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Fairfax Financial

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Employees 51-200
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FY2016 Annual Report · Fairfax Financial
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30JAN201416052574

2016 Annual Report

Contents

Fairfax Corporate Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Corporate Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders . . . . . . . . . .

Management’s Responsibility for the Financial
Statements and Management’s Report on
Internal Control over Financial Reporting . . .

Independent Auditor’s Report to the

Shareholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fairfax Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . .

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

. . .

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of

Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Appendix – Fairfax Guiding Principles . . . . . . . .

Corporate Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1

2

4

28

29

32

39

115

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188

30JAN201416052574

2016 Annual Report

Fairfax Corporate Performance

(in US$ millions, except as otherwise indicated)(1)

Book
value
per
share

Closing
share
price(1) Revenue

Net
earnings
(loss)

Total
assets

Invest-
ments

Common
share-
Net holders’

Shares
out-
equity standing

debt

3.25(3)

As at and for the years ended December 31(2)
1.52
1985
4.25
1986
6.30
1987
8.26
1988
10.50
1989
14.84
1990
18.38
1991
18.55
1992
26.39
1993
31.06
1994
38.89
1995
63.31
1996
1997
86.28
1998 112.49
1999 155.55
2000 148.14
2001 117.03
2002 125.25
2003 163.70
2004 162.76
2005 137.50
2006 150.16
2007 230.01
2008 278.28
2009 369.80
2010 376.33
2011 364.55
2012 378.10
2013 339.00
2014 394.83
2015 403.01
2016 367.40

(0.6)
12.2
4.7
38.9
12.75
12.3
86.9
12.37
12.1
112.0
15.00
14.4
108.6
18.75
18.2
167.0
11.00
19.6
217.4
21.25
8.3
237.0
25.00
25.8
266.7
61.25
27.9
464.8
67.00
63.9
837.0
98.00
110.6
1,082.3
290.00
152.1
1,507.7
320.00
280.3
2,469.0
540.00
42.6
3,905.9
245.50
75.5
4,157.2
228.50
(406.5)
3,953.2
164.00
252.8
5,104.7
121.11
288.6
5,731.2
226.11
53.1
5,829.7
202.24
(446.6)
5,900.5
168.00
6,803.7
227.5
231.67
7,510.2 1,095.8
287.00
7,825.6 1,473.8
390.00
856.8
6,635.6
410.00
335.8
5,967.3
408.99
7,475.0
45.1
437.01
526.9
8,022.8
358.55
424.11
(573.4)
5,944.9
608.78 10,017.9 1,633.2
567.7
9,580.4
656.91
(512.5)
9,299.6
648.50

30.4
93.4
139.8
200.6
209.5
461.9
447.0
464.6
906.6
1,549.3
2,104.8
4,216.0
7,148.9
13,640.1
22,229.3
21,667.8
22,183.8
22,173.2
24,877.1
26,271.2
27,542.0
26,576.5
27,941.8
27,305.4
28,452.0
31,448.1
33,406.9
36,945.4
35,999.0
36,131.2
41,529.0
43,384.4

23.9
68.8
93.5
111.7
113.1
289.3
295.3
311.7
641.1
1,105.9
1,221.9
2,520.4
4,054.1
7,867.8
12,289.7
10,399.6
10,228.8
10,596.5
12,491.2
13,460.6
14,869.4
16,819.7
19,000.7
19,949.8
21,273.0
23,300.0
24,322.5
26,094.2
24,861.6
26,192.7
29,016.1
28,430.7

7.6
–
29.7
3.7
46.0
4.9
60.3
27.3
76.7
21.9
81.6
83.3
101.1
58.0
113.1
69.4
211.1
118.7
279.6
166.3
346.1
175.7
664.7
281.6
369.7
960.5
830.0 1,364.8
1,248.5 2,088.5
1,251.5 1,940.8
1,194.1 1,679.5
1,602.8 1,760.4
1,961.1 2,264.6
1,965.9 2,605.7
1,984.0 2,448.2
1,613.6 2,662.4
1,207.4 4,063.5
412.5 4,866.3
1,071.1 7,391.8
1,254.9 7,697.9
2,055.7 7,427.9
1,920.6 7,654.7
1,752.9 7,186.7
1,966.3 8,361.0
2,075.6 8,952.5
3,438.2 8,484.6

5.0
7.0
7.3
7.3
7.3
5.5
5.5
6.1
8.0
9.0
8.9
10.5
11.1
12.1
13.4
13.1
14.4
14.1
13.8
16.0
17.8
17.7
17.7
17.5
20.0
20.5
20.4
20.2
21.2
21.2
22.2
23.1

Earnings
(loss)
per
share

(1.35)
0.98
1.72
1.63
1.87
2.42
3.34
1.44
4.19
3.41
7.15
11.26
14.12
23.60
3.20
5.04
(31.93)
17.49
19.51
3.11
(27.75)
11.92
58.38
79.53
43.75
14.82
(0.31)
22.68
(31.15)
73.01
23.15
(24.18)

Compound annual growth
18.6%
19.4%

(1) All share references are to common shares; Closing share price is in Canadian dollars; per share amounts are in US dollars;

Shares outstanding are in millions.

(2)

IFRS  basis  for  2010  to  2016;  Canadian  GAAP  basis  for  2009  and  prior.  Under  Canadian  GAAP,  investments  were
generally carried at cost or amortized cost in 2006 and prior.

(3) When current management took over in September 1985. 

1

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Corporate Profile

Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited  is  a  holding  company  whose  corporate  objective  is  to  build  long  term
shareholder value by achieving a high rate of compound growth in book value per share over the long term. The
company has been under present management since September 1985.

Insurance and Reinsurance

Northbridge Financial,  based  in  Toronto,  Canada,  provides  property  and  casualty  insurance  products  in  the
Canadian market through its Northbridge Insurance and Federated subsidiaries. It is one of the largest commercial
property and casualty insurers in Canada based on gross premiums written. In 2016, Northbridge’s net premiums
written were Cdn$1,247.0 million. At year-end, the company had statutory equity of Cdn$1,368.4 million and there
were 1,433 employees.

OdysseyRe,  based  in  Stamford,  Connecticut,  underwrites  treaty  and  facultative  reinsurance  as  well  as  specialty
insurance, with principal locations in the United States, Toronto, London, Paris, Singapore and Latin America. In
2016,  OdysseyRe’s  net  premiums  written  were  US$2,100.2  million.  At  year-end,  the  company  had  shareholders’
equity of US$3,964.3 million and there were 958 employees.

Crum & Forster (C&F), based in Morristown, New Jersey, is a national commercial property and casualty insurance
company in the United States writing a broad range of commercial, principally specialty, coverages. In 2016, C&F’s
net  premiums  written  were  US$1,801.1  million.  At  year-end,  the  company  had  statutory  surplus  of
US$1,218.9 million and there were 2,243 employees.

Zenith  National,  based  in  Woodland  Hills,  California,  is  primarily  engaged  in  the  workers’  compensation
insurance business in the United States. In 2016, Zenith National’s net premiums written were US$819.4 million. At
year-end, the company had statutory surplus of US$563.6 million and there were 1,511 employees.

Brit, based in London, England, is a market-leading global Lloyd’s of London specialty insurer and reinsurer. In
2016, Brit’s net premiums written were US$1,480.2 million. At year-end, the company had shareholders’ equity of
US$1,148.0 million and there were 540 employees.

Fairfax Asia

First Capital, based in Singapore, writes property and casualty insurance primarily in Singapore markets. In 2016,
First  Capital’s  net  premiums  written  were  SGD  209.5  million  (approximately  SGD  1.4  =  US$1).  At  year-end,  the
company had shareholders’ equity of SGD 698.5 million and there were 158 employees.

Falcon Insurance, based in Hong Kong, writes property and casualty insurance in niche markets in Hong Kong. In
2016, Falcon’s net premiums written were HKD 433.1 million (approximately HKD 7.8 = US$1). At year-end, the
company had shareholders’ equity of HKD 502.5 million and there were 62 employees.

Pacific Insurance, based in Malaysia, writes all classes of general insurance and medical insurance in Malaysia. In
2016,  Pacific  Insurance’s  net  premiums  written  were  MYR  155.0  million  (approximately  MYR  4.1  =  US$1).  At
year-end, the company had shareholders’ equity of MYR 418.5 million and there were 390 employees.

AMAG, based in Indonesia, writes all classes of general insurance in Indonesia. In 2016, AMAG’s net premiums
written were IDR 201.6 billion (approximately IDR 13,290.8 = US$1). At year-end, the company had shareholders’
equity of IDR 2,969.7 billion and there were 781 employees. AMAG was formed from the merger of Fairfax Indonesia
and AMAG (acquired in October 2016).

Union Assurance (being renamed Fairfirst Insurance), based in Sri Lanka, writes general insurance in Sri Lanka,
specializing in automobile and personal accident lines of business. In 2016, Union Assurance’s net premiums written
were LKR 6,247.3 million (approximately LKR 146.1 = US$1). At year-end, the company had shareholders’ equity of
LKR 4,597.8 million and there were 950 employees. In 2017, Union Assurance will be merged with Fairfirst Insurance
(acquired October 2016).

Insurance and Reinsurance – Other

Fairfax Brasil, based in S˜ao Paulo, writes general insurance in Brazil. In 2016, Fairfax Brasil’s net premiums written
were  BRL  201.9  million  (approximately  BRL  3.5  =  US$1).  At  year-end,  the  company  had  shareholders’  equity  of
BRL 168.0 million and there were 91 employees.

2

Advent, based in London, England, is a reinsurance and insurance company, operating through Syndicate 780 at
Lloyd’s, focused on specialty property reinsurance and insurance risks. In 2016, Advent’s net premiums written were
US$177.0  million.  At  year-end,  the  company  had  shareholders’  equity  of  US$151.2  million  and  there  were
115 employees.

Polish Re, based in Warsaw, writes reinsurance in the Central and Eastern European regions. In 2016, Polish Re’s net
premiums  written  were  PLN  238.7  million  (approximately  PLN  3.9  =  US$1).  At  year-end,  the  company  had
shareholders’ equity of PLN 310.2 million and there were 43 employees.

Group  Re  primarily  constitutes  the  participation  by  CRC  Re  and  Wentworth  (both  based  in  Barbados)  in  the
reinsurance  of  Fairfax’s  subsidiaries  by  quota  share  or  through  participation  in  those  subsidiaries’  third  party
reinsurance programs on the same terms and pricing as the third party reinsurers. Group Re also writes third party
business. In 2016, Group Re’s net premiums written were US$140.6 million. At year-end, the Group Re companies
had combined shareholders’ equity of US$371.8 million.

Colonnade, based in Luxembourg, writes general insurance through its Ukrainian insurance company and through
its  branches  in  the  Czech  Republic,  Hungary  and  Slovakia.  In  2016,  Colonnade’s  net  premiums  written  were
US$21.9  million.  At  year-end,  the  company  had  shareholder’s  equity  of  US$29.8  million  and  there  were
203 employees.

Bryte Insurance, based in South Africa, writes property and casualty insurance in South Africa and Botswana. In
2016, Bryte Insurance’s net premiums written were ZAR 3.1 billion (approximately ZAR 14.6 = US$1). At year-end,
the  company  had  shareholders’  equity  of  ZAR  1,791.1  million  and  there  were  786  employees.  Bryte  Insurance
(formerly Zurich Insurance Company South Africa Limited) was acquired in December 2016.

Runoff

The runoff business comprises the U.S. and the European runoff groups. At year-end, the runoff group had combined
shareholders’ equity of US$1,739.1 million.

The Resolution Group (TRG) and the RiverStone Group (run by TRG management) manage runoff under the
RiverStone name. At year-end, TRG/RiverStone had 270 employees in the U.S., located primarily in Manchester,
New Hampshire, and 138 employees in its offices in the United Kingdom.

Other

Pethealth, based in Toronto with 443 employees, provides pet medical insurance and pet-related management
software  and  database  management  services  in  North  America  and  the  United  Kingdom.  In  2016,  Pethealth
produced gross premiums written of Cdn$83.8 million.

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

Notes:

(1) All of the above companies are wholly owned (except for 73%-owned Brit, 98%-owned First Capital, 85%-owned Pacific

Insurance, 78%-owned Union Assurance and 80%-owned AMAG).

(2) The foregoing lists all of Fairfax’s operating subsidiaries (many of which operate through their own operating structure,
primarily involving wholly-owned operating subsidiaries). The Fairfax corporate structure also includes a 34.6% interest
in ICICI Lombard (an Indian property and casualty insurance company), a 41.4% interest in Gulf Insurance (a Kuwait
company with property and casualty insurance operations in the MENA region), a 32.4% interest in Thai Re (a Thai
reinsurance and insurance company), a 15.0% interest in Alltrust Insurance (a Chinese property and casualty insurance
company), a 35.0% interest in BIC Insurance (a Vietnamese property and casualty insurance company), a 27.8% interest
in Singapore Re (a Singapore based reinsurance company), a 41.2% interest in Falcon Insurance (Thailand), a 40.0%
interest in Eurolife (a Greek life and non-life insurer), and a 7.2% interest in Africa Re as well as investments in a number
of non-insurance-related companies. The other companies in the Fairfax corporate structure, which include a number of
intermediate holding companies, have no insurance, reinsurance, runoff or other operations.

3

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

To Our Shareholders,

2016 was the best of times, it was the worst of times, just like 1990 was 26 years ago! All our insurance groups had
combined ratios below 100%, we had operating income in excess of $1 billion(1) and we announced or completed
several  acquisitions,  including  Allied  World,  a  transformative  acquisition  for  us!  Unfortunately,  the  presidential
election on November 8, 2016 changed the world for us, so we reacted quickly by removing all our index hedges and
some of our individual short positions and reducing the duration of our fixed income portfolios to approximately
one year – all of which resulted in a $1.2 billion net loss on our investments in 2016 which, in turn, resulted in a loss
in 2016 of $512 million or $24.18 per share. Book value per share was reduced to $367.40, a decrease of 6.4% adjusted
for the $10 per share dividend paid in 2016. This was the fourth loss we reported in 31 years. More on all of this later.
Since we began 31 years ago, our book value per share has compounded by 19.4% (20.2% including dividends) per
year and our stock price has followed suit at 18.6% per year.

Here’s how our insurance companies did in 2016:

Northbridge
Crum & Forster
Zenith
Brit
OdysseyRe
Fairfax Asia
Other Insurance and Reinsurance

Consolidated

Combined Underwriting
Profit
46
32
164
29
235
41
28

Ratio
94.9%
98.2%
79.7%
97.9%
88.7%
86.4%
93.7%

92.5%

576

As you can see from the table, all our major insurance companies again had combined ratios less than 100% with
Zenith at 79.7%, Fairfax Asia at 86.4%, OdysseyRe at 88.7%, Northbridge at 94.9%, Brit at 97.9% and Crum & Forster
at 98.2%. Under Andy Barnard’s oversight, our decentralized insurance operations led by Kari Van Gundy at Zenith,
Mr. Athappan at Fairfax Asia, Brian Young at OdysseyRe, Silvy Wright at Northbridge, Mark Cloutier at Brit and
Marc Adee at Crum & Forster had an outstanding year. Our other insurance and reinsurance operations also did well,
with Fairfax Brasil having a combined ratio less than 100% for the first time since it began. With the exception of
2015, our underwriting results in 2016 were the best in our 31-year history, with underwriting profit of $576 million
and  a  combined  ratio  of  92.5%. We  have  an  extremely  disciplined  underwriting-focused  insurance  organization
operating all over the world with a very entrepreneurial (i.e., decentralized) structure. I am very excited about the
future of our insurance and reinsurance operations!

As has happened many times in the past, a phone call – this one from Rob Giammarco, one of the best investment
bankers we know – led to a transaction we really like: on December 18, 2016, Fairfax announced an agreement for the
largest and, perhaps, most significant acquisition in our history. Rob introduced us to Allied World and its CEO, Scott
Carmilani. Allied World has an extraordinary track record and has been built by Scott since its founding in 2001 by
AIG and other investors (Scott began his career at AIG in 1987). Its combined ratio from inception has averaged
90.7% and it has had a reserve redundancy every year for a cumulative reserve redundancy of $2.2 billion since its
founding. Since the company went public in 2006, Scott has reduced the shares outstanding by 50% and through
share  buybacks  and  dividends  has  returned  $3.3  billion  to  his  shareholders.  Allied  World’s  average  return  on
shareholders’ equity since inception is 12%. If you combine our average return of 7% on our investment portfolio
(versus  Allied World’s  3.9%)  in  the  past  fifteen  years  with  the  underwriting  profit  of  Allied World,  its  return  on
shareholders’ equity goes up to approximately 20%. The company writes $3.1 billion in business, and it has a major
presence with the large brokers like Marsh, AON and Willis and with Fortune 1000 companies in the U.S., which is
why it fits very nicely with our pre-existing businesses. Our other companies are much less active in this space. Allied
World will be run by Scott in our customary decentralized style, with no changes other than what he sees fit to
implement. We are not pursuing large cost synergies, as so many other organizations do upon merger or acquisition.
This is the beauty of the Fairfax approach: no execution risk and no disruption. Allied World will continue to be built
under Scott’s vision. We are acquiring Allied World at 1.3 times book value or $54 per share for a total purchase price
through  a  pre-acquisition
share  purchase  price  will  be 
of  $4.9  billion.  The  $54  per 

funded 

(1) 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

dividend of $5 per share by Allied World, $5 per share in cash, $14 per share in Fairfax shares and $30 per share in
either cash or Fairfax shares.

In addition, we were able to expand our global presence by acquiring a number of other excellent property and
casualty businesses throughout the year.

During the year, we became aware that Zurich Insurance Group was looking to divest its South African operations.
Mark  Cloutier  led  a  team  which  conducted  due  diligence  and  concluded  in  another  successful  acquisition.  The
company, since re-branded as Bryte Insurance, is active in both South Africa and Botswana. Africa is a continent with
regions offering long term growth opportunity. Under the capable leadership of Edwyn O’Neill, Bryte will allow us to
expand our presence there. Bryte writes gross premiums of over $250 million, and we welcome 800 new employees to
the Fairfax family.

We also entered into an agreement with AIG to acquire its insurance operations in Argentina, Chile, Colombia,
Uruguay, Venezuela and Turkey. In addition, we entered into an agreement to acquire certain assets and renewal
rights with respect to the portfolio of local business written by AIG Europe in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary,
Poland,  Romania  and  Slovakia.  The  Presidents  of  each  of  the  Latin  American  companies  will  report  to  Fabricio
Campos, President of Fairfax Latin America, who recently joined us after 15 years with AIG. The Central and Eastern
Europe business will be written out of Colonnade Insurance in Luxembourg under a branch structure with branch
managers. We established Colonnade Insurance in 2015 after acquiring QBE’s Central and Eastern Europe business.
Colonnade is led by Peter Csakvari who has been with us for two years, following 17 years with AIG. This acquisition
further strengthens our presence in Central and Eastern Europe. Both Fabricio and Peter will be supported by Bijan
Khosrowshahi who has been with us for eight years, following 23 years with AIG. A big welcome to the employees of
AIG who will be joining us.

Through  an  ongoing  partnership  with  AIG,  Fairfax  will  support  and  service  AIG’s  multinational  business  in  the
above-mentioned  countries.  AIG’s  multinational  clients  will  continue  to  experience  the  same  seamless  servicing
capabilities following the transaction. We are very pleased to partner with AIG.

Through Mr. Athappan at First Capital and Fairfax Asia we were able to acquire an 80% interest in PT Asuransi Multi
Artha Guna Tbk (‘‘AMAG’’) led by Linda Delhaye who has been running the company for 24 years with an average
combined ratio below 90% for the last ten years. AMAG is an established general insurer in Indonesia that has an
excellent long term track record in the Indonesian general insurance sector. As part of the transaction we entered into
a long term bancassurance agreement with Panin Bank, our partner in AMAG. Indonesia is an important emerging
economy  and  we  are  delighted  to  strengthen  our  presence  in  this  market  by  partnering  with  Panin  Bank.  We
welcome AMAG into the Fairfax group.

A big thank you to Paul Mulvin and his hard-working team at ffh Management Services in Dublin who helped review
the above South African and AIG transactions as well as our Asian and Central and Eastern European transactions in
2016.

Since we fully hedged our common stock portfolio in 2010, we have been frequently asked, as we have constantly
asked ourselves, under what circumstances would we remove the hedges. Obviously, a huge sell-off in the financial
markets, such as that of 2008/2009, would have led to that result, as the hedges would have performed the purpose
for which they were established. What actually happened with the U.S. presidential election on November 8 was the
arrival of a new administration focused on dramatically reducing corporate taxes (35% to 15% – 20%), rolling back a
myriad of regulations large and small which unnecessarily impede business, and very significantly increasing much
needed infrastructure spending. In our view, this should light up ‘‘animal spirits’’ in America and result in much
higher economic growth than what has prevailed in the last eight years. This would mean, over time, that long rates
will rise – thus our decision to reduce the duration of our fixed income portfolios to about one year. Higher economic
growth would result, we think, in higher profits for many companies, so that even though the indices may not go up
significantly, we think a value investor like us can ply our trade again with less of a concern of economic collapse.
When the U.S., a $19 trillion economy, does well, the world tends to do well!

While  many  risks  to  global  economic  growth  remain,  such  as  protectionism,  China  unraveling  and  the  euro
disintegrating, we believe the chances for robust growth have significantly increased. We will remain vigilant to
these and other risks, and will retain protections in place, such as the $110 billion notional amount of deflation
swaps  we  hold,  which  have  five  and  a  half  years  yet  to  run.  We  also  hold  $10 billion  of  cash  in  our  insurance
companies, due to the liquidation of our long bond portfolio. More on all of this in our section on investments.

5

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Here are the numbers since we were fully hedged in 2010:

Underwriting profit
Interest and dividends – insurance and reinsurance

Operating income
Run-off (excluding net gains (losses) on investments)
Non-insurance operations
Corporate overhead and other

Pre-tax income before net gains (losses) on investments
Net gains (losses) on investments, consisting of:

Hedging losses on stocks and individual companies
Realized and unrealized gains on stocks

Net loss on stocks
Net realized and unrealized gains on bonds
Net loss on CPI-linked derivatives and others

Pre-tax income
Income taxes and non-controlling interests

Net earnings attributable to shareholders of Fairfax

2010 – 2016
($ billions)
1.4
3.0

4.4
(0.2)
0.4
(2.4)

2.2

0

2.2
(0.2)

2.0

(4.4)
2.7

(1.7)
2.2
(0.5)

Since  2010,  on  a  cumulative  basis,  we  had  an  underwriting  profit  of  $1.4  billion  and  interest  and  dividends  of
$3.0  billion,  for  total  operating  income  of  $4.4  billion.  After  runoff,  non-insurance  operations,  and  corporate
overhead and other, which is mainly interest expense and non-cash intangible asset amortization, we made pre-tax
income of $2.2 billion. We expect to make (and have since we began in 1985 made very substantial) net gains on
investments  over  time,  but  as  the  result  of  our  defensive  hedging  program,  over  the  seven-year  period  since  we
implemented that program we only broke even on our investments: as the table shows, after hedging losses and gains
on common stocks, we lost $1.7 billion on stocks and $0.5 billion primarily on our deflation swaps, which was
totally offset by $2.2 billion of gains on bonds. Our bond gains and stock gains absorbed the losses on hedges and
deflation  swaps.  We  took  on  the  hedges  and  deflation  swaps  to  protect  ourselves  from  all  of  the  risks  that  we
discussed in our previous Annual Reports: as we said to you many times, we wanted to protect capital first before
making a return. As it turned out, it was very costly protection!

So why do we think intrinsic value of the company has increased?

During this time period, we asked Andy Barnard to oversee all of our insurance operations and the results have been
spectacular. We made cumulative underwriting profits of $1.4 billion with an average combined ratio of 96.8%, with
excellent  reserving,  in  spite  of  the  largest  catastrophe  losses  in  our  history  in  2011.  Through  acquisitions  and
through internal means, our gross premiums almost doubled from $5.1 billion in 2009 to $9.5 billion in 2016, and
our investment portfolios expanded from $20.1 billion in 2009 to $27.3 billion in 2016.

So we have built a widely diversified, extremely disciplined, underwriting-focused insurance operation that should
stand us in good stead in the years to come.

During  this  period,  we  have  also  built  our  Indian  operations  through  Thomas  Cook  and  Fairfax  India.  Our
investment  in  India  totals  approximately  $5  billion  (about  $2.9  billion  for  our  own  account)  and  our  investee
companies in India employ approximately 250,000 people. And we have just begun! By the way, our Thomas Cook
investment, which cost us $250 million, now has a market value of $691 million (you will not see that gain in our
numbers since Thomas Cook is consolidated).

Also during this period, we built Cara (system sales of Cdn$2.0 billion) to be the third largest restaurant company in
Canada, next to Tim Hortons (system sales of Cdn$7.2 billion) and McDonalds (system sales of Cdn$4.5 billion). And
Bill Gregson, who runs Cara, has also just begun. We invested Cdn$157 million in Cara in 2013 and Cdn$100 million
in  2016  to  help  finance  the  St.  Hubert  acquisition.  At  year-end,  our  investment  in  Cara  was  valued  at
Cdn$582 million.

6

Of course, this does not include all our other non-insurance operations that are doing well, like The Keg, Boat Rocker,
Sporting Life, Praktiker and Golf Town.

The  biggest  strength  of  Fairfax  continues  to  be  its  fair  and  friendly  culture  operating  ethically  in  a  highly
decentralized and entrepreneurial structure. Companies in the insurance business worldwide (like Allied World and
AMAG) and in other industries (like Thomas Cook and Cara), as well as management talent, are attracted to Fairfax’s
culture and structure. This is a huge reason why our intrinsic value will continue to be significantly in excess of book
value! I know, I know, profits will help!! And believe me, we are focused on replicating the investment performance
which we achieved over many years so that we can again deliver attractive returns for you, our patient and loyal
shareholders.

Let me highlight for you the extraordinary success stories of our three longest held insurance companies:

Recently OdysseyRe celebrated its 20th anniversary as a Fairfax company. It is an extraordinary story! It all began in
late 1995 when Jim Dowd called me offering to sell Skandia Canada. He didn’t think we were big enough to afford
Skandia U.S. After examining our balance sheet, Rick Salsberg, Jim and I flew to Stockholm and purchased Skandia
U.S., which had a book value of $314 million(1) and net premiums of $201 million, for $228 million. Jim changed
Skandia U.S.’s name to OdysseyRe and we both enticed Andy Barnard to join OdysseyRe. Even before Andy joined in
July 1996, CTR, a reinsurance company based in Paris with operations in Asia through its office in Singapore, was
desperately being sold by its owner, GAN. It was a great fit available at a great price – but Andy had yet to join us!! I
asked Andy if we should do it, and without hesitation he said yes! With the addition of TIG Re in 1999 and the
expansion of Hudson in 2002, OdysseyRe was on its way. It hit rough waters in 2000 as it lost its S&P A- rating, went
public in June 2001 to regain the rating, tripled its premiums in the hard markets of 2002-2006 and went private in
2009. The public shareholders of OdysseyRe had an extraordinary ride and return – the price per share went from $18
to $65, a compound rate of return of 17.3% during that eight-year span.

In 2011, Andy passed the CEO title on to Brian Young, who was his COO and had joined OdysseyRe with Andy
in 1996.

Here is OdysseyRe’s 20-year cumulative record from inception in 1996 through 2016:

Gross premiums written
Net premiums written
Combined ratio
Underwriting profit
Interest and dividends
Net gains
Net earnings
Cumulative capital returned(*)

$40 billion
35 billion
97%
876 million
4.2 billion
2.2 billion
4.6 billion
1.6 billion

(*) Dividends paid and share buybacks less capital contributions

Over the 20 years, OdysseyRe’s gross premiums increased from $214 million to $2.4 billion, its investment portfolio
increased from $1.1 billion to $7.8 billion, and its common equity increased from $289 million to $3.8 billion, after
returning  cumulative  capital  of  $1.6 billion.  As  the  table  shows,  over  20  years  OdysseyRe  had  a  cumulative
underwriting profit of $876 million, interest and dividends of $4.2 billion and net gains of $2.2 billion, for pre-tax
income of $7.0 billion and net earnings of $4.6 billion. These earnings helped fund Fairfax’s success over the past
20 years. Also, over the past 20 years OdysseyRe has returned capital of $1.6 billion, which includes dividends paid
and share buybacks less capital contributions.

In spite of exposures to huge catastrophes, OdysseyRe lost money in only three years; 2001 ($48 million), 2005
($116 million) and 2011 ($66 million). On the other hand, OdysseyRe made $508 million in 2006, $596 million in
2007, $550 million in 2008 and $591 million in 2014. It had a cumulative reserve redundancy of only $358 million
over the 20 years, since its $1.7 billion in reserve redundancies in business written since 2001 was significantly offset
by reserve deficiencies in business inherited from TIG Re and Skandia Re. A major strength of OdysseyRe (a common
feature of Fairfax companies) is the continuity of its management personnel: it has had only two CEOs in the past
20 years, and of the 20 executives attending OdysseyRe’s 20th anniversary celebration, 13 had been with OdysseyRe
for more than 15 years. OdysseyRe today is a great company, providing outstanding service to its customers, caring

(1) All dollar amounts in this paragraph and the next four paragraphs are derived from accounts prepared on a US GAAP basis.

7

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

for its employees, achieving underwriting profit and reinvesting in the communities where it does business. It is a
wonderful story of long term success, led by two outstanding leaders, Andy Barnard and Brian Young.

The Northbridge story (‘‘our story’’) begins with the purchase in 1985 of an almost bankrupt Canadian trucking
insurance  company,  Markel  Insurance,  for  $10 million(1),  followed  by  Federated  in  1989  for  $29  million,
Commonwealth  in  1990  for  $58  million  and  Lombard  in  1994  for  $155  million,  for  a  total  investment  of
$252 million. Northbridge was created in 2003 and listed on the TSX at $15 per share, and was taken private at $39
per  share  in  2009.  Today,  Northbridge  is  the  third  largest  commercial  lines  insurer  in  Canada.  We  have  had
outstanding management over the last 31 years at Northbridge and all four of its original constituent companies, and
we are very fortunate that Silvy Wright, who has been with us for 22 years, has been running Northbridge for the last
six years.

Of course, Northbridge’s record since we began in 1985 is also very impressive and was the ‘‘golden goose’’ that
propelled our expansion. Over the 31 years from inception in 1985 through 2016, Northbridge’s gross premiums
increased from $23 million to $1.4 billion, its investment portfolio increased from $33 million to $3.9 billion, and its
common equity increased from $10 million to $1.9 billion, after returning cumulative capital of $500 million.

Here is Northbridge’s 31-year cumulative record from inception in 1985 through 2016:

Gross premiums written
Net premiums written
Combined ratio
Underwriting profit
Interest and dividends
Net gains
Net earnings
Cumulative capital returned(*)

$31 billion
21 billion
99.8%
38 million
1.9 billion
1.2 billion
2.0 billion
500 million

(*) Dividends paid and share buybacks less capital contributions

The track record speaks for itself. From an almost bankrupt trucking insurance company in 1985 with premiums of
$23 million, we built the third largest commercial lines insurer in Canada with $1.4 billion in gross premiums, a
$3.9 billion investment portfolio and a compound growth in book value over 31 years of 19% per year. The cost of
our float over 31 years was zero. Over those 31 years, Northbridge has had a cumulative reserve redundancy of over
$800 million and has returned capital of $500 million, which includes dividends paid and share buybacks less capital
contributions. And there’s more to come from Silvy and her team!

Finally, I want to share with you the Crum & Forster story that began in late 1998, when we acquired Crum for
$680 million. Crum then acquired Seneca in 2000 for $65 million, the renewal rights of Fairmont from TIG in 2006,
and First Mercury in 2011 for $294 million, and subsequently made smaller investments in the Redwoods Group,
Travel Insured, Brownyard Programs and Trinity Risk.

We have had outstanding management at Crum over the years, and are very fortunate to have Marc Adee, who has
been with Crum and Fairfax for 16 years, running the company.

Over the 18 years from inception in 1998 through 2016, Crum’s gross premiums increased from $876 million to
$2.1 billion, its investment portfolio increased from $3.3 billion to $4.0 billion, and its common equity increased
from $774 million to $1.6 billion, after returning cumulative capital of $1.6 billion.

Here is Crum’s 18-year cumulative track record from inception in 1998 through 2016:

Gross premiums written
Net premiums written
Combined ratio
Underwriting profit (loss)
Interest and dividends
Net gains
Net earnings
Cumulative capital returned(*)

$22 billion
18 billion
105%
(855) million
1.5 billion
2.3 billion
1.9 billion
1.6 billion

(*) Dividends paid and share buybacks less capital contributions
(1) All dollar amounts in this paragraph and the next three paragraphs are in Canadian dollars.

8

The  track  record  again  speaks  for  itself.  Over  18  years,  net  premiums  have  more  than  doubled,  while  common
shareholders’  equity  expanded  from  $774  million  to  $1.6  billion,  after  returning  capital  of  $1.6  billion,  which
includes  dividends  paid  and  share  buybacks  less  capital  contributions.  Even  though  the  combined  ratio  since
inception has been 105%, in the last three years it has been 98%. Crum has paid us the most dividends of all our
insurance companies. With Marc Adee, Crum is in good hands.

Cara began 2016 with over 1,000 restaurants across Canada (the third largest restaurant group after Tim Hortons and
McDonalds) and closed 2016 with over 1,200 restaurants. Bill Gregson and Ken Grondin and their team continue to
grow the business organically but they also made a couple of notable acquisitions, one in Quebec and the other in
Western Canada, both areas where Cara had no significant market presence. In Quebec, Cara acquired the leading
full service restaurant group in the province, St. Hubert, from its legendary entrepreneurial founder Jean-Pierre L´eger,
who had grown the family business from humble beginnings in 1951. St. Hubert is known for its fantastic chicken
and sauce and has over 115 restaurants and $620 million(1) in system sales. In addition, St. Hubert has a tremendous
retail  food  manufacturing  business  that  is  expected  to  provide  Cara  with  significant  growth  opportunities.  The
St. Hubert business continues to be run independently in Quebec and Jean-Pierre continues to advise Cara and is a
Cara shareholder. In Western Canada, Cara acquired the Original Joe’s group, comprised of 100 restaurants with
system sales of $250 million, which will continue to be run by its founder Derek Doke and his team. In addition to
these acquisitions, Cara’s business continues to grow organically. One standout has been Warren Price and his team
at New York Fries who have been growing same restaurant sales while at the same time expanding the number of
restaurants, including  internationally.  Cara’s  earnings  have  continued  to  grow,  from  $9.9  million  in  2014  to
$67.2  million  in  2015  and  $96.0  million  in  2016.  The  Cara  team  continues  to  watch  for  accretive  acquisition
opportunities, but when none present themselves they will focus on debt reduction and share buybacks with excess
free cash flow. We helped to finance the acquisition of St. Hubert and now own approximately 23.3 million Cara
shares representing a 39% equity and 57% voting interest.

Business  at  The  Keg  with  our  partner,  David  Aisenstat,  and  his  team,  Neil  Maclean,  Doug  Smith  and  Jamie
Henderson, continues to be excellent. The Keg had its best year ever in 2016 from organic revenue growth, leading to
total system sales of nearly Cdn$600 million. Food costs, particularly beef, have continued to climb in Canada but
despite these increased costs, The Keg continues to bring in record numbers of guests with its consistently great food
and stellar customer service.

Our partner, Mark McEwan, continued to grow The McEwan Group and the McEwan brand with an entrepreneurial,
customer service focus we look for in each of our business partners. Our investment is relatively small, but Mark grew
the business profitably in 2016.

In addition to our restaurant business, we recently invested in craft spirit brands in partnership with our good friend
David Sokol and the management team led by Andrew Chrisomalis at Davos Brands. Based in New York, the globally
distributed craft spirits in the Davos stable include TYKU Sake, Aviation Gin, Sombra Mezcal and Astral Tequila.

Our partners at Sporting Life continued to do a fantastic job despite the retirement of their long-time partner and
friend, Brian McGrath. Brian, of course, funded them when they began 38 years ago. David and Patti Russell and we
at Fairfax owe much to Brian and we salute him for the fantastic business he helped to create and for allowing Fairfax
to join the partnership. David and Patti have continued to drive expansion, and revenue growth has continued along
with  increased  margins.  The  Sporting  Life  brand  continues  to  grow  in  value,  driven  by  the  team’s  unrelenting
customer service focus.

Despite continued headwinds in their retail category, Mark Halpern and his team at Kitchen Stuff Plus have grown
their business and increased profitability. Mark is relentless on costs but has also found ways to expand creatively
and profitably.

Last year William Ashley and its President, Jackie Chiesa, moved to a new warehouse location and this year they
moved  their  iconic  retail  store  to  a  new  location  at  131 Bloor  Street West  in  Toronto,  down  the  street  from  the
previous location. We trust the retail location move will be as successful as was the move of their iconic holiday
warehouse sale.

Sean Smith, Alan Maresky, Mike Wallace and Michelle Cole and the entire team at Pethealth continue to grow and
revitalize their business. With Pethealth software in nearly 2,000 animal shelters and 1,500 veterinary clinics in the

(1) Dollar amounts in this paragraph are in Canadian dollars.

9

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

U.S.  and  Canada,  the  business  continues  to  see  meaningful  opportunity  assisting  pets  and  their  owners  with
adoption, recovery and health insurance.

David Fortier, Ivan Schneeberg and John Young continued to grow the Boat Rocker Media business and made several
content acquisitions, including Jam Filled Entertainment and Radical Sheep Productions. The company has grown
from Cdn$90 million in production volume in 2015 to Cdn$115 million in 2016 and has been profitable since
inception ten years ago.

The team at Boat Rocker also brought Fairfax to a great Canadian-based out-of-home media advertising company,
Rouge Media, founded in 2003 by Martin Poitras and his wife Alison Jacobs. Fairfax invested in control of Rouge
Media and backed the team in an expansion to create the largest on-campus university media network in North
America, with dedicated hubs in over 550 universities.

We also partnered with Michael MacMillan and his team at Blue Ant Media through a Cdn$42 million investment in
debt and warrants. Blue Ant is a media content and distribution company with brands such as Love Nature, one of
the world’s largest libraries of 4K wildlife and nature content. Michael is very well known for winning an Oscar at the
age of 27 and then going on to merge his film production business in 1998 to create Alliance Atlantis, the producer of
the  hit  series  CSI:  Crime  Scene  Investigation,  which  was  sold  to  CanWest  and  Goldman  Sachs  in  2007  for
Cdn$2.3 billion. We trust that Michael and his team will have similar success with Blue Ant!

Near the end of the year, we partnered with CI Financial to purchase the Golf Town business out of bankruptcy. Bill
Gregson has agreed to be the Chairman with Chad McKinnon, President and his team running the business. With
this excellent team and the many dedicated employees in 48 locations across Canada, we believe this business will be
restored to its former glory as the preeminent location, in-store and online, to find anything for golf.

Also,  early  in  2017  we  partnered  with  Paul  Desmarais  III  and  his  excellent  team  at  Sagard  Capital  to  purchase
Performance  Sports.  Performance  Sports  is  the  owner  of  the  leading  names  in  hockey,  baseball  and  lacrosse
equipment: Bauer, Easton and Cascade.

Fairfax continued to expand the role of its innovation group, FairVentures, led by Gerry McGuire, who has been with
Fairfax for 15 years. FairVentures is focused on identifying innovations and technologies that may disrupt the Fairfax
group businesses. Gerry works closely with a dedicated team in Toronto, Dave Kruis and his wonderful team at the
FairVentures Innovation Lab at Communitech near the University of Waterloo and Davidson Pattiz and the many
bright  minds  from  across  the  Fairfax  group  in  the  Fairfax  Innovation Working  Group.  Dave  was  responsible  for
identifying two new partnerships for us, with Paul Donald and his company, EnCircle, and with Kevin Forestell and
his company, DOZR.

Fairfax India has just completed its second year in business. Under Chandran Ratnaswami’s leadership, with Jennifer
Allen as Chief Financial Officer (John Varnell passed the CFO title on to Jennifer in the middle of the year) and
Harsha Raghavan and his management team at Fairbridge, Fairfax India has made or announced eight investments.
All of these investments are in companies with great track records and run by honest, exceptional CEOs with a long
term focus. The table below shows these investments:

Company
National Collateral Management
Privi Organics
National Stock Exchange
Bangalore International Airport
Sanmar Chemicals Group
Saurashtra Freight
IIFL Holdings
Adi Finechem

% Interest
Purchased
88%
51%
1%
38%
30%
51%
27%
45%

Amount
Invested
149

CEO
Sanjay Kaul
55 Mahesh Babani
27 Vikram Limaye

379 Hari Marar
300 N. Sankar

30

Raghav Agarwalla

277 Nirmal Jain

19 Nahoosh Jariwala

1,236

All of these investments were purchased at approximately ten times normalized free cash flow or less. While the net
asset value of Fairfax India increased to $10.25 per share, the underlying intrinsic value is significantly higher. For
example, we first purchased IIFL Holdings for Fairfax India at 195 rupees per share in 2015, adding more at 319 rupees

10

per share, and the stock is selling at about 364 rupees per share. In spite of a 15.4% return on equity and a 26.0%
annual growth in book value per share over the past ten years, IIFL is selling at a price earnings ratio of only 14 times
expected earnings. Its founder and CEO, Nirmal Jain, is an outstanding entrepreneur. All of the companies listed
above have similar characteristics. The potential for all of them is very significant, and we look forward to a mutually
rewarding relationship with them. Please read Fairfax India’s Annual Report for more details.

It  has  been  about  four  years  since  we  invested  in  Thomas  Cook  and  its  subsidiaries.  We  initially  invested
$172.7 million, purchasing shares from Thomas Cook U.K. and others at approximately 52 rupees per share.

Since that time, Thomas Cook has acquired Kuoni and Luxe Asia for $81 million to become the leader by a wide
margin in high-end travel to and from India, with travel operations also in Hong Kong and Sri Lanka. Free cash flow
generated from these operations has in the last four years amounted to $129.8 million, with an average annual cash
return on net assets since purchase of 12.8%. Excellent performance by Madhavan Menon, the Chairman and CEO of
Thomas Cook.

Thomas  Cook  also  acquired  Quess  in  May 2013  for  $47 million  and  Sterling  Resorts  for  cash  and  shares  of
$140 million, both separately managed, by Ajit Isaac and Ramesh Ramanathan respectively. We invested $81 million
in Thomas Cook shares at 80 rupees per share to finance the acquisition of Sterling, taking our total average cost to
59 rupees per share.

It was a difficult year for Sterling Resorts. While revenues grew by 23%, driven largely by room sales to non-members,
a large one-time provision for receivables ($12.6 million) and higher resort level expenses ($5.5 million) resulted in a
net loss for the year of $17.8 million. Vacation ownership is a product that has been traditionally sold with low
upfront payments and generous payment options and this has resulted in large delinquencies of receivables that
have  now  been  completely  written  off.  New  sales  policies,  that  at  signing  require  large  non-refundable  down
payments, have been implemented and as a result only buyers who have a high probability of completing the sale are
being signed up. Early indications are that the new policies are working. With these new policies, in combination
with new cost savings initiatives and an improving economy, we fully expect Sterling to return to profitability under
the leadership of Ramesh Ramanathan.

Ajit Isaac and Quess again had an outstanding year, with revenue growing 26% and net earnings 22%. The growth
was driven by increases in headcount of 30% in the People and Services business and 23% in Global Technology
Solutions and the sustained turnaround of MFX and Brainhunter in North America.

As  mentioned  earlier,  in  May  2013,  through  Thomas  Cook,  we  acquired  77%  of  Quess  (then  called  Ikya)  for
$47 million, thereby valuing the entire company at $60 million. In July 2016, Quess raised $60 million by selling
10% in an IPO, valuing the company at $600 million! It was one of the most successful IPOs in India in the last
ten years and the issue was over a hundred times oversubscribed. The stock is currently trading at a market value of
$1.2  billion.  Ajit  is  not  sitting  on  his  laurels!  In  2016  he  announced  five  smaller  but  accretive  acquisitions.  In
November he announced a major acquisition: Quess entered into agreements to acquire the facility management
and catering businesses of Manipal Integrated Services. The Manipal group, run by Ranjan Pai, is a major player in
the healthcare and education business in India. This very significant and accretive acquisition will enable Quess to
strengthen its market leading position in integrated facility management services in India while at the same time
helping it gain entry into this business in the healthcare and education sectors.

Book value per share of Thomas Cook has grown from 21 rupees in 2012 to 65 rupees, up 210% over four years. With
Quess at market value, Thomas Cook’s book value per share at year-end was 200 rupees, an increase of 847% in
four years. We are very excited about Thomas Cook and its prospects in India.

Under Madhavan’s leadership, we set up our Fairfax India Foundation in 2016 to channel our charitable efforts in
that country. Our focus will be education and medical care.

In last year’s Annual Report we discussed a number of acquisitions we entered into in 2015. I am happy to say they
continue to perform very well.

We agreed to acquire 80% of Eurolife, which closed this past August. At closing, OMERS purchased 40% of Eurolife to
help  us  finance  this  acquisition.  Eurolife,  led  by  Alex  Sarrigeorgiou,  had  an  outstanding  year  in  2016,  writing
A496 million of premium, achieving a non-life combined ratio of 55% and producing A68 million of net income.
Given our 40% ownership, Eurolife is equity accounted in our financial statements.

11

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

In  April  2015  Crum  &  Forster  purchased  The  Redwoods  Group.  In  2016  Redwoods,  led  by  Kevin  Trapani,  had
$43 million of net premiums written and a combined ratio of 97.9%.

In  October  2015  Crum  &  Forster  purchased  Travel  Insured  International.  In  2016  TII,  led  by  Jon  Gehris,  had
$54 million of net premiums written and a combined ratio of 91.8%.

In 2015 Brit purchased 50% of Ambridge Partners, one of the world’s leading managing general agencies of transactional
insurance products. In 2016 Ambridge produced gross premiums written of $32 million for Brit at a combined ratio well
below 100%.

In 2015 Fairfax invested A70 million into FBD Group through a ten-year convertible bond with a 7% coupon and a
conversion price of A8.50 per share. FBD is a leader in farm insurance in Ireland. After a number of difficult years FBD had
a good year in 2016, with A312 million of net premiums written (flat versus 2015) and a combined ratio of 99% (versus
140% in 2015). The fair value of our convertible bond has increased modestly to A73 million and the share price has gone
up from A6.61 at the end of 2015 to A6.89 at the end of 2016: more recently the shares have traded as high as A8.40.

We continue to hold our 7.2% stake in Africa Re. As we said last year, Africa Re provides us with a great introduction
to a continent where we are currently expanding our business. In 2016, Africa Re is expected to have a combined
ratio in the low 90s.

In 2015 we acquired a 35% strategic investment in BIC Insurance, the insurance subsidiary of the second largest bank
in Vietnam, BIDV Bank. In 2016 BIC had $50 million in net premiums written and a combined ratio of 100.5%.

In 2015 we purchased a 78% ownership position in Union Assurance in Sri Lanka. In 2016 we closed the acquisition
of Asian Alliance General Insurance Limited, another small insurance company in Sri Lanka. On a combined basis,
the companies (to be renamed Fairfirst Insurance) will be the third largest non-life company in Sri Lanka. In 2016 the
combined company had net premiums written of $43 million and, despite some of the worst flooding in more than
25 years, a combined ratio of 105%.

Joe DeVito, Pat Corydon and Gary Miller have recently retired from Baldwin & Lyons and we are happy to say they
have  joined  Fairfax.  Joe  and  his  team  have  enjoyed  long  term  success  (over  35 years)  in  the  underwriting  and
management  of  transportation  and  related  risks.  They  have  now  formed  a  transportation  program  manager  for
marketing,  underwriting  and  claims  management  with  authority  on  behalf  of  Crum  under  the  name  of  DMC
Insurance. Joe will work closely with Marc Adee and the team at Crum.

A summary of our 2016 realized and unrealized gains (losses) is shown in the table below:

Long equity exposures
Equity hedges and short equity exposures

Net equity exposures
Bonds
CPI-linked derivatives
Other

Total

Realized

Gains Gains (Losses)
79.5
(184.2)
1,441.9
(2,634.8)

Unrealized Net Gains
(Losses)
(104.7)
(1,192.9)

(2,819.0)
648.7
–
98.9

(2,071.4)

1,521.4
(326.0)
(196.2)
(131.4)

(1,297.6)
322.7
(196.2)
(32.5)

867.8

(1,203.6)

The table shows the realized gains and losses for the year and, separately, the unrealized fluctuations in the market
value of our investments. When we removed our hedges near the end of 2016, we realized a loss of $2.6 billion in
2016, but that included $1.6 billion which had gone through our statements in prior years. As discussed earlier, since
2010 we have had $4.4 billion of cumulative net hedging losses and $0.5 billion of unrealized losses on deflation
swaps  (which  we  still  hold),  offset  entirely  by  net  gains  on  stocks  of  $2.7  billion  and  net  gains  on  bonds  of
$2.2 billion. The volatility of our earnings caused by our hedges and long bond portfolios is over – and as I said
earlier, we are focused on once again producing excellent investment returns.

12

In  spite  of  2016,  our  cumulative  net  realized  and  unrealized  gains  since  we  began  in  1985  have  amounted  to
$10.2 billion. As we have mentioned many times, these gains, while unpredictable, are a major source of strength to
Fairfax as they add to our capital base and help finance our expansion. Also, as I have emphasized every year, the
unpredictable timing of these gains and mark to market accounting make our quarterly (and even annual) earnings
and book value very volatile, as we saw again in 2016:

December 31, 2015
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter

per Share

Earnings (Loss) Book Value
per Share
$403
399
406
407
367

$ (2.76)
9.58
(0.42)
(30.77)

John Chen recently completed three years since he took over as CEO of BlackBerry in November 2013. Since that
time, John has brought the company to breakeven on a cash flow and earnings basis. His confidence is reflected in
the fact that he retired $645 million of the $1.25 billion of outstanding 6% convertible debentures and replaced the
rest with 33⁄4% convertible debentures, non-callable for four years. We rolled our $500 million of 6% debentures after
collecting a 4% early redemption fee. During the year, John got out of the manufacturing of smart phone devices and
replaced it with licensing arrangements beginning in Indonesia, then China (TCL Communications) and then India
(Optimus Infrastructure). These arrangements result in BlackBerry receiving a royalty payment for each phone sold
for its BlackBerry software and name. BlackBerry continues to be the gold standard for security for mobile devices.
John continues to work on leveraging this capability while expanding BlackBerry’s enterprise business, the Internet
of Things (BlackBerry Radar) and QNX. Recently 451 Research came out with a report on BlackBerry – ‘‘BlackBerry is
Back’’. Worth reading. We continue to bet on John!

Richie Boucher at the Bank of Ireland had another outstanding year in 2016 as the Bank earned A793 million. In
2016,  the  Bank  continued  to  improve:  non-performing  loans  fell  by  A4.1  billion  (34%);  pre-tax  profit  exceeded
A1  billion  for  the  second  straight  year;  the  pension  deficit  narrowed  to  A0.45  billion  (from  A1.19  billion); the
CET1 ratio improved from 12.9% to 14.2%; and the Bank was number one or number two in every major product
line  in  Ireland.  Bank  of  Ireland  is  on  firm  footing  and  is  poised  to  benefit  from  Ireland’s  recovering  economy –
estimated GDP growth in 2016 was 5.2% and unemployment is projected to fall to 6.8% in 2017.

We purchased 2.8 billion shares of Bank of Ireland stock in late 2011 at 10 euro cents per share. As of today, we have
sold  85%  of  our  position  at  32 euro  cents  per  share, for  a  total  realized  and  unrealized gain  of  approximately
$806 million. Richie has produced outstanding results for us and we are fortunate that he consented to join the
Eurobank Board. Bank of Ireland is expected to announce its first dividend in the last eight years in 2017!

The table below shows our investments in Greece:

Eurobank Ergasias
Mytilineos
Grivalia Properties*
Praktiker and Other

Percent decline

*

Under the equity method of accounting

December 31, 2016

Cost
926.7
35.5
295.9
18.9

Fair Value
246.1
44.6
332.4
25.5

1,277.0

648.6

(49)%

Greece’s economy and inflation stabilized in 2016 and unemployment came down to 23% from 28% at its high in
July  2013.  Capital  controls  and  lingering  disagreements  between  the  EU  institutions  and  the  IMF  on  key  issues
related to Greece’s bailout program continue to keep the markets at depressed levels. It is now three years since we
first made our investment in Eurobank. Our investment is down 73% from cost but the bank continues to do well. It
earned A192 million during the first three quarters of 2016 and provisions for loan losses are down 75%. Fokion
Karavias, its CEO, and Nikos Karamouzis, its Chairman continue to do an exceptional job under difficult conditions.

13

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

The stock trades around 60 euro cents, while book value per share is A2.55 and our cost per share is A2.20. Eurobank’s
market value is only A1.3 billion even though its total assets are A68 billion and its shareholders’ equity is A5.6 billion.
Hope springs eternal!

George Chryssikos, CEO of Grivalia, continues to build the company by buying first class commercial properties at
discounted prices (not unlike our experience in Dublin with Kennedy Wilson), while Evangelos Mytilineos, and
Ioannis  Selalmazidis  at  Praktiker,  continue  to  build  their  companies.  Grivalia  is  buying  a  retail  portfolio  of
16 supermarkets in prime residential neighborhoods, with a 10% cash on cash yield, for A16.2 million at a deep
discount to replacement cost, a portfolio that Grivalia had sold in 2005 for A68.5 million! Stock prices in Greece are
very depressed! The whole Greek stock market is valued at $42 billion (not much more than the current market value
of Snap!), down 78% from its high in 2007, and on average is selling at 50% of book value, while the shares of the four
large banks, including Eurobank, are selling below 0.3 times book value. Greece should see better days in the future.

Arbor Memorial, which we helped the Scanlan family take private in 2012, continues to do well. Brian Snowden and
the Scanlan family have proven to be great partners. It is one industry that is not going to be disrupted!

We have invested $692 million in real estate investments with Kennedy Wilson over the last seven years. Through
sales of real estate and mortgage loans, as well as refinancings, we have received distributions of $645 million. Our
total net cash investment in real estate investments with Kennedy Wilson is therefore now $47 million, and that
investment is probably worth about $284 million. Annual net investment income from these real estate investments
amounts to $12 million. Also, we continue to own 10.7% of Kennedy Wilson (12.3 million shares): our cost was
$11.10 per share, and the shares are currently trading at about $22. A big thank you to Bill McMorrow and his team at
Kennedy Wilson.

14

Below we update the table on our intrinsic value and stock price. As discussed in previous Annual Reports, we use
book value as a first measure of intrinsic value.

1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
1985-2016 (compound annual growth)

INTRINSIC VALUE
% Change in
US$ Book Value per Share
+180
+48
+31
+27
+41
+24
+1
+42
+18
+25
+63
+36
+30
+38
-5
-21
+7
+31
-1
-16
+9
+53
+21
+33
+2
-3
+4
+10
+16
+2
-9
+19.4

STOCK PRICE
% Change in
Cdn$ Price per Share
+292
-3
+21
+25
-41
+93
+18
+145
+9
+46
+196
+10
+69
-55
-7
-28
-26
+87
-11
-17
+38
+24
+36
+5
–
+7
-18
+18
+44
+8
-1
+18.6

As our book value is reported in U.S. dollars and our stock trades in Canadian dollars, the weak Canadian dollar in the
last four years has resulted in our stock price going up faster than our book value. When we began, our stock price was
Cdn$3.25 and our book value per share was US$1.52, with 1 Canadian dollar equal to U.S. 75 cents. At that exchange
rate, the compound annual growth in our book value per share and our stock price would have been the same at the
end of 2016 if our stock price had been about Cdn$790 per share.

15

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Insurance and Reinsurance Operations

The table below shows the recent combined ratios and the 2016 change in net premiums written of our insurance
and reinsurance operations:

Combined Ratio

2016

2015
94.9% 91.8%
98.2% 97.7%
79.7% 82.5%
97.9% 94.9%(1)
88.7% 84.7%
86.4% 87.9%
93.7% 89.6%

2014
95.5%
99.8%
87.5%
–
84.7%
86.7%
94.7%

92.5% 89.9%

90.8%

Change in Net
Premiums
Written

2016
6.3%(2)
8.5%
4.3%
–
0.2%
9.9%
(6.4)%

3.8%(3)

Northbridge
Crum & Forster
Zenith
Brit
OdysseyRe
Fairfax Asia
Other Insurance and Reinsurance

Consolidated

(1) For the period since its acquisition on June 5, 2015

(2) An increase of 10.1% in Canadian dollars

(3)

Insurance and reinsurance operations excluding Brit

Despite experiencing one of the most severe catastrophe losses in Canadian history, the Fort McMurray wildfires,
Northbridge produced a solid combined ratio of 94.9% in 2016. Over the years, Northbridge has displayed a record of
reserving excellence, and last year was no exception. Its underwriting profit of $46 million benefited from strong
reserve releases from the past. Net premiums were up 10% in the year (in Canadian dollars), driven by strong brand
recognition,  superior  customer  service  and  the  development  of  new  distribution  channels.  Northbridge  has
flourished  under  Silvy  Wright’s  leadership.  She  and  her  colleagues  are  well-positioned  to  continue  the  positive
results.

After having successfully engineered its transformation into a leading specialty insurer, Crum & Forster posted its
third straight year of underwriting profit. As profitable new business comes on line, we expect the 98.2% combined
ratio in 2016 can move further into the black in the years ahead. Marc Adee and his team grew their net premiums by
8.5% last year, principally in the A & H segment and due to several bolt-on acquisitions in various niches.

Zenith,  under  the  guidance  of  Kari  Van  Gundy,  posted  an  outstanding  combined  ratio  of  79.7%,  generating  an
underwriting profit of $164 million. Zenith is a great example of the Fairfax style in practice. During the early years of
our ownership, the company’s underwriting results suffered under the weight of an elevated expense ratio. Rather
than force massive cuts to bring down expense, we exercised patience and supported Zenith’s strategy. We are being
rewarded in spades! Today, we do not think there is another worker’s compensation specialist that can rival the
expertise Zenith brings to bear on this very complex line of business.

In its second year since its acquisition by Fairfax, Brit produced a combined ratio of 97.9%, up modestly over 2015
due  to  increased  catastrophe  losses.  The  increased  use  of  reinsurance  and  heightened  discipline  in  the  most
challenging market segments led to a decline in net premiums of 9.2% year over year. Entering 2017, Mark Cloutier
has passed the CEO role to long term Brit underwriting captain, Matthew Wilson. Mark will remain as Executive
Chairman, and will assist us in other areas of the Fairfax group where his long experience and judgment will come
in handy.

Brian Young and the crew at OdysseyRe put up another exceptional performance, with a combined ratio of 88.7%.
This  is  the  fifth  consecutive  year  that  OdysseyRe  has  produced  a  combined  ratio  below  90%,  resulting  in
$235 million of underwriting profit. Within OdysseyRe, its specialty insurer, Hudson, is approaching the $1 billion
mark in gross premiums, and itself produced a combined ratio in the mid-90s. OdysseyRe’s strong reserve position
remains a major plus, and its wide diversification of business sets it up to thrive going forward.

From  Singapore,  Mr.  Athappan  directed  Fairfax  Asia  to  another  outstanding  year.  Its  combined  ratio  of  86.4%
generated an underwriting profit of $41 million. Led by our flagship First Capital in Singapore, Fairfax Asia continues

16

to  expand  its  regional  footprint  through  acquisitions,  most  recently  in  Indonesia.  We  now  have  subsidiaries
operating in Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Indonesia. In addition to our minority position in ICICI
Lombard, we also have influential positions in insurance companies in China, Thailand and Vietnam. Fairfax Asia
features excellent leadership at all of its companies: Mr. Athappan at Fairfax Asia and First Capital, Gobi Athappan at
Fairfax  Asia  and  Pacific  Insurance,  Cody  Hui  at  Falcon  Insurance,  Sanjeev  Jha  at  Fairfirst  Insurance  in  Sri  Lanka
(formerly Union Assurance) and Linda Delhaye at AMAG. Sam Chan and Paul Mulvin have been instrumental in our
growth throughout the region, working of course with Mr. Athappan. We are pleased with the number of platforms
we have assembled and we see vast opportunity in Asia in the years and decades ahead.

Grouped in our Other Segment, we have Advent at Lloyds, Fairfax Brasil, Colonnade (Central and Eastern Europe)
and Polish Re. These operations are led by Nigel Fitzgerald, Bruno Camargo, Peter Csakvari and Monika Wozniak-
Makarska  respectively.  New  to  the  group  is  the  former  Zurich  South  African  business,  newly  renamed  Bryte
Insurance, led by Edwyn O’Neill. We look forward to Edwyn’s contribution in 2017.

Our partnership in Gulf Insurance Group of Kuwait was again rewarding in 2016, as the various companies of Gulf
combined  to  produce  another  combined  ratio  in  the  mid-90s.  Bijan  Khosrowshahi  has  been  instrumental  in
managing our relationship with Gulf, working closely with Khaled Saoud Al-Hassan, Gulf’s excellent CEO.

Finally, we were delighted in 2016 to bring into the Fairfax family Eurolife, a Greek company writing both life and
P & C products. Eurolife is led by Alex Sarrigeorgiou, and has produced excellent results in both segments.

The table below shows you our international operations as at December 31, 2016:

Fairfax Share

Gross
Shareholders’ Premiums
Equity Written

Investment

Portfolio Ownership

Gross
Fairfax Shareholders’ Premiums
Equity Written

Consolidated
Brit
First Capital (Singapore)
Bryte Insurance (South

Africa)(1)

Advent
Fairfax Brasil
Polish Re
Colonnade (Central and

Eastern Europe)

Pacific Insurance (Malaysia)
Falcon Insurance (Hong Kong)
Fairfirst Insurance
(Sri Lanka)(1)

AMAG (Indonesia)(1)

Non-consolidated
ICICI Lombard (India)(2)
Alltrust Insurance (China)(2)
Gulf Insurance (Middle East)
Eurolife (Greece)
BIC (Vietnam)(2)
Falcon Insurance (Thailand)

Total International

Operations

(1) Full year 2016 premium

1,664
484

1,912
393

3,900
687

131
151
52
74

30
93
65

31
220

269
258
145
67

24
119
69

64
105

226
482
131
180

33
130
138

44
121

73%
98%

100%
100%
100%
100%

100%
85%
100%

78%
80%

1,206
473

1,386
384

131
151
52
74

30
79
65

24
176

269
258
145
67

24
101
69

50
84

2,995

3,425

6,072

2,461

2,837

541
376
264
421
90
16

1,443
968
705
549
79
49

2,058
855
716
2,354
136
39

35%
15%
41%
40%
35%
41%

187
56
109
168
32
7

499
145
292
220
28
20

1,708

3,793

6,158

559

1,204

4,703

7,218

12,230

3,020

4,041

(2) As at and for the 12 months ended September 30, 2016

17

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

As  I  mentioned  to  you  last  year,  there  is  much  opportunity  for  growth  in  these  countries  as  insurance  is  very
underpenetrated in most of them. For example, in the United States, non-life premiums as a percentage of GDP is
4.2%, while in most of the above countries where we write business it is less than 2%, and in some cases less than 1%.
We are excited about this growth opportunity.

All of our companies are well capitalized, as shown in the table below:

As at and for the Year Ended
December 31, 2016

Northbridge
Crum & Forster
Zenith
Brit
OdysseyRe
Fairfax Asia

(1)

IFRS total equity

Net Premiums
Written

Surplus
Cdn 1,247.0 Cdn 1,368.4
1,218.9
563.6
1,148.0
3,964.3(1)
784.1(2)

Net Premiums
Statutory Written/Statutory
Surplus
0.9x
1.5x
1.5x
1.3x
0.5x
0.4x

1,801.1
819.4
1,480.2
2,100.2
303.1

(2)

IFRS total equity excluding equity accounted investments in ICICI Lombard and BIC

On average we are writing at about 1.0 times net premiums written to surplus. In the hard markets of 2002 – 2005 we
wrote, on average, at 1.5 times. We have significant unused capacity currently and our strategy during the times of
soft pricing is to be patient and stand ready for the hard markets to come.

The accident year combined ratios of our companies from 2007 onwards are shown in the table below:

Northbridge
Crum & Forster
OdysseyRe
Fairfax Asia

Total

2007 – 2016

Cumulative Net
Premiums Written
($ billions)
Cdn 10.9
11.8
21.3
2.0

46.0

Average
Combined Ratio

101.1%
102.3%
92.9%
86.3%

97.0%

The table, comprising a full decade with a hard and soft market and extreme catastrophe losses in 2011, demonstrates
the quality of our insurance and reinsurance companies. It shows you the cumulative business each company has
written in the past ten years and each company’s average accident year combined ratio during those years. Results in
total are excellent – but there is no complacency as our Presidents, with Andy Barnard’s help, continue to focus on
developing  competitive  advantages  that  will  ensure  these  combined  ratios  are  sustainable  through  the  ups  and
downs of the insurance cycle.

The table below shows the average annual reserve redundancies for our companies for the past ten years (business
written from 2006 onwards):

Northbridge
Crum & Forster
OdysseyRe
Fairfax Asia

18

2006 – 2015
Average Annual
Reserve
Redundancies
14.1%
1.2%
12.0%
9.9%

The table shows you how our reserves have developed for the ten accident years prior to 2016. We are very pleased
with this reserving record, but given the inherent uncertainty in setting reserves in the property casualty business, we
continue to be focused on being conservative in our reserving process. More on our reserves in the MD&A and the
Annual Financial Supplement for the year ended December 31, 2016 available on our website www.fairfax.ca.

Our runoff operations under Nick Bentley continued to be an important contributor to the group. During the year,
Nick and his team, always active in seeking runoff opportunities to add to their business, acquired four runoff books.
Although  runoff’s  2016  was  not  as  good  as  last  year  because  of  investment  losses  and  some  asbestos  reserve
development, cumulative pre-tax profit from runoff in the last ten years amounted to $766 million.

We have updated the float table that we show you each year for our insurance and reinsurance companies:

Year
1986
2007
2016
Weighted average last ten years
Fairfax weighted average financing differential last

ten years: 4.2%

Underwriting
Profit
3
239
576

Average
Float
22
8,618
13,749

Cost
(Benefit)
of Float
(11.6)%
(2.8)%
(4.2)%
(1.1)%

Average
Long Term
Canada Treasury
Bond Yield
9.6%
4.3%
1.9%
3.1%

Float is essentially the sum of loss reserves, including loss adjustment expense reserves, and unearned premium
reserves, less accounts receivable, reinsurance recoverables and deferred premium acquisition costs. Our long term
goal is to increase the float at no cost, by achieving combined ratios consistently at or below 100%. This, combined
with our ability to invest the float well, is why we feel we can achieve our long term objective of compounding book
value per share by 15% per annum. In the last ten years, our float has cost us nothing (in fact, it provided a 1.1%
benefit per year) – significantly less than the 3.1% that it cost the Government of Canada to borrow for ten years.

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

Insurance and Reinsurance

Northbridge

Crum &
Forster

Zenith

Brit

OdysseyRe

Fairfax
Asia

Other

2.3
2.1
1.9
1.6
1.7

2.4
2.3
2.6
2.6
2.7

1.2
1.2
1.2
1.2
1.2

–
–
–
2.7
2.8

($ billions)
4.9
4.7
4.5
4.2
4.0

0.5
0.5
0.5
0.6
0.6

1.0
1.0
0.9
0.8
0.9

Total
Insurance
and
Reinsurance

Runoff

Total

12.2
11.8
11.6
13.7
13.8

3.6
3.7
3.5
3.4
2.9

15.9
15.6
15.1
17.1
16.7

Year

2012
2013
2014
2015
2016

In the past five years our float has increased by 5.0%, due to acquisitions and organic growth in net premiums written
at Crum & Forster, Zenith and Fairfax Asia. The decrease in 2016 was due to foreign exchange movements and reserve
releases, particularly at Northbridge and OdysseyRe.

Of course, our float and float per share have grown tremendously since we began in 1985, as the table below shows.
This has been one of the key reasons for our success in the past and will continue to be a key reason in the future.

1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2016

Total Float
13
164
653
5,877
8,757
13,110
16,673

Float per Share
$ 21⁄2
30
74
449
492
641
722

19

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

At the end of 2016 we had $722 per share in float. Together with our book value of $367 per share and $142 per share
in net debt, you have approximately $1,231 in investments per share working for your long term benefit – about
5.7% lower than at the end of 2015.

The table below shows the sources of our net earnings. 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 and reinsurance

Northbridge
Crum & Forster
Zenith
Brit
OdysseyRe
Fairfax Asia
Other

Underwriting profit
Interest and dividends – insurance and reinsurance

Operating income
Runoff (excluding net gains (losses) on investments)
Non-insurance operations
Interest expense
Corporate overhead and other

Pre-tax income before net gains (losses) on investments
Net realized gains before equity hedges

Pre-tax income including net realized gains but before unrealized gains (losses) and

equity hedges

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) before equity hedges
Equity hedging net gains (losses)

Pre-tax income (loss)
Income taxes and non-controlling interests

Net earnings (loss)

2016

2015

46.3
32.4
164.1
29.1
235.2
41.1
27.7

575.9
463.3

71.4
35.4
134.4
45.4
336.9
34.8
46.2

704.5
477.0

1,039.2
(149.4)
133.5
(242.8)
(131.2)

1,181.5
(74.1)
127.8
(219.0)
(132.5)

649.3
563.4

883.7
1,049.7

1,212.7
(574.1)
(1,192.9)

1,933.4
(1,810.7)
501.8

(554.3)
41.8

624.5
(56.8)

(512.5)

567.7

The table shows the results from our insurance and reinsurance (underwriting and interest and dividends), runoff
and non-insurance operations (which shows the pre-tax income (loss) before interest of Cara (which owns St. Hubert
acquired on September 2, 2016 and Original Joe’s acquired on November 28, 2016), The Keg, Praktiker, Sporting Life,
William Ashley, Golf Town (acquired on October 31, 2016), Pethealth, Thomas Cook India (which owns Quess and
Sterling Resorts) and Fairfax India). Net realized gains before equity hedges, net change in unrealized gains (losses)
before  equity  hedges,  and  equity  hedging  net  gains  (losses)  are  shown  separately  to  help  you  understand  the
composition of our earnings. In 2016, after interest and dividend income, our insurance and reinsurance companies
had operating income of $1.0 billion. Excluding unrealized gains (losses) and equity hedging, our pre-tax income
was $1.2 billion. All in, after-tax loss was $513 million. (See more detail in the MD&A.)

20

Financial Position

Holding company cash and investments (net of short sale and derivative obligations)

Borrowings – holding company
Borrowings – insurance and reinsurance companies
Borrowings – non-insurance companies

Total debt

Net debt

Common shareholders’ equity
Preferred stock
Non-controlling interests

Total equity

Net debt/total equity
Net debt/net total capital
Total debt/total capital
Interest coverage
Interest and preferred share dividend distribution coverage

2016
1,329.4

3,472.5
435.5
859.6

2015
1,275.9

2,599.0
468.5
284.0

4,767.6

3,351.5

3,438.2

2,075.6

8,484.6
1,335.5
2,000.0

8,952.5
1,334.9
1,731.5

11,820.1

12,018.9

29.1%
22.5%
28.7%
n/a
n/a

17.3%
14.7%
21.8%
3.9x
2.9x

At the end of 2016 we maintained our strong financial position, with the holding company continuing to hold cash
and marketable securities of well over $1 billion, and having only limited debt maturities in the next three years.
Please note that the non-insurance long term debt has not been guaranteed by Fairfax.

On  March  2,  2016  we  sold  1  million  shares  of  Fairfax  at  Cdn$735  per  share  to  partially  fund  the  acquisition  of
Eurolife and the purchase of an additional 9% of ICICI Lombard and to maintain a very strong financial position in
these uncertain times.

Our debt to equity and debt to capital ratios have gone up because of the loss in 2016, some debt issues we did to
refinance near term maturities and increases in non-insurance debt. We are focused on getting these ratios down as
soon as we can.

Investments

The  table  below  shows  the  time-weighted  compound  annual  returns  (including  equity  hedging)  achieved  by
Hamblin Watsa, Fairfax’s wholly-owned investment manager, on the stocks and bonds of our companies managed by
it during the past 15 years, compared to the benchmark index in each case:

Common stocks (with equity hedging)

S&P 500
Taxable bonds

Merrill Lynch U.S. corporate (1-10 year) bond index

5 Years
(7.3)%
14.7%
6.0%
3.8%

10 Years
0.4%
6.9%
9.6%
4.9%

15 Years
7.6%
6.7%
10.3%
5.1%

As the table shows, hedging our common equity exposures has been very costly for us over the last five years. Not
only  did  the  stock  markets  do  well  in  the  last  five  years  but  our  stock  selections,  overall,  did  poorly.  Not  our
finest hour!

Of course, our bond returns have been outstanding!

However, as we have said in the past, we protected ourselves from the many risks that we discussed in previous
Annual Reports – risks that if they came to pass, would have destroyed many companies. We bought ‘‘insurance’’ but
‘‘insurance’’ was not needed as the economy muddled through with low economic growth of 1% – 2%, a possibility
we recognized in our 2012 and 2013 Annual Reports. However, as we said earlier, we think the U.S. presidential
election  on  November  8,  2016  changed  the  world  for  us.  The  new  administration’s  business  friendly  policies,  if
adopted, should light up ‘‘animal spirits’’ in the U.S. and result in much higher economic growth than what has
prevailed in the last eight years. The new policies, including a significantly lower corporate tax rate, less regulation

21

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

and  dramatically  higher  spending  on  infrastructure,  have  a  high  probability  of  being  adopted  because  the
Republicans control the White House, the Senate and the House of Representatives. So the chances of these policies
being  adopted  are  very  high,  but  there  are  risks  that  they  could  be  derailed.  The  biggest  risk  in  our  minds  is
U.S.  protectionism  that  could  result  in  worldwide  retaliation  leading  to  a  collapse  in  world  trade.  A  border
adjustment tax or more direct tariffs on imports into the U.S. could hasten this possibility. We will wait and see, and
believe there is a good chance that wiser heads will prevail.

On the other hand, slower economic growth in the last eight years in the U.S. has resulted in significant pent-up
demand in many sectors of the economy. For example, U.S. residential housing starts have averaged 0.9 million
annually in the last ten years, the lowest ten-year average since at least 1969. To bring this average to more normal
levels  requires  the  U.S.  to  build  eight  million  more  homes  in  the  next  decade.  When  you  consider  new  family
formations  in  the  U.S.  of  1.2  million  annually  and  200,000  to  300,000  homes  being  demolished  or  destroyed
annually  due  to  fires  or  other  such  events,  then  if  the  new  administration  makes  the  average  American  more
confident in his or her prospects, you can see housing potentially becoming a very significant source of economic
growth in the U.S. Comparable logic also applies to infrastructure in the U.S. (which needs much updating) and to
other areas of the U.S. economy.

In our minds, if the U.S. has higher economic growth of 3% plus, the major risks that we have discussed in past
Annual Reports are significantly reduced but not eliminated. Why? Because the U.S. is the largest economy in the
world and is the only economy that can impact the world in any significant manner. So we will continue to watch
China (we haven’t changed our minds, it is a bubble waiting to burst), Europe and the potential destruction of the
euro, and the huge amounts of debt in the world, but our view is that this will be a stock picker’s market in which a
long term value-oriented investment approach will thrive – and investing with a long term value-oriented approach
is what we have done successfully for the last 31 years.

We  have  protected  ourselves  from  the  downside  risks  by  the  deflation  swaps  that  we  have,  our  very  depressed
holdings (like BlackBerry and Eurobank) and lots of cash (in excess of $10 billion as I write this letter to you). So
unlike in past Annual Reports, I will de-emphasize discussion of the risks that we see (hasn’t helped in the past!!) and
focus on how we plan to take advantage of opportunities.

First, a quick update on our deflation swaps.

The table below gives you more details on our CPI-linked derivative contracts as at December 31, 2016:

Underlying CPI Index

United States
United States
European Union
United Kingdom
France

Floor
Rate(1)

0.0%
0.5%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%

Average
Life
(in years)
5.7
7.8
5.0
5.9
6.1

Notional
Amount

Cost

46,725.0 286.9
12,600.0
39.5
43,640.4 300.3
22.6
20.7

4,077.6
3,322.5

5.6 110,365.5 670.0

Cost(2)
(in bps)
61.4
31.3
68.8
55.4
62.3

Market Market Unrealized
Value Value(2) Gain (Loss)

(in bps)
7.5
27.2
2.9
1.2
2.7

35.2
34.3
12.5
0.5
0.9

83.4

(251.7)
(5.2)
(287.8)
(22.1)
(19.8)

(586.6)

(1) Contracts with a floor rate of 0.0% provide a payout at maturity if there is cumulative deflation over the life of the
contract. Contracts with a floor rate of 0.5% provide a payout at maturity if cumulative inflation averages less than 0.5%
per year over the life of the contract.

(2) Expressed as a percentage of the notional amount

On average, our CPI-linked derivative contracts have 5.6 years to go and are in our books at only $83.4 million.

22

The table below shows you the average strike price of our contracts versus the index values at the end of 2016:

Underlying CPI Index

United States – 0%
United States – 0.5%
European Union
United Kingdom
France

Total

Notional Amount
($ billions)
46.7
12.6
43.6
4.1
3.3

110.4

Weighted Average December 31, 2016
CPI
Strike Price (CPI)

231.39
238.30
96.09
243.82
99.27

241.43
241.43
101.26
267.10
100.66

We plan to hold on to these contracts as they will protect us if the unexpected happens.

The markets are not cheap, so we have to focus always on downside protections with potential upside. Let me give
you a few examples of how we have done this to date.

This year we were re-united with Joe Randell and his team at Chorus Aviation. We sold our block of shares in the
company in 2013 but we stayed in touch ever since. Late in 2016 Joe approached us to back his new aircraft leasing
business and we jumped at the opportunity, committing up to Cdn$200 million in a debt and warrant financing. The
debt has a term of seven years, is secured with planes from Chorus and yields 6%, while the warrants are exercisable
at Cdn$8.25 per share for seven years. We look forward to supporting Joe and the team at Chorus as they expand
their business in the years ahead.

