful  for  three  decades  in  its  efforts  to  create  a
federal solution to address the flood of asbestos litigation across the country and the associated
corporate  bankruptcies.  There  are  two  major  competing  plans  for  asbestos  reform:  medical
criteria reform and a trust fund.

Medical  criteria  reform  would  establish  uniform,  tighter  medical  standards  that  asbestos
claimants would be required to satisfy in order to succeed in an asbestos lawsuit. Advocates of
this  approach  contend  that  such  criteria  would  eliminate  the  vast  numbers  of  claims  from
‘‘unimpaired’’  plaintiffs,  who  can  recover  damages  under  existing  tort  law  in  most  states.
(An  ‘‘unimpaired’’  claimant  is  generally  defined  to  be  a  person  who  demonstrates  some
physical change that is consistent with asbestos caused injuries, but is not physically impaired
as a result of that change.) The medical criteria approach would leave claims in the tort system,
and  also  would  not  impact  the  relatively  limited  number  of  very  expensive  mesothelioma
claims  seen  each  year.  (Mesothelioma  is  a  cancer  that  is  generally  associated  with  asbestos
exposure.)

The  trust  fund  concept  is  more  sweeping.  In  theory,  it  would  replace  the  present  state  law-
based  tort  system  with  a  federal  administrative  system  to  pay  asbestos  claimants.  Using
medical  criteria  and  pre-scheduled  payment  amounts  or  ranges,  the  trust  fund  would  pay
asbestos claimants and all tort remedies would be eliminated.

A  federal  trust  fund  solution  received  serious  attention  beginning  in  2003  and  the  effort  to
enact  such  legislation  continued  in  2004  and  2005.  In  May  of  2005,  the  Senate  Judiciary
Committee,  on  a  largely  party-line  vote  (Republicans  in  support,  Democrats  in  opposition),
reported out the Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act (S.852), commonly known as the
‘‘FAIR Act’’.

S.852 would create a trust fund of up to $140 billion to pay asbestos injury claimants, funded
by defendant companies and their insurers. It is the Senate Leadership’s position that this level
of  funding  would  provide  substantially  more  money  to  asbestos  claimants  than  the  existing
tort system, largely through the elimination of transactional costs and attorney fees. Concerns
first voiced in the summer of 2003, i.e., lack of finality and certainty by significant components
of  both  the  insurance  industry  and  asbestos  defendant  groups  on  the  one  hand,  and
inadequate  funding  for  claimants  by  representatives  of  organized  labor,  on  the  other  hand,
continue today.

The  insurance  industry’s  contribution  to  the  fund  would  be  $46  billion.  Allocation  of  the
industry’s  contribution  among  individual  companies  would  be  left  to  a  legislatively  created
commission directed to consider a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, historical
payments and carried reserves, to establish a company’s required contribution to the fund.

President  Bush  continues  to  call  on  Congress  to  enact  legislation  to  ‘‘halt  baseless  asbestos
litigation  and  concentrate  on  providing  awards  to  workers  who  are  truly  sick  from  asbestos
exposure.’’  His  office  issued  a  statement  in  support  of  the  passage  of  S.852.  The  statement
advised that the Administration had serious concerns with certain provisions of the bill, but
was  looking  ‘‘forward  to  working  with  Congress  in  order  to  strengthen  and  improve  this
important legislation before it is presented to the President for his signature.’’

Debate on a federal trust fund solution to this issue began on the United States Senate floor in
February 2006. If the Senate passes the legislation, the United States House of Representatives
will  then  address  it.  As  of  this  writing,  it  is  not  possible  to  predict  whether  federal  asbestos
reform  will  be  enacted  in  2006.  It  cannot  be  reasonably  predicted  what  effect,  if  any,  the
enactment of some form of legislation would have on the financial position of the company.
As  stated  above,  the  company’s  asbestos  reserves  do  not  reflect  any  impact  from  potential
future legislative reforms.

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FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Environmental Pollution Discussion

Environmental pollution claims represent another significant  exposure for Fairfax. However,
pollution losses have been developing as expected over the past few years as a result of stable
claim  trends.  Claims  against  Fortune  500  companies  are  declining,  and  while  insureds  with
single-site exposures are still active, the Company has resolved the majority of disputes with
insureds  with  a  large  number  of  sites.  In  many  cases,  claims  are  being  settled  for  less  than
initially  anticipated  due  to  improved  site  remediation  technology  and  effective  policy
buybacks.

Despite the stability of recent trends, there remains great uncertainty involved in estimating
liabilities  related  to  these  exposures.  First,  the  number  of  waste  sites  subject  to  cleanup  is
unknown. Today, approximately 1,238 sites are included on the National Priorities List (NPL)
of  the  federal  Environmental  Protection  Agency.  State  authorities  have  identified  many
additional sites. Second, the liabilities of the insureds themselves are difficult to estimate. At
any  given  site,  the  allocation  of  remediation  cost  among  the  potentially  responsible  parties
varies greatly depending upon a variety of factors. Third, different courts have been presented
with  liability  and  coverage  issues  regarding  pollution  claims  and  have  reached  inconsistent
decisions. There is also uncertainty as to the federal ‘‘Superfund’’ law itself; at this time, it is
not possible to predict what, if any, reforms to this law might be enacted by Congress, or the
effect of any such changes on the insurance industry.

Following  is  an  analysis  of  Fairfax’s  gross  and  net  loss  and  ALAE  reserves  from  pollution
exposures at year-end 2005, 2004, and 2003 and the movement in gross and net reserves for
those years:

Runoff Companies

Provision for pollution claims and ALAE at January 1

384.1

93.9

443.4

114.1

447.9

152.7

2005

2004

2003

Gross

Net

Gross

Net

Gross

Net

Pollution losses and ALAE incurred during the year

Pollution losses and ALAE paid during the year

6.4

34.4

3.0

7.7

41.8

(17.5)

(4.9)

Provision for pollution claims and ALAE at December 31

356.1

89.2

384.1

Operating Companies

34.1

38.6

(23.7)

14.8

443.4

114.2

15.4

93.9

Provision for pollution claims and ALAE at January 1

128.5

115.1

135.5

133.2

164.8

154.2

Pollution losses and ALAE incurred during the year

Pollution losses and ALAE paid during the year

12.8

17.8

10.8

20.0

27.0

34.0

11.9

30.0

(8.2)

21.1

3.0

24.0

Provision for pollution claims and ALAE at December 31

123.5

105.9

128.5

115.1

135.5

133.2

Fairfax Total

Provision for pollution claims and ALAE at January 1

512.6

209.0

578.8

247.3

612.6

306.9

Pollution losses and ALAE incurred during the year

Pollution losses and ALAE paid during the year

19.3

52.2

13.8

27.7

9.6

75.8

7.0

45.4

25.9

59.7

(20.7)

38.8

Provision for pollution claims and ALAE at December 31

479.7

195.1

512.6

209.0

578.8

247.4

Of the ($23.7) shown for runoff companies as the net incurred loss and ALAE for 2003, ($16.0)
relates to a reclassification of reserves from environmental pollution into asbestos.

100

Following  is  an  analysis  of  Fairfax’s  U.S.-based  subsidiaries’  gross  and  net  loss  and  ALAE
reserves  from  pollution  exposures  at  year-end  2005,  2004,  and  2003  and  the  movement  in
gross and net reserves for those years:

2005

2004

2003

Gross

Net Gross

Net Gross

Net

IIC

Provision for pollution claims and ALAE at January 1

263.0

63.7

291.2

73.0

303.1

81.1

Pollution losses and ALAE incurred during the year

Pollution losses and ALAE paid during the year

0.6

15.1

1.4

1.6

(8.3)

(0.6)

6.7

(6.1)

19.9

8.7

18.6

2.0

Provision for pollution claims and ALAE at December 31

248.5

63.5

263.0

63.7

291.2

73.0

C&F

Provision for pollution claims and ALAE at January 1

92.6

85.2

Pollution losses and ALAE incurred during the year

Pollution losses and ALAE paid during the year

Provision for pollution claims and ALAE at December 31

6.6

18.0

81.2

6.6

17.6

74.2

98.2

20.8

26.4

92.6

98.9

114.1

105.8

10.0

23.7

85.2

(6.7)

9.2

2.0

8.9

98.2

98.9

OdysseyRe(1)

Provision for pollution claims and ALAE at January 1

29.9

28.2

33.2

33.0

45.7

46.2

Pollution losses and ALAE incurred during the year

Pollution losses and ALAE paid during the year

9.7

(0.8)

4.4

1.9

2.8

6.2

0.4

5.1

(3.4)

(0.8)

9.1

12.4

33.0

28.5

1.6

12.7

17.4

2.3

1.9

2.7

1.5

Provision for pollution claims and ALAE at December 31

40.4

30.7

29.9

28.2

33.2

TIG

Provision for pollution claims and ALAE at January 1

102.1

16.0

116.0

17.4

Pollution losses and ALAE incurred during the year

Pollution losses and ALAE paid during the year

(2.2)

(6.6)

1.3

6.7

(3.4)

15.2

1.3

2.7

88.2

46.5

18.7

Provision for pollution claims and ALAE at December 31

93.2

12.8

102.1

16.0

116.0

Ranger (Fairmont)

Provision for pollution claims and ALAE at January 1

Pollution losses and ALAE incurred during the year

Pollution losses and ALAE paid during the year

Provision for pollution claims and ALAE at December 31

6.0

1.7

(3.5)

(0.3)

0.6

1.9

0.6

0.8

4.0

3.5

1.4

6.0

1.5

1.4

1.2

1.7

5.0

1.9

2.9

4.0

(1) Net  reserves  presented  for  OdysseyRe  exclude  cessions  under  a  stop  loss  agreement  with  nSpire  Re.  In

OdysseyRe’s financial disclosures, its net reserves include cessions under this reinsurance protection.

As  with  asbestos  reserves,  exposure  for  pollution  cannot  be  estimated  with  traditional  loss
reserving  techniques  that  rely  on  historical  accident  year  loss  development  factors.  Because
each insured presents different liability and coverage issues, the methodology used by Fairfax’s
subsidiaries to establish pollution reserves is similar to that used for asbestos liabilities. IIC and
C&F  evaluate  the  exposure  presented  by  each  insured  and  the  anticipated  cost  of  resolution
utilizing ground-up, exposure-based analysis that constitutes industry ‘‘best practice’’ approach
for pollution reserving. As with asbestos reserving, this methodology was initially critiqued by
outside legal and actuarial consultants and the results are annually reviewed by independent
actuaries,  all  of  whom  have  consistently  found  the  methodology  comprehensive  and  the
results reasonable.

