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Fairfax Financial

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Employees 51-200
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FY2018 Annual Report · Fairfax Financial
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2018 Annual Report

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! 

30JAN201416052574

2018 Annual Report

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

Fairfax Corporate Performance

Book
value
per
share

Closing
share
price(1) Revenue

Net
earnings
(loss)

Total
assets

Invest-
ments

Net
debt

Common
share-
holders’

Shares
out-
equity standing

Earnings
(loss)
per
share

As at and for the years ended December 31(2)
1985
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
2017
2018

12.2
38.9
86.9
112.0
108.6
167.0
217.4
237.0
266.7
464.8
837.0
1,082.3
1,507.7
2,469.0
3,905.9
4,157.2
3,953.2
5,104.7
5,731.2
5,829.7
5,900.5
6,803.7
7,510.2
7,825.6
6,635.6
5,967.3
7,475.0
8,022.8
5,944.9
10,017.9
9,580.4
9,299.6
16,224.6
17,757.7

3.25(3)
12.75
12.37
15.00
18.75
11.00
21.25
25.00
61.25
67.00
98.00
290.00
320.00
540.00
245.50
228.50
164.00
121.11
226.11
202.24
168.00
231.67
287.00
390.00
410.00
408.99
437.01
358.55
424.11
608.78
656.91
648.50
669.34
600.98

1.52
4.25
6.30
8.26
10.50
14.84
18.38
18.55
26.39
31.06
38.89
63.31
86.28
112.49
155.55
148.14
117.03
125.25
163.70
162.76
137.50
150.16
230.01
278.28
369.80
376.33
364.55
378.10
339.00
394.83
403.01
367.40
449.55
432.46

(0.6)
30.4
4.7
93.4
12.3
139.8
12.1
200.6
14.4
209.5
18.2
461.9
19.6
447.0
8.3
464.6
25.8
906.6
27.9
1,549.3
63.9
2,104.8
110.6
4,216.0
7,148.9
152.1
280.3 13,640.1

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
42.6 22,229.3 12,289.7
75.5 21,667.8 10,399.6
(406.5) 22,183.8 10,228.8
252.8 22,173.2 10,596.5
288.6 24,877.1 12,491.2
53.1 26,271.2 13,460.6
(446.6) 27,542.0 14,869.4
227.5 26,576.5 16,819.7
1,095.8 27,941.8 19,000.7
1,473.8 27,305.4 19,949.8
856.8 28,452.0 21,273.0
335.8 31,448.1 23,300.0
45.1 33,406.9 24,322.5
526.9 36,945.4 26,094.2
(573.4) 35,999.0 24,861.6
1,633.2 36,131.2 26,192.7
567.7 41,529.0 29,016.1
(512.5) 43,384.4 28,430.7
1,740.6 64,090.1 39,255.4
376.0 64,372.1 38,840.6

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
960.5
369.7
1,364.8
830.0
2,088.5
1,248.5
1,940.8
1,251.5
1,679.5
1,194.1
1,760.4
1,602.8
2,264.6
1,961.1
2,605.7
1,965.9
2,448.2
1,984.0
2,662.4
1,613.6
4,063.5
1,207.4
4,866.3
412.5
7,391.8
1,071.1
7,697.9
1,254.9
7,427.9
2,055.7
7,654.7
1,920.6
7,186.7
1,752.9
8,361.0
1,966.3
8,952.5
2,075.6
3,438.2
8,484.6
4,057.2 12,475.6
4,929.8 11,779.3

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
27.8
27.2

(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)
64.98
11.65

Compound annual growth
18.7%

17.1%

(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  2018;  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 and Federated subsidiaries. It is one of the largest commercial property and
casualty insurers in Canada based on gross premiums written. In 2018, Northbridge’s net premiums written were
Cdn$1,520.5  million.  At  year-end,  the  company  had  statutory  equity  of  Cdn$1,257.1  million  and  there  were
1,483 employees.

Odyssey Group, 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
2018, Odyssey Group’s net premiums written were US$2,897.8 million. At year-end, the company had shareholders’
equity of US$4,190.1 million and there were 1,016 employees.

Crum  &  Forster,  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 2018, Crum &
Forster’s  net  premiums  written  were  US$1,977.8  million.  At  year-end,  the  company  had  statutory  surplus  of
US$1,317.6 million and there were 2,300 employees.

Zenith National, based in Woodland Hills, California, is primarily engaged in the workers compensation insurance
business in the United States. In 2018, Zenith National’s net premiums written were US$789.2 million. At year-end,
the company had statutory surplus of US$541.1 million and there were 1,496 employees.

Brit, based in London, England, is a market-leading global Lloyd’s of London specialty insurer and reinsurer. In
2018, Brit’s net premiums written were US$1,494.2 million. At year-end, the company had shareholders’ equity of
US$1,085.0 million and there were 631 employees.

Allied  World,  based  in  Zug,  Switzerland,  provides  property,  casualty  and  specialty  insurance  and  reinsurance
solutions, with principal locations in the United States, Bermuda, London, Singapore and Canada. In 2018, Allied
World’s  net  premiums  written  were  US$2,368.8  million.  At  year-end,  the  company  had  shareholders’  equity  of
US$2,817.3 million and there were 1,444 employees.

Fairfax Asia

Falcon Insurance, based in Hong Kong, writes property and casualty insurance in niche markets in Hong Kong. In
2018, Falcon’s net premiums written were HKD 258.3 million (approximately HKD 7.8 = US$1). At year-end, the
company had shareholders’ equity of HKD 562.9 million and there were 64 employees.

Pacific Insurance, based in Malaysia, writes all classes of general insurance and medical insurance in Malaysia. In
2018, Pacific’s net premiums written were MYR 276.6 million (approximately MYR 4.0 = US$1). At year-end, the
company had shareholders’ equity of MYR 445.9 million and there were 442 employees.

AMAG Insurance, based in Indonesia, writes all classes of general insurance in Indonesia. In 2018, AMAG’s net
premiums  written  were  IDR  784.8  billion  (approximately  IDR  14,219.3  =  US$1).  At  year-end,  the  company  had
shareholders’ equity of IDR 3,101.3 billion and there were 737 employees.

Fairfirst Insurance,  based  in  Sri  Lanka,  writes  general  insurance  in  Sri  Lanka,  specializing  in  automobile  and
personal  accident  lines  of  business.  In  2018,  Fairfirst’s  net  premiums  written  were  LKR  5,701.7  million
(approximately LKR 162.1 = US$1). At year-end, the company had shareholders’ equity of LKR 5,994.9 million and
there were 935 employees.

Insurance and Reinsurance – Other

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 2018, Group Re’s net premiums written were US$163.9 million. At year-end, the Group Re companies
had combined shareholders’ equity of US$468.8 million.

Bryte Insurance, based in South Africa, writes property and casualty insurance in South Africa and Botswana. In
2018, Bryte Insurance’s net premiums written were ZAR 3.6 billion (approximately ZAR 13.2 = US$1). At year-end,
the company had shareholders’ equity of ZAR 2,052.4 million and there were 764 employees.

2

Fairfax Central and Eastern Europe comprises Colonnade Insurance and Polish Re.

Colonnade Insurance, based in Luxembourg, writes general insurance through its Ukrainian insurance company and
through its branches in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Poland and Romania. In 2018, Colonnade
Insurance’s net premiums written were US$151.1 million. At year-end, the company had shareholders’ equity of
US$86.1 million and there were 495 employees.

Polish Re, based in Warsaw, writes reinsurance in the Central and Eastern European regions. In 2018, Polish Re’s net
premiums  written  were  PLN  236.5 million  (approximately  PLN  3.6 =  US$1).  At  year-end,  the  company  had
shareholders’ equity of PLN 339.3 million and there were 42 employees.

Fairfax Latin America comprises Fairfax Brasil and Fairfax Latam.

Fairfax Brasil, based in S˜ao Paulo, writes general insurance in Brazil. In 2018, Fairfax Brasil’s net premiums written
were BRL 222.2 million (approximately BRL 3.6 = US$1). At year-end, the company had shareholders’ equity of BRL
268.8 million and there were 124 employees.

Fairfax  Latam,  with  its  headquarters  in  Miami,  writes  property  and  casualty  insurance  through  its  operating
companies  in  Chile,  Colombia,  Argentina  and  Uruguay.  In  2018,  Fairfax  Latam’s  net  premiums  written  were
US$317.6  million.  At  year-end,  the  company  had  shareholders’  equity  of  US$125.3  million  and  there  were
981 employees.

Run-off

The  run-off  business  comprises  the  U.S.  and  the  European  run-off  groups.  At  year-end,  the  run-off  group  had
combined shareholders’ equity of US$1,594.8 million.

The Resolution Group (TRG) and the RiverStone Group (run by TRG management) manage run-off under the
RiverStone name. At year-end, TRG/RiverStone had 311 employees in the U.S., located primarily in Manchester,
New Hampshire, and 169 employees in its offices in the United Kingdom.

International Investment Companies

Fairfax  India  Holdings  is  an  investment  holding  company  whose  objective  is  to  achieve  long  term  capital
appreciation, while preserving capital, by investing in public and private equity securities and debt instruments in
India and Indian businesses or other businesses with customers, suppliers or business primarily conducted in, or
dependent on, India. At year-end, the company had shareholders’ equity of US$1,616.1 million.

Fairfax Africa Holdings  is  an  investment  holding  company  whose  objective  is  to  achieve  long  term  capital
appreciation, while preserving capital, by investing in public and private equity securities and debt instruments in
Africa and African businesses or other businesses with customers, suppliers or business primarily conducted in, or
dependent on, Africa. At year-end, the company had shareholders’ equity of US$625.2 million.

Other

Pethealth, based in Toronto with 422 employees, provides pet medical insurance and pet-related management
software  and  database  management  services  in  North  America  and  the  United  Kingdom.  In  2018,  Pethealth
produced gross premiums written of Cdn$92.2 million.

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

Notes:

(1) All of the above companies are wholly owned except for 89%-owned Brit, 68%-owned Allied World, 85%-owned Pacific
Insurance, 78%-owned Fairfirst Insurance, 80%-owned AMAG Insurance, Fairfax India Holdings (93.8% voting control,
33.7%-owned) and Fairfax Africa Holdings (98.3% voting control, 58.7%-owned).

(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 9.9% interest in
ICICI Lombard (an Indian property and casualty insurance company), a 43.3% interest in Gulf Insurance (a Kuwait
company with property and casualty insurance operations in the MENA region), a 47.1% 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 50.0%
interest  in  Eurolife  (a  Greek  life  and  non-life  insurer),  a  45.3%  interest  in  Digit  (a  recently  created  digital  insurance
company  in  India)  and  a  7.4%  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, run-off or other operations.

3

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

To Our Shareholders:

We would have had an excellent year in 2018 but a collapse in stock prices in the fourth quarter, which was reflected
immediately through mark to market accounting, resulted in our producing net income of only $376 million(1). Our
book value per share decreased by 1.5% (adjusted for the $10 per share dividend paid) to $432 per share because of
unrealized  foreign  exchange  losses  of  $236  million.  Since  we  began  in  1985,  our  book  value  per  share  has
compounded at 18.7% annually while our common stock price has compounded at 17.1% annually. Our growth in
book value has stalled recently but we have our foot on the accelerator! 

Here’s how our insurance companies performed in 2018:

Northbridge
Odyssey Group
Crum & Forster
Zenith
Brit
Allied World
Fairfax Asia
Other Insurance and Reinsurance

Underwriting
Profit (Loss)
47
181
33
140
(77)
43
–
(49)

Combined
Ratio
95.8%
93.4%
98.3%
82.6%
105.2%
98.1%
99.8%
104.6%

Catastrophe
Losses
1.7%
9.1%
1.4%
0.1%
14.2%
9.8%
–
2.0%

Combined Ratio
Excluding
Cat Losses
94.1%
84.3%
96.9%
82.5%
91.0%
88.3%
99.8%
102.6%

Consolidated

318

97.3%

6.5%

90.8%

As I reminded you last year, ours is a risk business. After record catastrophe losses of $130 billion in 2017, our industry
experienced  $90  billion  in  catastrophes  in  2018,  among  the  top  four  years  for  catastrophe  losses  in  history.
Catastrophe losses cost us 6.5% of net premiums earned in 2018. The table below shows you our 2018 losses from the
major catastrophes:

California wildfires
Hurricane Michael
Typhoon Jebi
Hurricane Florence
Other

Total catastrophe losses

As % of net premiums earned

233
138
102
69
210

752

6.5%

Even  with  these  catastrophe  losses,  our  insurance  operations  had  another  outstanding  year  with  a  consolidated
combined ratio of 97.3%. Zenith continued to lead the group with a combined ratio of 82.6% and a cumulative
combined ratio of 94.4% since we acquired it in 2010. Special mention should be made of Northbridge, which had a
combined ratio of 95.8% (95.6% in the last five years), and Allied World is getting back towards its true potential with
a combined ratio of 98.1%. Odyssey Group again ‘‘shot the lights out’’ with a combined ratio of 93.4% and gross
premium growth of 20%. Odyssey has had a combined ratio of 93.1% over the past ten years. Fairfax has averaged a
combined ratio of 97.0% over the past ten years and cumulatively a 100% combined ratio since inception 33 years
ago. This means we have generated approximately $20 billion of float at essentially no cost since we began. And as
you will see, our reserves are in great shape. Our insurance operations are truly outstanding and overseen by Andy
Barnard, we have a great group of Presidents running our insurance companies. The best is yet to come!

Last year we mentioned to you that we would achieve our target of a 15% return on our shareholders’ equity if we
earned 7% on our investment portfolio and our insurance operations produced a combined ratio of 95%. In 2018, we
earned only 3.1% on our investment portfolio. What happened?

(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

The table below shows you our investment returns(1) by category of investments (the percentage is the percent of our
approximately $39 billion total investment portfolio):

Interest and dividends
Share of profits of associates
Net gains (losses) on equity exposure
Net gains (losses) on bonds
Net gains (losses) on other

784
221
394
8
(181)

2.0%
0.6%
1.0%
0.0%
(0.5)%

1,226

3.1%(1)

(1)

Investment returns include share of profit (loss) of associates and exclude changes in net unrealized gains (losses) of
associates.

To achieve a 7% return on our investment portfolio, we expect our equities, using a value oriented approach, to be
major contributors. However in 2018, because of the fourth quarter drop in stock prices (and asset values generally),
even with our gain on Quess which will be spun out of Thomas Cook India in 2019, our equities produced only a 1%
return on our investment portfolio. More detail below, but you can see why stock prices only make sense in the long
term. Our interest and dividend income of $784 million was up from $559 million in 2017 as we moved from cash to
2 – 3  year  treasuries  and  high  quality  corporate  bonds – but  we  did  not  reach  for  yield!  Our  net  losses  on  other
consisted mainly of unrealized foreign exchange losses.

Let me show you what happened in 2018 to the stock price of some of our major equity holdings (reflecting primarily
adverse fluctuations in the fourth quarter):

Common Stocks
BlackBerry
Eurobank
CIB (Egypt)
Stelco
Kennedy Wilson

Associates and Consolidated Equities
Fairfax India
Fairfax Africa
Thomas Cook
Quess
IIFL
Grivalia
Seaspan
Resolute
Recipe

Price per share (local currency)

December 31, 2017 December 31, 2018 % change

11.17
0.85
61.88
22.89
17.35

15.00
14.16
256.35
1,154.15
667.55
9.20
6.75
11.05
25.96

7.11
0.54
59.26
15.06
18.17

13.13
8.11
234.20
660.3
504.20
8.36
7.83
7.93
26.17

(36.3)
(36.5)
(4.2)
(34.2)
4.7

(12.5)
(42.7)
(8.6)
(42.8)
(24.5)
(9.1)
16.0
(28.2)
0.8

Some dramatic drops! Of course, gains or losses in the market price of our associates and consolidated equities do not
flow through our financial statements, but the unrealized $1.2 billion gain at the end of 2017 in the stock prices of
our associates and consolidated equities had all but disappeared at the end of 2018.