We had the opportunity to invest Cdn$150 million in 5% seven-year secured debentures and 6% preferred securities
and seven-year warrants exercisable at Cdn$8.81 per share of Mosaic Capital, led by John Mackay, Harold Kunik and
Mark Guardhouse. John and Harold founded Mosaic in 2006 based on value investing principles applied to majority
investments in many excellent cash flow businesses such as Printing Unlimited, Ambassador Mechanical and Bassi
Construction. The decentralized, cash flow-focused approach applied by the Mosaic team with small and medium-
sized businesses fits well with the Fairfax culture. We believe that there will be many areas for collaboration and
co-operation in the future.

In a similar vein, we recently announced an investment of Cdn$100 million in 5% preferred shares plus seven-year
warrants, exercisable at Cdn$15.00 per share, of Altius Minerals. Brian Dalton founded Altius in 1997 at the ripe old
age of 23, focusing on early stage, high potential mining projects and selling them to major mining companies in
exchange for royalty interests (Altius does not take the risks of bringing the projects into production). Brian has
grown  the  company  from  scratch  to  an  asset  base  of  close  to  Cdn$500 million  and  equity  in  excess  of
Cdn$350 million through diligent implementation of his business model. We are excited to partner with Brian and
his team in building a Canadian mineral royalty powerhouse.

As we said to you earlier, we have locked in our large net capital gains since year-end 2009 in long term bonds as we
have effectively reduced the duration of our remaining fixed income portfolio (including short term treasury bill
instruments) to approximately one year by selling the underlying bonds outright or purchasing a ‘‘treasury lock’’.
The  use  of  a  treasury  lock  means  that  the  bonds  are  effectively  sold,  as  they  are  immunized  against  rising  long
U.S. Treasury rates. Our approximate net gains over the period in Treasuries amounted to $1.1 billion and in both
taxable and tax exempt munis amounted to $1.3 billion. If you will remember, in the midst of the great financial
crisis,  Brian  Bradstreet  purchased  California  taxable  bonds in  2009  when  the  state  was  on  the  brink  of  being
downgraded to ‘‘junk’’ status, and was able to acquire a very large position (in excess of $1 billion at cost) at a cash
coupon  annual  yield  in  excess  of  7.3%.  Fast  forward  seven  years:  the  net  capital  gain  on  that  position  is
approximately $490 million, with about 45% of that realized and the balance significantly protected with a treasury
lock at year-end (the balance has since been sold and the treasury lock removed). Also during the crisis, a large
position in Berkshire Hathaway-insured long dated tax exempt bonds was purchased as numerous leveraged muni
funds were subject to adverse margin calls in a very illiquid environment. We jumped at the opportunity when such
insured  bonds  became  available,  investing  approximately  $3.6 billion  at  significant  discounts  to  par  and  very
attractive after-tax-equivalent yields. The net capital gain on these bonds is approximately $550 million, with 49% of
that realized and the balance either pre-refunded or significantly protected with the treasury lock.

23

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Please be very careful of the housing markets in Canada. House prices continue to move up rapidly – and I thought
they were high a few years ago! The high tech area also feels like a bubble with stock prices continuing to go up
significantly since I last updated a table of high tech stocks last year. As I write this letter to you, Snap went public at
$17  per  share  but  opened  for  trading  up  40%  at  $24  per  share,  a  market  cap  of  $33  billion  on  sales  of  only
$404 million and losses of $515 million. We do not understand these markets and are staying away from them.
Caveat emptor!!

Our investment team has been bolstered by Lawrence Chin who joined us after spending 17 years at Cundill as a
portfolio manager with excellent results and Jamie Lowry who joined us after spending 12 years at Schroders as a
portfolio manager with great results. Lawrence, based in Vancouver, will, along with Chandran Ratnaswami and Yi
Sang, be responsible for our Asian portfolios, and Jamie, based in London, will be responsible for our European and
British portfolios, both working with our outstanding investment team of Roger Lace, Brian Bradstreet, Paul Rivett,
Chandran Ratnaswami, Wade Burton, Sam Mitchell, Peter Furlan, Paul Ianni, Quinn McLean and Jeff Ware.

Miscellaneous

Our annual dividend remained the same in 2016. Since we began paying dividends in 2001, we have paid cumulative
dividends per share of $93. Hope you have used them wisely!

We have an outstanding corporate culture that we have developed over the last 31 years. We call it the fair and
friendly corporate culture based on following the golden rule: treating everyone as we want to be treated ourselves.
This culture and our decentralized structure have attracted many excellent companies and management to our fold.
And we have just begun! Having said that, we are raising our threshold for acquisitions now so as to benefit from the
ones we have already made – and to buy back our stock. Our hero, Henry Singleton, whom I have mentioned before
in our Annual Reports, built Teledyne by taking shares outstanding from seven million in 1960 to 88 million in 1972
and then down to 12 million in 1987 – an 87% drop in shares outstanding. Our long term focus is clear.

Recently, we created a company called Fairfax Africa which was listed on the TSX on February 17, 2017, having raised
$500 million (we invested $325 million in it). The reasons behind this are similar to Fairfax India. Four years ago,
Paul Rivett, Quinn McLean and I met Mike Wilkerson and Neil Holzapfel, and together we took Afgri private off of
the Johannesburg exchange. Afgri has been a great investment and most importantly we were very impressed with
Mike and Neil who had specialized in Africa for the past decade. With Neil and two partners permanently located in
South Africa, we decided to create Fairfax Africa to take advantage of the significant opportunities there.

For the first time since we began, we updated our Guiding Principles (included as an Appendix to this Annual Report,
as always) to make explicit a couple of items which were always understood and regularly mentioned – that our
investing will always be conducted on a long term value-oriented philosophy, and that we recognize the importance
of giving back to the communities where we operate.

As I have said before, we now have a long term track record of treating everyone we deal with fairly – be it customers,
employees, shareholders, the communities where we operate, sellers of companies, or anyone else. Our reputation is
now our biggest strength – and one we guard fiercely. This principle of treating people in a ‘‘fair and friendly’’ way is
firmly embedded in our culture and backed by our Guiding Principles. I am really excited about our small holding
company team that with great integrity, team spirit and no egos keeps the whole company going forward, protecting
us from unexpected downside risks and taking advantage of opportunities when they arise. This team is led by our
President, Paul Rivett. There is no one more hard working than Paul or who represents our culture so well, and he is a
delight to work with! Paul leads our efforts in all areas but particularly the non-insurance acquisitions we have made.
He, of course, is backed by a fantastic team of officers whom I again want to thank on your behalf. They are David
Bonham, Peter Clarke, Jean Cloutier, Vinodh Loganadhan, Brad Martin, Rick Salsberg, Ronald Schokking and John
Varnell.  The  glue  that  keeps  our  company  together  is  trust  and  a  long  term  focus.  From  our  Board  of  Directors
through our officers and all our employees, you can count on them to do the right thing, always taking the long term
view. Our Presidents, officers and investment principals are ultimately the strength of our company and the reason I
am so excited about our future.

This year we’re looking forward to welcoming two new directors who will be valuable additions to our Board – Karen
Jurjevich,  the  Principal  of  Branksome  Hall  in  Toronto,  and  Lauren  Templeton,  the  founder  and  President  of
Templeton and Phillips Capital Management in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Many thanks to our excellent directors, all
of whom are dedicated to Fairfax and to providing us the benefit of their experience and wisdom.

24

We continue to encourage all our employees to be owners of our company through our employee share ownership
plan, under which our employees’ share purchases by way of payroll deduction are supplemented by contributions
by their employer. It is an excellent plan and employees have had great returns over the long term, as shown below:

Employee Share Ownership Plan

Compound Annual Return

5 Years
25%

10 Years
18%

15 Years
17%

20 Years
13%

Since
Inception
17%

Our donations program continues to thrive across the communities all over the world where we do business. Our
employees are all pitching in and having ‘‘fun’’, helping people less fortunate. In 2016, we donated $12.6 million for
a total of over $155 million since we began. Over the 26 years since we began our donations program, our annual
donations have gone up approximately 75 times at a compound rate of 18% per year. Here are a few examples of our
company donations that I would like to highlight.

First of all, we were privileged to donate Cdn$1 million to the Red Cross for disaster relief in Fort McMurray, which
suffered the worst natural disaster in Canadian history.

Northbridge’s Northbridge Cares program focuses on empowering, educating and supporting Canadian youth to
achieve  success.  Northbridge  partnered  with  six  charitable  organizations  that  directly  benefit  the  communities
where its customers and employees live and work, including Partners for Mental Health, United Way and Pathways
to Education. Northbridge’s employees are also passionate about their communities and together with Northbridge
have donated over $1 million in support of its charitable partners, including almost $250,000 raised as part of the
annual Give Together campaign.

Crum  &  Forster’s  giving  strategy  focuses  on  health  and  wellness  issues.  Crum  supports  the  Morristown  Medical
Center and looks to make a meaningful impact on people and their lives by sponsoring an annual volunteer day
where employees spend the whole day volunteering in local communities across the country where the company
has offices.

Zenith  writes  a  significant  amount  of  its  business  in  the  California  agricultural  sector  and  gives  back  to  that
community financially and through the active participation of its employees. Zenith supported a number of causes
this year with a particular emphasis on organizations that provide various educational and leadership development
programs,  including  the  California  Foundation  for  Agriculture  in  the  Classroom,  the  California  Agricultural
Leadership Foundation and the California Future Farmers of America Association.

Each  year  Brit  supports  ten  charities  chosen  by  its  employees,  which  for  2016  were  the  Motor  Neuron  Disease
Association,  Blossom  Trust,  Autistica,  Action  Duchenne,  The  Disability  Foundation,  O2E,  Horatio’s  Garden,
Rockinghorse,  Bountiful  Blessings  and  Philabundance.  Brit  has  also  partnered  with  Decoda,  a  Canadian  charity
working to increase the literacy and learning skills of children in foster care; the Kibera Girls Education Fund, a
Kenya-based charity working to rescue girls from the perils of sexual assault and early pregnancy; and the Creative
Corrections Education Foundation, a U.S. charity helping the children of incarcerated parents through education.

OdysseyRe continues to support Little Havens Hospice in London, Institut Pasteur in Paris, AmeriCares for its global
disaster relief programs and many other organizations around the world. One of the OdysseyRe Foundation’s long
term  grants  became  a  reality  in  September  when  the  doors  opened  at  the  newly  constructed  state-of-the-art
OdysseyRe Emergency Department within the new Stamford Hospital.

RiverStone U.S. continues to partner with City Year, which serves students who are at risk of dropping out of the local
elementary schools. The City Year effort is centered around young volunteers, typically recent college graduates, who
commit to live and work in Manchester, NH for a year to provide support and programs to the students.

RiverStone U.K. supports charities nominated by employees in each of its three offices, including a sanctuary for
young homeless people, care for terminally ill patients and a hospice program which offers respite and palliative care
to babies.

Similarly our companies in Asia, Europe and other parts of the world all support and contribute to charities in their
communities, regularly at the direction of the companies’ employees. In my travels to each of our companies, I am
amazed by how many lives our employees have touched and the joy and satisfaction they get from helping others. As
I have said, when a business does well, the shareholders, employees and communities we do business in all benefit.

25

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

We are looking forward to seeing you at our annual meeting in Toronto at 9:30 a.m. (Eastern time) on April 20, 2017
at Roy Thomson Hall. As in the past few years, we will have booths (the number grows each year) which will provide
information and allow you the opportunity to interact with the Presidents and senior members of our insurance
companies, such as Northbridge, Crum & Forster, Zenith, Brit, OdysseyRe, ICICI Lombard, Fairfax Asia (which now
includes AMAG, our new venture in Indonesia, and Fairfirst, our insurance operation in Sri Lanka), and our partners
in the Middle East, the Gulf Insurance Group, along with Colonnade which covers Central and Eastern Europe.
Continuing this year, for all you pet lovers, Sean Smith and his team at Pethealth will be on hand to help you insure
your favorite pet: Sean said that he did not have enough takers last year so would like to see more of you stop by. To
give you ample time to visit all our booths, the doors will open at 8:00 a.m.

The Fairfax Leadership Workshop continues to grow and we have about 125 individuals who have attended the
program. Many have moved on to senior leadership roles and some are running our companies. You will recognize
them by the special pins that they wear that even I do not get. You will see them at the various insurance company
booths, so stop by and speak to them. In addition, the booths will showcase some of our non-insurance company
investments – William Ashley,  Sporting Life, Arbor  Memorial, Kitchen Stuff Plus, Quess, Golf Town, Boat Rocker
Media and Blue Ant Media. Last year I highlighted our new innovation lab that we started in Waterloo, for which we
created our FairVentures company. The innovation lab is up and running under the able leadership of Dave Kruis, so
please visit their booth, as Dave promises to have an interactive experience for you all.

Like last year, we have Cara, The Keg and McEwan’s, led by celebrity chef Mark McEwan, to help tantalize your taste
buds. I reiterate we are now one of the leading restaurant companies in Canada: you cannot go too far before you
come across one of our restaurants in either the fast food or fine dining space. Madhavan Menon from Thomas Cook
has said that not enough shareholders have taken advantage of the discount to take your family for a trip of a lifetime
to India, so he will be looking out for you this time, in case you did not avail of it last year! I may be biased but I took
our Board, Presidents and officers and we had a ‘‘trip of a lifetime’’ in India, so take it from a satisfied customer and
sign up, you won’t be disappointed! Come early and visit all our booths, many showcasing for the first time, such as a
number of the companies in India that we have invested in; Golf Town, where you can improve your putting on a
three-hole contest, with the winner getting a prize; and Bauer, where they will auction a spot for a once-in-a-lifetime
hockey experience at a Bauer event, where the successful bidder will get a ‘‘behind the scenes’’ peek at NHL stars in
action, talk hockey while enjoying dinner with the players, and choose a personalized, autographed jersey from a
participating Bauer athlete – so please bid generously as the money raised will be donated to the Crohn’s and Colitis
Foundation. It is a great opportunity for you to learn more about our companies as well as to get some discounts for
shopping at William Ashley and Sporting Life and dining at Cara and The Keg.

Bill Gregson, David Aisenstat and Mark McEwan will have their chefs on hand to prepare a few of the signature items
sold at their restaurants for you to sample at their booths in the foyer after our meeting ends. To avoid the lines at all
the food stations, we have expanded the area so please walk around, sample the various offerings and visit all of our
companies. Let the experience not end at our meeting. We also encourage you after the meeting to dine at their
restaurants that are within walking distance from Roy Thomson Hall or at a location close to you. We will have
booths  featuring  some  of  our  major  charity  partners – The  Hospital  for  Sick  Children,  Americares,  Global  Public
Health and the Royal Ontario Museum – so you can see firsthand how we reinvest into the communities in which we
do business. Doing good by doing well!! Hopefully in the spirit of giving, you will be inclined to make an additional
contribution!

As  in  the  past,  highlighted  will  be  two  excellent  programs  that  we  support:  the  Ben  Graham  Centre  for  Value
Investing with George Athanassakos at the Ivey School of Business, and the Actuarial Program at the University of
Waterloo – both among the best in North America! This year the staff at the University of Waterloo booth will again
include co-op students working at our companies. I encourage you to speak to them: I assure you that you will be
impressed. Many of you have hired, and will want to continue to hire, a few more at your own companies: the
University will have someone on hand to let you know how you can go about doing so. George will also have many
of his MBA students on hand, so speak to them: you may want to hire them as well. George runs a Value Investing
Conference the day before our meeting. This will be its sixth year and in case you have not attended, please check the
website for details (www.bengrahaminvesting.ca). I highly recommend it and it is well worth your time to attend.
Many who have attended have mentioned to me that it is one of the best of its kind, and this year’s lineup of speakers
is outstanding!

Also as we have done in the past, we will be giving you a book by Sir John Templeton: this year, ‘‘The Essential
Worldwide Laws of Life’’, which has a foreword by Stephen Post, who has graciously autographed the book. As I have

26

always said, Sir John was a mentor to me and the great admiration that I have had for him and the influence that he
has had on me personally and others in our company will always resonate with us. Sanjeev Parsad will hand out the
book for a donation of your choosing, and all the money collected will go to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation in
memory of my assistant Jo Ann Butler. Sanjeev has raised a little over Cdn$130,000 to date. Hats off to Sanjeev for
spearheading this valiant effort.

Similarly to last year, Fairfax India (of which many of you are also shareholders) will hold its annual meeting at
2:00 p.m. at Roy Thomson Hall. Chandran Ratnaswami, Jenn Allen, John Varnell, Harsha Raghavan and the CEOs of
many of Fairfax India’s investees will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. Fairfax India will also
showcase the companies in its portfolio at the booths in the foyer, so stop by and visit them and hear firsthand all the
wonderful things taking place in India and the vast potential that lies ahead there.

Fairfax Africa, led by Michael Wilkerson and his partner Neil Holzapfel, will also be there to discuss the potential we
see in Africa.

So, as we have done for the last 31 years, we look forward to meeting you, our shareholders, and answering all your
questions, as well as getting you to meet our dedicated directors and the fine men and women who work at and run
our companies. I personally am inspired each and every time that I meet you all, and when I hear your stories I want
to work twice as hard to make a return for you in the long term. We are truly blessed to have the loyal shareholders
that we have and I look forward to seeing you at our shareholders’ meeting in April.

March 10, 2017

10MAR201607580995

V. Prem Watsa
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

27

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

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 are the responsibility of management and have
been approved by the Board of Directors.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. 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.

We,  as  Fairfax’s  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Chief  Financial  Officer,  have  certified  Fairfax’s  annual  disclosure
documents  filed  with  the  Canadian  Securities  Administrators  and  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission
(Form 40-F) in accordance with Canadian securities legislation and the United States Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
respectively.

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 and MD&A. 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,  2016  using  criteria  established  in  Internal  Control – Integrated  Framework  (2013)  issued  by  the
Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission  (‘‘COSO’’).  Based  on  this  assessment,
management  concluded  that  the  company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  was  effective  as  of
December 31, 2016.

The  effectiveness  of  the  company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of  December  31,  2016  has  been
audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent auditor, as stated in its report which appears herein.

March 10, 2017

10MAR201607580995

V. Prem Watsa
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

30JAN201416020159

David Bonham
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

28

Independent Auditor’s Report

To the Shareholders of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited

We have completed integrated audits of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (the Company) and its subsidiaries’ 2016
and 2015 consolidated financial statements and their internal control over financial reporting as at December 31,
2016. Our opinions, based on our audits are presented below.

Report on the consolidated financial statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries, which
comprise the consolidated balance sheets as at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and the consolidated
statements of earnings, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for each of the two years in the
period  ended  December  31,  2016,  and  the  related  notes,  which  comprise  a  summary  of  significant  accounting
policies and other explanatory information.

Management’s responsibility for the consolidated financial statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in
accordance  with  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  (IFRS)  as  issued  by  the  International  Accounting
Standards  Board  (IASB)  and  for  such  internal  control  as  management  determines  is  necessary  to  enable  the
preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud
or error.

Auditor’s responsibility
Our  responsibility  is  to  express  an  opinion  on  these  consolidated  financial  statements  based  on  our  audits.  We
conducted our audits 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 the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material
misstatement.  Canadian  generally  accepted  auditing  standards  also  require  that  we  comply  with  ethical
requirements.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence, on a test basis, about the amounts and disclosures
in the consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the
assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or
error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the company’s preparation
and  fair  presentation  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements  in  order  to  design  audit  procedures  that  are
appropriate in the circumstances. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting principles and
policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
presentation of the consolidated financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained in our audits is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for
our audit opinion on the consolidated financial statements.

Opinion
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
the Company and its subsidiaries as at December 31, 2016 and 2015 and their financial performance and their cash
flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2016 in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB.

Report on internal control over financial reporting

We have also audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as at December 31, 2016, based on
criteria  established  in  Internal  Control – Integrated  Framework  (2013),  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

Management’s responsibility for internal control over financial reporting
Management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment
of  the  effectiveness  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  included  in  Management’s  Report  on  Internal
Control over Financial Reporting on page 28.

29

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Auditor’s responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our
audit. We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting 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.

An audit of internal control over financial reporting includes obtaining an understanding of internal control over
financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating
effectiveness of internal control, based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we consider
necessary in the circumstances.

We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our audit opinion on the company’s internal control over
financial reporting.

Definition of internal control over financial reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding
the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those
policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly
reflect  the  transactions  and  dispositions  of  the  assets  of  the  company;  (ii)  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 (iii) 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.

Inherent limitations
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.

Opinion
In our opinion, Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective
internal control over financial reporting as at December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control –
Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.

8MAR201711145142

Chartered Professional Accountants, Licensed Public Accountants
Toronto, Ontario

March 10, 2017

30

(This page is intentionally left blank)

31

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Consolidated Financial Statements

Consolidated Balance Sheets
as at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015

Notes

December 31, December 31,
2015

2016
(US$ millions)

Assets
Holding company cash and investments (including assets pledged for
short sale and derivative obligations – $94.4; December 31, 2015 –
$62.8)

Insurance contract receivables

Portfolio investments
Subsidiary cash and short term investments
Bonds (cost $8,699.1; December 31, 2015 – $11,258.9)
Preferred stocks (cost $111.2; December 31, 2015 – $220.5)
Common stocks (cost $4,824.0; December 31, 2015 – $6,004.2)
Investments in associates (fair value $2,955.4; December 31, 2015 –

$2,185.9)

Derivatives and other invested assets (cost $546.2; December 31,

2015 – $628.5)

Assets pledged for short sale and derivative obligations (cost $223.9;

December 31, 2015 – $322.9)

Fairfax India cash and portfolio investments (cost $983.0;

December 31, 2015 – $848.7)

Deferred premium acquisition costs
Recoverable from reinsurers (including recoverables on paid losses –

$290.9; December 31, 2015 – $286.3)

Deferred income taxes
Goodwill and intangible assets
Other assets

Total assets

See accompanying notes.

5, 27
10

5, 27
5
5
5

5, 6

5, 7

5, 7

1,371.6
2,917.5

9,938.0
9,323.2
69.6
4,158.8

1,276.5
2,546.5

6,641.6
12,286.6
116.6
5,358.3

2,393.0

1,730.2

179.7

228.5

500.7

351.1

847.4

5, 27

1,002.6

11

9
18
12
13

27,293.4

27,832.5

693.1

532.7

4,010.3
732.6
3,847.5
2,518.4

3,890.9
463.9
3,214.9
1,771.1

43,384.4

41,529.0

Signed on behalf of the Board

10MAR201607580995
Director

10MAR201607580340
Director

32

Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Income taxes payable
Short sale and derivative obligations (including at the holding

company – $42.2; December 31, 2015 – $0.6)

Funds withheld payable to reinsurers
Insurance contract liabilities
Borrowings – holding company and insurance and reinsurance

companies

Borrowings – non-insurance companies

Total liabilities

Equity
Common shareholders’ equity
Preferred stock

Shareholders’ equity attributable to shareholders of Fairfax
Non-controlling interests

Total equity

See accompanying notes.

Notes

December 31, December 31,
2015

2016
(US$ millions)

14
18

5, 7

8

15
15

16

2,888.6
35.4

234.3
416.2
23,222.2

3,908.0
859.6

2,555.9
85.8

92.9
322.8
23,101.2

3,067.5
284.0

31,564.3

29,510.1

8,484.6
1,335.5

9,820.1
2,000.0

11,820.1

43,384.4

8,952.5
1,334.9

10,287.4
1,731.5

12,018.9

41,529.0

33

Notes

2016

2015

(US$ millions except per
share amounts)

10, 25

9,534.3

25

8,088.4

8,655.8

7,520.5

8,581.7
(1,210.7)

7,371.0
512.2
172.9
(259.2)
1,783.5

9,209.7
(1,347.5)

7,862.2
555.2
24.2
(1,203.6)
2,061.6

9,299.6

9,580.4

5,682.9
(964.3)

4,718.6
1,597.7
1,336.4
242.8
1,958.4

9,853.9

(554.3)
(159.6)

(394.7)

(512.5)
117.8

(394.7)

$ (24.18)
$ (24.18)
$ 10.00
23,017

5,098.4
(712.0)

4,386.4
1,470.1
1,177.3
219.0
1,703.1

8,955.9

624.5
(17.5)

642.0

567.7
74.3

642.0

$ 23.67
$ 23.15
$ 10.00
22,070

25
5
6
5
25

8
9

26
26
9
15
25, 26

18

17
17
16
17

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Consolidated Statements of Earnings
for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015

Revenue

Gross premiums written

Net premiums written

Gross premiums earned
Premiums ceded to reinsurers

Net premiums earned
Interest and dividends
Share of profit of associates
Net losses on investments
Other revenue

Expenses

Losses on claims, gross
Losses on claims ceded to reinsurers

Losses on claims, net
Operating expenses
Commissions, net
Interest expense
Other expenses

Earnings (loss) before income taxes
Recovery of income taxes

Net earnings (loss)

Attributable to:
Shareholders of Fairfax
Non-controlling interests

Net earnings (loss) per share
Net earnings (loss) per diluted share
Cash dividends paid per share
Shares outstanding (000) (weighted average)

See accompanying notes.

34

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015

Net earnings (loss)

Other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes

Items that may be subsequently reclassified to net earnings

Net unrealized foreign currency translation losses on foreign operations
Gains (losses) on hedge of net investment in Canadian subsidiaries
Share of other comprehensive loss of associates, excluding net gains (losses) on

defined benefit plans

Items that will not be subsequently reclassified to net earnings

Share of net gains (losses) on defined benefit plans of associates
Net losses on defined benefit plans

Other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes

Comprehensive income (loss)

Attributable to:
Shareholders of Fairfax
Non-controlling interests

Income tax expense (recovery) included in other comprehensive income

(loss)

Income tax on items that may be subsequently reclassified to net

earnings
Net unrealized foreign currency translation losses on foreign operations
Share of other comprehensive loss of associates, excluding net gains (losses) on

defined benefit plans

Income tax on items that will not be subsequently reclassified to net

earnings
Share of net gains (losses) on defined benefit plans of associates
Net losses on defined benefit plans

Total income tax expense

See accompanying notes.

Notes

2016
(US$ millions)

2015

(394.7)

642.0

16

7

6

(80.2)
(37.5)

(557.9)
218.8

(35.6)

(25.0)

(153.3)

(364.1)

6
21

(33.2)
(18.3)

28.8
(6.1)

(51.5)

22.7

(204.8)

(341.4)

(599.5)

300.6

(696.4)
96.9

316.0
(15.4)

(599.5)

300.6

Notes

2016

2015

14.0

3.7

17.7

10.5
5.0

15.5

33.2

(0.3)

9.7

9.4

(10.1)
3.3

(6.8)

2.6

35

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015
(US$ millions)

Share-
based
payments
and

Accumulated
other

Equity
attributable
to

Subordinate Multiple Treasury
shares
(at cost)

voting
shares

voting
shares

Non-
Common
other Retained comprehensive shareholders’ Preferred shareholders controlling
interests

income (loss)

of Fairfax

earnings

equity

shares

reserves

Total
equity

Balance as of January 1, 2016
Net earnings (loss) for the year
Other comprehensive loss, net of

income taxes:
Net unrealized foreign currency
translation losses on foreign
operations

Losses on hedge of net investment

in Canadian subsidiaries

Share of other comprehensive loss

of associates, excluding net losses
on defined benefit plans
Share of net losses on defined
benefit plans of associates

Net losses on defined benefit plans

Issuance of shares
Purchases and amortization
Excess of book value over

consideration of common shares
purchased for cancellation

Common share dividends
Preferred share dividends
Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23)
Other net changes in capitalization

4,229.8
–

3.8
–

(236.0)
–

88.2 5,230.7
(512.5)

–

(364.0)
–

8,952.5 1,334.9
–

(512.5)

10,287.4
(512.5)

1,731.5 12,018.9
(394.7)

117.8

–

–

–

–
–
523.5
(6.1)

–
–
–
–
3.6

–

–

–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–
15.1
(64.2)

–
–
(17.6)
40.6

–

–

–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
(4.4)

(8.0)
(227.8)
(44.0)
–
17.8

(61.4)

(61.4)

(37.5)

(37.5)

(35.4)

(35.4)

(32.0)
(17.6)
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

(32.0)
(17.6)
521.0
(29.7)

(8.0)
(227.8)
(44.0)
–
17.0

–

–

–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
0.6

(61.4)

(18.8)

(80.2)

(37.5)

–

(37.5)

(35.4)

(0.2)

(35.6)

(32.0)
(17.6)
521.0
(29.7)

(8.0)
(227.8)
(44.0)
–
17.6

(1.2)
(0.7)
–
(0.8)

(33.2)
(18.3)
521.0
(30.5)

–
(41.2)
–
86.8
126.8

(8.0)
(269.0)
(44.0)
86.8
144.4

Balance as of December 31, 2016

4,750.8

3.8

(285.1)

106.8 4,456.2

(547.9)

8,484.6 1,335.5

9,820.1

2,000.0 11,820.1

Balance as of January 1, 2015
Net earnings for the year
Other comprehensive loss, net of

income taxes:
Net unrealized foreign currency
translation losses on foreign
operations

Gains on hedge of net investment

in Canadian subsidiaries

Share of other comprehensive loss
of associates, excluding net gains
on defined benefit plans
Share of net gains on defined
benefit plans of associates

Net losses on defined benefit plans

Issuance of shares
Purchases and amortization
Excess of book value over

consideration of preferred shares
purchased for cancellation

Common share dividends
Preferred share dividends
Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23)
Other net changes in capitalization

3,642.8
–

3.8
–

(155.8)
–

78.4 4,909.9
567.7

–

(118.1)
–

8,361.0 1,164.7
–

567.7

9,525.7
567.7

218.1
74.3

9,743.8
642.0

–

–

–

–
–
587.0
–

–
–
–
–
–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–
15.3
(95.5)

–
–
(16.1)
34.8

–

–

–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
(8.9)

4.0
(216.1)
(49.3)
–
14.5

(468.3)

(468.3)

218.8

218.8

(25.0)

(25.0)

–

–

–

28.0
(5.2)
586.2
(60.7)

–
–
179.0
(8.8)

(468.3)

(89.6)

(557.9)

218.8

(25.0)

28.0
(5.2)
765.2
(69.5)

–

–

0.8
(0.9)
–
0.2

218.8

(25.0)

28.8
(6.1)
765.2
(69.3)

4.0
(216.1)
(49.3)
–
11.4

–
–
–
–
–

4.0
(216.1)
(49.3)
–
11.4

–
(5.0)
–
1,175.4
358.2

4.0
(221.1)
(49.3)
1,175.4
369.6

28.0
(5.2)
–
–

–
–
–
–
5.8

Balance as of December 31, 2015

4,229.8

3.8

(236.0)

88.2 5,230.7

(364.0)

8,952.5 1,334.9

10,287.4

1,731.5 12,018.9

See accompanying notes.

36

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015

Operating activities
Net earnings (loss)
Depreciation, amortization and impairment charges
Net bond premium (discount) amortization
Amortization of share-based payment awards
Share of profit of associates
Deferred income taxes
Net losses on investments
Net sales (purchases) of securities classified as FVTPL
Changes in operating assets and liabilities

Cash provided by operating activities

Investing activities

Sales of investments in associates
Purchases of investments in associates
Net purchases of premises and equipment and intangible assets
Purchases of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired
Sales of subsidiaries, net of cash divested
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash for purchase of subsidiary

Cash used in investing activities

Financing activities

Borrowings – holding company and insurance and reinsurance companies:

Proceeds, net of issuance costs
Repayments
Net borrowings from revolving credit facility

Borrowings – non-insurance companies:

Proceeds, net of issuance costs
Repayments
Net borrowings from revolving credit facilities

Subordinate voting shares:

Issuances, net of issuance costs
Purchases for treasury
Purchases for cancellation

Common share dividends
Preferred shares:

Issuance, net of issuance costs
Repurchases for cancellation
Preferred share dividends
Subsidiary common shares:

Issuances to non-controlling interests, net of issuance costs
Net sales to (purchases of) non-controlling interests
Increase in restricted cash related to financing activities
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

Cash provided by financing activities

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of year
Foreign currency translation

Cash and cash equivalents – end of year

See accompanying notes.

37

Notes

2016
(US$ millions)

2015

(394.7)
191.7
3.6
40.6
(24.2)
(273.8)
1,203.6
1,119.3
(607.9)

25

6
18
5
27
27

642.0
133.3
(0.2)
34.8
(172.9)
(210.4)
259.2
(484.3)
(56.8)

1,258.2

144.7

6, 23
6, 23

23
23

45.8
(735.3)
(208.3)
(779.1)
–
6.5

201.3
(313.3)
(201.3)
(1,455.6)
304.4
(6.5)

(1,670.4)

(1,471.0)

15

15

16

16

23
23

637.7
(5.4)
200.0

360.5
(38.9)
193.6

523.5
(64.2)
(14.1)
(227.8)

–
–
(44.0)

157.1
(74.5)
(18.9)
(41.2)

275.7
(212.4)
–

54.2
(5.8)
18.4

575.9
(95.5)
–
(216.1)

179.0
(4.8)
(49.3)

725.8
430.0
–
(5.0)

1,543.4

1,670.1

1,131.2
3,125.6
(37.7)

343.8
3,018.7
(236.9)

27

4,219.1

3,125.6

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Index to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Business Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2. Basis of Presentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4. Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5. Cash and Investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6.

Investments in Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7. Short Sales and Derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8.

Insurance Contract Liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9. Reinsurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10.

Insurance Contract Receivables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11. Deferred Premium Acquisition Costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

12. Goodwill and Intangible Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13. Other Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

14. Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

15. Borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

16. Total Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

17. Earnings per Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

18.

Income Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

19. Statutory Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

20. Contingencies and Commitments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

21. Pensions and Post Retirement Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

22. Operating Leases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

23. Acquisitions and Divestitures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

24. Financial Risk Management

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

39

39

39

50

51

58

60

63

66

67

67

68

70

70

71

73

76

76

79

79

81

82

82

87

25. Segmented Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

104

26. Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

109

27. Supplementary Cash Flow Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

110

28. Related Party Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

111

29. Subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

112

38

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015
(in US$ and $ millions except per share amounts and as otherwise indicated)

1. Business Operations

Fairfax  Financial  Holdings  Limited  (‘‘the  company’’  or  ‘‘Fairfax’’)  is  a  holding  company  which,  through  its
subsidiaries,  is  principally  engaged  in  property  and  casualty  insurance  and  reinsurance  and  the  associated
investment management. The holding company is federally incorporated and domiciled in Ontario, Canada.

2. Basis of Presentation

The company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016 are prepared in accordance
with International Financial Reporting Standards (‘‘IFRS’’) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board
(‘‘IASB’’) effective as at December 31, 2016 (except IFRS 9 (2010) Financial Instruments which was adopted early). The
consolidated  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  on  a  historical  cost  basis,  except  for  derivative  financial
instruments and fair value through profit and loss (‘‘FVTPL’’) financial assets and liabilities that have been measured
at fair value.

The  consolidated  balance  sheets  of  the  company  are  presented  on  a  non-classified  basis.  Assets  expected  to  be
realized  and  liabilities  expected  to  be  settled  within  the  company’s  normal  operating  cycle  of  one  year  would
typically  be  considered  as  current,  including  the  following  balances:  cash,  short  term  investments,  insurance
contract  receivables,  deferred  premium  acquisition  costs,  income  taxes  payable,  and  short  sale  and  derivative
obligations. The following balances are generally considered as non-current: deferred income taxes and goodwill and
intangible assets. All other balances are comprised of current and non-current amounts.

The holding company has significant liquid resources that are generally not restricted by insurance regulators. The
operating subsidiaries are primarily insurers and reinsurers that are often subject to a wide variety of insurance and
other laws and regulations that vary by jurisdiction and are intended to protect policyholders rather than investors.
These laws and regulations may limit the ability of operating subsidiaries to pay dividends or make distributions to
parent companies. The company’s consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statement of cash flows therefore
make a distinction in classification between the holding company and the operating subsidiaries for cash and short
term investments to provide additional insight into the company’s liquidity, financial leverage and capital structure.

These  consolidated  financial  statements  were  approved  for  issue  by  the  company’s  Board  of  Directors  on
March 10, 2017.

3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The principal accounting policies applied to the presentation of these consolidated financial statements and the
methods of computation have been consistently applied to all periods presented unless otherwise stated, and are as
set out below.

Consolidation
Subsidiaries – The  company’s  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  assets,  liabilities,  equity,  revenue,
expenses  and  cash  flows  of  the  holding  company  and  its  subsidiaries.  A  subsidiary  is  an  entity  over  which  the
company has control. The company controls an entity when the company has power over the entity, is exposed to,
or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns
through its power over the entity. Assessment of control is based on the substance of the relationship between the
company and the entity and includes consideration of both existing voting rights and, if applicable, potential voting
rights that are currently exercisable and convertible. The operating results of subsidiaries acquired are included in the
consolidated financial statements from the date control is acquired (typically the acquisition date). The operating
results of subsidiaries that are divested during the year are included up to the date control ceased and any difference
between the fair value of the consideration received and the carrying value of a divested subsidiary is recognized in
the consolidated statement of earnings.

The consolidated financial statements were prepared as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 based on individual holding
companies’ and subsidiary companies’ financial statements at those dates. Accounting policies of subsidiaries have

39

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

been aligned with those of the company where necessary. The company’s significant subsidiaries are identified in
note 29.

Non-controlling interests – A non-controlling interest is initially recognized as the proportionate share of the
identifiable net assets of a subsidiary on its acquisition date and is subsequently adjusted for the non-controlling
interest’s  share  of  changes  in  the  acquired  subsidiary’s  earnings  and  capital.  Effects  of  transactions  with
non-controlling interests are recorded in equity if there is no change in control.

Business combinations
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting whereby the consideration
transferred is measured at fair value at the date of acquisition. This consideration may include cash paid and the fair
value at the date of exchange of assets given, liabilities incurred and equity instruments issued by the company or its
subsidiaries. The consideration transferred also includes any contingent consideration arrangements, recorded at fair
value.  Directly  attributable  acquisition-related  costs  are  expensed  in  the  current  period  and  reported  within
operating expenses. At the date of acquisition, the company recognizes the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities
assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquired business. The identifiable assets acquired and liabilities
assumed are initially recognized at fair value. If the consideration transferred is less than the fair value of identifiable
net assets acquired, the excess is recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings.

A pre-existing equity interest in an acquiree is re-measured to fair value at the date of the business combination with
any gain or loss recognized in net gains (losses) on investments in the consolidated statement of earnings.

Goodwill and intangible assets
Goodwill – Goodwill is recorded as the excess of consideration transferred over the fair value of the identifiable net
assets  acquired  in  a  business  combination,  less  accumulated  impairment  charges,  and  is  allocated  to  the
cash-generating units expected to benefit from the acquisition for the purpose of impairment testing. On an annual
basis or more frequently if there are potential indicators of impairment, the carrying value of a cash-generating unit
inclusive of its allocated goodwill is compared to its recoverable amount, with any goodwill impairment measured as
the  excess  of  the  carrying  amount  over  the  recoverable  amount.  Goodwill  is  derecognized  on  disposal  of  a
cash-generating unit to which goodwill was previously allocated.

Intangible assets – Intangible assets are comprised primarily of customer and broker relationships, brand names,
Lloyd’s  participation  rights,  computer  software  (including  enterprise  systems)  and  other  acquired  identifiable
non-monetary assets without physical form.

Intangible  assets  are  initially  recognized  at  cost  (fair  value  when  acquired  through  a  business  combination)  and
subsequently measured at cost less accumulated amortization and impairment, where amortization is calculated
using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful life of those intangible assets with a finite life. The
carrying  value  of  intangible  assets  with  a  finite  life  are  re-evaluated  by  the  company  when  there  are  potential
indicators  of  impairment.  Indefinite-lived  intangible  assets  are  not  subject  to  amortization  but  are  assessed  for
impairment annually or more frequently if there are potential indicators of impairment.

The estimated useful lives of the company’s intangible assets are as follows:

Customer and broker relationships
Brand names and Lloyd’s participation rights
Computer software

8 to 20 years
Indefinite
3 to 15 years

Brand names are considered to be indefinite-lived based on their strength, history and expected future use.

Investments in associates
Investments  in  associates  are  accounted  for  using  the  equity  method  and  are  comprised  of  investments  in
corporations, limited partnerships and trusts where the company has the ability to exercise significant influence but
not control. Under the equity method of accounting, an investment in associate is initially recognized at cost and
adjusted  thereafter  for  the  post-acquisition  change  in  the  company’s  share  of  net  assets  of  the  associate.  The
company’s  share  of  profit  (loss)  and  other  comprehensive  income  (loss)  of  associates  are  reported  in  the
corresponding  lines  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  earnings  and  consolidated  statement  of  comprehensive
income,  respectively.  A  pre-existing  interest  in  an  associate  is  re-measured  to  fair  value  at  the  date  significant
influence is obtained and included in the carrying value of the associate.

40

The fair value of associates is estimated at each reporting date (or more frequently when conditions warrant) using
valuation techniques consistent with those applied to the company’s other investments in equity instruments. See
‘Determination of fair value’ under the heading of ‘Investments’ for further details. If there is objective evidence that
the  carrying  value  of  an  associate  is  impaired,  the  associate  is  written  down  to  its  recoverable  amount  and  the
unrealized  impairment  loss  is  recognized  in  share  of  profit  (loss)  of  associates  in  the  consolidated  statement  of
earnings. Gains and losses realized on dispositions of associates are recognized in net gains (losses) on investments in
the consolidated statement of earnings.

Foreign currency translation
Functional and presentation currency – The consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars
which is the holding company’s functional currency and the presentation currency of the consolidated group.

Foreign currency transactions – Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currencies of
the holding company and its subsidiaries using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Foreign
exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at year-end
exchange  rates  of  monetary  assets  and  liabilities  denominated  in  foreign  currencies  are  recognized  in  the
consolidated statement of earnings. Non-monetary items carried at cost are translated using the exchange rate at the
date  of  the  transaction.  Non-monetary  items  carried  at  fair  value  are  translated  at  the  date  the  fair  value
is determined.

Translation  of  foreign  subsidiaries – The  functional  currencies  of  some  of  the  company’s  subsidiaries
(principally in Canada, the United Kingdom and Asia) differ from the consolidated group U.S. dollar presentation
currency.  As  a  result,  the  assets  and  liabilities  of  these  foreign  subsidiaries  (including  goodwill  and  fair  value
adjustments arising on their acquisition, where applicable) are translated on consolidation at the rates of exchange
prevailing at the balance sheet date. Revenue and expenses are translated at the average rate of exchange for the
period.  The  net  unrealized  gain  or  loss  resulting  from  this  translation  is  recognized  in  accumulated  other
comprehensive  income,  and  only  recycled  to  the  consolidated  statement  of  earnings  upon  reduction  of  an
investment in a foreign subsidiary.

Net investment hedge – The company has designated a portion of the principal amount of its Canadian dollar
denominated borrowings as a hedge of its net investment in its Canadian subsidiaries. The cumulative unrealized
gain or loss relating to the effective portion of the hedge is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income,
and only recycled to the consolidated statement of earnings upon reduction of the investment in the hedged foreign
subsidiary. Gains and losses relating to any ineffective portion of the hedge are recorded in net gains (losses) on
investments in the consolidated statement of earnings.

Comprehensive income (loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net earnings (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss) and includes all
changes in total equity during a period, except for those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to
owners. Unrealized foreign currency translation amounts arising from foreign subsidiaries and associates that do not
have U.S. dollar functional currencies and the effective portion of changes in the fair value of hedging instruments
on  hedges  of  net  investments  in  foreign  subsidiaries  are  recognized  in  other  comprehensive  income  (loss)  and
included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until recycled to the consolidated statement of earnings
on reduction of an investment in a foreign subsidiary or associate. Actuarial gains and losses and changes in asset
limitation  amounts  on  defined  benefit  pension  and  post  retirement  plans  are  recorded  in  other  comprehensive
income  (loss)  and  subsequently  included  in  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  (loss)  without  recycling.
Upon settlement of the defined benefit plan or disposal of the related associate or subsidiary those amounts are
reclassified directly to retained earnings. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (net of income taxes) is
included on the consolidated balance sheet as a component of common shareholders’ equity.

Consolidated statement of cash flows
The  company’s  consolidated  statements  of  cash  flows  are  prepared  in  accordance  with  the  indirect  method,
classifying cash flows by operating, investing and financing activities.

Cash and cash equivalents – Cash  and  cash  equivalents  consist  of  holding  company  and  subsidiary  cash  on
hand, demand deposits with banks and other short term highly liquid investments with maturities of three months
or less when purchased, and exclude cash and short term highly liquid investments that are restricted.

41

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Investments
Investments  include  cash  and  cash  equivalents,  short  term  investments,  equity  instruments,  debt  instruments,
securities  sold  short,  derivatives,  real  estate  held  for  investment  and  investments  in  associates.  Management
determines the appropriate classifications of investments at their acquisition date. The company has not designated
any  financial  assets  or  liabilities  (including  derivatives)  as  accounting  hedges  except  for  the  hedge  of  its  net
investment in Canadian subsidiaries as described in note 7.

Classification – Short  term  investments,  equity  instruments,  debt  instruments,  securities  sold  short  and
derivatives are classified as fair value through profit or loss (‘‘FVTPL’’).

An investment in a debt instrument is measured at amortized cost if (i) the objective of the company’s business
model  is  to  hold  the  instrument  in  order  to  collect  contractual  cash  flows  and  (ii)  the  contractual  terms  of  the
instrument  give  rise  on  specified  dates  to  cash  flows  that  are  solely  payments  of  principal  and  interest  on  the
principal amount outstanding. The company’s business model currently does not permit any of its investments in
debt instruments to be measured at amortized cost.

Recognition and measurement – The company recognizes purchases and sales of investments on the trade date,
which is the date on which the company commits to purchase or sell the asset. Transactions pending settlement are
reflected on the consolidated balance sheet in other assets or in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

Investments  classified  as  FVTPL  are  carried  at  fair  value  on  the  consolidated  balance  sheet  with  realized  and
unrealized gains and losses recorded in net gains (losses) on investments in the consolidated statement of earnings
and as operating activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows. Dividends and interest earned, net of interest
incurred on investments are included in the consolidated statement of earnings in interest and dividends and as an
operating activity in the consolidated statement of cash flows. Transaction costs related to investments classified or
designated as FVTPL are expensed as incurred.

An investment is derecognized when the rights to receive cash flows from the investment have expired or have been
transferred and when the company has transferred substantially the risks and rewards of ownership.

Short term investments – Short term investments are investments with maturity dates between three months
and twelve months when purchased.

Securities sold short – Securities sold short (‘‘short sales’’) represent obligations to deliver securities which were
not owned at the time of the sale.

Derivatives – Derivatives may include interest rate, credit default, currency and total return swaps, consumer price
index linked (‘‘CPI-linked’’), futures, forwards, warrants and option contracts, all of which derive their value mainly
from  changes  in  underlying  interest  rates,  foreign  exchange  rates,  credit  ratings,  commodity  values,  inflation
indexes or equity instruments. A derivative contract may be traded on an exchange or over-the-counter (‘‘OTC’’).
Exchange-traded derivatives are standardized and include futures and certain warrants and option contracts. OTC
derivative  contracts  are  individually  negotiated  between  contracting  parties  and  may  include  the  company’s
forwards, CPI-linked derivatives and total return swaps.

The  company  uses  derivatives  principally  to  mitigate  financial  risks  arising  from  its  investment  holdings  and
reinsurance  recoverables,  and  monitors  the  derivatives  for  effectiveness  in  achieving  their  risk  management
objectives.

The fair value of derivatives in a gain position is presented on the consolidated balance sheet in derivatives and other
invested assets in portfolio investments and in cash and investments of the holding company. The fair value of
derivatives  in  a  loss  position  and  obligations  to  purchase  securities  sold  short,  if  any,  are  presented  on  the
consolidated  balance  sheet  in  short  sale  and  derivative  obligations.  The  initial  premium  paid  for  a  derivative
contract, if any, would be recorded as a derivative asset and subsequently adjusted for changes in the fair value of the
contract at each balance sheet date. Changes in the fair value of a derivative are recorded as net gains (losses) on
investments in the consolidated statement of earnings at each balance sheet date, with a corresponding adjustment
to the carrying value of the derivative asset or liability.

Cash received from counterparties as collateral for derivative contracts is recognized within holding company cash
and investments or subsidiary cash and short term investments, and a corresponding liability is recognized within
accounts  payable  and  accrued  liabilities.  Securities  received  from  counterparties  as  collateral  are  not  recorded
as assets.

42

Cash and securities delivered to counterparties as collateral for derivative contracts continue to be reflected as assets
on the consolidated balance sheet within holding company cash and investments or within portfolio investments as
assets pledged for short sale and derivative obligations.

Equity contracts – The company’s long equity total return swaps allow the company to receive the total return on a
notional  amount  of  an  equity  index  or  individual  equity  (including  dividends  and  capital  gains  or  losses)  in
exchange for the payment of a floating rate of interest on the notional amount. Conversely, short equity total return
swaps allow the company to pay the total return on a notional amount of an equity index or individual equity in
exchange for the receipt of a floating rate of interest on the notional amount. The company classifies dividends and
interest paid or received related to its long and short equity and equity index total return swaps on a net basis as
interest  and  dividends  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  earnings.  The  company’s  equity  and  equity  index  total
return swaps contain contractual reset provisions requiring counterparties to cash-settle on a monthly or quarterly
basis  any  fair  value  movements  arising  subsequent  to  the  prior  settlement.  Any  cash  amounts  paid  to  settle
unfavourable fair value changes and, conversely, any cash amounts received in settlement of favourable fair value
changes, are recorded as net gains (losses) on investments in the consolidated statement of earnings. To the extent
that a contractual reset date of a contract does not correspond to the balance sheet date, the company records net
gains (losses) on investments in the consolidated statement of earnings to adjust the carrying value of the derivative
asset or liability associated with each total return swap contract to reflect its fair value at the balance sheet date. Final
cash  settlements  of  total  return  swaps  are  recognized  as  net  gains  (losses)  on  investments  net  of  any  previously
recorded unrealized fair value changes since the last quarterly reset date. Total return swaps require no initial net
investment and have a fair value of nil at inception.

CPI-linked derivative contracts – The company’s derivative contracts referenced to consumer price indexes (‘‘CPI’’) in
the  geographic  regions  in  which  it  operates  serve  as  an  economic  hedge  against  the  potential  adverse  financial
impact on the company of decreasing price levels. These contracts may be structured to provide a payout at maturity
if there is cumulative deflation over the life of the contract or if cumulative average inflation is below a specified floor
rate over the life of the contract. As the average remaining life of a CPI-linked derivative declines, the fair value of the
contract (excluding the impact of changes in the underlying CPI) will generally decline.

Determination  of  fair  value – Fair  values  for  substantially  all  of  the  company’s  financial  instruments  are
measured using market or income approaches. Considerable judgment may be required in interpreting market data
used to develop estimates of fair value. Accordingly, actual values realized in future market transactions may differ
from the estimates presented in these consolidated financial statements. The use of different market assumptions
and/or valuation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair values. The fair values of financial
instruments  are  based  on  bid  prices  for  financial  assets  and  ask  prices  for  financial  liabilities.  The  company
categorizes its fair value measurements using a three level hierarchy in accordance with IFRS as described below:

Level 1 – Inputs represent unadjusted quoted prices for identical instruments exchanged in active markets. The
fair values of securities sold short, the majority of the company’s common stocks, equity call options and certain
warrants are based on published quotes in active markets.

Level 2 – Inputs include directly or indirectly observable inputs (other than Level 1 inputs) such as quoted prices
for similar financial instruments exchanged in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar financial
instruments  exchanged  in  inactive  markets  and  other  market  observable  inputs.  The  fair  value  of  the  vast
majority of the company’s investments in bonds are priced based on information provided by independent
pricing service providers while much of the remainder, along with most derivative contracts (including total
return swaps, U.S. treasury bond forward contracts and certain warrants) are based primarily on non-binding
third party broker-dealer quotes that are prepared using Level 2 inputs. Where third party broker-dealer quotes
are used, typically one quote is obtained from a broker-dealer with particular expertise in the instrument being
priced. Preferred stocks are priced using a combination of independent pricing service providers and internal
valuation models that rely on directly or indirectly observable inputs.

The fair values of investments in certain limited partnerships classified as common stocks on the consolidated
balance  sheet  are  based  on  the  net  asset  values  received  from  the  general  partner,  adjusted  for  liquidity  as
required and are classified as Level 2 when they may be liquidated or redeemed within three months or less of
providing notice to the general partner. Otherwise, such investments in limited partnerships are classified as
Level 3.

43

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Level 3 – Inputs include unobservable inputs used in the measurement of financial instruments. Management is
required to use its own assumptions regarding unobservable inputs as there is little, if any, market activity in
these instruments or related observable inputs that can be corroborated at the measurement date. CPI-linked
derivatives are classified as Level 3 and valued using broker-dealer quotes which management has determined
utilize market observable inputs except for the inflation volatility input which is not market observable.

Transfers between fair value hierarchy categories are considered effective from the beginning of the reporting period
in which the transfer is identified.

Valuation techniques used by the company’s independent pricing service providers and third party broker-dealers
include use of prices from similar instruments where observable market prices exist, discounted cash flow analysis,
option  pricing  models,  and  other  valuation  techniques  commonly  used  by  market  participants.  The  company
assesses the reasonableness of pricing received from these third party sources by comparing the fair values received to
recent transaction prices for similar assets where available, to industry accepted discounted cash flow models (that
incorporate estimates of the amount and timing of future cash flows and market observable inputs such as credit
spreads and discount rates) and to option pricing models (that incorporate market observable inputs including the
quoted price, volatility and dividend yield of the underlying security and the risk free rate).

Fair values of CPI-linked derivative contracts received from third party broker-dealers are assessed by comparing the
fair values to recent market transactions where available and values determined using third party pricing software
based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model for European-style options that incorporates market observable and
unobservable inputs such as the current value of the relevant CPI underlying the derivative, the inflation swap rate,
nominal  swap  rate  and  inflation  volatility.  The  fair  values  of  CPI-linked  derivative  contracts  are  sensitive  to
assumptions such as market expectations of future rates of inflation and related inflation volatilities.

The  company  employs  dedicated  personnel  responsible  for  the  valuation  of  its  investment  portfolio.  Detailed
valuations are performed for those financial instruments that are priced internally, while external pricing received
from  independent  pricing  service  providers  and  third  party  broker-dealers  are  evaluated  by  the  company  for
reasonableness.  The  company’s  Chief  Financial  Officer  oversees  the  valuation  function  and  regularly  reviews
valuation  processes  and  results,  including  at  each  quarterly  reporting  period.  Significant  valuation  matters,
particularly those requiring extensive judgment, are communicated to the company’s Audit Committee.

Accounts receivable and accounts payable
Accounts  receivable  and  accounts  payable  are  recognized  initially  at  fair  value.  Due  to  their  short-term  nature,
carrying value is considered to approximate fair value.

Insurance contracts
Insurance  contracts  are  those  contracts  that  have  significant  insurance  risk  at  the  inception  of  the  contract.
Insurance risk arises when the company agrees to compensate a policyholder if a specified uncertain future event
adversely  affects  the  policyholder,  with  the  possibility  of  paying  (including  variability  in  timing  of  payments)
significantly more in a scenario where the insured event occurs than when it does not occur. Contracts not meeting
the definition of an insurance contract under IFRS are classified as investment contracts, derivative contracts or
service contracts, as appropriate.

Revenue recognition – Premiums written are deferred as unearned premiums and recognized as revenue, net of
premiums ceded, on a pro rata basis over the terms of the underlying policies. Net premiums earned are reported
gross  of  premium  taxes  which  are  included  in  operating  expenses  as  the  related  premiums  are  earned.  Certain
reinsurance premiums are estimated at the individual contract level, based on historical patterns and experience
from the ceding companies for contracts where reports from ceding companies for the period are not contractually
due  until  after  the  balance  sheet  date.  The  cost  of  reinsurance  purchased  by  the  company  (premiums  ceded)  is
included in recoverable from reinsurers and is amortized over the contract period in proportion to the amount of
insurance  protection  provided.  Unearned  premium  represents  the  portion  of  the  premiums  written  relating  to
periods of insurance and reinsurance coverage subsequent to the balance sheet date. Impairment losses on insurance
premiums receivable are included in operating expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings.

Deferred premium acquisition costs – Certain  costs  of  acquiring  insurance  contracts,  consisting  of  brokers’
commissions and premium taxes are deferred and charged to earnings as the related premiums are earned. Deferred
premium acquisition costs are limited to their estimated realizable value based on the related unearned premium,
which considers anticipated losses and loss adjustment expenses and estimated remaining costs of servicing the

44

business  based  on  historical  experience.  The  ultimate  recoverability  of  deferred  premium  acquisition  costs  is
determined without regard to investment income. Brokers’ commissions are included in commissions, net, in the
consolidated statement of earnings. Premium taxes and impairment losses on deferred premium acquisition costs are
included in operating expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings.

Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses – The company is required by applicable insurance laws,
regulations and Canadian accepted actuarial practice to establish reserves for payment of losses and loss adjustment
expenses that arise from the company’s general insurance and reinsurance products and its runoff operations. These
reserves are based on assumptions that represent the best estimates of possible outcomes aimed at evaluating the
expected ultimate cost to settle claims occurring prior to, but still outstanding as of, the balance sheet date. The
company establishes its reserves by product line, type and extent of coverage and year of occurrence. Loss reserves
fall into two categories: reserves for reported losses (case reserves) and reserves for incurred but not reported (‘‘IBNR’’)
losses. Additionally, reserves are held for loss adjustment expenses, which include the estimated legal and other
expenses expected to be incurred to finalize the settlement of the losses. Losses and loss adjustment expenses are
charged to losses on claims, gross, in the consolidated statement of earnings.

The company’s reserves for reported losses and loss adjustment expenses are based on estimates of future payments
to  settle  reported  general  insurance  and  reinsurance  claims  and  claims  from  its  run-off  operations.  Case  reserve
estimates are based on the facts available at the time the reserves are established and for reinsurance, based on reports
and individual case reserve estimates received from ceding companies. The company establishes these reserves on an
undiscounted  basis  to  recognize  the  estimated  costs  of  bringing  pending  claims  to  final  settlement,  taking  into
account inflation, as well as other factors that can influence the amount of reserves required, some of which are
subjective and some of which are dependent on future events. In determining the level of reserves, the company
considers historical trends and patterns of loss payments, pending levels of unpaid claims and types of coverage. In
addition, court decisions, economic conditions and public attitudes may affect the ultimate cost of settlement and,
as  a  result,  the  company’s  estimation  of  reserves.  Between  the  reporting  and  final  settlement  of  a  claim,
circumstances may change, which would result in changes to established reserves. Items such as changes in law and
interpretations of relevant case law, results of litigation, changes in medical costs, as well as costs of vehicle and
building  repair  materials  and  labour  rates  can  substantially  impact  ultimate  settlement  costs.  Accordingly,  the
company regularly reviews and re-evaluates case reserves. Any resulting adjustments are included in the consolidated
statement of earnings in the period the adjustment is made. Amounts ultimately paid for losses and loss adjustment
expenses can vary significantly from the level of reserves originally set or currently recorded.

The company also establishes reserves for IBNR claims on an undiscounted basis to recognize the estimated final
settlement  cost  for  loss  events  which  have  already  occurred  but  which  have  not  yet  been  reported.  Historical
information and statistical models, based on product line, type and extent of coverage, as well as reported claim
trends,  claim  severities,  exposure  growth,  and  other  factors,  are  relied  upon  to  estimate  IBNR  reserves.  These
estimates are revised as additional information becomes available and as claims are actually paid and reported.

Estimation  techniques – Provisions  for  losses  and  loss  adjustment  expenses  and  provisions  for  unearned
premiums are determined based upon previous claims experience, knowledge of events, the terms and conditions of
the relevant policies and on interpretation of circumstances. Particularly relevant is experience with similar cases and
historical claims payment trends. The approach also includes consideration of the development of loss payment
trends, the potential longer term significance of large events, the levels of unpaid claims, legislative changes, judicial
decisions and economic and political conditions.

Where possible the company applies several commonly accepted actuarial projection methodologies in estimating
required  provisions  to  give  greater  insight  into  the  trends  inherent  in  the  data  being  projected.  These  include
methods  based  upon  the  following:  the  development  of  previously  settled  claims,  where  payments  to  date  are
extrapolated for each prior year; estimates based upon a projection of numbers of claims and average cost; notified
claims development, where notified claims to date for each year are extrapolated based upon observed development
of  earlier  years;  and,  expected  loss  ratios.  In  addition,  the  company  uses  other  techniques  such  as  aggregate
benchmarking methods for specialist classes of business. In selecting its best estimate, the company considers the
appropriateness  of  the  methods  to  the  individual  circumstances  of  the  line  of  business  and  accident  or
underwriting year.

Large claims impacting each relevant line of business are generally assessed separately, being measured either at the
face value of the loss adjusters’ estimates or projected separately in order to allow for the future development of
large claims.

45

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Provisions  for  losses  and  loss  adjustment  expenses  are  calculated  gross  of  any  reinsurance  recoveries.  A  separate
estimate is made of the amounts that will be recoverable from reinsurers based upon the gross provisions and having
due regard to collectability.

The provisions for losses and loss adjustment expenses are subject to review at the subsidiary level by subsidiary
actuaries, at the corporate level by the company’s Chief Risk Officer and by independent third party actuaries. In
addition, for major classes of business where the risks and uncertainties inherent in the provisions are greatest, ad
hoc detailed reviews are undertaken by internal and external advisers who are able to draw upon their specialist
expertise and a broader knowledge of current industry trends in claims development. The results of these reviews are
considered  when  establishing  the  appropriate  levels  of  provisions  for  losses  and  loss  adjustment  expenses  and
unexpired risks.

Reinsurance
Reinsurance does not relieve the originating insurer of its liability and is reflected on the consolidated balance sheet
on a gross basis to indicate the extent of credit risk related to reinsurance and the obligations of the insurer to its
policyholders. Reinsurance assets include balances due from reinsurance companies for paid and unpaid losses and
loss adjustment expenses and ceded unearned premiums. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a
manner consistent with the claim liability associated with the reinsured policy. Reinsurance is recorded gross on the
consolidated balance sheet unless a legal right to offset against a liability owing to the same reinsurer exists.

Ceded premiums and losses are recorded in the consolidated statement of earnings in premiums ceded to reinsurers
and losses on claims ceded to reinsurers respectively and in recoverable from reinsurers on the consolidated balance
sheet.  Commission  income  earned  on  premiums  ceded  to  reinsurers  is  included  in  commissions,  net  in  the
consolidated  statement  of  earnings.  Unearned  premiums  are  reported  before  reduction  for  premiums  ceded  to
reinsurers and the reinsurers’ portion is classified with recoverable from reinsurers on the consolidated balance sheet
along with the estimates of the reinsurers’ shares of provision for claims determined on a basis consistent with the
related claims liabilities.

Impairment – Reinsurance assets are assessed regularly for any events that may trigger impairment, including legal
disputes with third parties, changes in capital, surplus levels and in credit ratings of a counterparty, and historic
experience regarding collectability from specific reinsurers. If there is objective evidence that a reinsurance asset is
impaired,  the  carrying  amount  of  the  asset  is  reduced  to  its  recoverable  amount  by  recording  a  provision  for
uncollectible reinsurance in the consolidated statement of earnings.

Risk transfer – Reinsurance  contracts  are  assessed  to  ensure  that  insurance  risk  is  transferred  by  the  ceding  or
assuming company to the reinsurer. Those contracts that do not transfer insurance risk are accounted for using the
deposit method whereby a deposit asset or liability is recognized based on the consideration paid or received less any
explicitly identified premiums or fees to be retained by the ceding company.

Premiums – Premiums payable in respect of reinsurance ceded are recognized on the consolidated balance sheet in
the period in which the reinsurance contract is entered into and include estimates for contracts in force which have
not yet been finalized. Premiums ceded are recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings over the period of
the reinsurance contract.

Income taxes
The  provision  for  income  taxes  for  the  period  comprises  current  and  deferred  income  tax.  Income  taxes  are
recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings, except to the extent that they relate to items recognized in
other  comprehensive  income  or  directly  in  equity.  In  those  cases,  the  related  taxes  are  also  recognized  in  other
comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively.

Current income tax is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the
reporting  period  in  the  countries  where  the  company’s  subsidiaries  and  associates  operate  and  generate
taxable income.

Deferred income tax is calculated under the liability method whereby deferred income tax assets and liabilities are
recognized for temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and
their  respective  income  tax  bases  at  the  current  substantively  enacted  tax  rates.  With  the  exception  of  initial
recognition of deferred income tax arising from business combinations, changes in deferred income tax associated
with components of other comprehensive income are recognized directly in other comprehensive income while all

46

other changes in deferred income tax are included in the provision for income taxes in the consolidated statement
of earnings.

Deferred income tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available
against which the temporary differences can be utilized. Carry forwards of unused losses or unused tax credits are tax
effected and recognized as deferred tax assets when it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against
which these losses or tax credits can be utilized.

Deferred income tax is not recognized on unremitted earnings of subsidiaries where the company has determined it
is not probable those earnings will be repatriated in the foreseeable future.

Current  and  deferred  income  tax  assets  and  liabilities  are  offset  when  the  income  taxes  are  levied  by  the  same
taxation authority and there is a legally enforceable right of offset.

Other assets
Other assets consist of premises and equipment, inventories and receivables of subsidiaries included in the Other
reporting segment, accrued interest and dividends, income taxes refundable, receivables for securities sold, pension
assets, deferred compensation assets, prepaid expenses and other miscellaneous receivables.

Premises and equipment – Premises and equipment is recorded at historical cost less accumulated amortization
and  any  accumulated  impairment  losses.  The  company  reviews  premises  and  equipment  for  impairment  when
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The cost of premises and
equipment  is  depreciated  on  a  straight-line  basis  over  an  asset’s  estimated  useful  life  and  charged  to  operating
expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings.

Other revenue and expenses
Revenue from the sale of hospitality, travel and other non-insurance products and services are recognized when the
price is fixed or determinable, collection is reasonably assured and the product or service has been delivered to the
customer. The revenue and related cost of inventories sold or services provided are recorded in other revenue and
other expenses respectively, in the consolidated statement of earnings.

Borrowings
Borrowings (debt issued) are recognized initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred, and subsequently
carried at amortized cost. Interest expense on borrowings is recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings
using the effective interest rate method.

Equity
Common stock issued by the company is classified as equity when there is no contractual obligation to transfer cash
or other financial assets to the holder of the shares. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue or repurchase
for cancellation of equity instruments are recognized in equity, net of tax.

Treasury shares are equity instruments reacquired by the company which have not been cancelled and are deducted
from equity on the consolidated balance sheet, irrespective of the objective of the transaction. The company acquires
its  own  subordinate  voting  shares  on  the  open  market  for  its  share-based  payment  awards.  No  gain  or  loss  is
recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings on the purchase, sale, issue or cancellation of treasury shares.
Consideration paid or received is recognized directly in equity.

Dividends and other distributions to holders of the company’s equity instruments are recognized directly in equity.

Share-based payments
The company has restricted share 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. The fair value of restricted share awards on the grant
date is amortized to compensation expense over the vesting period, with a corresponding increase in the share-based
payments equity reserve. At each balance sheet date, the company reviews its estimates of the number of restricted
share awards expected to vest.

47

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Net earnings per share attributable to shareholders of Fairfax
Net earnings (loss) per share – Basic net earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing the net earnings (loss)
attributable to shareholders of Fairfax, after the deduction of preferred share dividends declared and the excess over
stated value of preferred shares purchased for cancellation, by the weighted average number of subordinate and
multiple voting shares issued and outstanding during the period, excluding subordinate voting shares purchased by
the company and held as treasury shares.

Net earnings (loss) per diluted share – Diluted earnings (loss) per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted
average number of subordinate and multiple voting shares outstanding during the period for the dilutive effect of
share-based payments.

Pensions and post retirement benefits
The company’s subsidiaries have a number of arrangements in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and
certain other jurisdictions that provide pension and post retirement benefits to retired and current employees. The
holding company has no such arrangements or plans. Pension arrangements of the subsidiaries include defined
benefit statutory pension plans, as well as supplemental arrangements that provide pension benefits in excess of
statutory limits. These plans are a combination of defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans. The assets of
these plans are held separately from the company’s general assets in separate pension funds and invested principally
in  high  quality  fixed  income  securities  and  cash  and  short  term  investments.  Certain  of  the  company’s  post
retirement benefit plans covering medical care and life insurance are internally funded.

Defined contribution plan – A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the company pays fixed
contributions. Contributions to defined contribution pension plans are charged to operating expenses in the period
in which the employment services qualifying for the benefit are provided. The company has no further payment
obligations once the contributions have been paid.

Defined benefit plan – A defined benefit plan is a plan that defines an amount of pension or other post retirement
benefit that an employee will receive on retirement, usually dependent on one or more factors such as age, years of
service and salary. Actuarial valuations of benefit liabilities for the majority of pension and post retirement benefit
plans  are  performed  each  year  using  the  projected  benefit  method  prorated  on  service,  based  on  management’s
assumptions.

Defined benefit obligations, net of the fair value of plan assets, and adjusted for pension asset limitations, if any, are
accrued on the consolidated balance sheet in accounts payable and accrued liabilities (note 14). Plans in a net asset
position, subject to any minimum funding requirements, are recognized in other assets (note 13).

Defined benefit expense recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings includes the net interest on the net
defined benefit liability (asset) calculated using a discount rate based on market yields on high quality bonds, past
service costs arising from plan amendments or curtailments and gains or losses on plan settlements.

Remeasurements, consisting of actuarial gains and losses, the actual return on plan assets (excluding the net interest
component)  and  any  change  in  asset  limitation  amounts,  are  recognized  in  other  comprehensive  income  and
subsequently included in accumulated other comprehensive income. These remeasurements will not be recycled to
the consolidated statement of earnings in the future, but are reclassified to retained earnings upon settlement of the
plan or disposal of the related subsidiary.

Operating leases
The company and its subsidiaries are lessees under various operating leases relating to premises, automobiles and
equipment. Payments made under operating leases (net of any incentives received from the lessor) are recorded in
operating expenses on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.

New accounting pronouncements adopted in 2016
The  company  adopted  the  following  amendments,  effective  January  1,  2016.  These  changes  were  adopted  in
accordance with the applicable transitional provisions of each amendment, and did not have a significant impact on
the consolidated financial statements.

IFRS Annual Improvements 2012-2014
In  September  2014  the  IASB  issued  a  limited  number  of  amendments  to  clarify  the  requirements  of  four
IFRS standards.

48

Clarification of Acceptable Methods of Depreciation and Amortization (Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 38)
In May 2014 the IASB issued amendments to IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment and IAS 38 Intangible Assets to clarify
that revenue-based amortization methods cannot be used to amortize property, plant and equipment, and may be
used to amortize intangible assets only in limited circumstances.

Disclosure Initiative (Amendments to IAS 1)
In December 2014 the IASB issued certain narrow-focus amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements to
clarify existing presentation and disclosure requirements.

New accounting pronouncements issued but not yet effective
The following new standards have been issued by the IASB and were not yet effective for the fiscal year beginning
January 1, 2016. The company is currently evaluating their impact on its consolidated financial statements and does
not expect to adopt any of them in advance of their respective effective dates.

IFRS Annual Improvements 2014-2016
In December 2016 the IASB issued amendments to clarify the requirements of three IFRS standards.

Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets for Unrealised Losses (Amendments to IAS 12)
In January 2016 the IASB issued amendments to IAS 12 Income Taxes to clarify the requirements on recognition of
deferred  tax  assets  for  unrealised  losses.  The  amendments  are  effective  for  annual  periods  beginning  on  or  after
January 1, 2017, with retrospective application.

Disclosure Initiative (Amendments to IAS 7)
In January 2016 the IASB issued amendments to IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows that require additional disclosures
around changes in liabilities arising from financing activities, including both changes arising from cash flow and
non-cash changes. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2017, with
prospective application.

Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration (‘‘IFRIC 22’’)
In December 2016 the IASB issued an interpretation by the IFRS Interpretations Committee to clarify the accounting
for transactions that include the receipt or payment of advance consideration in a foreign currency. IFRIC 22 is
effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018, with a choice of prospective or retrospective
application.

Classification and Measurement of Share-based Payment Transactions (Amendments to IFRS 2)
In June 2016 the IASB issued narrow-scope amendments to clarify the classification and measurement requirements
of IFRS 2 Share-based Payment. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1,
2018, with prospective application in accordance with certain transitional provisions.

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (‘‘IFRS 9’’)
In July 2014 the IASB issued the complete version of IFRS 9 which supersedes the 2010 version of IFRS 9 currently
applied by the company. This complete version is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018,
with retrospective application, and includes: requirements for the classification and measurement of financial assets
and liabilities; an expected credit loss model that replaces the existing incurred loss impairment model; and new
hedge accounting guidance.

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (‘‘IFRS 15’’)
In May 2014 the IASB issued IFRS 15 which introduces a single model for recognizing revenue from contracts with
customers.  IFRS  15  excludes  insurance  contracts  from  its  scope  and  is  primarily  applicable  to  the  company’s
non-insurance entities. In April 2016 the IASB issued amendments to clarify certain aspects of IFRS 15 and to provide
additional practical expedients upon transition. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after
January 1, 2018, with retrospective application.

IFRS 16 Leases (‘‘IFRS 16’’)
In January 2016 the IASB issued IFRS 16 which largely eliminates the distinction between finance and operating
leases for lessees. With limited exceptions, lessees will be required to recognize a right-of-use asset and a liability for
its obligation to make lease payments. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1,
2019, with modified retrospective application.

49

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Future accounting pronouncements

IFRS 17 Insurance contracts (‘‘IFRS 17’’)
An initial exposure draft – Insurance Contracts was issued by the IASB in July of 2010 and a revised exposure draft was
published  in  June  of  2013.  The  proposed  standard  is  comprehensive  in  scope  and  addresses  recognition,
measurement,  presentation  and  disclosure  for  insurance  contracts.  The  measurement  approach  is  based  on  the
following building blocks: (i) a current, unbiased probability-weighted estimate of future cash flows expected to arise
as the insurer fulfills the contract; (ii) the effect of the time value of money; (iii) a risk adjustment that measures the
effects of uncertainty about the amount and timing of future cash flows; and (iv) a contractual service margin which
represents the unearned profit in a contract (that is recognized in net earnings as the insurer fulfills its performance
obligations  under  the  contract).  Estimates  are  required  to  be  re-measured  each  reporting  period.  In  addition,  a
simplified  measurement  approach  is  permitted  for  short-duration  contracts  in  which  the  coverage  period  is
approximately one year or less. The final standard is expected to be published in May of 2017, with an effective date
of January 1, 2021. Retrospective application will be required with some practical expedients available on adoption.
The company is currently evaluating the potential impact of IFRS 17 on its consolidated financial statements and
does not expect to adopt the proposed standard in advance of its effective date.

4. Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments

In the preparation of the company’s consolidated financial statements, management has made a number of critical
accounting estimates and judgments which are discussed below, with the exception of the determination of fair
value  for  financial  instruments  (notes  3  and  5),  carrying  value  of  associates  (notes  3  and  6),  and  contingencies
(note  20).  Estimates  and  judgments  are  continually  evaluated  and  are  based  on  historical  experience  and  other
factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses
Provisions for losses and loss adjustment expenses are valued based on Canadian accepted actuarial practices, which
are designed to ensure the company establishes an appropriate reserve on the consolidated balance sheet to cover
insured losses with respect to reported and unreported claims incurred as of the end of each accounting period and
related  claims  expenses.  The  assumptions  underlying  the  valuation  of  provisions  for  losses  and  loss  adjustment
expenses are reviewed and updated by the company on an ongoing basis to reflect recent and emerging trends in
experience and changes in risk profile of the business. The estimation techniques employed by the company in
determining  provisions  for  losses  and  loss  adjustment  expenses  and  the  inherent  uncertainties  associated  with
insurance contracts are described in the ‘‘Underwriting Risk’’ section of note 24 while the historic development of
the company’s insurance liabilities are presented in note 8.

Recoverability of deferred income tax assets
In  determining  the  recoverability  of  deferred  income  tax  assets,  the  company  primarily  considers  current  and
expected  profitability  of  applicable  operating  companies  and  their  ability  to  utilize  any  recorded  tax  assets.  The
company  reviews  its  deferred  income  tax  assets  quarterly,  taking  into  consideration  the  availability  of  sufficient
current and projected taxable profits, reversals of taxable temporary differences and tax planning strategies. Details
of deferred income tax assets are presented in note 18.

Business combinations
Accounting for business combinations requires judgments and estimates to be made in order to determine the fair
values  of  the  consideration  transferred,  assets  acquired  and  liabilities  assumed.  The  company  uses  all  available
information,  including  external  valuations  and  appraisals  where  appropriate,  to  determine  these  fair  values.
Changes in estimates of fair value due to additional information related to facts and circumstances that existed at the
acquisition date would impact the amount of goodwill (or gain on bargain purchase) recognized. If necessary, the
company has up to one year from the acquisition date to finalize the determination of fair values for a business
combination. Details of business combinations are presented in note 23.

Assessment of goodwill for potential impairment
Goodwill is assessed annually for impairment or more frequently if there are potential indicators of impairment.
Management estimates the recoverable amount of each of the company’s cash-generating units using one or more
generally  accepted  valuation  techniques,  which  requires  the  making  of  a  number  of  assumptions,  including
assumptions about future revenue, net earnings, corporate overhead costs, capital expenditures, cost of capital, and

50

the growth rate of the various operations. The recoverable amount of each cash-generating unit to which goodwill
has been assigned is compared to its carrying value (inclusive of assigned goodwill). If the recoverable amount of a
cash-generating  unit  is  determined  to  be  less  than  its  carrying  value,  the  excess  is  recognized  as  a  goodwill
impairment  loss  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  earnings.  Given  the  variability  of  future-oriented  financial
information, goodwill impairment tests are subjected to sensitivity analysis. Details of goodwill are presented in
note 12.