In  the  course  of  performing  these  individualized  assessments,  the  following  factors  are
considered:  the  insured’s  probable  liability  and  available  coverage,  relevant  judicial
interpretations,  the  nature  of  the  alleged  pollution  activities  of  the  insured  at  each  site,  the
number of sites, the total number of potentially responsible parties at each site, the nature of
environmental harm and the corresponding remedy at each site, the ownership and general
use  of  each  site,  the  involvement  of  other  insurers  and  the  potential  for  other  available
coverage, and the applicable law in each jurisdiction. A provision for IBNR is developed, again
using methodology similar to that for asbestos liabilities, and an estimate of ceded reinsurance

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FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

recoveries is calculated. At OdysseyRe, TIG, and Ranger, a bulk reserving approach is employed
based on industry benchmarks of ultimate liability to establish reserves for both reported and
unasserted claims as well as for allocated claim adjustment costs.

The following table presents the environmental pollution survival ratios on net loss and ALAE
reserves for IIC, C&F, and OdysseyRe:

IIC
Net loss and ALAE reserves***************************** 63.5
3-year average net paid loss and ALAE ******************
4.1
3-year Survival Ratio*********************************** 15.5

C&F

OdysseyRe

74.2
16.7
4.4

30.7
6.5
4.7

Other Mass Tort/Health Hazards Discussion

In  addition  to  asbestos  and  pollution,  Fairfax  faces  exposure  to  other  types  of  mass  tort  or
health hazard claims. Such claims include breast implants, pharmaceutical products, chemical
products, lead-based paint, noise-induced hearing loss, tobacco, mold, welding fumes, etc. As a
result of its historical underwriting profile and its focus of excess liability coverage on Fortune
500  type  entities,  IIC  has  the  bulk  of  these  potential  exposures  within  Fairfax.  Presently,
management believes that tobacco, silica, and to a lesser extent, lead paint and mold are the
most significant health hazard exposures facing Fairfax.

Tobacco companies have not aggressively pursued insurance coverage for tobacco bodily injury
claims. One notable exception is a Delaware state court coverage action, in which the Supreme
Court  of  Delaware  held  in  favor  of  the  insurers  on  four  issues:  1)  tobacco  health  hazard
exclusions,  2)  products  hazard  exclusions,  3)  advertising  liability  and  4)  named  insured
provision. There are no active claims submitted by tobacco manufacturers to IIC. One tobacco
manufacturer and its parent company have submitted notices of tobacco-related claims to TIG.
One smokeless tobacco manufacturer has submitted notices of tobacco-related claims to C&F
and has brought a declaratory judgment action. This matter has been settled. A small number
of  notices  from  distributors/retailers  have  also  been  submitted  to  TIG  and  C&F.  In  most
instances,  these  distributors/retailers  have  reported  that  they  have  secured  indemnification
agreements from tobacco manufacturers.

Claims  against  manufacturers  related  to  tobacco  products  include  both  individual  and  class
actions alleging personal injury or wrongful death from tobacco exposure (including exposure
to  second-hand  smoke);  actions  alleging  risk  of  future  injury;  consumer  protection  actions
alleging that the use of the terms ‘‘light’’ or ‘‘ultra light’’ constitutes deceptive and unfair trade
practices; health care cost recovery actions brought by governmental and non-governmental
plaintiffs  seeking  reimbursement  for  health  care  expenditures  allegedly  caused  by  cigarette
smoking, and/or disgorgement of profits; and suits alleging violations of the civil RICO statute,
including  a  suit  taken  through  trial  by  the  U.S.  Department  of  Justice.  The  tobacco
manufacturers  generally  continue  to  vigorously  defend  all  claims.  We  are  aware  of  one
settlement  by  a  manufacturer  with  an  individual  smoker  for  a  bodily  injury  claim,  but  the
terms  of  the  settlement  were  not  made  public.  Although  significant  judgments  have  been
entered against various tobacco manufacturers, with few exceptions, the judgments are under
appellate review.

Fairfax subsidiaries saw a decrease in the number of silica claims presented in 2005. RiverStone
received silica claims on 34 new accounts in 2005 and reopened four accounts as a result of
additional silica claims being filed. This is down from 70 new and five reopened silica accounts
in 2004.

Two major developments in 2005 have made the pursuit of silica claims more difficult for the
plaintiff bar. First, a number of doctors that were routinely used by plaintiff attorneys to screen
potential clients for silica related injuries came under the scrutiny of a Texas Federal Court. In

102

hearings before that Court, several diagnosing doctors openly disclaimed their prior findings of
silicosis upon questioning by the judge and after being unable to explain how permanent signs
of  asbestosis  that  they  diagnosed  years  earlier  for  the  same  patients  had  now  disappeared.
Secondly, tort reform was enacted in Mississippi in 2004 and in Texas in 2005. Many of the
silica claims filed against Fairfax’s insureds are filed in these two states. The Mississippi reforms
deter  multi-plaintiff  filings,  establish  strict  venue  rules,  and  cap  punitive  and  non-economic
damages. The Texas reforms establish objective medical criteria for silica cases and allow only
those claimants who are actually impaired to pursue their claims in the judicial system while
deferring  the  claims  of  those  who  are  not  impaired.  They  also  prevent  the  ‘‘bundling’’  of
multiple plaintiffs for trial. These reforms will likely lead to a decrease in the number of silica
cases  filed  in  Texas  and  Mississippi.  Fairfax  continues  to  monitor  the  impact  of  these  two
significant developments on its pending silica accounts as well as on new silica loss reports.

Fairfax saw a significant decrease in the number of new mold claims in 2005. To date, these
claims have not presented a significant exposure to Fairfax subsidiaries. This is largely because
of the failure of plaintiffs to prove a causal relationship between bodily injury and exposure to
mold.

Fairfax  subsidiaries  have  received  notices  of  lead  paint  claims  from  former  lead  paint
manufacturers.  Two  paint  manufacturers  brought  coverage  actions  against  their  respective
insurers,  including  certain  Fairfax  subsidiaries  which  issued  excess  policies.  While  Fairfax
subsidiaries have been dismissed from one of these actions, there is potential exposure in the
other  litigation.  In  addition  to  individual  actions,  governmental  actions  have  been  brought
against the paint industry alleging former lead paint companies are responsible for abating the
presence  of  lead  paint  in  buildings  and  for  health  care  and  educational  costs  for  residents
exposed to lead. Major developments in 2005 have changed the legal landscape for former lead
paint  manufacturers.  The  Wisconsin  Supreme  Court  relieved  plaintiffs  of  their  burden  of
proving  product  identification  and  allowed  a  ‘‘risk  contribution’’  approach,  and  courts  in
several  other  states  have  permitted  governments  to  sue  the  paint  manufacturers  on  a  public
nuisance theory. The former lead paint companies continue to vigorously defend these claims.

Following is an analysis of IIC’s and C&F’s gross and net reserves from health hazard exposures
at year-end 2005, 2004, and 2003 and the movement in gross and net reserves for those years:

2005

2004

2003

Gross

Net

Gross

Net

Gross

Net

IIC

Provision for health hazards claims and ALAE at January 1

94.0

30.4

115.2

33.9

150.8

48.7

Health hazards losses and ALAE incurred during the year

Health hazards losses and ALAE paid during the year

Provision for health hazards claims and ALAE at December 31

1.1

24.0

71.1

2.2

4.6

28.0

2.0

23.2

94.0

2.7

6.2

5.3

40.9

30.4

115.2

8.5

23.3

33.9

C&F

Provision for health hazards claims and ALAE at January 1

24.2

22.0

28.2

26.6

30.5

28.3

Health hazards losses and ALAE incurred during the year

Health hazards losses and ALAE paid during the year

6.5

5.3

6.5

4.4

0.0

4.0

0.0

4.7

1.1

3.4

1.8

3.5

Provision for health hazards claims and ALAE at December 31

25.4

24.1

24.2

22.0

28.2

26.6

Similar to asbestos and pollution, traditional actuarial techniques cannot be used to estimate
ultimate liability for these exposures. Some claim types were first identified ten or more years
ago, for example, breast implants and specific pharmaceutical products. For these exposures,
the reserve estimation methodology at IIC is similar to that for asbestos and pollution, i.e., an
exposure-based  approach  based  on  all  known,  pertinent  facts  underlying  the  claim.  This
methodology  cannot  at  the  present  time  be  applied  to  other  claim  types  such  as  tobacco  or
silica as there are a number of significant legal issues yet to be resolved, both with respect to
policyholder liability and the application of insurance coverage. For these claim types, a bulk

103

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

IBNR  reserve  is  developed  based  on  benchmarking  methods  utilizing  the  ultimate  cost
estimates of more mature health hazard claims. The bulk reserve also considers the possibility
of entirely new classes of health hazard claims emerging in the future. C&F uses benchmarking
methods such as survival ratios to set reserves.

Summary

Management  believes  that  the  APH  reserves  reported  at  December  31,  2005  are  reasonable
estimates of the ultimate remaining liability for these claims based on facts currently known,
the  present  state  of  the  law  and  coverage  litigation,  current  assumptions,  and  the  reserving
methodologies employed. These APH reserves are continually monitored by management and
reviewed extensively by independent consulting actuaries. New reserving methodologies and
developments will continue to be evaluated as they arise in order to supplement the ongoing
analysis  and  reviews  of  the  APH  exposures.  However,  to  the  extent  that  future  social,
economic,  legal,  or  legislative  developments  alter  the  volume  of  claims,  the  liabilities  of
policyholders or the original intent of the policies and scope of coverage, particularly as they
relate  to  asbestos  and  pollution  claims,  additional  increases  in  loss  reserves  may  emerge  in
future periods.

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 $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, including IIC.

Recoverable from reinsurers on the consolidated balance sheet ($7,655.6 in 2005) consists of
future  recoverables  on  unpaid  claims  ($6.9  billion),  reinsurance  receivable  on  paid  losses
($535.3)  and  unearned  premiums  from  reinsurers  ($241.1).  This  $6.9  billion  of  future
recoverables  from  reinsurers  on  unpaid  claims  is  reduced  from  $7.2  billion  at  December  31,
2004, notwithstanding an increase in such recoverables in 2005 due to ceded losses from the
2005 hurricanes.

The  following  table  shows  Fairfax’s  top  50  reinsurance  groups  (based  on  gross  reinsurance
recoverable  net  of  specific  provisions  for  uncollectible  reinsurance)  at  December  31,  2005.
These 50 reinsurance groups represent 86.0% of Fairfax’s total reinsurance recoverable. In the

104

following  table  and  the  other  tables  in  this  section  ending  on  page  108,  reinsurance
recoverables are reported net of intercompany reinsurance.