We expect the mark to market declines to reverse ultimately (they have already reversed about half the decline as of
today). Let me give you an update on each of the above holdings:

BlackBerry. Since we acquired our position about six years ago, much has changed at BlackBerry, all skillfully
orchestrated by the only constant, John Chen, its CEO. Recently, he has acquired Cylance for $1.4 billion (leaving
$800 million in cash in the holding company), which uses artificial intelligence to provide cybersecurity protection
for desktops, servers, etc. It has 3,500 customers, including more than 20% of the Fortune 500. BlackBerry, of course,
is the gold standard for mobile security, and together with Cylance it can provide one stop shopping for all the

5

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

cybersecurity needs of large enterprises, particularly banks, governments and transportation companies. Recently,
John Chen said that ‘‘with the acquisition of Cylance, BlackBerry took a giant step forward toward our goal of being
the world’s largest and most trusted AI-cybersecurity company. Securing endpoints and the data that flows between
them  is  absolutely  critical  in  today’s  hyperconnected  world.  By  adding  Cylance’s  technology  to  our  arsenal  of
cybersecurity solutions we will help enterprises intelligently connect, protect and build secure endpoints that users
can trust.’’ With Cylance, BlackBerry will be a growth company again, and its focus on security and communication
could lead it to become an iconic company again. And, of course, it has QNX which is a leader in autonomous cars.
BlackBerry is on the move! On a fully converted basis we own 95 million shares at a net cost of $12.30 per share.

Eurobank.
In 2018, Fokion Karavias (CEO of Eurobank) and George Chryssikos (CEO of Grivalia) came up with a
bold  scheme  to  put  Eurobank’s  non-performing  loan  problems  behind  it.  By  dividending  out  A7  billion  of
non-performing loans to Eurobank shareholders in a structured transaction and merging with Grivalia for shares,
Eurobank will become the strongest and best capitalized bank in Greece. The transaction should be completed in
2019 and the bank expects earnings in 2020 to be 15 Euro cents per share. With a stock price of 62 Euro cents and a
book value of approximately A1.50 per share, you can see why we are excited about its prospects. After the merger,
Fairfax will own approximately 32% of Eurobank with a cost of 94 Euro cents per share. We expect to do very well
over time on our Eurobank investment under Fokion and George’s leadership.

CIB (Egypt). As I have mentioned to you previously, CIB is one of the world’s best banks, with an unmatched
20-year  track  record.  Its  average  annual  return  on  equity  over  that  period  is  25+%,  earnings  per  share  have
compounded annually by an average 21% and the stock at year end was selling at 10x earnings. We purchased CIB in
2014 at 22 Egyptian pounds, while its market price today is 70 Egyptian pounds, up 220% from our cost. However, in
U.S. dollars, because of the Egyptian pound’s 50% devaluation in 2016, CIB is up only 30%. We own 7% of CIB and
are very excited about its prospects under the leadership of Hisham Ezz Al-Arab and Hussein Abaza.

Stelco. We purchased 12.2 million shares (13.7%) of Stelco in 2018 at Cdn$20.50 per share. Stelco had come out of
bankruptcy in 2017, led by private equity firm Lindsay Goldberg. Alan Kestenbaum was the CEO of Stelco (and now
continues as Executive Chairman) with an outstanding track record of success. With Alan Goldberg on the Board
(Lindsay Goldberg controls 46.4% of Stelco through its ownership interest in Bedrock Industries, its partnership
vehicle with Alan Kestenbaum), we expect Stelco to do very well over the long term. Stelco has no debt, is the lowest
cost steel producer in North America and is selling at less than 5x earnings. We are happy to be partners with the
two Alans!

Kennedy Wilson. We have had an excellent relationship with Kennedy Wilson, its CEO Bill McMorrow and Bill’s
partners,  Mary  Ricks  and  Matt  Windisch,  since  we  met  them  in  2010.  We  own  9.2%  of  the  company.  In  2018,
Kennedy Wilson sold three of our joint venture properties in Dublin for a gain of $74 million, an average annual
return of 21% on our original investment, and returned $107 million of the proceeds to Fairfax. Since inception in
2010, we have invested $855 million with Kennedy Wilson, received cash proceeds of $858 million and still have real
estate  worth  about  $351  million.  Our  average  annual  realized  return  since  inception  was  21%.  We  continue  to
acquire  properties  through  Bill,  Mary  and  Matt  with  the  purchase  of  one  office  building  on  26 acres  in  Denver,
Colorado for $85 million with a cash on cash yield of 6.7%; three office buildings outside Portland, Oregon for
$29 million with a cash on cash yield of 6.2%; and nine office buildings on 67 acres outside Los Angeles, California
for $163 million with a cash on cash yield of 7.5%. These Class A office buildings are anchored by investment grade
tenants in strong and growing markets and were available at quite significant discounts to replacement cost.

Fairfax India. As you know, we began Fairfax India in December 2014. Since then, Fairfax India has made nine
investments – all with great long term prospects in a country that has the fastest growth in the free world! The crown
jewel in Fairfax India is the Bangalore International Airport (BIAL) run by Hari Marar, who aims to make BIAL one of
the best airports in the world. BIAL is the third largest airport in India, but it is the second fastest growing airport in
the world and recently was the first airport ever to win best customer service for both arrivals and departures awarded
by the Airports Council International. Last year, the airport served 32 million passengers, up 29% from 2017. It is
adding a second runway and second terminal, to be completed by 2019 and 2021 respectively – capital expenditures
of approximately $2.0 billion will all be internally funded – and when these are completed, BIAL expects to serve
65 million passengers annually. I have no doubt that BIAL will soon need a third runway and terminal!!

6

The table below shows you the investments in Fairfax India:

Company

Fairfax India

IIFL
NCML
Sanmar
BIAL
Fairchem

Catholic Syrian Bank
Other

%
Ownership

Cost of
Investment

Market

% Number of

Value Change Employees CEO

33.7%
26.5%
89.5%

54.0%
48.8%

36.4%

469
257
174
300
653
74

89
355

658
613
165
610
704
97

93
379

40%
139%
(5)%
103%
8%
31%

5%
7%

Chandran Ratnaswami

20,000 Nirmal Jain
2,700 Sanjay Kaul
2,100 N. Sankar
1,200 Hari Marar
1,400 Nahoosh Jariwala/

Mahesh Babani

3,100 C.V.R. Rajendran

Please read the Fairfax India annual report where Chandran Ratnaswami provides more details on Fairfax India’s
investments. The intrinsic value of Fairfax India is significantly higher than the current stock price.

You will recall that our Fairbridge subsidiary in India researches and advises on our investments in India. During
2018 Harsha Raghavan, who ably led Fairbridge since its inception, decided to start his own company, and we wish
him well in his new endeavours. Sumit Maheshwari, who was Harsha’s second-in-command, has seamlessly assumed
the leadership of Fairbridge.

Fairfax Africa. We began Fairfax Africa two years ago and Fairfax Africa has made six significant investments
since the IPO, deploying (or committing to deploy) $469 million or 95% of its proceeds. 2018 was a difficult year,
with book value down 6.0% from the previous year and a net loss of $60.6 million. The main drivers of the poor
results were unrealized losses on its investment in Atlas Mara and unrealized currency losses due to the weakening of
the South African rand. We are still very excited about the prospects in Africa, especially under the leadership of Mike
Wilkerson and Neil Holzapfel, working closely with Paul Rivett.

Please  read  the  Fairfax  Africa  annual  report  where  Mike  and  Paul  give  you  more  details  on  Fairfax  Africa’s
investments. The intrinsic value continues to build in Fairfax Africa and is much higher than the current stock price.

Thomas Cook India. Our first major acquisition in India, in 2012, was the purchase of a 77% interest (later
reduced to 67%) in Thomas Cook India led by Madhavan Menon. Thomas Cook, first set up in India in 1881, is the
leading  integrated  travel  and  travel-related  financial  services  company  in  India,  offering,  through  its  about
6,000  employees,  a  broad  spectrum  of  services  that  include  foreign  exchange,  corporate  travel,  leisure  travel,
insurance, visa and passport services and e-business. Through Thomas Cook India, we purchased Quess, founded and
run  by  Ajit  Isaac,  and  Sterling  Resorts,  run  by  Ramesh  Ramanathan.  Thomas  Cook  India  dominates  the  foreign
exchange and high-end travel business in India. Through the purchase of Kuoni’s Indian travel business, and then its
international operations all over the world, Thomas Cook India is today one of the largest high-end travel service
provider networks headquartered in the Asia-Pacific region. It had an excellent year in 2018, growing revenue over
the previous year by 17% and profit before tax and extraordinary items by 35% to $10 million, and generating free
cash flow of $14.4 million.

Quess. We  have  had  a  phenomenal  run  since  we  acquired  our  interest  in  Quess  in  2013.  Thomas  Cook  India
invested $47 million in Quess in 2013, sold a 5.4% interest last year for $97 million and retains a 49% interest, which
is currently worth over $700 million even after a significant drop in its stock price in 2018. Because of Quess’ great
success, Thomas Cook India decided during 2018 to spin its holding in Quess out to its shareholders so that Quess
can be run independently as a public company under the leadership of Ajit Isaac. Today, Quess is India’s leading
integrated business services provider. With nearly 300,000 employees, the company has a pan-India presence with
65 offices across 34 cities, along with an overseas footprint in North America, the Middle East and South East Asia. It
serves over 1,900 customers across three platforms – Workforce Management, Asset Management and Technology
Solutions. Quess had outstanding financial results in the nine months ended December 2018: net revenue grew 36%
to $156 million and profit before tax grew 10% to $40 million.

IIFL. Under  the  exceptional  leadership  of  Nirmal  Jain  and  R.  Venkataraman,  IIFL  has  established  a  leading,
well-established national financial services company serving over 4 million customers from 1,900 branches in India.
It  also  has  an  international  presence  with  offices  in  New  York,  Singapore,  Dubai,  Geneva,  Hong  Kong,  London,
Mauritius and Toronto. Through its subsidiaries, it offers a wide array of services including loans and mortgages, asset

7

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

and wealth management and capital market related activities such as financial products distribution, investment
banking, institutional equities and realty services. Over the past five years, IIFL has grown book value per share by
20% annually and earnings per share by 25% annually, yet its shares still trade at only 11x expected earnings. In
2018, IIFL announced its intention to divide its three business groups into three separate companies, with each to be
listed on the Indian stock exchanges, as IIFL believes that this is the best structure for its business and will further
enhance value. We are very excited about the prospects of IIFL going forward.

Seaspan. Under the leadership of David Sokol as Non-Executive Chairman and Bing Chen as CEO, we expect
Seaspan to be a phenomenal success over the long term. Seaspan provides many of the world’s major shipping lines
with  creative  outsourcing  alternatives  to  vessel  ownership  by  offering  long term  leases  on  large,  modern
containerships  combined  with  industry  leading  ship  management  services.  Seaspan’s  fleet  consists  of
112 containerships representing a total capacity of more than 900,000 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEU), with an
average age of approximately six years and average remaining lease period of approximately four years, on a TEU
weighted basis.

The shares are currently selling at 6.3x earnings, with a dividend yield of 5.7%. David Sokol has a long history at
Mid-American where he compounded earnings at more than 20% over a 20-year period. We have invested $1 billion
in Seaspan – $500 million in shares at $61⁄2 per share and $500 million in 5.5% bonds. We also have seven-year
warrants for 25 million shares at $8.05 per share.

Resolute. We have invested $791 million in Resolute and received a special dividend of $46 million, for a net
investment cost of $745 million. Our initial investment was a convertible bond purchased in 2008 for $347 million.
We invested an additional $131 million prior to Resolute entering into creditor protection and most of the remainder
during the period from December 2010 to 2013. Subsequent to write-downs and our share of profits and losses over
time, at December 31, 2018 we held our 30.4 million Resolute shares in our books at $300 million ($9.87 per share).
The current fair market value of these shares is $244 million ($8.03 per share). You can see that Resolute has been a
very poor investment to date!

Recipe. Known formerly as Cara, Recipe has a network of 1,370 restaurants with total system sales in 2018 of
approximately Cdn$3.5 billion and EBITDA of Cdn$220 million. Over the last five years Recipe has grown system
sales by 26% annually and EBITDA by 46% annually. Recipe has a broad range of well known brands including Swiss
Chalet, Kelseys, Harvey’s, The Keg and St-Hubert, to name a few. We have invested Cdn$348 million into Recipe and
the current market value is Cdn$732 million. The company continues to extend its brands outside restaurants to
include  grocery  sales.  Frank  Hennessey  is  now  overseeing  the  company  as  CEO  and  Bill  Gregson  has  moved  to
Executive Chairman.

Our common stock holdings in the above-described publicly listed companies constitute most of our publicly listed
equity investments. In the main, the prospects for these companies are excellent and should provide us attractive
returns in the future. However, since the great financial crash in 2008/2009, value investing has not done well. In the
last ten years, ‘‘value stocks’’ have outperformed ‘‘growth stocks’’ in only one year – 2016. This is contrary to the long
history of excellent long term performance of value investing. Technology stocks as represented by the FAANGs and
the mindless purchase of ETFs and index funds have been major causes for the poor performance of long term value
investing. We think this may be about to change. While the indices may not do well in the next five years, we think
this is a ‘‘stock pickers’’ market and our brand of value investing will again come to the fore!

Of course, as you know, we have also purchased many private companies. Let me comment on the major private
companies we own:

APR Energy. APR, based in Jacksonville, Florida is the world’s largest provider of fast track mobile turbine power.
Founded by John Campion in 2004, APR has installed and operated over 5GW of power plants, ranging from 15MW
to 360MW in size, and has grown its fleet to 1.9GW. APR’s proposition is speed of execution and reliability of power.
At one point during the recent crisis in Puerto Rico, APR was the only large scale source of power on the island, with
full  deployment  in  just  over  30  days.  Fairfax  led  the  take  private  of  APR  in  January  2016,  investing  a  total  of
$340 million at a valuation of 0.5x net tangible assets. Since Q1 2016, APR’s fleet utilization has increased from 44%
to 74% and net debt has been reduced from $600 million to $360 million. The sustainability of earnings has also
improved,  with  56%  of  fiscal  2019  budgeted  EBITDA  driven  by  a  350MW  contract  in  Argentina  and  a  360MW
contract in Bangladesh (these are both five-year contracts). Going forward APR will continue to position itself as a
specialty turbine fast track power company.

8

Farmers Edge. Farmers Edge was founded in 2005 by Wade Barnes in Winnipeg, Manitoba as a project-based
consulting company providing value added agronomy services for large scale farmers. The business has since evolved
into  one  of  the  leading  SaaS  (software  as  a  service)  farm  management  platforms  with  24  million  acres  under
management as of December 2018, with an anticipated increase to 40 million acres by the end of 2019. Key services
offered under the Farmers Edge platform include: 1) One of the highest density of weather stations in North America.
Farmers can have alerts sent to their phones, even at 4am, if there is to be frost on one of their farms. Important, as
there is only one harvest! 2) Daily satellite imagery to track crop health via tablet, phone or PC. 3) Brand-agnostic
telematics enabling passive data collection. 4) Soil sampling and variable rate fertilizer application, which allows
farms to increase yields with less overall fertilizer application. Four-year customer contracts provide Farmers Edge
with predictable recurring revenue and cash flows. Fairfax made a $95 million equity investment in March 2017 and
has since provided additional funding of $64 million in the form of debentures plus warrants, based on an implied
valuation of 4x projected December 2019 base business EBITDA.

Davos.
In addition to our restaurant businesses, our investment in the Davos craft spirit brands, brought to us by
our good friend David Sokol, continues to do exceptionally well. Davos is run by Andrew Chrisomalis and Blake
Spahn and its brands include TYKU Sake, Aviation American Gin, Sombra Mezcal and Astral Tequila. The partnership
with Ryan Reynolds in Aviation American Gin has exceeded our expectations in every way and the business is on
course to continue doubling.