5. Cash and Investments

Holding  company  cash  and  investments,  portfolio  investments  and  short  sale  and  derivative  obligations  are
classified as FVTPL, except for investments in associates and other invested assets which are classified as other, and
are shown in the table below:

December 31, December 31,
2015

2016

Holding company:
Cash and cash equivalents (note 27)
Short term investments
Short term investments pledged for short sale and derivative obligations
Bonds
Bonds pledged for short sale and derivative obligations
Preferred stocks
Common stocks(1)
Derivatives (note 7)

Short sale and derivative obligations (note 7)

Portfolio investments:
Cash and cash equivalents (note 27)
Short term investments
Bonds
Preferred stocks
Common stocks(1)
Investments in associates (note 6)
Derivatives (note 7)
Other invested assets

Assets pledged for short sale and derivative obligations:
Cash and cash equivalents (note 27)
Short term investments
Bonds

Fairfax India cash and portfolio investments:
Cash and cash equivalents (note 27)
Short term investments
Bonds
Common stocks(1)
Investments in associates (note 6)

Short sale and derivative obligations (note 7)

533.2
285.4
82.6
264.8
11.8
1.0
153.2
39.6

1,371.6
(42.2)

1,329.4

3,943.4
5,994.6
9,323.2
69.6
4,158.8
2,393.0
163.7
16.0

26,062.3

–
189.6
38.9

228.5

173.2
33.6
528.8
26.5
240.5

1,002.6

27,293.4
(192.1)

222.4
241.7
49.9
511.7
12.9
0.3
159.6
78.0

1,276.5
(0.6)

1,275.9

3,227.7
3,413.9
12,286.6
116.6
5,358.3
1,730.2
484.4
16.3

26,634.0

7.7
129.1
214.3

351.1

22.0
61.5
512.8
48.4
202.7

847.4

27,832.5
(92.3)

27,101.3

27,740.2

51

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

(1) Common stocks include investments in limited partnerships and other funds with carrying values of $1,171.6 and $157.1
respectively at December 31, 2016 (December 31, 2015 – $1,183.0 and $1,094.0). At December 31, 2015 other funds
comprised a significant proportion of Brit’s investment portfolio and were invested principally in fixed income securities.
As  a  result  of  changes  to  investment  management  agreements  related  to  other  funds,  the  company  commenced
consolidating certain other funds on January 1, 2016 with the underlying securities categorized accordingly in the table
above (primarily as bonds).

Restricted cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2016 of $430.7 (December 31, 2015 – $354.2) was comprised
primarily  of  amounts  required  to  be  maintained  on  deposit  with  various  regulatory  authorities  to  support  the
subsidiaries’  insurance  and  reinsurance  operations.  Restricted  cash  and  cash  equivalents  are  included  on  the
consolidated balance sheet in holding company cash and investments, or in portfolio investments in subsidiary cash
and  short  term  investments,  assets  pledged  for  short  sale  and  derivative  obligations  and  Fairfax  India  portfolio
investments.

The company’s subsidiaries have pledged cash and investments, inclusive of trust funds and regulatory deposits, as
security for their own obligations to pay claims or make premium payments (these pledges are either direct or to
support  letters  of  credit).  In  order  to  write  insurance  business  in  certain  jurisdictions  (primarily  U.S.  states)  the
company’s subsidiaries must deposit funds with local insurance regulatory authorities to provide security for future
claims  payments  as  ultimate  protection  for  the  policyholder.  Additionally,  some  of  the  company’s  subsidiaries
provide reinsurance to primary insurers, for which funds must be posted as security for losses that have been incurred
but not yet paid. These pledges are in the normal course of business and are generally released when the payment
obligation is fulfilled.

The table that follows summarizes pledged assets by the nature of the pledge requirement (excluding assets pledged
in favour of Lloyd’s (note 20) and assets pledged for short sale and derivative obligations). Pledged assets primarily
consist of bonds within portfolio investments on the consolidated balance sheet.

Regulatory deposits
Security for reinsurance and other

December 31, December 31,
2015
4,786.8
699.5

2016
4,748.2
732.8

5,481.0

5,486.3

Fixed Income Maturity Profile
Bonds are summarized by the earliest contractual maturity date in the table below. Actual maturities may differ from
maturities shown below due to the existence of call and put features. At December 31, 2016 bonds containing call
and put features represented approximately $4,198.9 and $196.2 respectively (December 31, 2015 – $6,339.1 and
$179.4) of the total fair value of bonds. The table below does not reflect the impact of $3,013.4 notional amount of
U.S. treasury bond forward contracts (described in Note 7) that reduce the company’s exposure to interest rate risk.

Due in 1 year or less
Due after 1 year through 5 years
Due after 5 years through 10 years
Due after 10 years

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Amortized
cost
1,357.2
3,245.9
1,338.9
3,575.1

Fair Amortized
cost
1,173.9
4,649.9
952.8
5,635.7

value
1,479.9
3,447.6
1,330.4
3,909.6

Fair
value
1,313.1
5,160.3
931.5
6,133.4

9,517.1

10,167.5

12,412.3

13,538.3

Effective interest rate

4.7%

5.1%

The calculation of the effective interest rate of 4.7% (December 31, 2015 – 5.1%) is on a pre-tax basis and does not
give effect to the favourable tax treatment which the company expects to receive with respect to its tax advantaged
U.S. state and municipal bond investments of approximately $3.3 billion (December 31, 2015 – $4.9 billion).

52

Fair Value Disclosures
The  company’s  use  of  quoted  market  prices  (Level  1),  valuation  models  using  observable  market  information  as
inputs (Level 2) and valuation models without observable market information as inputs (Level 3) in the valuation of
securities and derivative contracts by type of issuer was as follows:

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Total fair
value
asset
(liability)

Significant
other
Quoted observable unobservable
inputs
inputs
(Level 3)
(Level 2)

Significant Total fair
value
asset
(liability)

prices
(Level 1)

Significant
Significant
other
Quoted observable unobservable
inputs
inputs
(Level 3)
(Level 2)

prices
(Level 1)

Cash and cash equivalents

4,649.8

4,649.8

–

3,479.8

3,479.8

6,585.8

6,412.4

173.4

3,896.1

3,783.5

112.6

Short term investments:

Canadian government

Canadian provincials

U.S. treasury

Other government

Corporate and other

Bonds:

Canadian government

Canadian provincials

U.S. treasury

U.S. states and municipalities

Other government

Corporate and other

Preferred stocks:

Canadian

U.S.

Other

Common stocks:

Canadian

U.S.
Other funds(1)

Other

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

297.1

198.8

2,699.7

6,646.2

1,625.2

11.3

0.3

32.4

16.3

78.8

21.8

44.0

116.9

1,053.1

2,071.3

9,114.4

1,053.1 13,538.3

–

–

–

–

–

8.2

8.2

261.7

261.7

5,930.3

5,930.3

212.2

173.4

212.2

–

173.4

311.4

196.9

1,117.3

4,732.2

1,176.2

2,633.5

10,167.5

22.2

0.3

48.1

70.6

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.6

0.6

665.3

1,172.6

157.1

545.0

629.6

–

2,343.5

1,037.2

311.4

196.9

1,117.3

4,732.2

1,176.2

1,580.4

10.9

–

15.1

26.0

98.6

33.9

157.1

532.5

66.7

114.0

66.7

114.0

3,433.9

3,433.9

199.0

82.5

168.9

–

–

–

–

–

30.1

82.5

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

297.1

198.8

2,699.7

6,646.2

1,625.2

1,374.9

12,841.9

8.9

78.5

21.8

109.2

21.7

704.3

509.1

1,059.7

601.6

531.5

87.0

33.9

–

1,094.0

–

1,094.0

773.8

2,708.3

1,484.2

464.2

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

696.4

696.4

7.4

0.3

–

7.7

15.7

494.3

–

759.9

4,338.5

2,211.8

822.1

1,304.6

5,566.3

2,617.3

1,679.1

1,269.9

Derivatives and other invested assets

219.3

Short sale and derivative obligations

(234.3)

–

–

121.5

97.8

578.7

(234.3)

–

(92.9)

–

–

293.3

285.4

(92.9)

–

Holding company cash and
investments and portfolio
investments measured at fair value

25,797.2 13,274.6

10,023.1

2,499.5 27,083.2

9,880.6

14,943.2

2,259.4

100.0%

51.5%

38.9%

9.6% 100.0%

36.5%

55.2%

8.3%

Investments in associates (note 6)(2)

3,267.3

1,100.1

40.9

2,126.3

2,406.6

1,034.9

37.0

1,334.7

(1) At December 31, 2015 other funds were invested principally in fixed income securities and were excluded by the company
when measuring its equity and equity-related exposure. As a result of changes to investment management agreements
related to other funds, the company commenced consolidating certain other funds on January 1, 2016 with the underlying
securities categorized accordingly in the table above (primarily as U.S. treasury bonds and corporate and other bonds).

(2) The carrying value of investments in associates is  determined using  the equity method of accounting so fair  value  is

presented separately in the table above.

53

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Transfers between fair value hierarchy levels are considered effective from the beginning of the reporting period in
which the transfer is identified. During 2016 and 2015 there were no significant transfers of financial instruments
between Level 1 and Level 2 and there were no significant transfers of financial instruments in or out of Level 3 as a
result of changes in the observability of valuation inputs.

A summary of changes in Level 3 financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the years ended
December 31 follows:

2016

Private

Private
company

placement preferred partnerships
and other
shares

debt securities

Limited Private
equity
funds

Private Derivatives
and other
invested
assets

company
common
shares

Total

Balance – January 1

696.4

7.7

960.9

171.0

138.0

285.4 2,259.4

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

included in the consolidated statement of
earnings

Purchases

Sales and distributions

Transfer into category

Unrealized foreign currency translation gains
(losses) on foreign operations included in
other comprehensive income

Balance – December 31

(52.9)

955.6

(548.2)

9.4

2.5

115.7

(82.5)

0.4

102.7

124.4

(12.5)

(21.6)

(204.4)

(186.2)

16.4

38.8

21.1 1,272.0

(202.9)

(10.2)

–

–

–

–

(4.9)

(848.7)

–

9.8

(7.2)

1,053.1

0.2

44.0

(3.7)

3.1

0.2

0.6

(6.8)

981.4

167.8

155.4

97.8 2,499.5

2015

Private

Private
company

placement preferred partnerships
and other
shares

debt securities

Limited Private
equity
funds

Private Derivatives
and other
invested
assets

company
common
shares

Total

Balance – January 1

833.0

158.0

775.3

117.6

156.2

279.3 2,319.4

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

included in the consolidated statement of
earnings

Purchases

(75.9)

123.7

13.5

2.4

44.4

224.7

8.6

85.6

(10.6)

5.1

209.4

22.2

189.4

463.7

Sales, exchanges and distributions

(162.4)

(156.0)

(69.4)

(25.2)

(10.4)

(221.9)

(645.3)

Acquisition of Brit

23.5

–

–

–

–

3.8

27.3

Unrealized foreign currency translation losses
on foreign operations included in other
comprehensive income

(45.5)

(10.2)

(14.1)

(15.6)

(2.3)

(7.4)

(95.1)

Balance – December 31

696.4

7.7

960.9

171.0

138.0

285.4 2,259.4

54

The table below presents the valuation techniques, range of values applied for significant unobservable inputs and
the  typical  relationship  between  significant  unobservable  inputs  and  estimated  fair  values  for  the  company’s
significant Level 3 financial assets:

Asset type

Valuation technique

Significant
unobservable input

Private placement debt securities

Discounted cash flow Credit spread

Limited partnerships and other

Private equity funds

Net asset value

Net asset value

Net asset value / Price

Net asset value / Price

Private company common shares

Market comparable

Book value multiple

Private company common shares

Market comparable

Price/Earnings multiple

Private company common shares

Net asset value

Net asset value

Input range
used(1)

Low

High

6.0% 12.0%

N/A

N/A

1.4

10.0

N/A

N/A

N/A

1.4

10.0

N/A

CPI-linked derivatives

Option pricing model

Inflation volatility

0.0% 4.9%

(1) N/A – not applicable.

(2) Decreasing the input value would have the opposite effect on the estimated fair value. 

Effect on estimated fair
value if input value is
increased(2)

Decrease

Increase

Increase

Increase

Increase

Increase

Increase

Included in Level 3 are investments in CPI-linked derivatives, certain private placement debt securities and equity
warrants,  and  common  and  preferred  shares  of  private  companies.  CPI-linked  derivatives  are  classified  within
holding company cash and investments, or in derivatives and other invested assets in portfolio investments on the
consolidated balance sheet and are valued based on broker-dealer quotes which management has determined utilize
market  observable  inputs  except  for  the  inflation  volatility  input  which  is  not  market  observable.  By  increasing
(decreasing) inflation volatility within the reasonably possible range shown above, the fair value of the CPI-linked
derivatives would increase (decrease) by $49.1 ($33.4). Certain private placement debt securities are classified within
holding company cash and investments and bonds on the consolidated balance sheet and are valued using industry
accepted discounted cash flow models that incorporate the credit spreads of the issuers, an input which is not market
observable. By increasing (decreasing) the credit spreads within the reasonably possible range shown above, the fair
value  of  the  private  placement  debt  securities  would  decrease (increase)  by  $32.3 ($34.3).  Limited  partnerships,
private  equity  funds  and  private  company  common  shares  are  classified  within  holding  company  cash  and
investments and common stocks on the consolidated balance sheet. These investments are primarily valued based
on net asset value statements provided by the respective third party fund managers and general partners. The fair
values  in  those  statements  are  determined  using  quoted  prices  of  the  underlying  assets,  and  to  a  lesser  extent,
observable  inputs  where  available  and  unobservable  inputs,  in  conjunction  with  industry  accepted  valuation
models, where required. In some instances, private equity funds and limited partnerships are classified as Level 3
because  they  may  require  at  least  three  months’  notice  to  liquidate.  The  company  has  not  applied  reasonably
possible alternative assumptions to the estimated fair value of these investments due to their diverse nature and
resulting dispersion of prices. The fair values of certain private company common shares are determined by reference
to various valuation measures for comparable companies and transactions, including relevant valuation multiples.
In some instances, private company common shares are classified as Level 3 because the valuation multiples applied
by the company are adjusted for differences in attributes between the investment and the underlying companies or
transactions from which the valuation multiples were derived.

55

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Investment Income
An analysis of investment income for the years ended December 31 follows:

Interest and dividends and share of profit of associates

Interest income:

Cash and short term investments
Bonds
Derivatives and other

Dividends:

Preferred stocks
Common stocks

Investment expenses

Interest and dividends

Share of profit of associates (note 6)

Net gains (losses) on investments

Bonds
Preferred stocks
Common stocks

Derivatives:

2016

2015

33.4
623.3
(142.3)

28.5
584.7
(156.1)

514.4

457.1

11.2
55.6

66.8

15.1
65.0

80.1

(26.0)

(25.0)

555.2

512.2

24.2

172.9

2016

2015

Net

Net change

Net

Net change

realized

gains

(losses)

in unreal-

ized gains

Net gains

realized

(losses) on

gains

in unreal-

ized gains

Net gains

(losses) on

(losses)

investments

(losses)

(losses)

investments

683.7
(68.0)(2)(3)
(162.2)(2)(4)

(400.4)

61.6(2)(3)
91.2(2)(4)

283.3
(6.4)
(71.0)

27.4
130.6(5)
255.7

(615.3)
(141.8)(5)
(948.7)

(587.9)
(11.2)
(693.0)

453.5

(247.6)

205.9

413.7

(1,705.8)

(1,292.1)

Common stock and equity index short positions
Common stock and equity index long positions
Equity index put options
Equity warrants and call options
CPI-linked derivatives
U.S. government bond forwards
Other

(915.8)(1)
10.4(1)
(20.3)
–
–
96.7
(70.6)

(264.0)
12.9
7.2
(4.0)
(196.2)
(49.7)
63.2

(1,179.8)
23.3
(13.1)
(4.0)
(196.2)
47.0
(7.4)

303.3(1)
(43.0)(1)
–

208.5(6)

–
–
6.1

205.7
7.0
(7.2)
(20.8)(6)
35.7
–
(8.7)

Foreign currency net gains (losses) on:

Investing activities
Underwriting activities
Foreign currency contracts

Gain on disposition of subsidiary and associates

Other

(899.6)

(430.6)

(1,330.2)

474.9

211.7

54.4
19.7
6.5

80.6

–

3.2

(191.3)
–
(18.8)

(210.1)

–

47.0

(136.9)
19.7
(12.3)

(99.6)
82.1
210.4

(129.5)

192.9

–

235.5(7)

50.2

(0.3)

72.0
–
(152.4)

(80.4)

–

(1.4)

509.0
(36.0)
(7.2)
187.7
35.7
–
(2.6)

686.6

(27.6)
82.1
58.0

112.5

235.5

(1.7)

Net gains (losses) on investments

(362.3)

(841.3)

(1,203.6) 1,316.7

(1,575.9)

(259.2)

(1) Amounts recorded in net realized gains (losses) include net gains (losses) on total return swaps where the counterparties are
required  to  cash-settle  on  a  quarterly  or  monthly  basis  the  market  value  movement  since  the  previous  reset  date
notwithstanding  that  the  total  return  swap  positions  remain  open  subsequent  to  the  cash  settlement.  The  company

56

discontinued its economic equity hedging strategy during the fourth quarter of 2016 and closed out $6,350.6 notional
amount of short positions effected through equity index total return swaps (comprised of Russell 2000, S&P 500 and
S&P/TSX 60 short equity index total return swaps) (see notes 7 and 24).

(2) During  2016  the  company  recognized  net  realized  losses  of  $220.3  and  $103.7  on  common  and  preferred  stock
investments pursuant to the issuer’s plan of restructuring and subsequent emergence from bankruptcy protection. Prior
period unrealized losses on the common and preferred stock investments of $209.5 and $99.6 were reclassified to net
realized losses with a net impact of nil on the consolidated statement of earnings.

(3) During 2016 the company was required to convert a preferred stock investment into common shares of the issuer, resulting
in a net realized gain on investment of $35.1 (the difference between the share price of the underlying common stock at the
date  of  conversion  and  the  exercise  price  of  the  preferred  stock).  Prior  period  unrealized  gains  on  the  preferred  stock
investment  of  $41.7  were  reclassified  to  net  realized  gains  with  a  net  impact  of  nil  on  the  consolidated  statement
of earnings.

(4) During 2016 the company increased its ownership interest in APR Energy to 49.0% and commenced applying the equity
method of accounting, resulting in unrealized losses of $68.1 on APR Energy being reclassified to realized losses with a net
impact of nil on the consolidated statement of earnings.

(5) During 2015 the company was required to convert a preferred stock investment into common shares of the issuer, resulting
in a net realized gain on investment of $124.4 (the difference between the share price of the underlying common stock at
the date of conversion and the exercise price of the preferred stock). Prior period unrealized gains on the preferred stock
investment  of  $104.8  were  reclassified  to  net  realized  gains  with  a  net  impact  of  nil  on  the  consolidated  statement
of earnings.

(6) On  April  10,  2015  the  company  exchanged  its  holdings  of  Cara  warrants,  class  A  and  class  B  preferred  shares  and
subordinated debentures for common shares of Cara, resulting in a net realized gain on the Cara warrants of $209.1. Prior
period unrealized gains on the Cara warrants of $20.6 were reclassified to net realized gains with a net impact of nil on the
consolidated statement of earnings.

(7) Gain on disposition of subsidiary and associates of $235.5 in 2015 principally reflected the $236.4 gain on disposition of

the company’s investment in Ridley Inc.

57

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

6.

Investments in Associates

The following summarizes the company’s investments in associates:

December 31, 2016

2016

December 31, 2015

2015

Year ended

December 31,

Year ended

December 31,

Ownership

Fair Carrying

percentage

value

Share of Ownership
value profit (loss)(8) percentage

Fair Carrying

Share of

value

value

profit (loss)

10.7
6.5

–
14.9

–

1.0
–

–
(0.1)

33.0

77.5
16.2

93.7

–
–
–

–

–
30.3
7.0
–
8.9

46.2

34.6% 878.0
41.4% 235.8

40.0% 171.4
80.2
32.4%

371.1
195.7

150.6
94.7

35.0%

68.5

48.4

27.8%
50.0%

50.0%
41.2%

35.5
31.4

5.2
8.8

34.6
31.4

5.2
8.8

44.1
14.0

(6.4)
(1.8)

1.8

2.0
3.4

0.2
0.7

25.6% 666.3
41.4% 247.0

109.8
198.3

–

–
32.1% 103.7

–
98.9

35.0%

33.8

48.1

27.8%
50.0%

–
40.5%

38.5
28.6

–
8.1

34.6
28.6

–
8.1

1,514.8

940.5

58.0

1,126.0

526.4

Insurance and reinsurance associates:

ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company

Limited (‘‘ICICI Lombard’’)(1)

Gulf Insurance Company (‘‘Gulf Insurance’’)
Eurolife ERB Insurance Group Holdings S.A.

(‘‘Eurolife’’)(2)

Thai Re Public Company Limited (‘‘Thai Re’’)
Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam

Insurance Joint Stock Corporation
(‘‘BIC Insurance’’)

Singapore Reinsurance Corporation Limited

(‘‘Singapore Re’’)

Ambridge Partners LLC (‘‘Ambridge Partners’’)
Camargue Underwriting Managers Group Ltd.

(‘‘Camargue’’)

Falcon Insurance PLC (‘‘Falcon Thailand’’)

Non-insurance associates:

Real estate

KWF Real Estate Ventures Limited Partnerships

(‘‘KWF LPs’’)(3)

Grivalia Properties REIC (‘‘Grivalia Properties’’)

India

IIFL Holdings Limited (‘‘IIFL Holdings’’)(4)
Fairchem Speciality Limited (‘‘Fairchem’’)(5)
Sanmar Chemicals Group (‘‘Sanmar’’)(6)

–

202.8
40.6% 332.4

202.8
295.9

535.2

498.7

30.5% 373.9
45.5
44.9%
0.4
30.0%

316.4
19.4
1.0

419.8

336.8

–

191.5
40.6% 329.3

191.5
301.7

520.8

493.2

30.7% 310.3
–
–

–
–

290.8
–
–

310.3

290.8

–

–
32.3% 218.0
73.8
43.4%
–
–
157.7
–

–
416.2
47.3
–
159.0

449.5

622.5

13.9
16.1

30.0

18.5
0.3
–

18.8

(29.0)
(73.6)
9.0
–
11.0

(82.6)

24.2

2,406.6

1,932.9

172.9

2,185.9
220.7

1,730.2
202.7

2,406.6

1,932.9

Other

APR Energy plc (‘‘APR Energy’’)(7)
Resolute Forest Products Inc. (‘‘Resolute’’)(8)
Arbor Memorial Services Inc. (‘‘Arbor Memorial’’)
Performance Sports(9)
Partnerships, trusts and other

45.0% 234.0
33.9% 162.5
93.6
43.4%
83.0
38.2%
224.4
–

187.3
304.5
56.0
82.7
227.0

Investments in associates

As presented on the consolidated balance sheet:

Investments in associates(4)
Fairfax India cash and portfolio investments(5)(6)

797.5

857.5

3,267.3

2,633.5

2,955.4
311.9

2,393.0
240.5

3,267.3

2,633.5

(1) On March 31, 2016 the company increased its ownership interest in ICICI Lombard to 34.6% by acquiring an
additional 9.0% of the issued and outstanding shares of ICICI Lombard from ICICI Bank for $234.1 (15.5 billion
Indian  rupees).  ICICI  Lombard  is  the  largest  private  sector  general  insurance  company  in  India  with  gross
premiums written of approximately $1.2 billion for its fiscal year ended March 31, 2016.

(2) On  August  4,  2016  the  company  acquired  a  40.0%  indirect  interest  in  Eurolife  ERB  Insurance  Group
Holdings  S.A.  (‘‘Eurolife’’)  from  Eurobank  Ergasias  S.A.  (‘‘Eurobank’’)  for  $181.0  (A162.5).  On  the  same  day,
Ontario  Municipal  Employees  Retirement  System  (‘‘OMERS’’),  the  pension  plan  manager  for  government
employees in the province of Ontario, Canada, also acquired a 40.0% indirect interest in Eurolife from Eurobank
at the same price. OMERS has a dividend in priority to the company, and the company will have the ability to

58

acquire the Eurolife shares owned by OMERS over time. Eurolife, which distributes its life and non-life insurance
products  and  services  through  Eurobank’s  network,  is  an  insurer  in  Greece  with  gross  written  premiums  of
approximately $549 during 2016.

(3) The  KWF  LPs  are  partnerships  formed  between  the  company  and  Kennedy-Wilson  Holdings,  Inc.  and  its
affiliates (‘‘Kennedy Wilson’’) to invest in U.S. and international real estate properties. The company participates
as  a  limited  partner  in  the  KWF  LPs,  with  limited  partnership  interests  ranging  from  50%  to  90%.
Kennedy Wilson  is  the  general  partner  and  holds  the  remaining  limited  partnership  interest  in  each  of  the
KWF LPs.

(4)

Includes common shares of IIFL Holdings owned outside of Fairfax India with a fair value and carrying value of
$107.9 and $96.3 at December 31, 2016 (December 31, 2015 – $89.6 and $88.1).

(5) On  February  8,  2016  Fairfax  India  acquired  a  44.9%  interest  in  Fairchem  Speciality  Limited  (‘‘Fairchem’’,
formerly known as Adi Finechem Limited) for $19.4 (1.3 billion Indian rupees). Fairchem is a specialty chemical
manufacturer in India of oleo chemicals used in the paints, inks and adhesives industries, as well as intermediate
nutraceutical and health products.

(6) On April 28, 2016 Fairfax India invested $250.0 in Sanmar Chemicals Group (‘‘Sanmar’’) comprised of $1.0 in
equity (representing a 30.0% ownership interest) and $249.0 in bonds. On September 26, 2016 Fairfax India
invested an additional $50.0 in Sanmar bonds. Sanmar is one of the largest suspension PVC manufacturers in
India and is in the process of expanding its PVC capacity in Egypt.

(7) On  January  5,  2016  the  company,  through  its  subsidiaries,  participated  with  certain  other  investors  in  a
transaction to privatize APR Energy plc (‘‘APR Energy’’) and to provide APR Energy with $200.0 of additional
equity financing for it to retire outstanding debt and augment working capital. The company invested $230.2 in
APR Energy as part of these transactions, comprised of $80.6 in preferred shares and $149.6 in common shares,
thereby increasing its 18.3% pre-existing ownership to a 49.0% equity interest. On December 30, 2016 APR
Energy redeemed the company’s preferred shares for cash consideration of $60.3 and additional common shares.
APR Energy funded the cash consideration through the issuance of common shares to a third party investor. The
net impact of these transactions reduced the company’s equity interest in APR Energy to 45.0%. APR Energy,
serving developed and developing markets globally, provides mobile power generation solutions to utilities,
countries and industries.

(8) At December 31, 2016 the carrying value of the company’s investment in Resolute exceeded its fair value as
determined by the market price of Resolute shares. The company performed a value-in-use analysis based on
multi-year free cash flow projections with an assumed after-tax discount rate of 10.5% (2015 – 9.2%) and a long
term growth rate of 1.5% (2015 – 0%). Free cash flow projections are based on EBITDA projections from external
reports that incorporate modest EBITDA growth in fiscal 2017. The after-tax discount rate is representative of the
cost of capital for Resolute’s industry peers as the company believes that over the long term Resolute’s risk profile
and cost of capital will be comparable to its peers. A long term growth rate of 1.5% is considered reasonable given
Resolute’s recent entrance into the tissue market and the rebound of the lumber market driven by new housing
demand  in  North  America.  Other  assumptions  included  in  the  value-in-use  analysis  were  valuation  of  the
pension funding liability on a going concern basis (2015 – solvency basis), annual capital expenditures reverting
to  lower  historic  levels,  working  capital  requirements  being  comparable  to  industry  peers  and  Resolute  not
having  to  pay  any  significant  cash  taxes  in  the  next  five  years  due  to  the  utilization  of  tax  losses.  As  the
recoverable  amount  (higher  of  fair  value  and  value-in-use)  of  $304.5  was  determined  to  be  lower  than  the
carrying value, a non-cash impairment charge of $100.4 was recognized in share of profit (loss) of associates in
the consolidated statement of earnings in 2016.

(9) On  December 7,  2016  the  company  and  Sagard  Holdings Inc.  (‘‘Sagard’’)  provided  $335.6  of  debtor-in-
possession  financing  (the ‘‘DIP  financing’’)  to  Performance  Sports  Group Ltd.  (‘‘PSG’’)  through  a  co-owned
intermediate holding company (‘‘Performance Sports’’). The company invested $114.1 in debentures and $83.0
in common shares of Performance Sports (representing a 38.2% equity interest) for a total contribution towards
the  DIP  financing  of  $197.1.  PSG  used  the  DIP  financing  for  working  capital  requirements  and  to  fund  the
refinancing of its existing term loans during its restructuring. On March 1, 2017 substantially all of the assets and
certain related operating liabilities of PSG were sold to Performance Sports, which resulted in the repayment of a
portion of the company’s $114.1 investment in debentures and the conversion of the remainder to additional
common shares of Performance Sports. Subsequent to these transactions, the company held a $153.5 equity
investment  in  Performance  Sports  represented  by  a  voting  interest  and  equity  interest  of  50.0%  and  42.6%
respectively.

59

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

During 2016 the company received distributions and dividends of $72.4 (2015 – $202.5) from its non-insurance
associates.

The company’s strategic investment in 15.0% of Alltrust Insurance Company of China Ltd. (‘‘Alltrust Insurance’’)
had a carrying value of $76.1 at December 31, 2016 (December 31, 2015 – $93.2) and is classified as FVTPL within
common stocks on the consolidated balance sheet.

7. Short Sales and Derivatives

The following table summarizes the company’s derivative financial instruments:

Equity derivatives:

Equity index total return swaps – short positions
Equity total return swaps – short positions
Equity index put options
Equity total return swaps – long positions
Equity and equity index call options
Warrants

CPI-linked derivative contracts
U.S. treasury bond forward contracts
Foreign exchange forward contracts
Other derivative contracts

Total

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Cost

–
–
–
–
16.2
6.5
670.0
–
–
–

Fair value

Notional
amount Assets Liabilities

43.3
1,623.0
–
213.1
1,104.4
32.2
110,365.5
3,013.4
–
–

0.6
10.4
–
9.4
12.8
6.5
83.4
–
80.2
–

203.3

–
78.1
–
5.1
–
–
–
49.7
101.4
–

234.3

Cost

–
–
20.3
–
0.4
–
655.8
–
–
–

Fair value

Notional
amount Assets Liabilities

4,403.1
1,491.7
382.5
149.4
4.2
1.2
109,449.1
–
–
–

134.0
69.6
13.1
0.9
0.4
0.4
272.6
–
66.9
4.5

562.4

–
9.3
–
9.5
–
–
–
–
74.1
–

92.9

The company is exposed to significant market risk (comprised of foreign currency risk, interest rate risk and other
price risk) through its investing activities. Certain derivative contracts entered into by the company are considered
economic hedges and are not designated as hedges for financial reporting.

Equity contracts
Throughout 2015 and most of 2016, the company had economically hedged its equity and equity-related holdings
(comprised  of  common  stocks,  convertible  preferred  stocks,  convertible  bonds,  non-insurance  investments  in
associates and equity-related derivatives) against a potential significant decline in equity markets by way of short
positions effected through equity and equity index total return swaps (including short positions in certain equity
indexes and individual equities) and equity index put options (S&P 500) as set out in the table below. The company’s
equity hedges were structured to provide a return that was inverse to changes in the fair values of the indexes and
certain individual equities.

As a result of fundamental changes in the U.S. that may bolster economic growth and business development in the
future,  the  company  discontinued  its  economic  equity  hedging  strategy  during  the  fourth  quarter  of  2016.
Accordingly, the company closed out $6,350.6 notional amount of short positions effected through equity index
total return swaps (comprised of Russell 2000, S&P 500 and S&P/TSX 60 short equity index total return swaps). The
short equity index total return swaps closed out in 2016 produced a realized loss of $2,665.4 (of which $1,710.2 had
been recorded as unrealized losses in prior years). The company continues to maintain short equity and equity index
total return swaps for investment purposes, and no longer considers them to be hedges of the company’s equity and
equity-related holdings. During 2016 the company paid net cash of $915.8 (2015 – received net cash of $303.3) in

60

connection with the closures and reset provisions of its short equity and equity index total return swaps (excluding
the impact of collateral requirements).

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Underlying short equity and
equity index total return swaps

Russell 2000 – TRS
S&P/TSX 60 – TRS
Other equity indices – TRS
Individual equities -TRS
S&P 500 – call options
S&P 500 – put options

Original
notional
Units amount(1)

–
–
–
–
461,632
–

–
–
54.8
1,224.4
1,100.0
–

Weighted
average
index value
or strike
price

Index
value at
period
end

Original
notional
Units amount(1)

Weighted

Index
average value at
period
end

index
value

–
–
–
–

– 37,424,319
– 13,044,000
–
–
–
–
2,382.84 2,238.83
–
225,643
–

–

2,477.2
206.1
40.0
1,379.3
–
382.5

661.92 1,135.89
764.54
641.12
–
–
–
–
–
–
1,695.15 2,043.94

(1) The aggregate notional amounts on the dates that the short positions or put options were first initiated.

As at December 31, 2016 the company had entered into long equity total return swaps on individual equities for
investment purposes with an original notional amount of $283.9 (December 31, 2015 – $243.9). During 2016 the
company received net cash of $10.4 (2015 – paid net cash of $43.0) in connection with the reset provisions of its long
equity total return swaps (excluding the impact of collateral requirements).

At December 31, 2016 the fair value of the collateral deposited for the benefit of derivative counterparties included in
holding company cash and investments, or in assets pledged for short sale and derivative obligations, was $322.9
(December 31, 2015 – $413.9), comprised of collateral of $86.4 (December 31, 2015 – $33.5) securing amounts owed
to  counterparties  in  respect  of  fair  value  changes  since  the  most  recent  reset  date  and  collateral  of  $236.5
(December 31, 2015 – $380.4) required to be deposited to enter into such derivative contracts (principally related to
total return swaps).

U.S. treasury bond forward contracts
As  a  result  of  fundamental  changes  to  the  macroeconomic  outlook  for  the  U.S.  and  the  ensuing  potential  for  a
significant increase in market interest rates, the company reduced its exposure to interest rate risk during the fourth
quarter of 2016 by selling certain U.S. state and municipal bonds and long dated U.S. treasury bonds. To further
reduce its exposure to interest rate risk (specifically exposure to U.S. state and municipal bonds and any remaining
long dated U.S. treasury bonds held in its fixed income portfolio), the company entered into forward contracts to sell
long dated U.S. treasury bonds with a notional amount of $3,013.4 at December 31, 2016 (December 31, 2015 – nil).
These contracts have an average term to maturity of less than one year and may be renewed at market rates.

CPI-linked derivative contracts
The company has purchased derivative contracts referenced to consumer price indexes (‘‘CPI’’) in the geographic
regions in which it operates to serve as an economic hedge against the potential adverse financial impact on the
company of decreasing price levels. At December 31, 2016 these contracts have a remaining weighted average life of
5.6 years (December 31, 2015 – 6.6 years) and a notional amount and fair value as shown in the table below. In the
event of a sale, expiration or early settlement of any of these contracts, the company would receive the fair value of

61

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

that contract on the date of the transaction. The company’s maximum potential loss on any contract is limited to the
original cost of that contract. The CPI-linked derivative contracts are summarized as follows:

December 31, 2016

Underlying CPI index

United States
United States
European Union
United Kingdom
France

Underlying CPI index

United States
United States
European Union
United Kingdom
France

Average

Notional amount

Floor
rate(1)

life Original
currency

(in years)

0.0%
0.5%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%

5.7 46,725.0
7.8 12,600.0
5.0 41,375.0
3,300.0
5.9
3,150.0
6.1

U.S.
dollars

46,725.0
12,600.0
43,640.4
4,077.6
3,322.5

Weighted

Index
average value at
period
end

strike
price(2)

Cost(3) Market

Cost

(in bps)

value (in bps)

Market
value(3) Unrealized
gain (loss)

231.39
238.30
96.09
243.82
99.27

241.43 286.9
241.43
39.5
101.26 300.3
22.6
267.10
20.7
100.66

61.4
31.3
68.8
55.4
62.3

7.5
27.2
2.9
1.2
2.7

35.2
34.3
12.5
0.5
0.9

83.4

(251.7)
(5.2)
(287.8)
(22.1)
(19.8)

(586.6)

5.6

110,365.5

670.0

December 31, 2015

Average

Notional amount

Floor
rate(1)

life Original
currency

(in years)

0.0%
0.5%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%

6.6 46,225.0
8.8 12,600.0
5.7 38,975.0
3,300.0
6.9
3,150.0
7.1

U.S.
dollars

46,225.0
12,600.0
42,338.4
4,863.9
3,421.8

Weighted

Index
average value at
period
end

strike
price(2)

Cost(3) Market

Cost

(in bps)

value (in bps)

Market
value(3) Unrealized
gain (loss)

231.32
238.30
95.57
243.82
99.27

236.53 284.7
39.3
236.53
100.16 287.2
23.9
260.60
20.7
100.04

61.6
31.2
67.8
49.1
60.5

98.9
83.4
73.9
3.1
13.3

21.4
66.2
17.5
6.4
38.9

6.6

109,449.1

655.8

272.6

(185.8)
44.1
(213.3)
(20.8)
(7.4)

(383.2)

(1) Contracts with a floor rate of 0.0% provide a payout at maturity if there is cumulative deflation over the life of the
contract. Contracts with a floor rate of 0.5% provide a payout at maturity based on a weighted average strike price of
250.49 if cumulative inflation averages less than 0.5% per year over the life of the contract.

(2) During the first quarter of 2016 the CPI indices for the European Union and France were rebased with 2015 as the new
reference year. The weighted average strike prices for contracts related to those indices have been rebased accordingly.

(3) Expressed as a percentage of the notional amount.

During 2016 the company purchased $3,185.7 (2015 – $2,907.3) notional amount of CPI-linked derivative contracts
at a cost of $11.2 (2015 – $14.6) and paid additional premiums of $3.3 (2015 – $4.8) to increase the strike prices of
certain CPI-linked derivative contracts (primarily the European CPI-linked derivatives). The company’s CPI-linked
derivative contracts produced net unrealized losses of $196.2 in 2016 (2015 – net unrealized gains of $35.7).

Foreign exchange forward contracts
Long and short foreign exchange forward contracts primarily denominated in the euro, the British pound sterling
and  the  Canadian  dollar  are  used  to  manage  certain  foreign  currency  exposures  arising  from  foreign  currency
denominated  transactions.  These  contracts  have  an  average  term  to  maturity  of  less  than  one  year  and  may  be
renewed at market rates.

Counterparty collateral
The company endeavours to limit counterparty risk through diligent selection of counterparties to its derivative
contracts and through the terms of negotiated agreements. The fair value of the collateral deposited for the benefit of
the company at December 31, 2016 consisted of cash of $8.3 and government securities of $54.4 (December 31,
2015 – $28.7 and $264.6). The company had not exercised its right to sell or repledge collateral at December 31,
2016. The company’s exposure to counterparty risk and the management thereof are discussed in note 24.

Hedge of net investment in Canadian subsidiaries
The  company  has  designated  the  carrying  value  of  Cdn$1,975.0  principal  amount  of  its  Canadian  dollar
denominated  unsecured  senior  notes  with  a  fair  value  of  $1,618.1  (December  31,  2015 – principal  amount  of
Cdn$1,525.0 with a fair value of $1,240.9) as a hedge of its net investment in its Canadian subsidiaries for financial
reporting. In 2016 the company recognized pre-tax losses of $37.5 (2015 – pre-tax gains of $218.8) related to foreign
currency  movements  on  the  unsecured  senior  notes  in  gains  (losses)  on  hedge  of  net  investment  in  Canadian
subsidiaries in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

62

8.

Insurance Contract Liabilities

Provision for unearned premiums
Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Gross

3,740.4
19,481.8

Ceded

539.8
3,179.6

Net

3,200.6
16,302.2

Gross

3,284.8
19,816.4

Ceded

398.7
3,205.9

Net

2,886.1
16,610.5

Total insurance contract liabilities

23,222.2

3,719.4

19,502.8

23,101.2

3,604.6

19,496.6

Current
Non-current

9,013.9
14,208.3

2,058.7
1,660.7

6,955.2
12,547.6

8,552.5
14,548.7

2,380.7
1,223.9

6,171.8
13,324.8

23,222.2

3,719.4

19,502.8

23,101.2

3,604.6

19,496.6

At December 31, 2016 the company’s net loss reserves of $16,302.2 (December 31, 2015 – $16,610.5) were comprised
of case reserves of $7,537.2 and IBNR of $8,765.0 (December 31, 2015 – $7,790.9 and $8,819.6).

Provision for unearned premiums
Changes in the provision for unearned premiums for the years ended December 31 were as follows:

Provision for unearned premiums – January 1

Gross premiums written
Less: gross premiums earned

Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23)
Foreign exchange effect and other

Provision for unearned premiums – December 31

2016

2015

3,284.8
9,534.3
(9,209.7)
111.1
19.9

2,689.6
8,655.8
(8,581.7)
691.9
(170.8)

3,740.4

3,284.8

Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses
Changes in the provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses for the years ended December 31 were as follows:

Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses – January 1

Decrease in estimated losses and expenses for claims occurring in the prior years
Losses and expenses for claims occurring in the current year
Paid on claims occurring during:

the current year
the prior years

Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23)
Foreign exchange effect and other

Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses – December 31

2016

2015

19,816.4
(559.8)
6,247.8

17,749.1
(506.2)
5,606.5

(1,595.6)
(4,441.8)
143.1
(128.3)

(1,342.4)
(4,172.3)
3,299.0
(817.3)

19,481.8

19,816.4

63

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Development of insurance losses, gross
The development of insurance liabilities provides a measure of the company’s ability to estimate the ultimate value
of claims. The loss development table which follows shows the provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses at
the end of each calendar year, the cumulative payments made in respect of those reserves in subsequent years and the
re-estimated  amount  of  each  calendar  year’s  provision  for  losses  and  loss  adjustment  expenses  as  at
December 31, 2016.

Provision for losses and loss

adjustment expenses

Less: CTR Life(1)

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

Comprised of – favourable

(unfavourable):
Effect of foreign currency

translation

Loss reserve development

Calendar year

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

14,843.2
21.5

14,467.2
34.9

14,504.8
27.6

16,049.3
25.3

17,232.2
24.2

19,648.8
20.6

19,212.8
17.9

17,749.1
15.2

19,816.4
14.2

19,481.8
12.8

14,821.7

14,432.3

14,477.2

16,024.0

17,208.0

19,628.2

19,194.9

17,733.9

19,802.2

19,469.0

3,167.8
5,130.8
6,784.9
8,124.6
9,079.0
9,730.6
10,458.1
11,025.6
11,659.5

14,420.4
14,493.8
14,579.9
14,679.5
14,908.6
14,947.2
14,964.2
14,887.8
15,069.1

3,136.0
5,336.4
7,070.7
8,318.7
9,189.1
10,039.4
10,705.5
11,379.9

14,746.0
14,844.4
14,912.4
15,127.5
15,091.0
15,011.7
14,873.6
15,028.8

3,126.6
5,307.6
6,846.3
7,932.7
8,936.9
9,721.1
10,456.1

14,616.0
14,726.6
14,921.6
14,828.9
14,663.1
14,433.0
14,551.5

3,355.9
5,441.4
7,063.1
8,333.3
9,327.0
10,202.6

3,627.6
6,076.7
7,920.3
9,333.4
10,458.7

15,893.8
15,959.7
15,705.6
15,430.4
15,036.2
15,099.0

17,316.4
17,013.6
16,721.0
16,233.9
16,269.6

4,323.5
7,153.1
9,148.0
10,702.8

4,081.1
6,787.6
8,775.5

3,801.6
6,364.5

4,441.4

19,021.2
18,529.4
17,820.5
17,735.5

18,375.6
17,475.0
17,307.9

16,696.4
16,269.2

19,169.8

(247.4)

(596.5)

(74.3)

925.0

938.4

1,892.7

1,887.0

1,464.7

632.4

251.8
(499.2)

(288.6)
(307.9)

125.2
(199.5)

326.6
598.4

339.1
599.3

699.3
1,193.4

617.9
1,269.1

418.0
1,046.7

(247.4)

(596.5)

(74.3)

925.0

938.4

1,892.7

1,887.0

1,464.7

79.7
552.7

632.4

(1) Guaranteed  minimum  death  benefit  retrocessional  business  written  by  Compagnie  Transcontinentale  de  R´eassurance
(‘‘CTR Life’’), a wholly owned subsidiary of the company that was transferred to Wentworth and  placed into  runoff
in 2002.

The effect of foreign currency translation in the table above primarily arose on translation to U.S. dollars of the loss
reserves of subsidiaries with functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The company’s exposure to foreign
currency risk and the management thereof are discussed in note 24.

Loss reserve development in the table above excludes the loss reserve development of a subsidiary in the year it is
acquired whereas the consolidated statement of earnings includes the loss reserve development of a subsidiary from
its acquisition date.

Favourable loss reserve development in calendar year 2016 of $552.7 in the table above was principally comprised of
favourable  loss  emergence  on  the  more  recent  accident  years,  partially  offset  by  adverse  development  primarily
relating to asbestos and other latent reserves.

Development of losses and loss adjustment expenses for asbestos
A number of the company’s subsidiaries wrote general liability policies and reinsurance prior to their acquisition by
the company under which policyholders continue to present asbestos-related injury claims. The vast majority of
these claims are presented under policies written many years ago and reside primarily within the runoff group.

64

There is a great deal of uncertainty surrounding these types of claims, which impacts the ability of insurers and
reinsurers to estimate the ultimate amount of unpaid claims and related settlement expenses. The majority of these
claims differ from most other types of claims because there is inconsistent precedent, if any at all, to determine what,
if any, coverage exists or which, if any, policy years and insurers/reinsurers may be liable. These uncertainties are
exacerbated  by  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 following is an analysis of the changes which have occurred in the company’s provision for losses and loss
adjustment expenses related to asbestos exposure on a gross and net basis for the years ended December 31:

2016

2015

Provision for asbestos claims and loss adjustment expenses – January 1

Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred
Losses and loss adjustment expenses paid
Provisions for asbestos claims assumed during the year at December 31(1)

Net

Gross

Gross
1,381.0 1,043.8 1,224.3
159.2
218.7
(200.5)
(197.0)
198.0
–

219.9
(253.2)
–

Net
896.7
87.2
(130.6)
190.5

Provision for asbestos claims and loss adjustment expenses – December 31

1,347.7 1,065.5 1,381.0

1,043.8

(1) U.S. Runoff’s reinsurance of third party asbestos runoff portfolios.

Fair Value
The estimated fair value of insurance and reinsurance contracts is as follows:

Insurance contracts
Ceded reinsurance contracts

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Fair
value
22,598.3
3,501.3

Carrying
value
23,222.2
3,719.4

Fair
value
22,997.8
3,481.5

Carrying
value
23,101.2
3,604.6

The fair value of insurance contracts is comprised of the fair value of unpaid claim liabilities and the fair value of the
unearned premiums. The fair value of ceded reinsurance contracts is comprised of the fair value of reinsurers’ share of
unpaid  claim  liabilities  and  the  unearned  premium.  Both  reflect  the  time  value  of  money  through  discounting,
whereas the carrying values (including the reinsurers’ share thereof) do not. The calculation of the fair value of the
unearned premium includes acquisition expenses to reflect the deferral of these expenses at the inception of the
insurance contract. The estimated value of insurance and ceded reinsurance contracts is determined by projecting
the expected future cash flows of the contracts, selecting the appropriate interest rates, and applying the resulting
discount factors to expected future cash flows. The difference between the sum of the undiscounted expected future
cash flows and discounted future cash flows represent the time value of money. A margin for risk and uncertainty is
added to the discounted cash flows to reflect the volatility of the lines of business written, quantity of reinsurance
purchased, credit quality of reinsurers and the possibility of future changes in interest rates.

The table that follows illustrates the potential impact of interest rate fluctuations on the fair value of the company’s
insurance and reinsurance contracts:

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Change in interest rates
100 basis point increase
100 basis point decrease

Fair value of Fair value of Fair value of Fair value of
reinsurance
contracts
3,408.5
3,559.7

reinsurance
contracts
3,425.7
3,582.4

insurance
contracts
22,364.4
23,681.4

insurance
contracts
21,973.4
23,274.9

65

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

9. Reinsurance

Reinsurers’ share of insurance contract liabilities was comprised as follows:

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Gross
recoverable

Provision for Recoverable
from
reinsurers

from uncollectible
reinsurance(1)

reinsurers

Gross
recoverable

Provision for Recoverable
from
reinsurers

from uncollectible
reinsurance(1)

reinsurers

Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses
Reinsurers’ share of paid losses
Provision for unearned premiums

3,210.0
432.2
539.8

4,182.0

(30.4)
(141.3)
–

3,179.6
290.9
539.8

3,259.8
419.4
398.7

(53.9)
(133.1)
–

3,205.9
286.3
398.7

(171.7)

4,010.3

4,077.9

(187.0)

3,890.9

Current
Non-current

2,318.4
1,691.9

4,010.3

2,606.0
1,284.9

3,890.9

(1) The company’s management of credit risk associated with its reinsurance recoverables is discussed in note 24.

Changes in reinsurers’ share of paid losses, unpaid losses, unearned premiums and the provision for uncollectible
balances for the years ended December 31 were as follows:

Balance – January 1, 2016

Reinsurers’ share of losses paid to insureds
Reinsurance recoveries received
Reinsurers’ share of unpaid losses and premiums earned
Premiums ceded to reinsurers
Change in provision, recovery or write-off of impaired

balances

Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23)
Foreign exchange effect and other

2016

Paid Unpaid
losses
losses
419.4 3,259.8
1,018.3 (1,018.3)
–
(1,017.4)
952.1
–
–
–

Unearned uncollectible
reinsurance
premiums
(187.0)
398.7
–
–
–
–
–
(1,347.5)
–
1,445.9

Provision for Recoverable
from
reinsurers
3,890.9
–
(1,017.4)
(395.4)
1,445.9

0.7
11.5
(0.3)

(11.3)
65.0
(37.3)

–
32.3
10.4

15.5
–
(0.2)

4.9
108.8
(27.4)

Balance – December 31, 2016

432.2 3,210.0

539.8

(171.7)

4,010.3

Balance – January 1, 2015

Reinsurers’ share of losses paid to insureds
Reinsurance recoveries received
Reinsurers’ share of losses or premiums earned
Premiums ceded to reinsurers
Change in provision, recovery or write-off of impaired

balances

Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23)
Foreign exchange effect and other

Balance – December 31, 2015

2015

Paid Unpaid
losses
losses
380.7 3,410.0
1,338.2 (1,338.2)
–
(1,326.6)
711.9
–
–
–

Unearned uncollectible
reinsurance
premiums
(204.3)
395.7
–
–
–
–
–
(1,210.7)
–
1,135.3

Provision for Recoverable
from
reinsurers
3,982.1
–
(1,326.6)
(498.8)
1,135.3

(20.3)
59.3
(11.9)

–
660.2
(184.1)

419.4 3,259.8

–
127.6
(49.2)

398.7

14.5
–
2.8

(5.8)
847.1
(242.4)

(187.0)

3,890.9

Commission  income  earned  on  premiums  ceded  to  reinsurers  in  2016  of  $267.4  (2015 – $266.7)  is  included  in
commissions, net in the consolidated statement of earnings.

66

On October 15, 2015 Crum & Forster commuted a significant aggregate stop loss reinsurance treaty which reduced
each of recoverable from reinsurers and funds withheld payable to reinsurers by $334.0, with no impact on net
earnings or cash flows.

10. Insurance Contract Receivables

Insurance contract receivables were comprised as follows:

Insurance premiums receivable
Reinsurance premiums receivable
Funds withheld receivable
Other
Provision for uncollectible balances

December 31,
2016
1,906.2
788.8
181.8
68.3
(27.6)

December 31,
2015
1,677.1
659.5
191.9
49.2
(31.2)

2,917.5

2,546.5

The following changes have occurred in the insurance premiums receivable and reinsurance premiums receivable
balances for the years ended December 31:

Balance – January 1

Gross premiums written
Premiums collected
Impairments
Amounts due to brokers and agents
Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23)
Foreign exchange effect and other

Balance – December 31

Insurance
premiums receivable

Reinsurance
premiums receivable

2016
1,677.1
6,930.2
(6,050.5)
(1.6)
(707.8)
54.7
4.1

2015
1,262.7
6,185.3
(5,421.0)
(3.9)
(639.0)
380.8
(87.8)

2016
659.5
2,604.1
(1,876.5)
(1.2)
(581.2)
0.8
(16.7)

2015
427.0
2,470.5
(2,065.9)
0.3
(510.4)
362.3
(24.3)

1,906.2

1,677.1

788.8

659.5

11. Deferred Premium Acquisition Costs

Changes in deferred premium acquisition costs for the years ended December 31 were as follows:

Balance – January 1

Acquisition costs deferred
Amortization of deferred costs
Foreign exchange effect and other

Balance – December 31

2016

2015

532.7
1,851.1
(1,696.2)
5.5

497.6
1,591.3
(1,532.2)
(24.0)

693.1

532.7

67

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

12. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and intangible assets were comprised as follows:

Goodwill

Intangible assets

Total

Balance – January 1, 2016

Additions
Disposals
Amortization and impairment
Foreign exchange effect and other

Balance – December 31, 2016

Gross carrying amount
Accumulated amortization
Accumulated impairment

1,428.2
216.0
–
(7.0)
(3.5)

1,633.7

1,640.7
–
(7.0)

1,633.7

Lloyd’s
participation

Customer
Brand
and broker
rights(1) relationships names(1)
723.3
280.9
–
–
10.2

385.6
73.8
–
(35.3)
7.7

420.5
–
–
–
–

Computer
software
and other
257.3
163.4
(0.1)
(68.9)
(4.6)

3,214.9
734.1
(0.1)
(111.2)
9.8

420.5

420.5
–
–

420.5

431.8

1,014.4

347.1

3,847.5

578.6
(146.8)
–

1,014.4
–
–

599.5
(237.7)
(14.7)

4,253.7
(384.5)
(21.7)

431.8

1,014.4

347.1

3,847.5

Goodwill

Intangible assets

Total

Balance – January 1, 2015

Additions
Disposals
Amortization and impairment
Foreign exchange effect and other

Balance – December 31, 2015

Gross carrying amount
Accumulated amortization
Accumulated impairment

(1) Not subject to amortization.

1,048.7
465.6
(15.0)
–
(71.1)

1,428.2

1,428.2
–
–

1,428.2

Lloyd’s
participation

Customer
Brand
and broker
rights(1) relationships names(1)
64.0
740.0
(2.9)
–
(77.8)

273.7
158.6
–
(28.3)
(18.4)

4.3
416.2
–
–
–

Computer
software
and other
167.6
145.0
(9.0)
(44.7)
(1.6)

1,558.3
1,925.4
(26.9)
(73.0)
(168.9)

420.5

420.5
–
–

420.5

385.6

723.3

257.3

3,214.9

496.3
(110.7)
–

723.3
–
–

447.2
(175.6)
(14.3)

3,515.5
(286.3)
(14.3)

385.6

723.3

257.3

3,214.9

68

Goodwill and intangible assets are allocated to the company’s cash-generating units (‘‘CGUs’’) as follows:

Cara
Brit
Zenith National
Crum & Forster
Thomas Cook India
OdysseyRe
Fairfax Asia
Northbridge
All other(1)

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Goodwill
211.5
154.3
317.6
186.5
184.2
119.7
105.6
88.3
266.0

Intangible
assets
990.3
576.6
121.4
145.1
69.1
55.2
67.5
64.5
124.1

Total Goodwill
119.7
154.3
317.6
177.5
186.0
126.5
39.7
85.3
221.6

1,201.8
730.9
439.0
331.6
253.3
174.9
173.1
152.8
390.1

Intangible
assets
674.9
584.9
129.1
153.9
61.6
61.9
0.4
58.7
61.3

Total
794.6
739.2
446.7
331.4
247.6
188.4
40.1
144.0
282.9

1,633.7

2,213.8

3,847.5

1,428.2

1,786.7

3,214.9

(1) Comprised primarily of balances related to The Keg, NCML, U.S. Runoff, Boat Rocker and Privi Organics.

At  December  31,  2016  goodwill  and  intangible  assets  were  comprised  primarily  of  amounts  arising  on  the
acquisitions of St-Hubert and Original Joe’s (by Cara), Privi Organics (by Fairfax India), AMAG and Bryte Insurance
during  2016,  Cara,  Brit,  Boat  Rocker  and  NCML  (by  Fairfax  India)  during  2015,  The  Keg,  Sterling  Resorts  and
Pethealth during 2014, American Safety, Hartville and Quess during 2013, Thomas Cook India during 2012, First
Mercury, Pacific Insurance and Sporting Life during 2011, Zenith National during 2010 and the privatizations of
Northbridge  and  OdysseyRe  during  2009.  Impairment  tests  for  goodwill  and  intangible  assets  not  subject  to
amortization were completed in 2016. It was concluded that no impairments had occurred other than a non-cash
goodwill  impairment  charge  of  $6.8  recognized  by  OdysseyRe  in  other  expenses  in  the  consolidated  statement
of earnings.

When testing for impairment, the recoverable amount of each CGU or group of CGUs was based on fair value less
costs of disposal, determined on the basis of market prices, where available, or discounted cash flow models. Cash
flow projections covering a five year period were derived from financial budgets approved by management. Cash
flows beyond the five year period were extrapolated using estimated growth rates which do not exceed the long term
average past growth rate for the business in which each CGU operates.

A  number  of  other  assumptions  and  estimates  including  premium  volumes,  expenses  and  working  capital
requirements were required to be incorporated into the discounted cash flow models. The forecasts were based on the
best estimates of future premiums or revenue and operating expenses using historical trends, general geographical
market conditions, industry trends and forecasts and other available information. These assumptions and estimates
were reviewed by the applicable CGU’s management and by head office management. The cash flow forecasts are
adjusted by applying appropriate after-tax discount rates within a range of 7.3% to 11.6% for insurance business and
9.4% to 20.2% for non-insurance business. The weighted average annual growth rate used to extrapolate cash flows
beyond five years for the majority of the CGUs was 3.0%.

69

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

13. Other Assets

Other assets were comprised as follows:

Premises and equipment

Other reporting segment sales receivables

Other reporting segment inventories

Income taxes refundable

Accrued interest and dividends

Prepaid expenses

Deferred compensation plans

Pension surplus (note 21)

Receivables for securities sold but not yet settled

Other

Current

Non-current

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Insurance and

Non-
reinsurance insurance
companies companies

251.9

–

–

174.7

97.3

59.7

63.4

50.8

15.6

307.3

639.6

295.2

235.5

28.0

9.5

64.4

–

–

26.5

199.0

Insurance and

Non-
reinsurance insurance
companies companies

164.2

–

–

72.8

134.4

49.3

47.6

77.8

20.0

397.8

240.9

103.6

25.1

28.9

16.0

–

–

–

Total

562.0

240.9

103.6

97.9

163.3

65.3

47.6

77.8

20.0

203.4

189.3

392.7

Total

891.5

295.2

235.5

202.7

106.8

124.1

63.4

50.8

42.1

506.3

1,020.7

1,497.7

2,518.4

769.5

1,001.6

1,771.1

487.5

533.2

792.9

704.8

1,280.4

1,238.0

394.9

374.6

519.9

481.7

914.8

856.3

1,020.7

1,497.7

2,518.4

769.5

1,001.6

1,771.1

14. Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities were comprised as follows:

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Insurance and
reinsurance

Non-
insurance
companies companies

Insurance and
reinsurance

Non-
insurance
companies companies

Payable to reinsurers

Other reporting segment payables related to cost of sales

Deferred gift card, hospitality and other revenue

Salaries and employee benefit liabilities

Amounts withheld and accrued taxes

Pension and post retirement liabilities (note 21)

Accrued commissions

Ceded deferred premium acquisition costs

Accrued rent, storage and facilities costs

Accrued premium taxes

Accrued interest expense

Accrued legal and professional fees

Amounts payable to agents and brokers

Amounts payable for securities purchased but not yet

settled

Administrative and other

498.3

–

20.9

218.3

169.7

196.2

85.4

84.7

17.1

55.2

41.4

29.6

30.5

14.4

453.3

–

416.7

263.4

31.2

48.5

20.7

–

–

47.7

–

2.1

8.5

0.1

Total

498.3

416.7

284.3

249.5

218.2

216.9

85.4

84.7

64.8

55.2

43.5

38.1

30.6

–

204.8

187.2

28.6

42.1

19.1

–

–

23.9

–

2.9

4.2

0.2

Total

428.7

204.8

206.5

235.2

159.4

198.7

72.0

72.9

42.2

51.7

39.6

25.3

17.9

428.7

–

19.3

206.6

117.3

179.6

72.0

72.9

18.3

51.7

36.7

21.1

17.7

114.7

442.0

–

134.7

14.4

588.0

–

244.3

114.7

686.3

Current

Non-current

1,915.0

973.6

2,888.6

1,798.6

757.3

2,555.9

1,191.3

723.7

690.1

283.5

1,881.4

1,007.2

1,142.3

656.3

560.5

196.8

1,702.8

853.1

1,915.0

973.6

2,888.6

1,798.6

757.3

2,555.9

70

15. Borrowings

Borrowings – holding company
Fairfax unsecured notes:

7.375% due April 15, 2018(e)
7.50% due August 19, 2019 (Cdn$400.0)(d)
7.25% due June 22, 2020 (Cdn$275.0)(d)
5.80% due May 15, 2021(d)
6.40% due May 25, 2021 (Cdn$400.0)(d)
5.84% due October 14, 2022 (Cdn$450.0)(d)
4.50% due March 22, 2023 (Cdn$400.0)(4)
4.875% due August 13, 2024(d)
4.95% due March 3, 2025 (Cdn$350.0)(d)
8.30% due April 15, 2026(e)
4.70% due December 16, 2026 (Cdn$450.0)(1)
7.75% due July 15, 2037(e)

Revolving credit facility
Trust preferred securities
Purchase consideration payable due 2017

Borrowings – insurance and reinsurance companies
OdysseyRe unsecured senior notes:

Series A, floating rate due March 15, 2021(d)
Series C, floating rate due December 15, 2021(d)

Brit 6.625% subordinated notes due December 9, 2030 (£135.0)
First Mercury floating rate trust preferred securities due 2036 and

2037

Zenith National 8.55% debentures due August 1, 2028(d)
Advent floating rate subordinated notes due June 3, 2035(d)
Advent floating rate unsecured senior notes due 2026(d)

Borrowings – non-insurance companies(c)
Fairfax India floating rate term loan(2)
Cara floating rate term loan due September 2, 2019 (Cdn$150.0)(3)
The Keg 7.5% note due May 31, 2042 (Cdn$57.0)
The Keg floating rate revolving facility and term loan due July 2,

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Carrying

Fair

Principal

value(a) value(b) Principal

Carrying

Fair
value(a) value(b)

144.2
298.3
205.1
500.0
298.3
335.6
298.3
300.0
261.0
91.8
335.6
91.3
200.0
2.1
129.2

144.2
297.0
204.2
497.4
296.5
339.6
295.4
295.6
256.6
91.6
332.7
90.4
200.0
2.1
129.2

153.8
334.4
233.6
538.9
337.3
373.9
310.6
297.8
272.6
109.9
338.9
104.2
200.0
2.1
129.2

144.2
288.0
198.0
500.0
288.0
324.0
–
300.0
252.0
91.8
–
91.3
–
2.1
134.7

144.1
286.2
196.9
496.7
285.8
328.7
–
295.0
247.0
91.5
–
90.3
–
2.1
134.7

157.1
328.2
228.4
531.5
325.2
359.1
–
293.2
261.4
112.1
–
106.4
–
2.1
134.7

3,490.8

3,472.5 3,737.2

2,614.1

2,599.0 2,839.4

50.0
40.0
166.8

41.4
38.4
46.7
46.0

49.9
39.9
175.9

41.4
38.2
45.4
44.8

51.8
42.3
169.0

41.4
38.2
41.5
46.0

50.0
40.0
199.0

41.4
38.4
47.0
46.0

49.9
39.9
208.6

41.4
38.1
45.8
44.8

50.7
41.3
207.6

41.4
38.1
41.8
46.0

429.3

435.5

430.2

461.8

468.5

466.9

225.0
111.9
42.5

223.8
111.4
42.5

223.8
111.4
42.5

–
–
41.0

–
–
41.0

–
–
41.0

2018

20.9

20.7

20.7

23.0

22.8

22.8

Thomas Cook India 10.52% debentures redeemable in equal
instalments from 2016 to 2018 (1.0 billion Indian rupees)
Thomas Cook India 9.37% debentures redeemable in equal
instalments from 2018 to 2020 (1.0 billion Indian rupees)
Loans and revolving credit facilities primarily at floating rates(3)

9.8

9.8

9.2

15.1

15.1

15.6

14.7
438.6

14.7
436.7

14.7
436.7

15.1
190.9

15.0
190.1

15.0
190.1

863.4

859.6

859.0

285.1

284.0

284.5

Total debt

4,783.5

4,767.6 5,026.4

3,361.0

3,351.5 3,590.8

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Insurance and

Insurance and

Holding
company

reinsurance Non-insurance
companies

companies

Holding
Total company

reinsurance Non-insurance
companies

companies

Total

329.3
3,161.5

3,490.8

–
429.3

429.3

386.4
477.0

715.7
4,067.8

5.4
2,608.7

863.4

4,783.5

2,614.1

–
461.8

461.8

123.5
161.6

128.9
3,232.1

285.1

3,361.0

Principal
Current
Non-current

71

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

(a) Principal net of unamortized issue costs and discounts (premiums).

(b) Based  principally  on  quoted  market  prices  with  the  remainder  based  on  discounted  cash  flow  models  using  market

observable inputs (Levels 1 and 2 respectively in the fair value hierarchy).

(c) These borrowings are non-recourse to the holding company.

(d) Redeemable at the issuer’s option at any time at certain prices specified in the instrument’s offering document.

(e) This debt has no provision for redemption prior to the contractual maturity date.

During 2016 the company and its subsidiaries completed the following debt transactions:

(1) On December 16, 2016 the company completed an underwritten public offering of Cdn$450.0 principal amount
of  4.70%  unsecured  senior  notes  due  December  16,  2026  at  an  issue  price  of  99.669  for  net  proceeds  after
discount, commissions and expenses of $334.5 (Cdn$446.2). Commissions and expenses of $2.8 (Cdn$3.8) were
included as part of the carrying value of the debt. The notes are redeemable at the company’s option, in whole or
in part, at any time prior to September 16, 2026 at the greater of (i) a specified redemption price based upon the
then current yield of a Government of Canada bond with an equal term to maturity or (ii) par, and at any time
on or after September 16, 2026 at par. The company has designated these senior notes as a hedge of a portion of
its net investment in its Canadian subsidiaries.

(2) On September 16, 2016 Fairfax India entered into a $225.0 floating rate secured term loan. A portion of the net
proceeds  was  used  to  fund  an  additional  investment  of  $50.0  in  Sanmar  debt  securities  (note  6)  while  the
remainder was invested in cash equivalents in anticipation of the investment in BIAL (note 23).

(3) On September 2, 2016 Cara completed the acquisition of a 100% interest in St-Hubert (as described in note 23)
which  was  partially  financed  through  borrowings  of  $92.9  (Cdn$121.0)  on  its  floating  rate  revolving  credit
facility and a floating rate term loan of $115.2 (Cdn$150.0) maturing on September 2, 2019.

(4) On March 22, 2016 the company completed an underwritten public offering of Cdn$400.0 principal amount of
4.50% unsecured senior notes due March 22, 2023 at an issue price of 99.431 for net proceeds after discount,
commissions and expenses of $303.2 (Cdn$395.7). Commissions and expenses of $1.5 (Cdn$2.0) were included
as part of the carrying value of the debt. The notes are redeemable at the company’s option, in whole or in part,
at any time at the greater of (i) a specified redemption price based upon the then current yield of a Government
of Canada bond with an equal term to maturity or (ii) par.

Principal repayments on borrowings are due as follows:

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021 Thereafter

Total

Holding company
Insurance and reinsurance companies
Non-insurance companies

329.3 144.2 298.3 205.1
–
16.4

–
62.2 146.1

–
386.4

–

798.3
90.0
189.8

1,715.6 3,490.8
429.3
863.4

339.3
62.5

Total

715.7 206.4 444.4 221.5 1,078.1

2,117.4 4,783.5

Credit Facility – Holding company

The holding company has an unsecured $1.0 billion revolving credit facility (the ‘‘credit facility’’) with a syndicate of
lenders that expires on May 11, 2019. At December 31, 2016 the company had drawn $200.0 on a short term basis
from the credit facility at a floating interest rate of 2.46%.

Subsequent to December 31, 2016

On January 30, 2017 the company announced tender offers to purchase a targeted aggregate principal amount of up
to Cdn$250 of its outstanding 7.50% senior notes due August 19, 2019, 7.25% senior notes due June 22, 2020 and
6.40% senior notes due May 25, 2021. On February 23, 2017 the company announced a modification of pricing
terms on its tender offers and extended the expiration to March 10, 2017.

72

16. Total Equity

Equity attributable to shareholders of Fairfax

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 (cumulatively carrying 41.8% voting power) and an unlimited number
of subordinate voting shares carrying one vote per share.

Issued capital

Issued capital at December 31, 2016 included 1,548,000 (December 31, 2015 – 1,548,000) multiple voting shares and
23,004,207  (December  31,  2015 – 22,034,939)  subordinate  voting  shares  without  par  value  prior  to  deducting
659,411  (December  31,  2015 – 569,850)  subordinate  voting  shares  reserved  in  treasury  for  share-based  payment
awards. The multiple voting shares are not traded.

Common stock

The number of shares outstanding was as follows:

Subordinate voting shares – January 1

Issuances during the year
Purchases for cancellation
Treasury shares acquired
Treasury shares reissued

Subordinate voting shares – December 31
Multiple voting shares – beginning and end of year
Interest in subordinate voting shares held through ownership interest in

shareholder – beginning and end of year

Common stock effectively outstanding – December 31

2016
21,465,089
1,000,000
(30,732)
(130,075)
40,514

2015
20,427,398
1,169,294
–
(185,156)
53,553

22,344,796
1,548,000

21,465,089
1,548,000

(799,230)

(799,230)

23,093,566

22,213,859

On March 2, 2016 the company completed an underwritten public offering of 1.0 million subordinate voting shares
at a price of Cdn$735.00 per share, resulting in net proceeds of $523.5 (Cdn$705.1), after commissions and expenses
of $22.2 (Cdn$29.9), to provide financing for the acquisition of Eurolife and the additional investment in ICICI
Lombard as described in note 6.

During  2016  the  company  repurchased  for  cancellation  30,732  subordinate  voting  shares  (2015 – nil)  under  the
terms of its normal course issuer bids at a cost of $14.1 (2015 – nil) of which $8.0 (2015 – nil) was charged to retained
earnings.

During 2016 the company repurchased for treasury 130,075 subordinate voting shares at a cost of $64.2 (2015 –
185,156 subordinate voting shares at a cost of $95.5) on the open market for use in its share-based payment awards.

Dividends paid by the company on its outstanding multiple voting and subordinate voting shares were as follows:

Date of declaration
January 4, 2017
January 5, 2016
January 5, 2015

Date of record
January 19, 2017
January 20, 2016
January 20, 2015

Date of payment
January 26, 2017
January 27, 2016
January 27, 2015

Dividend
per share
$10.00
$10.00
$10.00

Total
cash
payment
$237.4
$227.8
$216.1

73

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Preferred stock

The number of preferred shares outstanding was as follows:

Series C

Series D

Series E

Series F

Series G

Series H

Series I

Series J

Series K

Series M

Total

January 1, 2015

2015 activity:

Issuances

Repurchases

Conversions

6,016,384

3,983,616

7,924,674

–

–

–

10,000,000

–

–

–

–

–

12,000,000

–

–

–

–

–

9,500,000

–

49,424,674

–

–

–

9,200,000

9,200,000

–

–

(385,496)

–

(3,572,044) 3,572,044

(2,567,048) 2,567,048

(1,534,447) 1,534,447

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(385,496)

December 31, 2015

6,016,384

3,983,616

3,967,134

3,572,044

7,432,952

2,567,048

10,465,553

1,534,447

9,500,000

9,200,000

58,239,178

2016 activity:

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

December 31, 2016

6,016,384

3,983,616

3,967,134

3,572,044

7,432,952

2,567,048

10,465,553

1,534,447

9,500,000

9,200,000

58,239,178

The carrying value of preferred shares outstanding was as follows:

Series C

Series D

Series E

Series F

Series G

Series H

Series I

Series J

Series K

Series M

Total

January 1, 2015

2015 activity:

Issuances

Repurchases

Conversions

136.7

90.5

181.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(8.8)

(81.8)

December 31, 2015

136.7

90.5

90.8

–

–

–

81.8

81.8

235.9

–

–

(60.6)

175.3

–

–

–

60.6

60.6

288.5

–

–

(36.9)

251.6

–

–

–

36.9

36.9

231.7

–

1,164.7

–

–

–

179.0

–

–

179.0

(8.8)

–

231.7

179.0

1,334.9

2016 activity:

Other

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.6

0.6

December 31, 2016

136.7

90.5

90.8

81.8

175.3

60.6

251.6

36.9

231.7

179.6

1,335.5

The terms of the company’s cumulative five-year rate reset preferred shares at December 31, 2016 were as follows:

Next possible
redemption and
conversion date(1)(2)

December 31, 2019
December 31, 2019
March 31, 2020
March 31, 2020
September 30, 2020
September 30, 2020
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2020
March 31, 2017
March 31, 2020

Number of
shares
outstanding

6,016,384
3,983,616
3,967,134
3,572,044
7,432,952
2,567,048
10,465,553
1,534,447
9,500,000
9,200,000

Stated capital

Cdn $150.4
Cdn $99.6
Cdn $99.2
Cdn $89.3
Cdn $185.8
Cdn $64.2
Cdn $261.6
Cdn $38.4
Cdn $237.5
Cdn $230.0

Liquidation
preference
per share

Cdn $25.00
Cdn $25.00
Cdn $25.00
Cdn $25.00
Cdn $25.00
Cdn $25.00
Cdn $25.00
Cdn $25.00
Cdn $25.00
Cdn $25.00

Fixed
dividend rate
per annum

Floating
dividend rate
per
annum(3)

4.58%
–
2.91%
–
3.32%
–
3.71%
–
5.00%
4.75%

–
3.66%
–
2.67%
–
3.07%
–
3.36%
–
–

Series C
Series D
Series E
Series F
Series G
Series H
Series I
Series J
Series K
Series M

(1) Fixed and floating rate cumulative preferred shares are redeemable at the company’s option at each stated redemption date

and on each subsequent five-year anniversary date at Cdn$25.00 per share.

(2) Holders of Series C, Series E, Series G, Series I, Series K and Series M fixed rate cumulative preferred shares will have the
right, at their option, to convert their shares into floating rate cumulative preferred shares Series D, Series F, Series H,
Series J, Series L and Series N respectively, at the conversion dates specified in the table above, and on each subsequent
five-year anniversary date. Holders of Series D, Series F, Series H and Series J floating rate cumulative preferred shares will
have the right, at their option, to convert their shares into fixed rate cumulative preferred shares Series C, Series E, Series G
and  Series  I  respectively,  at  the  conversion  dates  specified  in  the  table  above,  and  on  each  subsequent  five-year
anniversary date.

(3) The Series D, Series F, Series H, and Series J preferred shares, and the Series L and Series N preferred shares (of which none
are currently issued), have a floating dividend rate equal to the three-month Government of Canada treasury bill yield plus
3.15%, 2.16%, 2.56%, 2.85%, 3.51% and 3.98% respectively, with rate resets at the end of each calendar quarter.

74

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

The  amounts  related  to  each  component  of  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  (loss)  attributable  to
shareholders of Fairfax were as follows:

Items that may be subsequently reclassified

to net earnings
Currency translation account
Share of accumulated other comprehensive loss
of associates, excluding net gains (losses) on
defined benefit plans

Items that will not be subsequently

reclassified to net earnings
Share of net gains (losses) on defined benefit

plans of associates

Net losses on defined benefit plans

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Income tax

Income tax

Pre-tax
amount

(expense) After-tax
amount
recovery

Pre-tax
amount

(expense) After-tax
amount
recovery

(356.6)

(7.6)

(364.2)

(243.7)

(21.6)

(265.3)

(157.1)

(513.7)

26.3

18.7

(130.8)

(118.0)

(495.0)

(361.7)

22.6

1.0

(95.4)

(360.7)

(42.6)
(28.0)

(70.6)

10.8
6.9

17.7

(31.8)
(21.1)

(52.9)

(0.3)
(5.4)

(5.7)

0.5
1.9

2.4

0.2
(3.5)

(3.3)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

attributable to shareholders of Fairfax

(584.3)

36.4

(547.9)

(367.4)

3.4

(364.0)

Non-controlling interests

Subsidiary
Fairfax India(1)
Brit(2)
Cara(3)
Thomas Cook India
AMAG(4)
The Keg
All other

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Minority
voting
percentage

Carrying
value

Minority
voting
percentage

Carrying
value

4.7%
27.5%
43.4%
32.3%
20.0%
49.0%

743.7
463.4
523.9
139.6
25.9
23.5
80.0

4.9%
29.9%
43.1%
32.2%
–
49.0%

716.4
505.1
351.2
106.3
–
17.2
35.3

Domicile

Canada
U.K.
Canada
India
Indonesia
Canada
–

2,000.0

1,731.5

117.8

Net earnings
attributable to
non-controlling
interests

Year ended
December 31,

2016

24.4
50.4
30.8
2.4
0.1
5.9
3.8

2015

18.1
3.6
43.8
2.2
–
2.2
4.4

74.3

Pursuant to the transactions described in note 23:

(1) On August 26, 2016 Fairfax India acquired a 50.8% interest in Privi Organics.