Group

Principal Reinsurer

Swiss Re
Munich Re
Lloyd’s
General Electric
Berkshire Hathaway
Nationwide
Aegon
HDI
AIG
AXA
Ace
St. Paul
Everest
Arch Capital
Chubb
Great West Life
Global Re
PartnerRe
White Mountains
CNA
XL
SCOR
Sompo
Hartford
Aioi
Converium
Zurich Re
Allstate
Platinum Underwriters
IPC
Manulife
Inter-Ocean
QBE
Liberty Mutual
Glacier
American Financial
FM Global
PMA
Allianz
Axis
Duke’s Place
RBC
KKR
WR Berkley
PXRE
Toa Re
CCR
Wustenrot

European Reinsurance Co. of Zurich
American Reinsurance
Lloyd’s of London Underwriters
Employers Reinsurance Company
General Reinsurance Corp.
Nationwide Mutual Insurance
ARC Re
Hannover Ruckversicherungs
Transatlantic Re
AXA Reinsurance
Insurance Co. of North America
Travelers Indemnity Co.
Everest Reinsurance Co.
Arch Reinsurance Ltd.
Federal Insurance Co.
London Life & General Re
Global International Reinsurance Co.
Partner Reinsurance Co. of US
Folksamerica Reinsurance Co.
Continental Casualty
XL Reinsurance America Inc.
SCOR Canada Reinsurance Co.
Sompo Japan Insurance Inc.
New England Re
Aioi Insurance Co. Ltd.
Converium Reins. North America Inc.
Zurich Specialties London Ltd.
Allstate Insurance Co.
Platinum Underwriters Reinsurance Co.
IPC Re
Manufacturers P&C Barbados
Inter-Ocean Reinsurance Co. Ltd.
QBE Reinsurance Corp.
Liberty Mutual Insurance Co.
Glacier Re AG
Great American Assurance Co.
Factory Mutual Insurance Co.
PMA Capital Insurance Co.
Allianz Cornhill Insurance PLC
Axis Reinsurance Co.
Seaton Insurance Co.
Royal Bank of Canada Insurance
Alea North America Insurance
Berkley Insurance Co.
PXRE Reinsurance Co.
Toa Reinsurance Co. America
Caisse Centrale de Reassurance
Wurttembergische Versicherung

A.M. Best
Rating
(or S&P

Net
Gross
Reinsurance
Reinsurance
equivalent)(1) Recoverable(2) Recoverable(3)

A+
A
A
A
A++
A+
(4)

A
A+
A
A+
A+
A+
A-
A++
A
NR
A+
A
A
A+
B++
A+
A+
A
B–
NR
A+
A
A
NR
NR
A
A
A–
A
A+
B+
A+
A
NR
A
NR
A
B+
A
A+
NR

2,017.2
830.0
455.1
284.7
278.0
272.5
221.0
214.6
173.0
153.3
150.2
114.8
112.4
108.6
102.5
102.0
97.2
95.9
92.2
77.0
75.5
74.4
57.0
55.8
54.8
50.2
40.4
37.1
36.0
33.8
32.6
32.5
32.1
31.9
31.7
30.5
26.6
26.4
25.8
24.4
23.4
21.6
21.2
20.7
19.8
19.3
18.8
18.0

1,083.6
418.4
406.5
252.0
253.0
272.4
9.2
140.2
155.1
106.0
145.9
96.8
106.0
22.6
65.4
0.2
42.3
69.4
64.2
68.5
61.3
67.1
48.5
54.1
45.0
27.6
23.8
37.1
24.3
–
17.2
–
19.4
30.8
–
30.5
26.6
23.9
21.9
18.9
22.6
0.2
20.4
19.6
7.2
16.9
14.3
16.1

105

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Group

Principal Reinsurer

Tawa
Aon
Other reinsurers

CX Reinsurance
Aon Indemnity(5)

Total reinsurance recoverable
Provisions for uncollectible reinsurance

Total reinsurance recoverable after provisions for uncollectible

reinsurance

(1) Of principal reinsurer (or, if principal reinsurer is not rated, of group)

(2) Before specific provisions for uncollectible reinsurance

A.M. Best
Rating
(or S&P

Net
Gross
Reinsurance
Reinsurance
equivalent)(1) Recoverable(2) Recoverable(3)

NR
B+

18.0
17.3
1,128.3

8,088.1
432.5

14.6
17.3
1,009.6

5,514.5
432.5

7,655.6

5,082.0

(3) Net of outstanding balances for which security is held, but before specific provisions for uncollectible reinsurance

(4) Aegon is rated A+ by S&P; ARC Re is not rated

(5)

Indemnitor; rating is S&P credit rating of group

The  decrease  in  the  provisions  for  uncollectible  reinsurance  from  those  provisions  at
December 31, 2004 relate principally to the release of excess general provisions due to reduced
net unsecured exposure (especially for B++ and lower or not rated reinsurers) and better than
expected collections.

The  following  table  shows  the  classification  of  the  $7,655.6  gross  reinsurance  recoverable
shown  above  by  credit  rating  of  the  responsible  reinsurers.  Pools  &  associations,  shown
separately, are generally government or similar insurance funds carrying very little credit risk.

Consolidated Reinsurance Recoverables

A.M. Best
Rating
(or S&P
equivalent)

Gross
Reinsurance
Recoverable

Outstanding
Balances
for which

Specific
Provisions
for

Net
Unsecured
Security Uncollectible Reinsurance
Reinsurance Recoverable

is Held

A++

A+

A

A–

B++

B+

B

Lower than B

Not rated

Pools &

408.7

3,383.0

2,410.7

278.6

165.5

86.0

71.5

134.3

1,013.2

78.8

1,055.8

834.2

163.0

30.5

17.6

10.7

5.3

371.6

0.3

7.8

6.9

2.0

0.4

0.2

3.2

90.5

266.3

329.6

2,319.4

1,569.6

113.6

134.6

68.2

57.6

38.5

375.3

associations

136.6

6.1

–

130.5

8,088.1

2,573.6

377.6

5,136.9

Provisions for uncollectible

reinsurance

– specific

– general

Net reinsurance recoverable

377.6

54.9

7,655.6

106

To support gross reinsurance recoverable balances, Fairfax has the benefit of letters of credit,
trust funds or offsetting balances payable totalling $2,573.6 as follows:

for  reinsurers  rated  A–  or  better,  Fairfax  has  security  of  $2,131.8  against  outstanding

reinsurance recoverable of $6,481.0;

for  reinsurers  rated  B++  or  lower,  Fairfax  has  security  of  $64.1  against  outstanding

reinsurance recoverable of $457.3; and

for  unrated  reinsurers,  Fairfax  has  security  of  $371.6  against  outstanding  reinsurance

recoverable of $1,013.2.

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  $1,470.5  (as
compared to $2,320.7 at December 31, 2004), for which it holds security of $435.7 and has an
aggregate provision for uncollectible reinsurance of $415.5 (40.2% of the net exposure prior to
such provision, as compared to 36.8% in 2004), leaving a net exposure of $619.3 (as compared
to $876.4 in 2004).

The  two  following  tables  break  out  the  consolidated  reinsurance  recoverables  for  operating
companies  and  runoff  operations.  As  shown  in  those  tables,  approximately  50%  of  the
consolidated reinsurance recoverables relate to runoff operations.

Reinsurance Recoverables – Operating Companies

A.M. Best
Rating
(or S&P
equivalent)

Gross
Reinsurance
Recoverable

A++

A+

A

A–

B++

B+

B

Lower than B

Not rated

Pools &

274.8

1,419.6

1,515.5

229.4

94.5

30.5

44.2

31.5

247.7

associations

30.2

Outstanding
Balances
for which

Specific
Provisions
for

Net
Unsecured
Security Uncollectible Reinsurance
Reinsurance Recoverable

is Held

77.0

449.7

741.8

160.8

21.7

15.8

10.7

3.3

77.3

6.1

0.3

4.7

2.6

–

0.1

–

1.9

6.1

197.5

965.2

771.1

68.6

72.7

14.7

31.6

22.1

47.0

123.4

–

24.1

3,917.9

1,564.2

62.7

2,291.0

Provisions for uncollectible

reinsurance

– specific

– general

Net reinsurance recoverable

62.7

16.1

3,839.1

As  shown  above,  excluding  pools  &  associations,  Fairfax’s  insurance  and  reinsurance
operations have gross outstanding reinsurance balances for reinsurers which are rated B++ or
lower  or  which  are  unrated  of  $448.4,  for  which  they  hold  security  of  $128.8  and  have  an

107

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

aggregate provision for uncollectible reinsurance of $71.2 (22.3% of the net exposure prior to
such provision), leaving a net exposure of $248.4.

Reinsurance Recoverables – Runoff Operations

A.M. Best
Rating
(or S&P
equivalent)

A++
A+
A
A–
B++
B+
B
Lower than B
Not rated
Pools &
associations

Outstanding
Balances
for which

Specific
Provisions
for

Net
Unsecured
Security Uncollectible Reinsurance
Reinsurance Recoverable

is Held

1.8
606.1
92.4
2.2
8.8
1.8
–
2.0
294.3

–
3.1
4.3
2.0
0.3
0.2
1.3
84.4
219.3

132.1
1,354.2
798.5
45.0
61.9
53.5
26.0
16.4
251.9

Gross
Reinsurance
Recoverable

133.9
1,963.4
895.2
49.2
71.0
55.5
27.3
102.8
765.5

106.4

–

–

106.4

4,170.2

1,009.4

314.9

2,845.9

Provisions for uncollectible

reinsurance
– specific
– general

Net reinsurance recoverable

314.9
38.8

3,816.5

As  shown  above,  excluding  pools  &  associations,  Fairfax’s  runoff  operations  have  gross
outstanding  reinsurance  balances  for  reinsurers  which  are  rated  B++  or  lower  or  which  are
unrated of $1,022.1, for which they hold security of $306.9 and have an aggregate provision
for  uncollectible  reinsurance  of  $344.3  (48.1%  of  the  net  exposure  prior  to  such  provision),
leaving a net exposure of $370.9.

Based  on  the  above  analysis  and  on  the  work  done  by  RiverStone  as  described  in  the  next
paragraph, Fairfax believes that its provision for uncollectible reinsurance provides for all likely
losses arising from uncollectible reinsurance at December 31, 2005.

RiverStone,  with  its  dedicated  specialized  personnel  in  this  area,  is  responsible  for  the  following
with respect to recoverables from reinsurers: evaluating the creditworthiness of all reinsurers and
recommending to the group management’s reinsurance committee those reinsurers which should
be  included  on  the  list  of  approved  reinsurers;  on  a  quarterly  basis,  monitoring  reinsurance
recoverable  by  reinsurer  and  by  company,  in  aggregate,  and  recommending  the  appropriate
provision for uncollectible reinsurance; and pursuing collections from, and global commutations
with, reinsurers which are either impaired or considered to be financially challenged.

For the last three years, Fairfax has had reinsurance bad debts of $51.1 for 2005, $62.8 for 2004
and $15.1 for 2003.

Float

Fairfax’s float is the sum of its loss reserves, including loss adjustment expense reserves, and
unearned  premium  reserves,  less  accounts  receivable,  reinsurance  recoverables  and  deferred
premium  acquisition  costs.  This  float  arises  because  an  insurance  or  reinsurance  business
receives premiums in advance of the payment of claims.

108

The  table  below  shows  the  float  that  Fairfax’s  insurance  and  reinsurance  operations  have
generated and the cost of that float. As the table shows, the average float increased 23.5% in
2005 to $6.6 billion, but at a cost of 5.0% due to the unprecedented hurricane activity.