Peak  Achievement (known  formerly  as  Performance  Sports). Peak’s  Bauer  and  Easton  brands  are  overseen  by
Ed Kinnaly and Tony Palma and continue to perform well. Both businesses have continued their growth progression
since our purchase several years ago.

In 2018, we monetized one of our private investments. You will remember that we took Arbor Memorial private at
Cdn$32 per share in 2012 with the Scanlan family. Recently, David Scanlan came to us and said his family would like
to own Arbor completely. So in October 2018 we sold our equity interest in Arbor to the Scanlan family at Cdn$152
per share – a rate of return of 34% and a realized gain of Cdn$186 million. Of course, the gain is magnified if you
consider we first purchased 42% of Arbor in 2001 at Cdn$8.81 per share. We wish the Scanlan family much success in
the future.

We expect to monetize some of our remaining investments in private companies with similar results!

I am happy to report that we also made two significant private company investments in 2018/2019 – Dexterra and
AGT. Dexterra, led by John MacCuish as CEO, is the new name for Carillion Canada which went into bankruptcy
because of the bankruptcy of its parent in the U.K. Dexterra provides industry-leading facilities management and
operation  solutions  across  Canada,  including  maintenance  solutions  for  over  50 million  sq.  ft.  of  high-quality
infrastructure.  This  includes  some  of  the  country’s  largest  airports,  premier  retail  and  commercial  properties,
corporate  campuses,  research  and  education  facilities,  large  industrial  sites,  defence  and  public  assets  and
state-of-the-art healthcare infrastructure. The company is also one of the country’s largest reforestation contractors –
planting  over  40 million  trees  annually,  it  annually completes 4,400 hectares  of  forest  thinning/brushing  and
1,200 hectares  of  site  preparation – it  employs  hundreds  of  firefighters,  with  an  emphasis  on  Indigenous
communities, and for the last 30 years it has been supplying and operating full-service remote workforce services. We
were able to buy Dexterra at about 5x free cash flow.

AGT, led by Murad Al-Katib as CEO and H ¨useyin Arslan as Executive Chairman, is one of the largest suppliers of
pulses  in  the  world.  With  over  2,000  employees,  AGT  exports  pulses  (mainly  lentils,  peas  and  beans)  to  over
120 countries around the world. We are helping Murad and H ¨useyin take the company private at Cdn$18 per share.
The  shareholders  of  AGT  have  recently  approved  the  deal.  We  are  very  excited  to  be  partners  with  Murad  and
H ¨useyin and expect them to build a very significant company in the global agricultural sector over the long term.

In  2015  Brit  purchased  50%  of  Ambridge  Partners,  one  of  the  world’s  leading  managing  general  agencies  of
transactional insurance products, and agreed to purchase the remaining 50% in 2019. Brit has worked with Ambridge
for 14 years and has a wonderful relationship with its founders and principals, Jess Pryor and Jeff Cowhey. Over the
last ten years Ambridge has produced an average combined ratio of 94%.

In December Brit purchased a significant share of Sutton Special Risk, a managing general underwriter and premier
provider of accident and health, life, and sports and entertainment insurance. Brit has had a 16 year relationship
with Sutton, which has produced an average combined ratio for Brit over the last ten years of 92%. Sutton will
continue to be run independently. A big welcome to Greg Sutton and his team.

9

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Late in 2018 we were very pleased to announce Onlia, a joint venture between Fairfax (through Northbridge) and
Achmea B.V. (the largest insurance group of the Netherlands). Onlia will offer innovative digital auto insurance and a
mobile app in Canada. Onlia is committed to making Canadian roads the world’s safest and as a champion for safety,
Onlia’s vision is to create a safer world that rethinks the role of insurance. Onlia began selling its first policies late in
2018. We are pleased to be partners with Willem Van Duin from Achmea and welcome Pieter Louter and the rest of
his team from Onlia.

In our retail brands, 2018 marked the beginning of the partnership between Sporting Life, founded by David and
Patti  Russell,  and  Golf  Town,  overseen  by  Chad  McKinnon.  It  is  early  days  but  the  team  believes  that  it  will  be
stronger together with the benefit of reduced seasonality and the implementation of best practices for continued
profitable growth and building a long term winning culture.

New to our retail holdings is Toys ‘‘R’’ Us and Babies ‘‘R’’ Us. We purchased these businesses out of bankruptcy for less
than  the  value  of  their  real  estate  holdings  but  they  have  a  Canada-wide  platform  with  approximately
Cdn$850  million  in  revenue  and  a  dedicated  team  led  by  Melanie  Teed-Murch  finding  new  ways  to  grow  their
business through creating experiences and connections with kids and parents across Canada.

The  Boat  Rocker  team  continued  to  grow  its  business  with  sales  now  exceeding  Cdn$145  million  and  an
unblemished profitability record since inception 12 years ago.

Rouge  Media  continued  its  profitable  expansion  in  the  out-of-home  media  space,  growing  particularly  in
U.S. colleges.

Pethealth  continued  to  grow  its  business,  recently  acquiring  the  Chameleon  platform  and  expanding  its
relationships with animal shelters across the U.S. and Canada.

Fairfax,  with  its  wonderful  culture  and  a  close-knit,  responsive  group  of  talented  and  hardworking  officers  and
investment professionals, has a major advantage in identifying and closing these opportunities. We are a wonderful
home for outstanding entrepreneurs because we run a very decentralized operation, leaving our Presidents free to run
their companies unfettered by Head Office!

In the past, to protect our equity exposures in uncertain times, we shorted indices (mainly the S&P500 and Russell
2000)  and  a  few  common  stocks.  After  much  thought  and  discussion,  it  became  clear  to  me  that  shorting  is
dangerous, very short term in nature and anathema to long term value investing. As I mentioned to you in last year’s
annual report, shorting has cost us, cumulatively, net of our gains on common stock, approximately $2 billion! This
will not be repeated! In the future, we may use options with a potential finite loss to hedge our equity exposure, but
we will never again indulge anew in shorting with uncapped exposure. Your Chairman continues to learn – slowly!!

As you all know, Fairfax is being run for the long term, long after I am gone! The company is not for sale but is focused
on  providing  shareholders  with  a  great  long  term  return  on  capital.  Underpinning  our  success  and  our  huge
competitive edge is the fair and friendly culture we have developed at Fairfax, backed by our guiding principles
(included, as always, in this annual report). Our culture is why companies are attracted to Fairfax and why people
want to join our company. We saw our culture in action in 2018 when we faced a problem at Advent, one of the four
syndicates we had at Lloyd’s of London. Lloyd’s in 2018 decided to react to its unsatisfactory 2017 performance by
restricting growth of its syndicates in spite of overall profitability! For 2019, Lloyd’s will write premiums perhaps
down  5%  from  2018  levels.  This  restriction  in  growth  particularly  impacted  Advent  as  it  planned  to  reduce  its
expense ratio with disciplined growth. Nigel Fitzgerald reluctantly came to the conclusion that he would have to
close the syndicate and renew its profitable books of business with our other three Lloyd’s syndicates. The leaders of
our three other Lloyd’s syndicates, Brit, Newline (Odyssey Group) and Allied World UK, as well as RiverStone, came
together  and  were  able  to  offer  employment  to  almost  all  Advent’s  people  (and  retain  almost  all  the  books  of
business) in our fair and friendly way. Advent has merged with RiverStone’s run-off syndicate in London and will be
ready to provide its services to other syndicates at Lloyd’s. A round of applause for Nigel, Matthew Wilson (Brit),
Brian Young and Carl Overy (Odyssey Group), Scott Carmilani and Ed Moresco (Allied World) and Nick Bentley and
Luke Tanzer (RiverStone)! This is how we want to treat our employees – the Fairfax way!

Our small team at Fairfax, with no egos and a team approach, led by Paul Rivett, continues to do an extraordinary job
running  an  enterprise  with  companies  that  operate  in  over  100  countries  all  over  the  world.  Our  secret  is
decentralization!  Our  operating  companies  have  an  outstanding  group  of  leaders  who  run  their  companies –
insurance and non-insurance – in an entrepreneurial way! Speaking of entrepreneurs, I should highlight our Digit
Insurance  begun  by  Kamesh  Goyal  in  India.  From  a  standing  start,  Kamesh  has  built  a  fully  digital  (paperless)

10

company with the objective of making insurance simple to understand for its customers. The company now employs
almost 850 people in all regions of India and will write approximately $165 million in gross premium by March 31,
2019. We expect the company to break even on an underwriting basis in the next few years as it grows to write
$500 million annually in premiums. In building the company from scratch, Kamesh and his team have developed
some terrific product and technology platforms that may be useful to Fairfax outside of India.

I mentioned to you last year that we are focused on buying back our shares over the next ten years as and when we get
the  opportunity  to  do  so  at  attractive  prices.  Henry  Singleton  from  Teledyne  was  our  hero  as  he  reduced  shares
outstanding from approximately 88 million to 12 million over about 15 years. We began that process by buying back
1.1 million shares since we began in the fourth quarter of 2017 up until early 2019 – about half for cancellation and
half for various long term incentive plans we have across our company. This was after we increased our ownership of
Brit to 89% from 73% while having the funds ready to increase our ownership of Eurolife from 50% to 80% in
August 2019.

As our company gets larger, we are always looking for ways to help you understand Fairfax better. Please note the
unconsolidated balance sheet shown below that shows you where your money is invested:

Unconsolidated Balance Sheet(1)
Assets

Northbridge
Odyssey Group
Crum & Forster
Zenith
Brit Insurance
Allied World
Fairfax Asia
Other Insurance and Reinsurance
Run-off

Insurance and Reinsurance Operations

Restaurant and Retail
Thomas Cook India
Fairfax India
Fairfax Africa
Other Non-Insurance

Non-insurance Operations

Total consolidated operations

Holding company cash and investments
Other holding company assets

Total assets

Liabilities
Accounts payable and other liabilities
Long term debt

Shareholders’ equity
Common equity
Preferred stock

($ billions)

($ per share)

1.1
2.8
1.3
0.8
1.2
2.4
0.5
0.9
0.5

11.6

0.7
0.9
0.5
0.4
0.7

3.2

14.8
1.6
0.7

17.1

0.1
3.9

4.0

11.8
1.3

13.1

17.1

41
103
48
30
45
88
19
34
18

426

26
34
19
13
26

118

544
57
27

628

5
142

147

432
49

481

628

(1) Equity shown for the Insurance and Reinsurance Operations excludes minority interests, investments in other consolidated operations,

investments at the holding company and intercompany debt.

The table shows our insurance companies, which are decentralized and separately capitalized, with our consolidated
non-insurance companies shown separately even though some of them may be held in our insurance companies’
investment portfolios.

11

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

As you can see, we have $11.6 billion ($426 per share) invested in our insurance companies (of which the largest are
Odyssey Group and Allied World) and $3.2 billion ($118 per share) in our consolidated non-insurance operations.
The  insurance  companies  generate  over  $15  billion  in  gross  premiums  annually  and  we  have  a  consolidated
investment portfolio of $39 billion. Underwriting profit and total investment income generate the return from these
businesses. Our consolidated non-insurance businesses are significant and listed so that you can see them (and your
investment  per  share  in  them)  separately.  We  expect  each  of  them  to  grow  long  term  at  15%  or  better.  So  as  a
shareholder, you benefit from three sources of income: underwriting income, investment income including capital
gains, and returns from our non-insurance businesses.

Another way of looking at our company!

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.

INTRINSIC VALUE
% Change in
US$ Book Value per Share

STOCK PRICE
% Change in
Cdn$ Price per Share

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
2017
2018
1985-2018 (compound annual growth)

+180
+48
+31
+27
+41
+24
+1
+42
+18
+25
+63
+36
+30
+38
(cid:1)5
(cid:1)21
+7
+31
(cid:1)1
(cid:1)16
+9
+53
+21
+33
+2
(cid:1)3
+4
(cid:1)10
+16
+2
(cid:1)9
+22
(cid:1)4
+18.7

+292
(cid:1)3
+21
+25
(cid:1)41
+93
+18
+145
+9
+46
+196
+10
+69
(cid:1)55
(cid:1)7
(cid:1)28
(cid:1)26
+87
(cid:1)11
(cid:1)17
+38
+24
+36
+5
–
+7
(cid:1)18
+18
+44
+8
(cid:1)1
+3
(cid:1)10
+17.1

The table shows the change in book value in U.S. dollars and our stock price in Canadian dollars. As I have said
before, we think our intrinsic value far exceeds our book value. As shown in the table, there have been many years
when our stock price has gone up significantly as that intrinsic value is recognized in the marketplace. We are focused
on performing to make that happen again!

12

Insurance and Reinsurance Operations

The table below shows the recent combined ratios and the 2018 change in net premiums written of our insurance
and reinsurance operations:

Northbridge
Odyssey Group
Crum & Forster
Zenith
Brit
Allied World
Fairfax Asia
Other Insurance and Reinsurance

Consolidated

(1) Further detail is provided in the MD&A

(2) For the period since its acquisition on July 6, 2017

Combined Ratio

2018

95.8%
93.4%
98.3%
82.6%
105.2%
98.1%
99.8%
104.6%

2017

99.1%
97.4%
99.8%
85.6%
113.1%
157.0%(2)
88.4%
110.2%

97.3%

106.6%

2016

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

92.5%

Change in Net
Premiums
Written(1)

2018

10.2%
16.1%
6.1%
(5.8)%
9.0%
–
(4.7)%
6.9%

8.7%

Led  by  Silvy  Wright,  Northbridge  posted  a  very  satisfactory  combined  ratio  of  95.8%  in  2018.  Once  again,  net
premium grew by double digits, fueled by a combination of new initiatives and strong rate increases. And, as has
been the case in prior years under Silvy’s management, Northbridge’s results have been favorably impacted by strong
positive  reserve  development.  The  Canadian  marketplace  has  been  challenging,  and  many  companies  have
consequently recently been engaging in corrective actions. While Northbridge has sustained positive underwriting
results over the recent past, it should now also benefit from these more favorable conditions. With rates continuing
to rise, especially in the commercial auto space (a long-standing Northbridge specialty), we are optimistic about the
trend for future performance.

In 2018, OdysseyRe changed its name to the Odyssey Group, to recognize that its premium volume is now derived
almost evenly from its insurance activities and its traditional reinsurance operations. While its name changed, its
terrific industry outperformance did not. Brian Young and the Odyssey team produced a 93.4% combined ratio and,
at over $180 million, well over half the combined Fairfax underwriting profit in 2018. With its highly diversified
portfolio  and  proven  underwriting  skills,  Odyssey  was  able  to  generate  strong  profitable  growth  to  keep  its
momentum going. It is worth noting that, over the last ten years, Odyssey has posted a combined ratio of 93.1%,
contributing underwriting profits of $1.5 billion notwithstanding the spate of severe catastrophe losses.

At Crum & Forster, Marc Adee and team kept results on a steady track, posting a 98.3% combined ratio. Performing
well were the Commercial, Excess/Surplus Lines and Accident/Health divisions. In addition, a growing portfolio of
profitable Surety business helped the bottom line, although legacy Commercial Auto and various Program business
were costly for Crum in 2018. In the Commercial Auto space, which is currently undergoing considerable turmoil, we
are quite excited about emerging opportunities for Crum’s new DMC operation, led by Joe DeVito and his highly
experienced team. Several other new initiatives are underway in 2019, which Marc expects to bear fruit and bring
improvement to Crum’s underwriting results.

Zenith had another truly exceptional year. Under Kari Van Gundy, Zenith recorded an 82.6% combined ratio for
2018,  continuing  its  string  of  outstanding  underwriting  results.  From  the  difficult  years  at  the  beginning  of  the
decade,  loss  trends  have  been  remarkably  benign.  Combining  these  favorable  conditions  with  underwriting
discipline and outstanding claims expertise has been a rewarding recipe. While the industry at large has enjoyed
success in Workers Compensation, Zenith has maintained its relative outperformance and enjoyed richer success. Of
course, little lasts forever, and the rating environment has become fiercely competitive once again. Kari and team are
focused on maintaining their advantages, and keeping Zenith one or more steps ahead of the pack.