(2) On August 3, 2016 Brit paid cash consideration of $57.8 to purchase shares for cancellation from OMERS, which

increased the company’s ownership interest in Brit by 2.4%.

(3) On September 2, 2016 Cara acquired a 100% interest in St-Hubert which was partially financed by a private

placement of Cara subordinate voting shares.

(4) On October 10, 2016 the company acquired an 80.0% interest in AMAG.

Non-controlling  interest  voting  percentage  was  consistent  with  economic  ownership  for  each  subsidiary  at
December  31,  2016  except  for  Fairfax  India  and  Cara  whose  non-controlling  interest  economic  ownership
percentages were 70.6% and 61.1% respectively.

75

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

17. Earnings per Share

Net earnings (loss) per share is calculated based upon the weighted average common shares outstanding as follows:

Net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders of Fairfax
Preferred share dividends
Excess of book value over consideration of preferred shares purchased for cancellation

Net earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders – basic and diluted

Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic
Share-based payment awards

Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted

Net earnings (loss) per common share – basic
Net earnings (loss) per common share – diluted

2016

(512.5)
(44.0)
–

(556.5)

2015

567.7
(49.3)
4.0

522.4

23,017,184
–

22,069,942
494,874

23,017,184

22,564,816

$
$

(24.18)
(24.18)

$
$

23.67
23.15

Share-based payment awards of 567,450 were not included in the calculation of net loss per diluted common share
for the year ended December 31, 2016 as inclusion of the awards would be anti-dilutive.

18. Income Taxes

The company’s provision for (recovery of) income taxes for the years ended December 31 were as follows:

Current income tax

Current year expense
Adjustments to prior years’ income taxes

Deferred income tax

Origination and reversal of temporary differences
Adjustments to prior years’ deferred income taxes
Other

Recovery of income taxes

2016

2015

95.1
19.1

198.8
(5.9)

114.2

192.9

(265.6)
2.9
(11.1)

(194.4)
(9.9)
(6.1)

(273.8)

(210.4)

(159.6)

(17.5)

A significant portion of the company’s earnings or losses before income taxes may be earned or incurred outside of
Canada.  The  statutory  income  tax  rates  for  jurisdictions  outside  of  Canada  generally  differs  from  the  Canadian
statutory income tax rate (and may be significantly higher or lower). The company’s earnings before income taxes by
jurisdiction and the associated provision for (recovery of) income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2016 and
2015 are summarized in the following table:

2016

2015

Canada U.S.(1) U.K.(2) Other

Total Canada U.S.(1) U.K.(2) Other Total

Earnings (loss) before income taxes
Provision for (recovery of) income taxes

(332.8) (354.1)
69.6 (234.6)

42.2
(23.7)

90.4 (554.3)
29.1 (159.6)

478.1
59.7

137.1
(83.0)

(56.1)
(15.7)

65.4 624.5
(17.5)
21.5

Net earnings (loss)

(402.4) (119.5)

65.9

61.3 (394.7)

418.4

220.1

(40.4)

43.9 642.0

(1) Principally  comprised  of  Crum  &  Forster,  Zenith  National,  OdysseyRe  (notwithstanding  that  certain  operations  of

OdysseyRe conduct business outside of the U.S.), U.S. Runoff and other associated holding company results.

(2) Principally comprised of Brit, Riverstone UK, Advent and other associated holding company results.

The  decrease  in  pre-tax  profitability  in  Canada  in  2016  compared  to  2015  primarily  reflected  net  losses  on
investments in 2016 compared to net gains on investments in 2015 and non-recurring gains in 2015 related to the
Cara  acquisition  and  sale  of  Ridley.  The  decrease  in  pre-tax  profitability  in  the  U.S.  in  2016  compared  to  2015

76

primarily reflected net losses on investments, reduced operating income of the insurance and reinsurance operating
companies and increased net adverse development at U.S. Runoff. The increase in pre-tax profitability in the U.K.
and Other in 2016 compared to 2015 primarily reflected improved investment results.

Reconciliations of the provision for (recovery of) income taxes calculated at the Canadian statutory income tax rate
to the recovery of income taxes at the effective tax rate in the consolidated financial statements for the years ended
December 31, 2016 and 2015 are summarized in the following table:

Canadian statutory income tax rate

Provision for (recovery of) income taxes at the Canadian statutory income tax rate
Non-taxable investment income
Change in unrecorded tax benefit of losses and temporary differences
Change in tax rate for deferred income taxes
Provision (recovery) relating to prior years
Tax rate differential on income and losses incurred outside Canada
Other including permanent differences
Foreign exchange effect

Recovery of income taxes

2016

2015

26.5% 26.5%

(146.9)
(74.7)
117.5
(15.1)
22.0
(65.3)
11.3
(8.4)

165.5
(204.1)
(28.9)
(2.4)
(0.6)
29.8
17.5
5.7

(159.6)

(17.5)

Non-taxable investment income is principally comprised of dividend income, non-taxable interest income and the
50% of net capital gains which are not taxable in Canada. During 2015 non-taxable investment income of $204.1
included gains on the sale of Ridley and the Cara acquisition. The Ridley gain and a portion of the Cara gain were
incurred in Canada and therefore only 50% taxable, while the remainder of the Cara gain was largely non-taxable as
the Cara acquisition resulted in a rollover of tax basis for the instruments exchanged.

The change in unrecorded tax benefit of losses and temporary differences of $117.5 in 2016 principally reflected
deferred tax assets in Canada of $117.9 (2015 – $10.9) that were not recorded because the related pre-tax losses did
not meet the applicable recognition criteria under IFRS. In 2015 the change in unrecorded tax benefit of losses and
temporary differences of $28.9 also included the recognition of a deferred tax asset at Cara ($40.8) after determining
that it was probable that certain tax attributes and temporary differences at Cara could be utilized prior to expiration.

The provision relating to prior years in 2016 of $22.0 and the recovery relating to prior years in 2015 of $0.6 primarily
related to refinements of computations associated with internal reorganizations and adjustments arising from the
filing of income tax returns.

The tax rate differential on income and losses incurred outside Canada of $65.3 in 2016 principally reflected the rate
differential on net losses in the U.S. and net earnings in the U.K. The tax rate differential on income and losses
incurred outside Canada of $29.8 in 2015 principally reflected the rate differential on net earnings in the U.S. The
U.S. statutory income tax rate is significantly higher than the Canadian rate while the U.K. statutory income tax rate
is lower than the Canadian rate.

Income taxes refundable and payable were as follows:

Income taxes refundable
Income taxes payable

Net income taxes refundable

December 31,
2016

December 31,
2015

202.7
(35.4)

167.3

97.9
(85.8)

12.1

77

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Changes in net income taxes (payable) refundable during the years ended December 31 were as follows:

Balance – January 1

Amounts recorded in the consolidated statements of earnings
Payments made during the year
Acquisitions of subsidiaries
Foreign exchange effect and other

Balance – December 31

2016

2015

12.1
(114.2)
267.1
3.9
(1.6)

(67.2)
(192.9)
259.0
12.0
1.2

167.3

12.1

Changes in the net deferred income tax asset during the years ended December 31 were as follows:

Operating
and

Provision
for losses Provision
for

and loss

Deferred
premium

2016

capital adjustment unearned acquisition Intan- Invest-

Tax

Balance – January 1, 2016

Amounts recorded in the consolidated

statement of earnings

Amounts recorded in total equity
Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23)
Foreign exchange effect and other

losses

235.4

(57.8)
–
9.7
1.5

expenses premiums

costs

gibles ments credits Other Total

204.2

92.8

(96.9)

(325.4)

49.0 174.9 129.9 463.9

(22.7)
–
–
0.8

31.8
–
(0.3)
2.3

(24.1)
–
0.7
0.3

27.9
–
(47.7)
(2.4)

266.9
17.7
(1.1)
(0.6)

2.4 273.8
49.4
–
19.6 37.3
– (14.5) (53.2)
8.9 10.8

–

Balance – December 31, 2016

188.8

182.3

126.6

(120.0)

(347.6) 331.9 224.3 146.3 732.6

Operating
and

Provision
for losses Provision
for

and loss

Deferred
premium

2015

capital adjustment unearned acquisition Intan- Invest-

Tax

Balance – January 1, 2015

Amounts recorded in the consolidated

statement of earnings

Amounts recorded in total equity
Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23)
Foreign exchange effect and other

losses

479.7

(238.3)
(1.6)
10.7
(15.1)

expenses premiums

costs

gibles ments credits Other Total

293.0

89.8

(95.5)

(155.3) (339.3) 112.3

75.7 460.4

(51.7)
–
(32.9)
(4.2)

3.0
–
–
–

(0.6)
–
–
(0.8)

12.8
–
(206.9)
24.0

376.9
9.4
(0.1)
2.1

62.6
–
–
–

45.7 210.4
(7.0)
0.8
20.2 (209.0)
1.3
(4.7)

Balance – December 31, 2015

235.4

204.2

92.8

(96.9)

(325.4)

49.0

174.9 129.9 463.9

Management expects that the recorded deferred income tax asset will be realized in the normal course of operations. The
most  significant  temporary  differences  included  in  the  deferred  income  tax  asset  at  December  31,  2016  related  to
provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses and investments, partially offset by a deferred income tax liability
related to intangible assets. The provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses is recorded on an undiscounted basis in
these consolidated financial statements but is recorded on a discounted basis in certain jurisdictions for tax purposes,
resulting  in  temporary  differences. Temporary  differences  related  to  investments  are  primarily  due  to  net  unrealized
investment  losses  in  the  U.S. In  these  consolidated  financial  statements,  investment  gains  and  losses  are  primarily
recognized on a mark-to-market basis but are only recognized for tax purposes when realized (particularly in the U.S. and
several other jurisdictions).

Management conducts ongoing reviews of the recoverability of the deferred income tax asset and adjusts, as necessary, to
reflect its anticipated realization. As at December 31, 2016 management has not recorded deferred income tax assets of
$590.0 (December 31, 2015 – $412.2) related primarily to operating and capital losses and U.S. foreign tax credits. The
losses  for  which  deferred  income  tax  assets  have  not  been  recorded  are  comprised  of  $1,064.7  of  losses  in  Canada
(December  31,  2015 – $591.1),  $585.7  of  losses  in  Europe  (December  31,  2015 – $463.0),  $44.6  of  losses  in  the
U.S. (December 31, 2015 – $44.5), and $59.0 of foreign tax credits in the U.S. (December 31, 2015 – $59.0). The losses in
Canada expire between 2026 and 2036. The losses and foreign tax credits in the U.S. expire between 2020 and 2035. The
losses in Europe do not have an expiry date.

78

Deferred income tax has not been recognized for the withholding tax and other taxes that could be payable on the
unremitted  earnings  of  certain  subsidiaries.  Unremitted  earnings  amounted  to  approximately  $3.1  billion  at
December 31, 2016 (December 31, 2015 – $3.2 billion) and are not likely to be repatriated in the foreseeable future.

19. Statutory Requirements

The retained earnings of the company are largely represented by retained earnings at the insurance and reinsurance
subsidiaries. The 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  capital  requirements  and  management  thereof  are  discussed  in  note  24.  The  company’s  share  of
dividends paid in 2016 by the insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries, comprised of cash and marketable securities,
which are eliminated on consolidation was $447.8 (2015 – $757.9). Based on the surplus and net income of the
insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries at December 31, 2016, the dividend capacity available in 2017 at each of the
primary operating companies is as follows:

OdysseyRe
Northbridge(1)
Zenith National
Crum & Forster
Brit

(1) Subject to prior regulatory approval.

20. Contingencies and Commitments

Lawsuits

December 31,
2016
319.4
178.5
115.2
103.0
97.1

813.2

On  July  26,  2006  Fairfax  filed  a  lawsuit  seeking  $6  billion  in  damages  from  a  number  of  defendants  who,  the
complaint (as subsequently amended) alleges, participated in a stock market manipulation scheme involving Fairfax
shares. The complaint, filed in Superior Court, Morris County, New Jersey, alleges violations of various state laws,
including the New Jersey Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, pursuant to which treble damages
may  be  available.  On  September  12,  2012,  before  trial,  and  consequently  without  having  heard  or  made  any
determination on the facts, the Court dismissed the lawsuit on legal grounds. In October 2012 Fairfax filed an appeal
of this dismissal, as it believes that the legal basis for the dismissal is incorrect. This appeal was heard on October 17,
2016, and the decision was reserved. The ultimate outcome of any litigation is uncertain. The financial effects, if any,
of this lawsuit cannot be practicably determined at this time, and the company’s consolidated financial statements
include no anticipated recovery from the lawsuit.

Other

The Autorit ´e des march ´es financiers (the ‘‘AMF’’), the securities regulatory authority in the Province of Quebec, is
conducting  an  investigation  of  Fairfax,  its  CEO,  Prem  Watsa,  and  its  President,  Paul  Rivett.  The  investigation
concerns  the  possibility  of  illegal  insider  trading  and/or  tipping  (not  involving  any  personal  trading  by  the
individuals) in connection with the December 15, 2011 takeover offer by Resolute Forest Products Inc. for shares of
Fibrek  Inc.  Except  as  set  out  below,  further  details  concerning  the  investigation  are,  by  law,  not  permitted  to
be disclosed.

The AMF has authorized Fairfax to make the above-mentioned disclosure. Fairfax and its management are solely
responsible for the content of the disclosure set out in the three following paragraphs; the AMF has not in any way
endorsed that content.

Resolute’s above-mentioned takeover offer was made to all Fibrek shareholders, including Fairfax. Fairfax agreed in
that transaction to a hard lock-up agreement with Resolute whereby Fairfax agreed to tender its shares of Fibrek,
representing approximately 26% of Fibrek’s outstanding shares, to the Resolute takeover offer at the same price as all

79

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

other Fibrek shareholders. At the time of the Resolute takeover offer for Fibrek, Fairfax’s position in Fibrek was valued
at approximately Cdn$32, representing less than  1⁄6 of 1% of Fairfax’s total invested assets at that time.

Fibrek actively opposed the Resolute takeover offer. ln 2012, the Fibrek transaction was the subject of numerous
regulatory hearings in Quebec and court proceedings relating to Fibrek’s anti-takeover tactics and the hard lock-ups
given by various selling shareholders, including Fairfax. Allegations were made in those hearings concerning the
possibility  of  non-compliance  with  the  takeover  bid  rules.  Resolute’s  takeover  offer  was  allowed  to  proceed  and
resulted in Resolute acquiring Fibrek.

Fairfax  believes  it  has  an  unblemished  record  for  honesty  and  integrity  and  is  fully  cooperating  with  the  AMF’s
investigation.  Fairfax  continues  to  be  confident  that  in  connection  with  the  Resolute  takeover  offer,  it  had  no
material non-public information, that it did not engage in illegal insider trading or tipping, and that there is no
reasonable basis for any proceedings in this connection. To the best of Fairfax’s knowledge, the AMF investigation is
still ongoing. If the AMF commences legal proceedings, which could be administrative or penal, no assurance can be
given at this time by Fairfax as to the outcome.

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,
financial performance or cash flows.

OdysseyRe,  Brit,  Advent  and  RiverStone  (UK)  (‘‘the  Lloyd’s  participants’’)  underwrite  in  the  Lloyd’s  of  London
insurance market through their participation in certain Lloyd’s syndicates. The Lloyd’s participants have pledged
cash  and  securities  with  fair  values  of  $207.4  and  $1,105.8  at  December  31,  2016  as  capital  to  support  those
underwriting activities and in respect of specific reinsurance contracts that the entities have entered into. Pledged
securities  and  restricted  cash  consist  of  cash,  fixed  income  and  equity  investments  which  are  included  within
portfolio investments on the consolidated balance sheet. The Lloyd’s participants have the ability to substitute other
securities for these pledged securities, subject to certain admissibility criteria. The Lloyd’s participants’ liability in
respect of assets pledged as capital is limited to the aggregate amount of the pledged assets and their obligation to
support these liabilities will continue until such liabilities are settled or are reinsured by a third party approved by
Lloyd’s. The company believes that the syndicates for which the Lloyd’s participants are capital providers maintain
sufficient  liquidity  and  financial  resources  to  support  their  ultimate  liabilities  and  does  not  anticipate  that  the
pledged assets will be utilized.

The company’s maximum capital commitments for potential investments in common stocks, limited partnerships
and associates at December 31, 2016 was $280.8, with a further amount of approximately $6.6 billion committed for
investments described in note 23 (excluding potential co-investments by third parties), most notably the company’s
agreements to acquire or invest in Allied World, AIG’s insurance operations in Latin America and Central and Eastern
Europe, Fairfax Africa and Fairfax India’s agreement to invest in BIAL.

80

21. Pensions and Post Retirement Benefits

The funded status of the company’s defined benefit pension and post retirement plans were as follows:

Benefit obligation
Fair value of plan assets

Funded status of plans – deficit
Impact of asset ceiling

Net accrued liability (notes 13 and 14)(1)

Defined benefit
pension plans
December 31

Post retirement
benefit plans
December 31

2016
(803.7)
747.9

(55.8)
(1.0)

2015
(736.6)
715.4

(21.2)
(1.4)

2016
(109.3)
–

(109.3)
–

2015
(98.3)
–

(98.3)
–

(56.8)

(22.6)

(109.3)

(98.3)

Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:
Discount rate
Rate of compensation increase
Health care cost trend

3.6%
3.6%
–

4.0%
3.5%
–

4.2%
3.8%
6.1%

4.2%
3.5%
6.4%

(1) The defined benefit pension plan net accrued liability at December 31, 2016 of $56.8 (December 31, 2015 – $22.6) was
comprised of pension surpluses of $50.8 and pension deficits of $107.6 (December 31, 2015 – $77.8 and $100.4).

Pension and post retirement expenses recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings for the years ended
December 31 were as follows:

Defined benefit pension plan expense
Defined contribution pension plan expense
Defined benefit post retirement expense

2016
27.7
32.2
8.0

67.9

2015
21.6
32.5
9.4

63.5

Pre-tax actuarial net gains (losses) recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years
ended December 31 were as follows:

Defined benefit pension plans

Actuarial net gains (losses) on plan assets and change in asset ceiling
Actuarial net gains (losses) on benefit obligations

Post retirement benefit plans – actuarial net gains (losses) on benefit obligations

2016

2015

54.5
(76.4)

(21.9)
(1.4)

(40.2)
25.7

(14.5)
5.1

(23.3)

(9.4)

During  2016  the  company  contributed  $21.8  (2015 – $29.8)  to  its  defined  benefit  pension  and  post  retirement
benefit plans, and expects to make contributions of $27.2 in 2017.

81

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

22. Operating Leases

During 2016 the company incurred operating lease costs of $152.4 (2015 – $132.2).

Aggregate future minimum operating lease commitments at December 31, 2016 relating to premises, automobiles
and equipment for various terms up to ten years were as follows:

2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Thereafter

23. Acquisitions and Divestitures

Subsequent to December 31, 2016

Investment in Fairfax Africa Holdings Corporation

142.7
132.9
122.9
109.2
99.4
328.1

On  February  17,  2017  the  company  acquired  22,715,394  multiple  voting  shares  in  a  private  placement  and
2,500,000  subordinate  voting  shares  as  part  of  the  initial  public  offering  of  Fairfax  Africa  Holdings  Corporation
(‘‘Fairfax Africa’’) for total cash consideration of $252.2. The company also contributed its 39.6% indirect interest in
AFGRI Proprietary Limited (‘‘AFGRI’’) with a fair value of $72.8 to Fairfax Africa in exchange for 7,284,606 multiple
voting shares. Through its initial public offering, private placements and exercise of the over-allotment option by the
underwriters,  Fairfax  Africa  raised  net  proceeds  of  $494.2  after  issuance  costs  and  expenses,  inclusive  of  the
contribution  of  the  investment  in  AFGRI.  Following  those  transactions,  the  company’s  $325.0  investment
represented  98.8%  of  the  voting  rights  and  64.2%  of  the  equity  interest  in  Fairfax  Africa.  Fairfax  Africa  was
established,  with  the  support  of  Fairfax,  to  invest  in  public  and  private  equity  and  debt  instruments  of  African
businesses or other businesses with customers, suppliers or business primarily conducted in, or dependent on, Africa.
The  assets  and  liabilities  and  results  of  operations  of  Fairfax  Africa  will  be  consolidated  in  the  Other  reporting
segment.

Acquisition of Saurashtra Freight Private Limited

On  February  14,  2017  Fairfax  India  acquired  a  51.0%  interest  in Saurashtra  Freight  Private  Limited  (‘‘Saurashtra
Freight’’) for cash consideration of $30.0 (2.0 billion Indian rupees). Saurashtra Freight operates a container freight
station at the Mundra Port in the Indian state of Gujarat.

Agreement to acquire Tower Limited

On February 8, 2017 the company entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of Tower Limited (‘‘Tower’’) for cash
consideration of approximately $144 (197 million New Zealand dollars). Closing of the transaction is subject to
regulatory approvals and certain Tower shareholder approvals, and is expected to occur in the second quarter of
2017. Tower is a general insurer in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands with approximately $208 of gross premiums
written in fiscal 2016.

Additional Investment in Fairfax India Holdings Corporation

On January 13, 2017 the company acquired 12,340,500 subordinate voting shares of Fairfax India for $145.0 in a
private placement. Through that private placement and a contemporaneous bought deal public offering, Fairfax
India raised proceeds of $493.5 net of commissions and expenses. Combined with various open market purchases of
Fairfax  India  subordinate  voting  shares,  the  company’s  multiple  voting  shares  and  subordinate  voting  shares
represented 93.6% of the voting rights and 30.2% of the equity interest in Fairfax India at the close of the offerings.

82

Agreement to acquire Allied World Assurance Holdings, AG

On December 18, 2016 the company entered into an agreement to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of
Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, AG (‘‘Allied World’’) for consideration of $54.00 per share or $4.9 billion
in aggregate. The consideration per share is expected to be comprised as follows: a pre-closing cash dividend paid by
Allied World ($5.00); an exchange of Allied World common shares for Fairfax subordinate voting shares based on
certain  prescribed  exchange  ratios  ($26.00);  and  cash  paid  by  Fairfax  ($23.00,  inclusive  of  funding  provided  by
co-investors  as  described  below).  The  company  has  entered  into  agreements  with  Ontario  Municipal  Employees
Retirement System (‘‘OMERS’’), the pension plan manager for government employees in the province of Ontario,
Alberta Investment Management Corporation (‘‘AIMCo’’), an investment manager for pension, endowment and
government funds in the province of Alberta, and certain other third parties (together ‘‘the co-investors’’), pursuant
to  which  the  co-investors  will  invest  approximately  $1.6 billion  to  indirectly  acquire  approximately  33%  of  the
issued and outstanding shares of Allied World contemporaneous with the company’s acquisition of Allied World.
The  company  will  have  the  ability  to  acquire  the  shares  owned  by  the  co-investors  over  time.  Closing  of  the
transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and certain Allied World shareholder approvals, and is expected to
occur in the second or third quarter of 2017. Allied World is a global property, casualty and specialty insurer and
reinsurer.

Agreement to acquire certain American International Group, Inc. operations in Latin America and Central and Eastern Europe

On October 18, 2016 the company agreed to acquire from American International Group, Inc. (‘‘AIG’’) its insurance
operations in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Uruguay, Venezuela and Turkey, and certain assets and renewal rights with
respect  to  the  portfolio  of  local  business  written  by  AIG  Europe  in  Bulgaria,  Czech  Republic,  Hungary,  Poland,
Romania and Slovakia, for total consideration of approximately $240. Through an ongoing partnership, Fairfax will
support  and  service  AIG’s  multinational  business  in  the  countries  where  business  operations  are  acquired.  Each
transaction  is  subject  to  customary  closing  conditions,  including  relevant  regulatory  approvals,  and  expected  to
close in 2017.

Agreement to invest in Bangalore International Airport Limited

On March 28, 2016 the company and Fairfax India entered into an agreement to collectively acquire a 33.0% interest
in  Bangalore  International  Airport  Limited  (‘‘BIAL’’)  from  Bangalore  Airport  &  Infrastructure  Developers  Private
Limited,  a  wholly-owned  subsidiary  of  GVK  Power  and  Infrastructure  Limited,  for  aggregate  consideration  of
approximately $330 (approximately 22.0 billion Indian rupees) (the ‘‘GVK transaction’’). The company also entered
into  a  separate  agreement  to  acquire  an  additional  5.0%  interest  in  BIAL  from  Flughafen  Zurich  AG  for
approximately $49, contingent upon the successful completion of the GVK transaction. The transactions remain
subject  to  closing  conditions  and  regulatory  approvals.  BIAL  owns  and  operates  the  Kempegowda  International
Airport in Bangalore, India through a public-private partnership.

Year ended December 31, 2016

Acquisition of Zurich Insurance Company South Africa Limited

On December 7, 2016 the company acquired a 100% interest in Zurich Insurance Company South Africa Limited
(subsequently  renamed  Bryte  Insurance  Company  Limited  (‘‘Bryte  Insurance’’))  from  Zurich  Insurance
Company Ltd. for $128.0 (1.8 billion South African rand). Bryte Insurance is a property and casualty insurer in South
Africa and Botswana with gross written premiums of approximately $269 during 2016. The assets and liabilities and
results  of  operations  of  Bryte  Insurance  were  consolidated  in  the  Insurance  and  Reinsurance – Other  reporting
segment.

Acquisition of Original Joe’s Franchise Group Inc.

On November 28, 2016 Cara acquired an 89.2% interest in Original Joe’s Franchise Group Inc. (‘‘Original Joe’s’’) for
$83.8 (Cdn$112.5), comprised of cash consideration of $69.3 (Cdn$93.0) and contingent consideration valued at
$14.5 (Cdn$19.5). Original Joe’s is a Canadian multi-brand restaurant company based in the province of Alberta.

83

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Acquisition of Golf Town Limited

On October 31, 2016 the company acquired a 60% indirect interest in Golf Town Limited (‘‘Golf Town’’) for $31.4
(Cdn$42.0). Golf Town is a Canadian specialty retailer of golf equipment, consumables, golf apparel and accessories.
The assets and liabilities and results of operations of Golf Town were consolidated in the Other reporting segment.

Acquisition of PT Asuransi Multi Artha Guna Tbk

On October 10, 2016, the company acquired an 80.0% interest in PT Asuransi Multi Artha Guna Tbk. (‘‘AMAG’’)
from PT Bank Pan Indonesia Tbk. (‘‘Panin Bank’’) for $178.9 (2.322 trillion Indonesian rupiah). Fairfax Indonesia will
be  integrated  with  AMAG  and  AMAG  will  distribute  its  insurance  products  through  a  long-term  bancassurance
partnership with Panin Bank. AMAG is a general insurer in Indonesia with gross written premiums of approximately
$70 during 2016. The assets and liabilities and results of operations of AMAG were consolidated in the Fairfax Asia
reporting segment.

Acquisition of Asian Alliance General Insurance Limited

On  October  3,  2016  Union  Assurance  acquired  a  100%  interest  in  Asian  Alliance  General  Insurance  Limited
(subsequently  renamed  Fairfirst  Insurance  Limited  (‘‘Fairfirst  Insurance’’))  for  $10.2  (1,488.9  million  Sri  Lankan
rupees).  Fairfirst  Insurance  is  a  general  insurer  in  Sri  Lanka  with  gross  written  premiums  of  approximately  $16
during 2016. The assets and liabilities and results of operations of Fairfirst Insurance were consolidated in the Fairfax
Asia reporting segment.

Acquisition of Groupe St-Hubert Inc.

On September 2, 2016 Cara acquired a 100% interest in Groupe St-Hubert Inc. (‘‘St-Hubert’’) for $414.9 (Cdn$540.2),
comprised of cash consideration of $373.5 (Cdn$486.3) and the issuance of $41.4 (Cdn$53.9) of Cara subordinate
voting  shares  to  St-Hubert  shareholders.  A  portion  of  the  cash  consideration  was  financed  through  a  private
placement of 7,863,280 subordinate voting shares at a price of Cdn$29.25 for gross proceeds of $179.2 (Cdn$230.0),
of which 3,418,804 shares were acquired by Fairfax and its subsidiaries to maintain Fairfax’s equity interest and
voting interest in Cara. St-Hubert is a Canadian full-service restaurant operator as well as a fully integrated food
manufacturer in the province of Quebec.

Acquisition of Privi Organics Limited

On August 26, 2016 Fairfax India acquired a 50.8% interest in Privi Organics Limited (‘‘Privi Organics’’) for $55.0
(3.7  billion  Indian  rupees)  through  the  purchase  of  newly  issued  shares  and  shares  acquired  from  existing
shareholders.  It  is  expected  that  Privi  Organics  will  be  merged  with  Fairchem  Speciality  Limited  (‘‘Fairchem’’,
formerly known as Adi Finechem Limited) in the first quarter of 2017, subject to customary closing conditions.
Fairfax India had acquired a 44.9% interest in Fairchem in the first quarter of 2016. After the merger is effective,
Fairfax India will own approximately 49% of the merged business. Privi Organics is a supplier of aroma chemicals to
the fragrance industry.

Acquisition of Eastern European Insurers

On December 16, 2014 the company entered into an agreement with QBE Insurance (Europe) Limited (‘‘QBE’’) to
acquire QBE’s insurance operations in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia (the ‘‘QBE insurance operations’’).
A new Luxembourg insurer, Colonnade Insurance S.A. (‘‘Colonnade’’), was licensed in July 2015 and branches of
Colonnade were established in each of the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia during the fourth quarter of 2015.
The business and renewal rights of QBE’s Hungarian, Czech and Slovakian insurance operations were transferred to
Colonnade on February 1, 2016, April 1, 2016 and May 2, 2016 respectively. In 2015 the QBE insurance operations
generated  approximately  $78  in  gross  premiums  written  across  a  range  of  general  insurance  classes,  including
property, travel, general liability and product protection.

84

The preliminary determination of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with the
Bryte Insurance, AMAG, St-Hubert and other acquisitions during 2016 is summarized in the table that follows and
may be revised when estimates, assumptions and valuations are finalized within twelve months of the respective
acquisition dates:

Acquisition date
Percentage of common shares acquired
Assets:

Insurance contract receivables
Portfolio investments(3)
Recoverable from reinsurers
Deferred income taxes
Goodwill and intangible assets
Other assets

Liabilities:

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Short sale and derivative obligations
Deferred income taxes
Funds withheld payable to reinsurers
Insurance contract liabilities
Borrowings

Non-controlling interests
Purchase consideration

Bryte
Insurance

AMAG

St-Hubert Other(1)

December 7, 2016 October 10, 2016 September 2, 2016

100.0%

80.0%

100.0%(2)

45.0
220.4
85.8
11.3
16.9(4)
10.8

390.2

88.4
–
–
1.4
172.4
–

262.2
–
128.0

390.2

8.9
104.6
26.4
0.8
137.6(5)
25.8

304.1

16.7
–
–
5.4
76.3
–

98.4
26.8
178.9

304.1

–
–
–
–

318.4(6)
182.8

41.3
22.3
1.1
9.3
145.8
208.3

501.2

428.1

30.8
–
55.5
–
–
–

86.3
–
414.9

48.8
–
14.4
0.4
59.7
48.1

171.4
57.3
199.4

501.2

428.1

(1)

Includes the acquisitions of Fairfirst Insurance (100%), Privi Organics (50.8%), QBE insurance operations (100%), Golf
Town (60.0%), and Cara’s acquisition of 89.2% of Original Joe’s.

(2) Fairfax’s economic interest in St-Hubert was 38.9% as a result of acquiring St-Hubert through 38.9%-owned Cara.

(3)

Included $48.4 and $6.2 of subsidiary cash and cash equivalents for Bryte Insurance and AMAG respectively.

(4) Comprised of $11.5 of goodwill and $5.4 of intangible assets.

(5) Comprised of $71.6 of goodwill and $66.0 of intangible assets.

(6) Comprised of $84.2 of goodwill and $234.2 of intangible assets (primarily brand names of $183.1).

Year ended December 31, 2015

National Collateral Management Services Limited

On August 19, 2015 Fairfax India acquired a 73.6% interest in National Collateral Management Services Limited
(‘‘NCML’’)  for  purchase  consideration  of  $124.2  (8.1  billion  Indian  rupees)  and  subsequently  acquired  a  further
14.5% interest by September 28, 2015 for $24.5 (1.6 billion Indian rupees). Commencing August 19, 2015 the assets
and  liabilities  and  results  of  operations  of  NCML  were  consolidated  by  Fairfax  India  and  included  in  the  Other
reporting segment. NCML is a leading private-sector agricultural commodities storage company in India. Fairfax’s
economic  interest  in  NCML  at  August  19,  2015  was  20.7%,  (increased  to  24.8%  by  September  28,  2015)  as  that
interest is held through a 28.1% equity interest in Fairfax India.

Sale of Ridley Inc.

On June 18, 2015 the company completed the sale of its 73.6% interest in Ridley Inc. (‘‘Ridley’’) for Cdn$40.75 per
common share. The company received cash proceeds of $313.2 (Cdn$383.5) and recognized a pre-tax gain of $236.4
(including amounts previously recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income) and de-consolidated Ridley
from the Other reporting segment.

85

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Acquisition of Brit PLC

On June 5, 2015 the company completed the acquisition of 97.0% of the outstanding ordinary shares of Brit PLC
(‘‘Brit’’) for 305 pence per share (comprised of $4.30 (280 pence) per share in cash paid by the company and the final
and special dividends of $0.38 (25 pence) per share paid by Brit on April 30, 2015), representing aggregate cash
consideration of $1,656.6 (£1,089.1). The remaining 3.0% of the outstanding ordinary shares of Brit were acquired
by July 8, 2015 on the same terms as described in the preceding sentence. The assets and liabilities and results of
operations of Brit were consolidated in the Brit reporting segment. Brit is a market-leading global Lloyd’s of London
specialty  insurer  and  reinsurer.  On  June  29,  2015  the  company  completed  the  sale  of  29.9%  of  the  outstanding
ordinary shares of Brit to OMERS, for cash proceeds of $516.0 ($4.30 per share). OMERS has a dividend in priority to
the company, and the company will have the ability to repurchase the shares owned by OMERS over time. These
transactions resulted in an increase of $501.1 to the company’s non-controlling interests.

The net proceeds from underwritten public offerings (described in more detail in notes 15 and 16 of the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2015) of 1.15 million subordinate voting shares
($575.9),  9.2  million  Series  M  preferred  shares  ($179.0)  and  Cdn$350.0  of  4.95%  Fairfax  senior  notes  due  2025
($275.7), all of which closed on March 3, 2015, were used to finance the acquisition of Brit.

Acquisition of Cara Operations Limited

On April 10, 2015 the company acquired, directly and through its subsidiaries, a 52.6% and a 40.7% voting and
economic interest respectively in Cara Operations Limited (‘‘Cara’’) through an exchange of its existing holdings
(comprised of warrants, class A and class B preferred shares and subordinated debentures) for common shares of Cara
pursuant  to  their  respective  terms  and  also  through  the  acquisition  of  additional  common  shares  of  Cara  from
existing Cara shareholders in a private transaction. The common shares were exchanged for multiple voting shares
immediately prior to Cara’s initial public offering of subordinate voting shares at Cdn$23.00 per share, which closed
on April 10, 2015. The assets and liabilities and results of operations of Cara were consolidated in the Other reporting
segment. These transactions resulted in an increase of $353.8 to the company’s non-controlling interests. Cara is
Canada’s  largest  full-service  restaurant  company  and  franchises,  owns  and  operates  numerous  restaurant  brands
across Canada.

Investment in Fairfax India Holdings Corporation

On January 30, 2015 the company, through its subsidiaries, acquired 30,000,000 multiple voting shares of newly
incorporated  Fairfax  India  for  $300.0  in  a  private  placement.  Through  that  private  placement  and  offerings  of
subordinate  voting  shares,  Fairfax  India  raised  net  proceeds  of  $1,025.8  after  issuance  costs  and  expenses.  The
company’s multiple voting shares represented 95.1% of the voting rights and 28.1% of the equity interest in Fairfax
India at the close of the offerings. Fairfax India was established, with the support of Fairfax, to invest in public and
private equities and debt instruments in India and Indian businesses or other businesses primarily conducted in or
dependent  on  India.  Hamblin Watsa  is  the  portfolio  advisor  to  Fairfax  India  and  its  subsidiaries.  The  assets  and
liabilities  and  results  of  operations  of  Fairfax  India  were  consolidated  in  the  Other  reporting  segment.  These
transactions resulted in an increase of $737.3 to the company’s non-controlling interests.

Acquisition of MCIS Insurance Berhad

On March 1, 2015 Pacific Insurance, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company, completed the acquisition of the
general insurance business of MCIS Insurance Berhad (formerly known as MCIS Zurich Insurance Berhad) (‘‘MCIS’’)
for cash consideration of $13.4 (48.6 million Malaysian ringgits). MCIS is an established general insurer in Malaysia
with approximately $55 of annual gross premiums written in its general insurance business. The assets and liabilities
and results of operations of MCIS were consolidated in the Fairfax Asia reporting segment.

Acquisition of Union Assurance General Limited

On January 1, 2015 the company completed the acquisition of 78.0% of Union Assurance General Limited (‘‘Union
Assurance’’) for cash consideration of $27.9 (3.7 billion Sri Lankan rupees). Union Assurance, with approximately
$43 of gross premiums written in 2015, is headquartered in Colombo, Sri Lanka and underwrites general insurance in
Sri Lanka, specializing in automobile and personal accident lines of business. The assets and liabilities and results of
operations of Union Assurance were consolidated in the Fairfax Asia reporting segment.

86

The determination of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with the Brit, Cara and
NCML acquisitions is summarized in the table that follows:

Acquisition date
Percentage of common shares acquired
Assets:

Insurance contract receivables
Portfolio investments
Recoverable from reinsurers
Deferred income taxes
Goodwill and intangible assets
Other assets

Liabilities:

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Short sale and derivative obligations
Deferred income taxes
Funds withheld payable to reinsurers
Insurance contract liabilities
Borrowings

Non-controlling interests
Purchase consideration

Brit

NCML
June 5, 2015 April 10, 2015 August 19, 2015

Cara

97.0%

40.7%

73.6%(4)

727.8
3,938.6(1)
882.1
–

746.4(2)
116.2

6,411.1

76.8
8.6
130.4
354.0
3,921.4
216.7

4,707.9
46.6
1,656.6

6,411.1

–
0.5
–
–

846.2(3)
128.4

975.1

147.9
–
77.6
–
–
31.9

257.4
353.8
363.9

975.1

–
33.3(5)
–
0.9
66.1(6)
91.7

192.0

10.8
–
–
–
–
36.1

46.9
20.9
124.2

192.0

(1)

Included $549.7 of subsidiary cash and cash equivalents, of which $89.4 was restricted.

(2) Comprised of $154.3 of goodwill and $592.1 of intangible assets (primarily Lloyd’s participation rights of $416.2).

(3) Comprised of $129.3 of goodwill and $716.9 of intangible assets (primarily brand names of $699.9).

(4) Fairfax’s economic interest in NCML was 20.7% as a result of acquiring NCML through 28.1% – owned Fairfax India.

(5)

Included $20.5 of subsidiary cash and cash equivalents.

(6) Comprised of $66.0 of goodwill and $0.1 of intangible assets.

Brit contributed revenue of $846.7 and a net loss of $14.9 to the company’s consolidated financial results for the year
ended  December  31,  2015.  Had  Brit  been  acquired  on  January  1,  2015,  the  company’s  pro-forma  consolidated
revenue and net earnings would have been $10,273.1 and $678.4 respectively for the year ended December 31, 2015.

24. Financial Risk Management

Overview

The  primary  goals  of  the  company’s  financial  risk  management  are  to  ensure  that  the  outcomes  of  activities
involving elements of risk are consistent with the company’s objectives and risk tolerance, while maintaining an
appropriate balance between risk and reward and protecting the company’s consolidated balance sheet from events
that have the potential to materially impair its financial strength. The company’s exposure to potential loss from its
insurance and reinsurance operations and investment activities primarily relates to underwriting risk, credit risk,
liquidity risk and various market risks. Balancing risk and reward is achieved through identifying risk appropriately,
aligning  risk  tolerances  with  business  strategy,  diversifying  risk,  pricing  appropriately  for  risk,  mitigating  risk
through preventive controls and transferring risk to third parties. There were no significant changes in the types of
the  company’s  risk  exposures  or  the  processes  used  by  the  company  for  managing  those  risk  exposures  at
December 31, 2016 compared to those identified at December 31, 2015, except as discussed below.

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FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Financial risk management objectives are achieved through a two tiered system, with detailed risk management
processes  and  procedures  at  the  company’s  primary  operating  subsidiaries  and  its  investment  management
subsidiary combined with the analysis of the company-wide aggregation and accumulation of risks at the holding
company  level.  In  addition,  although  the  company  and  its  operating  subsidiaries  have  designated  Chief  Risk
Officers, the company regards each Chief Executive Officer as the chief risk officer of his or her company: each Chief
Executive  Officer  is  the  individual  ultimately  responsible  for  risk  management  for  his  or  her  company  and  its
subsidiaries.

The company’s designated Chief Risk Officer reports on risk considerations to Fairfax’s Executive Committee and
provides a quarterly report to the Board of Directors on the key risk exposures. The company’s management, in
consultation with the designated Chief Risk Officer, approves certain policies for overall risk management, as well as
policies  addressing  specific  areas  such  as  investments,  underwriting,  catastrophe  risk  and  reinsurance.  The
company’s Investment Committee approves policies for the management of market risk (including currency risk,
interest  rate  risk  and  other  price  risk)  and  the  use  of  derivative  and  non-derivative  financial  instruments,  and
monitors to ensure compliance with relevant regulatory guidelines and requirements. A discussion of the risks of the
business (the risk factors and the management of those risks) is an agenda item for every regularly scheduled meeting
of the Board of Directors.

Underwriting Risk

Underwriting  risk  is  the  risk  that  the  total  cost  of  claims,  claims  adjustment  expenses  and  premium  acquisition
expenses  will  exceed  premiums  received  and  can  arise  as  a  result  of  numerous  factors,  including  pricing  risk,
reserving risk and catastrophe risk. There were no significant changes to the company’s exposure to underwriting risk
or  the  framework  used  to  monitor,  evaluate  and  manage  underwriting  risk  at  December  31,  2016  compared  to
December 31, 2015.

Principal lines of business

The company’s principal lines of business and the significant insurance risks inherent therein are as follows:

(cid:127) Property, which insures against losses to property from (among other things) fire, explosion, natural perils
(for  example  earthquake,  windstorm  and  flood),  terrorism  and  engineering  problems  (for  example,  boiler
explosion, machinery breakdown and construction defects). Specific types of property risks underwritten by
the company include automobile, commercial and personal property and crop;

(cid:127) Casualty,  which  insures  against  accidents  (including  workers’  compensation  and  automobile)  and  also

includes employers’ liability, accident and health, medical malpractice, and umbrella coverage;

(cid:127) Specialty, which insures against marine, aerospace and surety risk, and other miscellaneous risks and liabilities

that are not identified above; and

(cid:127) Reinsurance which includes, but is not limited to, property, casualty and liability exposures.

An analysis of revenue by line of business is included in note 25.

88

The table below shows the company’s concentration of risk by region and line of business based on gross premiums
written prior to giving effect to ceded reinsurance premiums. The company’s exposure to general insurance risk
varies by geographic region and may change over time. Premiums ceded to reinsurers (including retrocessions) in
2016 by line of business amounted to $463.5 for property (2015 – $379.3), $699.9 for casualty (2015 – $512.2) and
$282.5 for specialty (2015 – $243.8).

For the years ended
December 31

Property
Casualty
Specialty

Total

Insurance
Reinsurance

Canada

United States

Asia(1)

International(2)

Total

2016

582.7
528.5
126.4

2015

579.4
489.5
112.6

2016

2015

2016

2015

1,466.0
4,002.9
485.6

1,250.4
3,547.5
371.8

464.8
352.3
231.9

413.2
288.6
284.3

2016

502.7
465.1
325.4

2015

503.6
536.9
278.0

2016

2015

3,016.2
5,348.8
1,169.3

2,746.6
4,862.5
1,046.7

1,237.6

1,181.5

5,954.5

5,169.7

1,049.0

986.1

1,293.2

1,318.5

9,534.3

8,655.8

1,134.6
103.0

1,095.3
86.2

4,607.0
1,347.5

4,060.4
1,109.3

516.3
532.7

494.6
491.5

672.3
620.9

535.0
783.5

6,930.2
2,604.1

6,185.3
2,470.5

1,237.6

1,181.5

5,954.5

5,169.7

1,049.0

986.1

1,293.2

1,318.5

9,534.3

8,655.8

(1) The Asia geographic segment comprises countries located throughout Asia including China, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia,

Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and the Middle East,.

(2) The International geographic segment comprises Australia and countries located in Africa, Europe and South America.

Pricing Risk

Pricing risk arises because actual claims experience can differ adversely from the assumptions included in pricing
calculations. Historically the underwriting results of the property and casualty industry have fluctuated significantly
due to the cyclicality of the insurance market. The market cycle is affected by the frequency and severity of losses,
levels of capacity and demand, general economic conditions and competition on rates and terms of coverage. The
operating  companies  focus  on  profitable  underwriting  using  a  combination  of  experienced  underwriting  and
actuarial staff, pricing models and price adequacy monitoring tools.

Reserving Risk

Reserving risk arises because actual claims experience can differ adversely from the assumptions included in setting
reserves, in large part due to the length of time between the occurrence of a loss, the reporting of the loss to the
insurer and the ultimate resolution of the claim. The degree of uncertainty will vary by line of business according to
the characteristics of the insured risks and the cost of a claim will be determined by the actual loss suffered by the
policyholder. Claims provisions reflect expectations of the ultimate cost of resolution and administration of claims
based on an assessment of facts and circumstances then known, a review of historical settlement patterns, estimates
of trends in claims severity and frequency, legal theories of liability and other factors.

The time required to learn of and settle claims is often referred to as the ‘‘tail’’ and is an important consideration in
establishing the company’s reserves. Short-tail claims are those for which losses are normally reported soon after the
incident and are generally settled within months following the reported incident. This would include, for example,
most property, automobile and marine and aerospace damage. Long-tail claims are considered by the company to be
those that often take three years or more to develop and settle, such as asbestos, environmental pollution, workers’
compensation and product liability. Information concerning the loss event and ultimate cost of a long-tail claim may
not be readily available, making the reserving analysis of long-tail lines of business more difficult and subject to
greater uncertainties than for short-tail lines of business. In the extreme cases of long-tail claims like those involving
asbestos and environmental pollution, it may take upwards of 40 years to settle. The company employs specialized
techniques to determine such provisions using the extensive knowledge of both internal and external asbestos and
environmental pollution experts and legal advisors.

The establishment of provisions for losses and loss adjustment expenses is an inherently uncertain process that can
be affected by internal factors such as the inherent risk in estimating loss development patterns based on historical
data that may not be representative of future loss payment patterns; assumptions built on industry loss ratios or
industry benchmark development patterns that may not reflect actual experience; and the intrinsic risk as to the
homogeneity of the underlying data used in carrying out the reserve analyses; and external factors such as trends

89

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

relating to jury awards; economic inflation; medical inflation; worldwide economic conditions; tort reforms; court
interpretations  of  coverage;  the  regulatory  environment;  underlying  policy  pricing;  claims  handling  procedures;
inclusion  of  exposures  not  contemplated  at  the  time  of  policy  inception;  and  significant  changes  in  severity  or
frequency of losses relative to historical trends. Due to the amount of time between the occurrence of a loss, the
actual reporting of the loss and the ultimate payment for the loss, provisions may ultimately develop differently
from the actuarial assumptions made when initially estimating the provision for claims.

The  company  has  exposures  to  risks  in  each  line  of  business  that  may  develop  adversely  and  that  could  have  a
material impact upon the company’s financial position. The insurance risk diversity within the company’s portfolio
of issued policies makes it difficult to predict whether material prior year reserve development will occur and, if it
does occur, the location and the timing of such an occurrence.

Catastrophe Risk

Catastrophe risk arises because property and casualty insurance companies may be exposed to large losses arising
from man-made or natural catastrophes that could result in significant underwriting losses. As the company does not
establish reserves for catastrophes in advance of the occurrence of such events, these events may cause volatility in
the levels of incurred losses and reserves, subject to the effects of reinsurance recoveries. This volatility may also be
contingent  upon  political  and  legal  developments  after  the  occurrence  of  the  event.  The  company  evaluates
potential  catastrophic  events  and  assesses  the  probability  of  occurrence  and  magnitude  of  these  events
predominantly  through  probable  maximum  loss  (‘‘PML’’)  modeling  techniques  and  through  the  aggregation  of
limits  exposed.  A  wide  range  of  events  are  simulated  using  the  company’s  proprietary  and  commercial  models,
including single large events and multiple events spanning the numerous geographic regions in which the company
operates.

Each  of  the  operating  companies  has  developed  and  applies  strict  underwriting  guidelines  for  the  amount  of
catastrophe  exposure  it  may  assume  as  a  standalone  entity  for  any  one  risk  and  location.  Those  guidelines  are
regularly  monitored  and  updated  by  the  operating  companies.  Each  of  the  operating  companies  also  manages
catastrophe exposure by diversifying risk across geographic regions, catastrophe types and other lines of business,
factoring in levels of reinsurance protection, adjusting the amount of business written based on capital levels and
adhering  to  risk  tolerances.  The  company’s  head  office  aggregates  catastrophe  exposure  company-wide  and
continually  monitors  the  group  exposure.  The  independent  exposure  limits  for  each  entity  in  the  group  are
aggregated to produce an exposure limit for the group as there is currently no model capable of simultaneously
projecting the magnitude and probability of loss in all geographic regions in which the company operates. Currently
the company’s objective is to limit its company-wide catastrophe loss exposure such that one year’s aggregate pre-tax
net catastrophe losses would not exceed one year’s normalized net earnings before income taxes. The company takes
a long term view and generally considers a 15% return on common shareholders’ equity, adjusted to a pre-tax basis,
to be representative of one year’s normalized net earnings. The modeled probability of aggregate catastrophe losses in
any one year exceeding this amount is generally more than once in every 250 years.

Management of Underwriting Risk

To manage its exposure to underwriting risk, and the pricing, reserving and catastrophe risks contained therein, the
company’s operating companies have established limits for underwriting authority and the requirement for specific
approvals  for  transactions  involving  new  products  or  for  transactions  involving  existing  products  which  exceed
certain limits of size or complexity. The company’s objective of operating with a prudent and stable underwriting
philosophy with sound reserving is also achieved through establishment of goals, delegation of authorities, financial
monitoring,  underwriting  reviews  and  remedial  actions  to  facilitate  continuous  improvement.  The  company’s
provision  for  claims  is  reviewed  separately  by,  and  must  be  acceptable  to,  internal  actuaries  at  each  operating
company, the Chief Risk Officer at Fairfax and one or more independent actuaries. The company also purchases
reinsurance protection for risks assumed when it is considered prudent and cost effective to do so, at the operating
company level for specific exposures and, if needed, at the holding company level for aggregate exposures. Steps are
taken to actively reduce the volume of insurance and reinsurance underwritten on particular types of risks when the
company desires to reduce its direct exposure due to inadequate pricing.

As  part  of  its  overall  risk  management  strategy,  the  company  cedes  insurance  risk  through  proportional,
non-proportional and facultative reinsurance treaties. With proportional reinsurance, the reinsurer shares a pro rata
portion of the company’s losses and premium, whereas with non-proportional reinsurance, the reinsurer assumes
payment  of  the  company’s  loss  above  a  specified  retention,  subject  to  a  limit.  Facultative  reinsurance  is  the

90

reinsurance  of  individual  risks  as  agreed  by  the  company  and  the  reinsurer.  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 on any policy to a maximum
amount on any one loss. Reinsurance decisions are made by the subsidiaries to reduce and spread the risk of loss on
insurance and reinsurance written, to limit multiple claims arising from a single occurrence and to protect capital
resources. The amount of reinsurance purchased can vary among subsidiaries depending on the lines of business
written, their respective capital resources and prevailing or expected market conditions. Reinsurance is generally
placed on an excess of loss basis and written in several layers, the purpose of which is to limit the amount of one risk
to a maximum amount acceptable to the company and to protect from losses on multiple risks arising from a single
occurrence. This type of reinsurance includes what is generally referred to as catastrophe reinsurance. The company’s
reinsurance does not, however, relieve the company of its primary obligation to the policyholder.

The  majority  of  reinsurance  contracts  purchased  by  the  company  provide  coverage  for  a  one  year  term  and  are
negotiated annually. The ability of the company to obtain reinsurance on terms and prices consistent with historical
results reflects, among other factors, recent loss experience of the company and of the industry in general. Currently
there  exists  excess  capital  within  the  reinsurance  market  due  to  favourable  operating  results  of  reinsurers  and
alternative forms of reinsurance capacity entering the market. As a result, the market has become very competitive
with pricing remaining flat and in some cases decreasing. Further compounding these effects has been the relatively
benign level of catastrophe losses for reinsurers in the United States over the last number of years. The company will
remain opportunistic in its use of reinsurance, balancing capital requirements and the cost of reinsurance.

Credit Risk

Credit risk is the risk of loss resulting from the failure of a counterparty to honour its financial obligations to the
company. Credit risk arises predominantly with respect to cash and short term investments, investments in debt
instruments,  insurance  contract  receivables,  recoverable  from  reinsurers  and  receivable  from  counterparties  to
derivative contracts (primarily total return swaps and CPI-linked derivatives). There were no significant changes to
the company’s exposure to credit risk (except as set out in the discussion which follows) or the framework used to
monitor, evaluate and manage credit risk at December 31, 2016 compared to December 31, 2015.

The company’s aggregate gross credit risk exposure at December 31, 2016 (without taking into account amounts held
by the company as collateral) was comprised as follows:

Cash and short term investments
Bonds:

U.S., U.K., German, and Canadian sovereign government
Other sovereign government
Canadian provincials
U.S. states and municipalities
Corporate and other

Receivable from counterparties to derivative contracts
Insurance contract receivables
Recoverable from reinsurers
Other assets

December 31, December 31,
2015
7,375.9

2016
11,235.6

1,653.8
951.1
196.9
4,732.2
2,633.5
196.4
2,917.5
4,010.3
1,065.4

3,242.9
1,379.1
198.8
6,646.2
2,071.3
561.6
2,546.5
3,890.9
930.8

Total gross credit risk exposure

29,592.7

28,844.0

The company had income taxes refundable of $202.7 at December 31, 2016 (December 31, 2015 – $97.9).

Cash and Short Term Investments

The company’s cash and short term investments (including at the holding company) are held at major financial
institutions in the jurisdictions in which the company operates. At December 31, 2016, 85.1% of these balances were
held in Canadian and U.S. financial institutions, 8.1% in European financial institutions and 6.8% in other foreign
financial  institutions  (December  31,  2015 – 86.3%,  5.5%  and  8.2%  respectively).  The  company  monitors  risks
associated with cash and short term investments by regularly reviewing the financial strength and creditworthiness
of these financial institutions and more frequently during periods of economic volatility. As a result of these reviews,

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FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

the company may transfer balances from financial institutions where it perceives heightened credit risk to other
institutions considered to be more stable.

Investments in Debt Instruments

The company’s risk management strategy for debt instruments is to invest primarily in high credit quality issuers and
to limit the amount of credit exposure with respect to any one corporate issuer. While the company reviews third
party credit ratings, it also carries out its own analysis and does not delegate the credit decision to rating agencies.
The  company  endeavours  to  limit  credit  exposure  by  monitoring  fixed  income  portfolio  limits  on  individual
corporate issuers and limits based on credit quality and may, from time to time, initiate positions in certain types of
derivatives to further mitigate credit risk exposure.

At December 31, 2016 the company’s bond investments considered to be subject to credit risk had a fair value of
$8,454.1 (December 31, 2015 – $10,220.3), representing 29.7% (December 31, 2015 – 35.2%) of the total investment
portfolio (comprising bonds included in other sovereign government rated A/A or lower and all bonds included in
Canadian  provincials,  U.S.  states  and  municipalities  and  corporate  and  other).  The  company  considers  its
investment  of  $1,713.4  (December 31,  2015 – $3,318.0)  in  sovereign  bonds  rated  AA/Aa  or  higher  (primarily
sovereign bonds issued by the U.S., U.K., German and Canadian governments, including $1,117.3 (December 31,
2015 – $2,699.7) of U.S. treasury bonds), representing 6.0% (December 31, 2015 – 11.4%) of the total investment
portfolio,  to  present  only  a  nominal  risk  of default.  Other  sovereign  government  bonds  included  Greek  bonds
purchased at deep discounts to par of $22.3 (December 31, 2015 – $151.4) that were rated below investment grade. At
December 31, 2016 and 2015, the company did not own any bonds issued by Ireland, Italy, Portugal or Spain.

The  composition  of  the  company’s  fixed  income  portfolio  classified  according  to  the  higher  of  each  security’s
respective S&P and Moody’s issuer credit rating is presented in the table that follows:

Issuer Credit Rating
AAA/Aaa
AA/Aa
A/A
BBB/Baa
BB/Ba
B/B
Lower than B/B and unrated

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Amortized
cost
2,042.0
3,669.1
649.3
910.4
98.5
339.0
1,808.8

Carrying
value
1,915.8
4,383.3
728.5
1,024.0
117.6
261.6
1,736.7

Amortized
cost
3,562.5
5,100.6
566.4
1,288.6
318.0
26.9
1,549.3

%
18.8
43.1
7.2
10.1
1.2
2.5
17.1

Carrying
value
3,587.9
6,125.8
647.6
1,368.9
272.5
26.3
1,509.3

%
26.5
45.3
4.8
10.1
2.0
0.2
11.1

Total

9,517.1

10,167.5

100.0

12,412.3

13,538.3

100.0

At December 31, 2016, 79.2% (December 31, 2015 – 86.7%) of the fixed income portfolio carrying value was rated
investment grade or better, with 61.9% (December 31, 2015 – 71.8%) being rated AA or better (primarily consisting of
government  obligations).  During  2016  the  company’s  net  sales  (proceeds  net  of  purchases)  of  long  dated
U.S. treasury  bonds  and  U.S. state  and  municipal  bonds  reduced  its  holdings  by  $2.1 billion  and  $1.7 billion
respectively,  which  significantly  decreased  the  company’s  proportion  of  investments  in  debt  instruments  rated
AAA/Aaa  and  AA/Aa  (the  net  proceeds  were  primarily  re-invested  into  cash  and  short  term  investments).  The
decrease in bonds rated BBB/Baa reflected net sales of certain of the company’s other sovereign government bonds.
The increase in bonds rated B/B reflected a credit rating downgrade on certain of the company’s tax exempt and
taxable U.S. municipal bonds (reported in the BBB/Baa category at December 31, 2015). The increase in bonds rated
lower than B/B and unrated reflected the company’s purchase of certain corporate and other bonds that are unrated.
Except  as  described  above,  there  were  no  other  significant  changes  to  the  composition  of  the  company’s  fixed
income portfolio classified according to the higher of each security’s respective S&P and Moody’s issuer credit rating
at December 31, 2016 compared to December 31, 2015.

At December 31, 2016 holdings of fixed income securities in the ten issuers (excluding U.S., Canadian, U.K. and
German  sovereign  government  bonds)  to  which  the  company  had  the  greatest  exposure  totaled  $4,178.6
(December 31, 2015 – $4,701.6), which represented approximately 14.7% (December 31, 2015 – 16.2%) of the total
investment  portfolio.  Exposure  to  the  largest  single  issuer  of  corporate  bonds  at  December  31,  2016  was  $461.2

92

(December  31,  2015 – $547.6),  which  represented  approximately  1.6%  (December  31,  2015 – 1.9%)  of  the  total
investment portfolio.

The  consolidated  investment  portfolio  included  $4.7  billion  at  December  31,  2016  (December  31,  2015 –
$6.6 billion) of U.S. state and municipal bonds (approximately $3.3 billion tax-exempt, $1.4 billion taxable), a large
portion  of  which  were  purchased  during  2008  within  subsidiary  investment  portfolios.  At  December  31,  2016
approximately $2.1 billion (December 31, 2015 – $3.7 billion) of those U.S. state and municipal bonds are insured by
Berkshire Hathaway Assurance Corp. for the payment of interest and principal in the event of issuer default, and are
therefore all rated AA or better.

Counterparties to Derivative Contracts

Counterparty risk arises from the company’s derivative contracts primarily in three ways: first, a counterparty may be
unable to honour its obligation under a derivative contract and there may be insufficient collateral pledged in favour
of  the  company  to  support  that  obligation;  second,  collateral  deposited  by  the  company  to  a  counterparty  as  a
prerequisite for entering into certain derivative contracts (also known as initial margin) may be at risk should the
counterparty face financial difficulty; and third, excess collateral pledged in favour of a counterparty may be at risk
should the counterparty face financial difficulty (counterparties may hold excess collateral as a result of the timing of
the settlement of the amount of collateral required to be pledged based on the fair value of a derivative contract).

The company endeavours to limit counterparty risk through diligent selection of counterparties to its derivative
contracts  and  through  the  terms  of  negotiated  agreements.  Pursuant  to  these  agreements,  counterparties  are
contractually required to deposit eligible collateral in collateral accounts (subject to certain minimum thresholds) for
the benefit of the company based on the then daily fair value of the derivative contracts. The company’s exposure to
risk associated with providing initial margin is mitigated where possible through the use of segregated third party
custodian accounts whereby counterparties are permitted to take control of the collateral only in the event of default
by the company.

Agreements negotiated with counterparties provide for a single net settlement of all financial instruments covered by
the agreement in the event of default by the counterparty, thereby permitting obligations owed by the company to a
counterparty to be offset to the extent of the aggregate amount receivable by the company from that counterparty
(the ‘‘net settlement arrangements’’). The following table sets out the company’s credit risk related to derivative
contract counterparties, assuming all such counterparties are simultaneously in default:

Total derivative assets(1)
Impact of net settlement arrangements
Fair value of collateral deposited for the benefit of the company(2)
Excess collateral pledged by the company in favour of counterparties
Initial margin not held in segregated third party custodian accounts

December 31, December 31,
2015
561.6
(61.1)
(285.2)
39.3
59.8

2016
196.4
(53.8)
(54.0)
12.2
5.0

Net derivative counterparty exposure after net settlement and collateral

arrangements

105.8

314.4

(1) Excludes equity warrants and equity call options which are not subject to counterparty risk.
(2) Excludes $8.7 (December 31, 2015 – $8.1) of excess collateral pledged by counterparties.

Collateral  deposited  for  the  benefit  of  the  company  at  December  31,  2016  consisted  of  cash  and  government
securities of $8.3 and $54.4 respectively (December 31, 2015 – $28.7 and $264.6 respectively). The company had not
exercised its right to sell or repledge collateral at December 31, 2016.

Recoverable from Reinsurers

Credit risk on the company’s recoverable from reinsurers balance existed at December 31, 2016 to the extent that any
reinsurer  may  be  unable  or  unwilling  to  reimburse  the  company  under  the  terms  of  the  relevant  reinsurance
arrangements. The company is also exposed to the credit risk assumed in fronting arrangements and to potential
reinsurance capacity constraints. The company regularly assesses the creditworthiness of reinsurers with whom it
transacts business. Internal guidelines generally require reinsurers to have strong A.M. Best ratings and to maintain
capital and surplus in excess of $500.0. Where contractually provided for, the company has collateral for outstanding

93

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

balances in the form of cash, letters of credit, guarantees or assets held in trust accounts. This collateral may be drawn
on when amounts remain unpaid beyond contractually specified time periods for each individual reinsurer.

The company’s reinsurance security department conducts ongoing detailed assessments of current and potential
reinsurers and annual reviews on impaired reinsurers, and provides recommendations for uncollectible reinsurance
provisions for the group. The reinsurance security department also collects and maintains individual and group
reinsurance exposures aggregated across the group. Most of the reinsurance balances for reinsurers rated B++ and
lower or which are not rated were inherited by the company on acquisition of a subsidiary. The company’s largest
single  recoverable  from  reinsurer  (Munich  Reinsurance  Company)  represented  3.6%  of  shareholders’  equity
attributable  to  shareholders  of  Fairfax  at  December  31,  2016  (December  31,  2015 – 3.2%)  and  is  rated  A+
by A.M. Best.

The company’s gross exposure to credit risk from counterparties to its reinsurance contracts remained substantially
unchanged  at  December  31,  2016  compared  to  December  31,  2015.  Changes  that  occurred  in  the  provision  for
uncollectible reinsurance during the period are disclosed in note 9.

The following table presents the gross recoverable from reinsurers classified according to the financial strength rating
of the reinsurers. Pools and associations, shown separately, are generally government or similar insurance funds
carrying limited credit risk.

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

A.M. Best Rating
(or S&P equivalent)
A++
A+
A
A-
B++
B+
B or lower
Not rated
Pools and associations

Provision for uncollectible reinsurance

Recoverable from reinsurers

Liquidity Risk

Gross
recoverable
from
reinsurers
390.0
1,551.0
1,130.8
299.7
22.0
2.0
11.9
703.3
71.3

4,182.0
(171.7)

4,010.3

Outstanding
balances

Net
Gross
unsecured
for which recoverable recoverable
from
reinsurers
422.2
1,325.5
1,294.8
347.7
16.9
5.9
17.8
556.8
90.3

from
reinsurers
308.0
1,298.2
984.1
215.8
16.2
0.8
3.1
452.5
16.1

security
is held
82.0
252.8
146.7
83.9
5.8
1.2
8.8
250.8
55.2

Outstanding
balances

Net
unsecured
for which recoverable
from
reinsurers
322.5
1,162.2
1,189.5
185.3
13.2
0.7
4.2
393.2
21.9

security
is held
99.7
163.3
105.3
162.4
3.7
5.2
13.6
163.6
68.4

887.2

3,294.8
(171.7)

4,077.9
(187.0)

785.2

3,123.1

3,890.9

3,292.7
(187.0)

3,105.7

Liquidity risk is the potential for loss if the company is unable to meet financial commitments in a timely manner at
reasonable costs as they fall due. The company’s policy is to ensure that sufficient liquid assets are available to meet
financial commitments, including liabilities to policyholders and debt holders, dividends on preferred shares and
investment commitments. Cash flow analysis is performed regularly at both the holding company and subsidiary
company  levels  to  ensure  that  future  cash  needs  are  met  or  exceeded  by  cash  flows  generated  from  operating
companies.

The holding company’s known significant commitments for 2017 consist of payment of the $237.4 ($10.00 per
share) dividend on common shares (paid January 2017), interest and corporate overhead expenses, preferred share
dividends,  income  tax  payments,  potential  cash  outflows  related  to  derivative  contracts  (described  below),  the
anticipated acquisitions of Allied World, Tower and certain AIG operations in Latin America and Central and Eastern
Europe, investments in Fairfax India (completed January 13, 2017) and Fairfax Africa (completed February 17, 2017),
and up to Cdn$250 of funding for tender offers for certain of the company’s senior notes. The net proceeds from an
underwritten public offering of Cdn$450.0 principal amount of 4.70% unsecured senior notes due December 16,
2026, which closed on December 16, 2016, will be used to finance the tender offers (see note 15).

94

The  company  believes  that  holding  company  cash  and  investments,  net  of  holding  company  short  sale  and
derivative obligations at December 31, 2016 of $1,329.4 provides adequate liquidity to meet the holding company’s
known commitments in 2017. The holding company expects to continue to receive investment management and
administration fees from its insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries, investment income on its holdings of cash and
investments, and dividends from its insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries. To further augment its liquidity, the
holding company can draw upon its $1.0 billion unsecured revolving credit facility (described in note 15).

The liquidity requirements of the insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries principally relate to the liabilities associated
with underwriting, operating costs and expenses, the payment of dividends to the holding company, contributions
to their subsidiaries, payment of principal and interest on their outstanding debt obligations, income tax payments
and certain derivative obligations (described below). Liabilities associated with underwriting include the payment of
claims and direct commissions. Historically, the insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries have used cash inflows from
operating activities (primarily the collection of premiums and reinsurance commissions) and investment activities
(primarily repayments of principal on debt investments, sales of investment securities and investment income) to
fund their liquidity requirements. The insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries may also receive cash inflows from
financing activities (primarily distributions received from their subsidiaries).

The company’s insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries (and the holding company on a consolidated basis) focus on
the stress that could be placed on liquidity requirements as a result of severe disruption or volatility in the capital
markets or extreme catastrophe activity or the combination of both. The insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries
maintain  investment  strategies  intended  to  provide  adequate  funds  to  pay  claims  or  withstand  disruption  or
volatility in the capital markets without forced sales of investments. The insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries hold
highly  liquid,  high  quality  short-term  investment  securities  and  other  liquid  investment  grade  fixed  maturity
securities  to  fund  anticipated  claim  payments,  operating  expenses  and  commitments  related  to  investments.  At
December 31, 2016 portfolio investments net of short sale and derivative obligations totaled $27.1 billion. These
portfolio investments may include investments in inactively traded corporate debentures, preferred stocks, common
stocks  and  limited  partnership  interests  that  are  relatively  illiquid.  At  December  31,  2016  these  asset  classes
represented approximately 10.6% (December 31, 2015 – 7.4%) of the carrying value of the insurance and reinsurance
subsidiaries’ portfolio investments. At December 31, 2016 Fairfax India held relatively illiquid investments with a
carrying value of $326.0 (December 31, 2015 – nil).

The  insurance  and  reinsurance  subsidiaries  and  the  holding  company  may  experience  cash  inflows  or  outflows
related  to  their  derivative  contracts,  including  collateral  requirements  and  cash  settlements  of  market  value
movements of total return swaps which have occurred since the most recent reset date. During 2016 the insurance
and reinsurance subsidiaries and the holding company paid net cash of $814.4 (2015 – received net cash of $225.4)
and $91.0 (2015 – received net cash of $34.9) respectively, in connection with long and short equity and equity
index total return swap derivative contracts (excluding the impact of collateral requirements). The insurance and
reinsurance  subsidiaries  typically  fund  such  obligations  from  cash  provided  by  operating  activities.  The  holding
company  typically  funds  any  such  obligations  from  holding  company  cash  and  investments  and  its  additional
sources  of  liquidity  as  discussed  above.  The  closure  in  the  fourth  quarter  of  2016  of  all  of  the  company’s  short
positions effected through total return swaps in the Russell 2000, S&P 500 and S&P/TSX 60 equity indexes should
significantly reduce cash flow volatility in future periods.

95

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

The  following  tables  set  out  the  maturity  profile  of  the  company’s  financial  liabilities  based  on  the  expected
undiscounted cash flows from the end of the year to the contractual maturity date or the settlement date:

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities(1)
Funds withheld payable to reinsurers
Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses
Borrowings – principal
Borrowings – interest

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities(1)
Funds withheld payable to reinsurers
Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses
Borrowings – principal
Borrowings – interest

December 31, 2016

Less than 3 months
to 1 year
3 months

1,257.4
125.1
1,383.5
478.1
51.5

433.9
252.0
3,890.0
237.6
197.6

1 – 3 years

3 – 5 years

347.4
25.8
5,664.4
650.8
443.1

113.3
1.5
3,428.0
1,299.6
334.5

More than
5 years

131.8
11.8
5,115.9
2,117.4
610.0

Total

2,283.8
416.2
19,481.8
4,783.5
1,636.7

3,295.6

5,011.1

7,131.5

5,176.9

7,986.9

28,602.0

December 31, 2015

Less than 3 months
to 1 year
3 months

1,129.2
101.0
1,397.5
11.6
38.9

459.0
190.0
3,870.2
117.3
166.7

1 – 3 years

3 – 5 years

335.6
22.1
5,725.2
353.9
382.3

104.1
6.8
3,444.7
511.4
319.5

More than
5 years

82.9
2.9
5,378.8
2,366.8
631.6

Total

2,110.8
322.8
19,816.4
3,361.0
1,539.0

2,678.2

4,803.2

6,819.1

4,386.5

8,463.0

27,150.0

(1) Excludes pension and post retirement liabilities, ceded deferred premium acquisition costs and accrued interest. Operating

lease commitments are described in note 22.

The timing of loss payments is not fixed and represents the company’s best estimate. The payment obligations which
are due beyond one year in accounts payable and accrued liabilities primarily relate to certain payables to brokers and
reinsurers not expected to be settled in the short term. At December 31, 2016 the company had income taxes payable
of $35.4 (December 31, 2015 – $85.8).

The following table provides a maturity profile of the company’s short sale and derivative obligations based on the
expected undiscounted cash flows from the end of the year to the contractual maturity date or the settlement date:

Equity total return swaps – short positions
Equity total return swaps – long positions
Foreign exchange forward contracts
U.S. Treasury bond forward contracts

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Less than
3 months
78.1
5.1
89.0
49.7

3 months
to 1 year
–
–
12.4
–

Total
78.1
5.1
101.4
49.7

Less than
3 months
9.3
9.5
53.9
–

3 months
to 1 year
–
–
20.2
–

Total
9.3
9.5
74.1
–

221.9

12.4

234.3

72.7

20.2

92.9

Market Risk

Market risk (comprised of foreign currency risk, interest rate risk and other price risk) is the risk that the fair value or
future  cash  flows  of  a  financial  instrument  will  fluctuate  because  of  changes  in  market  prices.  The  company  is
exposed to market risk principally in its investing activities but also in its underwriting activities to the extent that
those activities expose the company to foreign currency risk. The company’s investment portfolios are managed with
a long term, value-oriented investment philosophy emphasizing downside protection. The company has policies to
limit and monitor its individual issuer exposures and aggregate equity exposure at the subsidiary level and in total at
the holding company level. The following is a discussion of the company’s primary market risk exposures and how
those exposures are managed.

96

Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of
changes in market interest rates. Typically, as interest rates rise, the fair value of fixed income investments decline
and, conversely, as interest rates decline, the fair value of fixed income investments rise. In each case, the longer the
maturity  of  the  financial  instrument,  the  greater  the  consequence  of  a  change  in  interest  rates.  The  company’s
interest rate risk management strategy is to position its fixed income portfolio based on its view of future interest
rates  and  the  yield  curve,  balanced  with  liquidity  requirements.  The  company  may  reposition  the  portfolio  in
response to changes in the interest rate environment. At December 31, 2016 the company’s investment portfolio
included fixed income securities with an aggregate fair value of $10.2 billion that is subject to interest rate risk.

The company’s exposure to interest rate risk decreased significantly during 2016 compared to 2015 as a result of
meaningful actions taken by the company. As a result of fundamental changes to the macroeconomic outlook for the
U.S. and the ensuing potential for a significant increase in market interest rates, during the fourth quarter of 2016 the
company sold the majority of its long dated U.S. treasury bonds, realizing net proceeds of $4,753.5, and to further
reduce its exposure to interest rate risk (specifically exposure to U.S. state and municipal bonds and any remaining
long dated U.S. treasury bonds held in its fixed income portfolio), the company entered into derivative forward
contracts with a notional amount of $3,013.4 as at December 31, 2016 (December 31, 2015 – nil). These contracts
have an average term to maturity of less than one year and may be renewed at market rates. The impact of the
U.S. treasury bond forward contracts has been reflected in the interest rate sensitivity table which follows. There were
no  significant  changes  to  the  company’s  framework  used  to  monitor,  evaluate  and  manage  interest  rate  risk  at
December 31, 2016 compared to December 31, 2015.

Movements in the term structure of interest rates affect the level and timing of recognition in earnings of gains and
losses  on  fixed  income  securities  held.  Generally,  the  company’s  investment  income  may  be  reduced  during
sustained periods of lower interest rates as higher yielding fixed income securities are called, mature, or are sold and
the proceeds are reinvested at lower rates. During periods of rising interest rates, the market value of the company’s
existing fixed income securities will generally decrease and gains on fixed income securities will likely be reduced.
Losses  are  likely  to  be  incurred  following  significant  increases  in  interest  rates.  General  economic  conditions,
political conditions and many other factors can also adversely affect the bond markets and, consequently, the value
of fixed income securities held. These risks are monitored by the company’s senior portfolio managers and CEO, and
taken into consideration when managing the consolidated bond portfolio.

The table below displays the potential impact of changes in interest rates on the company’s fixed income portfolio
based on parallel 200 basis point shifts up and down, in 100 basis point increments. This analysis was performed on
each individual security to determine the hypothetical effect on net earnings.

Change in interest rates
200 basis point increase
100 basis point increase
No change
100 basis point decrease
200 basis point decrease

Fair value
of fixed
income
portfolio(1)

9,758.6
9,962.2
10,167.5
10,338.3
10,480.2

December 31, 2016

Hypothetical

$ change effect Hypothetical
on net % change in
fair value(1)

earnings(1)

December 31, 2015

Fair value
of fixed
income

Hypothetical Hypothetical
$ change effect % change in
fair value

portfolio on net earnings

(295.1)
(148.2)
–
124.6
228.6

(4.0)
(2.0)
–
1.7
3.1

11,560.9
12,467.2
13,538.3
14,867.4
16,480.6

(1,380.2)
(747.8)
–
927.7
2,053.3

(14.6)
(7.9)
–
9.8
21.7

(1)

Includes the impact of the U.S. treasury bond forward contracts.

Certain shortcomings are inherent in the method of analysis presented above. Computations of the prospective
effects of hypothetical interest rate changes are based on numerous assumptions, including the maintenance of the
level and composition of fixed income securities at the indicated date, and should not be relied on as indicative of
future  results.  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  may  include
non-parallel shifts in the term structure of interest rates and changes in individual issuer credit spreads.

97

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Market Price Fluctuations

Market price fluctuation is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate
because of changes in market prices (other than those arising from interest rate risk or foreign currency risk), whether
those  changes  are  caused  by  factors  specific  to  the  individual  financial  instrument  or  its  issuer,  or  other  factors
affecting all similar financial instruments in the market. Changes to the company’s exposure to equity price risk
through its equity and equity-related holdings at December 31, 2016 compared to December 31, 2015 are described
below.

The company holds significant investments in equity and equity-related instruments. The market value and the
liquidity of these investments are volatile and may vary dramatically either up or down in short periods, and their
ultimate value will therefore only be known over the long term or on disposition.