Year

Underwriting
profit (loss)

Average float

Benefit
(Cost)
of float

Average long
term Canada
treasury bond
yield

2.5

21.6

1986
↕
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
Weighted average since inception
Fairfax weighted average financing differential since inception: 1.2%

4,690.4
4,355.2
4,405.5
5,350.5
6,606.4

(579.8)
(42.8)
87.7
108.4
(330.6)

11.6%

(12.4%)
(1.0%)
2.0%
2.0%
(5.0%)
(4.5%)

9.6%

5.8%
5.7%
5.4%
5.2%
4.4%
5.7%

The table below shows the breakdown of total year-end float for the past five years.

Canadian
Insurance

U.S.
Insurance

384.0
811.7
1,021.1
1,404.2
1,461.8

2,677.4
1,552.6
1,546.9
1,657.1
1,884.9

2001
2002
2003
2004
2005

Asian

Total
Insurance
and

Insurance Reinsurance Reinsurance Runoff

Total

–
59.2
88.0
119.7
120.2

1,496.6
1,728.8
2,002.7
2,861.4
3,703.5

4,558.0 1,049.0 5,607.0
4,152.3 1,579.9 5,732.2
4,658.7 1,502.8 6,161.5
6,042.4 1,187.4 7,229.8
7,170.4 1,356.6 8,527.0

In 2005, the Canadian insurance float increased by 4.1% (at no cost), the U.S. insurance float
increased by 13.7% (at a cost of 0.5%), the Asian insurance float remained constant (at no cost)
and the reinsurance float increased by 29.4% (at a cost of 12.0%). The runoff float increased by
14.2%, due primarily to the receipt of funds on commutations. Taking all these components
together, total float increased by 17.9% to $8.5 billion at the end of 2005.

Insurance Environment

The property and casualty insurance and reinsurance industry continues to report reasonable
core underwriting income, excluding the significant hurricane activity in the past two years.
Insurers  have  benefited  from  the  compounded  annual  rate  increases  that  began  in  2002.
Combined  ratios  in  2005  for  Canada,  for  U.S.  commercial  lines  and  for  U.S.  reinsurers  are
expected  to  be  approximately  93.4%,  102.5%  and  138.5%,  respectively.  Excluding
catastrophes,  U.S.  commercial  lines’  and  U.S.  reinsurers’  combined  ratios  are  expected  to  be
approximately 96.6% and 101.2%, respectively. Rates began to decline in 2004 and 2005, but
the  unprecedented  2005  hurricane  losses  have  stabilized  rates  in  general,  with  catastrophe
exposed property rates increasing sharply.

SEC Subpoenas

On September 7, 2005, the company announced that it had received a subpoena from the U.S.
Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  (the  ‘‘SEC’’)  requesting  documents  regarding  any  non-
traditional  insurance  or  reinsurance  product  transactions  entered  into  by  the  entities  in  the
consolidated group and any non-traditional insurance or reinsurance products offered by the
entities in that group. On September 26, 2005, the company announced that it had received a
further subpoena from the SEC as part of its investigation into such loss mitigation products,
requesting  documents  regarding  any  transactions  in  the  company’s  securities,  the

109

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

compensation for such transactions and the trading volume or share price of such securities.
Previously,  on  June  24,  2005,  the  company  announced  that  the  company’s  Fairmont
subsidiary  had  received  a  subpoena  from  the  SEC  requesting  documents  regarding  any  non-
traditional  insurance  product  transactions  entered  into  by  Fairmont  with  General  Re
Corporation  or  affiliates  thereof.  The  U.S.  Attorney’s  office  for  the  Southern  District  of  New
York is reviewing documents produced by the company to the SEC and is participating in the
investigation  of  these  matters.  The  company  is  cooperating  fully  with  these  requests.  The
company  has  prepared  presentations  and  provided  documents  to  the  SEC  and  the  U.S.
Attorney’s  office,  and  its  employees,  including  senior  officers,  have  attended  or  have  been
requested to attend interviews conducted by the SEC and the U.S. Attorney’s office.

The  company  and  Prem  Watsa,  the  company’s  Chief  Executive  Officer,  received  subpoenas
from the SEC in connection with the answer to a question on the February 10, 2006 investor
conference call concerning the review of the company’s finite insurance contracts. In the fall of
2005, Fairfax and its subsidiaries prepared and provided to the SEC a list intended to identify
certain  finite  contracts  and  contracts  with  other  non-traditional  features  of  all  Fairfax  group
companies.  As  part  of  the  2005  year-end  reporting  and  closing  process,  Fairfax  and  its
subsidiaries internally reviewed all of the contracts on the list provided to the SEC and some
additional contracts as deemed appropriate. That review led to the restatement by OdysseyRe
referred to on page 69. That review also led to some changes in accounting for certain contracts
at nSpire Re which were immaterial at the consolidated Fairfax level. The company continues
to respond to requests for information from the SEC and there can be no assurance that the
SEC’s review of documents provided will not give rise to further adjustments.

The company understands that the SEC has issued subpoenas to various third parties involved
in the matters which are the subject of the SEC subpoenas issued to the company, including
the  company’s  independent  auditors  (which  in  Canada  received  a  letter  requesting
cooperation  and  in  the  U.S.  received  a  subpoena)  and  a  shareholder  (that  has  previously
disclosed  receipt  of  a  subpoena).  In  addition,  it  is  possible  that  other  governmental  and
enforcement  agencies  will  seek  to  review  information  related  to  these  matters,  or  that  the
company,  or  other  parties  with  whom  it  interacts,  such  as  customers  or  shareholders,  may
become subject to direct requests for information or other inquiries by such agencies.

These inquiries are ongoing and the company continues to comply with requests for information
from the SEC and the U.S. Attorney’s office. At the present time the company cannot predict the
outcome  from  these  continuing  inquiries,  or  the  ultimate  effect  on  its  business,  which  effect
could be material and adverse. The financial cost to the company to address these matters has
been  and  is  likely  to  continue  to  be  significant.  The  company  expects  that  these  matters  will
continue  to  require  significant  management  attention,  which  could  divert  management’s
attention  away  from  the  company’s  business.  In  addition,  the  company  could  be  materially
adversely affected by negative publicity related to these inquiries or any similar proceedings. Any
of the possible consequences noted above, or the perception that any of them could occur, could
have an adverse effect upon the market price for the company’s securities.

Investments

The  majority  of  interest  and  dividend  income  is  earned  by  the  insurance,  reinsurance  and
runoff companies.

110

Interest  and  dividend  income  in  Fairfax’s  first  year  and  for  the  past  seven  years  (the  period
since Fairfax’s last significant acquisition) is shown in the following table.

Interest and Dividend Income

Average
Investments at
Carrying Value

Amount

46.3

3.4

Pre-Tax

Yield
(%)

7.34

Per Share

Amount

0.70

1.8

10,024.2
11,315.9
10,315.2
10,429.2
11,587.8
13,021.9(1)
14,182.7(1)

506.7
551.3
440.3
418.6
330.1
366.7
466.1

5.05
4.87
4.27
4.01
2.85
2.82
3.29

38.00
41.85
33.25
29.30
23.54
26.38
28.20

331.0
389.8
299.4
280.5
214.6
238.4
303.0

After Tax

Yield
(%)

3.89

3.30
3.44
2.90
2.69
1.85
1.83
2.14

Per Share

0.38

24.84
29.59
22.61
19.63
15.30
17.15
18.33

1986
↕
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005

(1) Excludes $700.3 (2004 – $539.5) of cash and short term investments arising from the company’s

economic hedges against a decline in the equity markets.

Funds  withheld  payable  to  reinsurers  shown  on  the  consolidated  balance  sheet  ($1,054.4  in
2005) represents premiums and accumulated accrued interest (at an average interest crediting
rate of approximately 7% per annum) on aggregate stop loss reinsurance treaties, principally
relating to the Swiss Re Cover ($564.2), Crum & Forster ($277.9) and OdysseyRe ($166.7). In
2005, $79.6 of interest expense accrued to reinsurers on these funds withheld; the company’s
total interest and dividend income of $466.1 in 2005 was net of this interest expense. Claims
payable under such treaties are paid first out of the funds withheld balances.

Interest  and  dividend  income  increased  in  2005  primarily  due  to  higher  short  term  interest
rates  and  increased  investment  portfolios  reflecting  positive  cash  flow  at  the  operating
companies,  partially  offset  by  the  company’s  share  of  Advent’s  hurricane-affected  loss.  The
gross portfolio yield, before interest on funds withheld of $79.6, was 3.85% for 2005 compared
to the 2004 gross portfolio yield, before interest on funds withheld of $103.5, of 3.61%. The
pre-tax and after tax interest and dividend income yields in 2005 were not much above the low
levels  of  the  two  prior  years,  reflecting  continuing  low  interest  rates  and  the  company’s
positioning of its bond portfolios. Since 1985, pre-tax interest and dividend income per share
has compounded at rate of 21.5% per year.

Investments (including at the holding company) in Fairfax’s first year and since 1999, at their
year-end carrying values, are shown in the following table.

Cash and
Short Term
Investments

6.4

1,763.5
1,665.0
1,934.3
2,033.2
6,120.8
4,075.0(1)
4,385.0(1)

Bonds

14.1

9,168.9
7,828.5
7,357.8
7,394.5
4,729.3
7,288.8
8,127.4

Preferred
Stocks

Common
Stocks

Real
Estate

1.0

2.5

–

Total

24.0

Per Share

4.80

92.3
46.7
79.4
160.1
142.3
135.8
15.8

1,213.6
853.1
865.2
1,033.9
1,561.5
1,990.1
2,347.5

55.6
50.9
49.1
20.5
12.2
28.0
17.2

12,293.9
10,444.2
10,285.8
10,642.2
12,566.1
13,517.7(1)
14,892.9(1)

915.66
797.22
716.73
752.60
904.04
840.05(1)
832.70(1)

1985
↕
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005

(1) Excludes $700.3 (2004 – $539.5) of cash and short term investments arising from the company’s

economic hedges against a decline in the equity markets.

111

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Total  investments  increased  at  year-end  2005  due  to  strong  operating  cash  flows  at
Northbridge  and  OdysseyRe,  partially  offset  by  negative  cash  flow  at  the  runoff  operations.
Total investments per share decreased slightly as a result of the $300 equity issue in October
2005. Since 1985, investments per share have compounded at a rate of 29.4% per year.

Management  performs  its  own  fundamental  analysis  of  each  proposed  investment,  and
subsequent to investing, reviews at least quarterly the carrying value of each investment whose
market value has been consistently below its carrying value for some time, to assess whether a
provision for other than temporary decline is appropriate. In making this assessment, careful
analysis  is  made  comparing  the  intrinsic  value  of  the  investment  as  initially  assessed  to  the
current  intrinsic  value  based  on  current  outlook  and  all  other  relevant  investment  criteria.
Other considerations in this assessment include the length of time the investment has been
held, the size of the difference between carrying value and market value and the company’s
intent with respect to continuing to hold the investment.