Brit had a difficult year in 2018. Its results were adversely impacted by natural catastrophes and large losses, as well as
the  relatively  high  expense  ratio  associated  with  the  Lloyd’s  market.  Matthew  Wilson  and  his  colleagues  have
implemented a variety of strategies to relieve net costs, and have exited several classes of business that have been
problematic. In 2019, Brit will complete its purchase of the Ambridge group, one of the premier underwriters of

13

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Transaction Insurance covering Reps and Warranties. Ambridge has had an outstanding track record and is expected
to  continue  that  performance  for  Brit’s  benefit.  Having  produced  a  combined  ratio  above  100%  for  the  second
straight year at 105.2%, Matthew and team are keenly focused on returning Brit to the black in 2019. Helped by an
improved pricing environment, we are confident they will do so.

Allied World, led by Scott Carmilani, returned to the black in 2018 with a combined ratio of 98.1%. Through three
quarters, the Allied team was tracking toward a 95% ratio for the year, but the storms and fires in the fourth quarter
knocked it slightly off course. Rates in the Allied World sectors of activity are also seeing good upward momentum.
Vault, Allied World’s entry in the High Valued Homeowners space, gained good traction in 2018, and is expected to
keep growing smartly in 2019. With its deep pool of underwriting talent, experienced leadership and strong broker
relationships, Allied World is poised to deliver meaningful underwriting income in the years ahead.

Bryte, our South African company, produced a 96.7% combined ratio in 2018, a nice improvement over the slight
underwriting loss it recorded in 2017. Despite some challenging economic conditions, Edwyn O’Neill and team have
navigated Bryte with a steady hand, achieving growth and implementing measures which should result in even
better performance in the future.

Colonnade, our company in Luxembourg, had a successful year in 2018, recording a combined ratio of 97.6%. Peter
Csakvari  provides  exceptional  leadership  to  this  group,  which  operates  through  branches  in  Poland,  the  Czech
Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria, as well as through a separate company in Ukraine. During 2018,
we placed our regional reinsurance company, Polish Re, under the Colonnade management umbrella. Jacek Kugacz
and his colleagues at Polish Re will now enjoy the benefit of being part of a larger group with extensive operations in
Central and Eastern Europe.

In Latin America, we continue to like our prospects with the group of four companies we acquired from AIG over the
last several years. As premiums continue to ramp up and expense levels adjust to their proper run rate, we expect that
those companies in Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Uruguay will see their respective combined ratios drop below
100%.  Additional  challenge  has  been  encountered  in  Argentina,  with  the  return  of  elevated  inflation  and  its
deleterious effect on loss reserves. All in all, Juan Luis Campos (Argentina), Fabiana De Nicolo (Chile), Martha Lucia
Pava (Colombia) and Marcelo Lena (Uruguay), overseen very ably by Fabricio Campos and his team in Miami, are
confident of their prospects and prepared to contribute to our underwriting success.

Bijan Khosrowshahi works closely in an oversight role with Peter Csakvari and Fabricio Campos, and is also closely
involved with our partners in Kuwait, who operate the Gulf Insurance Group throughout the Middle East.

In Brazil, Bruno Camargo continues to provide effective leadership for Fairfax Brasil. In 2018, Bruno and team once
again were one of the few companies producing an underwriting profit in the challenging Brazilian market, posting a
97.9%  combined  ratio.  We  are  hopeful  that  the  Brazilian  economy,  having  emerged  from  a  deep  recession,  will
provide a boost to Bruno’s results in 2019.

Fairfax Asia produced a combined ratio of 99.8% in 2018. Losses from the motor line in Malaysia were offset by
profits in Indonesia, resulting in a breakeven outcome for the year. Fairfax Asia also includes controlled companies in
Hong Kong (Falcon) and Sri Lanka (Fairfirst), which produced high nineties combineds. Fairfax Asia continues to be
led by Mr. Athappan, an outstanding leader, ably assisted by his son Gobi, Sam Chan and Ravi Prabhakar.

14

The table below shows you our international operations at December 31, 2018:

Fairfax Combined Premiums Shareholders’
Equity
Ratio Written

Ownership

Investment
Portfolio

Gross

Consolidated
Fairfax Latam
Bryte Insurance (South Africa)
Fairfax Brasil
Colonnade (Central and Eastern Europe)
Pacific Insurance (Malaysia)
AMAG (Indonesia)
Polish Re
Falcon Insurance (Hong Kong)
Fairfirst Insurance (Sri Lanka)

Non-consolidated
Gulf Insurance (Middle East)
Eurolife (Greece)
Alltrust Insurance (China)(1)
BIC (Vietnam)(1)
Digit (India)
Falcon Insurance (Thailand)

100%
100%
100%
100%
85%
80%
100%
100%
78%

43%
50%
15%
35%
45%
41%

119.6%
96.7%
97.9%
97.6%
103.7%
89.2%
98.8%
99.4%
98.8%

97.6%
70.8%(2)

102.6%
105.1%
165.1%
97.7%

Total International Operations

(1) As at and for the 12 months ended September 30, 2018

(2) Non-life only

614
353
145
198
144
120
69
51
71

125
143
69
86
108
216
90
72
33

277
227
177
167
168
98
206
132
34

1,765

942

1,486

1,111
512
984
95
106
61

2,869

4,634

294
509
331
95
75
17

1,321

2,263

782
3,089
841
145
154
34

5,045

6,531

The high combined ratio in Latin America derives primarily from the 124.4% combined ratio in Argentina which
reflects the hyperinflation in that country (inflation rates hit 48% in 2018). Fortunately, interest rates are very high
also (40% for short term rates), so we will likely be profitable in 2019. The high combined ratio at Digit is primarily
due to start-up expenses as it scales up its operations.

All of our major companies are well capitalized, as shown in the table below (further detail is provided in the MD&A):

Northbridge
Odyssey Group
Crum & Forster
Zenith
Brit
Allied World
Fairfax Asia

As at and for the Year Ended
December 31, 2018

Net Premiums
Written
Cdn 1,520.5
2,897.8
1,977.8
789.2
1,668.6
2,368.8
191.9

Net Premiums
Statutory Written/Statutory
Surplus
1.2x
0.7x
1.5x
1.5x
1.5x
0.8x
0.4x

Surplus
Cdn 1,257.1
4,190.0
1,317.6
541.1
1,085.0
2,817.3
447.1

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 unused capacity currently and our strategy during the times of soft pricing is
to be patient and stand ready for any hard markets to come.

15

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

The combined ratios of our companies which we have owned since 2008, and of our major companies acquired since
then, are shown in the table below:

Northbridge
Odyssey Group
Crum & Forster
Zenith(1)
Brit(1)
Allied World(1)
Fairfax Asia(2)

Total

2009 – 2018

Cumulative Net
Premiums Written
($ billions)
Cdn 11.5
22.6
13.7
6.2
5.5
3.4
2.4

65.1

Average
Combined Ratio

99.3%
93.1%
101.6%(3)
94.4%
103.9%
116.4%
86.6%

98.0%

(1) Zenith since acquisition on May 20, 2010, Brit since acquisition on June 5, 2015, Allied World since acquisition on

July 6, 2017

(2) Fairfax Asia included First Capital until December 28, 2017

(3) The average combined ratio for Crum & Forster for the last five years was 98.7%

Since we began, we have written over $140 billion in gross premiums, with a combined ratio of approximately 100%.

The table below shows the average annual reserve redundancies for the past ten years (business written from 2008
onwards) for our companies which we have owned since 2008 (Zenith since 2010):

Northbridge
Odyssey Group
Crum & Forster
Zenith(1)
Fairfax Asia(2)

2008 – 2017
Average Annual
Reserve
Redundancies
15.5%
13.5%
(0.2)%(3)
16.2%
17.2%

(1) Since acquisition on May 20, 2010

(2) Fairfax Asia included First Capital until December 28, 2017

(3) The average annual reserve redundancy for Crum & Forster for the last five years was 4.0%

The table shows you how our reserves have developed for the ten accident years prior to 2018. 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, 2018 available on our website www.fairfax.ca.

Our run-off operations led by Nick Bentley continue to explore run-off acquisitions with a very disciplined approach.
Although  the  market  continues  to  be  very  soft  in  North  America,  Run-off  took  advantage  of  a  number  of  good
opportunities  in  Europe,  closing  or  soon  to  be  closing  four  third  party  transactions,  adding  $1.2  billion  of  net
reserves to Fairfax’s balance sheet. On three of those transactions, Nick Bentley and Luke Tanzer worked closely with
our partner Mitsui Sumitomo and we expect these will be mutually beneficial. Nick and team continue to do great
work and make progress on many initiatives to change the future of asbestos claims but we continued to experience
adverse development this year due to a number of large claim settlements (which we hope will reduce volatility in
the future) and to dealing with the legal expenses of fighting frivolous claims. Run-off had an operating loss of
$198 million in 2018, principally reflecting adverse development on asbestos reserves from our legacy business and
depressed investment income, partially offset by gains from current run-off transactions. We believe we have one of
the finest run-off teams in the industry and it continues to be a valuable asset for Fairfax.

16

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

Year
1986
2009
2018
Weighted average last ten years
Fairfax weighted average financing differential last ten

years: 3.4%

Underwriting Average
Float
22
9,429
19,825

Profit
3
7
318

Cost
(Benefit)

Average
Long Term
Canada
Treasury
of Float Bond Yield
9.6%
(11.6)%
3.9%
(0.1)%
2.4%
(1.6)%
2.7%
(0.7)%

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. This no cost float is perhaps Fairfax’s biggest asset and is the single biggest reason
for our success in the future. In 2018, our ‘‘cost of float’’ was a 1.6% benefit, as we made an underwriting profit. In the
last ten years, our float has cost us nothing (in fact, it provided an average 0.7% benefit per year) – significantly less
than the average 2.7% 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

Odyssey Crum &

Zenith

Allied Fairfax

Total
Insurance
and

Year

2014
2015
2016
2017
2018

Northbridge

Group

Forster National Brit World

Asia Other Reinsurance Run-off Total

1.9
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.7

4.5
4.2
4.0
4.4
4.6

2.6
2.6
2.7
2.9
2.9

($ billions)
1.2
–
1.2 2.7
1.2 2.8
1.2 3.1
1.1 2.8

–
–
–
5.4
5.1

0.5
0.6
0.6
0.2
0.2

0.9
0.8
0.8
1.2
1.1

11.6
13.7
13.8
20.2
19.5

3.5 15.1
3.4 17.1
2.9 16.7
2.5 22.7
3.0 22.5

In the past five years our float has increased by 49%, due partly to organic growth in net premiums written at Odyssey
Group and Crum & Forster, but due principally to the acquisition of Brit and Allied World.

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.

Total Float
13
164
653
5,877
8,757
13,110
22,730
22,500

Float per Share
$2 1⁄2
30
74
449
492
641
819
826

1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2017
2018

Our float increased to $826 per share, a 1% increase from 2017.

17

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

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
Odyssey Group
Crum & Forster
Zenith
Brit
Allied World
Fairfax Asia
Other

Underwriting profit (loss)
Interest and dividends – insurance and reinsurance

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

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

Pre-tax income including net realized gains on investments
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments

Pre-tax income
Income taxes and non-controlling interests

Net earnings

2018

2017

47.0
181.1
32.6
140.2
(77.0)
42.9
0.4
(48.9)

318.3
637.8

956.1
(197.9)
380.3
(347.1)
(182.2)

9.0
60.0
3.2
117.2
(201.9)
(586.6)
38.2
(80.6)

(641.5)
425.8

(215.7)
(184.6)
212.1
(331.2)
56.5

609.2
1,174.9

(462.9)
1,742.0

1,784.1
(922.0)

1,279.1
744.1

862.1
(486.1)

2,023.2
(282.6)

376.0

1,740.6

The table shows the results from our insurance and reinsurance (underwriting and interest and dividends), run-off
and non-insurance operations (which shows the pre-tax income (loss) before interest). Net realized gains and net
change in unrealized gains (losses) are shown separately to help you understand the composition of our earnings. In
2018,  after  interest  and  dividend  income,  our  insurance  and  reinsurance  companies  had  operating  income  of
$956.1 million due to higher interest and dividend income and lower catastrophe losses year over year. Excluding
unrealized losses, our pre-tax income was $1.8 billion. All in, after-tax income was $376.0 million. Of our interest
expense of $347.1 million, $253.0 million was from borrowings by our holding company and our insurance and
reinsurance  companies,  while  $94.1  million  was  from  borrowings  by  our  non-insurance  companies,  which  are
non-recourse  to  Fairfax.  Corporate  overhead  and  other  includes  net  corporate  expense  of  $14.0  million,
amortization of subsidiary companies’ intangible assets of $109.3 million and a loss on the repurchase of debt of
$58.9 million. We continue to focus on keeping holding company expenses low. (See more detail in the MD&A.)

18

Financial Position

The  following  table  shows  our  financial  position,  excluding  consolidated  non-insurance  companies,  at  the  end
of 2018:

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

Borrowings – holding company
Borrowings – insurance and reinsurance 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

(1) Excludes consolidated non-insurance companies’ minority interests

1,550.6

3,859.5
995.7

4,855.2

3,304.6

11,779.3
1,335.5
1,437.1(1)

14,551.9

22.7%
18.5%
25.0%
3.2x
2.6x

As we did last year, we show you our financial position excluding the debt of non-insurance companies that we do
not own 100%. When we have a controlling interest in a company (for example, Recipe or Thomas Cook India), we
are required to consolidate that company’s financial statements into our own financial statements even though we
do  not  guarantee  the  debt – and  quite  often  it  is  an  investment  in  a  public  company.  Excluding  non-insurance
company debt, our debt/capital ratios are excellent and for 2018, we had interest coverage of 3.2x.

We have a very strong financial position, with $1.6 billion in cash and marketable securities at the holding company
at the end of 2018 and no debt maturities until 2021 (we intend to continue to refinance near term maturities). In
2018, for the first time ever we issued euro debt – A750 million at 2.75% for 10 years. The proceeds were used to
reduce near term maturities and hedge against our euro equity holdings. We now have access to the bond markets in
Canada,  the  United  States  and  Europe!  Our  financial  position  is  rock  solid,  much  better  than  our  ratings
would suggest!

Investments

Earlier, we have shown you that we will achieve a 15% return on our shareholders’ equity if (with a 95% combined
ratio)  we  make  a  7%  return  on  our  investment  portfolio.  The  table  below  shows  our  investment  results  since
inception:

Period
1986-1993
1994-1998
1999-2003
2004-2008
2009-2013
2014-2018

Average
investments
201
2,613
10,696
16,058
23,460
30,949

Interest &
dividends
105
706
2,272
2,976
2,916
2,814

Net
gains(1)
58
626
2,047
5,849
1,834
1,859

163
1,332
4,319
8,825
4,750
4,673

Cumulative from inception

11,789

12,273

24,062

(1) Realized and unrealized gains as per MD&A

(2) Simple average of the total return on average investments for each year

19

Total return on
investments

% Return(2)

10.6
10.1
7.9
10.4
4.4
3.1

8.0

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Since we began, we have had a return of 8.0% on investments in spite of the poor results for the last five years. Please
note that since inception we have earned cumulative net gains of $12 billion, which is more than the cumulative
interest and dividend income we have earned since inception. In the past, as many of you will painfully remember, it
took a long time for our insurance companies to consistently generate underwriting profits, so quite a bit of our net
gains was dissipated as we took corrective action on our insurance operations. This is now behind us. Also, please
remember that our investment portfolios were much smaller in the past. Today, our portfolios are $39 billion. All our
investment income – interest, dividends and net gains – will now flow to our shareholders. The best is yet to come!

The transition of the management of our investment portfolios to a younger group at Hamblin Watsa led by Wade
Burton,  which  I  reported  to  you  last  year,  is  working  very  well.  Wade  is  ably  exercising  his  role  as  President  of
Hamblin Watsa, and during the year he made some excellent additions to his team – Ian Kelly (working in the U.K.),
Wendy Teramoto (working in New York) and Davies Town. Roger Lace, Brian Bradstreet and I continue to provide
guidance.