Throughout most of 2016, the company had economically hedged its equity and equity-related holdings (comprised
of common stocks, convertible preferred stocks, convertible bonds, non-insurance investments in associates and
equity-related derivatives) against a potential significant decline in equity markets by way of short positions effected
through equity and equity index total return swaps (including short positions in certain equity indexes (Russell 2000
index, S&P/TSX 60 index and other equity indexes, collectively the ‘‘indexes’’) and individual equities) and equity
index put options (S&P 500). The company’s equity hedges were structured to provide a return that was inverse to
changes in the fair values of the indexes and certain individual equities.

After giving consideration to the outcome of the U.S. elections in 2016 and the potential for fundamental changes
that may bolster U.S. economic growth and equity markets, the company discontinued its economic equity hedging
strategy during the fourth quarter of 2016. Accordingly, the company closed out $6,350.6 notional amount of short
positions during 2016 effected through equity and equity index total return swaps, including all of the company’s
Russell 2000, S&P 500 and S&P/TSX 60 short equity index total return swaps. The short equity index total return
swaps closed out in 2016 produced a realized loss of $2,665.4 (of which $1,710.2 was recorded as unrealized losses in
prior  years).  The  company  continues  to  invest  or  maintain  investments  in  short  equity  total  return  swaps  in
individual equities as investments, and not as hedges of the company’s equity and equity-related holdings.

98

The following table summarizes the net effect of the company’s equity and equity-related holdings (long exposures
net  of  short  exposures)  on  the  company’s  financial  position  as  at  December  31,  2016  and  2015  and  results  of
operations  for  the  years  then  ended.  The  company  considers  the  fair  value  of  $1,752.5  (December  31,  2015 –
$1,280.6) of its non-insurance investments in associates (see note 6) as a component of its equity and equity-related
holdings when assessing its net equity exposures.

Year ended

Year ended

December 31, December 31,

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

2016

2015

Exposure/

Notional Carrying
value
amount

Exposure/
Notional
amount

Carrying
value

Pre-tax
earnings
(loss)

Pre-tax
earnings
(loss)

4,181.4
9.1
638.2

4,181.4
9.1
638.2

4,472.3
82.8
701.5

4,472.3
82.8
701.5

(78.0)
(6.6)
(39.4)

(670.5)
(22.5)
(119.2)

1,752.5

1,693.0

1,280.6

1,406.5

–

235.5

213.1
19.3

4.3
19.3

149.4
0.8

(8.6)
0.8

23.3
(4.0)

(36.0)
187.7

6,813.6

6,545.3

6,687.4

6,655.3

(104.7)

(425.0)

Long equity exposures:
Common stocks(1)
Preferred stocks – convertible
Bonds – convertible
Investments in associates and

subsidiary(2)(3)

Derivatives and other invested assets:
Equity total return swaps – long

positions

Equity warrants and call options

Total equity and equity related

holdings

Equity hedges and short equity

exposures(4):
Derivatives and other invested assets:
Equity total return swaps – short

positions

(1,623.0)

(67.7)

(1,491.7)

60.3

(208.0)

170.7

Equity index total return swaps –

short positions

Equity index put options(5)

(43.3)
–

0.6
–

(4,403.1)
–

134.0
13.1

(971.8)
(13.1)

(1,666.3)

(67.1)

(5,894.8)

207.4

(1,192.9)

338.3
(7.2)

501.8

Net equity exposures and financial

effects

5,147.3

792.6

(1,297.6)

76.8

(1) The company excludes other funds that are invested principally in fixed income securities with a carrying value of $157.1
at December 31, 2016 (December 31, 2015 – $1,094.0) when measuring its equity and equity-related exposure.

(2) Excludes the company’s insurance and reinsurance investments in associates which are considered long term strategic

holdings. See note 6 for details.

(3) During the second quarter of 2015 the company sold its investment in Ridley and recognized a net realized gain of $236.4.

See note 23 for details.

(4) Prior to the fourth quarter of 2016 the short equity exposures were considered economic hedges of the company’s equity and

equity-related holdings.

(5) As the S&P 500 put options were out-of-the-money at December 31, 2015, the company did not consider the notional

amount in its calculation of the equity hedge ratio. The S&P 500 put options expired in 2016.

The table that follows illustrates the potential impact on net earnings of changes in the fair value of the company’s
equity and equity-related holdings (long exposures net of short exposures) as a result of changes in global equity
markets  at  December  31,  2016  and  2015.  The  analysis  assumes  variations  of  5%  and  10%  which  the  company

99

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

believes  to  be  reasonably  possible  based  on  analysis  of  the  return  on  various  equity  indexes  and  management’s
knowledge of global equity markets.

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Fair value
of equity
and equity-

$ change effect
related holdings on net earnings

Hypothetical Hypothetical
% change

Fair value
of equity
and equity-
in fair value related holdings on net earnings

Hypothetical Hypothetical
$ change effect % change in
fair value

Change in global
equity markets

10% increase
5% increase
No change
5% decrease
10% decrease

3,755.3
3,569.7
3,394.7
3,233.5
3,082.9

248.6
119.6
–
(106.7)
(204.5)

10.6
5.2
–
(4.7)
(9.2)

(588.9)
(547.5)
(488.0)
(454.4)
(410.7)

(77.7)
(45.4)
–
26.8
60.6

(20.7)
(12.2)
–
6.9
15.8

The changes in fair value of non-insurance investments in associates have been excluded from each of the scenarios
presented  above  as  any  change  in  the  fair  value  of  an  investment  in  associate  is  generally  recognized  in  the
company’s consolidated financial reporting only upon ultimate disposition of the associate.

The  company’s  risk  management  objective  with  respect  to  market  price  fluctuations  is  to  economically  protect
capital over potentially long periods of time and especially during periods of market turbulence. Despite having
discontinued its equity hedging strategy in the fourth quarter of 2016, the company may in the future, from time to
time, choose to hedge part or all of its equity and equity-related holdings to protect against a potential significant
decline in global equity markets.

At December 31, 2016 the company’s exposure to the ten largest issuers of common stock owned in the investment
portfolio was $2,113.8, which represented 7.4% of the total investment portfolio (December 31, 2015 – $2,572.9,
8.9%). The exposure to the largest single issuer of common stock held at December 31, 2016 was $391.7, which
represented 1.4% of the total investment portfolio (December 31, 2015 – $425.1, 1.5%).

Risk of Decreasing Price Levels

The risk of decreases in the general price level of goods and services is the potential for negative impacts on the
consolidated  balance  sheet  (including  the  company’s  equity  and  equity-related  holdings  and  fixed  income
investments  in  non-sovereign  debt)  and  the  consolidated  statement  of  earnings.  Among  their  effects  on  the
economy, decreasing price levels typically result in decreased consumption, restriction of credit, shrinking output
and investment and numerous bankruptcies.

The company has purchased derivative contracts referenced to consumer price indexes (‘‘CPI’’) in the geographic
regions in which it operates to serve as an economic hedge against the potential adverse financial impact on the
company of decreasing price levels. At December 31, 2016 these contracts have a remaining weighted average life of
5.6 years (December 31, 2015 – 6.6 years), a notional amount of $110.4 billion (December 31, 2015 – $109.4 billion)
and a fair value of $83.4 (December 31, 2015 -$272.6). As the average remaining life of a contract declines, the fair
value  of  the  contract  (excluding  the  impact  of  CPI  changes)  will  generally  decline.  The  company’s  maximum
potential loss on any contract is limited to the original cost of that contract.

During 2016 the company purchased $3,185.7 (2015 – $2,907.3) notional amount of CPI-linked derivative contracts
at a cost of $11.2 (2015 – $14.6) and paid additional premiums of $3.3 (2015 – $4.8) to increase the strike prices of
certain CPI-linked derivative contracts (primarily the European CPI-linked derivatives). The company’s CPI-linked
derivative contracts produced net unrealized losses of $196.2 in 2016 (2015 – net unrealized gains of $35.7).

The CPI-linked derivative contracts are extremely volatile with the result that their market value and liquidity may
vary dramatically either up or down in short periods and their ultimate value will therefore only be known upon
their disposition or settlement. The company’s purchase of these derivative contracts is consistent with its capital
management  framework  designed  to  protect  its  capital  in  the  long  term.  Due  to  the  uncertainty  of  the  market
conditions which may exist many years into the future, it is not possible to predict the future impact of this aspect of
the company’s risk management program.

100

Foreign Currency Risk

Foreign  currency  risk  is  the  risk  that  the  fair  value  or  cash  flows  of  a  financial  instrument  or  another  asset  will
fluctuate because of changes in exchange rates and as a result, could produce an adverse effect on earnings and equity
when  measured  in  a  company’s  functional  currency.  The  company  is  exposed  to  foreign  currency  risk  through
transactions conducted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, and also through its investments in associates and
net investment in subsidiaries that have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar. Long and short foreign
exchange forward contracts primarily denominated in the euro, the British pound sterling and the Canadian dollar
are  used  to  manage  foreign  currency  exposure  on  foreign  currency  denominated  transactions.  Foreign  currency
denominated liabilities may be used to manage the company’s foreign currency exposures to net investments in
foreign  operations  having  a  functional  currency  other  than  the  U.S.  dollar.  The  company’s  exposure  to  foreign
currency risk was not significantly different at December 31, 2016 compared to December 31, 2015.

The  company’s  foreign  currency  risk  management  objective  is  to  mitigate  the  impact  of  foreign  currency  rate
fluctuations  on  total  equity,  notwithstanding  the  company’s  exposure  to  the  Indian  rupee  resulting  from  its
investment in Fairfax India. At the consolidated level the company accumulates, and matches, all significant asset
and liability foreign currency exposures, thereby identifying any net unmatched positions, whether long or short.
The company may then take action to cure an unmatched position through the acquisition of a derivative contract
or the purchase or sale of investments denominated in the exposed currency.

A portion of the company’s premiums are written in foreign currencies and a portion of the company’s loss reserves
are  denominated  in  foreign  currencies.  Moreover,  a  portion  of  the  company’s  cash  and  investments  are  held  in
currencies  other  than  the  U.S.  dollar.  In  general,  the  company  manages  foreign  currency  risk  on  liabilities  by
investing in financial instruments and other assets denominated in the same currency as the liabilities to which they
relate. The company also monitors the exposure of invested assets to foreign currency risk and limits these amounts
as deemed necessary. The company may nevertheless, from time to time, experience gains or losses resulting from
fluctuations in the values of these foreign currencies, which may favourably or adversely affect operating results.

At  December  31,  2016  the  company  had  designated  the  carrying  value  of  Cdn$1,975.0  principal  amount  of  its
Canadian dollar denominated unsecured senior notes with a fair value of $1,618.1 (December 31, 2015 – principal
amount of Cdn$1,525.0 with a fair value of $1,240.9) as a hedge of its net investment in its Canadian subsidiaries for
financial reporting. In 2016 the company recognized pre-tax losses of $37.5 (2015 – pre-tax gains of $218.8) related
to foreign currency movements on the unsecured senior notes in gains on hedge of net investment in Canadian
subsidiaries in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

The pre-tax foreign exchange effect on certain line items in the company’s consolidated financial statements for the
years ended December 31 follows:

Net gains (losses) on investments

Investing activities
Underwriting activities
Foreign currency forward contracts

Foreign currency net gains (losses) included in pre-tax earnings (loss)

2016

2015

(136.9)
19.7
(12.3)

(27.6)
82.1
58.0

(129.5)

112.5

101

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

The table below shows the approximate effect of a 5% appreciation of the U.S. dollar against each of the Canadian
dollar, euro, British pound sterling, Indian rupee and all other currencies, respectively, on pre-tax earnings (loss), net
earnings  (loss),  pre-tax  other  comprehensive  income  (loss)  and  other  comprehensive  income  (loss).  Certain
shortcomings are inherent in the method of analysis presented, including the assumption that the 5% appreciation
of the U.S. dollar occurred with all other variables held constant.

Canadian
dollar

Euro

British
pound
sterling

Indian rupee

All other
currencies

Total

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

40.6

23.9

9.5

(25.5)

15.6

27.5

(31.2)

(42.5)

24.0

37.2

58.5

20.6

28.0

16.4

7.8

(17.7)

11.7

20.5

(21.9)

(29.3)

13.8

25.4

39.4

15.3

(66.1)

(61.3)

(1.7)

7.6

(29.9)

(36.8)

(99.3)

(79.7)

(60.0)

(42.4)

(257.0)

(212.6)

(66.0)

(61.2)

4.3

12.7

(28.5)

(35.9)

(94.0)

(77.5)

(60.0)

(41.7)

(244.2)

(203.6)

Pre-tax earnings

(loss)

Net earnings

(loss)

Pre-tax other

comprehensive
income (loss)

Other

comprehensive
income (loss)

The hypothetical impact in 2016 of the foreign currency movements on pre-tax earnings (loss) in the table above
principally related to the following:

Canadian  dollar: Foreign  exchange  forward  contracts  used  as  economic  hedges  of  operational  exposure  at
OdysseyRe (including hedges of OdysseyRe’s net investment in its Canadian branch where the net assets are
translated  through  other  comprehensive  income)  and  the  translation  of  the  company’s  Canadian  dollar
denominated senior notes not included as part of the hedge of net investment in Canadian subsidiaries.

Euro: Foreign exchange forward contracts at Crum & Forster used as economic hedges of portfolio investments
(including economic hedges of Crum & Forster’s euro denominated investment in associate that is translated
through other comprehensive income) and Runoff’s provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses.

British pound sterling: Net liabilities at OdysseyRe (principally insurance contract liabilities net of recoverable
from reinsurers and portfolio investments).

Indian rupee: Portfolio investments held broadly across the company.

All  other  currencies: U.S.  dollar  denominated  portfolio  investments  held  in  entities  where  the  functional
currency is other than the U.S. dollar (primarily at OdysseyRe’s Paris branch and Newline syndicate).

The hypothetical impact in 2016 of the foreign currency movements on pre-tax other comprehensive income (loss)
in the table above principally related to the following:

Canadian dollar: Translation of the net investments in Northbridge and the Canadian subsidiaries within the
Other reporting segment, partially offset by the impact of the hedge of net investment in Canadian subsidiaries.

Euro: Net  liabilities  at  OdysseyRe’s Paris  branch,  partially  offset  by  investments  in  associates  (Grivalia
Properties, Eurolife and certain KWF LPs).

British pound sterling: Net investments in Newline syndicate (OdysseyRe) and RiverStone Insurance (Runoff).

Indian rupee: Net investments in Fairfax India and Thomas Cook India, and an investment in associate (ICICI
Lombard).

All other currencies: Net investments in First Capital (Singapore dollar), Bryte Insurance (South African rand),
Polish  Re  (Polish  zloty),  AMAG  (Indonesian  rupiah)  and  Pacific  Insurance  (Malaysian  ringgit),  and  an
investment in associate (Gulf Insurance, Kuwaiti dinar).

102

Capital Management

The company’s capital management framework is designed to protect, in the following order, its policyholders, its
bondholders and its preferred shareholders and then finally to optimize returns to common shareholders. Effective
capital management includes measures designed to maintain capital above minimum regulatory levels, above levels
required to satisfy issuer credit ratings and financial strength ratings requirements, and above internally determined
and calculated risk management levels. Total capital at December 31, 2016, comprising total debt, shareholders’
equity attributable to shareholders of Fairfax and non-controlling interests, was $16,587.7 compared to $15,370.4 at
December 31, 2015. The company manages its capital based on the following financial measurements and ratios to
provide an indication of the company’s ability to issue and service debt without impacting the operating companies
or their portfolio investments:

Holding company cash and investments (net of short sale and derivative obligations)

Borrowings – holding company
Borrowings – insurance and reinsurance companies
Borrowings – non-insurance companies

Total debt

Net debt(1)

Common shareholders’ equity
Preferred stock
Non-controlling interests

Total equity

Net debt/total equity
Net debt/net total capital(2)
Total debt/total capital(3)
Interest coverage(4)
Interest and preferred share dividend distribution coverage(5)

December 31, December 31,
2015
1,275.9

2016
1,329.4

3,472.5
435.5
859.6

2,599.0
468.5
284.0

4,767.6

3,351.5

3,438.2

2,075.6

8,484.6
1,335.5
2,000.0

8,952.5
1,334.9
1,731.5

11,820.1

12,018.9

29.1%
22.5%
28.7%
n/a
n/a

17.3%
14.7%
21.8%
3.9x
2.9x

(1) Net debt is is calculated by the company as total debt less holding company cash and investments (net of short sale and

derivative obligations).

(2) Net total capital is calculated by the company as the sum of total equity and net debt.

(3) Total capital is calculated by the company as the sum of total equity and total debt.

(4)

(5)

Interest coverage is calculated by the company as the sum of earnings (loss) before income taxes and interest expense
divided by interest expense.

Interest and preferred share dividend distribution coverage is calculated by the company as the sum of earnings (loss)
before income taxes and interest expense divided by interest expense and preferred share dividend distributions adjusted to
a pre-tax equivalent at the company’s Canadian statutory income tax rate.

During 2016 the company completed underwritten public offerings of 1.0 million subordinate voting shares and
Cdn$400.0 principal amount of 4.50% senior notes due 2023 for net proceeds of $523.5 and $303.2 respectively.
Those net proceeds were used to finance the purchase of an additional 9% ownership interest in ICICI Lombard
(note 6), an investment in Eurolife (note 6) and the acquisition of AMAG (note 23). The company also completed an
underwritten public offering of Cdn$450.0 principal amount of 4.70% senior notes due 2026 for net proceeds of
$334.5  that  will  be  used  to  support  tender  offers  for  certain  of  the  company’s  senior  notes  as  announced  on
January 30, 2017 (note 15).

The  company’s  capital  management  objectives  include  maintaining  sufficient  liquid  resources  at  the  holding
company to be able to pay interest on debt, dividends to preferred shareholders and all other holding company
obligations. Accordingly, the company monitors its interest and preferred share dividend distribution coverage ratio
calculated as described in footnote 5 of the table above.

103

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

In the United States, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (‘‘NAIC’’) has developed a model law and
risk-based capital (‘‘RBC’’) formula designed to help regulators identify property and casualty insurers that may be
inadequately capitalized. Under the NAIC’s requirements, an insurer must maintain total capital and surplus above a
calculated threshold or face varying levels of regulatory action. The threshold is based on a formula that attempts to
quantify the risk of a company’s insurance, investment and other business activities. At December 31, 2016 and 2015
Crum & Forster, Zenith National, OdysseyRe and U.S. runoff subsidiaries had capital and surplus in excess of the
regulatory minimum requirement of two times the authorized control level.

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, 2016 and 2015 Northbridge’s subsidiaries had a weighted average MCT ratio in excess of the 150%
minimum supervisory target.

The  Lloyd’s  market  is  subject  to  the  solvency  and  capital  adequacy  requirements  of  the  Prudential  Regulatory
Authority in the U.K. The capital requirements of Brit are based on the output of an internal model which reflects the
risk profile of the business. At December 31, 2016 Brit’s available capital was in excess of its management capital
requirements (capital required for business strategy and regulatory requirements).

In  countries  other  than  the  U.S.  and  Canada  where  the  company  operates  (the  United  Kingdom,  Barbados,
Singapore,  Malaysia,  Sri  Lanka,  Hong  Kong,  Poland,  Brazil,  South  Africa,  Indonesia  and  other  jurisdictions),  the
company met or exceeded the applicable regulatory capital requirements at December 31, 2016.

25. Segmented Information

The company identifies its operating segments by operating company, consistent with its management structure.
Certain  of  the  operating  segments  have  been  aggregated  into  reporting  segments,  with  reporting  segments
categorized by type of business as described below. The accounting policies of the reporting segments are the same as
those described in note 3. Transfer prices for inter-segment transactions are set at arm’s length. Geographic premiums
are  determined  based  on  the  domicile  of  the  various  subsidiaries  and  where  the  primary  underlying  risk  of  the
business resides.

Insurance and Reinsurance

Northbridge – A  national  commercial  property  and  casualty  insurer  in  Canada  providing  property  and  casualty
insurance products through its Northbridge Insurance and Federated subsidiaries.

OdysseyRe – A U.S.-based reinsurer that provides a full range of property and casualty products on a worldwide basis,
and that underwrites specialty insurance, primarily in the U.S. and in the U.K., both directly and through the Lloyd’s
market in London.

Crum  &  Forster – A  national  commercial  property  and  casualty  insurer  in  the  U.S.  writing  a  broad  range  of
commercial coverages, principally specialty coverages.

Zenith National – An insurer primarily engaged in workers’ compensation business in the U.S.

Brit – A market-leading global Lloyd’s of London specialty insurer and reinsurer.

Fairfax Asia – This reporting segment includes the company’s operations that underwrite insurance and reinsurance
coverages  in  Singapore  (First  Capital),  Hong  Kong  (Falcon),  Malaysia  (Pacific  Insurance),  Indonesia  (Fairfax
Indonesia  and  AMAG  (acquired  on  October  10,  2016)),  and  Sri  Lanka  (Union  Assurance,  which  owns  Fairfirst
Insurance (acquired on October 3, 2016)). Fairfax Asia also includes the company’s equity accounted interests in
Mumbai-based ICICI Lombard (34.6%), Vietnam-based BIC Insurance (35.0%) and Thailand-based Falcon Thailand
(41.2%).

104

Insurance and Reinsurance – Other – This reporting segment is comprised of Group Re, Advent, Polish Re, Fairfax
Brasil,  Colonnade  (established  in  July  of  2015)  and  Bryte  Insurance  (acquired  on  December  7,  2016).  Group  Re
primarily constitutes the participation of CRC Re and Wentworth (both based in Barbados) 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 third party reinsurers. Group Re also writes third party business. Advent is a specialty property
reinsurance and insurance company operating through Syndicate 780 at Lloyd’s. Polish Re underwrites reinsurance
in Central and Eastern Europe. Fairfax Brasil writes commercial property and casualty insurance in Brazil. Colonnade
is a Luxembourg insurer with branches in each of the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia and also includes its
insurance company, Colonnade Ukraine. Bryte Insurance is an established property and casualty insurer in South
Africa and Botswana.

Runoff

The  Runoff  reporting  segment  principally  comprises  RiverStone  (UK),  Syndicate  3500,  RiverStone  Insurance
(European runoff) and TIG Insurance and its subsidiary (U.S. runoff).

Other

The Other reporting segment is comprised of the company’s non-insurance operations, including Cara (which owns
St-Hubert (acquired on September 2, 2016) and Original Joe’s (acquired on November 28, 2016)), The Keg, Praktiker,
Sporting Life, William Ashley, Boat Rocker, Golf Town (acquired on October 31, 2016), Pethealth, Thomas Cook
India (which owns Quess and Sterling Resorts) and Fairfax India (which owns NCML and Privi Organics (acquired on
August 26, 2016)). Ridley was de-consolidated from the company’s financial reporting upon its sale on June 18, 2015.

Corporate and Other

Corporate and Other includes the parent entity (Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited), its subsidiary intermediate
holding companies and Hamblin Watsa, an investment management company.

105

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Pre-tax Income (Loss) by Reporting Segment

Pre-tax income (loss) by reporting segment for the years ended December 31 was as follows:

2016

Gross premiums written
External
Intercompany

Insurance and Reinsurance

Crum & Zenith

Fairfax

Operating

Corporate Eliminations

and

and

Northbridge OdysseyRe Forster National

Brit

Asia Other companies Runoff Other

Other adjustments Consolidated

1,052.3
2.8

2,355.8 2,011.8
43.2

24.9

831.7 1,904.3
7.9

–

636.1 558.4
84.9

12.6

9,350.4
176.3

183.9
–

1,055.1

2,380.7 2,055.0

831.7 1,912.2

648.7 643.3

9,526.7

183.9

Net premiums written

942.6

2,100.2 1,801.1

819.4 1,480.2

303.1 458.4

7,905.0

183.4

Net premiums earned
External
Intercompany

915.8
(7.0)

2,083.9 1,738.6
30.9

(9.8)

809.3 1,396.5
2.8

(2.0)

348.5 406.1
31.1
(46.0)

7,698.7
–

163.5
–

Underwriting expenses(1)

908.8
(862.5)

2,074.1 1,769.5
(1,838.9)(1,737.1)

807.3 1,399.3
302.5 437.2
(643.2) (1,370.2) (261.4) (409.5)

7,698.7
163.5
(7,122.8) (348.6)

Underwriting profit (loss)

46.3

235.2

32.4

164.1

29.1

41.1

27.7

575.9 (185.1)

–
–

–

–

–
–

–
–

–

–
–

–

–

–
–

–
–

–

Interest income
Dividends
Investment expenses

56.6
8.4
(12.8)

158.5
23.9
(28.7)

72.8
5.8
(12.8)

33.0
4.3
(7.7)

66.5
2.6
(13.7)

26.6
3.4
(3.3)

32.2
2.7
(8.3)

446.2
51.1
(87.3)

58.6
5.9
(13.3)

21.3
8.2
(12.8)

(11.7)
1.6
(1.4)

Interest and dividends

52.2

153.7

65.8

29.6

55.4

26.7

26.6

410.0

51.2

16.7

(11.5)

Share of profit (loss) of

associates

Other

Revenue
Expenses

5.2

17.3

(22.6)

1.2

3.4

48.1

0.7

53.3

(15.5)

13.6

(27.2)

–
–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

– 2,061.6
– (1,958.4)

–

103.2

–
–

–

Operating income (loss)
Net gains (losses) on investments
Interest expense
Corporate overhead

103.7
(161.3)
–
(6.6)

406.2
(318.7)
(2.8)
(30.2)

75.6
(184.7)
(1.6)
(20.4)

194.9
(168.2)
(3.3)
(8.4)

87.9
87.3
(14.2)
(9.2)

115.9
(1.7)
–
(0.1)

55.0
(90.0)
(4.2)
–

1,039.2 (149.4)
(837.3) (225.2)
–
–

(26.1)
(74.9)

133.5
30.1
(28.3)
–

(38.7)
(171.2)
(188.4)
(17.6)

(64.2)

54.5

(131.1)

15.0

151.8

114.1

(39.2)

100.9 (374.6)

135.3

(415.9)

Pre-tax income (loss)
Income taxes

Net loss

Attributable to:

Shareholders of Fairfax
Non-controlling interests

–
(176.3)

9,534.3
–

(176.3)

9,534.3

–

–
–

–
–

–

–
–
88.8

88.8

–

–
–

–

88.8
–
–
(88.8)

–

8,088.4

7,862.2
–

7,862.2
(7,471.4)

390.8

514.4
66.8
(26.0)

555.2

24.2

2,061.6
(1,958.4)

103.2

1,073.4
(1,203.6)
(242.8)
(181.3)

(554.3)
159.6

(394.7)

(512.5)
117.8

(394.7)

(1) Total underwriting expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016 are comprised as shown below. Accident year total

underwriting expenses exclude the impact of favourable or unfavourable prior year claims reserve development.

Insurance and reinsurance

Crum &

Zenith

Fairfax

Operating

Loss & LAE – accident year
Commissions
Premium acquisition costs and other

underwriting expenses

651.1
150.6

173.6

Northbridge

OdysseyRe

Forster

National

1,438.4
431.4

1,136.1
283.2

459.3
81.9

Brit

909.7
292.3

Asia

Other

companies

252.5
(6.5)

290.1
101.8

5,137.2
1,334.7

235.6

326.1

203.0

221.7

67.5

78.0

1,305.5

Total underwriting expenses – accident year
Favourable claims reserve development

975.3
(112.8)

2,105.4
(266.5)

1,745.4
(8.3)

744.2
(101.0)

1,423.7
(53.5)

313.5
(52.1)

469.9
(60.4)

7,777.4
(654.6)

Total underwriting expenses – calendar year

862.5

1,838.9

1,737.1

643.2

1,370.2

261.4

409.5

7,122.8

106

2015

Gross premiums written

External

Intercompany

Insurance and Reinsurance

Crum & Zenith

Fairfax

Operating

Corporate Eliminations

and

and

Northbridge OdysseyRe Forster National Brit(1)

Asia Other companies Runoff Other

Other adjustments Consolidated

1,058.2

2,381.5 1,854.3

797.6 1,080.7

617.7 541.1

8,331.1

324.7

1.4

22.5

41.8

–

6.8

3.2

93.6

169.3

56.5

1,059.6

2,404.0 1,896.1

797.6 1,087.5

620.9 634.7

8,500.4

381.2

Net premiums written

887.0

2,095.0 1,659.4

785.4

946.4

275.9 489.8

7,138.9

381.6

Net premiums earned

External

Intercompany

938.0

2,212.0 1,504.0

768.1

890.7

336.9 396.1

7,045.8

325.2

(63.3)

(7.9)

18.0

(1.7)

1.8

(49.9)

46.6

(56.4)

56.4

Underwriting expenses(2)

(803.3)

(1,867.2) (1,486.6)

(632.0) (847.1) (252.2) (396.5)

(6,284.9) (553.7)

874.7

2,204.1 1,522.0

766.4

892.5

287.0 442.7

6,989.4

381.6

Underwriting profit (loss)

Interest income

Dividends

71.4

31.5

13.2

336.9

35.4

134.4

45.4

34.8

46.2

704.5 (172.1)

161.5

21.0

52.6

7.0

27.8

3.4

23.4

13.2

26.2

4.9

28.4

2.4

351.4

65.1

78.3

6.7

44.7

7.5

Investment expenses

(13.4)

(22.0)

(12.3)

(7.4)

(8.7)

(2.8)

(11.0)

(77.6)

(13.7)

(6.5)

Interest and dividends

Share of profit of associates

Other

Revenue

Expenses

31.3

11.0

–

–

–

160.5

47.3

23.8

27.9

28.3

19.8

338.9

71.3

45.7

(17.9)

61.3

19.5

25.1

1.6

12.7

6.9

138.1

26.7

1.7

6.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 1,783.5

– (1,703.1)

–

80.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(17.3)

0.8

(1.4)

–

8,655.8

(225.8)

–

(225.8)

8,655.8

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

74.2

74.2

–

–

–

–

7,520.5

7,371.0

–

7,371.0

(6,838.6)

532.4

457.1

80.1

(25.0)

512.2

172.9

1,783.5

(1,703.1)

80.4

Operating income (loss)

113.7

558.7

102.2

183.3

74.9

75.8

72.9

1,181.5

(74.1)

127.8

(11.5)

74.2

1,297.9

131.9

(267.2)

(105.6)

(58.8)

(75.3)

(24.5)

(68.4)

(467.9) (138.5)

6.5

340.7

–

(5.5)

(1.4)

(3.3)

(9.8)

–

(11.0)

(27.1)

(19.5)

(9.4)

(16.4)

(0.1)

(4.1)

0.4

(24.1)

(83.1)

–

–

(16.1)

(178.8)

–

(37.9)

(74.2)

–

–

234.6

258.9

(24.3)

111.8

(26.6)

51.2

0.8

606.4 (212.6)

118.2

112.5

–

Net gains (losses) on
investments(3)
Interest expense

Corporate overhead

Pre-tax income (loss)

Income taxes

Net earnings

Attributable to:

Shareholders of Fairfax

Non-controlling interests

(259.2)

(219.0)

(195.2)

624.5

17.5

642.0

567.7

74.3

642.0

(1) Brit is included in the company’s financial reporting with effect from June 5, 2015.

(2) Total underwriting expenses for the year ended December 31, 2015 are comprised as shown below. Accident year total

underwriting expenses exclude the impact of favourable or unfavourable prior year claims reserve development.

Insurance and reinsurance

Crum &

Zenith

Fairfax

Operating

Loss & LAE – accident year
Commissions
Premium acquisition costs and other

underwriting expenses

Total underwriting expenses – accident year
Favourable claims reserve development

590.8
138.0

168.4

897.2
(93.9)

Northbridge

OdysseyRe

Forster

National

1,419.1
449.1

975.6
225.7

449.1
75.9

Brit(1)

539.5
186.1

Asia

Other

companies

239.6
0.1

297.7
96.5

4,511.4
1,171.4

232.3

285.3

196.6

141.2

52.0

70.6

1,146.4

2,100.5
(233.3)

1,486.6
–

721.6
(89.6)

866.8
(19.7)

291.7
(39.5)

464.8
(68.3)

6,829.2
(544.3)

Total underwriting expenses – calendar year

803.3

1,867.2

1,486.6

632.0

847.1

252.2

396.5

6,284.9

107

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Investments in Associates, Additions to Goodwill, Segment Assets and Segment Liabilities

Investments in associates, additions to goodwill, segment assets and segment liabilities by reporting segment as at
and for the years ended December 31 were as follows:

Insurance and Reinsurance

Northbridge
OdysseyRe
Crum & Forster
Zenith National
Brit(1)
Fairfax Asia
Other

Operating companies
Runoff
Other
Corporate and Other and

Investments in
associates

Additions to
goodwill

Segment assets

Segment
liabilities

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

206.9
373.5
153.5
146.9
217.8
487.3
127.4

193.2
307.2
163.9
105.4
96.3
213.9
89.2

–
–
7.8
–
–
69.5
11.5

1,713.3
308.2
255.3

1,169.1
310.0
204.0

88.8
–
127.2

–
10.5
31.8
–
154.3
13.7
–

210.3
–
255.3

4,149.9
10,334.8
6,294.1
2,590.7
6,579.5
2,684.7
2,656.2

35,289.9
5,709.5
4,740.2

4,057.0
10,618.5
6,155.2
2,730.6
6,347.4
2,051.7
2,238.5

34,198.9
6,468.0
3,449.1

2,630.2
6,370.5
4,625.7
1,633.1
4,915.7
1,457.7
1,850.1

2,564.6
6,511.4
4,401.2
1,646.5
4,677.8
1,338.8
1,515.5

23,483.0
3,970.4
2,029.8

22,655.8
4,473.9
1,168.3

eliminations and adjustments

356.7

249.8

–

–

(2,355.2)

(2,587.0)

2,081.1

1,212.1

Consolidated

2,633.5

1,932.9

216.0

465.6

43,384.4

41,529.0

31,564.3

29,510.1

(1) Brit is included in the company’s financial reporting with effect from June 5, 2015.

Product Line

Net premiums earned by product line for the years ended December 31 was as follows:

Property

Casualty

Specialty

Total

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

Net premiums earned –

Insurance and Reinsurance
Northbridge
OdysseyRe
Crum & Forster
Zenith National
Brit(1)
Fairfax Asia
Other

395.6
1,159.9
237.0
29.3
402.7
57.4
191.9

376.4
1,232.6
213.2
24.9
253.9
46.4
198.0

423.8
714.5
1,426.6
778.0
664.3
191.2
146.1

412.9
759.3
1,222.5
741.5
429.6
179.0
131.3

Operating companies
Runoff

2,473.8
0.4

2,345.4
0.4

4,344.5
162.6

3,876.1
381.2

89.4
199.7
105.9
–
332.3
53.9
99.2

880.4
0.5

85.4
212.2
86.3
–
209.0
61.6
113.4

767.9
–

2,345.8

4,507.1

4,257.3

880.9

767.9

Consolidated net premiums earned 2,474.2
Interest and dividends
Share of profit of associates
Net losses on investments
Other

Consolidated revenue

908.8
2,074.1
1,769.5
807.3
1,399.3
302.5
437.2

874.7
2,204.1
1,522.0
766.4
892.5
287.0
442.7

7,698.7
163.5

6,989.4
381.6

7,862.2
555.2
24.2
(1,203.6)
2,061.6

7,371.0
512.2
172.9
(259.2)
1,783.5

9,299.6

9,580.4

Allocation of net premiums earned

31.5%

31.8%

57.3%

57.8% 11.2% 10.4%

(1) Brit is included in the company’s financial reporting with effect from June 5, 2015.

108

Geographic Region

Net premiums earned by geographic region for the years ended December 31 was as follows:

Canada

United States

Asia(1)

International(2)

Total

2016

2015

2016

2015 2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

Net premiums earned – Insurance and
Reinsurance

Northbridge
OdysseyRe
Crum & Forster
Zenith National
Brit(3)
Fairfax Asia
Other

Operating companies
Runoff

Consolidated net premiums earned
Interest and dividends
Share of profit of associates
Net losses on investments
Other

Consolidated revenue

899.5
72.5
–
–
77.1
0.1
3.9

866.2

8.5
9.3
91.3 1,319.3 1,311.6
– 1,769.3 1,521.8
766.4
–
595.6
43.8
0.1
0.4
118.5
4.1

807.3
942.1
0.3
142.6

1,053.1 1,005.5 4,990.2 4,322.8
318.5

162.6

56.5

–

–
231.4
–
–
54.0
293.2
105.7

684.3
–

–
255.3
–
–
35.8
276.8
113.5

681.4
–

–
450.9
0.2
–
326.1
8.9
185.0

971.1
0.9

–
545.9
0.2
–
217.3
9.7
206.6

979.7
6.6

1,053.1 1,062.0 5,152.8 4,641.3

684.3

681.4

972.0

986.3

908.8
2,074.1
1,769.5
807.3
1,399.3
302.5
437.2

874.7
2,204.1
1,522.0
766.4
892.5
287.0
442.7

7,698.7
163.5

6,989.4
381.6

7,862.2
555.2
24.2
(1,203.6)
2,061.6

7,371.0
512.2
172.9
(259.2)
1,783.5

9,299.6

9,580.4

Allocation of net premiums earned

13.4% 14.4% 65.5% 63.0% 8.7% 9.2%

12.4% 13.4%

(1) The Asia geographic segment comprises countries located throughout Asia including China, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia,

Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and the Middle East.

(2) The International geographic segment comprises Australia and countries located in Africa, Europe and South America.

(3) Brit is included in the company’s financial reporting with effect from June 5, 2015.

26. Expenses

Losses  on  claims,  net,  operating  expenses  and  other  expenses  for  the  years  ended  December  31  were  comprised
as follows:

Losses and loss adjustment expenses
Wages and salaries
Other reporting segment cost of sales
Employee benefits
Depreciation, amortization and impairment charges
Operating lease costs
Audit, legal and tax professional fees
Information technology costs
Premium taxes
Share-based payments to directors and employees
Other reporting segment marketing costs
Restructuring costs
Administrative expense and other

109

2016
4,478.3
1,217.4
1,095.2
275.2
191.7
152.4
133.6
106.1
101.4
53.6
40.4
3.2
426.2

2015
4,182.3
1,082.3
1,009.6
259.3
133.3
132.2
112.0
97.4
93.6
34.8
29.5
3.1
390.2

8,274.7

7,559.6

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

27. Supplementary Cash Flow Information

Cash and cash equivalents included on the consolidated balance sheets and the consolidated statements of cash
flows were comprised as follows:

Holding company cash and investments:

Cash and balances with banks
Treasury bills and other eligible bills

Subsidiary cash and short term investments:

Cash and balances with banks
Treasury bills and other eligible bills

Subsidiary assets pledged for short sale and derivative obligations:

Cash and balances with banks

Fairfax India:

Cash and balances with banks
Treasury bills and other eligible bills

December 31, December 31,
2015

2016

131.9
401.3

533.2

1,668.2
2,275.2

3,943.4

–

44.5
128.7

173.2

151.5
70.9

222.4

1,628.4
1,599.3

3,227.7

7.7

22.0
–

22.0

Cash and cash equivalents as presented on the consolidated balance

sheets

4,649.8

3,479.8

Less: Cash and cash equivalents – restricted(1)

Holding company cash and cash equivalents – restricted:

Cash and balances with banks

Subsidiary cash and cash equivalents – restricted:

Cash and balances with banks
Treasury bills and other eligible bills

2.8

180.8
247.1

430.7

–

152.2
202.0

354.2

Cash and cash equivalents as presented on the consolidated

statements of cash flows

4,219.1

3,125.6

(1) Cash, cash equivalents and bank overdrafts as presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows excludes balances
that are restricted. Restricted cash and cash equivalents are comprised primarily of amounts required to be maintained on
deposit with various regulatory authorities to support the subsidiaries’ insurance and reinsurance operations.

110

Details of certain cash flows included in the consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31
were as follows:

(a) Net (purchases) sales of securities classified as FVTPL

Short term investments
Bonds
Preferred stocks
Common stocks
Derivatives and short sales

(b) Changes in operating assets and liabilities

Net (increase) decrease in restricted cash and cash equivalents
Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses
Provision for unearned premiums
Insurance contract receivables
Recoverable from reinsurers
Other receivables
Funds withheld payable to reinsurers
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Income taxes payable
Other

(c) Net interest and dividends received

Interest and dividends received
Interest paid

(d) Net income taxes paid

28. Related Party Transactions

2016

2015

(2,688.0)
4,514.5
(42.4)
170.4
(835.2)

(805.7)
(455.4)
39.8
252.5
484.5

1,119.3

(484.3)

(55.1)
(355.7)
326.2
(296.6)
(34.6)
(36.5)
87.9
110.6
(54.1)
(300.0)

79.4
(291.5)
(221.8)
24.7
475.2
(90.3)
(150.7)
270.0
(33.2)
(118.6)

(607.9)

(56.8)

782.4
(216.2)

661.0
(211.4)

566.2

449.6

(267.1)

(259.0)

Compensation for the company’s key management team for the years ended December 31 was as follows:

Salaries and other short-term employee benefits
Share-based payments

2016
8.2
2.5

10.7

Compensation for the company’s Board of Directors for the years ended December 31 was as follows:

Retainers and fees
Share-based payments

2016
0.8
0.1

0.9

2015
8.3
2.1

10.4

2015
0.6
0.2

0.8

The compensation presented above is determined in accordance with the company’s IFRS accounting policies and
may differ from the compensation presented in the company’s Management Proxy Circular.

111

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

29. Subsidiaries

During 2016 the company acquired controlling interests in Bryte Insurance, AMAG, Fairfirst Insurance (through
Union  Assurance),  St-Hubert  and  Original  Joe’s  (through  Cara),  Golf  Town,  and  Privi  Organics  (through  Fairfax
India). During 2015 the company acquired controlling interests in Brit, Union Assurance, Cara and NCML (through
Fairfax India), incorporated Fairfax India and divested its ownership of Ridley Inc. The foregoing transactions are
described in note 23. The company has a number of wholly-owned subsidiaries not presented in the tables below,
that are intermediate holding companies of investments in subsidiaries and intercompany balances, all of which are
eliminated on consolidation.

December 31, 2016
Insurance and Reinsurance
Northbridge Financial Corporation (Northbridge)
Odyssey Re Holdings Corp. (OdysseyRe)

Hudson Insurance Company (Hudson Insurance)

Crum & Forster Holdings Corp. (Crum & Forster)
Zenith National Insurance Corp. (Zenith National)
Brit Limited (Brit)
Advent Capital (Holdings) Ltd. (Advent)
Polskie Towarzystwo Reasekuracji Sp ´olka Akcyjna (Polish Re)
Colonnade Insurance S.A. (Colonnade)
Fairfax Brasil Seguros Corporativos S.A. (Fairfax Brasil)
Bryte Insurance Company Limited (Bryte Insurance)
Group Re, which underwrites business in:
CRC Reinsurance Limited (CRC Re)
Wentworth Insurance Company Ltd. (Wentworth)

Fairfax Asia, which consists of:

Falcon Insurance (Hong Kong) Company Ltd. (Falcon)
First Capital Insurance Limited (First Capital)
The Pacific Insurance Berhad (Pacific Insurance)
PT Asuransi Multi Artha Guna TBK (AMAG)
Union Assurance General Limited (Union Assurance), which owns:

100% of Fairfirst Insurance Limited (Fairfirst Insurance)
ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited (ICICI

Lombard)(1)

Runoff
TIG Insurance Company (TIG Insurance)
RiverStone Insurance (UK) Limited (RiverStone (UK))
RiverStone Insurance Limited (RiverStone Insurance)
RiverStone Managing Agency Limited

(1)

ICICI Lombard is an equity accounted investment in associate (note 6).

Domicile

Canada
United States
United States
United States
United States
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Poland
Luxembourg
Brazil
South Africa

Barbados
Barbados

Hong Kong
Singapore
Malaysia
Indonesia
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka

India

United States
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom

Fairfax’s ownership
(100% other than
as shown below)

72.5%

97.7%
85.0%
80.0%
78.0%
78.0%

34.6%

112

December 31, 2016
Other reporting segment
Hamblin Watsa Investment Counsel Ltd.

(Hamblin Watsa)

Pethealth Inc. (Pethealth)

Boat Rocker Media Inc. (Boat Rocker)

Restaurants and Retail
Cara Operations Limited (Cara) which owns:

Domicile

Fairfax’s
ownership

Primary business

Canada

100.0% Investment management

Canada

Canada

100.0% Pet medical insurance and
database services
58.2% Development, production,

marketing and distribution of
television programs

Canada

38.9%(1) Franchisor, owner and operator

of restaurants

100.0% of Groupe St-Hubert Inc. (St-Hubert)

Canada

38.9% Full-service restaurant operator

and a fully integrated food
manufacturer

89.2% of Original Joe’s Franchise Group Inc.

Canada

34.7% Multi-brand restaurant owner

(Original Joe’s)

Keg Restaurants Ltd. (The Keg)

Canada

51.0% Owner and operator of premium

dining restaurants

and operator

Praktiker Hellas Commercial Societe Anonyme

Greece

100.0% Retailer of home improvement

(Praktiker)

goods

Sporting Life Inc. (Sporting Life)

Canada

75.0% Retailer of sporting goods and

William Ashley China Corporation (William

Canada

100.0% Retailer of tableware and gifts

Ashley)

Golf Town Limited (Golf Town)

Canada

60.0%(2) Retailer of golf equipment,

sports apparel

consumables, athletic apparel
and accessories

India focused
Fairfax India Holdings Limited (Fairfax India)

which owns:
88.1% of National Collateral Management

Services Limited (NCML)

Canada

India

29.4%(1) Invests in public and private
Indian businesses

25.9% Provider of agricultural

commodities storage

50.8% of Privi Organics Limited (Privi Organics)

India

14.9% Manufacturer, supplier and

Thomas Cook (India) Limited (Thomas Cook

India) which owns:
62.2% of Quess Corp Limited (Quess)

100.0% of Sterling Holiday Resorts (India)

Limited (Sterling Resorts)

India

India

India

exporter of aroma chemicals

67.7% Provider of integrated travel and

travel-related financial services
42.1% Provider of specialized human

resources services

67.7% Owner and operator of holiday

resorts

(1) The company holds multiple voting shares that give it voting rights of 56.6% in Cara and 95.3% in Fairfax India.

(2) The company holds 100% of the voting rights in Golf Town. 

113

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Index to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Notes to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations . . . . . .
Overview of Consolidated Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Business Developments

Acquisitions and Divestitures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sources of Revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net Premiums Earned by Geographic Region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sources of Net Earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net Earnings by Reporting Segment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance Sheets by Reporting Segment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Components of Net Earnings

Underwriting and Operating Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest and Dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net Gains (Losses) on Investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corporate Overhead and Other
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-controlling Interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Components of Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheet Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Provision for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Asbestos, Pollution and Other Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recoverable from Reinsurers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Investments

Hamblin Watsa Investment Counsel Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overview of Investment Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest and Dividend Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net Gains (Losses) on Investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Return on the Investment Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Common Stocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Derivatives and Derivative Counterparties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Float . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Financial Condition

Capital Resources and Management
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Book Value per Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Liquidity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contractual Obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contingencies and Commitments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Accounting and Disclosure Matters

Management’s Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Significant Accounting Policy Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Future Accounting Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Risk Management

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Issues and Risks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other

Quarterly Data (unaudited)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock Prices and Share Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compliance with Corporate Governance Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forward-Looking Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

115
116

117
119
119
122
123
126
127

130
144
144
144
145
145
146

146
148
150
152

155
156
156
158
161
163
163
164
165

166
168
170
172
172

173
173
173
173
173

175
175

184
185
185
185

114

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(as of March 10, 2017)

(Figures and amounts are in US$ and $ millions except per share amounts and as otherwise indicated. Figures may not add due
to rounding.)

Notes to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

(1) Readers of the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(‘‘MD&A’’) 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. Additional information 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 the measures and ratios provided in
this Annual Report, which have been used historically and disclosed regularly in Fairfax’s Annual Reports
and interim financial reporting, do not have a prescribed meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable
to similar measures presented by other companies.

(3) The company presents information on gross premiums written and net premiums written throughout this
MD&A. These two measures are used in the insurance industry and by management in evaluating operating
results. Gross premiums written represents the total premiums on policies issued during a specified period,
irrespective  of  the  portion  earned,  and  is  an  indicator  of  the  volume  of  new  business  generated  by  the
company. Net premiums written represents gross premiums written less amounts ceded to reinsurers and is
considered a measure of the insurance risk that the company has chosen to retain from the new business it
has generated.

(4) The combined ratio is the traditional performance measure of underwriting results of property and casualty
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  expressed  as  a  percentage  of  net  premiums  earned).
Other  ratios  used  by  the  company  include  the  commission  expense  ratio  (commissions  expressed  as  a
percentage of net premiums earned) and the accident year combined ratio (calculated in the same manner
as the combined ratio but excluding the net favourable or adverse development of reserves established for
claims that occurred in previous accident years). These ratios are calculated from information disclosed in
note 25 (Segmented Information) to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31,
2016  and  are  used  by  management  for  comparisons  to  historical  underwriting  results  and  to  the
underwriting results of competitors and the broader property and casualty industry.

(5)

In this MD&A ‘‘interest and dividends’’ represents the sum of interest and dividends and share of profit
(loss)  of  associates  from  the  consolidated  statement  of  earnings.  ‘‘Consolidated  interest  and  dividend
income’’  in  this  MD&A  refers  to  interest  and  dividends  as  presented  in  the  consolidated  statement
of earnings.

(6) The company’s long equity total return swaps allow the company to receive the total return on a notional
amount of an equity index or individual equity instrument (including dividends and capital gains or losses)
in exchange for the payment of a floating rate of interest on the notional amount. Conversely, short equity
total return swaps allow the company to pay the total return on a notional amount of an equity index or
individual  equity  instrument  in  exchange  for  the  receipt  of  a  floating  rate  of  interest  on  the  notional
amount. Throughout this MD&A, the term ‘‘total return swap expense’’ refers to the net dividends and
interest paid or received related to the company’s long and short equity and equity index total return swaps.
The company’s consolidated interest and dividend income is shown net of total return swap expense.

(7)

In this MD&A the measures ‘‘net realized gains (losses) before equity hedges and short equity exposures’’,
‘‘net change in unrealized gains (losses) before equity hedges and short equity exposures’’ and ‘‘net gains
(losses)  on  equity  hedges  and  short  equity  exposures’’  are  each  shown  separately  to  present  more
meaningfully the results of the company’s investment management strategies. Those three measures are
derived from the details of net gains (losses) on investments as presented in note 5 (Cash and Investments)
to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016. The sum of those three

115

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

measures  is  equal  to  ‘‘net  gains  (losses)  on  investments’’  as  presented  in  the  consolidated  statement  of
earnings. The term ‘‘equity hedges’’ refers to equity and equity-related short positions held in the company’s
investment  portfolio  as  part  of  the  company’s  economic  hedging  strategy  that  was  discontinued  in  the
fourth quarter of 2016; the term ‘‘short equity exposures’’ refers to equity and equity-related short positions
that are held for investment purposes.

(8) Ratios included in the Capital Resources and Management section of this MD&A include: net debt divided
by  total  equity,  net  debt  divided  by  net  total  capital  and  total  debt  divided  by  total  capital.  Those
performance measures are used by the company to assess the amount of leverage employed in its operations.
The  company  also  calculates  an  interest  coverage  ratio  and  an  interest  and  preferred  share  dividend
distribution coverage ratio as measures of its ability to service its debt and pay dividends to its preferred
shareholders. These ratios are calculated using amounts presented in the company’s consolidated financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2016 and are explained in detail in note 24 (Financial Risk
Management, under the heading of Capital Management).

(9) Average annual return on average equity is a performance measure calculated for a reporting segment as the
cumulative net earnings for a specified period of time expressed as a percentage of average equity over the
same period, using net earnings and equity amounts from segment operating results and segment balance
sheets respectively.

(10) Intercompany shareholdings are presented as ‘‘Investments in Fairfax affiliates’’ on the segmented balance

sheets and carried at cost.

(11) References in this MD&A to the company’s insurance and reinsurance operations do not include its runoff

operations.

Overview of Consolidated Performance

The insurance and reinsurance operations produced an underwriting profit of $575.9 and a combined ratio of 92.5%
in 2016 compared to an underwriting profit of $704.5 and a combined ratio of 89.9% in 2015. Underwriting profit in
2016  was  lower  than  the  record  underwriting  profit  set  in  2015  primarily  due  to  an  increase  in  current  period
catastrophe losses, partially offset by higher net favourable prior year reserve development. Operating income of the
insurance and reinsurance operations (excluding net gains (losses) on investments) decreased to $1,039.2 in 2016
from  $1,181.5  in  2015  primarily  as  a  result  of  lower  underwriting  profit  and  lower  share  of  profit  of  associates,
partially offset by increased interest income. Net premiums written by the insurance and reinsurance operations
increased by 10.7% in 2016 principally reflecting that Brit was consolidated only in June 2015 (net premiums written
increased by 3.8% excluding Brit).

Net investment losses of $1,203.6 in 2016 (compared to net investment losses of $259.2 in 2015) were principally
due to net losses on equity hedges and CPI-linked derivatives, partially offset by net gains on bonds. Consolidated
interest and dividend income increased to $555.2 in 2016 from $512.2 in 2015 principally reflecting higher interest
income earned (primarily due to increased holdings of higher yielding government and corporate bonds for most of
2016, partially offset by lower holdings of U.S. state and municipal bonds), lower total return swap expense and
lower interest on funds withheld expense. At December 31, 2016 subsidiary cash and short term investments of
$10,127.6 (excluding Fairfax India) accounted for 37.4% of portfolio investments.

The net loss of $512.5 in 2016 (compared to net earnings of $567.7 in 2015) was primarily as a result of increased net
losses on investments, lower interest and dividends (primarily related to a decrease in share of profit of associates)
and a decrease in underwriting profit, partially offset by an increase in the recovery of income taxes. The company’s
consolidated total debt to total capital ratio increased to 28.7% at December 31, 2016 from 21.8% at December 31,
2015 primarily as a result of borrowings during 2016 by Fairfax, Fairfax India and Cara to finance various acquisitions
and  also  reflected  the  company’s  lower  shareholders’  equity  at  the  end  of  2016.  Common  shareholders’  equity
decreased to $8,484.6 ($367.40 per basic share) at December 31, 2016 from $8,952.5 ($403.01 per basic share) at
December 31, 2015 (a decrease of 6.4%, adjusted for the $10.00 per common share dividend paid in the first quarter
of 2016).

Maintaining  its  emphasis  on  financial  soundness,  the  company  held  $1,371.6  of  cash  and  investments  at  the
holding  company  level  ($1,329.4  net  of  $42.2  of  holding  company  short  sale  and  derivative  obligations)  at
December  31,  2016  compared  to  $1,276.5  ($1,275.9  net  of  $0.6  of  holding  company  short  sale  and  derivative
obligations) at December 31, 2015.

116

Business Developments

Acquisitions and Divestitures

The  following  narrative  sets  out  the  company’s  key  business  developments  in  2016  and  2015.  Unless  indicated
otherwise, all completed acquisitions described in the following paragraphs resulted in a 100% ownership interest in
the acquiree. For further details about these acquisitions and transactions (including definitions of terms set out in
italics), refer to note 23 (Acquisitions and Divestitures) to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended
December 31, 2016 or the Components of Net Earnings section of this MD&A under the relevant reporting segment
heading.

On February 8, 2017 the company entered into an agreement to acquire Tower, a general insurer in New Zealand and
the Pacific Islands.

On December 18, 2016 the company entered into an agreement to acquire Allied World, a global property, casualty
and specialty insurer and reinsurer.

On October 18, 2016 the company agreed to acquire from AIG certain of its insurance operations in Latin America
and Central and Eastern Europe.

OdysseyRe

In  2015  OdysseyRe  acquired  Euclid  (an  underwriting  and  claims  manager  for  internet,  technology,  media,
manufacturers  and  other  professional  liability  coverage  which  produce  annual  gross  premiums  written  of
approximately $15) to ensure it will have the opportunity to participate in future renewals of Euclid’s business.

Crum & Forster

On  October  4,  2016  Crum  &  Forster  acquired Trinity,  which  focuses  on  occupational  accident  insurance  and
produces approximately $26 of gross premiums written annually.

In 2015 Crum & Forster acquired TII (a leading travel insurance provider that specializes in offering travel insurance
protection), Brownyard (a specialist in writing and servicing security guard and security services business insurance)
and Redwoods (a producer of property and casualty packaged insurance business focused on YMCAs, community
centers  and  day  camps),  which  produce  annual  gross  premiums  written  of  approximately  $50,  $15  and  $50
respectively.  These  acquisitions  will  complement  Crum  &  Forster’s  existing  footprint  in  each  of  these  lines
of business.

Brit

On August 3, 2016 Brit paid cash consideration of $57.8 to purchase shares for cancellation from OMERS, which
increased the company’s ownership interest in Brit by 2.4%.

On  June  5,  2015  the  company  acquired  Brit,  a  market-leading  global  Lloyd’s  of  London  specialty  insurer  and
reinsurer. On June 29, 2015 the company sold 29.9% of the outstanding ordinary shares of Brit to OMERS and will
have the ability to repurchase those shares over time.

Fairfax Asia

On October 10, 2016 the company acquired an 80.0% interest in AMAG, an established general insurer in Indonesia
with gross written premiums of approximately $70 during 2016.

On October 3, 2016 Union Assurance acquired Fairfirst Insurance, a general insurer in Sri Lanka with gross written
premiums of approximately $16 during 2016.

On  March  31,  2016  the  company  increased  its  ownership  interest  in  ICICI  Lombard  to  34.6%  by  acquiring  an
additional 9.0% of ICICI Lombard from ICICI Bank.

In 2015 Pacific Insurance acquired the general insurance business of MCIS, an established general insurer in Malaysia
with  approximately  $55  of  annual  gross  premiums.  In  2015  Fairfax  Asia  acquired  78.0%  of  Union  Assurance,  an
underwriter of general insurance in Sri Lanka, specializing in automobile and personal accident lines of business with
approximately $43 of annual gross premiums written.

117

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Insurance and Reinsurance – Other

On December 7, 2016 the company acquired Bryte Insurance, a property and casualty insurer in South Africa and
Botswana with gross written premiums of approximately $269 during 2016.

The business and renewal rights of QBE Insurance (Europe) Limited’s Hungarian, Czech and Slovakian insurance
operations were acquired and transferred to the company’s Colonnade subsidiary on February 1, 2016, April 1, 2016
and May 2, 2016 respectively. Those operations generate approximately $78 of gross premiums written annually
across a range of general insurance classes.

Other

Subsequent to December 31, 2016

On February 17, 2017 the company, through its subsidiaries, acquired 98.8% of the voting rights and 64.2% of the
equity interest in Fairfax Africa, which was established, with the support of Fairfax, to invest in public and private
equity and debt instruments of African businesses or other businesses with customers, suppliers or business primarily
conducted in, or dependent on, Africa.

On February 14, 2017 Fairfax India acquired a 51.0% interest in Saurashtra Freight, which operates a container freight
station at the Mundra Port in the Indian state of Gujarat.

On January 13, 2017 the company acquired an additional 12,340,500 subordinate voting shares of Fairfax India for
$145.0 in a private placement.

Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015

On  November  28,  2016  Cara  acquired  an  89.2%  interest  in  Original  Joe’s,  a  Canadian  multi-brand  restaurant
company.  On  September  2,  2016  Cara  acquired St-Hubert,  a  Canadian  full-service  restaurant  operator  and  fully
integrated food manufacturer.

On October 31, 2016 the company acquired a 60.0% indirect interest in Golf Town, a Canadian specialty retailer of
golf equipment, consumables, golf apparel and accessories.

On August 26, 2016 Fairfax India acquired a 50.8% interest in Privi Organics, a supplier of aroma chemicals to the
fragrance industry.

On February 8, 2016 Fairfax India acquired a 44.9% interest in Fairchem, a specialty chemical manufacturer in India
of oleo chemicals used in the paints, inks and adhesives industries, as well as intermediate nutraceutical and health
products.

On November 9, 2015 and December 16, 2015 Thomas Cook India acquired Kuoni Hong Kong and Kuoni India, travel
and travel-related companies in Hong Kong and India that offer a broad range of services including corporate and
leisure travel.

On  July  17,  2015  the  company  acquired  a  55.0%  interest  in  Boat  Rocker,  a  Canadian  company  engaged  in  the
development, production, marketing and distribution of television programming. On August 19, 2016 the company
increased its ownership interest in Boat Rocker to 58.2%.

On June 18, 2015 Fairfax sold its 73.6% interest in Ridley.

On April 10, 2015 Fairfax acquired a 52.6% and a 40.7% voting and economic interest respectively in Cara, Canada’s
largest  full-service  restaurant  company  which  franchises,  owns  and  operates  numerous  restaurant  brands
across Canada.

On  January  30,  2015  Fairfax  acquired  95.1%  of  the  voting  rights  and  28.1%  of  the  equity  interest  in  newly
incorporated Fairfax India. Fairfax India was established, with the support of Fairfax, to invest in public and private
equity securities and debt instruments in India and Indian businesses or other businesses primarily conducted in or
dependent on India. In 2015 Fairfax India acquired an 88.1% interest in NCML, a leading private-sector agricultural
commodities storage company in India.

118

Operating Environment

Insurance Environment

The property and casualty insurance and reinsurance industry is expected to report a small underwriting loss in 2016
after three years of underwriting profitability, reflecting a return to more normal levels of catastrophe losses and
lower levels of favourable reserve development. Accident year combined ratios in 2016 are expected to be slightly
above 100% as a result of price decreases and increased severity of liability claims. The industry continues to feel the
effects of historically low interest rates that are negatively affecting operating income, as well as the effect of volatile
equity  markets.  Although  interest  rates  have  recently  increased,  interest  income  earned  in  the  future  will  likely
continue to decline even further as higher yielding securities that mature are reinvested at prevailing lower rates.
Strong performance in the equity markets in the U.S. and Canada in the fourth quarter of 2016, partially offset by the
impact of increases in interest rates and underwriting losses, contributed to very modest growth in capital for the
industry.  Insurance  pricing  on  property  and  casualty  lines  of  business  declined,  with  larger  account  business
continuing to experience more pricing pressure than medium-to-small account business. Insurance pricing in 2017
is likely to be affected by the direction of investment yields, lower levels of favourable reserve development, capacity
available within the industry, the extent to which a line of business is loss-affected and the general strength of the
global economy.

The reinsurance sector remains overcapitalized as a result of recent strong earnings and additional capacity from
non-traditional  capital  providers.  Pricing  on  many  reinsurance  lines  remains  attractive:  property  catastrophe-
exposed business has experienced a slowdown in rate decreases after double digit decreases the last few years, while
non-catastrophe property and casualty reinsurance business is experiencing more moderate price decreases reflecting
the factors described above affecting insurance pricing.

Sources of Revenue

Revenue for the most recent three years is shown in the table that follows.

Net premiums earned – Insurance and Reinsurance

Northbridge
OdysseyRe
Crum & Forster
Zenith National
Brit(1)
Fairfax Asia
Other

Runoff

Interest and dividends
Net gains (losses) on investments
Other revenue(2)

2016

2015

2014

908.8
2,074.1
1,769.5
807.3
1,399.3
302.5
437.2
163.5

874.7
2,204.1
1,522.0
766.4
892.5
287.0
442.7
381.6

7,862.2
579.4
(1,203.6)
2,061.6

7,371.0
685.1
(259.2)
1,783.5

942.3
2,356.6
1,306.5
714.3
–
272.2
392.7
231.6

6,216.2
509.5
1,736.2
1,556.0

9,299.6

9,580.4

10,017.9

(1) Brit is included in the company’s financial reporting with effect from June 5, 2015.

(2) Other revenue primarily comprises the revenue earned by Cara (acquired on April 10, 2015) and its subsidiaries St-Hubert
(acquired on September 2, 2016) and Original Joe’s (acquired on November 28, 2016), The Keg, William Ashley, Sporting
Life, Praktiker, Golf Town (acquired on October 31, 2016), Thomas Cook India and its subsidiaries Quess and Sterling
Resorts, Pethealth, Boat Rocker (acquired on July 17, 2015), Ridley (sold on June 18, 2015) and Fairfax India (since its
initial public offering on January 30, 2015) and its subsidiaries NCML (acquired on August 19, 2015) and Privi Organics
(acquired on August 26, 2016).

Revenue  of  $9,299.6  in  2016  decreased  from  $9,580.4  in  2015  principally  as  a  result  of  increased  net  losses  on
investments, lower interest and dividends (primarily related to a decrease in share of profit of associates), partially
offset by higher net premiums earned and increased other revenue. The increase in net losses on investments in 2016

119

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

was principally due to net losses on equity and equity-related holdings after equity hedges (primarily realized losses)
and CPI-linked derivatives, partially offset by net gains on bonds. Consolidated interest and dividend income of
$512.2 in 2015 increased to $555.2 in 2016 reflecting higher interest income earned (primarily due to increased
holdings of higher yielding government and corporate bonds for most of 2016, partially offset by lower holdings of
U.S. state and municipal bonds), lower total return swap expense and lower interest on funds withheld expense.
Share  of  profit  of  associates  decreased  from  $172.9  in  2015  to  $24.2  in  2016  primarily  reflecting  a  non-cash
impairment charge of $100.4 recognized on the company’s investment in Resolute and a lower share of profit from
the company’s investments in KWF LPs (a Kennedy Wilson real estate partnership recognized a significant gain on
disposition of its investment properties in 2015), partially offset by a higher share of profit of ICICI Lombard.

The increase in net premiums earned by the company’s insurance and reinsurance operations in 2016 reflected the
consolidation of a full year of net premiums earned by Brit ($506.8 incremental increase year-over-year), increases at
Crum & Forster ($247.5, 16.3%), Zenith National ($40.9, 5.3%), Northbridge ($34.1, 3.9% including the unfavourable
effect of foreign currency translation) and Fairfax Asia ($15.5, 5.4%), partially offset by decreases at OdysseyRe ($130.0,
5.9%)  and  Insurance  and  Reinsurance – Other  ($5.5,  1.2%).  Net  premiums  earned  at  Runoff  in  2016  principally
reflected  the  impacts  of  the  second  quarter  2016  construction  defect  reinsurance  transaction  and  the  habitational
casualty reinsurance transaction. Net premiums earned at Runoff in 2015 principally reflected the impacts of the fourth
quarter  2015  APH,  the  Everest  APH,  first  quarter  2015  APH  and  the  AXA  Canada  reinsurance  transactions.  These
reinsurance transactions are described in more detail in the Components of Net Earnings section of this MD&A under
the heading Runoff.

Revenue of $9,580.4 in 2015 decreased from $10,017.9 in 2014 principally as a result of net losses on investments,
partially offset by increased net premiums earned, increased other revenue and higher interest and dividends. Net
losses on investments in 2015 was principally comprised of net unrealized losses on bonds, partially offset by net gains
on equity and equity-related holdings after equity hedges and the favourable impact of foreign currency. Consolidated
interest  and  dividend  income  increased  from  $403.8  in  2014  to  $512.2  in  2015,  reflecting  higher  interest  income
earned, principally due to increased holdings of higher yielding government bonds and the impact of consolidating the
portfolio investments of Brit and Fairfax India. The increase in net premiums earned by the company’s insurance and
reinsurance operations in 2015 reflected year-over-year increases at Crum & Forster ($215.5, 16.5%), Zenith National
($52.1, 7.3%), Insurance and Reinsurance – Other ($50.0, 12.7%) and Fairfax Asia ($14.8, 5.4%) and the consolidation
of the net premiums earned by Brit ($892.5), partially offset by decreases at OdysseyRe ($152.5, 6.5%) and Northbridge
($67.6, 7.2% including the unfavourable effect of foreign currency translation). Net premiums earned at Runoff in 2015
and 2014 ($381.6 and $231.6 respectively) primarily reflected the impact of various transactions during those years
involving the reinsurance of third party runoff portfolios.

Net premiums written by the company’s insurance and reinsurance operations for the years ended December 31,
2016 and 2015 are shown in the table that follows.

Net premiums written
Northbridge
OdysseyRe
Crum & Forster
Zenith National
Brit(1)
Fairfax Asia
Other

Insurance and reinsurance operations

Insurance and reinsurance operations excluding Brit

2016

2015

942.6
2,100.2
1,801.1
819.4
1,480.2
303.1
458.4

887.0
2,095.0
1,659.4
785.4
946.4
275.9
489.8

7,905.0

7,138.9

6,424.8

6,192.5

% change
year-over-
year

6.3
0.2
8.5
4.3
56.4
9.9
(6.4)

10.7

3.8

(1) Brit is included in the company’s financial reporting with effect from June 5, 2015. 

Northbridge’s net premiums written increased by 6.3% in 2016 including the unfavourable effect of foreign currency
translation. In Canadian dollar terms, Northbridge’s net premiums written increased by 10.1% in 2016, primarily

120

due  to  increased  new  business  writings  at  Northbridge  Insurance,  modest  price  increases  across  the  group  and
reduced reinsurance costs.

OdysseyRe’s net premiums written increased by 0.2% in 2016, primarily reflecting the non-renewal on June 1, 2015
of a Florida property quota share reinsurance contract (following the cedent’s decision to retain all the risk associated
with that contract), partially offset by decreases in the Latin America and London Market divisions and purchases of
property catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance at favourable pricing.

Crum & Forster’s net premiums written increased by 8.5% in 2016, principally reflecting growth in Crum & Forster’s
accident and health and commercial transportation lines of business and incremental contributions from prior year
acquisitions, partially offset by decreases in the construction contracting line of business.

Zenith National’s net premiums written increased by 4.3% in 2016, primarily as a result of an increase in exposure,
partially offset by modest price decreases.

Net premiums written by Fairfax Asia increased by 9.9% in 2016, principally reflecting the consolidation of Fairfirst
Insurance and AMAG, increased writings at Pacific Insurance (primarily in commercial automobile and property
lines of business) and increased premium retention (primarily at First Capital).

Net  premiums  written  by  the  Insurance  and  Reinsurance – Other  reporting  segment  decreased  by  6.4%  in  2016,
primarily reflecting the non-recurring impact of the QBE loss portfolio transfer in 2015 and decreases at Group Re
(primarily  related  to  the  non-renewal  in  2016  of  an  intercompany  property  quota  share  agreement  with  Brit),
partially offset by increases at Fairfax Brasil (primarily growth in the infrastructure line of business and the favourable
effect of foreign currency translation, partially offset by a decrease in risk retention) and Advent (primarily increases
in the accident and health line of business, partially offset by a decrease in risk retention).

Net gains (losses) on investments in 2016 and 2015 were comprised as shown in the following table:

Common stocks
Preferred stocks – convertible
Bonds – convertible
Gain on disposition of subsidiary and associates(1)
Other equity derivatives(2)

Long equity exposures

Equity hedges and short equity exposures

Net equity exposure and financial effects

Bonds
CPI-linked derivatives
U.S. treasury bond forward contracts
Other derivatives
Foreign currency
Other

Net losses on investments

Net gains (losses) on bonds is comprised as follows:

Government bonds
U.S. states and municipalities
Corporate and other

2016
(78.0)
(6.6)
(39.4)
–
19.3

2015
(670.5)
(22.5)
(119.2)
235.5
151.7

(104.7)
(1,192.9)

(425.0)
501.8

(1,297.6)
322.7
(196.2)
47.0
(7.4)
(129.5)
57.4

76.8
(468.7)
35.7
–
(2.6)
112.5
(12.9)

(1,203.6)

(259.2)

256.8
(29.5)
95.4

(58.7)
(213.2)
(196.8)

322.7

(468.7)

(1) Comprised primarily of a $236.4 gain on disposition of Ridley in 2015.

(2) Other equity derivatives include long equity total return swaps, equity warrants and equity index call options.

After giving consideration to the outcome of the U.S. elections in 2016 and the potential for fundamental changes
that may bolster U.S. economic growth and equity markets, the company discontinued its economic equity hedging
strategy during the fourth quarter of 2016. Accordingly, the company closed out $6,350.6 notional amount of short

121

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

positions during 2016 effected through equity and equity index total return swaps, including all of the company’s
Russell 2000, S&P 500 and S&P/TSX 60 short equity index total return swaps. The short equity index total return
swaps closed out in 2016 produced a realized loss of $2,665.4 (of which $1,710.2 was recorded as unrealized losses in
prior  years).  The  company  continues  to  invest  or  maintain  investments  in  short  equity  total  return  swaps  in
individual equities as investments, and not as hedges of the company’s equity and equity-related holdings. Refer to
note 24 (Financial Risk Management) under the heading Market Price Fluctuations in the company’s consolidated
financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016, for a tabular analysis followed by a discussion of the net
effect of the company’s equity and equity-related holdings (long exposures net of short exposures) and to the tabular
analysis in the Investments section of this MD&A for further details about the components of net gains (losses)
on investments.

Net gains on bonds of $322.7 in 2016 were primarily comprised of net gains on U.S. treasury bonds ($138.1), Indian
government bonds ($105.2) and corporate and other bonds ($95.4), partially offset by net losses on U.S. state and
municipal bonds ($29.5).

The company’s CPI-linked derivative contracts produced net unrealized losses of $196.2 in 2016 compared to net
unrealized gains of $35.7 in 2015. Net unrealized gains (losses) on CPI-linked derivative contracts typically reflect the
market’s expectation of decreases (increases) in the values of the CPI indexes underlying those contracts at their
respective maturities during the periods presented (those contracts are structured to benefit the company during
periods of decreasing CPI index values).

The increase in other revenue from $1,783.5 in 2015 to $2,061.6 in 2016 principally reflected increased revenue at
Cara (acquired on April 10, 2015), Quess, Fairfax India and Boat Rocker (acquired on July 17, 2015), partially offset by
the divestiture of Ridley on June 18, 2015. The increase at Cara was also due to Cara’s acquisitions of St-Hubert on
September 2, 2016 and Original Joe’s on November 28, 2016.

Net Premiums Earned by Geographic Region

As  presented  in  note  25  (Segmented  Information)  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements  for  the  year  ended
December 31, 2016, the United States, Canada, International and Asia accounted for 65.5%, 13.4%, 12.4% and 8.7%
respectively, of net premiums earned by geographic region in 2016, compared to 63.0%, 14.4%, 13.4% and 9.2%
respectively, in 2015.

United States

Net premiums earned in the United States geographic region increased by 11.0% from $4,641.3 in 2015 to $5,152.8
in  2016  primarily  reflecting  the  consolidation  of  Brit  for  the  full  year  of  2016  ($346.5  incremental  increase
year-over-year),  growth  in  specialty  lines  of  business  at  Crum  &  Forster  and  growth  in  workers’  compensation
business  at  Zenith  National,  partially  offset  by  lower  net  premiums  earned  at  Runoff  reflecting  a  decrease  in
transactions involving the reinsurance of third party runoff portfolios.

Canada

Net premiums earned in the Canada geographic region decreased by 0.8% from $1,062.0 in 2015 to $1,053.1 in 2016
primarily as a result of lower net premiums earned at Runoff reflecting a non-recurring transaction in 2015 involving
the  reinsurance  of  a  third  party,  partially  offset  by  increases  at  Northbridge  (increased  new  business  writings  at
Northbridge  Insurance  and  modest  price  increases  across  the  group,  partially  offset  by  the  impact  of  reduced
reinsurance costs and the unfavourable effect of the strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar as
measured  by  average  annual  rates  of  exchange)  and  the  consolidation  of  Brit  for  the  full  year  of  2016  ($33.3
incremental increase year-over-year).

International

Net premiums earned in the International geographic region decreased by 1.4% from $986.3 in 2015 to $972.0 in
2016 principally reflecting decreases at OdysseyRe in its reinsurance business, partially offset by the consolidation of
Brit for the full year of 2016 ($108.8 incremental increase year-over-year).

122

Asia

Net  premiums  earned  in  the  Asia  geographic  region  increased  by  0.4%  from  $681.4  in  2015  to  $684.3  in  2016
primarily as a result of the consolidation of Brit for the full year of 2016 ($18.2 incremental increase year-over-year)
and growth at Fairfax Asia, partially offset by decreases at OdysseyRe.

Sources of Net Earnings

The following table presents the combined ratios and underwriting and operating results for each of the insurance
and reinsurance operations and, as applicable, for runoff operations, as well as the earnings contributions from the
Other reporting segment for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. In that table, interest and dividends
are presented separately as they relate to the insurance and reinsurance reporting segments, and included in Runoff,
Corporate overhead and other, and Other as they relate to those segments. Net realized gains before equity hedges
and short equity exposures, net change in unrealized gains (losses) before equity hedges and short equity exposures
and  net  gains  (losses)  on  equity  hedges  and  short  equity  exposures  are  each  shown  separately  to  present  more
meaningfully the results of the company’s investment management strategies.

Combined ratios – Insurance and Reinsurance

Northbridge
OdysseyRe
Crum & Forster
Zenith National
Brit(1)
Fairfax Asia
Other

Consolidated

Sources of net earnings
Underwriting – Insurance and Reinsurance

Northbridge
OdysseyRe
Crum & Forster
Zenith National
Brit(1)
Fairfax Asia
Other

Underwriting profit – Insurance and Reinsurance
Interest and dividends – Insurance and Reinsurance

Operating income – Insurance and Reinsurance
Runoff (excluding net gains (losses) on investments)
Other reporting segment (excluding net gains (losses) on investments)
Interest expense
Corporate overhead and other

Pre-tax income before net gains (losses) on investments
Net realized gains before equity hedges and short equity exposures

2016

2015

2014

94.9%
88.7%
98.2%
79.7%
97.9%
86.4%
93.7%

92.5%

91.8%
84.7%
97.7%
82.5%
94.9%
87.9%
89.6%

89.9%

95.5%
84.7%
99.8%
87.5%
–%
86.7%
94.7%

90.8%

46.3
235.2
32.4
164.1
29.1
41.1
27.7

575.9
463.3

1,039.2
(149.4)
133.5
(242.8)
(131.2)

649.3
563.4

71.4
336.9
35.4
134.4
45.4
34.8
46.2

704.5
477.0

1,181.5
(74.1)
127.8
(219.0)
(132.5)

883.7
1,049.7

42.7
360.4
2.5
89.5
–
36.2
20.7

552.0
363.4

915.4
(88.5)
77.6
(206.3)
(96.5)

601.7
777.6

1,379.3
1,153.1
(194.5)

2,337.9
(673.3)

Pre-tax income including net realized gains before equity hedges
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) before equity hedges and short equity exposures
Net gains (losses) on equity hedges and short equity exposures

1,212.7
(574.1)
(1,192.9)

1,933.4
(1,810.7)
501.8

Pre-tax income (loss)
Income taxes

Net earnings (loss)

Attributable to:

Shareholders of Fairfax
Non-controlling interests

(554.3)
159.6

(394.7)

(512.5)
117.8

(394.7)

624.5
17.5

642.0

1,664.6

567.7
74.3

1,633.2
31.4

642.0

1,664.6

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

$ (24.18)
$ (24.18)
10.00
$

$
$
$

23.67
23.15
10.00

$ 74.43
$ 73.01
$ 10.00

(1) Brit is included in the company’s financial reporting with effect from June 5, 2015.