Various  investments  are  pledged  by  the  company’s  subsidiaries  in  the  ordinary  course  of
carrying on their business. These pledges are referred to in note 4 to the consolidated financial
statements and are explained in more detail in the second paragraph of Provision for Claims
on  page  82.  As  noted  there,  these  pledges  do  not  involve  any  cross-collateralization  by  one
group company of another group company’s obligations.

The breakdown of the bond portfolio as at December 31, 2005 was as follows (where S&P or
Moody’s credit ratings are available, the higher one is used if they differ):

Credit
Rating

AAA
AA
A
BBB
BB
B
Lower than B and unrated
Credit default swaps
Put bond warrants

Total

Carrying
Value

6,163.3
999.8
9.7
147.4
175.6
25.1
474.0
113.4
19.1

Market
Value

6,016.6
1,080.9
12.2
151.7
189.9
24.2
430.4
113.4
19.1

8,127.4

8,038.4

Unrealized
Gain (Loss)

(146.7)
81.1
2.5
4.3
14.3
(0.9)
(43.6)
–
–

(89.0)

90.0% of the fixed income portfolio at carrying value is rated investment grade, with 88.1%
(primarily consisting of government obligations) being rated AA or better.

The company has invested approximately $250 in 5-year to 10-year credit default swaps on a
number of companies, primarily financial institutions, to provide protection against systemic
financial  risk  arising  from  financial  difficulties  these  entities  could  experience  in  a  more
difficult financial environment.

Interest Rate Risk

The company’s fixed income securities portfolio is exposed to interest rate risk. Fluctuations in
interest rates have a direct impact on the market valuation of these securities. As interest rates
rise, market values of fixed income securities portfolios fall and vice versa.

112

The table below displays the potential impact of market value fluctuations on the fixed income
securities  portfolio  as  at  December  31,  2005  and  December  31,  2004,  based  on  parallel  200
basis point shifts in interest rates up and down, in 100 basis point increments. This analysis
was performed by individual security.

As at December 31, 2005

As at December 31, 2004

Fair
Value of
Fixed

Fair
Value of
Fixed

Change in Interest Rates

200 basis point rise
100 basis point rise
No change
100 basis point decline
200 basis point decline

Income Hypothetical Hypothetical
% Change
$ Change

Portfolio

Income Hypothetical Hypothetical
% Change
$ Change

Portfolio

6,583.4
7,242.6
8,038.4
9,099.5
10,361.5

(1,455.0)
(795.8)
–
1,061.1
2,323.1

(18.1)
(9.9)
–
13.2
28.9

6,016.5
6,585.3
7,292.7
8,218.9
9,261.7

(1,276.2)
(707.4)
–
926.2
1,969.0

(17.5%)
(9.7%)
–
12.7%
27.0%

The preceding table indicates an asymmetric market value response to equivalent basis point
shifts  up  and  down  in  interest  rates.  This  partly  reflects  exposure  to  fixed  income  securities
containing a put feature. In total these securities represent approximately 15.2% and 9.4% of
the  fair  market  value  of  the  total  fixed  income  portfolio  as  at  December  31,  2005  and
December 31, 2004, respectively. The asymmetric market value response reflects the company’s
ability  to  put  these  bonds  back  to  the  issuer  for  early  redemption  in  a  rising  interest  rate
environment (thereby limiting market value loss) or to hold these bonds to their longer full
maturity  dates  in  a  declining  interest  rate  environment  (thereby  maximizing  the  benefit  of
higher market values in that environment). The company also has options to purchase long
term bonds with a notional par value of $270.1, which would allow it to benefit from declining
interest rates. 

Disclosure about Limitations of Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis
Computations  of  the  prospective  effects  of  hypothetical  interest  rate  changes  are  based  on
numerous assumptions, including the maintenance of the existing level and composition of
fixed income security assets, and should not be relied on as indicative of future results.

Certain shortcomings are inherent in the method of analysis presented in the computation of
the fair value of fixed rate instruments. Actual values may differ from the projections presented
should market conditions vary from assumptions used in the calculation of the fair value of
individual securities; such variations include non-parallel shifts in the term structure of interest
rates and a change in individual issuer credit spreads.

Return on the Investment Portfolio

The following table shows the performance of the investment portfolio in Fairfax’s first year
and for the past seven years (the period since Fairfax’s last significant acquisition). 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.

113

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Realized

Realized Gains

Interest
Average
Investments
and
at Carrying Dividends

Gains Change in
(Losses) Unrealized
Gains
(Losses)

after
 Earned Provisions

Value

Total Return
on Average
Investments
(%)

% of

% of
Interest and
Average Dividends and
Investments Realized Gains
(%)

(%)

1986
↕

1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005

46.3

3.4

0.7

(0.2)

3.9

8.4

10,024.2
11,315.9
10,315.2
10,429.2
11,587.8
13,021.9(1)
14,182.7(1)

506.7
551.3
440.3
418.6
330.1
366.7
466.1

81.8
258.0
105.0
469.5
840.2
275.2(2)
352.1

(875.0)
549.1
182.5
271.4
113.2
183.4
108.9

(286.5)
1,358.4
727.8
1,159.5
1,283.5
825.3
927.1

(2.9)
12.0
7.1
11.1
11.1
6.3
6.5

1.5

0.8
2.3
1.0
4.5
7.3
2.1
2.5

17.1

13.9
31.9
19.3
52.9
71.8
42.9
43.0

Cumulative from inception

3,893.3

3,048.1

9.3%(3)

3.8%(3)

43.9%

(1) Excludes $700.3 (2004 – $539.5) of cash and short term investments arising from the company’s

economic hedges against a decline in the equity markets.

(2) Excludes the $40.1 realized gain on the secondary offering of Northbridge and the $27.0 realized
loss in connection with the company’s repurchase of outstanding debt at a premium to par.

(3) Simple average of the total return on average investments, or % of average investments, in each of

the 20 years.

Investment  gains  have  been  an  important  component  of  Fairfax’s  net  earnings  since  1985,
amounting to a net aggregate of $3,048.1. The amount has fluctuated significantly from period
to period: the amount of investment gains (losses) for any period has no predictive value and
variations in amount from period to period have no practical analytical value. Since 1985, net
realized  gains  have  averaged  3.8%  of  Fairfax’s  average  investment  portfolio  and  have
accounted  for  43.9%  of  Fairfax’s  combined  interest  and  dividends  and  net  realized  gains.  At
December  31,  2005  the  Fairfax  investment  portfolio  had  a  net  unrealized  gain  of  $537.2
(consisting of unrealized losses on bonds of $89.0 offset by unrealized gains on equities and
other of $626.2), an increase of $108.9 from net unrealized gains of $428.3 at December 31,
2004.

The company has a long term value-oriented investment philosophy. It continues to expect
fluctuations in the stock market.

Capital Resources

At  December  31,  2005,  total  capital,  comprising  shareholders’  equity  and  non-controlling
(minority) interests, was $3,659.8, compared to $3,753.7 at December 31, 2004.

The following table shows the level of capital as at December 31 for the past five years.

Non-controlling interests
Common shareholders’ equity
Preferred stock
Other paid in capital

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

753.9
2,709.9
136.6
59.4

583.0
2,974.7
136.6
59.4(1)

440.8
2,680.0
136.6
62.7(1)

321.6
2,111.4
136.6
–

653.6
1,894.8
136.6
–

3,659.8

3,753.7

3,320.1

2,569.6

2,685.0

(1) Retroactively  restated  pursuant  to  the  change  in  accounting  policy  described  in  note  6  to  the

consolidated financial statements.

114

Non-controlling interests increased in 2005 due primarily to the offerings by OdysseyRe of its
preferred shares and common shares and the non-controlling interest share of Northbridge’s
net earnings for the year, partially offset by the non-controlling interest share of OdysseyRe’s
net loss for the year.

Fairfax’s  common  shareholders’  equity  decreased  from  $2,974.7  at  December  31,  2004  to
$2,709.9 at December 31, 2005, principally as a result of the net loss for the year (significantly
resulting from losses from the unprecedented 2005 hurricanes), partially offset by the issue of
$300.0  of  common  shares.  Holding  company  liquidity  remained  strong,  while  holding
company  debt  decreased  slightly  during  2005  and  its  maturity  profile  remained  unchanged,
with no significant debt maturities until 2012.

The company has issued and repurchased common shares over the last five years as follows:

Date

2001 – issue of shares
2002 – repurchase of shares
2003 – repurchase of shares
2004 – issue of shares
2004 – repurchase of shares
2005 – issue of shares
2005 – repurchase of shares

Number of
subordinate
voting shares

Average
issue/repurchase
price per share

Net proceeds/
(repurchase cost)

1,250,000
(210,200)
(240,700)
2,406,741
(215,200)
1,843,318
(49,800)

125.52
79.32
127.13
124.65
146.38
162.75
148.59

156.0
(16.7)
(30.6)
299.7
(31.5)
299.8
(7.4)

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.

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:

Insurance

Northbridge (Canada)
Crum & Forster (U.S.)
Fairmont (U.S.)(1)
Fairfax Asia(2)
Reinsurance
OdysseyRe

Canadian insurance industry
U.S. insurance industry

(1) Fairmont since 2003, only Ranger for prior years.

(2) Fairfax Asia in 2004, only Falcon for prior years.

Net Premiums Written to Surplus
(Common Shareholders’ Equity)

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

1.1
0.9
0.9
0.5

1.5

1.1
1.0

1.3
0.9
1.0
0.6

1.6

1.2
1.1

1.5
0.8
1.5
2.2

1.7

1.6
1.2

1.5
0.7
1.1
2.1

1.6

1.4
1.3

1.5
0.5
0.9
0.4

1.0

1.4
1.1

In Canada, property and casualty companies are regulated by the Office of the Superintendent
of Financial Institutions on the basis of a minimum supervisory target of 150% of a minimum
capital test (MCT) formula. At December 31, 2005, Northbridge’s subsidiaries had a weighted
average MCT ratio of 237% of the minimum statutory capital required, compared to 227% at
December 31, 2004, well in excess of the 150% minimum supervisory target.

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

115

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

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. At December 31, 2005, the
U.S.  insurance,  reinsurance  and  runoff  subsidiaries  had  capital  and  surplus  in  excess  of  the
regulatory minimum requirement of two times the authorized control level – each subsidiary had
capital and surplus in excess of 3.8 times the authorized control level, except for TIG (2.1 times).
As part of the TIG reorganization described on page 71, Fairfax has guaranteed that TIG will have
capital and surplus of at least two times the authorized control level at each year-end.

Fairfax  and  its  insurance  and  reinsurance  subsidiaries  are  rated  as  follows  by  the  respective
rating agencies:

Fairfax
Commonwealth
Crum & Forster

Falcon
Federated
Lombard

Markel
OdysseyRe

Liquidity

A.M. Best

Standard
& Poor’s Moody’s

bb+
A–
A–

–
A–
A–

A–
A

BB
BBB
BBB

A–
BBB
BBB

BBB
A–

Ba3
–
Baa3

–
–
–

–
A3

DBRS

BB (high)
–
–

–
–
–

–
–

The  purpose  of  liquidity  management  is  to  ensure  that  there  is  sufficient  cash  to  meet  all
financial commitments and obligations as they fall due.