The  focus  on  quarterly  growth  accentuated  by  quarterly  conference  calls  has  made  the  current  stock  market
hypersensitive to short term results. It appears that most participants in the market are focused on forecasting the
daily weather patterns whereas we like focusing on the seasons. We know winter will end (about time in Toronto!)
and  spring  will  come,  followed  by  summer.  We  just  do  not  know  the  exact  date  and  we  may  get  some  spring
snowfalls! But just as seasons repeat, we expect our style of value investing will again come to the fore and will again
be very profitable for our shareholders.

U.S. economic growth continues to be strong, encouraged by the pro-business policies of the new administration. In
fact, earnings per share for the S&P 500 increased 22% in 2018 to $152. Once the trade issues are resolved, with China
and then Europe, we think the U.S. economy may have a long runway ahead as it makes up for its eight year sub-par
performance prior to 2017. And in this stock picker’s market, as I have described earlier, there are many stocks to
invest in for the long term.

The country that we continue to be very excited about is India. The sleeping giant has been waking up with the
pro-business policies of Prime Minister Modi. If he wins the coming election, which we think he will, India also will
have  a  long  runway  of  strong  economic  growth.  We  are  well  positioned  to  invest  large  sums  of  money  in
that country.

Finally, Greece is also well on its way to recovery from the depression it has gone through. In 2018, it was again able
to access the bond market and on March 5, 2019 it issued a 10 year bond (at 3.9%) for the first time in nine years.

The table below lists the negotiated investments in debt and warrants that we have made in the past two and a
half years:

Debt and warrant deals

Company

Principal

Coupon

Warrant
Maturity

Warrant
Strike Price
per Share

Current
Stock Price

Potential
Ownership

(local currency)

Seaspan – 1st tranche
Seaspan – 2nd tranche
Seaspan – additional warrants*
Chorus Aviation
AGT Foods
Mosaic Capital
Altius Minerals
Westaim

250
250

146
139
110
73
37

5.5% Feb-2025
5.5% Jan-2026
Jul-2025
6.0% Dec-2024
5.4% Aug-2024
5.7% Jan-2024
5.0% Dec-2024
5.0% Dec-2024

1,005

5.5%

$ 6.50
6.50
8.05
8.25
33.25
8.81
15.00
3.50

$ 8.74
8.74
8.74
7.34
17.79
4.49
12.90
2.50

42.5%
14.7%
19.7%
61.6%
13.4%
8.2%

*

Awarded additional warrants as incentive to exercise 1st and 2nd tranche warrants early

We have invested $1 billion with an average yield of 5.5% in these debt and warrant deals. We will get an annual
income of $55 million while we wait for the warrants to become valuable over time. In the case of Seaspan, we
exercised our original warrants early and thereby invested $500 million in common shares at $61⁄2 per share. In the
case of AGT, we will be using our existing investment in AGT to help the founders take AGT private. We expect to do

20

more of these deals with U.S. and Canadian companies who want capital from a friendly, supportive, long term
shareholder.

I mentioned bitcoin last year as one of the obvious speculations in the marketplace. Bitcoin went from $500 in 2015
to $19,000 in 2017 and was trading recently at about $3,800. The round trip to $500 is not yet complete! Yes, tulips
don’t grow to the sky!

With more robust economic growth, it is very likely that inflation rates and long term treasury rates have bottomed
and are going up. While inflation has not moved up significantly, Grant’s Interest Rate Observer (Nov. 17, 2017)
reminds us that things can change very quickly as they did in the late 60s. From a year on year change of 1.09% in
January 1965, the CPI inflation index moved up sharply to 6.42% by February 1970, after a period not unlike today of
almost no inflation.

There continue to be many risks in the world today, including world trade, China or a blow-up in the junk bond
market. As we have said before, to protect us against these risks, we continue to retain $114 billion notional amount
in deflation hedges which still have 31⁄2 years to go and are now on our balance sheet at only $25 million.

As mentioned earlier, the unrealized gain of $1.2 billion as of December 31, 2017 in the market price of our associates
and consolidated equities, which does not flow through our financial statements, had all but disappeared at the end
of 2018 due to the significant decline in their stock prices in the fourth quarter. Some of it has come back in the first
two months of 2019, and we expect the declines to reverse ultimately.

Our common stock portfolio, which reflects our long term value oriented investment philosophy, is broken down by
country as follows (at market value at year end):

Canada
United States
Other

Total

978.9
1,466.7
3,092.9

5,538.5

We  continue  to  like  the  long  term  prospects  of  our  common  stock  holdings,  which  include  names  like  General
Motors and General Electric. We think General Electric will benefit greatly from its new CEO Larry Culp.

Miscellaneous

We maintained our dividend in 2018 at $10 per share. As I have mentioned to you before, we are focused on using
our free cash flow to buy back stock so it is unlikely our dividend will be increased soon. A 15% return on equity
implies earnings of approximately $2 billion, so paying approximately $300 million in dividends would leave us
with  $1.7  billion  for  stock  buybacks  and  tuck-in  acquisitions.  Since  we  began  paying  dividends,  we  have  paid
cumulative dividends of $113 per share.

As I have mentioned to you countless times over the past 33 years, our company benefits from a small head office
team,  now  led  by  Paul  Rivett,  which  with  great  integrity,  team  spirit  and  no  egos,  protects  us  from  unexpected
downside risks and takes advantage of opportunities when they arise. Recently, Paul Rivett took over from me on our
conference calls and on the day of our most recent call, the stock price went up $25!! Our fantastic team of officers
includes  David  Bonham,  Peter  Clarke,  Jean  Cloutier,  Vinodh  Loganadhan,  Brad  Martin,  Rick  Salsberg,  Ronald
Schokking and John Varnell. Last year, Jenn Allen, who has been with us for 13 years and is the CFO of Fairfax India
and Fairfax Africa, joined this group. Also, in 2019 Peter Clarke was appointed COO of Fairfax. Peter’s first job was
with us, and he has been with us for more than 20 years. Peter is exactly what a Fairfax officer should be – really
smart, extremely hardworking and as team-oriented a person as you have ever met, with no ego. Peter, reporting to
Paul  Rivett,  works  with  Andy  Barnard  helping  to  oversee  insurance  and  with  Wade  Burton  helping  to  oversee
investments. The glue that keeps our company together is trust and a long term focus.

We  are  very  focused  on  looking  after  our  employees  as  they  provide  outstanding  service  to  our  customers.  Bill
Weldon of Johnson & Johnson fame, who we are fortunate to have as a consultant, told us of the objective they had
many years ago of having one of the healthiest workforces in the world. Over more than two decades, they have
achieved this objective. We were very inspired by this initiative and our Jonathan Godown is leading the charge to
begin to provide this health initiative for all our insurance company employees across the world.

21

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Last  year,  David  Johnston  retired  from  being  Governor  General  of  Canada  after  an  outstanding  seven  years
representing our country to the world. We were honoured that he decided to be our Global Advisor and we benefit
greatly from his perspective. Recently, David wrote a very thoughtful book entitled ‘‘Trust’’ which we distributed to
all  our  employees  in  North  America.  I  highly  recommend  it  to  all  of  you.  David  has  generously  made  125
autographed copies available for you: 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$200,000 to date. Hats off to Sanjeev for spearheading this valiant effort.

Alan Horn, who has been on our Board for over ten years, has decided to retire as of June 30, 2019. Alan, with his
wealth of experience and attention to detail, did an outstanding job for us as a director and as Chair of our Audit
Committee – and he was a delight to work with! We will miss him, and we wish him and his wife, Ruth, much
happiness in all they decide to do.

As of July 1, 2019 Bill McFarland will join our Board and will become Chair of our Audit Committee. Bill retired as
CEO of PwC Canada in June 2018, and many years ago, while at PwC, he was the partner on our account. Bill knows
our company well and we expect to benefit greatly from his knowledge and experience.

Late  last  year,  Mark  Cloutier  resigned  from  our  company  to  take  another  CEO  job  in  our  industry.  Mark  was
instrumental in our purchase of Brit Insurance and also of Bryte, our South African subsidiary. Mark was Chairman of
both companies and provided great succession with Matthew Wilson at Brit and Edwyn O’Neill at Bryte. We wish
Mark great success in his future endeavours, unless he is competing with us!!

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
14%

10 Years
13%

15 Years
14%

20 Years
12%

Since
Inception
15%

If an employee earning Cdn$40,000 had participated fully in this program since its inception, he or she would have
accumulated 3,534 shares of Fairfax worth Cdn$2.1 million at the end of 2018. I am happy to say, we have many
employees who have done exactly that!

Last year, 12 years since we began our lawsuit against a number of hedge funds and others, we settled with Morgan
Keegan for $20 million and were awarded a jury verdict of $10.9 million against certain other defendants. We are
continuing to pursue our claims against the remaining defendants by appealing against previous court decisions.
And late in the year, the AMF (the securities regulatory authority in the Province of Quebec) closed its investigation
regarding a securities law matter with respect to which we had always maintained that there was no reasonable basis
for any legal proceedings.

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 2018, we donated $19 million, for a
total of $196 million since we began. In 2017, we donated $20 million to our charitable foundation, which will allow
us to help communities all over the world over the long term. Over the 28 years since we began our donations
program, our annual donations have gone up approximately 110 times at a compound rate of 18% per year. Here are
a few examples of our company donations that I would like to highlight:

The Northbridge Cares program at Northbridge focuses on empowering, educating and supporting Canadian youth at
risk  to  reach  their  potential.  Northbridge  has  connected  with  six  organizations  that  directly  benefit  this  cause –
Pathways to Education, DAREarts, SickKids, Jack.org, United Way and Tree Canada. Together, Northbridge and its
employees have donated over $1.5 million and 2,500 volunteer hours to support these impactful organizations.

Odyssey  Group  continued  its  good  works  throughout  2018  by  supporting  numerous  charitable  organizations
focused on worldwide disaster relief, cancer research and education, as well as health and human services. Its long
term giving partners include Americares, Stamford Hospital, Institut Pasteur, The Actuarial Foundation, the St. John’s
School of Risk Management and the Prostate Cancer Foundation, through which the Kelsey Dickson Team Science
Courage  Research  Award  was  established  to  fund  extensive  research  into  immunotherapy  drugs  for  Merkel  Cell

22

Carcinoma. As a result of this research, the one-year survival rate for Merkel Cell Carcinoma has increased from 5%
to 50%!

During 2018 Brit supported ten charities chosen by its employees, which for 2018 were Watsan, the London Air
Ambulance,  Kidney  Research  UK,  the  Spinal  Injuries  Association,  Parkinsons  UK,  Muscular  Dystrophy  UK,
Whittington Babies, the Rob Stephenson Trust, Concerns of Police Survivors and the Ronald McDonald House of
Charities, and through volunteering activity Brit continued its support for the Soweto Academy, a school in a slum in
Nairobi, Kenya. Brit has also become title sponsor for Team BRIT, a team of disabled motor racing drivers, thereby
allowing them to launch a racing academy intended to result in disabled drivers competing on a level playing field
with able bodied drivers. In addition, Brit promotes staff involvement in the community by granting every employee
two additional days of paid leave a year to volunteer their time at a registered local charity.

Allied World supported a new charity this year – Camp Southern Ground, which provides summer camp experiences
for children of military families. The company continues to support two NYC-based charities – the N.Y. Police and
Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund and the Citizens Committee for New York City, whose mission is to improve
the  quality  of  life  for  low-income  New  Yorkers  via  various  community  projects.  Additional  donations  went  to
Make-A-Wish Foundation, National Wildlife Federation and Cleveland Clinic as well as St. Baldrick’s, a children’s
cancer research foundation.

Involvement in the community and helping those in need is fundamental to Crum & Forster, which believes in
volunteering and making an impact. Donations, as well as other forms of corporate giving, are tailored to support the
communities important to its offices and employees. Donations go to hospitals, medical research, education and
numerous programs that help women and children, a large portion of which is directed by C&F Cares, its program
matching employee donations, and the Charitable Impact Committee, that makes grants to organizations in need,
with recipients chosen by employees. In addition, employees turn out in force every year for various fundraising
races  and  events – for  example,  by  running  the  Verizon  5k  to  support  the  Jersey  Battered  Women’s  Shelter  and
preparing food and serving it at the Community Soup Kitchen. Helping young people achieve their educational
dreams is also a huge priority for Crum & Forster, whether through funding scholarships or providing internships for
college students at many of the company’s locations around the country.

In addition to monetary contributions and volunteer days, RiverStone’s 2018 community-based philanthropy efforts
focused on sustaining charitable programs that drive local impact. In the U.S., RiverStone continued its decades-long
relationship  with  community  food  banks  in  Manchester,  New  Hampshire;  Atlanta,  Georgia  and  San  Diego,
California. RiverStone also supported Veterans Count, an Easter Seals program, and City Year, which supports at-risk
students through peer mentoring programs.

RiverStone UK continued its ongoing commitment to worthy causes including mental health care, domestic abuse
support,  cancer  care  and  research,  and  Alzheimer’s  research  and  awareness.  In  addition  to  company-sponsored
contributions,  RiverStone  UK  continued  its  triple-match  charitable  contribution  plan,  triple  matching  almost
£12,000 from employee donations for a total of £47,000.

With support from Fairfax, Zenith contributed $500,000 to the relief efforts related to the 2018 wildfires which had
devastating impacts on many in communities in which it does business. In addition, a number of Zenith’s employees
volunteered in the search and relief efforts.

We are looking forward to seeing you at our annual meeting in Toronto at 9:30 a.m. (Eastern time) on Thursday,
April 11, 2019 at Roy Thomson Hall. As in the past few years, we will have booths (the number keeps growing 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, Odyssey Group, Allied World, Crum & Forster, Zenith,
Brit,  Bryte,  RiverStone,  Fairfax  Asia  (which  now  includes  AMAG,  Pacific  Insurance,  Falcon,  BIC  (our  insurance
operation in Vietnam) 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,  our  Latin  American
operations and Digit, our insurance company that is one of the fastest growing online insurance companies in India.
For the first time we will have Fairfax Worldwide, which will help provide us the ability to collaborate across the
Fairfax group of companies to seamlessly and reliably issue locally admitted insurance policies. For the continually
increasing number of pet lovers, Sean Smith and his team at Pethealth will be on hand to help you insure your
favorite pet: stop by the Pethealth booth and take advantage of some special offers that Sean has for you. To give you
ample time to visit all our booths, the doors to Roy Thomson Hall will open at 8:00 a.m.

23

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

The  Fairfax  Leadership  Workshop  continues  to  grow  and  develop  our  leaders  of  tomorrow.  We  now  have  about
175 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 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, including some you have known previously, such as William
Ashley, Sporting Life, Quess, Golf Town, Boat Rocker Media, AGT, Altius, Peak Achievement, Rouge Media and Blue
Ant Media, and some new ones like Davos Brands and Toys ‘‘R’’ Us. Our innovation lab that we started in Waterloo,
for which we created our FairVentures company, continues to grow and support innovation at all our companies, so
please stop by and visit its booth where Dave Kruis, who runs the FairVentures innovation lab, will be happy to let
you know some of the creative solutions that they are working on for our companies.

Like last year, after our meeting we will have Recipe, which now includes The Keg, and McEwan’s, led by celebrity
chef Mark McEwan, tantalize your taste buds with some of their delicious offerings from their various restaurants. I
reiterate that we are now the third largest restaurant company in Canada: you cannot go too far before you come
across one of our restaurants in either the fast food or fine dining space, and we are continuing to strategically add to
our collection.

Madhavan Menon from Thomas Cook India will again offer you a discount to take your family for a trip of a lifetime
to India, so this year he expects to see many of you visit him and sign up. Everyone who has gone has come back with
glowing reports and having done it myself, I can vouch for it.