123

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

The company’s insurance and reinsurance operations produced an underwriting profit of $575.9 (combined ratio of
92.5%) in 2016 compared to $704.5 (combined ratio of 89.9%) in 2015. The increase in the combined ratio in 2016
principally  reflected  higher  current  period  catastrophe  losses  and  modest  increases  in  the  underwriting  and
commission expense ratios, partially offset by increased net favourable prior year reserve development and a modest
improvement in non-catastrophe loss experience related to the current accident year.

Net favourable development of $654.6 (8.5 combined ratio points) in 2016 increased from $544.3 (7.8 combined
ratio points) in 2015 and was comprised as follows:

Insurance and Reinsurance

Northbridge
OdysseyRe
Crum & Forster
Zenith National
Brit(1)
Fairfax Asia
Other

Net favourable development

2016

2015

(112.8)
(266.5)
(8.3)
(101.0)
(53.5)
(52.1)
(60.4)

(93.9)
(233.3)
–
(89.6)
(19.7)
(39.5)
(68.3)

(654.6)

(544.3)

(1) Brit is included in the company’s financial reporting with effect from June 5, 2015.

Current  period  catastrophe  losses  of  $352.7  (4.6  combined  ratio  points)  in  2016  increased  from  $133.7
(1.9 combined ratio points) in 2015 and were comprised as follows:

2016

2015

Catastrophe
losses(1)
67.9
61.8
223.0

Combined
ratio impact
0.9
0.8
2.9

Catastrophe
losses(1)
–
–
133.7

Combined
ratio impact
–
–
1.9

352.7

4.6 points

133.7

1.9 points

Hurricane Matthew
Fort McMurray wildfires
Other

(1) Net of reinstatement premiums.

The following table presents the components of the company’s combined ratios for the years ended December 31:

Underwriting profit – Insurance and Reinsurance

Loss & LAE – accident year
Commissions
Underwriting expense

Combined ratio – accident year

Net favourable development

Combined ratio – calendar year

2016
575.9

2015
704.5

66.7% 64.5%
17.3% 16.8%
17.0% 16.4%

101.0% 97.7%
(8.5)% (7.8)%

92.5% 89.9%

The  commission  expense  ratio  increased  from  16.8%  in  2015  to  17.3%  in  2016,  primarily  reflecting  the
consolidation of Brit (Brit’s commission expense ratio is generally higher than Fairfax’s other operating companies as
commission rates on the Lloyd’s platform tend to be higher than typical non-Lloyd’s insurance and reinsurance
arrangements) and increases at Crum & Forster (primarily reflecting the impact of increased writings of accident and
health  insurance  which  incur  higher  commission  rates  and  reductions  in  ceding  commissions  as  a  result  of  the
increase in retentions that occurred in 2015), partially offset by a decrease at First Capital (primarily increased profit
commission on reinsurance ceded).

124

The underwriting expense ratio increased from 16.4% in 2015 to 17.0% in 2016, primarily reflecting increases at
OdysseyRe (principally lower net premiums earned) and Fairfax Asia (primarily due to integration and acquisition
related expenses incurred with respect to AMAG and Fairfirst Insurance and higher compensation related expenses).

Underwriting expenses in 2016 increased by 7.8% (excluding Brit’s underwriting expenses of $221.7 and $141.2 in
2016 and 2015 respectively), primarily reflecting increases at Crum & Forster (primarily due to higher personnel costs
associated with acquisitions and new business initiatives consistent with its growth in net premiums earned), Fairfax
Asia  (primarily  due  to  integration  and  acquisition  related  expenses  incurred  with  respect  to  AMAG  and  Fairfirst
Insurance  and  higher  compensation  related  expenses)  and  Colonnade  (costs  incurred  related  to  the  start-up  of
Fairfax’s operations in Eastern Europe).

Operating expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings include only the operating expenses of the company’s
insurance  and  reinsurance  and  runoff  operations  and  corporate  overhead.  Operating  expenses  increased  from
$1,470.1 in 2015 to $1,597.7 in 2016 primarily as a result of increased underwriting expenses of the insurance and
reinsurance  operations  as  described  in  the  preceding  paragraph  (including  the  year-over-year  impact  of  the
consolidation of Brit’s operating expenses), partially offset by decreased Runoff operating expenses and lower Fairfax
corporate overhead (principally due to non-recurring expenses incurred in connection with the acquisition of Brit
in 2015).

Other expenses increased from $1,703.1 in 2015 to $1,958.4 in 2016 principally reflecting increased expenses at
Thomas  Cook  India  (primarily  related  to  Quess,  consistent  with  its  growth  in  revenue)  and  Fairfax  India,  the
consolidation of Cara and Boat Rocker (acquired on April 10, 2015 and July 17, 2015), and Cara’s acquisitions of
St-Hubert  and  Original  Joe’s  (acquired  on  September  2,  2016  and  November  28,  2016),  partially  offset  by  the
divestiture of Ridley on June 18, 2015.

The company reported a net loss attributable to shareholders of Fairfax of $512.5 (net loss of $24.18 per basic and
diluted share) in 2016 compared to net earnings attributable to shareholders of Fairfax of $567.7 (net earnings of
$23.67 per basic share and $23.15 per diluted share) in 2015. The year-over-year decrease in profitability primarily
reflected increased net losses on investments, lower interest and dividends (primarily related to a decrease in share of
profit  of  associates)  and  a  decrease  in  underwriting  profit,  partially  offset  by  an  increase  in  the  recovery  of
income taxes.

Common shareholders’ equity decreased from $8,952.5 at December 31, 2015 to $8,484.6 at December 31, 2016
primarily  reflecting  the  net  loss  attributable  to  shareholders  of  Fairfax  ($512.5),  payment  of  dividends  on  the
company’s common and preferred shares ($271.8) and other comprehensive loss of $183.9 (primarily related to net
unrealized foreign currency translation losses on foreign operations of $98.9), partially offset by net proceeds from
the issuance of 1.0 million subordinate voting shares on March 2, 2016 ($523.5). Common shareholders’ equity per
basic  share  at  December  31,  2016  was  $367.40  compared  to  $403.01  per  basic  share  at  December  31,  2015,
representing a decrease of 8.8% (without adjustment for the $10.00 per common share dividend paid in the first
quarter of 2016, or a decrease of 6.4% adjusted to include that dividend).

125

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Net Earnings by Reporting Segment

The company’s sources of net earnings (loss) shown by reporting segment are set out below for the years ended
December 31, 2016 and 2015. The intercompany adjustment for gross premiums written eliminates premiums on
reinsurance ceded within the group, primarily to OdysseyRe and Group Re.

Year ended December 31, 2016

Insurance and Reinsurance

Crum & Zenith
Northbridge OdysseyRe Forster National

Fairfax

Operating

Corporate

Eliminations
and

Brit

Asia Other companies Runoff Other and Other adjustments Consolidated

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Gross premiums written

1,055.1

2,380.7 2,055.0

831.7 1,912.2

648.7 643.3

9,526.7

183.9

Net premiums written

942.6

2,100.2 1,801.1

819.4 1,480.2

303.1 458.4

7,905.0

183.4

Net premiums earned

908.8

2,074.1 1,769.5

807.3 1,399.3

302.5 437.2

7,698.7

163.5

Underwriting profit (loss)

Interest and dividends

46.3

57.4

235.2

171.0

32.4

43.2

164.1

30.8

29.1

58.8

41.1

74.8

27.7

27.3

575.9 (185.1)

463.3

35.7

30.3

(38.7)

Operating income (loss)

103.7

406.2

75.6

194.9

87.9

115.9

55.0

1,039.2 (149.4) 30.3

(38.7)

Net gains (losses) on

investments

Other reporting segment

Interest expense

Corporate overhead and other

(6.6)

(30.2)

(20.4)

(161.3)

(318.7)

(184.7)

(168.2)

87.3

(1.7) (90.0)

(837.3)

(225.2) 30.1

(171.2)

–

–

–

–

(2.8)

(1.6)

–

(3.3)

(8.4)

–

(14.2)

(9.2)

–

–

–

(4.2)

(0.1)

–

–

– 103.2

(26.1)

(74.9)

–

–

(28.3)

–

–

(188.4)

(17.6)

(64.2)

54.5

(131.1)

15.0

151.8

114.1 (39.2)

100.9 (374.6) 135.3

(415.9)

Pre-tax income (loss)

Income taxes

Net loss

Attributable to:

Shareholders of Fairfax

Non-controlling interests

Year ended December 31, 2015

Insurance and Reinsurance

Crum & Zenith

Fairfax

Operating

Corporate

Eliminations
and

Northbridge OdysseyRe Forster National Brit(1)

Asia Other companies Runoff Other and Other adjustments Consolidated

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Gross premiums written

1,059.6

2,404.0 1,896.1

797.6 1,087.5

620.9 634.7

8,500.4

381.2

Net premiums written

887.0

2,095.0 1,659.4

785.4

946.4

275.9 489.8

7,138.9

381.6

Net premiums earned

874.7

2,204.1 1,522.0

766.4

892.5

287.0 442.7

6,989.4

381.6

Underwriting profit (loss)

Interest and dividends

71.4

42.3

336.9

221.8

35.4

66.8

134.4

48.9

45.4

29.5

34.8

41.0

46.2

26.7

704.5 (172.1)

477.0

98.0

47.4

(11.5)

Operating income (loss)

113.7

558.7

102.2

183.3

74.9

75.8

72.9

1,181.5

(74.1) 47.4

(11.5)

Net gains (losses) on

investments

Other reporting segment

Interest expense

Corporate overhead and other

(11.0)

(27.1)

(19.5)

131.9

(267.2)

(105.6)

(58.8)

(75.3)

(24.5) (68.4)

(467.9)

(138.5)

–

–

–

–

(5.5)

(1.4)

–

(3.3)

(9.4)

–

(9.8)

(16.4)

–

–

–

(4.1)

(0.1)

0.4

–

(24.1)

(83.1)

–

–

–

6.5

80.4

(16.1)

–

340.7

–

(178.8)

(37.9)

234.6

258.9

(24.3)

111.8

(26.6)

51.2

0.8

606.4 (212.6) 118.2

112.5

Pre-tax income (loss)

Income taxes

Net earnings

Attributable to:

Shareholders of Fairfax

Non-controlling interests

(1)

Brit is included in the company’s financial reporting with effect from June 5, 2015.

126

(176.3)

9,534.3

–

–

–

88.8

88.8

–

–

–

(88.8)

–

8,088.4

7,862.2

390.8

579.4

970.2

(1,203.6)

103.2

(242.8)

(181.3)

(554.3)

159.6

(394.7)

(512.5)

117.8

(394.7)

(225.8)

8,655.8

–

–

–

74.2

74.2

–

–

–

(74.2)

–

7,520.5

7,371.0

532.4

685.1

1,217.5

(259.2)

80.4

(219.0)

(195.2)

624.5

17.5

642.0

567.7

74.3

642.0

Balance Sheets by Reporting Segment

The company’s segmented balance sheets as at December 31, 2016 and 2015 present the assets and liabilities of, and
the capital invested by the company in, each of the company’s reporting segments. The segmented balance sheets
have been prepared on the following basis:

(a) The  balance  sheet  for  each  reporting  segment  is  on  a  legal  entity  basis  for  the  subsidiaries  within  that
segment, in accordance with Fairfax’s IFRS accounting policies and includes, where applicable, acquisition
accounting  adjustments  principally  related  to  goodwill  and  intangible  assets  which  arose  on  initial
acquisition of the subsidiaries or on a subsequent step acquisition.

(b) Certain  of  the  company’s  subsidiaries  held  ownership  interests  in  other  Fairfax  subsidiaries  (‘‘Fairfax
affiliates’’) at December 31, 2016. These investments in Fairfax affiliates are carried at cost and are disclosed
in the table below. Affiliated insurance and reinsurance balances, including premiums receivable (included
in insurance contracts receivable), deferred premium acquisition costs, recoverable from reinsurers, funds
withheld  payable  to  reinsurers,  provision  for  losses  and  loss  adjustment  expenses  and  provision  for
unearned premiums, are not shown separately but are eliminated in Corporate and Other.

(c) Corporate  and  Other  includes  the  Fairfax  holding  company  and  its  subsidiary  intermediate  holding
companies as well as the consolidating and eliminating entries required under IFRS to prepare consolidated
financial  statements.  The  most  significant  of  those  entries  are  derived  from  the  elimination  of
intercompany  reinsurance  (primarily  consisting  of  reinsurance  provided  by  Group  Re  and  reinsurance
between  OdysseyRe  and  the  primary  insurers),  which  affects  recoverable  from  reinsurers,  provision  for
losses and loss adjustment expenses and unearned premiums. Corporate and Other borrowings of $3,479.6
as at December 31, 2016 (December 31, 2015 – $2,599.0) primarily consisted of Fairfax holding company
debt of $3,341.2 (December 31, 2015 – $2,462.2) and purchase consideration payable related to the TRG
acquisition of $129.2 (December 31, 2015 – $134.7).

Economic ownership percentage in Fairfax Affiliates

Northbridge OdysseyRe Forster National Brit

Asia

– Other Runoff

Other(1) Consolidated

Crum &

Zenith

Insurance &
Fairfax Reinsurance

Corporate &

Fairfax Affiliates

Zenith National

Advent

TRG (Runoff)

Thomas Cook India

Fairfax India

The Keg

Cara

Boat Rocker Media

–

–

–

1.1%

–

11.0%

8.3%

–

6.1%

2.0%

15.7%

12.7%

–

11.0%

8.3%

14.7%

13.6%

27.3%

5.2%

1.5%

4.0%

7.3%

4.8%

–

–

–

0.4%

–

–

–

–

1.1% 2.8%

8.0%

–

– 3.8%

–

–

–

1.9%

2.4%

–

–

–

–

–

–

13.8%

31.5% 44.9%

1.7%

3.2%

6.6%

–

10.8%

5.6%

7.6%

3.4%

5.4%

–

91.9%

57.8%

18.4%

44.5%

–

–

3.0%

–

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

67.7%

29.4%

51.0%

38.9%

58.2%

–

20.1%

–

(1)

This table excludes subsidiaries which are wholly owned by the holding company including Northbridge, OdysseyRe, Crum & Forster, Brit and Fairfax Asia.

127

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Segmented Balance Sheet as at December 31, 2016

Insurance and Reinsurance

Northbridge OdysseyRe Forster National

Brit

Asia Other companies Runoff Other and Other Consolidated

Crum &

Zenith

Fairfax

Operating

Corporate

Assets

Holding company cash and investments

Insurance contract receivables

Portfolio investments

Deferred premium acquisition costs

Recoverable from reinsurers

Deferred income taxes

Goodwill and intangible assets

Due from affiliates

Other assets

Investments in Fairfax affiliates

Total assets

Liabilities

125.9

272.7

508.6

830.8

7.2

10.3

–

–

–

652.0

–

279.1

238.2

639.2

169.6

385.7

2,815.3

196.8

–

–

2,638.2

6,831.8 3,780.4

1,667.9 3,912.0 1,524.0 1,614.0

21,968.3 3,430.0 1,476.5

96.4

463.3

65.9

152.8

120.9

103.2

110.6

182.5

122.0

774.8 1,104.1

300.5

174.9

4.0

182.9

544.0

257.3

331.6

31.4

183.5

197.5

10.9

68.0

55.0

192.7

923.7

–

30.6

72.0

707.1

–

634.3

346.3

4,314.5

835.8

–

697.6

11.6

–

–

–

439.0

730.9

173.1

–

60.6

40.8

0.3

106.0

74.7

23.3

85.0

44.8

18.9

33.9

35.1

51.0

99.3

2,036.2

37.1 1,766.0

215.0

772.2

575.3

–

99.6 1,497.7

1,111.7

523.3

–

(1,635.0)

719.6

(94.6)

418.6

(14.0)

(1,140.0)

23.4

8.2

(790.3)

148.9

1,371.6

2,917.5

27,293.4

693.1

4,010.3

732.6

3,847.5

–

2,518.4

–

4,149.9

10,334.8 6,294.1

2,590.7 6,579.5 2,684.7 2,656.2

35,289.9 5,709.5 4,740.2

(2,355.2)

43,384.4

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

161.3

511.0

282.2

94.6

79.4

273.7

261.1

1,663.3

104.2

973.8

Income taxes payable

Short sale and derivative obligations

Due to affiliates

Funds withheld payable to reinsurers

Provision for losses and loss adjustment

6.3

40.9

0.9

3.3

–

79.5

9.2

61.6

–

37.2

0.6

18.2

1.5

3.1

3.0

11.8

–

–

302.3

–

13.0

–

5.5

51.8

0.2

5.0

2.2

66.0

21.0

177.5

21.4

503.2

–

41.9

1.0

13.3

expenses

1,875.0

4,896.9 3,562.3

1,212.5 3,406.7

800.0 1,019.1

16,772.5 3,790.1

Provision for unearned premiums

542.5

722.5

683.8

280.2

Deferred income taxes

Borrowings

–

–

–

89.8

–

41.4

–

38.2

836.8

102.8

175.9

308.9

403.1

3,777.8

19.9

4.8

–

3.2

90.2

110.8

435.5

–

–

153.0

852.5

2.2

–

48.3

–

–

–

147.3

12.2

14.9

(70.7)

(100.3)

(1,080.8)

(57.3)

(263.8)

3,479.6

2,888.6

35.4

234.3

–

416.2

19,481.8

3,740.4

–

4,767.6

Total liabilities

2,630.2

6,370.5 4,625.7

1,633.1 4,915.7 1,457.7 1,850.1

23,483.0 3,970.4 2,029.8

2,081.1

31,564.3

Equity

Shareholders’ equity attributable to

shareholders of Fairfax

Non-controlling interests

1,519.7

3,964.3 1,668.4

957.6 1,663.8 1,166.9

806.1

11,746.8 1,739.1 2,622.9

(6,288.7)

–

–

–

–

–

60.1

–

60.1

–

87.5

1,852.4

9,820.1

2,000.0

Total equity

1,519.7

3,964.3 1,668.4

957.6 1,663.8 1,227.0

806.1

11,806.9 1,739.1 2,710.4

(4,436.3)

11,820.1

Total liabilities and total equity

4,149.9

10,334.8 6,294.1

2,590.7 6,579.5 2,684.7 2,656.2

35,289.9 5,709.5 4,740.2

(2,355.2)

43,384.4

Capital

Borrowings

Investments in Fairfax affiliates

Shareholders’ equity attributable to

shareholders of Fairfax

Non-controlling interests

–

110.6

89.8

544.0

41.4

197.5

38.2

40.8

175.9

74.7

–

44.8

90.2

99.3

435.5

–

852.5

3,479.6

4,767.6

1,111.7

523.3

–

(1,635.0)

–

1,409.1

3,420.3 1,470.9

916.8 1,125.7 1,122.1

706.8

10,171.7 1,215.8 1,233.9

(2,801.3)

–

–

–

–

463.4

60.1

–

523.5

– 1,476.5

–

9,820.1

2,000.0

Total capital

1,519.7

4,054.1 1,709.8

995.8 1,839.7 1,227.0

896.3

12,242.4 1,739.1 3,562.9

(956.7)

16,587.7

% of consolidated total capital

9.2%

24.4% 10.3%

6.0% 11.1%

7.4% 5.4%

73.8% 10.5% 21.5%

(5.8)%

100.0%

128

Segmented Balance Sheet as at December 31, 2015

Insurance and Reinsurance

Northbridge OdysseyRe Forster National Brit(1)

Asia Other companies Runoff Other and Other Consolidated

Crum &

Zenith

Fairfax

Operating

Corporate

Assets

Holding company cash and investments

Insurance contract receivables

Portfolio investments

Deferred premium acquisition costs

Recoverable from reinsurers

Deferred income taxes

Goodwill and intangible assets

Due from affiliates

Other assets

Investments in Fairfax affiliates

Total assets

Liabilities

245.0

242.7

560.3

806.7

8.2

65.9

–

–

–

879.4

–

258.8

222.6

605.6

131.2

265.3

2,532.9

127.9

–

–

2,569.4

7,215.3 3,883.4

1,787.9 3,967.1 1,157.5 1,479.2

22,059.8 4,264.9 1,176.8

63.2

24.4

60.2

542.1

793.0

579.9

242.3

4,079.3

84.4

478.0

41.1

144.0

71.7

73.9

106.8

181.0

118.2

828.9 1,079.1

222.9

188.4

2.1

102.1

510.8

183.1

331.4

0.1

116.9

176.0

10.7

78.1

4.0

–

446.7

739.2

–

73.9

40.8

–

132.0

47.3

7.0

16.7

25.3

31.5

–

40.1

8.0

65.1

45.5

–

940.7

114.1

–

–

–

458.1

1,906.5

39.4 1,270.7

107.2

595.4

587.7

–

104.8 1,001.6

397.1

(114.3)

331.0

(9.4)

(1,129.1)

(108.3)

(1.7)

(694.9)

69.3

111.0

1,038.2

288.5

–

(1,326.7)

1,276.5

2,546.5

27,832.5

532.7

3,890.9

463.9

3,214.9

–

1,771.1

–

4,057.0

10,618.5 6,155.2

2,730.6 6,347.4 2,051.7 2,238.5

34,198.9 6,468.0 3,449.1

(2,587.0)

41,529.0

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

169.9

575.5

230.6

86.5

141.3

241.2

109.3

1,554.3

128.4

757.3

Income taxes payable

Short sale and derivative obligations

Due to affiliates

Funds withheld payable to reinsurers

Provision for losses and loss adjustment

3.7

40.4

2.0

4.0

31.1

13.0

6.1

56.1

2.6

5.3

15.5

20.3

–

1.4

0.4

12.5

–

–

206.1

expenses

1,852.2

5,010.4 3,428.5

1,252.4 3,324.1

Provision for unearned premiums

492.4

729.4

657.0

267.7

Deferred income taxes

Borrowings

–

–

–

89.8

–

41.4

–

38.1

664.9

120.3

208.6

–

11.0

–

15.3

1.0

3.3

2.6

69.5

962.0

276.6

0.6

90.6

–

1.9

66.2

757.0

252.7

8.8

–

49.4

75.9

28.5

422.2

16.8

4.2

16.0

16,586.6 4,308.5

3,340.7

129.7

468.5

–

–

–

–

34.2

–

–

–

77.5

284.0

115.9

21.1

0.2

(66.9)

(115.4)

(1,078.7)

(55.9)

(207.2)

2,599.0

2,555.9

85.8

92.9

–

322.8

19,816.4

3,284.8

–

3,351.5

Total liabilities

2,564.6

6,511.4 4,401.2

1,646.5 4,677.8 1,338.8 1,515.5

22,655.8 4,473.9 1,168.3

1,212.1

29,510.1

Equity

Shareholders’ equity attributable to

shareholders of Fairfax

Non-controlling interests

1,492.4

4,107.1 1,754.0

1,084.1 1,669.6

693.7

723.0

11,523.9 1,994.1 2,257.9

(5,488.5)

–

–

–

–

–

19.2

–

19.2

–

22.9

1,689.4

10,287.4

1,731.5

Total equity

1,492.4

4,107.1 1,754.0

1,084.1 1,669.6

712.9

723.0

11,543.1 1,994.1 2,280.8

(3,799.1)

12,018.9

Total liabilities and total equity

4,057.0

10,618.5 6,155.2

2,730.6 6,347.4 2,051.7 2,238.5

34,198.9 6,468.0 3,449.1

(2,587.0)

41,529.0

Capital

Borrowings

Investments in Fairfax affiliates

Shareholders’ equity attributable to

shareholders of Fairfax

Non-controlling interests

–

106.8

89.8

510.8

41.4

176.0

38.1

40.8

208.6

47.3

–

90.6

468.5

–

284.0

2,599.0

3,351.5

45.5

111.0

1,038.2

288.5

–

(1,326.7)

–

1,385.6

3,596.3 1,578.0

1,043.3 1,117.2

648.2

612.0

9,980.6 1,705.6 1,073.6

(2,472.4)

–

–

–

–

505.1

19.2

–

524.3

– 1,207.2

–

10,287.4

1,731.5

Total capital

1,492.4

4,196.9 1,795.4

1,122.2 1,878.2

712.9

813.6

12,011.6 1,994.1 2,564.8

(1,200.1)

15,370.4

% of consolidated total capital

9.7%

27.3% 11.7%

7.3% 12.2%

4.6% 5.3%

78.1% 13.0% 16.7%

(7.8)%

100.0%

(1)

Brit is included in the company’s financial reporting with effect from June 5, 2015.

129

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Components of Net Earnings

Underwriting and Operating Income

Set  out  and  discussed  below  are  the  underwriting  and  operating  results  of  Fairfax’s  insurance  and  reinsurance
operations, Runoff and Other by reporting segment for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.

Northbridge(1)

Underwriting profit

Loss & LAE – accident year
Commissions
Underwriting expenses

Combined ratio – accident year

Net favourable development

Combined ratio – calendar year

Gross premiums written

Net premiums written

Net premiums earned

Underwriting profit
Interest and dividends

Operating income

Cdn$

2016
61.3

71.6%
16.6%
19.1%

2015
91.2

67.5%
15.8%
19.2%

2016
46.3

71.6%
16.6%
19.1%

2015
71.4

67.5%
15.8%
19.2%

107.3%
(12.4)%

102.5%
(10.7)%

107.3%
(12.4)%

102.5%
(10.7)%

94.9%

91.8%

94.9%

91.8%

1,395.9

1,353.3

1,055.1

1,059.6

1,247.0

1,132.8

1,202.3

1,117.1

61.3
75.9

91.2
54.0

942.6

908.8

46.3
57.4

887.0

874.7

71.4
42.3

137.2

145.2

103.7

113.7

(1) These results differ from those published by Northbridge primarily due to purchase accounting adjustments related to the

privatization of Northbridge in 2009.

The  average  U.S.  dollar  foreign  exchange  rate  (relative  to  the  Canadian  dollar)  strengthened  by  3.5%  in  2016
compared  to  2015.  To  avoid  the  distortion  caused  by  foreign  currency  translation,  the  table  above  presents
Northbridge’s  underwriting  and  operating  results  in  both  U.S.  dollars  and  Canadian  dollars  (Northbridge’s
functional currency). The discussion which follows makes reference to those Canadian dollar figures unless indicated
otherwise.

In  2015  Northbridge  assumed  gross  premiums  written  of  Cdn$70.6  ($56.6)  and  gross  loss  reserves  of  Cdn$66.5
($53.3)  in  connection  with  the  ‘‘AXA  Canada  reinsurance  transaction’’  as  described  in  the  Components  of  Net
Earnings section of this MD&A under the heading Runoff. Northbridge fully retroceded these amounts to Runoff and
received a commission of Cdn$1.7 ($1.4) from Runoff for fronting this transaction.

Northbridge reported an underwriting profit of Cdn$61.3 ($46.3) and a combined ratio of 94.9% in 2016 compared
to an underwriting profit of Cdn$91.2 ($71.4) and a combined ratio of 91.8% in 2015. The decrease in underwriting
profit  in  2016  principally  reflected  increased  current  period  catastrophe  losses  and  a  deterioration  in
non-catastrophe loss experience related to the current accident year (increased frequency of large losses), partially
offset by increased net favourable prior year reserve development.

Net  favourable  prior  year  reserve  development  in  2016  of  Cdn$149.2  ($112.8)  (12.4  combined  ratio  points)
principally reflected better than expected emergence on automobile and casualty lines of business related to accident
years  2011  through  2014.  Net  favourable  prior  year  reserve  development  in  2015  of  Cdn$119.9  ($93.9)
(10.7 combined ratio points) principally reflected better than expected emergence across most accident years and
lines of business.

Underwriting profit in 2016 included Cdn$38.0 ($28.7) (3.2 combined ratio points) of current period catastrophe
losses principally related to the Fort McMurray wildfires (Cdn$29.8 ($22.5) or 2.5 combined ratio points). Current
period catastrophe losses were not significant in 2015.

130

Northbridge’s  commission  expense  ratio  increased  from  15.8%  in  2015  to  16.6%  in  2016,  primarily  reflecting
commission expense adjustments, and also reflected the impact of non-recurring commission revenue earned in the
first  quarter  of  2015  related  to  the  AXA  Canada  reinsurance  transaction  described  earlier  in  this  section.
Northbridge’s  underwriting  expense  ratio  decreased  from  19.2%  in  2015  to  19.1%  in  2016  reflecting  higher  net
premiums earned, partially offset by the impact in 2015 of the release of a provision related to harmonized sales tax
on premiums ceded to foreign affiliated reinsurers following a favourable tax ruling.

Excluding the impact of the AXA Canada reinsurance transaction, gross premiums written increased by 8.8% from
Cdn$1,282.7 in 2015 to Cdn$1,395.9 in 2016, primarily reflecting increased new business writings at Northbridge
Insurance and modest price increases across the group. Net premiums written increased by 10.1% in 2016, reflecting
the same factors which affected gross premiums written and also included the impact of reduced reinsurance costs.
Net premiums earned increased by 7.6% in 2016, consistent with the growth in net premiums written.

Interest and dividends increased from Cdn$54.0 ($42.3) in 2015 to Cdn$75.9 ($57.4) in 2016, principally due to
increased holdings of higher yielding government bonds year-over-year, partially offset by a non-cash impairment
charge in 2016 of Cdn$9.8 ($7.4) related to an associate (Resolute).

Cash provided by operating activities (excluding operating cash flow activity related to securities recorded as FVTPL)
increased from Cdn$16.8 ($13.2) in 2015 to Cdn$67.4 ($51.0) in 2016, primarily as a result of higher net premium
collections and lower income taxes paid, partially offset by higher net paid claims.

Northbridge’s average annual return on average equity over the past 31 years since inception in 1985 was 13.1% at
December 31, 2016 (December 31, 2015 – 13.6%) (expressed in Canadian dollars).

OdysseyRe(1)

Underwriting profit

Loss & LAE – accident year
Commissions
Underwriting expenses

Combined ratio – accident year

Net favourable development

Combined ratio – calendar year

Gross premiums written

Net premiums written

Net premiums earned

Underwriting profit
Interest and dividends

Operating income

2016
235.2

2015
336.9

69.3%
20.8%
11.4%

64.4%
20.4%
10.5%

101.5%
(12.8)%

95.3%
(10.6)%

88.7%

84.7%

2,380.7

2,404.0

2,100.2

2,095.0

2,074.1

2,204.1

235.2
171.0

406.2

336.9
221.8

558.7

(1) These results differ from those published by Odyssey Re Holdings Corp. primarily due to differences between IFRS and
U.S. GAAP and purchase accounting adjustments (principally goodwill and intangible assets) recorded by Fairfax related
to the privatization of OdysseyRe in 2009.

On June 3, 2015 Hudson Insurance Company (a wholly owned subsidiary of OdysseyRe) completed the acquisition
of certain assets of Euclid Managers, LLC (‘‘Euclid’’), an underwriting and claims manager for internet, technology,
media, manufacturers and other professional liability coverage. The acquisition of Euclid, which produces annual
gross premiums written of approximately $15, ensures that Hudson Insurance has the opportunity to participate on
future renewals of this business.

OdysseyRe  reported  an  underwriting  profit  of  $235.2  and  a  combined  ratio  of  88.7%  in  2016  compared  to  an
underwriting profit of $336.9 and a combined ratio of 84.7% in 2015. The decrease in underwriting profit in 2016
principally reflected higher current period catastrophe losses, lower net premiums earned, lower writings of higher
margin property catastrophe business and continued rate pressure, partially offset by increased net favourable prior

131

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

year reserve development. Extraordinary losses of $61.9 (3.0 combined ratio points) in 2016 decreased from $98.7
(4.5 combined ratio points) in 2015. The Tianjin port explosion in China in 2015 resulted in an incurred loss of $52.9
(2.4 combined ratio points).

Underwriting profit in 2016 included $191.9 (9.2 combined ratio points) of current period catastrophe losses (net of
reinstatement premiums), principally comprised of the impacts of Hurricane Matthew ($30.0 or 1.4 combined ratio
points), flooding in Europe ($19.0 or 0.9 of a combined ratio point), the Fort McMurray wildfires ($14.1 or 0.7 of a
combined ratio point) and other attritional losses. Underwriting profit in 2015 included $108.0 (4.9 combined ratio
points) of attritional current period catastrophe losses (net of reinstatement premiums). Underwriting profit in 2016
included $266.5 (12.8 combined ratio points) of net favourable prior year reserve development compared to $233.3
(10.6 combined ratio points) in 2015, principally related to casualty and property catastrophe loss reserves in both
years. OdysseyRe’s underwriting expense ratio increased from 10.5% in 2015 to 11.4% in 2016, principally due to the
decrease in net premiums earned.

In 2015 OdysseyRe did not renew a significant property quota share reinsurance contract covering risks in Florida
following the cedent’s decision to retain all the risk associated with that contract. Consequently on June 1, 2015,
OdysseyRe returned the remaining unearned premium associated with this contract to the cedent, which decreased
each of gross premiums written and net premiums written by $17.8 in 2015. Net premiums earned associated with
that contract during 2015 was $71.7 prior to cancellation. Excluding the impact of the cancellation of this contract,
gross premiums written, net premiums written and net premiums earned decreased by 1.7%, 0.6% and 2.7% in 2016,
principally reflecting decreases in the Latin America and London Market divisions. Net premiums written and net
premiums earned in 2016 also reflected the impact of additional purchases of property catastrophe excess of loss
reinsurance at favourable pricing, which is expected to significantly mitigate the impact of small to medium-sized
catastrophe events on OdysseyRe’s U.S. and international operations.

Interest and dividends decreased from $221.8 in 2015 to $171.0 in 2016 reflecting lower share of profit of associates
and a non-cash impairment charge in 2016 of $3.2 related to an associate (Resolute), partially offset by lower total
return swap expense. Share of profit of associates in 2015 reflected OdysseyRe’s $37.5 share of a gain recognized by a
Kennedy Wilson real estate partnership on the disposition of investment properties.

Cash provided by operating activities (excluding operating cash flow activity related to securities recorded at FVTPL)
increased from $111.8 in 2015 to $268.9 in 2016 reflecting decreased income taxes paid and increased investment
income received.

Crum & Forster

Underwriting profit

Loss & LAE – accident year
Commissions
Underwriting expenses

Combined ratio – accident year

Net favourable development

Combined ratio – calendar year

Gross premiums written

Net premiums written

Net premiums earned

Underwriting profit
Interest and dividends

Operating income

2016
32.4

64.2%
16.0%
18.5%

98.7%
(0.5)%

2015
35.4

64.1%
14.8%
18.8%

97.7%
–%

98.2%

97.7%

2,055.0

1,896.1

1,801.1

1,659.4

1,769.5

1,522.0

32.4
43.2

75.6

35.4
66.8

102.2

On October 4, 2016 Crum & Forster acquired a 100% interest in Trinity Risk LLC (‘‘Trinity’’) for consideration of
$12.0.  Trinity  focuses  on  occupational  accident  insurance  and  produces  approximately  $26  of  gross  premiums
written annually.

132

In 2015 Crum & Forster completed the following acquisitions: Brownyard Programs, Ltd. (‘‘Brownyard’’ – a specialist
in  writing  and  servicing  security  guard  and  security  services  business  insurance,  acquired  on  October  30,  2015);
Travel  Insured  International,  Inc.  (‘‘TII’’ – a  leading  travel  insurance  provider  that  specializes  in  offering  travel
insurance protection, acquired on October 8, 2015); and, The Redwoods Group, Inc. (‘‘Redwoods’’ – a producer of
property and casualty packaged insurance business focused on YMCAs, community centers and day camps, acquired
on April 10, 2015). These acquisitions, which complement Crum & Forster’s existing footprint in each of these lines
of business, produced gross premiums written of $15.9, $56.2 and $44.7 in 2016.

On October 15, 2015 Crum & Forster commuted a significant aggregate stop loss reinsurance treaty (the ‘‘significant
commutation’’).  The  commutation  reduced  each  of  recoverable  from  reinsurers  and  funds  withheld  payable  to
reinsurers by $334.0. The significant commutation had no initial effect on the income statement but funds withheld
interest  expense  (a  component  of  interest  and  dividends)  will  be  reduced  in  future  periods  by  approximately
$20 annually.

Crum & Forster reported an underwriting profit of $32.4 and a combined ratio of 98.2% in 2016 compared to an
underwriting profit of $35.4 and a combined ratio of 97.7% in 2015. The decrease in underwriting profit in 2016
principally reflected higher current period catastrophe losses, a deterioration in accident and health loss experience
related to the current accident year and increased commission expense, partially offset by net favourable prior year
reserve  development  in  2016  and  an  improvement  in  non-catastrophe  loss  experience  related  to  the  current
accident year.

Underwriting profit in 2016 included $26.0 (1.5 combined ratio points) of current period catastrophe losses (net of
reinstatement  premiums),  principally  related  to  the  Texas  hailstorms  ($10.5  or  0.6  of  a  combined  ratio  point),
Hurricane Matthew ($5.0 or 0.3 of a combined ratio point) and other attritional losses. The underwriting profit in
2015 included $12.0 (0.8 of a combined ratio point) of current period catastrophe losses principally related to severe
winter weather and storms in the U.S. Underwriting profit in 2016 included $8.3 (0.5 of a combined ratio point) of
net  favourable  prior  year  reserve  development,  principally  related  to  net  favourable  emergence  on  workers’
compensation and professional risk loss reserves, partially offset by an increase in construction defect loss reserves.
There was no net prior year reserve development in 2015.

Crum & Forster’s commission expense ratio increased from 14.8% in 2015 to 16.0% in 2016 primarily reflecting
increased  writings  of  accident  and  health  insurance  which  incur  higher  commission  rates  and  the  impact  of
reductions in ceding commissions as a result of the increase in retentions that occurred in 2015. Crum & Forster’s
underwriting  expense  ratio  decreased  from  18.8%  in  2015  to  18.5%  in  2016  primarily  reflecting  increased  net
premiums earned.

Gross premiums written increased by 8.4% in 2016, principally reflecting growth in Crum & Forster’s accident and
health and commercial transportation lines of business and incremental contributions from Brownyard, TII and
Redwoods as described earlier in this section, partially offset by decreases in the construction contracting line of
business. Net premiums written increased by 8.5% in 2016, consistent with the growth in gross premiums written.
Net  premiums  earned  increased  by  16.3%  in  2016  reflecting  the  growth  in  net  premiums  written  during  2015
and 2016.

Interest and dividends decreased from $66.8 in 2015 to $43.2 in 2016 reflecting lower share of profit of associates
primarily due to a non-cash impairment charge in 2016 of $25.3 related to an associate (Resolute), partially offset by
lower funds held interest expense related to the significant commutation (described earlier in this section). Share of
profit of associates in 2015 reflected Crum & Forster’s $12.2 share of a gain recognized by a Kennedy Wilson real
estate partnership on the disposition of investment properties.

Cash provided by operating activities (excluding operating cash flow activity related to securities recorded at FVTPL)
increased from $218.0 in 2015 to $238.5 in 2016 primarily as a result of increased cash flow from underwriting.

Crum & Forster’s cumulative net earnings since acquisition on August 13, 1998 was $1,879.6 and its average annual
return on average equity since acquisition has been 9.4% (December 31, 2015 – 10.1%).

133

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Zenith National(1)

Underwriting profit

Loss & LAE – accident year
Commissions
Underwriting expenses

Combined ratio – accident year

Net favourable development

Combined ratio – calendar year

Gross premiums written

Net premiums written

Net premiums earned

Underwriting profit
Interest and dividends

Operating income

2016
164.1

2015
134.4

56.9%
10.1%
25.2%

58.6%
9.9%
25.7%

92.2%
94.2%
(12.5)% (11.7)%

79.7%

82.5%

831.7

819.4

807.3

164.1
30.8

194.9

797.6

785.4

766.4

134.4
48.9

183.3

(1) These results differ from those published by Zenith National primarily due to differences between IFRS and U.S. GAAP,
intercompany  investment  transactions  and  acquisition  accounting  adjustments  recorded  by  Fairfax  related  to  the
acquisition of Zenith National in 2010.

Zenith National reported an underwriting profit of $164.1 and a combined ratio of 79.7% in 2016 compared to an
underwriting  profit  of  $134.4  and  a  combined  ratio  of  82.5%  in  2015.  Net  premiums  earned  in  2016  of  $807.3
increased from $766.4 in 2015 primarily as a result of an increase in exposure, partially offset by modest earned price
decreases.

The improvement in Zenith National’s combined ratio in 2016 compared to 2015 principally reflected increased net
favourable prior year reserve development and a decrease in the estimated accident year loss and LAE ratio. Net
favourable prior year reserve development in 2016 of $101.0 reflected net favourable emergence principally related
to accident years 2012 through 2015. The 1.7 combined ratio point decrease in the estimated accident year loss and
LAE ratio in 2016 reflected favourable loss development trends for accident year 2015 emerging in 2016, partially
offset  by  modest  earned  price  decreases  and  estimated  loss  trends  for  accident  year  2016.  The  decrease  in  the
underwriting  expense  ratio  from  25.7%  in  2015  to  25.2%  in  2016,  primarily  reflected  increased  net  premiums
earned.

Interest and dividends decreased from $48.9 in 2015 to $30.8 in 2016, principally reflecting lower share of profit of
associates (primarily relating to Zenith National’s $21.5 share of a gain recognized by a Kennedy Wilson real estate
partnership on the disposition of investment properties in 2015).

Cash provided by operating activities (excluding operating cash flow activity related to securities recorded at FVTPL)
increased from $137.0 in 2015 to $141.2 in 2016, primarily as a result of increased net premiums collected and lower
income taxes paid.

134

Brit(1)

Underwriting profit

Loss & LAE – accident year
Commissions
Underwriting expenses

Combined ratio – accident year

Net favourable development

Combined ratio – calendar year

Gross premiums written

Net premiums written

Net premiums earned

Underwriting profit
Interest and dividends

Operating income

For the period
June 5, 2015 to
December 31,
2015
45.4

60.5%
20.8%
15.8%

97.1%
(2.2)%

94.9%

1,087.5

946.4

892.5

45.4
29.5

74.9

2016
29.1

65.0%
20.9%
15.8%

101.7%
(3.8)%

97.9%

1,912.2

1,480.2

1,399.3

29.1
58.8

87.9

(1) These results differ from those published by Brit primarily due to acquisition accounting adjustments recorded by Fairfax

related to the acquisition of Brit on June 5, 2015.

On June 5, 2015 the company acquired 97.0% of the outstanding ordinary shares of Brit and acquired the remaining
3.0% by July 8, 2015. On June 29, 2015 the company sold 29.9% of Brit to Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement
System (‘‘OMERS’’), the pension plan manager for government employees in the province of Ontario. OMERS has a
dividend in priority to the company, and the company will have the ability to repurchase the shares owned by
OMERS over time. On August 3, 2016 Brit paid cash consideration of $57.8 to purchase shares for cancellation from
OMERS,  which  increased  the  company’s  ownership  interest  in  Brit  by 2.4%.  Brit  is  a  leading  specialty  insurer
operating globally on the Lloyd’s of London platform.

Brit reported an underwriting profit of $29.1 and a combined ratio of  97.9% in 2016. Net favourable prior year
reserve  development  in  2016  of  $53.5  (3.8  combined  ratio  points)  primarily  reflected  better  than  expected
emergence  on  casualty  and  property  reinsurance  lines  of  business.  Underwriting  profit  in  2016  included  $76.4
(5.5  combined  ratio  points)  of  current  period  catastrophe  losses  (net  of  reinstatement  premiums),  principally
comprised of the impacts of Hurricane Matthew ($26.1 or 1.9 combined ratio points), the Fort McMurray wildfires
($17.8 or 1.3 combined ratio points) and other attritional losses.

Net premiums written of $1,480.2 in 2016 were in line with expectations and impacted by a combination of factors,
including underwriting discipline, rate reductions on direct business (energy and property lines of business) and
reinsurance  business  (property  treaty  and  casualty  treaty  lines  of  business),  the  unfavourable  effect  of  foreign
currency  translation  and  the  purchase  of  additional  proportional  reinsurance,  partially  offset  by  growth  in  net
premiums written related to underwriting initiatives launched in prior years. Brit seeks to balance its portfolio by
actively defending its core business and modestly expanding in areas where profitable opportunities exist, while
contracting in areas where underwriting margins are thinner.

Brit  reported  an  underwriting  profit  of  $45.4  and  a  combined  ratio  of  94.9%  for  the  period  June  5,  2015  to
December 31, 2015. Net favourable prior year reserve development for the period June 5, 2015 to December 31, 2015
of  $19.7  (2.2  combined  ratio  points)  primarily  reflected  better  than  expected  emergence  on  insurance  lines  of
business  (marine,  specialty,  energy  and  aviation)  and  reinsurance  lines  of  business  (property  treaty  and  casualty
treaty). Current period catastrophe losses were insignificant for the period June 5, 2015 to December 31, 2015. Net
premiums written of $946.4 for the period June 5, 2015 to December 31, 2015, were in line with expectations and
were impacted by a combination of factors, including rate reductions on direct business (energy and property lines of
business) and reinsurance business (property treaty lines of business) and the unfavourable effect of foreign currency

135

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

translation,  partially  offset  by  growth  in  net  premiums  written  related  to  underwriting  initiatives  launched  in
prior years.

Fairfax Asia

Underwriting profit

Loss & LAE – accident year
Commissions
Underwriting expenses

Combined ratio – accident year

Net favourable development

Combined ratio – calendar year

Gross premiums written

Net premiums written

Net premiums earned

Underwriting profit
Interest and dividends

Operating income

2016
41.1

2015
34.8

83.4% 83.5%
(2.1)%
–%
22.3% 18.2%

103.6% 101.7%
(17.2)% (13.8)%

86.4% 87.9%

648.7

620.9

303.1

275.9

302.5

287.0

41.1
74.8

115.9

34.8
41.0

75.8

Fairfax Asia comprises the company’s Asian holdings and operations: 97.7%-owned Singapore-based First Capital
Insurance  Limited  (‘‘First  Capital’’),  Hong  Kong-based  Falcon  Insurance  (Hong  Kong)  Company  Ltd.  (‘‘Falcon’’),
85.0%-owned Malaysia-based The Pacific Insurance Berhad (‘‘Pacific Insurance’’), 80.0%-owned Indonesia-based PT
Fairfax  Insurance  Indonesia  (‘‘Fairfax  Indonesia’’),  80.0%-owned  Indonesia-based  PT  Asuransi  Multi  Artha  Guna
Tbk.  (‘‘AMAG’’),  78.0%-owned  Sri  Lanka-based  Union  Assurance  General  Limited  (‘‘Union  Assurance’’)  and  its
wholly-owned subsidiary Fairfirst Insurance Limited (‘‘Fairfirst Insurance’’), 35.0%-owned Vietnam-based Bank for
Investment  and  Development  of  Vietnam  Insurance  Joint  Stock  Corporation  (‘‘BIC  Insurance’’),  41.2%-owned
Bangkok-based Falcon Insurance PLC (‘‘Falcon Thailand’’) and 34.6%-owned Mumbai-based ICICI Lombard General
Insurance Company Limited (‘‘ICICI Lombard’’). The remaining interest in ICICI Lombard is held by ICICI Bank
Limited (‘‘ICICI Bank’’), India’s second largest commercial bank. Thai Re, BIC Insurance, Falcon Thailand and ICICI
Lombard are reported under the equity method of accounting.

On October 10, 2016 the company acquired an 80.0% interest in AMAG from PT Bank Pan Indonesia Tbk. (‘‘Panin
Bank’’) for $178.9 (2.322 trillion Indonesian rupiah). Fairfax Indonesia will be integrated with AMAG and AMAG will
distribute  its  insurance  products  through  a  long-term  bancassurance  partnership  with  Panin  Bank.  AMAG  is  a
general insurer in Indonesia with gross written premiums of approximately $70 during 2016.

On  October  3,  2016  Union  Assurance  acquired  a  100%  ownership  interest  in  Asian  Alliance  General  Insurance
Limited (subsequently renamed Fairfirst Insurance Limited) for $10.2 (1,488.9 million Sri Lankan rupees). Fairfirst
Insurance is a general insurer in Sri Lanka with gross written premiums of approximately $16 during 2016.

On  March  31,  2016  the  company  increased  its  ownership  interest  in  ICICI  Lombard  to  34.6%  by  acquiring  an
additional 9.0% of the issued and outstanding shares of ICICI Lombard from ICICI Bank for $234.1 (15.5 billion
Indian rupees). ICICI Lombard is the largest private sector general insurance company in India with gross premiums
written of approximately $1.2 billion for its fiscal year ended March 31, 2016.

On September 18, 2015 Fairfax Asia acquired a 35.0% ownership interest in BIC Insurance for purchase consideration
of  $48.1  (1.1  trillion  Vietnamese  dong).  BIC  Insurance  is  a  leading  property  and  casualty  insurer  in  Vietnam,
producing approximately $70 of annual gross premiums written in 2015 through an exclusive arrangement with its
majority  shareholder,  Bank  for  Investment  and  Development  of  Vietnam  (‘‘BIDV’’),  to  sell  its  products  through
BIDV’s distribution network.

136

On March 1, 2015 Pacific Insurance, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company, completed the acquisition of the
general insurance business of MCIS Insurance Berhad (formerly known as MCIS Zurich Insurance Berhad) (‘‘MCIS’’)
for cash consideration of $13.4 (48.6 million Malaysian ringgits). MCIS is an established general insurer in Malaysia
with approximately $55 of annual gross premiums written in its general insurance business.

On January 1, 2015 the company completed the acquisition of 78.0% of Union Assurance for cash consideration of
$27.9 (3.7 billion Sri Lankan rupees). Union Assurance is headquartered in Colombo, Sri Lanka and underwrites
general insurance in Sri Lanka, specializing in automobile and personal accident lines of business.

Fairfax  Asia  reported  an  underwriting  profit  of  $41.1  and  a  combined  ratio  of  86.4%  in  2016,  compared  to  an
underwriting profit of $34.8 and a combined ratio of 87.9% in 2015. The entities comprising Fairfax Asia produced
combined ratios as set out in the following table:

First Capital
Falcon
Pacific Insurance
AMAG (inclusive of Fairfax Indonesia)
Union Assurance (inclusive of Fairfirst Insurance)

2015

2016
64.9% 69.3%
97.6% 98.6%
95.6%(1) 96.0%(2)

128.0% 114.7%
105.2% 107.8%

(1) Excludes the impact of an intercompany loss portfolio transfer in 2016 of commercial automobile loss reserves ($15.8) and

the related premiums ceded to reinsurers ($15.8) (the ‘‘2016 LPT’’). Underwriting profit remained unchanged.

(2) Excludes the impact of an intercompany loss portfolio transfer in 2015 of commercial automobile loss reserves ($9.2) and

the related premiums ceded to reinsurers ($9.2) (the ‘‘2015 LPT’’). Underwriting profit remained unchanged.

Fairfax Asia’s underwriting profit in 2016 included $52.1 (17.2 combined ratio points) of net favourable prior year
reserve development, primarily related to commercial automobile, engineering and marine hull loss reserves. Fairfax
Asia’s underwriting profit in 2015 included $39.5 (13.8 combined ratio points) of net favourable prior year reserve
development, primarily related to property, workers’ compensation and commercial automobile loss reserves.

Fairfax  Asia’s  commission  income  ratio  increased  to  2.1%  in  2016,  primarily  as  a  result  of  increased  profit
commission on reinsurance ceded by First Capital related to its property and marine hull lines of business. Fairfax
Asia’s underwriting expense ratio increased from 18.2% in 2015 to 22.3% in 2016, primarily due to integration and
acquisition related expenses incurred with respect to AMAG and Fairfirst Insurance and higher compensation related
expenses.

The consolidation of Fairfirst Insurance, AMAG and MCIS and the 2016 LPT and 2015 LPT affected gross premiums
written, net premiums written and net premiums earned as set out in the following table:

Fairfax Asia – as reported
Fairfirst Insurance
AMAG
MCIS
Pacific Insurance – 2016 LPT and

2015 LPT

Fairfax Asia – as adjusted

Percentage change (year-over-year)

Gross
premiums
written
648.7
(4.1)
(11.8)
(25.4)

2016

Net
premiums
written
303.1
(3.9)
(9.1)
(12.0)

Net
premiums
earned
302.5
(3.8)
(10.7)
(12.1)

Gross
premiums
written
620.9
–
–
(21.5)

2015

Net
premiums
written
275.9
–
–
(11.4)

Net
premiums
earned
287.0
–
–
(19.0)

–

607.4

1.3%

15.8

293.9

7.4%

15.8

291.7

5.2%

–

599.4

9.2

273.7

9.2

277.2

137

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Gross premiums written increased by 1.3% in 2016, principally reflecting increased writings at Pacific Insurance
(primarily in commercial automobile and property lines of business). Net premiums written increased by 7.4% in
2016 reflecting the same factors which affected gross premiums written and also included the impact of increased
premium  retention  (primarily  at  First  Capital).  Net  premiums  earned  increased  by  5.2%  in  2016,  principally
reflecting the normal lag of net premiums earned relative to net premiums written.

Interest and dividends increased from $41.0 in 2015 to $74.8 in 2016 primarily as a result of increased share of profit
of associates (ICICI Lombard).

As at December 31, 2016 the company had invested a total of $346.8 to acquire and maintain its 34.6% interest in
ICICI Lombard and carried this investment at $371.1 under the equity method of accounting (fair value of $878.0 as
disclosed  in  note  6  (Investments  in  Associates)  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements  for  the  year  ended
December 31, 2016). The company’s investment in ICICI Lombard is included in portfolio investments in the Fairfax
Asia balance sheet as set out in the Balance Sheets by Reporting Segment section of this MD&A.

During its fiscal year ended March 31, 2016, ICICI Lombard’s gross written premiums increased in Indian rupees by
20.2% over the prior year, with a combined ratio of 106.2% compared to 104.5% in the prior year. The increase in the
combined ratio was primarily a result of losses related to floods in Chennai and in its crop insurance line of business.
The Indian property and casualty insurance industry experienced increasingly competitive market conditions in
2016 as a result of both new private insurers entering the market and existing insurers continuing to increase their
market share. With an 8.4% market share, 7,954 employees and 257 offices across India, ICICI Lombard is India’s
largest (by market share) private general insurer. Please see its website (www.icicilombard.com) for further details of
its operations.

Insurance and Reinsurance – Other

Group Re Advent Polish Re

Brasil Colonnade company Total

2016

Fairfax

Inter-

Underwriting profit (loss)

35.4

0.5

0.5

0.5

Loss & LAE – accident year
Commissions
Underwriting expenses

66.0% 70.7%
30.9% 22.3%
5.2% 19.3%

61.7% 61.4%
15.9% 12.6%
12.7% 32.6%

(9.2)

47.9%
29.5%
93.3%

Combined ratio – accident year

Net adverse (favourable) development

102.1% 112.3%
(28.5)% (12.6)%

90.3% 106.6%
8.8% (7.7)%

170.7%
(4.3)%

–

–
–
–

27.7

66.4%
23.3%
17.8%

– 107.5%
(13.8)%
–

Combined ratio – calendar year

73.6% 99.7%

99.1% 98.9%

166.4%

–

93.7%

Gross premiums written

Net premiums written

Net premiums earned

Underwriting profit (loss)
Interest and dividends

Operating income (loss)

156.9

257.8

140.6

177.0

133.8

185.1

35.4
9.5

44.9

0.5
10.5

11.0

66.8

60.6

58.8

0.5
1.5

2.0

144.8

58.3

45.6

0.5
5.5

6.0

23.6

21.9

13.9

(9.2)
0.3

(8.9)

(6.6) 643.3

– 458.4

– 437.2

–
–

–

27.7
27.3

55.0

138

Group Re Advent Polish Re
1.6

48.2

0.9

2015

Fairfax

Inter-

Brasil Colonnade company Total
46.2
–

(4.5)

–

Underwriting profit (loss)

Loss & LAE – accident year
Commissions
Underwriting expenses

63.9% 69.0%
27.8% 21.9%
4.7% 24.0%

71.0% 66.6%
14.1% 12.0%
15.8% 30.8%

Combined ratio – accident year

Net adverse (favourable) development

96.4% 114.9%
(25.7)% (15.4)%

100.9% 109.4%
(2.9)% 2.1%

Combined ratio – calendar year

70.7% 99.5%

98.0% 111.5%

Gross premiums written

174.3

240.5

113.8

123.3

Net premiums written

Net premiums earned

Underwriting profit (loss)
Interest and dividends

Operating income (loss)

166.7

174.8

100.1

164.3

159.4

79.8

48.2
13.5

61.7

0.9
8.2

9.1

1.6
1.9

3.5

48.2

39.2

(4.5)
3.1

(1.4)

–
–
–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–
–

67.2%
21.8%
16.0%

– 105.0%
(15.4)%
–

–

89.6%

(17.2) 634.7

– 489.8

– 442.7

–
–

–

46.2
26.7

72.9

On December 7, 2016 the company acquired a 100% interest in Zurich Insurance Company South Africa Limited
(subsequently  renamed  Bryte  Insurance  Company  Limited  (‘‘Bryte  Insurance’’))  from  Zurich  Insurance
Company Ltd. for $128.0 (1.8 billion South African rand). Bryte Insurance is a property and casualty insurer in South
Africa and Botswana with gross written premiums of approximately $269 during 2016.

On December 16, 2014 the company entered into an agreement with QBE Insurance (Europe) Limited (‘‘QBE’’) to
acquire QBE’s insurance operations in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia (the ‘‘QBE insurance operations’’).
A new Luxembourg insurer, Colonnade Insurance S.A. (‘‘Colonnade’’), was licensed in July 2015 and branches of
Colonnade were established in each of the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia during the fourth quarter of 2015.
The business and renewal rights of QBE’s Hungarian, Czech and Slovakian insurance operations were transferred to
Colonnade on February 1, 2016, April 1, 2016 and May 2, 2016 respectively. In 2015 the QBE insurance operations
generated  approximately  $78  in  gross  premiums  written  across  a  range  of  general  insurance  classes,  including
property, travel, general liability and product protection. Colonnade in the table above also includes the results of
QBE’s non-life operations in Ukraine (now known as ‘‘Colonnade Ukraine’’) which were acquired by the company
during the fourth quarter of 2015.

Prior to the formal closing of the transaction to acquire the QBE insurance operations, Polish Re entered into a
two-part 100% quota share reinsurance transaction with QBE (the ‘‘QBE reinsurance transactions’’) to: (i) reinsure
the runoff of the QBE insurance operations in respect of any business written up to December 31, 2014 (the ‘‘QBE loss
portfolio transfer’’); and (ii) reinsure any business written by the QBE insurance operations on or after January 1,
2015 (the ‘‘QBE quota share transaction’’). The QBE reinsurance transactions increased Polish Re’s gross premiums
written, net premiums written and net premiums earned by $22.9, $19.7 and $21.6 in 2016 (increased Polish Re’s
gross premiums written, net premiums written and net premiums earned by $77.6, $72.5 and $52.6 in 2015).

The Insurance and Reinsurance – Other segment produced an underwriting profit of $27.7 and a combined ratio of
93.7% in 2016 compared to an underwriting profit of $46.2 and a combined ratio of 89.6% in 2015. The decrease in
underwriting  profit  in  2016  principally  reflected  increased  current  period  catastrophe  losses  and  lower  net
favourable  prior  year  reserve  development,  partially  offset  by  an  improvement  in  the  non-catastrophe  loss
experience related to the current accident year.

The underwriting results in 2016 included net favourable prior year reserve development of $60.4 (13.8 combined
ratio  points),  primarily  reflecting  net  favourable  development  at  Group  Re  (property  and  liability  loss  reserves
including  net  favourable  emergence  on  the  runoff  of  the  intercompany  quota  share  reinsurance  contract  with
Northbridge), Advent (property and casualty reinsurance loss reserves) and Fairfax Brasil. The underwriting results in
2015  included  net  favourable  prior  year  reserve  development  of  $68.3  (15.4  combined  ratio  points),  primarily
reflecting net favourable development at Group Re (principally related to net favourable emergence on the runoff of

139

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

the intercompany quota share reinsurance contract with Northbridge and prior years’ catastrophe loss reserves) and
Advent (insurance loss reserves (terrorism and energy) and property and casualty reinsurance loss reserves).

The underwriting results in 2016 included $29.7 (6.8 combined ratio points) of current period catastrophe losses
(net of reinstatement premiums), principally comprised of the impacts of Hurricane Matthew ($5.7 or 1.3 combined
ratio  points),  the  Fort  McMurray  wildfires  ($7.3  or  1.7  combined  ratio  points)  and  other  attritional  losses.  The
underwriting  results  in  2015  included  $4.4  (1.0  combined  ratio  point)  of  current  period  catastrophe  losses,
principally comprised of an aggregation of smaller catastrophe losses at Advent.

The expense ratio increased from 16.0% in 2015 to 17.8% in 2016, principally reflecting higher operating expenses at
Fairfax Brasil and the impact of the start-up of Colonnade, partially offset by lower operating expenses at Advent. The
commission expense ratio increased from 21.8% in 2015 to 23.3% in 2016, primarily reflecting higher commission
expense at Group Re and the impact of the start-up of Colonnade.

Gross premiums written increased by 1.4% in 2016, primarily reflecting increases at Fairfax Brasil (primarily growth
in the infrastructure line of business and the favourable effect of foreign currency translation) and Advent (primarily
increases in the accident and health line of business), partially offset by the non-recurring impact of the QBE loss
portfolio  transfer  in  2015  and  decreases  at  Group  Re  (primarily  related  to  the  non-renewal  in  2016  of  an
intercompany  property  quota  share  agreement  with  Brit).  Net  premiums  written  decreased  by  6.4%  in  2016
reflecting the same factors which affected gross premiums written tempered by a decrease in risk retention at Advent
and  Group Re.  Net  premiums  earned  decreased  by  1.2%  in  2016  principally  reflecting  the  normal  lag  of  net
premiums earned relative to net premiums written.

Interest and dividends increased from $26.7 in 2015 to $27.3 in 2016 principally due to higher interest and dividend
income at Group Re, Advent and Fairfax Brasil primarily due to holdings of higher yielding bonds, partially offset by
a non-cash impairment charge in 2016 of $4.4 related to an associate (Resolute).

Runoff

The Runoff business segment was formed with the acquisition of the company’s interest in The Resolution Group
(‘‘TRG’’) on August 11, 1999, and currently consists of two groups: the U.S. Runoff group, consisting of TIG Insurance
Company and its subsidiary, and the European Runoff group, consisting of RiverStone (UK), Syndicate 3500 and
RiverStone Insurance. The Runoff reporting segment also includes Resolution Group Reinsurance (Barbados) Limited
and  TIG  Insurance  (Barbados)  Limited,  formed  to  facilitate  certain  reinsurance  transactions.  Both  groups  are
managed  by  the  dedicated  RiverStone  Runoff  management  operation  which  has  408  employees  in  the  U.S.  and
the U.K.

On December 31, 2016 U.S. Runoff agreed to reinsure a portfolio of casualty exposures associated with habitational
risks (commercial residential properties such as apartment buildings, and condominiums) relating to accident years
2011 through 2016 from a U.S.-based insurer (the ‘‘habitational casualty reinsurance transaction’’). The U.S. Runoff
results reflect premium of $110.7 as consideration for the assumption of $90.2 of net loss reserves and net provision
for unearned premiums of $19.9.

On April 1, 2016 U.S. Runoff agreed to reinsure a portfolio of business comprised of construction defect exposures in
various states in the western U.S. relating to accident years 2008 to 2013 (the ‘‘second quarter 2016 construction
defect reinsurance transaction’’). U.S. Runoff received a cash premium of $71.5 as consideration for the assumption
of $70.5 of net loss reserves and paid a commission of $1.0 to a third party for facilitating the transaction.

On  October  30,  2015  U.S.  Runoff  agreed  to  reinsure  a  portfolio  of  legacy  asbestos,  pollution  and  other  hazards
(‘‘APH’’)  exposures  relating  to  accident  years  1986  and  prior  (the  ‘‘fourth  quarter  2015  APH  reinsurance
transaction’’). U.S. Runoff received a cash premium of $86.5 as consideration for the assumption of $83.4 of net
loss reserves.

On July 13, 2015 U.S. Runoff agreed to reinsure a portfolio of Everest comprised of APH exposures relating to accident
years 1985 and prior (the ‘‘Everest APH reinsurance transaction’’). U.S. Runoff received a cash premium of $140.3 as
consideration for the assumption of $140.3 of net loss reserves.

On March 9, 2015 RiverStone (UK) agreed to reinsure a portfolio of business comprised of APH exposures relating to
accident years 1992 and prior (the ‘‘first quarter 2015 APH reinsurance transaction’’). RiverStone (UK) received a
premium of $89.0 which was comprised of cash ($69.9) and a receivable ($19.1) as consideration for the assumption
of $89.0 of net loss reserves. The net loss reserves underlying this transaction are expected to be formally transferred

140

to RiverStone (UK) in the first quarter of 2017 by way of a Part VII transfer pursuant to the U.K. Financial Services and
Markets Act 2000 at which time the consideration receivable will be fully collected.

On February 18, 2015 U.S. Runoff agreed to reinsure two Canadian branches of AXA which were already in runoff
(the  ‘‘AXA  Canada  reinsurance  transaction’’).  The  business  reinsured  was  primarily  comprised  of  assumed
reinsurance of commercial automobile, general liability, marine and property exposures relating to accident years
2007  and  prior.  Northbridge  participated  by  fronting  this  reinsurance  arrangement  on  behalf  of  U.S.  Runoff,
receiving a cash premium of $56.6 as consideration for the assumption of $53.3 of gross loss reserves. Subsequently,
Northbridge fully retroceded those amounts to U.S. Runoff and received a commission of $1.4 for facilitating the
transaction.

Set out below is a summary of the operating results of Runoff for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.

Gross premiums written

Net premiums written

Net premiums earned
Losses on claims
Operating expenses
Interest and dividends

Operating loss

2016
183.9

2015
381.2

183.4

381.6

163.5
(236.2)
(112.4)
35.7

381.6
(419.2)
(134.5)
98.0

(149.4)

(74.1)

Runoff reported an operating loss of $149.4 in 2016 compared to an operating loss of $74.1 in 2015. Net premiums
earned of $163.5 and losses on claims of $236.2 in 2016 principally reflected the impact of the habitational casualty
reinsurance transaction and the second quarter 2016 construction defect reinsurance transaction. Losses on claims
in 2016 also reflected net adverse prior year reserve development of $96.6 at U.S. Runoff, partially offset by net
favourable prior year reserve development of $17.1 at European Runoff. Net adverse prior year reserve development
of $96.6 at U.S. Runoff was principally comprised of $149.1 related to APH exposures assumed from Crum & Forster
and  in  the  legacy  portfolio  of  Clearwater  Insurance  (including  $50.0  related  to  a  single  assumed  excess  of  loss
contract with exposures to APH that was triggered and a loss of $18.8 incurred in connection with the commutation
of certain assumed long tail APH liabilities) and $30.2 of non-APH loss reserve strengthening, partially offset by $89.5
of net favourable prior year reserve development at TIG Insurance principally related to workers’ compensation loss
reserves. Net favourable prior year reserve development at European Runoff was across various lines of business.

Net premiums earned of $381.6 and losses on claims of $419.2 in 2015 principally reflected the impacts of the fourth
quarter  2015  APH  reinsurance  transaction,  the  Everest  APH  reinsurance  transaction,  the  first  quarter  2015  APH
reinsurance transaction and the AXA Canada reinsurance transaction. Net premiums earned in 2015 also included
premium adjustments at RiverStone Insurance ($8.2). Losses on claims in 2015 also reflected net adverse prior year
reserve development of $126.6 at U.S. Runoff, partially offset by net favourable prior year reserve development of
$73.5  at  European  Runoff.  Net  adverse  prior  year  reserve  development  of  $126.6  at  U.S.  Runoff  was  principally
comprised of $87.7 related to APH exposures assumed from Crum & Forster and in the legacy portfolio of Clearwater
Insurance, and $36.1 at American Safety related to strengthening of environmental remediation, contractor and
other long tail casualty loss reserves. Net favourable prior year reserve development at European Runoff was across
various lines of business.

Operating expenses decreased from $134.5 in 2015 to $112.4 in 2016 principally reflecting a change in the manner
of determining unallocated loss adjustment expense (‘‘ULAE’’) (a greater proportion of operating expenses are now
allocated to ULAE, a component of losses on claims, to better reflect the economics of the claims settlement process)
and lower compensation expense.

Interest and dividends decreased from $98.0 in 2015 to $35.7 in 2016 reflecting lower share of profit of associates, a
non-cash impairment charge in 2016 of $23.6 related to an associate (Resolute) and lower interest income earned on
municipal bond investments. Share of profit of associates in 2015 reflected Runoff’s $6.8 share of a gain recognized
by a Kennedy Wilson real estate partnership on the disposition of investment properties.

During 2016 Runoff received net capital contributions from Fairfax of $236.2 comprised of marketable securities and
an investment in Gulf Insurance ($209.1).

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FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Runoff’s cash flows may be volatile as to timing and amounts, with potential variability arising principally from the
requirement to pay gross claims initially while third party 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.

Other

Revenue
Expenses
Interest and dividends

2016

Restaurants
and retail(1)
978.3
(897.0)
7.2

Fairfax
India(2)
154.6
(151.5)
23.1

Thomas Cook
India(3)
786.4
(769.5)
–

Operating income
Net gains (losses) on investments

Pre-tax income before interest expense

88.5
8.8

97.3

26.2
20.4

46.6

16.9
1.5

18.4

2015

Other(4)
142.3
(140.4)
–

Total
2,061.6
(1,958.4)
30.3

1.9
(0.6)

1.3

133.5
30.1

163.6

Revenue
Expenses
Interest and dividends

Operating income
Net gains on investments

Pre-tax income before interest expense

Restaurants
and retail(1)

Fairfax
India(2)

Thomas Cook
India(3)

Other(4)

Total

782.7
(731.2)
7.5

59.0
3.4

62.4

9.7
(13.3)
38.2

34.6
2.0

36.6

635.6
(618.3)
–

17.3
1.1

18.4

355.5
(340.3)
1.7

1,783.5
(1,703.1)
47.4

16.9
–

16.9

127.8
6.5

134.3

(1) Comprised primarily of Cara (acquired April 10, 2015 and its subsidiaries St. Hubert (acquired on September 2, 2016) and
Original  Joe’s  (acquired  on  November  28,  2016),  The  Keg,  Praktiker,  William  Ashley,  Sporting  Life  and  Golf  Town
(acquired on October 31, 2016).

(2) Comprised of Fairfax India (since its initial public offering on January 30, 2015) and its subsidiaries NCML (acquired
August 19, 2015) and Privi Organics (acquired August 26, 2016). These results differ from those published by Fairfax
India primarily due to Fairfax India’s application of investment entity accounting under IFRS.

(3) Comprised of Thomas Cook India and its subsidiaries Quess and Sterling Resorts. These results differ from those published
by  Thomas  Cook  India  primarily  due  to  differences  between  IFRS  and  Indian  GAAP,  and  acquisition  accounting
adjustments.

(4) Comprised primarily of Pethealth, Boat Rocker (acquired on July 17, 2015) and Ridley (sold on June 18, 2015).

Subsequent to December 31, 2016

On  February  17,  2017  the  company  acquired  22,715,394  multiple  voting  shares  in  a  private  placement  and
2,500,000  subordinate  voting  shares  as  part  of  the  initial  public  offering  of  Fairfax  Africa  Holdings  Corporation
(‘‘Fairfax Africa’’) for total cash consideration of $252.2. The company also contributed its 39.6% indirect interest in
AFGRI Proprietary Limited (‘‘AFGRI’’) with a fair value of $72.8 to Fairfax Africa in exchange for 7,284,606 multiple
voting shares. Through its initial public offering, private placements and exercise of the over-allotment option by the
underwriters,  Fairfax  Africa  raised  net  proceeds  of  $494.2  after  issuance  costs  and  expenses,  inclusive  of  the
contribution  of  the  investment  in  AFGRI.  Following  those  transactions,  the  company’s  $325.0  investment
represented 98.8%  of  the  voting  rights  and  64.2%  of  the  equity  interest  in  Fairfax  Africa.  Fairfax  Africa  was
established,  with  the  support  of  Fairfax,  to  invest  in  public  and  private  equity  and  debt  instruments  of  African
businesses or other businesses with customers, suppliers or business primarily conducted in, or dependent on, Africa.

142

On  February  14,  2017  Fairfax  India  acquired  a  51.0%  interest  in  Saurashtra  Freight  Private  Limited  (‘‘Saurashtra
Freight’’) for cash consideration of $30.0 (2.0 billion Indian rupees). Saurashtra Freight operates a container freight
station at the Mundra Port in the Indian state of Gujarat.

On January 13, 2017 the company acquired 12,340,500 subordinate voting shares of Fairfax India for $145.0 in a
private placement. Through that private placement and a contemporaneous bought deal public offering, Fairfax
India raised proceeds of $493.5 net of commissions and expenses. Combined with various open market purchases of
Fairfax  India  subordinate  voting  shares,  the  company’s  multiple  voting  shares  and  subordinate  voting  shares
represented 93.6% of the voting rights and 30.2% of the equity interest in Fairfax India at the close of the offerings.

Year ended December 31, 2016

On November 28, 2016 Cara acquired an 89.2% interest in Original Joe’s Franchise Group Inc. (‘‘Original Joe’s’’) for
$83.8 (Cdn$112.5), comprised of cash consideration of $69.3 (Cdn$93.0) and contingent consideration valued at
$14.5 (Cdn$19.5). Original Joe’s is a Canadian multi-brand restaurant company based in the province of Alberta.

On October 31, 2016 the company acquired a 60.0% indirect interest in Golf Town Limited (‘‘Golf Town’’) for $31.4
(Cdn$42.0). Golf Town is a Canadian specialty retailer of golf equipment, consumables, golf apparel and accessories.

On September 2, 2016 Cara acquired a 100% interest in Groupe St-Hubert Inc. (‘‘St-Hubert’’) for $414.9 (Cdn$540.2),
comprised of cash consideration of $373.5 (Cdn$486.3) and the issuance of $41.4 (Cdn$53.9) of Cara subordinate
voting  shares  to  St-Hubert  shareholders.  A  portion  of  the  cash  consideration  was  financed  through  a  private
placement of 7,863,280 subordinate voting shares at a price of Cdn$29.25 for gross proceeds of $179.2 (Cdn$230.0),
of which 3,418,804 shares were acquired by Fairfax and its subsidiaries to maintain Fairfax’s equity interest and
voting interest in Cara. St-Hubert is a Canadian full-service restaurant operator as well as a fully integrated food
manufacturer in the province of Quebec.

On August 26, 2016 Fairfax India acquired a 50.8% interest in Privi Organics Limited (‘‘Privi Organics’’) for $55.0
(3.7  billion  Indian  rupees)  through  the  purchase  of  newly  issued  shares  and  shares  acquired  from  existing
shareholders. It is expected that Privi Organics will be merged with Fairchem Specialty Limited (described below) in
the first quarter of 2017, subject to customary closing conditions. After the merger is effective, Fairfax India will own
approximately 49% of the merged business. Privi Organics is a supplier of aroma chemicals to the fragrance industry.

On  February  8,  2016  Fairfax  India  acquired  a  44.9%  interest  in  Adi  Finechem  Limited  (subsequently  renamed
Fairchem  Specialty  Limited  (‘‘Fairchem’’))  for  $19.4  (1.3  billion  Indian  rupees).  Fairchem  is  a  specialty  chemical
manufacturer in India of oleo chemicals used in the paints, inks and adhesives industries, as well as intermediate
nutraceutical  and  health  products.  Fairfax  India’s  investment  in  Fairchem  is  reported  under  the  equity  method
of accounting.

The year-over-year increases in the revenues and expenses of Restaurants and retail in 2016 primarily reflected the
consolidation of Cara from April 10, 2015 and its subsidiaries St. Hubert from September 2, 2016 and Original Joe’s
from  November  28,  2016.  The  year-over-year  increases  in  the  revenues  and  expenses  of  Fairfax  India  in  2016
primarily reflected the consolidation of NCML from August 19, 2015 and Privi Organics from August 26, 2016. The
year-over-year  increases  in  the  revenues  and  expenses  of  Thomas  Cook  India  in  2016  primarily  reflected  the
consolidation of Kuoni Hong Kong from November 9, 2015 and Kuoni India from December 16, 2015, and increased
revenue and expenses at Quess driven by the growth in business. The year-over-year decreases in the revenues and
expenses of Other in 2016 reflected the sale of Ridley on June 18, 2015, partially offset by the consolidation of Boat
Rocker from July 17, 2015.

Year ended December 31, 2015

On November 9, 2015 and December 16, 2015 Thomas Cook India acquired 100% interests in Kuoni Travel (China)
Limited  (‘‘Kuoni  Hong  Kong’’)  and  Kuoni  Travel  (India)  Pvt.  Ltd.  (‘‘Kuoni  India’’)  for  consideration  of  $32.3
(250.0 million Hong Kong dollars) and $47.9 (3.2 billion Indian rupees) respectively. Kuoni Hong Kong and Kuoni
India are travel and travel-related companies in Hong Kong and India, offering a broad range of services that include
corporate and leisure travel.

On August 19, 2015 Fairfax India acquired a 73.6% interest in National Collateral Management Services Limited
(‘‘NCML’’)  for  purchase  consideration  of  $124.2  (8.1  billion  Indian  rupees)  and  subsequently  acquired  a  further

143

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

14.5%  interest  by  September  28,  2015  for  $24.5  (1.6  billion  Indian  rupees).  NCML  is  a  leading  private-sector
agricultural commodities storage company in India.