The company believes that its cash position alone provides adequate liquidity to meet all of the
company’s obligations in 2006. Besides this cash, the holding company expects to continue to
receive management fees, investment income on its holdings of cash, short term investments
and  marketable  securities,  tax  sharing  payments  and  dividends  from  its  insurance  and
reinsurance subsidiaries. Tax sharing payments received in 2006 may decline somewhat as a
result of the 2005 hurricane losses. For 2006, the holding company’s obligations (other than
interest and overhead expenses) consist of repayment of the $60.6 of senior notes maturing in
March and the continuing obligation to fund negative cash flow at the company’s European
runoff operations (anticipated to be between $150 and $200 in 2006, prior to any management
actions which would improve that cash flow and prior to the ultimate cash flow implications
of  the  collateral  substitution  described  in  the  next  sentence).  In  connection  with  the
restatement of the Skandia reinsurance contract referred to on page 69, in March 2006, nSpire
Re  replaced  $78  of  letters  of  credit  with  cash  funding  to  OdysseyRe  which  required
approximately $16 of additional funding from Fairfax in the first quarter of 2006.

Compliance with Corporate Governance Rules

Fairfax is a Canadian reporting issuer with securities listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and
the New York Stock Exchange (the ‘‘NYSE’’). It has in place corporate governance practices that
comply with all applicable rules and substantially comply with all applicable guidelines and
policies  of  the  Canadian  Securities  Administrators  and  the  practices  set  out  therein.  In  the
context  of  its  listing  on  the  NYSE,  Fairfax  also  substantially  complies  with  the  corporate
governance standards prescribed by the NYSE even though, as a ‘‘foreign private issuer’’, it is
not required to comply with most of those standards. The only significant difference between
Fairfax’s  corporate  governance  practices  and  the  standards  prescribed  by  the  NYSE  relates  to
shareholder approval of the company’s equity compensation plans, which would be required
by  NYSE  standards  but  is  not  required  under  applicable  Canadian  rules  as  the  plans  involve
only outstanding shares purchased in the market and do not involve newly issued securities.

116

In 2005 Fairfax’s Board of directors, in consultation with outside experts retained by the Board,
reviewed  the  company’s  corporate  governance  practices  and  took  a  number  of  initiatives
intended  to  retain  and  enhance  its  existing  principles  and  practices.  The  Board  formally
adopted a set of Corporate Governance Guidelines (which include a written mandate of the
Board),  established  a  Governance  and  Nominating  Committee  and  a  Compensation
Committee  (in  addition  to  the  previously  established  Audit  Committee),  approved  written
charters  for  all  of  its  committees  and  approved  a  Code  of  Business  Conduct  and  Ethics
applicable to all directors, officers and employees of the company. The company continues to
monitor developments in the area of corporate governance as well as its own procedures.

Contractual Obligations

The  following  table  provides  a  payment  schedule  of  current  and  future  obligations  as  at
December 31, 2005:

Net claims liability
Long term debt

Total

Less than
1 year

1 – 3 years

3 – 5 years

More than
5 years

9,338.2

3,039.2

3,413.2

1,632.9

1,252.9

obligations – principal

2,234.6

100.6

Long term debt

obligations – interest

1,459.8

152.4

Operating leases –

obligations

Other long term liabilities –

principal

Other long term liabilities –

interest

393.7

244.5

273.5

72.0

3.7

21.1

213.2

288.3

112.2

8.4

41.2

114.4

1,806.4

266.8

67.9

10.0

39.6

752.3

141.6

222.4

171.6

13,944.3

3,389.0

4,076.5

2,131.6

4,347.2

For  further  detail  on  Fairfax’s  net  claims  liability,  long  term  debt  principal  and  interest
payments, operating lease payments and other long term liability payments, please see notes 5,
6, 14, and 7 and 17, respectively, of the company’s consolidated financial statements.

The  company  manages  its  debt  levels  based  on  the  following  financial  measurements  and
ratios (with Lindsey Morden equity accounted):

Cash, short term investments and

marketable securities

Long term debt – holding company
Long term debt – subsidiaries
Purchase consideration payable
RHINOS due February 2003
Net debt

Common shareholders’ equity
Preferred shares and trust preferred

securities

OdysseyRe non-controlling interest
Total equity

Net debt/equity
Net debt/total capital
Net debt/earnings
Interest coverage

2005

2004(1)

2003(1)

2002

2001

559.0
1,365.3
769.5
192.1
–
1,767.9

566.8
1,420.9
674.9
195.2
–
1,724.2

410.2
1,306.4
675.0
200.6
–
1,771.8

327.7
1,206.0
200.0
205.5
136.0
1,419.8

522.1
1,231.8
150.0
–
136.0
995.7

2,769.3

3,034.1

2,742.7

2,111.4

1,894.8

189.0
374.0
3,332.3

189.0
281.0
3,504.1

216.4
250.6
3,209.7

216.4
268.5
2,596.3

215.4
226.6
2,336.8

53%
35%
N/A
N/A

49%
33%
N/A
1.9x

55%
36%
6.6x
4.8x

55%
35%
5.4x
4.6x

43%
30%
N/A
N/A

117

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

(1) Retroactively  restated  pursuant  to  the  change  in  accounting  policy  described  in  note  6  to  the

consolidated financial statements.

At  December  31,  2005,  Fairfax  had  $559.0  of  cash,  short  term  investments  and  marketable
securities at the holding company level. Net debt increased to $1,767.9 at December 31, 2005
from $1,724.2 at December 31, 2004, and the net debt to equity and net debt to total capital
ratios increased slightly, due to the net loss for the year and the $125.0 of additional long term
debt issued by OdysseyRe during the second quarter, offset somewhat by the proceeds received
on  an  offering  by  the  company  of  its  subordinate  voting  shares,  offerings  by  OdysseyRe  of
preferred  shares  and  common  shares  (which  increased  the  OdysseyRe  non-controlling
interest), and the repayment of the TIG senior notes upon maturity, and other opportunistic
debt repurchases made, during 2005.

Management’s Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Disclosure  controls  and  procedures  are  designed  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  that  all
relevant information is gathered and reported to senior management, including the company’s
Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Chief  Financial  Officer,  on  a  timely  basis  so  that  appropriate
decisions can be made regarding public disclosure.

As of the end of the period covered by this MD&A, management, with the participation of the
Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Chief  Financial  Officer,  evaluated  the  effectiveness  of  the
company’s disclosure controls and procedures as required by Canadian securities laws. Based
on  that  evaluation,  the  company’s  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  have
concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this MD&A, the company’s disclosure
controls  and  procedures  were  effective  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  that  information
required to be disclosed in the company’s annual filings, interim filings and other reports filed
or submitted under Canadian securities laws is recorded, processed, summarized and reported
within the time periods specified by those laws and that material information is accumulated
and communicated to the company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Issues and Risks

The  following  issues  and  risks,  among  others,  should  also  be  considered  in  evaluating  the
outlook  of  the  company.  For  a  fuller  detailing  of  issues  and  risks  relating  to  the  company,
please  see  Risk  Factors  in  Fairfax’s  Supplemental  and  Base  Shelf  Prospectus  filed  on
September 28, 2005 with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and the United States,
which is available on SEDAR and EDGAR.

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,  perhaps  very
significantly, 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 and pollution)
and poor weather. Fairfax’s gross provision for claims was $16,029.2 at December 31, 2005.

Latent Claims

The company has established loss reserves for asbestos, environmental and other latent claims
that represent its best estimate of ultimate claims and claims adjustment expenses based upon
known facts and current law. As a result of significant issues surrounding liabilities of insurers,
risks  inherent  in  major  litigation  and  diverging  legal  interpretations  and  judgments  in
different jurisdictions, actual liability for these types of claims could exceed the loss reserves set

118

by  the  company  by  an  amount  that  could  be  material  to  its  operating  results  and  financial
condition in future periods.

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 $7,655.6 recoverable from reinsurers as at December 31, 2005.

Catastrophe Exposure

Insurance  and  reinsurance  companies  are  subject  to  losses  from  catastrophes  such  as
earthquakes,  hurricanes  and  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  underreserving,  competitors  can  price  below  underlying  costs  for  many
years and still survive. The property and casualty insurance and reinsurance industry is highly
competitive.

Foreign Exchange

The company has assets, liabilities, revenue and costs that are subject to currency fluctuations.
These currency fluctuations have been and can be very significant and can affect the statement
of earnings or, through the currency translation account, shareholders’ equity.

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.

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 company’s 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.  The  major  component  of  the  company’s  future  income  taxes  asset  of  $1,134.3  at
December 31, 2005 is $825.1 relating to the company’s U.S. consolidated tax group. Failure to
achieve  projected  levels  of  profitability  in  the  U.S.  could  lead  to  a  writedown  in  this  future
income taxes asset if the expected recovery period for capitalized loss carryforwards becomes
longer than anticipated.

119

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Bond and Common Stock Holdings

The  company  has  bonds  and  common  stocks  in  its  portfolio.  The  market  value  of  bonds
fluctuates  with  changes  in  interest  rates  and  credit  outlook.  The  market  value  of  common
stocks is exposed to fluctuations in the stock market.

Goodwill

Most of the goodwill on the balance sheet comes from Lindsey Morden, particularly its U.K.
operations. Continued profitability is essential for there to be no impairment 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.

Financial Strength

Fairfax strives to be soundly financed. If the company requires additional capital or liquidity
but cannot obtain it at all or on reasonable terms, its business, operating results and financial
condition would be materially adversely affected.

Cost of Reinsurance and Adequate Protection

The  availability  and  cost  of  reinsurance  are  subject  to  prevailing  market  conditions,  both  in
terms  of  price  and  available  capacity,  which  can  affect  the  company’s  business  volume  and
profitability. Many reinsurance companies have begun to exclude certain coverages from the
policies  they  offer.  In  the  future,  alleviation  of  risk  through  reinsurance  arrangements  may
become increasingly difficult.

Information Requests or Proceedings by Government Authorities

On September 7, 2005, the company announced that it had received a subpoena from the U.S.
Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  (the  ‘‘SEC’’)  requesting  documents  regarding  any  non-
traditional  insurance  or  reinsurance  product  transactions  entered  into  by  the  entities  in  the
consolidated group and any non-traditional insurance or reinsurance products offered by the
entities in that group. On September 26, 2005, the company announced that it had received a
further subpoena from the SEC as part of its investigation into such loss mitigation products,
requesting  documents  regarding  any  transactions  in  the  company’s  securities,  the
compensation for such transactions and the trading volume or share price of such securities.
Previously,  on  June  24,  2005,  the  company  announced  that  the  company’s  Fairmont
subsidiary  had  received  a  subpoena  from  the  SEC  requesting  documents  regarding  any  non-
traditional  insurance  product  transactions  entered  into  by  Fairmont  with  General  Re
Corporation  or  affiliates  thereof.  The  U.S.  Attorney’s  office  for  the  Southern  District  of  New
York is reviewing documents produced by the company to the SEC and is participating in the
investigation  of  these  matters.  The  company  is  cooperating  fully  with  these  requests.  The
company  has  prepared  presentations  and  provided  documents  to  the  SEC  and  the  U.S.
Attorney’s  office,  and  its  employees,  including  senior  officers,  have  attended  or  have  been
requested to attend interviews conducted by the SEC and the U.S. Attorney’s office.