Last year at our shareholders’ meeting I told you about the investor trip to India that we were planning on offering
our shareholders so that they could see for themselves firsthand the transformation and opportunities that India has
to offer. The trip was to give our shareholders a chance to take in some sightseeing and to experience the culture, the
people and the cuisine, while exposing them to some of the companies that we have invested in and giving them the
chance to interact with the Presidents who run those companies.

We had an overwhelming response and finally had to limit the numbers once we had 45 people sign up. Madhavan
Menon, Dipak Deva and his group, of course with help from our Vinodh Loganadhan, did an outstanding job; from
all the feedback we received, our shareholders had a memorable trip giving them a deeper understanding of why we
think India is going to be an exceptional investment destination in the years to come. Madhavan will be offering this
trip again in the future, so stay tuned.

We will also have Hari Marar who runs the Bangalore International Airport on hand and you can hear from him all
the exciting things that he has planned in the year ahead, such as adding a second runway and developing the land
surrounding the airport. It promises to be one of the best airports in the world. Ajit Isaac from Quess will be there, as
will Nirmal Jain from IIFL and Vijay Sankar from Sanmar. Sterling Resorts, NCML, Saurashtra Freight, Fairchem, Privi,
Quantum and Catholic Syrian Bank will round out the investments that we have in India, each represented by its
CEO. I guarantee that after you speak to them, you will be as excited as I am regarding our investments in India.

Also, stop by Golf Town, where you can improve your putting in a three-hole contest, with the winner getting a prize:
you might find many of our Presidents and directors there as well, practising their putting! We also have Bauer,
which will showcase some of its latest equipment that makes them the leader in hockey equipment, with ice hockey
being the number one sport in Canada. Bauer also outfits many of our Toronto Maple Leafs stars!

Altogether, this is a fantastic opportunity for you to learn more about our companies, as well as to get some discounts
for shopping at William Ashley, Toys ‘‘R’’ Us, Sporting Life and Golf Town and for dining at Recipe and The Keg.

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 eighth year and in case you have not attended, please check
the website for details (www.bengrahaminvesting.ca). I highly recommend it – 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! This year’s luncheon keynote speaker, Lawrence Cunningham, will have his book for sale in the foyer
and may autograph a copy for you.

24

Similarly to last year, Fairfax India (of which many of you are also shareholders) will hold its annual meeting at
2:00 p.m. on April 11 at Roy Thomson Hall. Chandran Ratnaswami, Jenn Allen, John Varnell, Sumit Maheshwari and
the CEOs of many of Fairfax India’s investees will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. As noted above,
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 about all the wonderful things taking place in India and the vast potential that lies ahead there.

Fairfax Africa will hold its second shareholders’ meeting on Wednesday, April 10 at 2:30 p.m. at the Ritz Carlton
Hotel in Toronto. Fairfax Africa will also have a booth at our meeting, so stop by and say hello to Michael Wilkerson
and his partner Neil Holzapfel and learn about the exciting opportunities in Africa.

So as we have done for the last 33 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 all of you, 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 8, 2019

10MAR201607580995

V. Prem Watsa
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

25

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

(This page is intentionally left blank)

26

Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements

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

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  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 and reviews the consolidated financial statements and MD&A;
considers the report of the independent auditor; 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  auditor  for  appointment  by  the  shareholders.  The  independent
registered public accounting firm has full 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,  2018  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, 2018.

The  effectiveness  of  the  company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of  December  31,  2018  has  been
audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report
which appears herein.

March 8, 2019

10MAR201607580995

V. Prem Watsa
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

30JAN201416020159

David Bonham
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

27

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited

Opinions on the financial statements and internal control over financial reporting

We  have  audited  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets  of  Fairfax  Financial  Holdings  Limited  and  its
subsidiaries (together, the Company) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the related consolidated statements of
earnings, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the years then ended, including the related
notes (collectively referred to as the consolidated financial statements). We also have audited the Company’s internal
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated
Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the
financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and its financial performance and its cash
flows for the years then ended in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the
International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material
respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in
Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.

Basis for opinions

The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective
internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial
reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our
responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company’s
internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with
respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of
the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of
material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting
was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material
misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures
that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts
and  disclosures  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements.  Our  audits  also  included  evaluating  the  accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the
consolidated  financial  statements.  Our  audit  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  included  obtaining  an
understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and
testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our
audits also included performing such other procedures, as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe
that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

28

Definition and limitations of internal control over financial reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding
the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those
policies and procedures that (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.

Chartered Professional Accountants, Licensed Public Accountants

8MAR201910191577

Toronto, Canada
March 8, 2019

We have served as the Company’s auditor since at least 1985. We have not been able to determine the specific year we
began serving as auditor of the Company or its predecessor.

29

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Consolidated Financial Statements

Consolidated Balance Sheets
as at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017

Assets
Holding company cash and investments (including assets pledged
for short sale and derivative obligations – $21.5; December 31,
2017 – $77.8)

Insurance contract receivables

Portfolio investments
Subsidiary cash and short term investments
Bonds (cost $19,281.8; December 31, 2017 – $8,764.6)
Preferred stocks (cost $327.2; December 31, 2017 – $338.5)
Common stocks (cost $5,014.2; December 31, 2017 – $4,877.5)
Investments in associates (fair value $3,279.1; December 31, 2017 –

$2,824.3)

Derivatives and other invested assets (cost $971.3; December 31,

2017 – $641.0)

Assets pledged for short sale and derivative obligations (cost $164.8;

December 31, 2017 – $197.5)

Fairfax India and Fairfax Africa cash, portfolio investments and

Notes

December 31, December 31,
2017

2018
(US$ millions)

5, 27
10

5, 27
5
5
5

5, 6

5, 7

5, 7

1,557.2
5,110.7

2,368.4
4,686.9

6,722.0
19,256.4
260.1
4,431.4

17,382.5
9,164.1
296.8
4,838.7

3,471.9

2,487.0

563.6

164.6

255.4

194.7

investments in associates

5, 6, 27

2,562.9

2,394.0

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

$651.0; December 31, 2017 – $453.8)

Deferred income taxes
Goodwill and intangible assets
Other assets

Total assets

See accompanying notes.

37,432.9

37,013.2

11

8, 9
18
12
13

1,127.3

8,400.9
497.9
5,676.9
4,568.3

927.5

7,812.5
380.8
6,072.5
4,828.3

64,372.1

64,090.1

Signed on behalf of the Board

10MAR201607580995
Director

10MAR201607580340
Director

30

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

company – $6.6; December 31, 2017 – $11.5)

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,
2017

2018
(US$ millions)

14
18

5, 7

8

15
15

16

4,268.7
80.1

149.5
674.3
35,353.9

4,855.2
1,625.2

3,629.5
95.6

126.2
850.2
34,562.5

4,848.1
1,566.0

47,006.9

45,678.1

11,779.3
1,335.5

13,114.8
4,250.4

17,365.2

64,372.1

12,475.6
1,335.5

13,811.1
4,600.9

18,412.0

64,090.1

31

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Consolidated Statements of Earnings
for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

Income

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 gains on investments
Gain on sale of subsidiary
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 before income taxes
Provision for income taxes

Net earnings

Attributable to:
Shareholders of Fairfax
Non-controlling interests

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

See accompanying notes.

32

Notes

2018

2017

(US$ millions except per
share amounts)

10, 25

15,528.3

12,207.5

25

12,431.0

9,983.5

15,001.4
(2,935.4)

11,822.0
(2,100.6)

25
5
6
5
23
25

12,066.0
783.5
221.1
252.9
–
4,434.2

9,721.4
559.0
200.5
1,467.5
1,018.6
3,257.6

17,757.7

16,224.6

8
9

10,598.6
(2,775.2)

9,518.7
(2,371.8)

26
26
9
15
25, 26

7,823.4
2,444.7
2,051.0
347.1
4,229.4

7,146.9
2,049.5
1,649.2
331.2
3,024.6

16,895.6

14,201.4

862.1
44.2

817.9

376.0
441.9

817.9

$ 12.03
$ 11.65
$ 10.00
27,506

2,023.2
408.3

1,614.9

1,740.6
(125.7)

1,614.9

$ 66.74
$ 64.98
$ 10.00
25,411

18

16

17
17
16
17

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

Net earnings

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes

Items that may be subsequently reclassified to net earnings

Net unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) on foreign operations
Gains (losses) on hedge of net investment in Canadian subsidiaries
Gains on hedge of net investment in European operations
Share of other comprehensive income (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 gains (losses) on defined benefit plans

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes

Comprehensive income

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 gains (losses) on foreign operations
Share of other comprehensive income (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 gains (losses) on defined benefit plans

Total income tax (expense) recovery

See accompanying notes.

Notes

2018
(US$ millions)

2017

817.9

1,614.9

16

7
7

6

(661.2)
166.3
57.1

461.7
(106.3)
–

(49.1)

110.1

(486.9)

465.5

6
21

(44.0)
10.2

5.2
(31.8)

(33.8)

(26.6)

(520.7)

438.9

297.2

2,053.8

65.5
231.7

2,024.4
29.4

297.2

2,053.8

2018

2017

2.9

4.6

7.5

5.6
(2.0)

3.6

11.1

10.4

(25.9)

(15.5)

(7.4)
2.3

(5.1)

(20.6)

33

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017
(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, 2018
Net earnings for the year
Other comprehensive income (loss),

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

Gains on hedge of net investment

in Canadian subsidiaries

Gains on hedge of net investment

in European operations

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 gains on defined benefit plans

Issuances for share-based payments
Purchases and amortization for share-

based payments (note 16)

Purchases for cancellation (note 16)
Common share dividends
Preferred share dividends
Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23)
Other net changes in capitalization

(notes 16 and 23)

6,901.6
–

3.8
–

(408.2)
–

194.5 6,048.0
376.0

–

(264.1)
–

12,475.6 1,335.5
–

376.0

13,811.1
376.0

4,600.9 18,412.0
817.9

441.9

–

–

–

–

–
–
–

–
(46.4)
–
–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–
34.7

–
–
(35.3)

–

–

–

–

–
–
–

(214.0)
–
–
–
–

66.1
–
–
–
–

–
(46.3)
(283.2)
(45.1)
–

(459.0)

(459.0)

166.3

166.3

57.1

57.1

(42.6)

(42.6)

(42.2)
9.9
–

–
–
–
–
–

(42.2)
9.9
(0.6)

(147.9)
(92.7)
(283.2)
(45.1)
–

–

(16.4)

(185.2)

9.3

(192.3)

–

–

–

–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–

(459.0)

(202.2)

(661.2)

166.3

57.1

–

–

166.3

57.1

(42.6)

(6.5)

(49.1)

(42.2)
9.9
(0.6)

(147.9)
(92.7)
(283.2)
(45.1)
–

(1.8)
0.3
–

2.3
–
(159.5)
–
(5.8)

(44.0)
10.2
(0.6)

(145.6)
(92.7)
(442.7)
(45.1)
(5.8)

(192.3)

(419.2)

(611.5)

Balance as of December 31, 2018

6,855.2

3.8

(587.5)

208.9 5,864.2

(565.3)

11,779.3 1,335.5

13,114.8

4,250.4 17,365.2

Balance as of January 1, 2017
Net earnings (loss) for the year
Other comprehensive income (loss),

net of income taxes:
Net unrealized foreign currency
translation gains on foreign
operations

Losses on hedge of net investment

in Canadian subsidiaries
Share of other comprehensive

income 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

Issuances for share-based payments
Purchases and amortization for share-

based payments (note 16)

Purchases for cancellation (note 16)
Common share dividends
Preferred share dividends
Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23)
Other net changes in capitalization

(note 16)

4,750.8
–

3.8
–

(285.1)
–

106.8 4,456.2
– 1,740.6

(547.9)
–

8,484.6 1,335.5
–
1,740.6

9,820.1
1,740.6

2,000.0 11,820.1
(125.7) 1,614.9

–

–

–

–
–
–

–
(45.6)
–
–
2,196.4

–

–

–

–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–
17.4

–
–
(16.9)

–

–

–

–
–
–

(140.5)
–
–
–
–

51.8
–
–
–
–

–
(50.6)
(237.4)
(44.6)
–

–

52.8

183.8

306.7

306.7

(106.3)

(106.3)

109.3

109.3

5.0
(30.9)
–

–
–
–
–
–

–

5.0
(30.9)
0.5

(88.7)
(96.2)
(237.4)
(44.6)
2,196.4

236.6

–

–

–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–

306.7

155.0

461.7

(106.3)

–

(106.3)

109.3

0.8

110.1

5.0
(30.9)
0.5

0.2
(0.9)
–

5.2
(31.8)
0.5

(88.7)
(96.2)
(237.4)
(44.6)
2,196.4

3.8
–
(67.5)
–
2,451.2

(84.9)
(96.2)
(304.9)
(44.6)
4,647.6

236.6

184.0

420.6

Balance as of December 31, 2017

6,901.6

3.8

(408.2)

194.5 6,048.0

(264.1)

12,475.6 1,335.5

13,811.1

4,600.9 18,412.0

See accompanying notes.

34

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

Operating activities

Net earnings
Depreciation, amortization and impairment charges
Net bond discount amortization
Amortization of share-based payment awards
Share of profit of associates
Deferred income taxes
Net gains on investments
Gain on sale of subsidiary
Loss on repurchase of borrowings
Net increase in fair value of investment property
Net (purchases) sales of securities classified at FVTPL
Changes in operating assets and liabilities

Cash provided by (used in) operating activities

Investing activities

Sales of investments in associates
Purchases of investments in associates
Net purchases of investment property
Net purchases of premises and equipment and intangible assets
Purchases of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired
Sale of subsidiary, net of cash divested
Deconsolidation 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 (repayments) – insurance and reinsurance companies’

revolving credit facilities

Net repayments – holding company revolving credit facility

Borrowings – non-insurance companies:

Proceeds, net of issuance costs
Repayments
Net borrowings – revolving credit facilities and short term loans
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash related to financing activities

Subordinate voting shares:
Purchases for treasury
Purchases for cancellation

Common share dividends
Preferred share dividends
Subsidiary shares:

Issuances to non-controlling interests, net of issuance costs
Purchases of non-controlling interests
Sales to non-controlling interests
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

Cash provided by (used in) financing activities

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of year
Foreign currency translation

Notes

2018
(US$ millions)

2017

26

6
18
5
23
15

27
27

6
6

23
23
23

15

15

16

16
16

23
23
23
16

817.9
349.5
(141.0)
66.1
(221.1)
(105.0)
(248.7)
–
58.9
(24.4)
(2,749.3)
272.8

1,614.9
280.5
(52.7)
51.8
(200.5)
230.3
(1,462.2)
(1,018.6)
28.6
(19.7)
2,712.0
569.8

(1,924.3)

2,734.2

444.8
(535.8)
(141.7)
(236.5)
(163.1)
71.4
(67.7)

1,014.9
(1,026.5)
(111.6)
(337.2)
(1,107.7)
640.4
–

(628.6)

(927.7)

1,490.7
(1,246.5)

532.0
(483.7)

(42.2)
–

45.0
(200.0)

664.0
(660.6)
41.4
150.5

(214.0)
(92.7)
(283.2)
(45.1)

103.1
(382.0)
–
(159.5)

500.6
(268.7)
193.7
(150.8)

(140.5)
(96.2)
(237.4)
(44.6)

2,223.2
(140.3)
96.8
(67.5)

(676.1)

1,761.6

(3,229.0)
7,935.0
(169.1)

3,568.1
4,219.1
147.8

Cash and cash equivalents – end of year

27

4,536.9

7,935.0

See accompanying notes.

35

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

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

37

37

37

49

51

59

65

68

72

73

73

74

76

76

77

79

83

84

88

88

89

90

90

96

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

113

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

119

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

119

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

121

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

122

36

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017
(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  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, 2018 are prepared in accordance
with International Financial Reporting Standards (‘‘IFRS’’) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board
(‘‘IASB’’). 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 are considered
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  considered  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
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 8, 2019.