On July 17, 2015 the company acquired a 55.0% interest in Temple Street Productions Incorporated (subsequently
renamed Boat Rocker Media Inc. (‘‘Boat Rocker’’)) for consideration of $29.3 (Cdn $38.0). Boat Rocker is a Canadian
company engaged in the development, production, marketing and distribution of television programming.

On June 18, 2015 the company completed the sale of its 73.6% interest in Ridley for Cdn$40.75 per common share.
The company received cash proceeds of $313.2 (Cdn$383.5) and recognized a pre-tax gain of $236.4 (including
amounts previously recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income) and de-consolidated Ridley from the
Other reporting segment.

On April 10, 2015 the company acquired, directly and through its subsidiaries, a 52.6% and a 40.7% voting and
economic interest respectively in Cara Operations Limited (‘‘Cara’’) through an exchange of its existing holdings
(comprised of warrants, class A and class B preferred shares and subordinated debentures) for common shares of Cara
pursuant  to  their  respective  terms  and  also  through  the  acquisition  of  additional  common  shares  of  Cara  from
existing Cara shareholders in a private transaction. The common shares were exchanged for multiple voting shares
immediately prior to Cara’s initial public offering of subordinate voting shares at Cdn$23.00 per share, which closed
on  April  10,  2015.  Cara  is  Canada’s  largest  full-service  restaurant  company  and  franchises,  owns  and  operates
numerous restaurant brands across Canada.

On January 30, 2015 the company, through its subsidiaries, acquired 30,000,000 multiple voting shares of newly
incorporated  Fairfax  India  for  $300.0  in  a  private  placement.  Through  that  private  placement  and  offerings  of
subordinate  voting  shares,  Fairfax  India  raised  net  proceeds  of  $1,025.8  after  issuance  costs  and  expenses.  The
company’s multiple voting shares represented 95.1% of the voting rights and 28.1% of the equity interest in Fairfax
India at the close of the offerings. Fairfax India was established, with the support of Fairfax, to invest in public and
private equities and debt instruments in India and Indian businesses or other businesses primarily conducted in or
dependent on India. Hamblin Watsa is the portfolio advisor to Fairfax India and its subsidiaries.

Interest and Dividends

An analysis of consolidated interest and dividend income is presented in the Investments section of this MD&A.

Net Gains (Losses) on Investments

An analysis of consolidated net gains (losses) on investments is provided in the Investments section of this MD&A.

Interest Expense

Consolidated  interest  expense  increased  from  $219.0  in  2015  to  $242.8  in  2016,  reflecting  the  issuance  on
December 16, 2016 of Cdn$450.0 principal amount of 4.70% unsecured senior notes due 2026, the issuance on
March 22, 2016 of Cdn$400.0 principal amount of 4.50% unsecured senior notes due 2023, the issuance on March 3,
2015 of Cdn$350.0 principal amount of 4.95% unsecured senior notes due 2025 and the consolidation of the interest
expense of Brit and Fairfax India, partially offset by the favourable impact of foreign currency translation on the
interest expense of the company’s Canadian dollar denominated long term debt and the following repayments upon
maturity: $125.0 principal amount of OdysseyRe 6.875% unsecured senior notes on May 1, 2015 and $82.4 principal
amount of Fairfax unsecured senior notes on October 1, 2015.

Consolidated interest expense in 2016 of $242.8 (2015 – $219.0) was primarily attributable to interest expense at the
holding company of $188.4 (2015 – $178.8). Interest expense by reporting segment is set out in the Sources of Net
Earnings section of this MD&A.

144

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 the interest and dividend income earned on holding company
cash and investments.

Fairfax corporate overhead
Subsidiary holding companies’ corporate overhead
Subsidiary holding companies’ non-cash intangible asset amortization(1)
Holding company interest and dividends
Investment management and administration fees

2016
106.4
15.5
59.4
38.7
(88.8)

2015
112.1
35.6
47.5
11.5
(74.2)

131.2

132.5

(1) Non-cash amortization of intangible assets is principally comprised of customer and broker relationships.

Fairfax corporate overhead decreased from $112.1 in 2015 to $106.4 in 2016, primarily as a result of lower expenses
incurred in connection with business acquisitions (AIG Latin America of $7.7 in 2016 compared to Brit of $25.2 in
2015), partially offset by increased charitable donations.

Subsidiary  holding  companies’  corporate  overhead  decreased  from  $35.6  in  2015  to  $15.5  in  2016,  principally
reflecting  expenses  incurred  in  connection  with  the  acquisition  of  Brit  ($10.6)  in  2015.  Subsidiary  holding
companies’  non-cash  intangible  asset  amortization  increased  from  $47.5  in  2015  to  $59.4  in  2016  principally
reflecting a goodwill impairment charge of $6.8 recorded by OdysseyRe, the impact of the consolidation of Brit for
the full year of 2016 and higher amortization at Crum due to various acquisitions in 2015.

Holding company interest and dividends included total return swap expense ($27.9 in 2016 and $28.7 in 2015) and
share of loss of associates of $27.2 in 2016 compared to share of profit of associates of $6.4 in 2015. The share of loss
of associates of $27.2 in 2016 included a non-cash impairment charge of $34.8 related to an associate (Resolute).
Prior to giving effect to the impacts of total return swap expense and share of profit and loss of associates, interest and
dividend income on holding company cash and investments increased from $10.8 in 2015 to $16.4 in 2016.

Investment management and administration fees increased from $74.2 in 2015 to $88.8 in 2016, principally due to
incremental investment management fees earned on the investment portfolios of Brit and Fairfax India.

Net  gains  (losses)  on  investments  attributable  to  the  Corporate  and  Other  reporting  segment  are  set  out  in  the
Investments section of this MD&A.

Income Taxes

The $159.6 recovery of income taxes in 2016 differed from the recovery of income taxes that would be determined by
applying the company’s Canadian statutory income tax rate of 26.5% to the company’s loss before income taxes
primarily as a result of non-taxable investment income (including dividend income, non-taxable interest income,
capital gains and the 50% of net capital gains which are not taxable in Canada), losses incurred in jurisdictions where
the corporate income tax rate is higher than the company’s Canadian statutory income tax rate, partially offset by
deferred taxes not recorded in Canada.

The $17.5 recovery of income taxes in 2015 differed from the provision for income taxes that would be determined
by applying the company’s Canadian statutory income tax rate of 26.5% to the company’s earnings before income
taxes  primarily  as  a  result  of  non-taxable  investment  income  (including  dividend  income,  non-taxable  interest
income, capital gains and the 50% of net capital gains which are not taxable in Canada) and the recognition in 2015
of a significant portion of Cara’s deferred tax assets, partially offset by income earned in jurisdictions where the
corporate income tax rate is higher than the company’s Canadian statutory income tax rate.

For further details of the recovery of income taxes in 2016 and 2015, please refer to note 18 (Income Taxes) to the
consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016.

145

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Non-controlling Interests

Non-controlling interests principally relate to Fairfax India, Brit, Cara and Thomas Cook India. For further details
refer to note 16 (Total Equity) to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Components of Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheet Summary

The assets and liabilities reflected on the company’s consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2016 were primarily
impacted by the acquisitions of Bryte Insurance, AMAG, St. Hubert and Original Joe’s (at Cara) and Privi Organics
(at Fairfax India). Refer to note 23 (Acquisitions and Divestitures) to the consolidated financial statements for the
year ended December 31, 2016 for additional details related to these transactions.

Holding company cash and investments increased to $1,371.6 ($1,329.4 net of $42.2 of holding company
short sale and derivative obligations) at December 31, 2016 from $1,276.5 at December 31, 2015 ($1,275.9 net of $0.6
of  holding  company  short  sale  and  derivative  obligations).  Significant  cash  movements  at  the  Fairfax  holding
company  level  during  2016  are  as  set  out  in  the  Financial  Condition  section  of  this  MD&A  under  the  heading
Liquidity.

Insurance  contract  receivables  increased  by  $371.0  to  $2,917.5  at  December  31,  2016  from  $2,546.5  at
December 31, 2015 primarily reflecting the impact of the acquisitions of Bryte Insurance and AMAG, the timing of
the settlements of outstanding balances and an increase in business volumes.

Portfolio  investments  comprise  investments  carried  at  fair  value  and  equity  accounted  investments,  the
aggregate carrying value of which was $27,293.4 at December 31, 2016 ($27,101.3 net of subsidiary short sale and
derivative obligations) compared to an aggregate carrying value at December 31, 2015 of $27,832.5 ($27,740.2 net of
subsidiary short sale and derivative obligations). The decrease of $638.9 generally reflected net losses on derivatives,
net unrealized depreciation of common stocks and dividends paid by the operating companies to Fairfax, partially
offset by net unrealized appreciation of bonds and the consolidation of the investment portfolios of Bryte Insurance
and AMAG, in addition to the specific factors which caused movements in portfolio investments as discussed in the
subsequent paragraphs.

Subsidiary cash and short term investments (including cash and short term investments pledged for short sale and
derivative obligations) increased by $3,472.5, primarily reflecting cash received from net sales of U.S. government
and U.S. state and municipal bonds, partially offset by net cash paid in connection with long and short equity and
equity index total return swap derivative contracts, the acquisitions of investments in associates, and dividends paid
by the operating companies to Fairfax.

Bonds (including bonds pledged for short sale derivative obligations) decreased by $3,122.8 primarily reflecting net
sales  of  U.S.  government  and  U.S.  state  and  municipal  bonds,  partially  offset  by  the  impact  of  consolidating
U.S. government, corporate and other bonds owned at Brit that had previously been classified as common stocks in
other funds and net unrealized appreciation of the bond portfolio.

Common stocks decreased by $1,221.4 primarily reflecting the impact of consolidating U.S. government, corporate
and  other  bonds  owned  at  Brit  that  had  previously  been  classified  as  common  stocks  in  other  funds,  the
unfavourable impact of foreign currency translation (principally the strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the
euro and the Egyptian pound), net unrealized depreciation, partially offset by the consolidation of the common
stock portfolio of Bryte Insurance.

Investments  in  associates  increased  by  $700.6  primarily  reflecting  the  purchase  of  an  additional  9%  ownership
interest in ICICI Lombard on March 31, 2016, the additional investment in common shares of APR Energy plc on
January 5, 2016, the reclassification of Fairfax’s pre-existing ownership interest in APR Energy from common stocks
to investments in associates subsequent to acquiring significant influence, the acquisition of a 44.9% ownership
interest in Fairchem Speciality Limited (‘‘Fairchem’’, formerly known as Adi Finechem Limited) on February 8, 2016,
the acquisition of a 40% indirect interest in Eurolife on August 4, 2016 and the acquisition of a 38.2% equity interest
in Performance Sports on December 7, 2016, partially offset by a non-cash impairment charge of $100.4 related to
Resolute.

Derivatives and other invested assets net of short sale and derivative obligations decreased by $420.8 primarily due to
net  unrealized  losses  on  CPI-linked  derivatives  and  increased  payables  to  counterparties  to  the  company’s  short

146

equity  and  equity  index  total  return  swaps  and  U.S.  treasury  bond  forward  contracts  (excluding  the  impact  of
collateral requirements).

Recoverable  from  reinsurers  increased  by  $119.4  to  $4,010.3  at  December  31,  2016  from  $3,890.9  at
December 31, 2015 primarily reflecting an increase in reinsurers’ share of unearned premium at Brit, an increase in
business volumes and lower risk retention at Pacific Insurance, Storm Roanu losses recoverable from reinsurers at
Union  Assurance  and  the  impact  of  the  acquisitions  of  Bryte  Insurance  and  AMAG,  partially  offset  by  Runoff’s
continued progress reducing its recoverable from reinsurers (through normal cession and collection activity, partially
offset  by  adverse  development  on  asbestos  loss  reserves  ceded  to  reinsurers)  and  favourable  prior  year  reserve
development ceded to reinsurers by the company’s insurance and reinsurance operations.

Deferred income taxes increased by $268.7 to $732.6 at December 31, 2016 from $463.9 at December 31, 2015
primarily due to unrealized investment losses incurred in the U.S. and at Northbridge, and increased tax credits in
the  U.S.,  partially  offset  by  deferred  tax  liabilities  related  to  intangible  assets  arising  from  Cara’s  acquisitions  of
St-Hubert and Original Joe’s, and the continuing utilization of U.S. operating losses.

Goodwill  and  intangible  assets  increased  by  $632.6  to  $3,847.5  at  December  31,  2016  from  $3,214.9  at
December 31, 2015 primarily as a result of the acquisitions of St-Hubert ($318.4) and Original Joe’s ($70.5) by Cara,
AMAG  ($137.6),  Privi  Organics  ($48.5)  by  Fairfax  India  and  Bryte  Insurance  ($16.9).  The  aforementioned
acquisitions,  and  the  allocation  of  goodwill  of  $1,633.7  and  intangible  assets  of  $2,213.8  at  December  31,  2016
(December  31,  2015 – $1,428.2  and  $1,786.7)  by  operating  segment,  are  described  in  note  23  (Acquisitions  and
Divestitures) to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016. Impairment tests for
goodwill  and  intangible  assets  not  subject  to  amortization  were  completed  in  2016.  It  was  concluded  that  no
impairments had occurred other than a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $6.8 recognized by OdysseyRe.

Other assets increased by $747.3 to $2,518.4 at December 31, 2016 from $1,771.1 at December 31, 2015 primarily
as a result of increases in premises and equipment, inventory and receivables of the Other reporting segment.

Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses decreased by $334.6 to $19,481.8 at December 31, 2016
from $19,816.4 at December 31, 2015 primarily as a result of Runoff’s continued progress settling its claim liabilities
and  prior  year  reserve  releases  (principally  at  OdysseyRe,  Northbridge,  Zenith,  Brit,  Fairfax  Asia,  Group  Re  and
Advent);  partially  offset  by  the  acquisitions  of  Bryte  Insurance  and  transactions  at  Runoff  and  Fairfax  Asia,
respectively; the strengthening of asbestos reserves at Runoff; an increase at Crum & Forster primarily due to recent
acquisitions and organic growth in business and an increase at Brit due to timing of the inceptions and earning
of premiums.

Non-controlling interests increased by $268.5 to $2,000.0 at December 31, 2016 from $1,731.5 at December 31,
2015 principally as a result of the issuance of common stock by Cara to finance the acquisition of St-Hubert, net
earnings attributable to non-controlling interests and the acquisitions of Privi Organics and AMAG, partially offset
by dividends paid to non-controlling interests. For further details refer to note 16 (Total Equity) to the consolidated
financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Comparison  of  2015  to  2014 – Total  assets  of  $36,131.2  at  December  31,  2014  increased  to  $41,529.0  at
December  31,  2015  primarily  due  to  the  consolidation  of  Brit,  Cara  and  NCML,  partially  offset  by  the
de-consolidation of Ridley pursuant to the transactions described in note 23 (Acquisitions and Divestitures) to the
consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016.

147

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Provision for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

Since 1985, in order to ensure so far as possible that the company’s provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses
(‘‘LAE’’) (often called ‘‘loss reserves’’ or ‘‘provision for claims’’) is adequate, management has established procedures
so that the provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses 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 Risk Officer at
Fairfax, and one or more independent actuaries.

The tables below present the company’s gross provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses by reporting segment
and line of business for the years ended December 31:

2016

Insurance and Reinsurance

Zenith
Northbridge OdysseyRe Forster National

Crum &

Fairfax

Operating

Corporate

Brit

Asia Other Companies Runoff and Other Consolidated

Property
Casualty
Specialty

Intercompany

Provision for

251.3
1,570.6
47.4

1,869.3
5.7

1,199.2
3,312.5
328.3

147.9
3,140.5
210.8

10.1

378.4
1,193.7 2,280.0
703.5

8.7

4,840.0
56.9

3,499.2
63.1

1,212.5 3,361.9
44.8

–

239.0
274.8
284.6

798.4
1.6

283.4
346.8
181.3

811.5
207.6

2,509.3

120.9
12,118.9 2,668.8
299.3

1,764.6

–
–
–

16,392.8 3,089.0
701.1

379.7

–
(1,080.8)

2,630.2
14,787.7
2,063.9

19,481.8
–

losses and LAE

1,875.0

4,896.9

3,562.3

1,212.5 3,406.7

800.0 1,019.1

16,772.5 3,790.1

(1,080.8)

19,481.8

2015

Property
Casualty
Specialty

Intercompany

Provision for

Insurance and Reinsurance

Northbridge OdysseyRe Forster National Brit(1)

Asia Other Companies Runoff and Other Consolidated

Crum &

Zenith

Fairfax

Operating

Corporate

195.5
1,608.1
42.3

1,845.9
6.3

1,218.2
3,425.6
305.3

138.1
3,063.4
167.2

9.3

386.8
1,234.8 2,198.9
692.4

8.3

182.6 271.0
267.6 284.6
304.9 188.5

2,401.5

145.9
12,083.0 3,151.1
326.0

1,708.9

–
–
–

4,949.1
61.3

3,368.7
59.8

1,252.4 3,278.1
46.0

–

755.1 744.1
1.9 217.9

16,193.4 3,623.0
685.5

393.2

–
(1,078.7)

2,547.4
15,234.1
2,034.9

19,816.4
–

losses and LAE

1,852.2

5,010.4

3,428.5

1,252.4 3,324.1

757.0 962.0

16,586.6 4,308.5

(1,078.7)

19,816.4

(1) Brit is included in the company’s financial reporting with effect from June 5, 2015.

In the ordinary course of carrying on business, the company’s insurance, reinsurance and runoff companies may
pledge their own assets as security for their own obligations to pay claims or to make premium (and accrued interest)
payments. Circumstances where assets may be pledged (either directly or to support letters of credit issued for the
following  purposes)  include:  regulatory  deposits  (such  as  with  U.S.  states  for  workers’  compensation  business);
deposits of funds at Lloyd’s in support of London market underwriting; and by a non-admitted company under
U.S. insurance regulations 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 $5.5 billion of cash and investments
pledged by the company’s subsidiaries at December 31, 2016, as described in note 5 (Cash and Investments) to the
consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016, represented the aggregate amount at that
date  that  had  been  pledged  in  the  ordinary  course  of  business  to  support  each  pledging  subsidiary’s  respective
obligations as previously described in this paragraph (these pledges do not involve the cross-collateralization by one
group company of another group company’s obligations).

Claims provisions are established by the company’s primary insurance companies by the case method as claims are
initially reported. The provisions are subsequently adjusted as additional information on the estimated ultimate
amount of a claim becomes known during the course of its settlement. The company’s reinsurance companies rely on
initial and subsequent claims reports received from ceding companies to establish estimates of provision for claims.

148

In  determining  the  provision  to  cover  the  estimated  ultimate  liability  for  all  of  the  company’s  insurance  and
reinsurance  obligations,  a  provision  is  also  made  for  management’s  calculation  of  factors  affecting  the  future
development of claims including incurred but not reported claims based on the volume of business currently in
force, the historical experience on claims and potential changes, such as changes in the underlying book of business,
in law and in cost factors.

As  time  passes,  more  information  about  the  claims  becomes  known  and  provision  estimates  are  consequently
adjusted upward or downward. Because of the various elements of estimation encompassed in this process and the
time  it  takes  to  settle  many  of  the  more  substantial  claims,  several  years  may  be  required  before  a  meaningful
comparison of actual losses to the original estimates of provision for claims can be developed.

The development of the provision for claims is often measured as 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  (or  redundancies)  means  that  subsequent  reserve  estimates  are  lower  than
originally  indicated,  while  unfavourable  development  (or  deficiencies)  means  that  the  original  reserve  estimates
were  lower  than  subsequently  indicated.  The  net  favourable  reserve  development  in  the  two  tables  that  follow
excludes  the  loss  reserve  development  of  a  subsidiary  in  the  year  it  is  acquired.  In  the  second  table  below,  a
subsidiary’s provision for claims balance at December 31 in the year of acquisition is included in the line ‘Provision
for claims of companies acquired during the year at December 31’, whereas the net favourable reserve development
as set out in the Sources of Net Earnings section of this MD&A and the consolidated statement of earnings includes
the loss reserve development of a subsidiary from its acquisition date.

Aggregate net favourable development for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were comprised as shown in
the following table:

Insurance and Reinsurance

Northbridge
OdysseyRe
Crum & Forster
Zenith National
Brit
Fairfax Asia
Other

Operating companies
Runoff

Favourable/(Unfavourable)

2016(1)

2015(2)

112.8
266.5
8.3
101.0
53.5
50.7
60.4

653.2
(79.5)

573.7

93.9
233.3
–
89.6
–
35.5
68.3

520.6
(53.1)

467.5

(1) Excludes net favourable development at Fairfax Asia relating to the acquisition of Fairfirst Insurance ($1.4) in 2016.

(2) Excludes net favourable development at Brit ($19.7) and Fairfax Asia relating to the acquisitions of MCIS and Union

Assurance ($4.0) which were acquired in 2015.

149

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Changes in provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses recorded on the consolidated balance sheets and the
related impact on unpaid claims and allocated loss adjustment expenses for the years ended December 31 were as
shown in the following table:

Reconciliation of Provision for Claims – Consolidated

Provision for claims at January 1 – net
Foreign exchange effect of change in provision for claims
Provision for claims occurring:

In the current year
In the prior years

Paid on claims during the year related to:

The current year
The prior years

2015

2016

2014
16,596.3 14,378.2 14,981.6
(496.2)

(103.7)

(559.3)

2013
15,075.8
(128.0)

2012
13,711.2
101.0

5,286.9
(573.7)

4,307.0
(467.5)

4,166.2
(374.4)

4,151.2
(476.0)

4,385.6
(136.1)

(1,304.5) (1,055.3) (1,076.7)
(3,695.2) (2,688.4) (2,822.7)

(1,050.8)
(3,068.7)

(946.5)
(2,964.4)

Provision for claims of companies acquired during the year

at December 31

83.3

2,681.6

0.4

478.1

925.0

Provision for claims at December 31 before the undernoted 16,289.4 16,596.3 14,378.2
CTR Life(1)
15.2

12.8

14.2

14,981.6
17.9

15,075.8
20.6

Provision for claims at December 31 – net
Reinsurers’ share of provision for claims at December 31

16,302.2 16,610.5 14,393.4
3,355.7
3,205.9

3,179.6

14,999.5
4,213.3

15,096.4
4,552.4

Provision for claims at December 31 – gross

19,481.8 19,816.4 17,749.1

19,212.8

19,648.8

(1) Guaranteed  minimum  death  benefit  retrocessional  business  written  by  Compagnie  Transcontinentale  de  R´eassurance
(‘‘CTR Life’’), a wholly owned subsidiary of the company that  was transferred to Wentworth and  placed into runoff
in 2002.

The  foreign  exchange  effect  of  change  in  provision  for  claims  principally  related  to  the  impact  in  2016  of  the
strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the British pound sterling and the Euro (principally at Brit, OdysseyRe and
Runoff).  In  general,  the  company  manages  foreign  currency  risk  on  claims  liabilities  by  investing  in  financial
instruments and other assets denominated in the same currency as the liabilities to which they relate.

The company endeavours to establish adequate provisions for losses and loss adjustment expenses at the original
valuation  date,  with  the  objective  of  achieving  net  favourable  prior  period  reserve  development  at  subsequent
valuation dates. 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.

Available on Fairfax’s website (www.fairfax.ca) in the Annual Financial Supplement for the year ended December 31,
2016  are  tables  that  show  the  historical  reserve  reconciliation  and  the  reserve  development  of  Northbridge,
OdysseyRe,  U.S.  Insurance  (comprised  of  Crum  &  Forster  and  Zenith  National),  Fairfax  Asia  and  Insurance  and
Reinsurance – Other (comprised of Group Re, Advent, Polish Re and Fairfax Brasil), and Runoff’s reconciliation of
provision for claims.

Asbestos, Pollution and Other Hazards

General Discussion

The company’s exposure to asbestos claims, environmental pollution and other types of mass tort or health hazard
claims (collectively ‘‘APH exposures’’) are described in more detail in the following paragraphs.

A number of the company’s subsidiaries wrote general liability policies and reinsurance prior to their acquisition by
Fairfax under which policyholders continue to present asbestos-related injury 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, which impacts the ability of insurers and reinsurers to estimate the ultimate amount of unpaid
claims and related settlement expenses. The majority of these claims differ from most other types of claims because
there is inconsistent precedent, if any at all, to determine what, if any, coverage exists or which, if any, policy years
and insurers/reinsurers may be liable. These uncertainties are exacerbated by judicial and legislative interpretations

150

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 insurance 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
asbestos exposures. Conventional actuarial reserving techniques cannot be used to estimate the ultimate cost of such
claims,  due  to  inadequate  loss  development  patterns  and  inconsistent  legal  doctrines  that  continue  to  emerge.
Substantially all of the company’s exposure to asbestos losses are now under the management of Runoff.

The company also faces exposure to other types of mass tort or health hazard claims including claims related to
environmental  pollution  and  exposure  to  potentially  harmful  products  or  substances  such  as  breast  implants,
pharmaceutical products, chemical products, lead-based pigments, tobacco, hepatitis C, head trauma and in utero
exposure  to  diethylstilbestrol  (‘‘DES’’).  Tobacco,  although  a  significant  potential  risk  to  the  company,  has  not
presented significant actual exposure to date. Methyl tertiary butyl ether (‘‘MTBE’’) contamination of underground
drinking water supplies was a significant potential health hazard, and while the company has resolved most of its
potential  MBTE  exposures,  some  exposure  lingers.  Although  still  a  risk  due  to  occasional  unfavourable  court
decisions,  lead  pigment  has  had  some  favourable  underlying  litigation  developments  resulting  in  this  hazard
presenting less of a risk to the company. The company is monitoring claims alleging breast cancer as a result of in
utero exposure to DES, a synthetic estrogen supplement prescribed to prevent miscarriages or premature births. The
company is also monitoring an emerging body of claims by women who claim exposure to talc as an ingredient of
consumer products such as powders and cosmetics resulted in ovarian cancer. A limited number of large talc verdicts
in the past year has resulted in dozens of similar lawsuits. As a result of its historical underwriting profile and focus on
excess liability coverage for Fortune 500 type entities, Runoff faces the bulk of these potential exposures within
Fairfax. Establishing claim and claim adjustment expense reserves for mass tort claims is subject to uncertainties
because of many factors, including expanded theories of liability and disputes concerning medical causation with
respect to certain diseases.

Asbestos Claims Discussion

Tort reform in the first decade of the millennium, both legislative and judicial, has had a significant impact on the
asbestos litigation landscape. The majority of claims now being filed and litigated continue to be mesothelioma and
lung  cancer  claims,  with  cases  alleging  less  serious  injury  continuing  to  be  brought  in  a  small  number  of
jurisdictions. With unimpaired and non-malignant claims brought much less frequently, the litigation industry has
focused  on  the  more  seriously  injured  plaintiffs,  and  the  number  of  mesothelioma  cases  has  not  tailed  off  as
expected. Though there are fewer cases overall, the average number of defendants named in each case continues to
rise, and each year more defendants not previously sued for asbestos liability are named in lawsuits for the first time.
Furthermore, there continues to be an increase in the settlement value of asbestos cases involving malignancies.
Defense  costs  have  also  increased  because  the  malignancy  cases  often  are  more  heavily  litigated  than  the
non-malignancy cases. Asbestos trial results have been mixed, with both plaintiff and defense verdicts having been
rendered in courts throughout the U.S. However, there have been a number of unfavourable appellate decisions
relating to asbestos liabilities in key jurisdictions such as California, New York, and Pennsylvania during the past year
as courts continue to expand theories of liability and in some instances undermine prior reforms. The company
continues to implement strategies and initiatives to address these issues and will prudently evaluate and adjust its
asbestos reserves as necessary as the litigation landscape continues to evolve. As set out in the table that follows, the
company has strengthened asbestos reserves by $219.9 or 15.9% in 2016.

In November 2016 A.M. Best Company issued its Asbestos Review, where it estimated net ultimate asbestos losses in
the U.S. property and casualty industry at $100 billion, an increase of more than $15 billion from its previous review,
citing ‘‘an unstable environment faced with evolving litigation, increasing secondary exposure cases, and an increase
in life expectancy.’’ The asbestos claims experience in the Runoff portfolio has been consistent with the observations
of A.M. Best.

151

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Following  is  an  analysis  of  the  company’s  gross  and  net  loss  and  ALAE  reserves  from  asbestos  exposures  as  at
December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the movement in gross and net reserves for those years:

Asbestos
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
Provisions for asbestos losses and ALAE for acquisitions at December 31

1,381.0
219.9
(253.2)
–

1,043.8
218.7
(197.0)
–

1,224.3
159.2
(200.5)
198.0

896.7
87.2
(130.6)
190.5

Provision for asbestos claims and ALAE at December 31

1,347.7

1,065.5

1,381.0

1,043.8

2016

2015

Gross

Net

Gross

Net

The  policyholders  with  the  most  significant  asbestos  exposure  continue  to  be  traditional  defendants  who
manufactured, distributed or installed asbestos products on a nationwide basis. The runoff companies are exposed to
these risks and have 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. In addition, less prominent or
‘‘peripheral’’  defendants,  including  a  mix  of  manufacturers,  distributors,  and  installers  of  asbestos-containing
products, as well as premises owners continue to present with new reports. For the most part, these insureds are
defendants on a regional rather than nationwide basis. Reinsurance contracts entered into before 1984 also continue
to present exposure to asbestos.

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, the company
evaluates  its  asbestos  exposure  on  an  insured-by-insured  basis.  Since  the  mid-1990’s  Fairfax  has  utilized  a
sophisticated, non-traditional methodology that draws upon company experience and asbestos claim data sets to
assess asbestos liabilities on reported claims. The methodology utilizes a ground-up, exposure-based analysis that
constitutes the industry ‘‘best practice’’ approach for asbestos reserving. The methodology was initially critiqued by
outside legal and actuarial consultants, and the results are reviewed annually 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  of  exposure  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 defenses.

Summary

Management  believes  that  the  asbestos  reserves  reported  at  December  31,  2016  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 asbestos reserves are
continually monitored by management and reviewed by independent actuaries. To the extent that future social,
scientific, economic, legal, or legislative developments alter the volume of claims, the liabilities of policyholders, the
original intent of the policies and the ability to recover reinsurance, adjustments to loss reserves may emerge in
future periods.

Recoverable from Reinsurers

The company’s subsidiaries purchase reinsurance to reduce their exposure on the insurance and reinsurance risks
they  underwrite.  Credit  risk  associated  with  reinsurance  is  managed  through  adherence  to  internal  reinsurance
guidelines whereby the company‘s ongoing reinsurers generally must have high A.M. Best and/or Standard & Poor’s
financial strength ratings and maintain capital and surplus exceeding $500.0. Most of the reinsurance balances for
reinsurers rated B++ and lower or which are not rated were inherited by the company on acquisition of a subsidiary.

152

Recoverable from reinsurers of $4,010.3 on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2016 consisted of future
recoverables from reinsurers on unpaid claims ($3,210.0), reinsurance receivable on paid losses ($432.2) and the
unearned portion of premiums ceded to reinsurers ($539.8), net of provision for uncollectible balances ($171.7).
Recoverables from reinsurers on unpaid claims decreased by $49.8 to $3,210.0 at December 31, 2016 from $3,259.8 at
December 31, 2015 primarily due to Runoff’s continued progress reducing its recoverable from reinsurers (through
normal cession and collection activity), partially offset by the acquisitions of Bryte Insurance and AMAG (refer to
note 23 (Acquisitions and Divestitures) to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31,
2016).

The following table presents the company’s top 25 reinsurance groups (ranked by gross recoverable from reinsurers)
at December 31, 2016, which represented 72.2% (December 31, 2015 – 70.8%) of total recoverable from reinsurers.

Reinsurance group
Munich
Lloyd’s
Swiss Re
Berkshire Hathaway
Everest
HDI
Markel
Alleghany
Chubb
Zurich
SCOR
Singapore Re
India Govt
QBE
Nationwide
Aspen
Renaissance
Enstar
AIG
ARAG Holding
EXOR
WR Berkley
Liberty Mutual
XL
IRB

Principal reinsurers
Munich Reinsurance Company
Lloyd’s
Swiss Reinsurance America Corporation
General Re Life Corporation
Everest Reinsurance (Bermuda), Ltd
Hannover R ¨uck SE
Markel CATCo Reinsurance Ltd
Transatlantic Reinsurance Company
Chubb Tempest Reinsurance Ltd
Zurich Insurance Company Ltd
SCOR Canada Reinsurance Company
Singapore Reinsurance Corporation Ltd
General Insurance Corporation of India
QBE Reinsurance Corporation
Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company
Aspen Insurance UK Ltd
Renaissance Reinsurance US Inc
Arden Reinsurance Company Ltd
Lexington Insurance Company
ARAG Allgemeine Versicherungs-AG
Partner Reinsurance Company of the U.S.
Berkley Insurance Company
Liberty Mutual Insurance Company
XL Reinsurance America Inc
IRB – Brasil Resseguros S.A.

Top 25 reinsurance groups
Other reinsurers

Total recoverable from reinsurers
Provision for uncollectible reinsurance

Recoverable from reinsurers

A.M. Best
rating (or S&P
equivalent)(1)

A+
A
A+
A++
A+
A+
A
A+
A++
A+
A
A-
A-
A
A+
A
A
NR
A
NR
A
A+
A
A
A-

Gross
recoverable
from
reinsurers(2)
488.9
331.1
254.6
237.2
159.4
142.0
132.7
120.3
117.8
101.4
97.1
84.0
74.5
72.0
69.1
64.8
61.8
58.9
58.6
56.1
54.7
49.8
46.3
45.0
42.9

3,021.0
1,161.0

4,182.0
(171.7)

4,010.3

Net unsecured
recoverable
from
reinsurers(3)
413.7
299.4
223.9
207.9
133.7
128.0
72.7
116.1
74.8
28.3
91.4
56.2
48.3
67.6
69.0
62.8
51.7
16.3
41.0
52.0
50.8
45.5
44.6
35.3
27.3

2,458.3
836.5

3,294.8
(171.7)

3,123.1

(1) Financial strength rating of principal reinsurer (or, if principal reinsurer is not rated, of the group).

(2) Excludes specific provisions for uncollectible reinsurance.

(3) Net of outstanding balances for which security was held, and excludes specific provisions for uncollectible reinsurance.

153

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

The following table presents the classification of the $4,010.3 gross recoverable from reinsurers according to the
financial strength rating of the responsible reinsurers at December 31, 2016, shown separately for the insurance and
reinsurance operations and for the runoff operations. At December 31, 2016 approximately 19.3% (December 31,
2015 – 22.6%) of the consolidated recoverable from reinsurers related to runoff operations. Pools and associations,
shown separately, generally consist of government or similar insurance funds carrying limited credit risk.

Insurance and reinsurance

Runoff

Consolidated

A.M. Best

Gross

Balance

unsecured

Gross

Balance

unsecured

Gross

Balance

unsecured

rating recoverable

for which recoverable

recoverable

for which recoverable

recoverable

for which recoverable

(or S&P

from security is

from

from security is

from

from security is

from

Net

Net

Net

equivalent)

reinsurers

A++

A+

A

A-

B++

B+

B or lower

Not rated

Pools and associations

Provision for uncollectible
reinsurance

294.9

1,246.5

971.4

292.0

19.3

1.1

8.9

373.8

58.4

3,266.3

(31.9)

held

79.6

217.5

124.3

79.9

4.6

0.9

8.7

159.0

55.2

729.7

reinsurers

reinsurers

held

reinsurers

reinsurers

215.3

1,029.0

847.1

212.1

14.7

0.2

0.2

214.8

3.2

2,536.6

95.1

304.5

159.4

7.7

2.7

0.9

3.0

329.5

12.9

915.7

2.4

35.3

22.4

4.0

1.2

0.3

0.1

91.8

–

157.5

92.7

269.2

137.0

3.7

1.5

0.6

2.9

237.7

12.9

758.2

390.0

1,551.0

1,130.8

299.7

22.0

2.0

11.9

703.3

71.3

4,182.0

(31.9)

(139.8)

(139.8)

(171.7)

Recoverable from reinsurers

3,234.4

2,504.7

775.9

618.4

4,010.3

held

82.0

252.8

146.7

83.9

5.8

1.2

8.8

250.8

55.2

887.2

reinsurers

308.0

1,298.2

984.1

215.8

16.2

0.8

3.1

452.5

16.1

3,294.8

(171.7)

3,123.1

To support gross recoverable from reinsurers balances, the company had the benefit of letters of credit, trust funds or
offsetting balances payable totaling $887.2 at December 31, 2016 as follows:

(cid:127) for reinsurers rated A –  or better, security of $565.4 against outstanding reinsurance recoverables of $3,371.5;

(cid:127) for reinsurers rated B++ or lower, security of $15.8 against outstanding reinsurance recoverables of $35.9;

(cid:127) for unrated reinsurers, security of $250.8 against outstanding reinsurance recoverables of $703.3; and

(cid:127) for pools and associations, security of $55.2 against outstanding reinsurance recoverables of $71.3.

In  addition  to  the  above  security  arrangements,  Lloyd’s  is  also  required  to  maintain  funds  in  Canada  and  the
United States that are monitored by the applicable regulatory authorities in those jurisdictions.

Substantially all of the provision for uncollectible reinsurance of $171.7 at December 31, 2016 related to the $472.6
of net unsecured reinsurance recoverables from reinsurers rated B++ or lower or which are unrated (which excludes
pools and associations).

Based  on  the  preceding  analysis  of  the  company’s  recoverable  from  reinsurers  and  on  the  credit  risk  analysis
performed  by  the  company’s  reinsurance  security  department  as  described  below,  the  company  believes  that  its
provision  for  uncollectible  reinsurance  has  reasonably  estimated  all  incurred  losses  arising  from  uncollectible
reinsurance at December 31, 2016.

The company’s reinsurance security department, with its dedicated specialized personnel and expertise in analyzing
and managing credit risk, is responsible for the following with respect to recoverable from reinsurers: evaluating the
creditworthiness  of  all  reinsurers  and  recommending  to  the  company’s  reinsurance  committee  those  reinsurers
which  should  be  included  on  the  list  of  approved  reinsurers;  on  a  quarterly  basis,  monitoring  reinsurance
recoverables by reinsurer, by operating company, and 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.

The insurance and reinsurance operating companies purchase reinsurance to achieve various objectives including
protection  from  catastrophic  financial  loss  resulting  from  a  single  event,  such  as  the  total  loss  of  a  large
manufacturing plant from a fire, protection against the aggregation of many smaller claims resulting from a single
event, such as an earthquake or major hurricane, that may affect many policyholders simultaneously and generally
to protect capital by limiting loss exposure to acceptable levels. Consolidated net earnings included the pre-tax cost
of ceded reinsurance of $123.1 (2015 – $237.9). The consolidated pre-tax impact of ceded reinsurance was comprised
as follows: reinsurers’ share of premiums earned (see tables which follow this paragraph); commissions earned on

154

reinsurers’ share of premiums earned of $267.4 (2015 – $266.7); losses on claims ceded to reinsurers of $952.1 (2015 –
$711.9); and recovery of uncollectible reinsurance of $4.9 (2015 – provision for uncollectible reinsurance of $5.8).

Year ended December 31, 2016

Insurance and Reinsurance

Northbridge OdysseyRe

Zenith
Crum &
Forster National

Fairfax

Brit

Asia Other

Operating
companies Runoff Other

Reinsurers’ share of premiums earned
Pre-tax benefit (cost) of ceded

reinsurance

113.5

300.3

258.7

11.9

341.0

338.9

155.1

1,519.4

0.5

(36.5)

(16.6)

128.0

(12.5)

(113.8)

(11.2)

(85.6)

(148.2)

77.9

–

–

Year ended December 31, 2015

Insurance and Reinsurance

Northbridge(1) OdysseyRe

Crum &
Forster National Brit(2)

Zenith

Fairfax

Asia Other

Operating
companies Runoff Other

Reinsurers’ share of premiums earned
Pre-tax benefit (cost) of ceded

reinsurance

171.8

321.1

292.0

12.1

182.7

328.5

121.2

1,429.4

(0.4)

(119.7)

(38.5)

60.5

(32.1)

(76.6)

(97.2)

(1.2)

(304.8)

21.3

–

–

Corporate
and
Other

–

–

Inter-

company Consolidated

(172.4)

1,347.5

(52.8)

(123.1)

Corporate
and
Other

–

–

Inter-

company Consolidated

(218.3)

1,210.7

45.6

(237.9)

(1) Reinsurers’ share of premiums earned and pre-tax cost of reinsurance at Northbridge included $56.6 and $3.3 respectively,
of intercompany reinsurance ceded to Runoff to facilitate the AXA reinsurance transaction (described in the Components
of Net Earnings section of this MD&A under the heading Runoff).

(2) Brit is included in the company’s financial reporting with effect from June 5, 2015.

Reinsurers’ share of premiums earned increased from $1,210.7 in 2015 to $1,347.5 in 2016 primarily reflecting the
impact of the consolidation of Brit for the full year of 2016 and higher business volume and corresponding cessions
to reinsurers at Pacific Insurance, partially offset by increased premium retention at Crum & Forster and First Capital.
Commissions earned on reinsurers’ share of premiums earned increased slightly from $266.7 in 2015 to $267.4 in
2016. Reinsurers’ share of losses on claims increased from $711.9 in 2015 to $952.1 in 2016 primarily reflecting the
impact of the consolidation of Brit for the full year of 2016 and increases at Northbridge (principally related to Fort
McMurray wildfire losses ceded to reinsurers and increased frequency of non-catastrophe large losses), Fairfax Asia
(primarily reflecting Storm Roanu losses ceded to reinsurers by Union Assurance and increased cessions by Pacific
Insurance) and Runoff (due to higher adverse development ceded to reinsurers in 2016 compared to 2015), partially
offset by a decrease at Fairfax Brasil (consistent with the decrease in its gross losses on claims). The company recorded
net recoveries of uncollectible reinsurance of $4.9 in 2016 principally at OdysseyRe and Crum & Forster compared to
net provisions of $5.8 in 2015 principally at Runoff.

The  use  of  reinsurance  decreased  cash  provided  by  operating  activities  by  approximately  $152  in  2016  (2015 –
increased cash provided by operating activities by approximately $111). The decrease year-over-year was primarily
due to an increase in premiums paid to reinsurers ($1,445.9 in 2016 compared to $1,135.3 in 2015) while ceded losses
collected from reinsurers remained stable ($1,017.4 in 2016 compared to $992.6 in 2015).

Investments

Hamblin Watsa Investment Counsel Ltd.

Hamblin Watsa  Investment  Counsel  Ltd.  (‘‘Hamblin Watsa’’)  is  a  wholly  owned  subsidiary  of  the  company  that
serves as the investment manager for Fairfax, its insurance, reinsurance and runoff companies and Fairfax India.
Following a long-term value-oriented investment philosophy with primary emphasis on the preservation of invested
capital, Hamblin Watsa looks for investments with a margin of safety by conducting thorough proprietary analysis of
investment  opportunities  and  markets  to  assess  the  financial  strength  of  issuers,  identifying  attractively  priced
securities selling at discounts to intrinsic value and hedging risks where appropriate. Hamblin Watsa is opportunistic
and disciplined in seeking undervalued securities in the market, often investing in out-of-favour securities when
sentiment  is  negative,  and  willing  to  maintain  a  large  proportion  of  its  investment  portfolio  in  cash  and  cash
equivalents when it perceives markets to be over-valued.

Hamblin Watsa generally operates as a separate investment management entity, with Fairfax’s CEO and one other
corporate  officer  being  members  of  Hamblin  Watsa’s  investment  committee.  This  investment  committee  is
responsible  for  making  all  investment  decisions,  subject  to  relevant  regulatory  guidelines  and  constraints,  and

155

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

oversight  by  management  of  Hamblin  Watsa.  Fairfax’s  Board  of  Directors,  its  insurance,  reinsurance  and  runoff
companies and Fairfax India are kept apprised of significant investment decisions through the financial reporting
process as well as periodic presentations by Hamblin Watsa management.

Overview of Investment Performance

Investments at their year-end carrying values (including at the holding company) for Fairfax’s first year and for the
past  ten  years  are  presented  in  the  following  table.  Included  in  bonds  are  U.S.  treasury  bond  forward  contracts,
CPI-linked derivatives and credit default swaps and included in common stocks are investments in associates and
equity derivatives.

Year(1)
1985
(cid:1)

2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016

Cash and
short term
investments
6.4

3,965.7
6,343.5
3,658.8
4,073.4
6,899.1
8,085.4
7,988.0
6,428.5
7,368.7
11,214.4

Bonds(2)
14.1

11,669.1
9,069.6
11,550.7
13,353.5
12,074.7
11,545.9
10,710.3
12,660.3
14,905.0
10,358.3

Preferred
stocks
1.0

Common
stocks
2.5

Real
estate(3)
–

19.9
50.3
357.6
627.3
608.3
651.4
764.8
520.6
116.9
70.6

3,339.5
4,480.0
5,697.9
5,095.3
4,448.8
5,397.6
4,951.0
5,968.1
6,124.4
6,281.1

6.5
6.4
8.0
150.5
291.6
413.9
447.5
615.2
501.1
506.3

Total(4)
24.0

19,000.7
19,949.8
21,273.0
23,300.0
24,322.5
26,094.2
24,861.6
26,192.7
29,016.1
28,430.7

Per share
($)
4.80

1,075.50
1,140.85
1,064.24
1,139.07
1,193.70
1,288.89
1,172.72
1,236.90
1,306.22
1,231.11

(1)

(2)

IFRS  basis  for  2010  to  2016;  Canadian  GAAP  basis  for  2009  and  prior.  Under  Canadian  GAAP,  investments  were
generally carried at cost or amortized cost in 2006 and prior.

Includes the company’s investment in other funds with a carrying value of $157.1 at December 31, 2016 (December 31,
2015 – $1,094.0). At December 31, 2015 other funds comprised a significant proportion of Brit’s investment portfolio and
were invested principally in fixed income securities. As a result of changes to investment management agreements related
to  other  funds,  the  company  commenced  consolidating  certain  other  funds  on  January  1,  2016  with  the  underlying
securities categorized accordingly in the table above (primarily as bonds).

(3)

Includes the company’s equity-accounted investments in associates Grivalia Properties and the KWF LPs.

(4) Net  of  short  sale  and  derivative  obligations  of  both  the  holding  company  and  the  operating  companies  commencing

in 2004.

Investments per share decreased by $75.11 from $1,306.22 at December 31, 2015 to $1,231.11 at December 31, 2016
primarily due to the increase in Fairfax common shares effectively outstanding (23,093,566 at December 31, 2016
compared to 22,213,859 at December 31, 2015) and net losses on the company’s equity hedges, partially offset by net
gains  on  bonds  and  the  consolidation  of  the  investment  portfolios  of  Bryte  Insurance  and  AMAG.  Since  1985,
investments per share have compounded at a rate of 19.6% per year, including the impact of acquisitions.

Interest and Dividend Income

The majority of interest and dividend income is earned by the insurance, reinsurance and runoff companies. Interest
and dividend income on holding company cash and investments was $16.4 in 2016 (2015 – $10.8) prior to giving
effect to total return swap expense of $27.9 (2015 – $28.7) and share of loss of associates of $27.2 (2015 – share of

156

profit of associates of $6.4). Interest and dividend income earned in Fairfax’s first year and for the past ten years is
presented in the following table.

Consolidated interest and dividend income

Average

Investments at

carrying value(2) Amount
3.4
46.3

Pre-tax

Yield(3)
(%)
7.34

After tax

Per share
($)
0.70

Amount(4)
1.8

Yield(3)
(%)
3.89

Per share
($)
0.38

17,898.0
19,468.8
20,604.2
22,270.2
23,787.5
25,185.2
25,454.7
25,527.2
27,604.4
28,723.4

761.0
626.4
712.7
711.5
705.3
409.3
376.9
403.8
512.2
555.2

4.25
3.22
3.46
3.20
2.97
1.63
1.48
1.58
1.86
1.93

42.99
34.73
38.94
34.82
34.56
19.90
18.51
18.70
22.70
24.12

494.7
416.6
477.5
490.9
505.7
300.8
277.0
296.8
376.5
408.1

2.76
2.14
2.32
2.20
2.13
1.19
1.09
1.16
1.36
1.42

27.95
23.10
26.09
24.02
24.78
14.63
13.60
13.74
16.69
17.73

Year(1)
1986
(cid:1)

2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016

(1)

IFRS  basis  for  2010  to  2016;  Canadian  GAAP  basis  for  2009  and  prior.  Under  Canadian  GAAP,  investments  were
generally carried at cost or amortized cost in 2006 and prior.

(2) Comprised of cash and investments at both the holding company and operating companies, net of short sale and derivative

obligations commencing in 2004.

(3) Consolidated  interest  and  dividend  income,  on  a  pre-tax  and  after-tax  basis,  expressed  as  a  percentage  of  average

investments at carrying value.

(4) Tax effected at the company’s Canadian statutory income tax rate. 

Consolidated  interest  and  dividend  income  increased  from  $512.2  in  2015  to  $555.2  in  2016  reflecting  higher
interest income earned (primarily due to increased holdings of higher yielding government and corporate bonds for
most of 2016, partially offset by lower holdings of U.S. state and municipal bonds), lower total return swap expense
and lower interest on funds withheld expense. Total return swap expense decreased from $160.5 in 2015 to $146.4 in
2016, primarily due to the closure of the Russell 2000 short equity index total return swaps in the fourth quarter
of 2016.

The company’s pre-tax consolidated interest and dividend income yield increased from 1.86% in 2015 to 1.93% in
2016 and the company’s after-tax consolidated interest and dividend income yield increased from 1.36% in 2015 to
1.42% in 2016. Prior to giving effect to the interest expense which accrued to reinsurers on funds withheld and total
return swap expense (described in the two subsequent paragraphs), consolidated interest and dividend income in
2016 of $700.7 (2015 – $688.5) produced a pre-tax gross portfolio yield of 2.44% (2015 – 2.49%). The modest decline
in the pre-tax gross portfolio yield was primarily due to an increase in the average carrying value of investments in
2016 (principally as a result of the consolidation of the investment portfolios of AMAG and Bryte Insurance and new
or incremental investments in associates including Eurolife, ICICI Lombard and APR Energy which do not contribute
to the pre-tax gross portfolio yield), partially offset by higher interest income earned as described in the preceding
paragraph.

Funds  withheld  payable  to  reinsurers  shown  on  the  consolidated  balance  sheets  represent  funds  to  which  the
company’s reinsurers are entitled (principally premiums and accumulated accrued interest on aggregate stop loss
reinsurance treaties) but which Fairfax retains as collateral for future obligations of those reinsurers. Claims payable
under such reinsurance treaties are paid first out of the funds withheld balances. When the company acts as the
reinsurer of third parties in such contracts, funds withheld receivable is included in insurance contract receivables on
the consolidated balance sheets. The company’s consolidated interest and dividend income in 2016 included net
interest income on funds withheld of $0.9 (2015 – net interest expense of $15.8). The decrease in funds withheld
interest expense in 2016 principally reflected the impact of the significant commutation described in more detail in
the Components of Net Earnings section of this MD&A under the heading Crum & Forster.

157

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Share  of  profit  of  associates  decreased  from  $172.9  in  2015  to  $24.2  in  2016  primarily  reflecting  the  non-cash
impairment charge of $100.4 recognized on the company’s investment in Resolute and a lower share of profit from
the company’s investments in KWF LPs (a Kennedy Wilson real estate partnership recognized a significant gain on
disposition of its investment properties in 2015), partially offset by a higher share of profit of ICICI Lombard. Details
of the company’s associates and transactions related to associates are described in note 6 (Investments in Associates)
to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Upon initial application of the equity method of accounting to its investment in Resolute, the company was required
to  determine  its  proportionate  share  of  the  fair  value  of  Resolute’s  assets  and  liabilities  at  that  date.  Differences
between fair value and Resolute’s carrying value were identified (collectively, fair value adjustments) primarily with
respect  to  Resolute’s  fixed  assets,  deferred  income  tax  assets  and  pension  benefit  obligations.  These  fair  value
adjustments  have  been  and  will  be  recognized  in  Fairfax’s  share  of  profit  (loss)  of  Resolute  in  any  period  where
Resolute  adjusts  the  carrying  value  of  those  particular  assets  and  liabilities.  As  a  result,  in  any  such  period  the
company’s share of profit (loss) of Resolute will differ, potentially significantly, from what would be determined by
applying Fairfax’s ownership percentage to Resolute’s reported net earnings (loss).

Net Gains (Losses) on Investments

Net losses on investments of $1,203.6 in 2016 (2015 – net losses on investments of $259.2) were comprised as shown
in the following table:

Common stocks
Preferred stocks – convertible
Bonds – convertible
Gain on disposition of subsidiary

and associates(5)

Other equity derivatives(6)(7)

Net
realized gains
(losses)
(151.2)(1),(2)
(68.0)(1),(3)
35.0

–
–

Long equity exposures

(184.2)

2016

2015

Net change in
unrealized
gains (losses)

Net gains
Net
(losses) on realized gains
(losses)

investments

Net change in
unrealized
gains (losses)

Net gains
(losses) on
investments

73.2(1),(2)
61.4(1),(3)
(74.4)

–
19.3

79.5

(78.0)
(6.6)
(39.4)

–
19.3

262.5
118.4(4)
0.6

235.5
201.8(8)

(933.0)
(140.9)(4)
(119.8)

(670.5)
(22.5)
(119.2)

–
(50.1)(8)

235.5
151.7

(104.7)

818.8

(1,243.8)

(425.0)

Equity hedges and short equity

exposures(7)

Net equity exposure and

financial effects
Bonds
CPI-linked derivatives
U.S. treasury bond forward contracts
Other derivatives
Foreign currency
Other

(2,634.8)

1,441.9

(1,192.9)

126.7

375.1

501.8

(2,819.0)
648.7
–
96.7
(70.6)
80.6
(7.8)

1,521.4
(326.0)
(196.2)
(49.7)
63.2
(210.1)
65.2

(1,297.6)
322.7
(196.2)
47.0
(7.4)
(129.5)
57.4

945.5
26.8
–
–
6.1
192.9
5.1

(868.7)
(495.5)
35.7
–
(8.7)
(80.4)
(18.0)

76.8
(468.7)
35.7
–
(2.6)
112.5
(12.9)

Net gains (losses) on investments

(2,071.4)

867.8

(1,203.6)

1,176.4

(1,435.6)

(259.2)

Net gains (losses) on bonds is

comprised as follows:
Government bonds
U.S. states and municipalities
Corporate and other

334.3
321.4
(7.0)

648.7

(77.5)
(350.9)
102.4

(326.0)

256.8
(29.5)
95.4

322.7

(3.3)
24.9
5.2

26.8

(55.4)
(238.1)
(202.0)

(58.7)
(213.2)
(196.8)

(495.5)

(468.7)

(1) During  2016  the  company  recognized  net  realized  losses  of  $220.3  and  $103.7  on  common  and  preferred  stock
investments pursuant to the issuer’s plan of restructuring and subsequent emergence from bankruptcy protection. Prior
period unrealized losses on the common and preferred stock investments of $209.5 and $99.6 were reclassified to net
realized losses with a net impact of nil on the consolidated statement of earnings.

(2) During 2016 the company increased its ownership interest in APR Energy to 49.0% and commenced applying the equity
method of accounting, resulting in unrealized losses of $68.1 on APR Energy being reclassified to realized losses with a net
impact of nil on the consolidated statement of earnings.

158

(3) During 2016 the company was required to convert a preferred stock investment into common shares of the issuer, resulting
in a net realized gain on investment of $35.1 (the difference between the share price of the underlying common stock at the
date  of  conversion  and  the  exercise  price  of  the  preferred  stock).  Prior  period  unrealized  gains  on  the  preferred  stock
investment  of  $41.7  were  reclassified  to  net  realized  gains  with  a  net  impact  of  nil  on  the  consolidated  statement
of earnings.

(4) During 2015 the company was required to convert a preferred stock investment into common shares of the issuer, resulting
in a net realized gain on investment of $124.4 (the difference between the share price of the underlying common stock at
the date of conversion and the exercise price of the preferred stock). Prior period unrealized gains on the preferred stock
investment  of  $104.8  were  reclassified  to  net  realized  gains  with  a  net  impact  of  nil  on  the  consolidated  statement
of earnings.

(5) The  gain  on  disposition  of  subsidiary  of  $235.5  in  2015  principally  reflected  the  $236.4  gain  on  disposition  of  the

company’s investment in Ridley.

(6) Other equity derivatives include long equity total return swaps, equity warrants and equity index call options.

(7) Gains and losses on equity and equity index total return swaps that are regularly renewed as part of the company’s long
term investment strategy are presented within net change in unrealized gains (losses). In the fourth quarter of 2016 the
company discontinued its economic hedging strategy and recorded realized losses of $2,665.4 (of which $1,710.2 was
recorded as unrealized losses in prior years) related to the Russell 2000, S&P 500 and S&P/TSX 60 short equity index total
return swaps.

(8) On  April  10,  2015  the  company  exchanged  its  holdings  of  Cara  warrants,  class  A  and  class  B  preferred  shares  and
subordinated debentures for common shares of Cara, resulting in a net realized gain on the Cara warrants of $209.1. Prior
period unrealized gains on the Cara warrants of $20.6 were reclassified to net realized gains with a net impact of nil on the
consolidated statement of earnings.

Net  equity  exposure  and  financial  effects: Throughout  2015 and  most  of  2016,  the  company  had
economically hedged its equity and equity-related holdings (comprised of common stocks, convertible preferred
stocks,  convertible  bonds,  non-insurance  investments  in  associates  and  equity-related  derivatives)  against  a
potential significant decline in equity markets by way of short positions effected through equity and equity index
total return swaps (including short positions in certain equity indexes and individual equities) and equity index put
options (S&P 500). The company’s equity hedges were structured to provide a return that was inverse to changes in
the fair values of the indexes and certain individual equities. As a result of fundamental changes in the U.S. that may
bolster economic growth and business development in the future, the company discontinued its economic equity
hedging strategy during the fourth quarter of 2016. Accordingly, the company closed out $6,350.6 notional amount
of short positions effected through equity index total return swaps (comprised of Russell 2000, S&P 500 and S&P/TSX
60 short equity index total return swaps). During 2016 the company’s net equity exposure (long equity exposures net
of short equity exposures) produced net losses of $1,297.6 (2015 – net gains of $76.8).

Bonds: Net  gains  on  bonds  of  $322.7  in  2016  were  primarily  comprised  of  net  gains  on  U.S.  treasury  bonds
($138.1), Indian government bonds ($105.2) and corporate and other bonds ($95.4), partially offset by net losses on
U.S. state and municipal bonds ($29.5).

CPI-linked derivatives: The company has purchased derivative contracts referenced to consumer price indexes
(‘‘CPI’’) in the geographic regions in which it operates to serve as an economic hedge against the potential adverse
financial impact on the company of decreasing price levels. Details of these contracts are presented in the tables
below. During 2016 the company purchased $3,185.7 (2015 – $2,907.3) notional amount of CPI-linked derivative
contracts at a cost of $11.2 (2015 – $14.6) and paid additional premiums of $3.3 (2015 – $4.8) to increase the strike
prices  of  certain  CPI-linked  derivative  contracts  (primarily  the  European  CPI-linked  derivatives).  The  company’s
CPI-linked  derivative  contracts  produced  net  unrealized  losses  of  $196.2  in  2016  (2015 – net  unrealized  gains
of $35.7).

Net unrealized gains (losses) on CPI-linked derivative contracts typically reflect decreases (increases) in the values of
the CPI indexes underlying those contracts during the periods presented (those contracts are structured to benefit
the  company  during  periods  of  decreasing  CPI  index  values).  Refer  to  the  analysis  in  note  7  (Short  Sales  and
Derivatives) under the heading CPI-linked derivatives in the company’s consolidated financial statements for the

159

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

year  ended  December  31,  2016  for  a  discussion  of  the  company’s  economic  hedge  against  the  potential  adverse
financial impact of decreasing price levels.

Underlying

CPI index

United States

United States

European Union

United Kingdom

France

Underlying

CPI index

United States

United States

European Union

United Kingdom

France

Floor
rate(1)

0.0%

0.5%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

Floor
rate(1)

0.0%

0.5%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

Average

Notional amount

life

Original

(in years)

currency

U.S. dollars

46,725.0

12,600.0

41,375.0

3,300.0

3,150.0

5.7

7.8

5.0

5.9

6.1

5.6

46,725.0

12,600.0

43,640.4

4,077.6

3,322.5

110,365.5

Average

Notional amount

life

Original

(in years)

currency

U.S. dollars

46,225.0

12,600.0

38,975.0

3,300.0

3,150.0

6.6

8.8

5.7

6.9

7.1

6.6

46,225.0

12,600.0

42,338.4

4,863.9

3,421.8

109,449.1

December 31, 2016

Weighted

average

strike
price(2)

231.39

238.30

96.09

243.82

99.27

Index

value at

period end

241.43

241.43

101.26

267.10

100.66

December 31, 2015

Weighted

average

strike
price(2)

231.32

238.30

95.57

243.82

99.27

Index

value at

period end

236.53

236.53

100.16

260.60

100.04

Cost

286.9

39.5

300.3

22.6

20.7

670.0

Cost

284.7

39.3

287.2

23.9

20.7

655.8

Cost(3)
(in bps)

Market

value

Market
value(3)
(in bps)

Unrealized

gain (loss)

61.4

31.3

68.8

55.4

62.3

35.2

34.3

12.5

0.5

0.9

83.4

7.5

27.2

2.9

1.2

2.7

(251.7)

(5.2)

(287.8)

(22.1)

(19.8)

(586.6)

Cost(3)
(in bps)

Market

value

Market
value(3)
(in bps)

Unrealized

gain (loss)

61.6

31.2

67.8

49.1

60.5

98.9

83.4

73.9

3.1

13.3

272.6

21.4

66.2

17.5

6.4

38.9

(185.8)

44.1

(213.3)

(20.8)

(7.4)

(383.2)

(1) Contracts with a floor rate of 0.0% provide a payout at maturity if there is cumulative deflation over the life of the
contract. Contracts with a floor rate of 0.5% provide a payout at maturity based on a weighted average strike price of
250.49 if cumulative inflation averages less than 0.5% per year over the life of the contract.

(2) During the first quarter of 2016 the CPI indices for the European Union and France were rebased with 2015 as the new
reference year. The weighted average strike prices for contracts related to those indices have been rebased accordingly.

(3) Expressed as a percentage of the notional amount. 

160

Net gains (losses) on investments by reporting segment:  Net  gains  (losses)  on  investments  by  reporting
segment for 2016 and 2015 were comprised as shown in the following tables:

Year ended December 31, 2016

Insurance and Reinsurance

Crum &

Zenith

Fairfax

Operating

Corporate

and

Northbridge OdysseyRe Forster National Brit

Asia Other companies Runoff Other

Other Consolidated

Long equity exposures

Short equity exposures

Bonds

CPI-linked derivatives

Foreign currency

Other

42.6

(181.8)

67.6

(20.3)

(67.8)

(1.6)

(16.1)

31.1

(43.2) (36.9)

5.2

(9.6)

(26.9)

(32.4)

13.5

(389.0)

(155.0)

(107.0) (13.1)

–

(62.1)

(908.0)

(159.0)

–

90.9

(43.8)

27.8

11.5

(27.9)

(16.7)

(35.1)

18.9

19.8 110.6

0.4

33.9

(15.5) (20.6)

(20.7) 41.5

(1.6)

5.8

–

(44.1)

(7.0)

(0.3)

(5.7)

(2.4)

295.3

(161.0)

(67.0)

30.3

7.1

19.0

(11.2)

(48.6)

18.9

–

(5.9)

3.5

(58.9)

(125.9)

1.3

(24.0)

(8.0)

44.3

(104.7)

(1,192.9)

322.7

(196.2)

(129.5)

97.0

Net gains (losses) on investments

(161.3)

(318.7)

(184.7)

(168.2) 87.3

(1.7)

(90.0)

(837.3)

(225.2)

30.1

(171.2)

(1,203.6)

Year ended December 31, 2015

Insurance and Reinsurance

Crum &

Zenith

Fairfax

Operating

Corporate

and

Northbridge OdysseyRe Forster National Brit(1)

Asia Other companies Runoff Other

Other Consolidated

Long equity exposures(2)
Equity hedges

Bonds

CPI-linked derivatives

Foreign currency

Other

(45.5)

113.6

(22.9)

(0.8)

92.4

(4.9)

(285.4)

(101.6)

162.0

(180.8)

12.2

22.2

2.6

63.0

(64.4)

4.5

(8.4)

1.3

(59.3)

26.5

15.4

(7.2)

(23.7)

(79.0)

(579.1)

(125.9)

–

17.6

375.5

67.4

3.4

–

(30.1)

(42.3)

(7.8)

(37.9)

(386.2)

(78.8)

(2.9)

2.5

1.4

0.2

1.6

(21.9)

(20.9)

–

7.1

11.6

19.8

(0.1)

(0.5)

31.6

112.6

(22.3)

(1.4)

0.2

–

–

6.7

(0.7)

276.6

58.9

(0.8)

5.5

(7.0)

7.5

Net gains (losses) on investments

131.9

(267.2)

(105.6)

(58.8)

(75.3)

(24.5)

(68.4)

(467.9)

(138.5)

6.5

340.7

(425.0)

501.8

(468.7)

35.7

112.5

(15.5)

(259.2)

(1) Brit is included in the company’s financial reporting with effect from June 5, 2015.

(2)

Includes net realized gains on disposition of the company’s investment in Ridley of $106.3 at Northbridge and $130.1 at
Corporate and Other.

Total Return on the Investment Portfolio

The following table presents the performance of the investment portfolio since Fairfax’s inception in 1985. For the
years  1986  to  2006,  the  calculation  of  total  return  on  average  investments  included  consolidated  interest  and
dividends, net realized gains (losses) and changes in net unrealized gains (losses) as the majority of the company’s
investment  portfolio  was  carried  at  cost  or  amortized  cost  under  Canadian  GAAP.  For  the  years  2007  to  2009,
Canadian GAAP required the company to carry the majority of its investments at fair value and as a result, the
calculation of total return on average investments during this period included consolidated interest and dividends,
net investment gains (losses) recorded in net earnings, net unrealized gains (losses) recorded in other comprehensive
income  and  changes  in  net  unrealized  gains  (losses)  on  equity  accounted  investments  in  associates.  Effective
January 1, 2010 the company adopted IFRS and was required to carry the majority of its investments at FVTPL and as
a result, the calculation of total return on average investments for the years 2010 to 2016 includes consolidated
interest and dividends, net investment gains (losses) recorded in net earnings and changes in net unrealized gains
(losses) on equity accounted investments in associates. All noted amounts above are included on a pre-tax basis in
the calculation of total return on average investments.

161

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Average Consolidated
interest
and
dividends

investments
at carrying
value(2)

Net

Change in
realized unrealized
gains
(losses)

gains
(losses)

Net gains (losses)
recorded in:

Net
earnings
(loss)(3)

Other
comprehensive
income

Change in
unrealized
gains
(losses) on
investments
in associates(8)

Total return
on average
investments(8)

(%)

46.3
81.2
102.6
112.4
201.2
292.3
301.8
473.1
871.5
1,163.4
1,861.5
3,258.6
5,911.2
10,020.3
11,291.5
10,264.3
10,377.9
11,527.5
12,955.8
14,142.4
15,827.0
17,898.0
19,468.8
20,604.2
22,270.2
23,787.5
25,185.2
25,454.7
25,527.2
27,604.4
28,723.4

3.4
6.2
7.5
10.0
17.7
22.7
19.8
18.1
42.6
65.3
111.0
183.8
303.7
532.7
534.0
436.9
436.1
331.9
375.7
466.1
746.5
761.0
626.4
712.7
711.5
705.3
409.3
376.9
403.8
512.2
555.2

0.7
7.1
6.5
13.4
2.0
(3.9)
2.8
21.6
14.6
52.5
96.3
149.3
314.3
63.8
259.1
121.0
465.0
826.1
300.5(4)
385.7
789.4(5)

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
1,639.5
2,718.6

(0.2)
(6.1)
9.5
(5.1)
(28.5)
24.0
(8.3)
22.2
(30.7)
32.7
82.1
(6.9)
(78.3)
(871.4)
584.1
194.0
263.2
142.4
165.6
73.0
(247.8)
–
–
904.3(6)
–
28.7
–
737.7
–
–
639.4
– (1,579.8)
1,682.7
–
(341.3)
–
– (1,223.3)

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
304.5
(426.7)
1,076.7
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

3.9
7.2

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

8.4
8.9
23.5 22.9
18.3 16.3
(4.4)
(8.8)
42.8 14.6
14.3
4.7
61.9 13.1
3.0
26.5
150.5 12.9
289.4 15.5
326.2 10.0
9.1
539.7
(2.7)
(274.9)
1,377.2 12.2
7.3
1,164.3 11.2
1,300.4 11.3
6.5
6.5
8.1
(131.2) 2,573.8 14.4
278.3
3,196.6 16.4
(185.2) 2,508.5 12.2
3.8
6.4
4.5
(4.9)
8.4
0.7
(1.8)

838.4
98.2
1,521.5
78.5
79.6
1,128.3
(44.6) (1,247.5)
2,156.8
70.3
191.8
20.9
(508.0)
160.1

841.8
924.8
1,288.1

751.9

Year(1)
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016

Cumulative from inception

10,446.0 3,887.8

5,206.5

8.3(7)

(1)

IFRS basis for 2010 to 2016; Canadian GAAP for 2009 and prior. Under Canadian GAAP, investments were generally
carried at cost or amortized cost in 2006 and prior.

(2) Comprised of cash and investments at both the holding company and operating companies, net of short sale and derivative

obligations commencing in 2004.

(3) Excludes net gains (losses) recognized on the company’s underwriting activities related to foreign currency since 2008.

(4) Excludes the $40.1 gain on the company’s secondary offering of Northbridge and the $27.0 loss in connection with the

company’s repurchase of outstanding debt at a premium to par during 2004.

(5) Excludes the $69.7 gain on the company’s secondary offering of OdysseyRe, the $15.7 loss on the company’s repurchase of
outstanding  debt  at  a  premium  to  par  and  the  $8.1  dilution  loss  on  conversions  of  the  OdysseyRe  convertible  senior
debenture during 2006.

(6) Net gains on investments in 2009 excluded $25.9 of gains recognized on transactions involving the common and preferred

shares of the company’s consolidated subsidiaries.

(7) Simple average of the total return on average investments for each of the 31 years.

(8) Total return on average investments is considered a non-IFRS measure as it includes changes in net unrealized gains

(losses) on equity accounted investments in associates and excludes share of profit (loss) of associates.

162

Investment gains have been an important component of Fairfax’s financial results since 1985, having contributed an
aggregate  $10,153.0  (pre-tax)  to  total  equity  since  inception.  The  contribution  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. From inception in 1985 to 2016, total return on
average investments has averaged 8.3%.

The company has a long term, value-oriented investment philosophy. It continues to expect fluctuations in the
global financial markets for common stocks, bonds, derivatives and other securities.

Bonds

Credit Risk

At December 31, 2016, 79.2% (December 31, 2015 – 86.7%) of the fixed income portfolio carrying value was rated
investment grade or better, with 61.9% (December 31, 2015 – 71.8%) being rated AA or better (primarily consisting of
government obligations).

Refer  to  note  24  (Financial  Risk  Management)  under  the  heading  Investments  in  Debt  Instruments  in  the
consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016 for a discussion of the company’s exposure
to the credit risk of individual issuers, sovereign and U.S. state and municipal governments.

Interest Rate Risk

Hypothetical parallel upward shifts in the term structure of interest rates by 100 basis points and 200 basis points
would potentially decrease net earnings by $148.2 and $295.1 respectively. The company’s exposure to interest rate
risk decreased significantly during 2016 compared to 2015 as a result of meaningful actions taken by the company.
As  a  result  of  fundamental  changes  to  the  macroeconomic  outlook  for  the  U.S.  and  the  ensuing  potential  for  a
significant increase in market interest rates, during the fourth quarter of 2016 the company sold the majority of its
long dated U.S. treasury bonds, realizing net proceeds of $4,753.5, and to further reduce its exposure to interest rate
risk (specifically exposure to U.S. state and municipal bonds and any remaining long dated U.S. treasury bonds held
in its fixed income portfolio), the company entered into forward contracts to sell long dated U.S. treasury bonds with
a notional amount of $3,013.4 as at December 31, 2016 (December 31, 2015 – nil). These contracts have an average
term to maturity of less than one year and may be renewed at market rates.

The company’s exposure to interest rate risk is discussed further in note 24 (Financial Risk Management) to the
consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Common Stocks

The company owns significant investments in equity and equity-related holdings, which the company believes will
significantly appreciate in value over time. The market value and the liquidity of these investments are volatile and
may vary dramatically either up or down in short periods, and their ultimate value will therefore only be known over
the long term or on disposition.

Throughout 2015  and  most  of  2016  the  company  economically  hedged  its  equity  and  equity-related  holdings
against a potential significant decline in equity markets by way of short positions effected through equity and equity
index total return swaps. As a result of fundamental changes in the U.S. that may bolster economic growth and
business development in the future, the company discontinued its economic equity hedging strategy during the
fourth quarter of 2016. Accordingly, the company closed out $6,350.6 notional amount of short positions effected
through equity index total return swaps (comprised of Russell 2000, S&P 500 and S&P/TSX 60 short equity index
total return swaps). At December 31, 2016, the company continues to maintain short equity and equity index total
return swaps for investment purposes. Refer to note 7 (Short Sales and Derivatives) in the company’s consolidated
financial  statements  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2016,  under  the  heading  Equity  Contracts,  for  a  tabular
analysis of equity derivatives held by the company.

As a result of discontinuing its economic equity hedging strategy, a hypothetical decrease in global equity markets of
5% and 10% at December 31, 2016 would potentially decrease the company’s net earnings by $106.7 and $204.5
respectively. The company’s net equity exposure and exposure to market price fluctuations are discussed further in
note  24  (Financial  Risk  Management)  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements  for  the  year  ended
December 31, 2016.

163

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

The company’s holdings of common stocks and long equity total return swaps at December 31, 2016 and 2015 are
summarized by the issuer’s primary industry in the table below.

Financials and investment funds
Consumer products and other
Commercial and industrial

December 31, December 31,
2015(1)
3,312.8
638.6
670.3

2016(1)
2,988.2
834.8
571.5

4,394.5

4,621.7

(1) Excludes other funds of $157.1 at December 31, 2016 (December 31, 2015 – $1,094.0) that are invested principally in

fixed income securities.

The company’s holdings of common stocks and long equity total return swaps at December 31, 2016 and 2015 are
summarized by the issuer’s country of domicile in the table below.

United States
Canada
Egypt
Greece
India
Netherlands
Singapore
China
Ireland
Nigeria
Kuwait
Hong Kong
United Kingdom
Germany
All other

December 31, December 31,
2015(1)
1,130.9
793.0
402.0
444.7
177.7
234.4
59.7
198.1
300.7
69.9
80.7
54.9
62.1
41.7
571.2

2016(1)
1,266.9
755.6
331.5
297.0
247.8
231.9
182.3
167.2
102.8
74.4
70.3
66.8
35.8
30.3
533.9

4,394.5

4,621.7

(1) Excludes other funds of $157.1 at December 31, 2016 (December 31, 2015 – $1,094.0) that are invested principally in

fixed income securities.

Derivatives and Derivative Counterparties

The company endeavours to limit counterparty risk through diligent selection of counterparties to its derivative
contracts  and  through  the  terms  of  negotiated  agreements.  Pursuant  to  these  agreements,  counterparties  are
contractually required to deposit eligible collateral in collateral accounts (subject to certain minimum thresholds) for
the benefit of the company based on the then daily fair value of the derivative contracts. Agreements negotiated with
counterparties provide for a single net settlement of all financial instruments covered by the agreement in the event
of default by the counterparty, thereby permitting obligations owed by the company to a counterparty to be offset to
the extent of the aggregate amount receivable by the company from that counterparty. The company’s exposure to
derivative counterparty risk at December 31, 2016 was estimated to be $105.8 (December 31, 2015 – $314.4).

164

Refer  to  note  24  (Financial  Risk  Management)  under  the  heading  Credit  Risk – Counterparties  to  Derivative
Contracts in the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016 for a discussion
and tabular analysis of the company’s exposure to derivative counterparty risk.

Float

Fairfax’s  float  (a  non-IFRS  measure)  is  the  sum  of  its  loss  reserves,  including  loss  adjustment  expense  reserves,
unearned premium reserves and other insurance contract liabilities, less insurance contract receivables, recoverable
from reinsurers and deferred premium acquisition costs. The annual benefit (cost) of float is calculated by dividing
the underwriting profit (loss) by the average float in that year. Float arises as an insurance or reinsurance business
receives premiums in advance of the payment of claims.

The following table presents the accumulated float and the cost of generating that float for Fairfax’s insurance and
reinsurance operations. The average float from those operations increased by 8.8% in 2016 to $13,748.6, at no cost.

Year
1986
(cid:1)

2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
Weighted average since inception

Underwriting
profit (loss)(1)
2.5

Average
float
21.6

Cost (benefit)
of float
(11.6)%

6.1
440.0
552.0
704.5
575.9

11,906.0
12,045.7
11,707.4
12,634.9
13,748.6

(0.1)%
(3.7)%
(4.7)%
(5.6)%
(4.2)%
0.4%

Average long
term Canada
treasury
bond yield
9.6%

2.4%
2.8%
2.8%
2.2%
1.9%
3.8%

Fairfax’s weighted average net benefit of float since inception: 3.4%

(1)

IFRS basis for 2010 to 2016; Canadian GAAP basis for 2009 and prior. 

The following table presents a breakdown of total year-end float for the most recent five years.