120

The  company  and  Prem  Watsa,  the  company’s  Chief  Executive  Officer,  received  subpoenas
from the SEC in connection with the answer to a question on the February 10, 2006 investor
conference call concerning the review of the company’s finite insurance contracts. In the fall of
2005, Fairfax and its subsidiaries prepared and provided to the SEC a list intended to identify
certain  finite  contracts  and  contracts  with  other  non-traditional  features  of  all  Fairfax  group
companies.  As  part  of  the  2005  year-end  reporting  and  closing  process,  Fairfax  and  its
subsidiaries internally reviewed all of the contracts on the list provided to the SEC and some
additional contracts as deemed appropriate. That review led to the restatement by OdysseyRe
referred to on page 69. That review also led to some changes in accounting for certain contracts
at nSpire Re which were immaterial at the consolidated Fairfax level. The Company continues
to respond to requests for information from the SEC and there can be no assurance that the
SEC’s review of documents provided will not give rise to further adjustments.

The company understands that the SEC has issued subpoenas to various third parties involved
in the matters which are the subject of the SEC subpoenas issued to the company, including
the  company’s  independent  auditors  (which  in  Canada  received  a  letter  requesting
cooperation  and  in  the  U.S.  received  a  subpoena)  and  a  shareholder  (that  has  previously
disclosed  receipt  of  a  subpoena).  In  addition,  it  is  possible  that  other  governmental  and
enforcement  agencies  will  seek  to  review  information  related  to  these  matters,  or  that  the
company,  or  other  parties  with  whom  it  interacts,  such  as  customers  or  shareholders,  may
become subject to direct requests for information or other inquiries by such agencies.

These inquiries are ongoing and the company continues to comply with requests for information
from the SEC and the U.S. Attorney’s office. At the present time the company cannot predict the
outcome  from  these  continuing  inquiries,  or  the  ultimate  effect  on  its  business,  which  effect
could be material and adverse. The financial cost to the company to address these matters has
been  and  is  likely  to  continue  to  be  significant.  The  company  expects  that  these  matters  will
continue  to  require  significant  management  attention,  which  could  divert  management’s
attention  away  from  the  company’s  business.  In  addition,  the  company  could  be  materially
adversely affected by negative publicity related to these inquiries or any similar proceedings. Any
of the possible consequences noted above, or the perception that any of them could occur, could
have an adverse effect upon the market price for the company’s securities.

Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments

In the preparation of the company’s consolidated financial statements, management has made
a number of estimates and judgments, the more critical of which are discussed below.

Provision for Claims

For Fairfax’s reinsurance subsidiaries, provisions for claims are established based on reports and
individual  case  estimates  provided  by  the  ceding  companies.  For  Fairfax’s  subsidiaries  that
write direct insurance, provisions for claims are based on the case method as they are reported.
Case estimates are reviewed on a regular basis and are updated as new information is received.
An additional provision over and above those provisions established under the case method is
established for claims incurred but not yet reported, potential future development on known
claims  and  closed  claims  that  may  reopen  (IBNR  reserves).  The  actuaries  establish  the  IBNR
reserves  based  on  estimates  derived  from  reasonable  assumptions  and  appropriate  actuarial
methods. Typically, actuarial methods use historical experience to project the future; therefore
the actuary must use judgment and take into consideration potential changes, such as changes
in the underlying book of business, in law and in cost factors.

In  order  to  ensure  that  the  estimated  consolidated  provision  for  claims  included  in  the
company’s  financial  statements  is  adequate,  the  provisions  at  the  company’s  insurance,
reinsurance  and  runoff  operations  are  subject  to  several  reviews,  including  by  one  or  more

121

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

independent  actuaries.  The  reserves  are  reviewed  separately  by,  and  must  be  acceptable  to,
internal actuaries at each operating company, the chief actuary at Fairfax’s head office, and one
or  more  independent  actuaries,  including  an  independent  valuation  actuary  whose  report
appears in each Annual Report.

Provision for Uncollectible Reinsurance Recoverables

Fairfax establishes provisions for uncollectible reinsurance recoverables on a centralized basis,
which  are  based  on  a  detailed  review  of  the  credit  risk  of  each  underlying  reinsurer.
Considerations involved in establishing these provisions include the balance sheet strength of
the reinsurer, its liquidity (or ability to pay), its desire to pay (based on prior history), ratings as
determined  by  external  rating  agencies  and  specific  disputed  amounts  based  on  contract
interpretations which occur from time to time. The company monitors these provisions and
reassesses  them  on  a  quarterly  basis,  or  more  frequently  if  necessary,  updating  them  as  new
information becomes available.

Provision for Other than Temporary Impairment in the Value of Investments

Fairfax reviews its investments on a quarterly basis and focuses its attention on investments for
which the fair value has been at least 20% below cost for six months and on investments which
have experienced sharp declines in the market based on critical events, even if those investments
have  been  below  cost  for  less  than  a  six  month  period.  In  considering  whether  or  not  an
impairment is other than temporary, the company assesses the underlying intrinsic value of the
investment  as  of  the  review  date  as  compared  to  the  date  of  the  original  investment  and
considers  the  impact  of  any  changes  in  the  underlying  fundamentals  of  the  investment.  The
company  also  considers  the  issuer’s  financial  strength  and  health,  the  company’s  ability  and
intent to hold the security to maturity for fixed income investments, the issuer’s performance as
compared to its competitors, industry averages, views published by third party analysts and the
company’s expectations for recovery in value in a reasonable time frame. Provisions are reviewed
on a regular basis and, if appropriate, are increased if additional negative information becomes
available; these provisions are only released on the sale of the security.

Valuation Allowance for Recovery of Future Income Taxes

In  determining  the  need  for  a  valuation  allowance  (which  is  based  on  management’s  best
estimate) for the recovery of future income taxes, management considers primarily current and
expected profitability of the companies and their ability to utilize the losses fully within the
next  few  years. Fairfax  reviews  the  recoverability  of  its  future  income  taxes  asset  and  the
valuation allowance on a quarterly basis, taking into consideration the underlying operation’s
performance as compared to plan, the outlook for the business going forward, changes to tax
law, the ability of the company to refresh tax losses and the expiry date of the tax losses.

Assessment of Goodwill for Potential Impairment

Goodwill on the company’s balance sheet arises primarily from Lindsey Morden and is subject
to  impairment  tests  annually  or  when  significant  changes  in  operating  expectations  occur.
Management  estimates  the  fair  value  of  each  of  the  company’s  operations  using  discounted
expected  future  cash  flows,  which  requires  the  making  of  a  number  of  estimates,  including
estimates about future revenue, net earnings, corporate overhead costs, capital expenditures,
cost  of  capital,  and  the  growth  rate  of  the  various  operations.  The  discounted  cash  flows
supporting the goodwill in the reporting unit are compared to its book value. If the discounted
cash flows supporting the goodwill in the reporting unit are less than its book value, a goodwill
impairment loss is recognized equal to the excess of the book value of the goodwill over the
fair value of the goodwill. Given the variability of the future-oriented financial information, a
sensitivity analysis of the goodwill impairment test is performed by varying the discount and

122

growth rates to enable management to conclude whether or not the goodwill balance has been
impaired.  As  at  December  31,  2005,  goodwill  in  the  amount  of  $133.7  arose  from  Lindsey
Morden’s U.K. operations; this goodwill is sensitive to changes in future profitability as well as
to the discount rates used in the assessment.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements and are made
pursuant  to  the  ‘‘safe  harbor’’  provisions  of  the  United  States  Private  Securities  Litigation
Reform  Act  of  1995.  Such  forward-looking  statements  are  subject  to  known  and  unknown
risks,  uncertainties  and  other  factors  which  may  cause  the  actual  results,  performance  or
achievements  of  Fairfax  to  be  materially  different  from  any  future  results,  performance  or
achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include,
but are not limited to: a reduction in net income if the reserves of the company’s subsidiaries
(including  reserves  for  asbestos,  environmental  and  other  latent  claims)  are  insufficient;
underwriting  losses  on  the  risks  these  subsidiaries  insure  that  are  higher  or  lower  than
expected;  the  lowering  or  loss  of  one  of  these  subsidiaries’  financial  or  claims  paying  ability
ratings; an inability to realize the company’s investment objectives; exposure to credit risk in
the event the company’s subsidiaries’ reinsurers or insureds fail to make payments; a decrease
in the level of demand for these subsidiaries’ products, or increased competition; an inability
to obtain reinsurance coverage at reasonable prices or on terms that adequately protect these
subsidiaries; an inability to obtain required levels of capital; an inability to access cash of the
company’s subsidiaries; risks associated with requests for information from the Securities and
Exchange  Commission  or  other  regulatory  bodies;  risks  associated  with  current  government
investigations of, and class action litigation related to, insurance industry practice; the passage
of  new  legislation;  and  the  failure  to  realize  future  income  tax  assets.  Additional  risks  and
uncertainties are described on pages 118 to 121 and in Fairfax’s Supplemental and Base Shelf
Prospectus  (under  ‘‘Risk  Factors’’)  filed  on  September  28,  2005  with  the  securities  regulatory
authorities in Canada and the United States, which is available on SEDAR and EDGAR. Fairfax
disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.

Quarterly Data (unaudited)

Years ended December 31

First

Fourth
Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter

Second

Third

Full
Year

2005

Revenue
Net earnings (loss)
Net earnings (loss) per share
Net earnings (loss) per diluted share

2004

Revenue
Net earnings (loss)
Net earnings (loss) per share
Net earnings (loss) per diluted share

2003

Revenue
Net earnings (loss)
Net earnings (loss) per share
Net earnings (loss) per diluted share

1,474.3
35.2
2.03
2.01

1,484.8
39.0
2.63
2.59

1,334.8
101.5
6.97
6.97

1,500.8
5.0
0.17
0.17

1,435.1
45.5
3.13
3.05

1,628.5
173.7
12.09
12.09

1,542.1
(220.0)
(13.83)
(13.83)

1,418.4
(109.4)
(8.08)
(8.08)

1,175.2
(11.4)
(1.02)
(1.07)

1,361.0
(318.1)
(18.00)
(18.00)

5,878.2
(497.9)
(30.72)
(30.72)

1,454.3
5.1
0.16
0.16

1,575.4
6.2
0.51
0.51

5,792.6
(19.8)
(2.16)
(2.16)

5,713.9
270.0
18.55
18.23

Prior to giving effect to the 2005 hurricanes and the 2004 third quarter hurricanes, operating
results at the company’s insurance and reinsurance operations have been improving as a result

123

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

of company efforts and the favourable insurance environment through the first half of 2004,
but have also reflected the more difficult insurance environment subsequent to the first half of
2004 (now stabilizing subsequent to the 2005 hurricanes). Apart from reserve strengthenings
which have occurred, individual quarterly results have been (and may in the future be) affected
by losses from significant natural or other catastrophes and by commutations or settlements by
the runoff group, the occurrence of which is not predictable, and have been (and are expected
to  continue  to  be)  significantly  impacted  by  realized  gains  (or  losses)  on  investments,  the
timing of which is not predictable.