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. Adoption of the complete version of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments on January 1, 2018 did not result in
any changes to the company’s accounting policies for items within the scope of IFRS 9, including financial assets,
financial liabilities and hedges. See ‘‘New accounting pronouncements adopted in 2018’’ later in this note for details.

Consolidation
Subsidiaries – The  company’s  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  assets,  liabilities,  equity,  income,
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 or 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, 2018 and 2017 based on individual holding
companies’  and  subsidiaries’  financial  statements  at  those  dates.  Accounting  policies  of  subsidiaries  have  been

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FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

aligned with those of the company where necessary. The company’s significant operating 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 assumed 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.

An existing equity interest is re-measured to fair value at the date of a 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 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 indicators of
impairment.  Indefinite-lived  intangible  assets  are  not  subject  to  amortization  but  are  assessed  for  impairment
annually or more frequently if there are 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.  An  existing  equity  interest  is  re-measured  to  fair  value  at  the  date  significant  influence  is
obtained and included in the carrying value of the associate.

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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’’ in this note 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. Impairment losses are reversed in future periods if the circumstances that led to the impairment no
longer exist. The reversal is limited to restoring the carrying amount to what would have been determined had no
impairment loss been recognized in prior periods.

Upon loss of significant influence, any retained interest classified as a financial asset is re-measured to fair value and
all amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive income in relation to that investee are reclassified to the
consolidated statement of earnings. Gains and losses on loss of significant influence or disposition of an associate are
recognized in net gains (losses) on investments in the consolidated statement of earnings.

Consolidated statement of cash flows
The company’s consolidated statement of cash flows is 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.

Investments
Investments  include  cash  and  cash  equivalents,  short  term  investments,  equity  instruments,  bonds,  short  sales,
derivatives,  investment  property  and  investments  in  associates.  Management  determines  the  appropriate
classifications of investments at their acquisition date.

Classification – Short term investments, bonds, preferred stocks, common stocks, short sales and derivatives are
classified at FVTPL. The company manages these investments on a fair value basis, using fair value information to
assess  investment  performance  and  to  make  investment  decisions.  The  company  has  not  elected  to  irrevocably
designate  any  of  its  common  stocks  or  preferred  stocks  at  fair  value  through  other  comprehensive  income.  The
company classifies its short term investments and bonds based on both the company’s business model for managing
those financial assets and their contractual cash flow characteristics. While the contractual cash flows of certain of
the company’s short term investments and bonds are solely principal and interest, those investments are neither
held for the purpose of collecting contractual cash flows nor held both for collecting contractual cash flows and for
sale. The collection of contractual cash flows is only incidental to the company’s business model of maximizing total
investment return on a fair value basis.

Recognition and measurement – The company recognizes purchases and sales of investments on the trade date,
the date on which the company commits to purchase or sell an asset. Transactions pending settlement are reflected
on  the  consolidated  balance  sheet  in  other  assets  or  in  accounts  payable  and  accrued  liabilities.  Investments
classified  at  FVTPL  are  initially  recognized  at  fair  value  with  transaction  costs  recorded  as  investment  expenses
(a component of interest and dividends) in the consolidated statement of earnings.

Subsequent to initial recognition, investments classified at FVTPL are measured at fair value with changes in fair
value reported in the consolidated statement of earnings as income, comprised of interest and dividends and net
gains (losses) on investments. Interest and dividends represent dividends received on holdings of common stocks
and preferred stocks, and interest income on short term investments and bonds calculated using the effective interest
method, net of investment expenses. All other changes in fair value are reported in net gains (losses) on investments
in the consolidated statement of earnings. For short term investments and bonds, the sum of their interest income
and net gains (losses) on investments is equal to their total change in fair value for the reporting period.

For  investments  classified  at  FVTPL,  the  company  further  disaggregates  net  gains  (losses)  on  investments  into
realized and unrealized components in note 5. Where a financial instrument continues to be held by the company at
the end of a reporting period, changes in the fair value of that instrument during the reporting period, excluding
those  changes  reported  as  interest  and  dividends,  are  presented  in  net  change  in  unrealized  gains  (losses).  On
disposition or as a result of a change in accounting for that financial instrument, its inception-to-date net gain (loss),
excluding those changes previously reported as interest and dividends, is presented as net realized gains (losses). The
cumulative unrealized net gain (loss) recognized in prior periods on that financial instrument is then reversed in net

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FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

change in unrealized gains (losses). The sum of the inception-to-date gain (loss) and the cumulative reversal of prior
period  unrealized  gains  (losses)  equals  that  financial  instrument’s  net  gain  (loss)  on  investment  for  the  current
reporting period as presented in the consolidated statement of earnings.

Interest and dividends and net gains (losses) on investments are reported as operating activities in the consolidated
statement of cash flows.

Derecognition – 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 – Highly liquid debt instruments with maturity dates between three months and twelve
months when purchased are classified as short term investments.

Bonds – Debt  instruments  with  maturity  dates  greater  than  twelve  months  when  purchased,  or  illiquid  debt
instruments with maturity dates of less than twelve months when purchased, are classified as bonds.

Short sales – Short sales represent obligations to deliver securities which were not owned at the time of sale and are
classified as financial liabilities at FVTPL. Such transactions are typically undertaken in anticipation of a decline in
the market value of a security or for risk management purposes.

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
primarily  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  its  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  within  holding
company cash and investments or within portfolio investments, as derivatives and other invested assets. The fair
value of derivatives in a loss position and short sales 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 reporting date. Changes in the
fair  value  of  derivatives  and  short  sales  are  recorded  as  net  gains  (losses)  on  investments  in  the  consolidated
statement of earnings.

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

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

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 (‘‘fair value hierarchy’’)
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.

40

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.

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 annual 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.

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

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FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

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,  India  and  other  parts  of  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. Income 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.

Hedging
At the inception of a hedge transaction the company documents the economic relationship between the hedged
items and hedging instruments, and its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge.

Net investment hedge – The company has designated the principal amount of its Canadian dollar denominated
borrowings as a hedge of its net investment in its Canadian subsidiaries with a Canadian dollar functional currency,
and has designated the principal amount of its euro denominated borrowings as a hedge of its net investment in its
European operations with a euro functional currency. Unrealized gains or losses relating to the effective portions of
the  hedges  are  initially  recognized  in  other  comprehensive  income,  and  recycled  from  accumulated  other
comprehensive  income  to  the  consolidated  statement  of  earnings  upon  disposal  of  an  investment  in  a  hedged
foreign subsidiary or associate. Gains and losses relating to any ineffective portion of the hedges 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  reporting  period,  except  for  those  resulting  from  investments  by  owners  or
distributions to owners. Unrealized foreign currency translation amounts arising from the translation of foreign
subsidiaries and associates and the effective portion of changes in the fair value of hedging instruments on hedges of
net  investments  in  foreign  subsidiaries  and  associates  are  recognized  in  other  comprehensive  income  (loss)  and
included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until recycled to the consolidated statement of earnings
on disposal 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 included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) without recycling to the consolidated
statement of earnings. 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.

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  premiums
earned, net of premiums ceded, over the coverage terms of the underlying policies in accordance with the level of
protection provided. 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 premiums written relating to periods of insurance and reinsurance coverage subsequent to the balance

42

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
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 run-off operations. These
reserves are based on assumptions that represent the best estimates of possible outcomes aimed at evaluating the
expected  ultimate  cost  to  settle  unpaid  claims  that  occurred  on  or  before  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 reported and paid.

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

43

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

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.

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  Actuary  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 or other financial metrics that may impact the credit worthiness 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  when  related  to  items  recognized  in  other
comprehensive  income  or  directly  in  equity.  In  those  cases,  the  income  taxes  are  also  recognized  in  other
comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively.

44

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 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 in other comprehensive income while all 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 profits 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.

On December 22, 2017 the United States enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (‘‘U.S. tax reform’’) that, among other
changes,  introduced  a  new  minimum  base  erosion  and  anti-abuse  tax  (‘‘BEAT’’)  on  certain  payments  to  foreign
affiliates and a U.S. tax on foreign earnings for certain global intangible low-taxed income (‘‘GILTI’’), applicable to
U.S. corporate income tax for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. The company recognizes charges related
to BEAT and GILTI, if any, in the periods in which they are incurred, and does not include their impacts in measuring
its net deferred income tax asset.

Investment property
Investment property consists of real estate held by the company for capital appreciation, rental income, or both, and
is  initially  recorded  at  cost,  including  transaction  costs,  and  subsequently  measured  at  fair  value.  On  the
consolidated  balance  sheet  investment  property  is  included  in  portfolio  investments  by  the  insurance  and
reinsurance  companies  and  in  other  assets  by  the  non-insurance  companies.  In  the  consolidated  statement  of
earnings, insurance and reinsurance companies record investment property rental income and direct expenses in
interest  and  dividends,  and  changes  in  fair  value  in  net  gains  (losses)  on  investments,  while  non-insurance
companies record investment property rental income and changes in fair value in other revenue, and direct expenses
in other expenses.

Other assets
Other  assets  primarily  consist  of  inventories,  sales  receivables  and  investment  property  of  the  non-insurance
companies that comprise the Other reporting segment, premises and equipment, accrued interest and dividends,
income  taxes  refundable,  receivables  for  securities  sold,  pension  assets,  deferred  compensation  assets,  prepaid
expenses and other miscellaneous receivables. Receivables are initially recognized at fair value less a provision for
expected lifetime credit losses, and subsequently measured at amortized cost.

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  the  asset’s  estimated  useful  life  and  charged  to  operating
expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings.

Other revenue
Other revenue is primarily comprised of revenue earned by the non-insurance companies in the Other reporting
segment. Revenue from restaurant and retail sales is recognized when the company provides goods to the customer
and receives payment. Revenue from the sale of other goods is typically recognized when shipped to the customer,
with payment received in advance of shipment. Revenue from providing travel, hospitality and other non-insurance
services  is  recognized  over  time  based  on  measured  progress  towards  complete  satisfaction  of  the  related
performance obligations. Payment is usually received at the time of initial booking for travel and hospitality services,

45

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

and  received  in  installments  for  other  services.  Unconditional  payments  due  from  customers  for  satisfied
performance  obligations  are  recorded  as  sales  receivables  within  other  assets  on  the  consolidated  balance  sheet.
Customer  prepayments  are  recorded  as  deferred  revenue  within  accounts  payable  and  accrued  liabilities  on  the
consolidated balance sheet and are not recognized as revenue until the shipment of goods or provision of services
occurs. Certain contracts include multiple deliverables which are accounted for as separate performance obligations,
with the transaction price allocated among the performance obligations based on their individual selling prices.

Other revenue (policy applicable prior to January 1, 2018)
Revenue from the sale of hospitality, travel and other non-insurance products and services is recognized when the
price is fixed or determinable, collection is reasonably assured and the product or service has been delivered to the
customer, and is recorded in other revenue in the consolidated statement of earnings.

Other expenses
Other expenses is primarily comprised of the cost of inventories sold or services provided and the operating expenses
of the non-insurance companies in the Other reporting segment.

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities primarily consist of trade payables of the non-insurance companies that
comprise the Other reporting segment, accrued amounts for salaries and employee benefits, rent and facilities costs,
interest expense, legal fees, and other administrative costs, and payables for securities purchased but not yet settled.
Accounts  payable  and  accrued  liabilities  are  initially  recognized  at  fair  value  and  subsequently  measured  at
amortized cost.

Borrowings
Borrowings are initially recognized at fair value, net of incremental and directly attributable transaction costs, and
subsequently  measured  at  amortized  cost.  Interest  expense  on  borrowings  is  recognized  in  the  consolidated
statement of earnings using the effective interest rate method. Borrowings are derecognized when extinguished, with
any gain or loss on extinguishment recognized in other expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings.

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 canceled 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.

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.

46

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, if
any, 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.

Re-measurements,  consisting  of  actuarial  gains  and  losses  on  plan  liabilities,  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
re-measurements 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 an operating lease, net of any incentives received from the lessor, are recorded in
operating expenses on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

New accounting pronouncements adopted in 2018
The company adopted the following new standards and amendments, effective January 1, 2018, in accordance with
their applicable transition provisions.

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (‘‘IFRS 9’’)
The complete version of IFRS 9 superseded the 2010 version of IFRS 9 (‘‘IFRS 9 (2010)’’) previously applied by the
company.  IFRS  9  includes  requirements  for  the  classification  and  measurement  of  financial  assets  and  financial
liabilities, an expected credit loss model for financial assets measured at amortized cost or fair value through other
comprehensive income, and new hedge accounting guidance. The company determined that its classifications of
financial assets and financial liabilities, and its hedge of net investment in Canadian subsidiaries, remain unchanged
under IFRS 9 from those under IFRS 9 (2010). Equity investments and derivative assets and liabilities continue to be
mandatorily classified at FVTPL, debt investments continue to be classified at FVTPL due to the company’s business
model for their management, and financial liabilities and non-insurance receivables and payables continue to be
classified as amortized cost. IFRS 9 was adopted in accordance with its retrospective transition provisions without

47

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

restatement  of  comparative  periods.  Adoption  of  IFRS  9  did  not  have  a  significant  impact  on  the  company’s
consolidated financial statements.

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (‘‘IFRS 15’’)
IFRS  15  introduced  a  single  model  for  recognizing  revenue  from  contracts  with  customers  that  superseded  the
previous  revenue  recognition  guidance  in  IAS  18  Revenue  (‘‘IAS  18’’)  and  various  related  standards  and
interpretations.  IFRS  15  excludes  insurance  contracts  and  financial  instruments  from  its  scope  and  is  applicable
primarily  to  the  company’s  non-insurance  companies.  IFRS  15  was  adopted  in  accordance  with  its  modified
retrospective transition provisions, which do not require restatement of comparative periods. Adoption of IFRS 15
did not have a significant impact on the company’s consolidated financial statements, except with respect to certain
of Thomas Cook India’s travel related businesses which were reported on an agency basis under IAS 18 and on a
principal basis under IFRS 15. This change in revenue recognition increased Thomas Cook India’s reported revenue
and cost of sales by $770.1 for the year ended December 31, 2018, with no impact on net earnings.

Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration (‘‘IFRIC 22’’)
IFRIC 22 clarifies the accounting for transactions that include the receipt or payment of advance consideration in a
foreign currency. Prospective adoption of IFRIC 22 did not have a significant impact on the company’s consolidated
financial statements.

Classification and Measurement of Share-based Payment Transactions (Amendments to IFRS 2)
These  narrow-scope  amendments  clarify  the  classification  and  measurement  requirements  of  IFRS  2  Share-based
Payment. Prospective adoption of the amendments did not have a significant impact on the company’s consolidated
financial statements.

New accounting pronouncements issued but not yet effective
The following new standards and amendments have been issued by the IASB and were not yet effective for the fiscal
year beginning January 1, 2018. The company does not expect to adopt any of them in advance of their respective
effective dates.

IFRS 16 Leases (‘‘IFRS 16’’)
In January 2016 the IASB issued IFRS 16 which eliminates the distinction between finance and operating leases for
lessees and will result in almost all leases being recognized on the balance sheet. With limited exceptions, a lessee 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 a choice of modified retrospective or full
retrospective  application.  The  company  has  undertaken  a  review  of  lease  data  at  its  operating  companies  in
preparation  for  the  adoption  of  IFRS  16  and  is  currently  evaluating  available  accounting  policy  elections  and
enhancing its information systems to support IFRS 16 calculations. The company expects to apply the modified
retrospective approach under IFRS 16 and recognize lease liabilities, right of use assets and finance lease receivables of
approximately  $1.4  billion,  $1.0  billion  and  $0.4  billion  respectively  on  initial  application  at  January  1,  2019.
Interest expense is expected to increase by approximately $63 in 2019 as a result of applying the effective interest
method to lease liabilities under IFRS 16. Comparative information will not be restated and the cumulative effect of
initially applying the standard, being any difference between the lease liabilities and the aggregate of the right of use
assets and finance lease receivables, will be recorded as an adjustment to opening equity.