Insurance and Reinsurance

Year
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016

Northbridge(1) OdysseyRe(2)
4,905.9
4,673.5
4,492.3
4,172.2
4,024.6

2,314.1
2,112.0
1,910.8
1,626.1
1,670.7

Crum &
Zenith
Forster(3) National(4)

Fairfax

Ongoing

Brit(5)

Asia(6) Other(7)

operations Runoff(8)

Total

2,354.9
2,338.7
2,562.7
2,593.6
2,706.5

–
1,154.2
–
1,202.3
1,195.2
–
1,217.1 2,731.8
1,179.1 2,795.8

470.7 1,042.6
519.3 1,003.2
880.4
524.4
792.5
570.7
855.4
561.1

12,242.4
11,849.0
11,565.8
13,704.0
13,793.2

3,636.8 15,879.2
3,701.5 15,550.5
3,499.2 15,065.0
3,367.6 17,071.6
2,879.7 16,672.9

During 2016 the company’s total float decreased by $398.7 to $16,672.9.

(1) Northbridge’s float increased by 2.7% primarily due to the effect of the strengthening of the Canadian dollar relative to the
U.S. dollar. In Canadian dollar terms, Northbridge’s float decreased by 0.8% primarily due to lower loss reserves which
resulted from net favourable prior year reserve development.

(2) OdysseyRe’s  float  decreased  by  3.5%  primarily  due  to  lower  loss  reserves  and  higher  insurance  balances  receivable,
partially offset by lower reinsurance recoverables. Lower loss reserves and reinsurance recoverables were principally due to
net favourable prior year reserve development.

(3) Crum & Forster’s float increased by 4.4% primarily due to increases in loss reserves and provision for unearned premiums,

partially offset by increases in insurance balances receivable and reinsurance recoverables.

(4) Zenith National’s float decreased by 3.1% due to lower loss reserves (which resulted from net favourable prior period
development) and higher insurance balances receivable, partially offset by a decrease in reinsurance recoverables (due to
higher retention levels) and an increase in provision for unearned premiums.

165

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

(5) Brit’s float increased by 2.3% due to increases in loss reserves and provision for unearned premiums, and lower reinsurance

funds withheld, partially offset by increases in reinsurance recoverables and deferred acquisition costs.

(6) Fairfax  Asia’s  float  decreased  by  1.7%  primarily  due  to  increases  in  insurance  balances  receivable  and  reinsurance

recoverables, partially offset by increases in loss reserves and provision for unearned premiums.

(7)

Insurance  and  Reinsurance – Other’s  float  increased  by  7.9%  primarily  due  to  the  effect  of  the  strengthening  of  the
Brazilian real and Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar, partially offset by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative
to the Polish zloty.

(8) Runoff’s float decreased by 14.5% primarily due to lower loss reserves and higher insurance balances receivable, partially
offset by lower reinsurance recoverables. Lower loss reserves and reinsurance recoverables were principally due to normal
course  cession  and  collection  activity,  partially  offset  by  the  impact  of  the  assumed  reinsurance  of  third  party  runoff
portfolios during the year.

Financial Condition

Capital Resources and Management

The company manages its capital based on the following financial measurements and ratios:

Holding company cash and investments (net of short sale and

derivative obligations)

1,329.4

1,275.9 1,212.7 1,241.6 1,128.0

December 31,

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

Borrowings – holding company
Borrowings – insurance and reinsurance companies
Borrowings – non-insurance companies

3,472.5
435.5
859.6

2,599.0 2,656.5 2,491.0 2,377.7
618.3
52.6

385.9
136.6

468.5
284.0

458.8
44.7

Total debt

Net debt(1)

Common shareholders’ equity
Preferred stock
Non-controlling interests

Total equity

4,767.6

3,351.5 3,179.0 2,994.5 3,048.6

3,438.2

2,075.6 1,966.3 1,752.9 1,920.6

8,484.6
1,335.5
2,000.0

8,952.5 8,361.0 7,186.7 7,654.7
1,334.9 1,164.7 1,166.4 1,166.4
73.4
1,731.5

107.4

218.1

11,820.1 12,018.9 9,743.8 8,460.5 8,894.5

Net debt/total equity
Net debt/net total capital(2)
Total debt/total capital(3)
Interest coverage(4)
Interest and preferred share dividend distribution coverage(5)

29.1%
22.5%
28.7%
n/a
n/a

17.3% 20.2% 20.7% 21.6%
14.7% 16.8% 17.2% 17.8%
21.8% 24.6% 26.1% 25.5%
4.2x
3.0x

12.3x
9.0x

3.9x
2.9x

n/a
n/a

(1) Net debt is calculated by the company as total debt less holding company cash and investments (net of short sale and

derivative obligations).

(2) Net total capital is calculated by the company as the sum of total equity and net debt.

(3) Total capital is calculated by the company as the sum of total equity and total debt.

(4)

(5)

Interest coverage is calculated by the company as the sum of earnings (loss) before income taxes and interest expense
divided by interest expense.

Interest and preferred share dividend distribution coverage is calculated by the company as the sum of earnings (loss)
before income taxes and interest expense divided by interest expense and preferred share dividend distributions adjusted to
a pre-tax equivalent at the company’s Canadian statutory income tax rate.

Holding company borrowings at December 31, 2016 increased by $873.5 to $3,472.5 from $2,599.0 at December 31,
2015, primarily reflecting the issuances of holding company unsecured senior notes (Cdn$400.0 principal amount
due  2023  issued  on  March  22,  2016  and  Cdn$450.0  principal  amount  due  2026  issued  on  December  16,  2016),
borrowings on a short term basis of $200.0 on Fairfax’s revolving credit facility and the impact of foreign currency
translation on the company’s Canadian dollar denominated long term debt.

166

Subsidiary borrowings (comprised of borrowings of the insurance and reinsurance companies and borrowings of the
non-insurance companies) at December 31, 2016 increased by $542.6 to $1,295.1 from $752.5 at December 31, 2015,
primarily  reflecting  Fairfax  India’s  term  loan  of  $225.0  to  fund  additional  investments  and  Cara’s  aggregate
borrowings of $292.4 (Cdn$392.0) principally related to funding its acquisitions of St-Hubert and Original Joe’s.

Common shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2016 decreased by $467.9 to $8,484.6 from $8,952.5 at December 31,
2015, primarily reflecting the net loss attributable to shareholders of Fairfax ($512.5), the payment of dividends on
the  company’s  common  and  preferred  shares  ($271.8)  and  other  comprehensive  loss  of  $183.9  (primarily  $98.9
related to net unrealized foreign currency translation losses of foreign operations), partially offset by net proceeds
from the issuance of 1.0 million subordinate voting shares on March 2, 2016 ($523.5).

The changes in holding company borrowings, subsidiary borrowings and common shareholders’ equity affected the
company’s  leverage  ratios  as  follows:  the  consolidated  net  debt/net  total  capital  ratio  increased  to  22.5%  at
December 31, 2016 from 14.7% at December 31, 2015 primarily as a result of increased net debt, partially offset by
increased net total capital. The increase in net debt was due to increased total debt (primarily the issuance of holding
company  unsecured  senior  notes,  borrowings  on  Fairfax’s  revolving  credit  facility  and  an  increase  in  subsidiary
borrowings as described above). The increase in net total capital was primarily due to increases in non-controlling
interests and net debt, partially offset by decreased common shareholders’ equity (as described in the preceding
paragraph). The consolidated total debt/total capital ratio increased to 28.7% at December 31, 2016 from 21.8% at
December 31, 2015 primarily as a result of increased total debt, partially offset by increased total capital (primarily
reflecting increases in non-controlling interests and total debt, partially offset by decreased common shareholders’
equity).

The company believes that holding company cash and investments, net of short sale and derivative obligations, at
December  31,  2016  of  $1,329.4  (December  31,  2015 – $1,275.9)  provide  adequate  liquidity  to  meet  the  holding
company’s known commitments in 2017. Refer to the Liquidity section of this MD&A for a discussion of the holding
company’s available sources of liquidity and known significant commitments for 2017.

The  company’s  insurance  and  reinsurance  operating  companies  continue  to  maintain  capital  above  minimum
regulatory levels, at levels adequate to support their issuer credit and financial strength ratings, and above internally
calculated  risk  management  levels  as  discussed  below.  A  common  non-IFRS  measure  of  capital  adequacy  in  the
property and casualty industry is the ratio of net premiums written to statutory surplus (or total equity). This ratio is
shown for the insurance and reinsurance operating companies for the most recent five years in the following table:

Insurance and Reinsurance

Northbridge (Canada)
OdysseyRe (U.S.)
Crum & Forster (U.S.)
Zenith National (U.S.)
Brit(1)
Fairfax Asia(2)
Other(3)

Canadian insurance industry
U.S. insurance industry

Net premiums written to statutory
surplus (total equity)

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

0.9
0.5
1.5
1.5
1.3
0.4
0.7
1.0
0.7

0.9
0.5
1.3
1.3
1.4
0.5
0.7
1.0
0.7

0.8
0.6
1.1
1.3
n/a
0.5
0.5
1.0
0.7

0.9
0.6
1.1
1.4
n/a
0.5
0.6
1.0
0.7

0.8
0.6
1.0
1.4
n/a
0.6
0.7
1.0
0.8

(1) The  2015  ratio  presented  for  Brit  includes  net  premiums  written  by  Brit  prior  its  acquisition  by  the  company  on

June 5, 2015.

(2) Total equity excludes the carrying value of investments in associates (ICICI Lombard and BIC Insurance).

(3) Other includes Group Re, Advent, Polish Re, Fairfax Brasil and Colonnade. 

In  the  U.S.,  the  National  Association  of  Insurance  Commissioners  (‘‘NAIC’’)  has  developed  a  model  law  and
risk-based capital (‘‘RBC’’) formula designed to help regulators identify property and casualty insurers that may be
inadequately capitalized. Under the NAIC’s requirements, an insurer must maintain total capital and surplus above a
calculated threshold or face varying levels of regulatory action. The threshold is based on a formula that attempts to

167

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

quantify  the  risk  of  a  company’s  insurance  and  reinsurance,  investment  and  other  business  activities.  At
December 31, 2016 OdysseyRe, Crum & Forster, Zenith National and U.S. 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 of at least 3.4 times (December 31, 2015 – 3.6 times) the authorized control level, except for TIG
Insurance which had 2.2 times (December 31, 2015 – 3.0 times).

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, 2016 Northbridge’s subsidiaries had a weighted average MCT ratio of 211% of the minimum statutory
capital required, compared to 198% at December 31, 2015.

The  Lloyd’s  market  is  subject  to  the  solvency  and  capital  adequacy  requirements  of  the  Prudential  Regulatory
Authority in the U.K. The capital requirements of Brit are based on the output of an internal model which reflects the
risk profile of the business. At December 31, 2016 Brit’s available capital consisted of net tangible assets (total assets
less any intangible assets and all liabilities), subordinated debt and contingent funding in the form of letters of credit
and  amounted  to  $1,457.3  (December 31,  2015 – $1,495.5).  This  represented  a  surplus  of  $297.1  (December 31,
2015 – $329.5)  over  the  management  capital  requirements  (capital  required  for  business  strategy  and  regulatory
requirements), compared to Brit’s minimum targeted surplus of $200.0 (December 31, 2015 – $185.0).

In  countries  other  than  the  U.S.  and  Canada  where  the  company  operates  (the  United  Kingdom,  Barbados,
Singapore,  Malaysia,  Sri  Lanka,  Hong  Kong,  Poland,  Brazil,  South  Africa,  Indonesia  and  other  jurisdictions),  the
company met or exceeded the applicable regulatory capital requirements at December 31, 2016.

The  issuer  credit  ratings  and  financial  strength  ratings  of  Fairfax  and  its  insurance  and  reinsurance  operating
companies at December 31, 2016 were as follows:

Issuer Credit Ratings
Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited

Financial Strength Ratings
Crum & Forster Holdings Corp.(1)
Zenith National Insurance Corp.(1)
Odyssey Re Holdings Corp.(1)
Brit Limited(2)
Northbridge Commercial Insurance Corp.
Northbridge General Insurance Corp.
Federated Insurance Company of Canada
Wentworth Insurance Company Ltd.
First Capital Insurance Limited
Falcon Insurance Company (Hong Kong) Limited
Advent Capital (Holdings) Ltd.(2)
Polish Re

Standard

A.M. Best
bbb

& Poor’s Moody’s
Baa3

BBB-

DBRS
BBB

A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
–
A
A-

A-
A-
A-
A+
A-
A-
A-
–
–
A-
A+
–

Baa1
Baa1
A3
–
–
A3
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
A (low)
A (low)
–
–
–
–
–

(1) Financial strength ratings apply to the operating companies.

(2) Advent and Brit’s ratings are the A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s ratings assigned to Lloyd’s.

During 2016 Standard & Poor’s upgraded the Financial Strength Ratings of Zenith National’s operating companies
from a rating of ‘‘BBB+’’ at December 31, 2015 to a rating of ‘‘A-’’ at December 31, 2016.

Book Value Per Share

Common  shareholders’  equity  at  December  31,  2016  of  $8,484.6  or  $367.40  per  basic  share  (excluding  the
unrecorded $1,001.7 excess of fair value over the carrying value of investments in associates and certain consolidated
non-insurance subsidiaries) compared to $8,952.5 or $403.01 per basic share (excluding the unrecorded $1,040.9
excess  of  fair  value  over  the  carrying  value  of  investments  in  associates  and  certain  consolidated  non-insurance
subsidiaries) at December 31, 2015, representing a decrease per basic share in 2016 of 8.8% (without adjustment for
the $10.00 per common share dividend paid in the first quarter of 2016, or a decrease of 6.4% adjusted to include that
dividend). During 2016 the number of basic shares increased primarily as a result of the issuance of 1.0 million

168

subordinate voting shares, partially offset by net repurchases of 89,561 subordinate voting shares for treasury (for use
in the company’s share-based payment awards) and purchases of 30,732 subordinate voting shares for cancellation.
At December 31, 2016 there were 23,093,566 common shares effectively outstanding.

The company has issued and repurchased common shares in the most recent five years as follows:

Date
2013 – issuance of shares
2013 – repurchase of shares
2014 – repurchase of shares
2015 – issuance of shares
2016 – issuance of shares
2016 – repurchase of shares

Number of
subordinate
voting shares
1,000,000
(36)
(8)
1,169,294
1,000,000
(30,732)

Average
issue/repurchase
price per share
399.49
402.78
430.98
502.01
523.50
458.81

Net proceeds/
(repurchase cost)
399.5
–
–
587.0
523.5
(14.1)

On September 28, 2016 the company commenced its normal course issuer bid by which it is authorized, until expiry
of the bid on September 27, 2017, to acquire up to 800,000 subordinate voting shares, 601,538 Series C preferred
shares,  356,601  Series  D  preferred  shares,  396,713  Series  E  preferred  shares,  357,204  Series  F  preferred  shares,
743,295  Series  G  preferred  shares,  256,704  Series  H  preferred  shares,  1,046,555  Series  I  preferred  shares,
153,444  Series  J  preferred  shares,  950,000  Series  K  preferred  shares  and  920,000  Series  M  preferred  shares,
representing at that date approximately 3.5% of the public float in respect of the subordinate voting shares and 10%
of the public float in respect of each series of preferred shares. Decisions regarding any future repurchases will be
based on market conditions, share price and other factors including opportunities to invest capital for growth. The
Notice  of  Intention  to  Make  a  Normal  Course  Issuer  Bid  is  available  by  contacting  the  Corporate  Secretary  of
the company.

Virtually all of the share issuances in 2013, 2015 and 2016 were pursuant to public offerings. During 2012, 2013,
2014 and 2015 the company did not repurchase for cancellation any subordinate voting shares under the terms of
normal course issuer bids. During 2013 and 2014 the company repurchased 36 shares and 8 shares respectively for
cancellation from former employees. During 2016 the company repurchased 30,732 shares for cancellation.

The company’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.

The table below presents the excess (deficiency) of fair value over carrying value of investments in associates and
certain non-insurance subsidiaries the company considers to be portfolio investments but that are required to be
consolidated under IFRS. The aggregate excess of fair value over carrying value of these investments is not included in
the calculation of book value per share.

Insurance and reinsurance

associates

Non-insurance associates(2)
Cara
Fairfax India
Thomas Cook India

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Fair
value

Carrying
value(1)

1,514.8
1,440.6
433.9
355.7
691.2

940.5
1,452.5
454.9
290.4
296.2

Excess
(deficiency) of
fair value over
carrying value

Fair
value

Carrying
value(1)

Excess
(deficiency) of
fair value over
carrying value

574.3
1,126.0
(11.9) 1,059.9
439.9
(21.0)
303.0
65.3
763.1
395.0

526.4
1,203.8
356.2
276.6
288.0

599.6
(143.9)
83.7
26.4
475.1

4,436.2

3,434.5

1,001.7

3,691.9

2,651.0

1,040.9

(1) The carrying values of Cara, Fairfax India and Thomas Cook India represent their respective carrying values under the

equity method of accounting.

(2) Excludes investments in associates held by Fairfax India. 

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FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Liquidity

Holding company cash and investments at December 31, 2016 totaled $1,371.6 ($1,329.4 net of $42.2 of holding
company short sale and derivative obligations) compared to $1,276.5 at December 31, 2015 ($1,275.9 net of $0.6 of
holding company short sale and derivative obligations).

Significant  cash  and  investment  movements  at  the  Fairfax  holding  company  level  during  2016  included  the
following significant outflows: the payment of $271.8 common and preferred shares dividends, the purchase of an
additional  9%  ownership  interest  in  ICICI  Lombard,  the  acquisition  of  a  40%  indirect  interest  in  Eurolife,  the
payment of $165.8 of interest on long term debt, net consideration paid of $151.9 to acquire an 80% interest in
AMAG and net consideration paid of $79.9 to acquire Bryte Insurance. Significant inflows during 2016 included the
following: net proceeds from the company’s underwritten public offerings ($523.5 from the issuance of 1.0 million
subordinate voting shares and $303.2 from the issuance of Cdn $400.0 principal amount of 4.50% unsecured senior
notes due 2023 (to finance the investments in ICICI Lombard, AMAG and Eurolife) and $334.5 from the issuance of
Cdn$450.0 principal amount of 4.70% unsecured senior notes due 2026 (intended to finance the tender offers for
certain of the company’s senior notes)), borrowings of $200.0 on Fairfax’s revolving credit facility and dividends
from  subsidiaries  (primarily  OdysseyRe  ($200.0),  Zenith  National  ($119.5),  Brit  ($61.3),  and  Crum  and  Forster
($50.0)). The carrying value of holding company cash and investments was also affected by the following: receipt of
investment management and administration fees, disbursements associated with corporate overhead expenses and
costs in connection with the repurchase of subordinate voting shares for treasury. The carrying values of holding
company investments vary with changes in the fair values of those investments.

The  company  believes  that  holding  company  cash  and  investments,  net  of  holding  company  short  sale  and
derivative obligations at December 31, 2016 of $1,329.4 provides adequate liquidity to meet the holding company’s
known commitments in 2017. The holding company expects to continue to receive investment management and
administration fees from its insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries, investment income on its holdings of cash and
investments, and dividends from its insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries. To further augment its liquidity, the
holding company can draw upon its $1.0 billion unsecured revolving credit facility (for further details related to the
credit  facility,  refer  to  note  15  (Borrowings)  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements  for  the  year  ended
December 31, 2016).

The holding company’s known significant commitments for 2017 consist of payment of the $237.4 ($10.00 per
share) dividend on common shares (paid January 2017), interest and corporate overhead expenses, preferred share
dividends,  income  tax  payments,  potential  cash  outflows  related  to  derivative  contracts  (described  below),  the
anticipated acquisitions of Allied World, Tower and certain AIG operations in Latin America and Central and Eastern
Europe, investments in Fairfax India (completed January 13, 2017) and Fairfax Africa (completed February 17, 2017),
and up to Cdn$250 of funding for tender offers for certain of the company’s senior notes. The net proceeds from an
underwritten public offering of Cdn$450.0 principal amount of 4.70% unsecured senior notes due December 16,
2026, which closed on December 16, 2016, will be used to finance the tender offers (for further details related to the
tender offers and the senior notes offerings, refer to note 15 (Borrowings) to the consolidated financial statements for
the year ended December 31, 2016).

The closure in the fourth quarter of 2016 of all of the company’s short positions effected through total return swaps
in the Russell 2000, S&P 500 and S&P/TSX 60 equity indexes should significantly reduce cash flow volatility in future
periods notwithstanding the discussion in the subsequent three paragraphs.

The holding company may experience cash inflows or outflows (which at times could be significant) related to its
derivative contracts, including collateral requirements and cash settlements of market value movements of total
return swaps which have occurred since the most recent reset date. During 2016 the holding company paid net cash
of $91.0 (2015 – received net cash of $34.9) in connection with long and short equity and equity index total return
swap derivative contracts (excluding the impact of collateral requirements).

During 2016 subsidiary cash and short term investments (including cash and short term investments pledged for
short  sale  and  derivative  obligations)  increased  by  $3,472.5  primarily  reflecting  cash  received  from  net  sales  of
U.S. government and U.S. state and municipal bonds, partially offset by net cash paid in connection with long and
short equity and equity index total return swap derivative contracts, the acquisitions of investments in associates,
and dividends paid by the operating companies to Fairfax.

The  insurance  and  reinsurance  subsidiaries  may  experience  cash  inflows  or  outflows  (which  at  times  could  be
significant) related to their derivative contracts including collateral requirements and cash settlements of market

170

value  movements  of  total  return  swaps  which  have  occurred  since  the  most  recent  reset  date.  During  2016  the
insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries paid net cash of $814.4 (2015 – received net cash of $225.4) in connection
with long and short equity and equity index total return swap derivative contracts (excluding the impact of collateral
requirements). The insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries typically fund any such obligations from cash provided by
operating activities. In addition, obligations incurred in respect of short equity and equity index total return swaps
may be funded from sales of equity-related investments, the market values of which will generally vary inversely
with the market values of the short equity and equity index total return swaps.

The following table presents major components of cash flow for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015:

Operating activities

Cash provided by operating activities before the undernoted
Net sales (purchases) of investments classified as FVTPL

Investing activities

Net purchases of investments in associates
Purchases of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired
Sales of subsidiaries, net of cash divested
Net purchases of premises and equipment and intangible assets
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash for purchase of subsidiary

Financing activities

Net proceeds from borrowings – holding company and insurance and reinsurance

companies

Repayment of borrowings – holding company and insurance and reinsurance companies
Net borrowings from holding company revolving credit facility
Net proceeds from borrowings – non-insurance companies
Repayment of borrowings – non-insurance companies
Net borrowings from revolving credit facilities – non-insurance companies
Issuances of subordinate voting shares
Issuance of preferred shares
Repurchases of preferred shares for cancellation
Purchases of subordinate voting shares for treasury
Purchases of subordinate voting shares for cancellation
Issuances of subsidiary common shares to non-controlling interests
Increase in restricted cash related to financing activities
Net sales (purchases) of subsidiary common shares to (from) non-controlling interests
Common and preferred share dividends paid
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

2016

2015

138.9
1,119.3

629.0
(484.3)

(689.5)
(779.1)
–
(208.3)
6.5

(112.0)
(1,455.6)
304.4
(201.3)
(6.5)

637.7
(5.4)
200.0
360.5
(38.9)
193.6
523.5
–
–
(64.2)
(14.1)
157.1
(18.9)
(74.5)
(271.8)
(41.2)

275.7
(212.4)
–
54.2
(5.8)
18.4
575.9
179.0
(4.8)
(95.5)
–
725.8
–
430.0
(265.4)
(5.0)

Increase in cash and cash equivalents during the year

1,131.2

343.8

Cash provided by operating activities (excluding net purchases of investments classified as FVTPL) decreased from
$629.0  in  2015  to  $138.9  in  2016,  primarily  as  a  result  of  higher  net  paid  losses,  partially  offset  by  higher  net
premiums  collected.  Refer  to  note  27  (Supplementary  Cash  Flow  Information)  to  the  consolidated  financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2016 for details of net purchases of securities classified as FVTPL.

Net  purchases  of  investments  in  associates  of  $689.5  in  2016  primarily  reflected  the  purchase  of  additional
ownership  interests  in  ICICI  Lombard (ownership  increased  9%)  and  APR  Energy,  Fairfax  India’s  investment  in
Fairchem (44.9%),  and  the  acquisition  of  indirect  interests  in  Eurolife (40.0%)  and  Performance  Sports (38.2%),
partially  offset  by  distributions  from  the  company’s  insurance  and  non-insurance  associates.  Net  purchases  of
investment in associates of $112.0 in 2015 primarily reflected Fairfax India’s investment in IIFL (21.9%), Fairfax
Asia’s  investment  in  BIC  Insurance (35%)  and  Brit’s  investment  in  Ambridge  Partners (50%),  partially  offset  by
distributions from the company’s non-insurance associates. Purchases of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired of $779.1
in  2016  primarily  related  to  Cara’s  acquisitions  of  St-Hubert  (100%)  and  Original  Joe’s  (89.2%),  Fairfax  Asia’s
acquisition  of  AMAG  (80%),  Fairfax  India’s  acquisition  of  Privi  Organics  (50.8%)  and  the  acquisitions  of  Bryte
Insurance (100%) and Golf Town (60%). Purchases of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired of $1,455.6 in 2015 primarily
related to the acquisition of Brit (97.0%), Fairfax India’s acquisition of NCML, Thomas Cook India’s acquisitions of

171

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Kuoni Hong Kong and Kuoni India, Fairfax Asia’s acquisition of Union Assurance (78.0%), Crum’s acquisition of
Redwoods, and Pacific Insurance’s acquisition of MCIS.

Net proceeds from borrowings – holding company and insurance and reinsurance companies of $637.7 reflected net
proceeds from the issuance of Cdn $400.0 principal amount of 4.50% unsecured senior notes due March 22, 2023
and Cdn$450.0 principal amount of 4.70% unsecured senior notes due December 16, 2026. Issuance of subordinate
voting shares of $523.5 in 2016 reflected net proceeds received from the underwritten public offering of 1.0 million
subordinate voting shares. In 2015 the company completed three underwritten public offerings: the issuance of
1.15 million subordinate voting shares of $575.9 (Cdn$717.1), the issuance of long term debt of $275.7 (net proceeds
from the issuance of Cdn$350.0 principal amount of 4.95% unsecured senior notes due March 3, 2025) and the
issuance of 9,200,000 cumulative five-year reset preferred shares, Series M of $179.0 (Cdn$222.9) which formed part
of  the  financing  for  the  acquisition  of  Brit.  Repayment  of  borrowings – holding  company  and  insurance  and
reinsurance companies of $212.4 in 2015 primarily reflected the repayment upon maturity of OdysseyRe and Fairfax
unsecured  senior  notes  ($125.0  and  $82.4  principal  amounts  respectively).  Net  proceeds  from  borrowings –
non-insurance of $360.5 in 2016 reflected net proceeds from Cara’s floating rate term loan of $115.2 (Cdn $150.0)
maturing on September 2, 2019 to finance its acquisition of St-Hubert and Fairfax India’s use of its term loan ($225.0)
to  fund  its  investments.  Net  proceeds  from  borrowings – non-insurance  of  $54.2  in  2015  principally  reflected
additional financing at Thomas Cook India in respect of its acquisitions and the issuance of $15.2 (1.0 billion Indian
rupees) principal amount of its debentures due 2020. Net borrowings from revolving credit facilities – non-insurance
companies of $193.6 in 2016 principally reflected Cara’s borrowing on its floating rate revolving credit facility to
finance its acquisitions of St-Hubert and Original Joe’s. Purchases of subordinate voting shares for treasury in 2016 of
$64.2 (2015 – $95.5) were for the company’s share-based payment awards. Issuance of subsidiary common shares to
non-controlling interests of $157.1 in 2016 primarily reflected Cara’s issuance of subordinate common shares to
finance  its  acquisition  of  St-Hubert  and  the  issuance  of  common  shares  by  Quess  as  a  result  of  its  initial  public
offering. Issuance of subsidiary common shares of $725.8 in 2015 reflected the offerings of Fairfax India’s common
shares.  Net  purchases  of  subsidiary  common  shares  from  non-controlling  interests  of  $74.5  in  2016  primarily
reflected  the  repurchase  by  Brit  of  its  common  shares  from  OMERS  and  the  repurchase  of  common  shares  for
cancellation by Fairfax India. Net sales of subsidiary common shares to non-controlling interests of $430.0 in 2015
primarily reflected the sale of a 29.9% interest in Brit to OMERS. The company paid common and preferred share
dividends of $227.8 and $44.0 in 2016 respectively (2015 – $216.1 and $49.3).

Contractual Obligations

The following table sets out the expected payment schedule of the company’s significant contractual obligations as
at December 31, 2016:

Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses
Borrowings – principal
Borrowings – interest
Operating leases

Less than
1 year
5,273.5
715.7
249.1
142.7

1-3 years
5,664.4
650.8
443.1
255.8

3-5 years
3,428.0
1,299.6
334.5
208.6

More than
5 years
5,115.9
2,117.4
610.0
328.1

Total
19,481.8
4,783.5
1,636.7
935.2

6,381.0

7,014.1

5,270.7

8,171.4

26,837.2

For further detail on the maturity profile of the company’s financial liabilities, please see the heading Liquidity Risk
in  note  24  (Financial  Risk  Management)  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements  for  the  year  ended
December 31, 2016.

Contingencies and Commitments

For a full description of these matters, please see note 20 (Contingencies and Commitments) to the consolidated
financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016.

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Accounting and Disclosure Matters

Management’s Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of the company’s management, including the company’s CEO and
CFO,  the  company  conducted  an  evaluation  of  the  effectiveness  of  its  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  as  of
December 31, 2016, as required by Canadian securities legislation. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed
to  ensure  that  the  information  required  to  be  disclosed  by  the  company  in  the  reports  it  files  or  submits  under
securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported on a timely basis and that such information is
accumulated and reported to management, including the company’s CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow required
disclosures to be made in a timely fashion. Based on their evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that as of
December 31, 2016, the company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial
reporting  (as  defined  in  Rule  13a-15(f)  under  the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934  and  under  National
Instrument  52-109).  The  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 International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International
Accounting  Standards  Board.  A  company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  includes  those  policies  and
procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the
transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) 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  (iii)  provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding
prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could
have a material effect on the financial statements.

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

The company’s management assessed the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting as
of December 31, 2016. In making this assessment, the company’s management used the criteria set forth by the
Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission  (‘‘COSO’’)  in  Internal  Control – Integrated
Framework (2013). The company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that, as of December 31,
2016, the company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective based on the criteria in Internal Control –
Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.

Pursuant to the requirements of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act, the effectiveness of the company’s internal control
over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent
auditor, as stated in its report which appears within this Annual Report.

Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments

Please refer to note 4 (Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments) to the consolidated financial statements for the
year ended December 31, 2016.

Significant Accounting Policy Changes

There were no significant accounting policy changes during 2016. Please refer to note 3 (Summary of Significant
Accounting Policies) to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016 for a detailed
description of the company’s accounting policies.

Future Accounting Changes

Certain new IFRS may have a significant impact on the company’s consolidated financial reporting in the future.
Each of those standards will require a moderate to high degree of implementation effort within the next four years as

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FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

described below. The company does not expect to adopt any of these new standards in advance of their respective
effective dates. New standards and amendments that have been issued but are not yet effective are also described in
note 3 (Summary of Significant Accounting Policies) to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended
December 31, 2016.

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (‘‘IFRS 9’’)

In July of 2014 the IASB issued a complete version of IFRS 9 which supersedes the 2010 version currently applied by
the company (‘‘IFRS 9 (2010)’’). IFRS 9 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018, with
retrospective application, and includes: requirements for the classification and measurement of financial assets and
liabilities; an expected credit loss model that replaces the existing incurred loss impairment model; and new hedge
accounting guidance.

The company has commenced evaluating the impact of IFRS 9 by assessing its business models and the cash flow
characteristics  of  its  financial  assets  to  determine  their  appropriate  classifications  under  the  new  standard.  The
company expects equities and derivative instruments held within the company’s investment portfolio to continue to
be classified as FVTPL under IFRS 9, and the classification of financial liabilities to also remain largely unchanged
from IFRS 9 (2010). Upon adopting IFRS 9 on January 1, 2018 the company does not expect to restate comparative
periods, and will record any necessary adjustments to opening retained earnings as permitted by the standard.

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (‘‘IFRS 15’’)

In May of 2014 the IASB issued IFRS 15 which introduces a single model for recognizing revenue from contracts with
customers.  IFRS  15  excludes  insurance  contracts  from  its  scope  and  is  primarily  applicable  to  the  company’s
non-insurance entities. In April of 2016 the IASB issued amendments to clarify certain aspects of IFRS 15 and to
provide additional practical expedients upon transition. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or
after January 1, 2018, with retrospective application.

During 2016 the company developed a detailed project plan for the implementation of IFRS 15 and conducted an
impact  assessment  involving  all  of  its  significant  operating  companies  that  focused  on  identifying  potential
differences under IFRS 15 compared to current accounting policies, by industry and key revenue streams. Based on
the results of that assessment, the company does not expect IFRS 15 to have a significant impact on its consolidated
financial reporting, and has commenced further study of a limited number of potential issues for certain of the
non-insurance companies, particularly in the restaurant, travel and hospitality industries. Upon adopting IFRS 15 on
January  1,  2018  the  company  does  not  expect  to  restate  comparative  periods,  and  will  record  any  necessary
adjustments to opening retained earnings as permitted by the standard.

IFRS 16 Leases (‘‘IFRS 16’’)

In January of 2016 the IASB issued IFRS 16 which largely eliminates the current distinction between finance and
operating leases for lessees. With limited exceptions, lessees will be required to recognize a right-of-use asset and a
liability for its obligation to make lease payments. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after
January 1, 2019, with modified retrospective application.

The company is currently developing a detailed implementation plan for IFRS 16 and expects to have each of its
operating companies undertake a detailed inventory of leases during 2017 to determine completeness of detailed
historic lease data required for IFRS 16 transition calculations and to address any further data requirements. A study
will also be undertaken in 2017 to identify enhancements to current processes and information systems that may be
required to embed IFRS 16 lease liability calculations within the company’s financial reporting.

IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts (‘‘IFRS 17’’)

An initial exposure draft of Insurance Contracts was issued by the IASB in July of 2010 followed by a revised exposure
draft in June of 2013. The proposed standard is comprehensive in scope and addresses recognition, measurement,
presentation and disclosure for insurance contracts. The measurement approach is based on the following building
blocks: (i) a current, unbiased probability-weighted estimate of future cash flows expected to arise as the insurer
fulfills the contract; (ii) the effect of the time value of money; (iii) a risk adjustment that measures the effects of
uncertainty  about  the  amount  and  timing  of  future  cash  flows;  and  (iv)  a  contractual  service  margin  which
represents the unearned profit in a contract (that is recognized in net earnings as the insurer fulfills its performance

174

obligations  under  the  contract).  Estimates  are  required  to  be  re-measured  each  reporting  period.  In  addition,  a
simplified  measurement  approach  is  permitted  for  short-duration  contracts  in  which  the  coverage  period  is
approximately one year or less. The final standard is expected to be published in May of 2017, with an effective date
of January 1, 2021. Retrospective application will be required with some practical expedients available on adoption.

The  company  has  commenced  evaluating  the  impact  of  the  proposed  standard  on  its  financial  reporting,  and
potentially, its business activities. The building block approach and the need for current estimates could significantly
increase operational complexity compared to existing practice. The use of different measurement models depending
on  whether  an  insurance  contract  is  considered  short-duration  or  long-duration  under  the  proposed  standard
presents certain implementation challenges and the presentation requirements significantly alter the disclosure of
profit and loss from insurance contracts in the consolidated financial statements. The company expects to devote
significant effort to analyzing IFRS 17 upon its publication and to conduct more extensive impact assessments and
implementation planning shortly thereafter.

Risk Management

Overview

The primary goals of the company’s financial risk management program are to ensure that the outcomes of activities
involving elements of risk are consistent with the company’s objectives and risk tolerance, while maintaining an
appropriate balance between risk and reward and protecting the company’s consolidated balance sheet from events
that  have  the  potential  to  materially  impair  its  financial  strength.  Please  refer  to  note  24  (Financial  Risk
Management)  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2016  for  a  detailed
discussion of the company’s risk management policies.

Issues and Risks

The following issues and risks, among others, should be considered in evaluating the outlook of the company. For
further detail about the issues and risks relating to the company, please see Risk Factors in Fairfax’s most recent Short
Form Base Shelf Prospectus and Supplements filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada, which are
available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Claims Reserves

Reserves are maintained to cover the estimated ultimate unpaid liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses with
respect to reported and unreported claims incurred as of the end of each accounting period. The company’s success is
dependent upon its ability to accurately assess the risks associated with the businesses being insured or reinsured.
Failure to accurately assess the risks assumed may lead to the setting of inappropriate premium rates and establishing
reserves that are inadequate to cover losses. This could adversely affect the company’s net earnings and financial
condition.

Reserves do not represent an exact calculation of liability, but instead represent estimates at a given point in time
involving  actuarial  and  statistical  projections  of  the  company’s  expectations  of  the  ultimate  settlement  and
administration  costs  of  claims  incurred.  Establishing  an  appropriate  level  of  claims  reserves  is  an  inherently
uncertain  process.  Both  proprietary  and  commercially  available  actuarial  models,  as  well  as  historical  insurance
industry loss development patterns, are utilized in the establishment of appropriate claims reserves. The company’s
management of pricing risk is discussed in note 24 (Financial Risk Management), and management of claims reserves
is discussed in note 4 (Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments) and note 8 (Insurance Contract Liabilities), to
the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Catastrophe Exposure

The company’s insurance and reinsurance operations are exposed to claims arising out of catastrophes. Catastrophes
can be caused by various events, including natural events such as hurricanes, windstorms, earthquakes, hailstorms,
severe winter weather and fires, and unnatural events such as terrorist attacks and riots. The incidence and severity of
catastrophes are inherently unpredictable.

The extent of losses from a catastrophe is a function of both the total amount of insured exposure in the area affected
by  the  event  and  the  severity  of  the  event.  Most  catastrophes  are  restricted  to  small  geographic  areas;  however,
hurricanes,  windstorms  and  earthquakes  may  produce  significant  damage  in  large,  heavily  populated  areas.

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FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Catastrophes  can  cause  losses  in  a  variety  of  property  and  casualty  lines,  including  losses  relating  to  business
interruptions occurring in the same geographic area as the catastrophic event or in the other geographic areas. It is
possible that a catastrophic event or multiple catastrophic events could have a material adverse effect upon the
company’s financial condition, profitability or cash flows. The company believes that increases in the value and
geographic concentration of insured property, higher construction costs due to labour and raw material shortages
following a significant catastrophe event, and climate change could increase the severity of claims from catastrophic
events  in  the  future.  The  company’s  management  of  catastrophe  risk  is  discussed  in  note  24  (Financial  Risk
Management) to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Cyclical Nature of the Property & Casualty Business

The financial performance of the insurance and reinsurance industries has historically tended to fluctuate due to
competition,  frequency  of  occurrence  or  severity  of  catastrophic  events,  levels  of  capacity,  general  economic
conditions and other factors. Demand for insurance and reinsurance is influenced significantly by underwriting
results  of  primary  insurers  and  prevailing  general  economic  conditions.  Factors  such  as  changes  in  the  level  of
employment,  wages,  consumer  spending,  business  investment  and  government  spending,  the  volatility  and
strength of the global capital markets and inflation or deflation all affect the business and economic environment
and, ultimately, the demand for insurance and reinsurance products, and therefore may affect the company’s net
earnings, financial position or cash flows.

The  property  and  casualty  insurance  business  historically  has  been  characterized  by  periods  of  intense  price
competition due to excess underwriting capacity, as well as periods when shortages of underwriting capacity have
permitted attractive premium levels. The company expects to continue to experience the effects of this cyclicality,
which, during down periods, could harm its financial position, profitability or cash flows.

In the reinsurance industry, the supply of reinsurance is related to prevailing prices and levels of surplus capacity
that, in turn, may fluctuate in response to changes in rates of return being realized. It is possible that premium rates
or other terms and conditions of trade could vary in the future, that the present level of demand will not continue
because insurers, including the larger insurers created by industry consolidation, may require less reinsurance or that
the  present  level  of  supply  of  reinsurance  could  increase  as  a  result  of  capital  provided  by  existing  reinsurers  or
alternative forms of reinsurance capacity entering the market from recent or future market entrants. If any of these
events transpire, the profitability of the company’s reinsurance business could be adversely affected.

The company actively manages its operations to withstand the cyclical nature of the property and casualty business
by maintaining sound liquidity and strong capital management as discussed in note 24 (Financial Risk Management)
to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Investment Portfolio

Investment returns are an important part of the company’s overall profitability as the company’s operating results
depend in part on the performance of its investment portfolio. The company’s investment portfolio includes bonds
and other debt instruments, common stocks, preferred stocks, equity-related securities and derivative instruments.
Accordingly, fluctuations in the fixed income or equity markets could impair the company’s financial condition,
profitability or cash flows. Investment income is derived from interest and dividends, together with net gains or
losses on investments. The portion derived from net gains or losses on investments generally fluctuates from year to
year and is typically a less predictable source of investment income than interest and dividends, particularly in the
short term. The return on the portfolio and the risks associated with the investments are affected by the asset mix,
which can change materially depending on market conditions.

The ability of the company to achieve its investment objectives is affected by general economic conditions that are
beyond  its  control.  General  economic  conditions  can  adversely  affect  the  markets  for  interest-rate-sensitive
securities,  including  the  extent  and  timing  of  investor  participation  in  such  markets,  the  level  and  volatility  of
interest rates and, consequently, the value of fixed income securities. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many
factors, including governmental monetary policies, domestic and international economic and political conditions
and other factors beyond the company’s control. General economic conditions, stock market conditions and many
other factors can also adversely affect the equity markets and, consequently, the value of the equities owned. In
addition,  defaults  by  third  parties  who  fail  to  pay  or  perform  on  their  obligations  could  reduce  the  company’s
investment income and net gains on investment or result in investment losses. The company’s management of credit

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risk,  liquidity  risk,  market  risk  and  interest  rate  risk  is  discussed  in  note  24  (Financial  Risk  Management)  to  the
consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Derivative Instruments

The company may hold significant investments in derivative instruments, primarily for general protection against
declines in the fair value of the company’s financial assets. Derivative instruments may be used to manage or reduce
risks or as a cost-effective way to synthetically replicate the investment characteristics of an otherwise permitted
investment. The market value and liquidity of these investments are volatile or extremely volatile and may vary
dramatically  up  or  down  in  short  periods,  and  their  ultimate  value  will  therefore  only  be  known  upon  their
disposition or settlement.

Use  of  derivative  instruments  is  governed  by  the  company’s  investment  policies  and  exposes  the  company  to  a
number of risks, including credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, inflation risk, market risk and counterparty risk.
The  company  endeavors  to  limit  counterparty  risk  through  diligent  selection  of  counterparties  to  its  derivative
instruments and through the terms of agreements negotiated with counterparties. Pursuant to these agreements,
both parties are required to deposit eligible collateral in collateral accounts for either the benefit of the company or
the counterparty depending on the then current fair value or change in the fair value of the derivative contract.

The company may not be able to realize its investment objectives with respect to derivative instruments, which
could have a material adverse effect upon its financial position, profitability or cash flows. The company’s use of
derivatives is discussed in note 7 (Short Sales and Derivatives) and management of credit risk, liquidity risk, market
risk  and  interest  rate  risk  is  discussed  in  note  24  (Financial  Risk  Management)  to  the  consolidated  financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Economic Hedging Strategies

The company may use derivative instruments to manage or reduce its exposure to credit risk and various market
risks,  including  interest  rate  risk,  equity  market  risk,  inflation/deflation  risk  and  foreign  currency  risk.  Hedging
strategies may be implemented from time to time by the company to hedge risks associated with a specific financial
instrument, asset or liability or at a macro level to hedge systemic financial risk and the impact of potential future
economic crisis and credit related problems on its operations and the value of its financial assets. Credit default
swaps, total return swaps and consumer price index-linked derivative instruments have typically been used to hedge
macro  level  risks.  The  company’s  use  of  derivatives  is  discussed  in  note  7  (Short  Sales  and  Derivatives)  to  the
consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016.

The company’s derivative instruments may expose it to basis risk, counterparty risk, credit risk and liquidity risk,
notwithstanding that the company’s principal use of derivative instruments is to hedge exposures to various risks.
Basis risk is the risk that the fair value or cash flows of derivative instruments applied as economic hedges will not
experience changes in exactly the opposite directions from those of the underlying hedged exposure. This imperfect
correlation between the derivative instrument and underlying hedged exposure creates the potential for excess gains
or losses in a hedging strategy which may adversely impact the net effectiveness of the hedge and may diminish the
financial  viability  of  maintaining  the  hedging  strategy  and  therefore  adversely  impact  the  company’s  financial
condition, profitability or cash flows.

The company regularly monitors the prospective and retrospective effectiveness of any hedging instruments and will
adjust  the  amount  and/or  type  of  hedging  instruments  as  required  to  achieve  its  risk  management  goals.  The
management  of  credit  risk  and  various  market  risks  is  discussed  in  note  24  (Financial  Risk  Management)  to  the
consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016.

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 by the company by an amount that could be material to the company’s financial condition, profitability
or cash flows in future periods.

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The company’s exposure to asbestos, environmental and other latent claims is discussed in the Asbestos, Pollution
and  Other  Hazards  section  of  this  MD&A.  The  company’s  management  of  reserving  risk  is  discussed  in  note  24
(Financial Risk Management) and in note 8 (Insurance Contract Liabilities) to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Recoverable from Reinsurers and Insureds

Most insurance and reinsurance companies reduce their exposure to any individual claim by reinsuring amounts in
excess of their maximum desired retention. Reinsurance is an arrangement in which an insurer, called the cedant,
transfers  insurance  risk  to  another  insurer,  called  the  reinsurer,  which  accepts  the  risk  in  return  for  a  premium
payment. This third party reinsurance does not relieve the company, as a cedant, of its primary obligation to the
insured. Recoverable from reinsurers balances may become an issue mainly due to reinsurer solvency and credit
concerns, due to the potentially long time period over which claims may be paid and the resulting recoveries are
received from the reinsurers, or due to policy disputes. If reinsurers are unwilling or unable to pay amounts due under
reinsurance contracts, the company will incur unexpected losses and its cash flows will be adversely affected. The
credit risk associated with the company’s reinsurance recoverable balances is described in note 24 (Financial Risk
Management) to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016 and in the Recoverable
from Reinsurers section of this MD&A.

The  company’s  insurance  and  reinsurance  companies  write  certain  insurance  policies,  such  as  large  deductible
policies  (policies  where  the  insured  retains  a  specific  amount  of  any  potential  loss),  in  which  the  insured  must
reimburse  the  company’s  insurance  and  reinsurance  companies  for  certain  losses.  Accordingly,  the  company’s
insurance and reinsurance companies bear credit risk on these policies as there is no assurance that the insureds will
provide reimbursement on a timely basis or at all.

Acquisitions and Divestitures

The company may periodically and opportunistically acquire other insurance and reinsurance companies or execute
other strategic initiatives developed by management. Although the company undertakes due diligence prior to the
completion of an acquisition, it is possible that unanticipated factors could arise and there is no assurance that the
anticipated  financial  or  strategic  objectives  following  an  integration  effort  or  the  implementation  of  a  strategic
initiative will be achieved which could adversely affect the company’s financial condition, profitability or cash flows.

The  strategies  and  performance  of  operating  companies,  and  the  alignment  of  those  strategies  throughout  the
organization,  are  regularly  assessed  through  various  processes  involving  senior  management  and  the  company’s
Board of Directors.

Ratings

Financial  strength  and  credit  ratings  by  the  major  North  American  rating  agencies  are  important  factors  in
establishing  competitive  position  for  insurance  and  reinsurance  companies.  The  claims-paying  ability  ratings
assigned  by  rating  agencies  to  reinsurance  or  insurance  companies  represent  independent  opinions  of  financial
strength  and  ability  to  meet  policyholder  obligations.  A  downgrade  in  these  ratings  could  lead  to  a  significant
reduction  in  the  number  of  insurance  policies  the  company’s  insurance  subsidiaries  write  and  could  cause  early
termination  of  contracts  written  by  the  company’s  reinsurance  subsidiaries  or  a  requirement  for  them  to  post
collateral at the direction of their counterparts. A downgrade of the company’s long term debt ratings by the major
rating agencies could require the company and/or its subsidiaries to accelerate their cash settlement obligations for
certain  derivative  transactions  to  which  they  are  a  party,  and  could  result  in  the  termination  of  certain  other
derivative transactions. In addition, a downgrade of the company’s credit rating may affect the cost and availability
of unsecured financing. Ratings are subject to periodic review at the discretion of each respective rating agency and
may be revised downward or revoked at their sole discretion. Rating agencies may also increase their scrutiny of rated
companies, revise their rating standards or take other action. The company has dedicated personnel that manage the
company’s relationships with its various rating agencies.

Competition

The property and casualty insurance industry and the reinsurance industry are both highly competitive, and will
likely remain highly competitive in the foreseeable future. Competition in these industries is based on many factors,
including premiums charged and other terms and conditions offered, products and services provided, commission

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structure, financial ratings assigned by independent rating agencies, speed of claims payment, reputation, selling
effort,  perceived  financial  strength  and  the  experience  of  the  insurer  or  reinsurer  in  the  line  of  insurance  or
reinsurance to be written. The company competes with a large number of Canadian, U.S. and foreign insurers and
reinsurers,  as  well  as  certain  underwriting  syndicates,  some  of  which  have  greater  financial,  marketing  and
management resources than the company. In addition, some financial institutions, such as banks, are now able to
offer services similar to those offered by the company’s reinsurance subsidiaries while in recent years, capital market
participants have also created alternative products that are intended to compete with reinsurance products.

Consolidation within the insurance industry could result in insurance and reinsurance market participants using
their market power to implement price reductions. If competitive pressures compel the company to reduce its prices,
the company’s operating margins could decrease. As the insurance industry consolidates, competition for customers
could become more intense and the importance of acquiring and properly servicing each customer could become
greater, causing the company to incur greater expenses relating to customer acquisition and retention and further
reducing  operating  margins.  The  company’s  management  of  pricing  risk  is  discussed  in  note  24  (Financial  Risk
Management) to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Emerging Claim and Coverage Issues

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 (as was
the case with asbestos and pollution exposures) and extreme weather events. Unanticipated developments in the law
as well as changes in social and environmental conditions could result in unexpected claims for coverage under
insurance and reinsurance contracts. With respect to casualty lines of business, these legal, social and environmental
changes may not become apparent until some time after their occurrence.

The full effects of these and other unforeseen emerging claim and coverage issues are extremely hard to predict. As a
result, the full extent of the company’s liability under its coverages, and in particular its casualty insurance policies
and reinsurance contracts, may not be known until many years after a policy or contract is issued. The company’s
exposure to this uncertainty is greatest in its ‘‘long-tail’’ casualty lines of business where claims can typically be made
for many years, rendering them more susceptible to these trends than in the property insurance lines of business,
which is more typically ‘‘short-tail’’.

The company seeks to limit its loss exposure by employing a variety of policy limits and other terms and conditions
and  through  prudent  underwriting  of  each  program  written.  Loss  exposure  is  also  limited  by  geographic
diversification. The company’s management of reserving risk is discussed in note 24 (Financial Risk Management)
and  in  note  8  (Insurance  Contract  Liabilities)  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements  for  the  year  ended
December 31, 2016 and in the Asbestos, Pollution and Other Hazards section of this MD&A.

Cost of Reinsurance and Adequate Protection

The company uses reinsurance arrangements, including reinsurance of its own reinsurance business purchased from
other reinsurers, referred to as retrocessionaires, to help manage its exposure to property and casualty risks. The
availability of reinsurance and the rates charged by reinsurers are subject to prevailing market conditions, both in
terms of price and available capacity, which can affect the company’s business volume and profitability. Reinsurance
companies can also add or exclude certain coverages from, or alter terms in, the policies they offer. Reinsurers may
also impose terms, such as lower per occurrence and aggregate limits, on primary insurers that are inconsistent with
corresponding  terms  in  the  policies  written  by  these  primary  insurers.  In  the  future,  alleviation  of  risk  through
reinsurance arrangements may become increasingly difficult or cost prohibitive.

The rates charged by reinsurers and the availability of reinsurance to the company’s subsidiaries will generally reflect
the recent loss experience of the company and of the industry in general. For example, the significant hurricane
losses in 2004 and 2005 caused the prices for catastrophe reinsurance protection in Florida to increase significantly in
2006. In 2011 the insurance industry experienced the second highest number of insured losses in history, primarily
due to numerous catastrophes. The significant catastrophe losses incurred by reinsurers worldwide resulted in higher
costs for reinsurance protection in 2012. Currently there exists excess capital within the reinsurance market due to
favourable operating results of reinsurers, no significant catastrophe losses in the last number of years and alternative
forms of reinsurance capacity entering the market. As a result, the market has become very competitive with prices
decreasing for most lines of business. Each of the company’s subsidiaries continue to evaluate the relative costs and

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benefits of accepting more risk on a net basis, reducing exposure on a direct basis, and paying additional premiums
for reinsurance.

Holding Company Liquidity

Fairfax  is  a  holding  company  that  conducts  substantially  all  of  its  business  through  its  subsidiaries  and  receives
substantially all of its earnings from them. The holding company controls the operating insurance and reinsurance
companies,  each  of  which  must  comply  with  applicable  insurance  regulations  of  the  jurisdictions  in  which  it
operates. Each operating company must maintain reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses to cover the risks
it has underwritten.

Although substantially all of the holding company’s operations are conducted through its subsidiaries, none of its
subsidiaries are obligated to make funds available to the holding company for payment of its outstanding debt.
Accordingly, the holding company’s ability to meet financial obligations, including the ability to make payments on
outstanding debt, is dependent on the distribution of earnings from its subsidiaries. The ability of subsidiaries to pay
dividends in the future will depend on their statutory surplus, on earnings and on regulatory restrictions. Dividends,
distributions or returns of capital to the holding company are subject to restrictions set forth in the insurance laws
and  regulations  of  Canada,  the  United  States,  the  United  Kingdom,  Barbados,  Poland,  Hong  Kong,  Indonesia,
Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Brazil, South Africa and other jurisdictions (in each case, including the provinces,
states  or  other  jurisdictions  therein)  and  is  affected  by  the  subsidiaries’  credit  agreements,  indentures,  rating
agencies, the discretion of insurance regulatory authorities and capital support agreements with subsidiaries. The
holding company strives to be soundly financed and maintains high levels of liquid assets as discussed in note 24
(Financial Risk Management) to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016 and in
the Liquidity section of this MD&A.

Access to Capital

The company’s future capital requirements depend on many factors, including its ability to successfully write new
business and to establish premium rates and reserves at levels sufficient to cover losses. To the extent that the funds
generated by the company’s business are insufficient to fund future operations, additional funds may need to be
raised through equity or debt financings. If the company requires additional capital or liquidity but cannot obtain it
on  reasonable  terms  or  at  all,  its  business,  financial  condition  and  profitability  would  be  materially  adversely
affected.

The company’s ability and/or the ability of its subsidiaries to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital
expenditures  or  acquisitions  in  the  future  may  also  be  limited  under  the  terms  of  its  credit  facility  discussed  in
note 15 (Borrowings) to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016. The credit
facility contains various covenants that may restrict, among other things, the company’s ability or the ability of its
subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness, to create liens or other encumbrances and to sell or otherwise dispose
of assets and merge or consolidate with another entity. In addition, the credit facility contains certain financial
covenants that require the company to maintain a ratio of consolidated debt to consolidated capitalization of not
more than 0.35:1 and to maintain consolidated shareholders’ equity of not less than $7.5 billion. A failure to comply
with the obligations and covenants under the credit facility could result in an event of default under such agreement
which,  if  not  cured  or  waived,  could  prevent  the  company  from  drawing  on  the  credit  facility  and  permit
acceleration of indebtedness, including other indebtedness of Fairfax or its subsidiaries. If such indebtedness were to
be accelerated, there can be no assurance that our assets would be sufficient to repay that indebtedness in full. This
risk is mitigated by maintaining high levels of liquid assets at the holding company. The company’s management of
liquidity risk is discussed further in note 24 (Financial Risk Management) to the consolidated financial statements for
the year ended December 31, 2016 and in the Liquidity section of this MD&A.

Key Employees

The  company  is  substantially  dependent  on  a  small  number  of  key  employees,  including  its  Chairman,  Chief
Executive Officer and significant shareholder, Mr. Prem Watsa, and the senior management of the company and its
operating subsidiaries. The industry experience and reputations of these individuals are important factors in the
company’s ability to attract new business. The company’s success has been, and will continue to be, dependent on its
ability to retain the services of existing key employees and to attract and retain additional qualified personnel in the

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future.  At  the  operating  subsidiaries,  employment  agreements  have  been  entered  into  with  key  employees.  The
company does not maintain key employee insurance with respect to any of its employees.

Regulatory, Political and other Influences

The insurance and reinsurance industries are highly regulated and are subject to changing political, economic and
regulatory influences. These factors affect the practices and operation of insurance and reinsurance organizations.
Federal,  state  and  provincial  governments  in  the  United  States  and  Canada,  as  well  as  governments  in  foreign
jurisdictions  in  which  the  company  operates,  have  periodically  considered  programs  to  reform  or  amend  the
insurance  systems  at  both  the  federal  and  local  levels.  For  example,  in  recent  years  the  company  has  had  to
implement  the  following:  new  regulatory  capital  guidelines  for  the  company’s  European  operations  due  to
Solvency  II;  the  Dodd-Frank  Act  created  a  new  framework  for  regulation  of  over-the-counter  derivatives  in  the
United  States  which  could  increase  the  cost  of  the  company’s  use  of  derivatives  for  investment  and  hedging
purposes; the activities of the International Association of Insurance Supervisors has resulted in additional regulatory
oversight of the company; and the Canadian and U.S. insurance regulators’ Own Risk and Solvency Assessment
(‘‘ORSA’’) initiatives have required the company’s North American operations to perform self-assessments of the
capital available to support their business risks. Such initiatives could adversely affect the financial results of the
company’s  subsidiaries,  including  their  ability  to  pay  dividends,  cause  unplanned  modifications  of  products  or
services, or result in delays or cancellations of sales of products and services by insurers or reinsurers. Insurance
industry participants may respond to changes by reducing their investments or postponing investment decisions,
including investments in the company’s products and services. The company’s management of the risks associated
with its capital within the various regulatory regimes in which it operates (Capital Management) is discussed in
note 24 (Financial Risk Management) to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016
and in the Capital Resources and Management section of this MD&A.

Information Requests or Proceedings by Government Authorities

Each of the company’s insurance and reinsurance companies is subject to insurance legislation in the jurisdiction in
which  it  operates.  From  time  to  time,  the  insurance  industry  has  been  subject  to  investigations,  litigation  and
regulatory activity by various insurance, governmental and enforcement authorities, concerning certain practices
within the industry. From time to time, consumer advocacy groups or the media also focus attention on certain
insurance industry practices. The existence of information requests or proceedings by government authorities could
have  various  adverse  effects.  The  company’s  internal  and  external  legal  counsels  coordinate  with  operating
companies in responding to information requests and government proceedings.

Regional or Geographical Limitations and Risks

The company’s international operations are regulated in various jurisdictions with respect to licensing requirements,
currency, amount and type of security deposits, amount and type of reserves, amount and type of local investment
and other matters. International operations and assets held abroad may be adversely affected by political and other
developments in foreign countries, including possibilities of tax changes, nationalization and changes in regulatory
policy, as well as by consequences of hostilities and unrest. The risks of such occurrences and their overall effect upon
the company vary from country to country and cannot easily be predicted.

The company regularly monitors for political and other changes in each country where it operates. The decentralized
nature  of  the  company’s  operations  permits  quick  adaptation  to,  or  mitigation  of,  evolving  regional  risks.
Furthermore, the company’s international operations are widespread and therefore not dependent on the economic
stability of any one particular region.

Lawsuits

The company may, from time to time, become party to a variety of legal claims and regulatory proceedings. The
existence of such claims against the company or its affiliates, directors or officers could have various adverse effects,
including the incurrence of significant legal expenses defending claims, even those without merit.

Operating companies manage day-to-day regulatory and legal risk primarily by implementing appropriate policies,
procedures and controls. Internal and external legal counsels also work closely with the operating companies to
identify and mitigate areas of potential regulatory and legal risk. The company’s legal and regulatory matters are

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discussed in note 20 (Contingencies and Commitments) to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended
December 31, 2016.

Significant Shareholder

The company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Prem Watsa, owns, directly or indirectly, or exercises
control  or  direction  over  shares  representing  42.6%  of  the  voting  power  of  the  company’s  outstanding  shares.
Mr.  Watsa  has  the  ability  to  substantially  influence  certain  actions  requiring  shareholder  approval,  including
approving a business combination or consolidation, liquidation or sale of assets, electing members of the Board of
Directors and adopting amendments to articles of incorporation and by-laws.

Amendments were made to the terms of the company’s multiple voting shares, which are controlled by Mr. Watsa, in
August of 2015 having the effect of preserving the voting power represented by the multiple voting shares at 41.8%
even if additional subordinate voting shares are issued in the future. The amendments are described in note 16 (Total
Equity) to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015 and in the company’s annual
information  form  filed  with  the  securities  regulatory  authorities  in  Canada,  which  are  available  on  SEDAR  at
www.sedar.com.

Foreign Exchange

The  company’s  reporting  currency  is  the  U.S.  dollar.  A  portion  of  the  company’s  premiums  and  expenses  are
denominated  in  foreign  currencies  and  a  portion  of  assets  (including  investments)  and  loss  reserves  are  also
denominated  in  foreign  currencies.  The  company  may,  from  time  to  time,  experience  losses  resulting  from
fluctuations in the values of foreign currencies (including when certain foreign currency assets and liabilities are
hedged) which could adversely affect the company’s financial condition, profitability or cash flows. The company’s
management  of  foreign  currency  risk  is  discussed  in  note  24  (Financial  Risk  Management)  to  the  consolidated
financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Reliance on Distribution Channels

The company uses brokers to distribute its business and in some instances will distribute through agents or directly to
customers. The company may also conduct business through third parties such as managing general agents where it
is cost effective to do so and where the company can control the underwriting process to ensure its risk management
criteria  are  met.  Each  of  these  channels  has  its  own  distinct  distribution  characteristics  and  customers.  A  large
majority of the company’s business is generated by brokers (including international reinsurance brokers with respect
to the company’s reinsurance operations), with the remainder split among the other distribution channels. This is
substantially consistent across the company’s insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries.

The company’s insurance operations have relationships with many different types of brokers including independent
retail brokers, wholesale brokers and national brokers depending on the particular jurisdiction, while the company’s
reinsurance  operations  are  dependent  primarily  on  a  limited  number  of  international  reinsurance  brokers.  The
company transacts business with these brokers on a non-exclusive basis. These independent brokers also transact the
business  of  the  company’s  competitors  and  there  can  be  no  assurance  as  to  their  continuing  commitment  to
distribute the company’s insurance and reinsurance products. The continued profitability of the company depends,
in part, on the marketing efforts of independent brokers and the ability of the company to offer insurance and
reinsurance products and maintain financial ratings that meet the requirements and preferences of such brokers and
their policyholders.

Because the majority of the company’s brokers are independent, there is limited ability to exercise control over them.
In the event that an independent broker exceeds its authority by binding the company on a risk which does not
comply with the company’s underwriting guidelines, the company may be at risk for that policy until the application
is received and a cancellation effected. Although to date the company has not experienced a material loss from
improper use of binding authority by its brokers, any improper use of such authority may result in losses that could
have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, profitability or cash flows of the company. The
company’s insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries closely manage and monitor broker relationships and regularly
audit broker compliance with the company’s established underwriting guidelines.

182

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The  goodwill  and  intangible  assets  on  the  company’s  consolidated  balance  sheet  originated  from  various
acquisitions made by the company or its operating subsidiaries. Continued profitability of acquired businesses is a
key driver for there to be no impairment in the carrying value of goodwill and intangible assets. An intangible asset
may be impaired if the economic benefit to be derived from its use is unexpectedly diminished.

Management regularly reviews the current and expected profitability of the operating companies relative to plan in
assessing the carrying value of goodwill. The intended use, expected life, and economic benefit to be derived from
intangible assets are evaluated by the company when there are potential indicators of impairment. The carrying
values of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment at least annually or more often if
events or circumstances indicate there may be potential impairment.

Taxation

Realization of deferred income tax assets is dependent upon the generation of taxable income in those jurisdictions
where the relevant tax losses and temporary differences exist. Failure to achieve projected levels of profitability could
lead to a reduction in the company’s deferred income tax asset if it is no longer probable that the amount of the asset
will be realized.

The company is subject to income taxes in Canada, the U.S. and many foreign jurisdictions where it operates, and
the  company’s  determination  of  its  tax  liability  is  subject  to  review  by  applicable  domestic  and  foreign  tax
authorities. While the company believes its tax positions to be reasonable, where the company’s interpretations
differ from those of tax authorities or the timing of realization is not as expected, the provision for income taxes may
increase or decrease in future periods to reflect actual experience.

The  company  has  specialist  tax  personnel  responsible  for  assessing  the  income  tax  consequences  of  planned
transactions and events and undertaking the appropriate tax planning. The company also consults with external tax
professionals  as  needed.  Tax  legislation  of  each  jurisdiction  in  which  the  company  operates  is  interpreted  to
determine the provision for income taxes and expected timing of the reversal of deferred income tax assets and
liabilities.

Guaranty Funds and Shared Markets

Virtually all U.S. states require insurers licensed to do business in their state to bear a portion of the loss suffered by
some insureds as a result of impaired or insolvent insurance companies. Many states also have laws that establish
second-injury funds to provide compensation to injured employees for aggravation of a prior condition or injury,
which are funded by either assessments based on paid losses or premium surcharge mechanisms. In addition, as a
condition to the ability to conduct business in various jurisdictions, the company’s U.S. insurance subsidiaries are
required to participate in mandatory property and casualty shared market mechanisms or pooling arrangements,
which  provide  various  types  of  insurance  coverage  to  individuals  or  other  entities  that  otherwise  are  unable  to
purchase  that  coverage  from  private  insurers.  The  effect  of  these  assessments  and  mandatory  shared-market
mechanisms or changes in them could reduce the profitability of the company’s U.S. insurance subsidiaries in any
given period or limit their ability to grow their business. Similarly, the company’s Canadian insurance subsidiaries
contribute to a mandatory guaranty fund that protects insureds in the event of a Canadian property and casualty
insurer becoming insolvent.

Technological Changes

Technological changes could have unpredictable effects on the insurance and reinsurance industries. It is expected
that new services and technologies will continue to emerge that will affect the demand for insurance and reinsurance
products and services, the premiums payable, the profitability of such products and services and the risks associated
with  underwriting  certain  lines  of  business,  including  new  lines  of  business.  Failure  to  understand  evolving
technologies, or to position the company in the appropriate direction, or to deploy new products and services in a
timely  way  that  considers  customer  demand  and  competitor  activities  could  have  an  adverse  impact  on  the
company’s business, financial condition, profitability or cash flows. The company maintains an innovation working
group comprised of members with diverse backgrounds from across its global subsidiaries to regularly assess new
services and technologies that that may be applicable or disruptive to the insurance and reinsurance industries.

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FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Technology Infrastructure

Third parties provide certain of the key components of the company’s business infrastructure such as voice and data
communications and network access. Given the high volume of transactions processed daily, the company is reliant
on such third party provided services to successfully deliver its products and services. Despite the contingency plans
of the company and those of its third party service providers, failure of these systems could interrupt the company’s
operations and impact its ability to rapidly evaluate and commit to new business opportunities.

In addition, a security breach of the company’s computer systems could damage its reputation or result in liability.
The company retains confidential information regarding its business dealings in its computer systems, including, in
some  cases,  confidential  personal  information  regarding  its  insureds.  Therefore,  it  is  critical  that  the  company’s
facilities and infrastructure remain secure and are perceived by the marketplace to be secure.

The company has highly trained information technology staff that are committed to the continual development and
maintenance  of  its  business  infrastructure.  Operational  availability,  integrity  and  security  of  the  company’s
information, systems and infrastructure are actively managed through threat and vulnerability assessments, strict
security policies and disciplined change management practices.

Other

Quarterly Data (unaudited)

Years ended December 31

2016

Revenue
Net earnings (loss)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders of

Fairfax

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

2015

Revenue
Net earnings (loss)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders of

Fairfax

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

First
Quarter

Second
Quarter

Third
Quarter

Fourth
Quarter

Full
Year

2,186.5
(16.7)

2,907.0
293.5

2,431.4
32.7

1,774.7
(704.2)

9,299.6
(394.7)

(51.0)
$ (2.76) $
$ (2.76) $

238.7
9.81
9.58

1.3

(701.5)

(512.5)
$ (0.42) $ (30.77) $ (24.18)
$ (0.42) $ (30.77) $ (24.18)

2,387.9
236.1

1,769.0
(178.6)

2,976.3
451.4

2,447.2
133.1

9,580.4
642.0

225.2
9.92
9.71

$
$

(185.7)

424.8
$ (8.87) $ 18.57
$ (8.87) $ 18.16

103.4
4.19
4.10

$
$

567.7
$ 23.67
$ 23.15

Revenue of $1,774.7 in the fourth quarter of 2016 decreased from $2,447.2 in 2015 principally as a result of increased
net  losses  on  investments  and  lower  interest  and  dividends  (primarily  related  to  a  decrease  in  share  of  profit  of
associates), partially offset by higher net premiums earned and increased other revenue.

The company reported a net loss attributable to shareholders of Fairfax of $701.5 (net loss of $30.77 per basic and
diluted share) in the fourth quarter of 2016 compared to net earnings attributable to shareholders of Fairfax of $103.4
(net earnings of $4.19 per basic share and $4.10 per diluted share) in the fourth quarter of 2015. The year-over-year
decreases  in  profitability  primarily  reflected  increased  net  losses  on  investments,  lower  interest  and  dividends
(primarily related to a decrease in share of profit of associates) and a decrease in underwriting profit, partially offset
by an increase in the recovery of income taxes.

Operating  results  at  the  company’s  insurance  and  reinsurance  operations  continue  to  be  affected  by  a  difficult
competitive environment. Individual quarterly results have been (and may in the future be) affected by losses from
significant  natural  or  other  catastrophes,  by  reserve  releases  and  strengthenings  and  by  settlements  or
commutations, the occurrence of which are not predictable, and have been (and are expected to continue to be)
significantly impacted by net gains or losses on investments, the timing of which are not predictable.

184

Stock Prices and Share Information

As  at  March  10,  2017,  Fairfax  had  22,324,191  subordinate  voting  shares  and  1,548,000  multiple  voting  shares
outstanding  (an  aggregate  of  23,072,961  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. The multiple voting shares cumulatively carry 41.8% voting power 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.

The  table  that  follows  presents  the  Toronto  Stock  Exchange  high,  low  and  closing  Canadian  dollar  prices  of
subordinate voting shares of Fairfax for each quarter of 2016 and 2015.

2016
High
Low
Close

2015
High
Low
Close

First
Quarter

Second
Quarter

Third
Quarter

Fourth
Quarter

(Cdn$)

780.13
646.03
727.07

739.00
591.50
710.00

736.54
637.17
695.83

720.50
604.00
615.88

774.90
673.00
768.72

669.43
563.34
607.74

777.45
586.00
648.50

692.00
577.00
656.91

Compliance with Corporate Governance Rules

Fairfax is a Canadian reporting issuer with securities listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trading in Canadian
dollars under the symbol FFH and in U.S. dollars under the symbol FFH.U. 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.

The company’s Board of Directors has adopted a set of Corporate Governance Guidelines (which include a written
mandate  of  the  Board),  established  an  Audit  Committee,  a  Governance  and  Nominating  Committee  and  a
Compensation Committee, approved written charters for all of its committees, approved a Code of Business Conduct
and Ethics applicable to all directors, officers and employees of the company and established, in conjunction with
the  Audit  Committee,  a  Whistleblower  Policy.  The  company  continues  to  monitor  developments  in  the  area  of
corporate governance as well as its own procedures.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements and are made pursuant to the ‘‘safe
harbour’’  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  earnings  if  our  loss  reserves  are  insufficient;
underwriting losses on the risks we insure that are higher or lower than expected; the occurrence of catastrophic
events with a frequency or severity exceeding our estimates; changes in market variables, including interest rates,
foreign exchange rates, equity prices and credit spreads, which could negatively affect our investment portfolio; the
cycles of the insurance market and general economic conditions, which can substantially influence our and our
competitors’ premium rates and capacity to write new business; insufficient reserves for asbestos, environmental and
other  latent  claims;  exposure  to  credit  risk  in  the  event  our  reinsurers  fail  to  make  payments  to  us  under  our
reinsurance  arrangements;  exposure  to  credit  risk  in  the  event  our  insureds,  insurance  producers  or  reinsurance
intermediaries fail to remit premiums that are owed to us or failure by our insureds to reimburse us for deductibles
that  are  paid  by  us  on  their  behalf;  our  inability  to  maintain  our  long  term  debt  ratings, the  inability  of  our
subsidiaries to maintain financial or claims paying ability ratings and the impact of a downgrade of such ratings on
derivative transactions that we or our subsidiaries have entered into; risks associated with implementing our business

185

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

strategies; the timing of claims payments being sooner or the receipt of reinsurance recoverables being later than
anticipated by us; risks associated with our use of derivative instruments; the failure of our hedging methods to
achieve their desired risk management objective; a decrease in the level of demand for insurance or reinsurance
products, or increased competition in the insurance industry; the impact of emerging claim and coverage issues or
the failure of any of the loss limitation methods we employ; our inability to access cash of our subsidiaries; our
inability to obtain required levels of capital on favourable terms, if at all; the loss of key employees; our inability to
obtain reinsurance coverage in sufficient amounts, at reasonable prices or on terms that adequately protect us; the
passage  of  legislation  subjecting  our  businesses  to  additional  supervision  or  regulation,  including  additional  tax
regulation, in the United States, Canada or other jurisdictions in which we operate; risks associated with government
investigations of, and litigation and negative publicity related to, insurance industry practice or any other conduct;
risks associated with political and other developments in foreign jurisdictions in which we operate; risks associated
with legal or regulatory proceedings or significant litigation; failures or security breaches of our computer and data
processing systems; the influence exercisable by our significant shareholder; adverse fluctuations in foreign currency
exchange rates; our dependence on independent brokers over whom we exercise little control; an impairment in the
carrying value of our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets; our failure to realize deferred income tax assets;
technological  or  other  change  which  adversely  impacts  demand,  or  the  premiums  payable,  for  the  insurance
coverages we offer; and assessments and shared market mechanisms which may adversely affect our U.S. insurance
subsidiaries.  Additional  risks  and  uncertainties  are  described  in  this  Annual  Report,  which  is  available  at
www.fairfax.ca, and in our Supplemental and Base Shelf Prospectus (under ‘‘Risk Factors’’) filed with the securities
regulatory authorities in Canada, which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Fairfax disclaims any intention or
obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.

186

APPENDIX
GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR FAIRFAX FINANCIAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

OBJECTIVES:

1) We  expect  to  compound  our  mark-to-market  book  value  per  share  over  the  long  term  by  15%  annually  by
running Fairfax and its subsidiaries for the long term benefit of customers, employees, shareholders and the
communities where we operate – at the expense of short term profits if necessary.

2) 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.

3) We always want to be soundly financed.

4) 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, financing and investments, which are done by or with Fairfax. Investing will always be
conducted based on a long term value-oriented philosophy. 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!

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FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Directors of the Company
Anthony F. Griffiths
Corporate Director
Robert J. Gunn
Corporate Director

Alan D. Horn
President and Chief Executive Officer
Rogers Telecommunications Limited

Karen L. Jurjevich (as of April 2017)
Principal, Branksome Hall

John R.V. Palmer
Chairman, Toronto Leadership Centre

Timothy R. Price
Chairman, Brookfield Funds,
Brookfield Asset Management

Brandon W. Sweitzer
Dean, School of Risk Management, St. John’s University

Lauren C. Templeton (as of April 2017)
President, Templeton and Phillips Capital Management

Benjamin P. Watsa
Partner and Portfolio Manager
Lissom Investment Management Inc.

V. Prem Watsa
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company

Officers of the Company
David Bonham
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Peter Clarke
Vice President and Chief Risk Officer

Jean Cloutier
Vice President, International Operations

Vinodh Loganadhan
Vice President, Administrative Services

Bradley Martin
Vice President, Strategic Investments

Paul Rivett
President

Eric Salsberg
Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Corporate Secretary

Ronald Schokking
Vice President and Treasurer

John Varnell
Vice President, Corporate Development

V. Prem Watsa
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Auditor
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

General Counsel
Torys LLP

Operating Management

Fairfax Insurance Group

Andrew A. Barnard, President
and Chief Operating Officer

Northbridge

Silvy Wright, President
Northbridge Financial Corporation

OdysseyRe

Brian D. Young, President
Odyssey Re Holdings Corp.

Crum & Forster
Marc Adee, President
Crum & Forster Holdings Corp.

Zenith National

Kari Van Gundy, President
Zenith National Insurance Corp.

Brit

Mark Cloutier, Executive Chairman
Matthew Wilson, President
Brit Limited

Fairfax Asia

Ramaswamy Athappan, President
First Capital Insurance Limited
and CEO Fairfax Asia
Sammy Y. Chan, President
Fairfax Asia
Gobinath Athappan, COO Fairfax Asia
and President Pacific Insurance

Insurance and Reinsurance – Other

Bruno Camargo, President
Fairfax Brasil
Nigel Fitzgerald, President
Advent Capital (Holdings) PLC
Monika Wozniak-Makarska, President
Polish Re
Peter Csakvari, President
Colonnade (Fairfax Central and Eastern Europe)
Edwyn O’Neill, President
Bryte Insurance Company Limited

Runoff

Nicholas C. Bentley, President
RiverStone Group LLC

Other

Bijan Khosrowshahi, President
Fairfax International
Sean Smith, President
Pethealth Inc.
Roger Lace, President
Hamblin Watsa Investment Counsel Ltd.

Head Office

95 Wellington Street West, Suite 800, Toronto, Canada M5J 2N7
Telephone: (416) 367-4941
Website: www.fairfax.ca

188