Stock Prices and Share Information

As  at  March  31,  2006,  Fairfax  had  17,116,977  subordinate  voting  shares  and  1,548,000
multiple voting shares outstanding (an aggregate of 17,865,747 shares effectively outstanding
after an intercompany holding). Each subordinate voting share carries one vote per share at all
meetings  of  shareholders  except  for  separate  meetings  of  holders  of  another  class  of  shares.
Each multiple voting share carries ten votes per share at all meetings of shareholders except in
certain circumstances (which have not occurred) and except for separate meetings of holders of
another class of shares. The multiple voting shares are not publicly traded.

Below  are  the  Toronto  Stock  Exchange  high,  low  and  closing  prices  of  subordinate  voting
shares of Fairfax for each quarter of 2005, 2004 and 2003.

2005

High
Low
Close

2004

High
Low
Close

2003

High
Low
Close

First
Quarter

Second
Quarter

Third
Quarter

Fourth
Quarter

(Cdn $)

214.78
180.00
180.68

250.00
196.00
203.74

126.00
57.00
75.00

205.00
158.29
203.05

231.10
196.00
227.79

220.85
76.00
205.00

218.50
183.00
201.40

225.60
150.01
157.00

248.55
200.00
210.51

205.29
160.18
168.00

214.60
147.71
202.24

230.04
185.06
226.11

Below  are  the  New  York  Stock  Exchange  high,  low  and  closing  prices  of  subordinate  voting
shares of Fairfax for each quarter of 2005, 2004 and 2003.

2005

High
Low
Close

2004

High
Low
Close

2003

High
Low
Close

First
Quarter

Second
Quarter

Third
Quarter

Fourth
Quarter

171.12
148.35
149.50

187.20
147.57
155.21

79.55
46.71
50.95

168.28
126.73
166.00

174.15
141.12
170.46

162.80
51.50
153.90

179.90
158.00
173.90

170.90
116.00
124.85

178.50
146.50
156.70

175.00
137.38
143.36

177.75
120.50
168.50

177.98
141.50
174.51

124

Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited

Unconsolidated Statements of Earnings
(combined holding company earnings statements)
for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004

(unaudited – US$ millions)

Revenue

Dividend income
Interest income
Management fees
Realized gains

Expenses

Interest expense
Operating expenses(2)
Other

Earnings before income taxes

2005

2004

121.7
27.2
54.5
2.7

206.1

122.8
49.6
–

172.4

33.7

100.0(1)
6.5
31.4
28.7

166.6

92.5
60.2
10.6

163.3

3.3

(1) Excludes $100.4 of dividends from nSpire Re which were used to fund indemnities to TIG.

(2) Excludes impact of indemnification to Runoff and other.

The foregoing unconsolidated statements of earnings of Fairfax provide supplementary information on
the  holding  company’s  sources  of  revenue  and  interest  and  overhead  requirements.  These  combined
holding  company  statements  of  earnings  include  the  unconsolidated  earnings  statements  of  Fairfax
Financial  Holdings  Limited,  the  public  Canadian  holding  company,  and  the  Canadian  and  U.S.
holding  companies  which  have  issued  long  term  debt  or  trust  preferred  securities  or  which  carry  out
certain  of  Fairfax’s  parent  company  corporate  functions.  These  statements  exclude  intercompany
arrangements  other  than  dividends  from  subsidiaries.  None  of  the  holding  companies  pays  tax
currently, and accordingly these statements are presented on a pre-tax basis. Note (2) on page 52 is
applicable to the foregoing statements.

125

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

APPENDIX A

GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR FAIRFAX FINANCIAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

OBJECTIVES:

1) We expect to earn long term returns on shareholders’ equity in excess of 15% 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)

4)

Share ownership and large incentives are encouraged across the Group.

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!

126

Consolidated Financial Summary
(in US$ millions except share and per share data and as otherwise indicated)(1)

Return on
average

Net
shareholders’ holders’ earnings –

Share-

Per Share

equity

equity

diluted Revenue

As at and for the years ended December 31:
1.52
(1.35)
–
4.25
0.98
25.2%
1.72
6.30
32.5%
1.63
22.8%
8.26
1.87
21.0% 10.50
2.42
23.0% 14.84
3.34
21.5% 18.38
1.44
7.7% 18.55
4.19
15.9% 26.39
3.41
11.4% 31.06
20.4% 38.89
7.15
21.9% 63.31
20.5% 87.95
23.0% 120.29
4.6% 160.00
3.9% 161.35
(12.0%) 132.03
13.0% 149.31
10.9% 192.81
(1.0%) 184.86
(17.9%) 151.52

12.2
38.9
86.9
112.0
108.6
167.0
217.4
237.0
266.7
464.8
837.0
11.26 1,082.3
15.59 1,507.7
22.45 2,459.8
6.27 3,894.8
6.34 4,170.4
(18.13) 3,962.0
18.20 5,067.4
18.23 5,713.9
(2.16) 5,792.6
(30.72) 5,878.2

1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005

Earnings
before
income
taxes(2)

(0.6)
6.6
14.0
17.9
16.6
19.8
28.3
5.8
36.2
33.7
70.1
137.4
242.6
333.6
(11.6)
(22.2)
(476.1)
275.3
526.4
137.1
(517.6)

Net
earnings(2)

Total
assets(3)

Invest-
ments

Net
debt(2)(4)

Share-
holders’

Shares
equity outstanding

Closing
share
price(5)

(0.6)
4.7
12.3
12.1
14.4
18.2
19.6
8.3
25.8
27.9
63.9
110.6
167.9
266.7
83.6
92.6

7.6
–
23.9
30.4
29.7
2.0
68.8
93.4
46.0
2.1
93.5
139.8
60.3
22.9
111.7
200.6
76.7
18.6
113.1
209.5
81.6
56.8
289.3
461.9
101.1
44.4
295.3
447.0
113.1
53.7
311.7
464.6
211.1
100.0
641.1
906.6
279.6
155.4
1,105.9
1,549.3
346.1
166.8
1,221.9
2,104.8
664.7
269.5
2,520.4
4,216.0
357.7
976.3
4,054.1
7,140.0
740.5 1,455.5
7,871.8
13,578.7
22,034.8 12,293.9
994.7 2,148.2
21,193.9 10,444.2 1,005.5 2,113.9
995.7 1,894.8
(223.8) 22,200.5 10,285.8
22,224.5 10,642.2 1,419.8 2,111.4
263.0
270.0
25,018.3 12,566.1 1,771.8 2,680.0
(19.8) 26,331.3 13,517.7(7) 1,724.2 2,974.7
(497.9) 27,565.7 14,892.9(7) 1,767.9 2,709.9

5.0
7.0
7.3
7.3
7.3
5.5
5.5
6.1
8.0
9.0
8.9

3.25(6)
12.75
12.37
15.00
18.75
11.00
21.25
25.00
61.25
67.00
98.00
10.5 290.00
11.1 320.00
12.1 540.00
13.4 245.50
13.1 228.50
14.4 164.00
14.1 121.11
13.9 226.11
16.1 202.24
17.9 168.00

(1) All share references are to common shares; shares outstanding are in millions.

(2) The years 2004 and 2003 have been retroactively restated pursuant to the change in accounting policy described in note 6 to

the consolidated financial statements.

(3) Commencing in 1995, reflects a change in accounting policy for reinsurance recoverables.

(4) Total debt (beginning in 1994, net of cash in the holding company) with Lindsey Morden equity accounted.

(5) Quoted in Canadian dollars.

(6) When current management took over in September 1985.

(7) Excludes  539.5  in  2004  and  700.3  in  2005  of  cash  and  short  term  investments  arising  from  the  company’s  economic

hedges against a decline in the equity markets.

127

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Directors of the Company
Frank B. Bennett
President, Artesian Management, Inc.

Officers of the Company
Trevor J. Ambridge
Vice President

John Cassil
Vice President

Francis Chou
Vice President

Peter Clarke
Vice President

Jean Cloutier
Vice President and Chief Actuary

Hank Edmiston
Vice President, Regulatory Affairs

Bradley P. Martin
Vice President and Corporate Secretary

Paul Rivett
Vice President

Eric P. Salsberg
Vice President, Corporate Affairs

Ronald Schokking
Vice President and Treasurer

Greg Taylor
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

V. Prem Watsa
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

M. Jane Williamson
Vice President, Financial Reporting

Head Office
95 Wellington Street West
Suite 800
Toronto, Canada M5J 2N7
Telephone (416) 367-4941
Website www.fairfax.ca

Auditors
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

General Counsel
Torys

Transfer Agents and Registrars
CIBC Mellon Trust Company, Toronto
Mellon Investor Services LLC, New York

Share Listings
Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges
Stock Symbol TSX: FFH.SV; NYSE: FFH

Annual Meeting
The annual meeting of shareholders of Fairfax
Financial Holdings Limited will be held on
Thursday, May 11, 2006 at 9:30 a.m. (Toronto
time) in the Glenn Gould Studio at the
Canadian Broadcasting Centre, 250 Front
Street West, Toronto, Canada

Anthony F. Griffiths
Corporate Director

Robbert Hartog (retiring as of April 2006)
President, Robhar Investments Ltd.

Paul Murray
President, Pinesmoke Investments

Brandon W. Sweitzer
Senior Fellow
U.S. Chamber of Commerce

V. Prem Watsa
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Operating Management
Canadian Insurance – Northbridge
Mark J. Ram, President
Northbridge Financial Corporation

Ronald Schwab, President
Commonwealth Insurance Company

John M. Paisley, President
Federated Insurance Company of Canada

Richard Patina, President
Lombard General Insurance Company of Canada

Silvy Wright, President
Markel Insurance Company of Canada

U.S. Insurance
Nikolas Antonopoulos, President
Crum & Forster Holdings Corp.

Asian Insurance – Fairfax Asia
James F. Dowd, Chairman and CEO
Fairfax Asia

Sammy Y. Chan, President
Fairfax Asia

Kenneth Kwok, President
Falcon Insurance Company (Hong Kong) Limited

Ramaswamy Athappan, Principal Officer
First Capital

Reinsurance – OdysseyRe
Andrew A. Barnard, President
Odyssey Re Holdings Corp.

Runoff
Dennis C. Gibbs, Chairman
TRG Holding Corporation

Other
Jan Christiansen, President
Lindsey Morden Group Inc.

Ray Roy, President
MFXchange

Roger Lace, President
Hamblin Watsa Investment Counsel Ltd.

128