IFRIC Interpretation 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments (‘‘IFRIC 23’’)
In June 2017 the IASB issued IFRIC 23 to clarify how the requirements of IAS 12 Income Taxes should be applied when
there is uncertainty over income tax treatments. The interpretation is effective for annual periods beginning on or
after January 1, 2019, with modified retrospective or retrospective application. Adoption of IFRIC 23 is not expected
to have a significant impact on the company’s consolidated financial statements.

IFRS Annual Improvements 2015-2017
In December 2017 the IASB issued amendments to clarify the requirements of four IFRS standards. The amendments
are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019, primarily with prospective application, and are
not expected to have a significant impact on the company’s consolidated financial statements.

48

Plan Amendment, Curtailment or Settlement (Amendments to IAS 19)
On February 7, 2018 the IASB issued amendments to IAS 19 Employee Benefits to clarify the calculation of current
service  cost  and  net  interest  for  the  remainder  of  an  annual  period  when  a  plan  amendment,  curtailment  or
settlement occurs. The amendments are effective for the company’s pension and post retirement plan amendments,
curtailments or settlements occurring on or after January 1, 2019 and are not expected to have a significant impact
on the company’s consolidated financial statements.

Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting (‘‘Conceptual Framework’’)
On March 29, 2018 the IASB published a revised Conceptual Framework that includes revised definitions of an asset
and a liability as well as new guidance on measurement, derecognition, presentation and disclosure. The revised
Conceptual Framework does not constitute an accounting pronouncement and will not result in any immediate
change to IFRS, but the IASB and IFRS Interpretations Committee will use it in setting future standards. The revised
Conceptual Framework is effective for the company beginning on January 1, 2020 and will apply when developing
an accounting policy for an issue not addressed by IFRS.

IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts (‘‘IFRS 17’’)
In  May  2017  the  IASB  issued  IFRS  17,  a  comprehensive  standard  that  provides  guidance  on  the  recognition,
measurement, presentation and disclosure of insurance contracts. IFRS 17 requires entities to measure insurance
contract liabilities at their current estimates of fulfillment cash flows using one of three approaches. The standard is
effective for the company on January 1, 2021 and must be applied retrospectively with restatement of comparatives
unless impracticable. In November 2018 the IASB tentatively deferred the effective date of IFRS 17 by one year. The
company will continue to monitor the IASB’s developments and is currently evaluating the impact of the standard
on its consolidated financial statements.

Definition of a Business (Amendments to IFRS 3)
On October 22, 2018 the IASB issued amendments to IFRS 3 Business Combinations to narrow the definition of a
business and clarify the distinction between a business combination and an asset acquisition. The amendments are
applied prospectively to all business combinations and asset acquisitions on or after January 1, 2020, and are not
expected to have a significant impact on the company’s consolidated financial statements.

Definition of Material (Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8)
On October 31, 2018 the IASB issued amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements and IAS 8 Accounting
Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors to clarify the definition of ‘‘material’’. The amendments are applied
prospectively  on  or  after  January  1,  2020,  and  are  not  expected  to  have  a  significant  impact  on  the  company’s
consolidated financial statements.

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), charges related to U.S. tax
reform (note 18) 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 estimated 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 for both reported and unreported claims incurred as of the end of each accounting period and
related claims expenses. The assumptions underlying the estimation 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 the 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.

49

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Recoverability of deferred income tax assets
In determining the recoverability of deferred income tax assets, management exercises judgment in assessing recent
and expected profitability of applicable operating companies and their ability to utilize any recorded income 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  estimates  of  fair  value  for  the  consideration  transferred,  assets
acquired and liabilities assumed. The company uses all available information, including third party 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 its 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 indicators of impairment. The company
estimates the recoverable amount of each of its cash-generating units using one or more generally accepted valuation
techniques,  which  requires  making  a  number  of  assumptions,  including  assumptions  about  future  revenue,  net
earnings, corporate overhead costs, capital expenditures, cost of capital, and growth rates. 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.
The critical estimates pertain to those cash-generating units where there is little difference between the recoverable
amount  and  the  carrying  amount.  Details  of  goodwill  and  annual  goodwill  impairment  tests  are  presented  in
note 12.

Determination of significant influence and control
The  determination  of  whether  an  investment  is  an  investment  in  associate  or  a  business  combination  requires
consideration of all facts and circumstances, and typically begins with an analysis of the company’s proportion of the
investee’s voting rights. Judgment may be required to determine the existence of significant influence or control
when it involves elements such as contractual arrangements between shareholders, currently exercisable potential
voting rights through warrants or convertible instruments, significant shareholdings relative to other third party
shareholders, and regulatory restrictions on board representation, voting rights, or relevant activities of the investee.
De facto control over an investee without holding the majority of its voting rights may occur due to dispersion of
third party shareholdings and other factors. Conversely, only having significant influence over an investee even
when holding the majority of its voting rights may occur due to regulatory and other restrictions that limit the
application of voting and other rights. The company’s investments that qualify as investments in associates and
business combinations are presented in note 6 and note 23 respectively.

50

5. Cash and Investments

The company’s cash and investments are classified at FVTPL except for investments in associates, and other invested
assets which are classified as other.

Holding company
Cash and cash equivalents(1)
Short term investments
Bonds
Preferred stocks
Common stocks(2)
Derivatives (note 7)

Assets pledged for short sale and derivative obligations:
Short term investments
Bonds

Short sale and derivative obligations (note 7)

Portfolio investments
Cash and cash equivalents(1)
Short term investments
Bonds
Preferred stocks
Common stocks(2)
Investments in associates (note 6)
Derivatives (note 7)
Other invested assets(3)

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

Fairfax India cash, portfolio investments and associates(1)
Fairfax Africa cash, portfolio investments and associates(1)

Short sale and derivative obligations (note 7)

Total investments

December 31, December 31,
2017

2018

227.7
19.8
503.4
4.5
704.7
75.6

995.4
115.4
380.9
2.8
784.9
11.2

1,535.7

2,290.6

13.7
7.8

21.5

1,557.2
(6.6)

1,550.6

4,583.7
2,138.3
19,256.4
260.1
4,431.4
3,471.9
229.8
333.8

34,705.4

3.0
36.8
124.8

164.6

1,905.6
657.3

2,562.9

37,432.9
(142.9)

77.8
–

77.8

2,368.4
(11.5)

2,356.9

7,384.1
9,998.4
9,164.1
296.8
4,838.7
2,487.0
192.6
62.8

34,424.5

16.8
145.7
32.2

194.7

1,762.5
631.5

2,394.0

37,013.2
(114.7)

37,290.0

36,898.5

38,840.6

39,255.4

(1)

(2)

Includes aggregate restricted cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2018 of $577.1 (December 31, 2017 – $835.0).
See note 27 for details.

Includes aggregate investments in limited partnerships and other funds with carrying values at December 31, 2018 of
$2,055.8 and $150.3 (December 31, 2017 – $1,903.7 and $90.9).

(3) Comprised primarily of investment property. 

51

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Fairfax India and Fairfax Africa cash, portfolio investments and associates were comprised as follows:

Fairfax India

Fairfax Africa

Cash and cash equivalents(1)
Short term investments
Bonds
Common stocks
Investments in associates (note 6)
Derivatives and other invested assets

December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31,
2017
329.7
57.2
19.4
4.9
219.8
0.5

2018
67.7
–
576.4
158.5
1,103.0
–

2018
231.9
38.7
92.7
3.9
288.1
2.0

2017
44.0
34.3
694.2
40.5
949.5
–

1,905.6

1,762.5

657.3

631.5

(1)

Included restricted cash at December 31, 2018 of $15.6 at Fairfax India (December 31, 2017 – $15.5) and nil at Fairfax
Africa (December 31, 2017 – $313.0). See note 27 for details.

Restricted cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2018 of $577.1 (December 31, 2017 – $835.0) was comprised
primarily  of  amounts  required  to  be  maintained  on  deposit  with  various  regulatory  authorities  to  support  the
subsidiaries’ insurance and reinsurance operations, and is included on the consolidated balance sheet as shown in
note 27.

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 assets pledged to third parties by the nature of the pledge requirement (excluding
assets pledged in favour of Lloyd’s (note 20), for short sale and derivative obligations and for certain intercompany
reinsurance arrangements). Pledged assets primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents, short term investments
and bonds within portfolio investments on the consolidated balance sheet.

Regulatory deposits
Security for reinsurance and other

December 31, December 31,
2017
4,256.8
1,449.2

2018
4,503.3
1,601.1

6,104.4

5,706.0

52

Fixed Income Maturity Profile
Bonds are summarized by their 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, 2018 bonds containing
call and put features represented approximately $3,366.0 and $292.0 respectively (December 31, 2017 – $3,390.3 and
$93.3) of the total fair value of bonds. The table below does not reflect the impact of $471.9 (December 31, 2017 –
$1,693.8) notional amount of U.S. treasury bond forward contracts (described in note 7) that reduce the company’s
exposure to interest rate risk. The increase in the company’s holdings of bonds due in 1 year or less and due after
1 year through 5 years was primarily due to the reinvestment of cash and short term investments into short-dated
U.S. treasury bonds, high quality U.S. corporate bonds and Canadian government bonds (net purchases of $9,120.3,
$2,848.7  and  $928.6  respectively),  partially  offset  by  sales  of  U.S.  state  and  municipal  bonds  (net  proceeds
of $1,833.0).

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, 2018

December 31, 2017

Amortized
cost(1)
9,610.5
9,112.7
808.4
956.9

Fair Amortized
cost(1)
3,383.9
3,540.7
1,017.6
1,872.1

value(1)
9,606.5
9,174.4
802.7
977.9

Fair
value(1)
3,537.6
3,720.2
1,054.3
1,978.7

20,488.5

20,561.5

9,814.3

10,290.8

Effective interest rate

3.5%

4.0%

(1)

Includes bonds held by the holding company, Fairfax India and Fairfax Africa.

The pre-tax effective interest rate on the company’s bond portfolio was 3.5% (December 31, 2017 – 4.0%).

53

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Fair Value Disclosures
The  company’s  use  of  quoted  market  prices  (Level  1),  valuation  models  with  significant  observable  market
information as inputs (Level 2) and valuation models with significant unobservable information as inputs (Level 3)
in the valuation of securities and derivative contracts by type of issuer was as follows:

December 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

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(1)

5,114.0

5,114.0

–

8,770.0

8,770.0

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(2)

–

–

–

–

122.3

303.6

198.9

171.6

758.5

814.7

303.6

198.9

171.6

758.5

692.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

7.1

7.1

281.9

281.9

9,225.5

9,225.5

403.0

511.3

307.0

–

96.0

466.3

2,247.3

1,821.4

425.9

– 10,428.8

9,821.5

562.3

964.7

51.9

10,464.0

363.2

1,593.3

7,124.4

20,561.5

168.3

5.0

91.3

264.6

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1.1

1.1

964.7

51.9

10,464.0

363.2

1,593.3

5,131.5

–

–

–

–

–

84.4

93.8

1,779.3

2,452.1

1,799.4

1,992.9

4,081.8

18,568.6

1,992.9 10,290.8

7.8

–

–

7.8

160.5

240.7

5.0

90.2

5.0

53.9

255.7

299.6

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1.5

1.5

873.3

1,423.8

669.6

302.0

96.0

48.6

107.7

958.7

1,073.2

1,583.3

825.9

474.8

3,001.4

1,056.7

476.9

1,467.8

3,127.0

1,713.7

–

–

–

–

84.4

93.8

1,779.3

2,452.1

1,799.4

2,185.7

–

–

–

–

–

45.0

45.0

–

–

–

–

–

1,896.1

8,394.7

1,896.1

11.3

–

3.6

14.9

110.3

66.9

506.0

229.4

5.0

48.8

283.2

22.5

1,041.6

907.3

5,298.5

2,028.3

621.5

2,648.7

5,669.0

3,014.4

683.2

1,971.4

Derivatives and other invested assets

641.2

Short sale and derivative obligations

(149.5)

–

–

164.3

476.9

267.1

(149.3)

(0.2)

(126.2)

–

–

89.5

177.6

(126.2)

–

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

33,977.6

8,964.8

19,638.8

5,374.0 35,599.1 21,607.4

9,618.4

4,373.3

100.0%

26.4%

57.8%

15.8% 100.0%

60.7%

27.0%

12.3%

Investments in associates (note 6)(3)

5,223.1

2,344.9

36.9

2,841.3

4,629.3

2,004.3

45.3

2,579.7

(1)

(2)

Includes  restricted  cash  and  cash  equivalents  at  December  31,  2018  of  $577.1  (December  31,  2017 – $835.0).  See
note 27 for details.

Includes other funds invested principally in fixed income securities with a carrying value at December 31, 2018 of $150.3
(December 31, 2017 – $90.9) that are excluded when measuring the company’s equity and equity-related exposure.

(3) 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.

54

Transfers between fair value hierarchy levels are considered effective from the beginning of the annual reporting
period in which the transfer is identified. During 2018 a listed equity investment was transferred from Level 1 to
Level 3 as the company is restricted from selling that investment for a specified period and applied a discount for lack
of marketability (a significant unobservable valuation input) to the quoted price. The increase in the company’s
Level 3 financial assets during 2017 was partially due to the consolidation of certain Allied World investments in
limited partnerships that were classified as Level 3 common stocks ($583.8) based on their unobservable net asset
values and inability to be liquidated or redeemed within three months. In addition, during 2017 a private placement
debt security was transferred from Level 2 to Level 3 due to the modification of its terms and its credit spread (a key
valuation  input)  becoming  unobservable.  During  2018  and  2017  there  were  no  significant  transfers  of  financial
instruments between Level 1 and Level 2 and there were no other 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:

Private

Private
company

Limited Private

placement preferred partnerships
and other
shares

debt securities

equity Common
shares
funds

Derivatives
and other
invested
assets

Total

2018

Balance – January 1

1,941.1

283.2

1,598.7

170.5

202.2

177.6 4,373.3

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in the

consolidated statement of earnings

Purchases
Sales and distributions
Transfer into category
Unrealized foreign currency translation losses on foreign
operations included in other comprehensive income

(78.4)
458.7
(266.3)
–

(46.0)
47.7
(24.4)
–

155.7
383.1
(316.3)
–

10.9
2.6
(5.8)
–

(24.0)
7.5
(3.5)
491.4

(44.5)
(26.3)
362.1 1,261.7
(616.8)
491.4

(0.5)
–

(62.2)

(4.8)

(10.5)

(8.2)

(5.6)

(18.0)

(109.3)

Balance – December 31

1,992.9

255.7

1,810.7

170.0

668.0

476.7 5,374.0

Private

Private
company

Limited Private

placement preferred partnerships
and other
shares

debt securities

equity Common
shares
funds

Derivatives
and other
invested
assets

Total

2017

Balance – January 1

1,053.1

44.0

981.4

167.8

155.4

97.8 2,499.5

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in the

consolidated statement of earnings

Purchases
Sales and distributions
Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23)
Transfer into category
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains on foreign
operations included in other comprehensive income

190.2
430.2
(209.7)
22.4
384.0

1.3
268.4
(34.1)
–
–

243.4
221.2
(443.4)
583.8
–

(5.5)
–
–
–
–

22.6
11.1
(19.4)
29.9
–

(9.9)
442.1
72.3 1,003.2
(706.6)
645.8
391.1

–
9.7
7.1

70.9

3.6

12.3

8.2

2.6

0.6

98.2

Balance – December 31

1,941.1

283.2

1,598.7

170.5

202.2

177.6 4,373.3

55

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

The table below presents details of the valuation techniques and unobservable inputs used in estimating fair values
for the company’s significant Level 3 financial assets:

Carrying
value at
December 31,

Asset class
Limited partnerships and other(b)(1)
Private placement debt securities(c)(2)
Private placement debt securities(c)(3)

Common shares(b)(4)

Common shares(b)(5)
Private company preferred shares(d)(6)
Investment property(e)

Private equity funds(b)(1)
Private equity funds(b)(5)

Warrants(e)(7)
CPI-linked derivatives(e)(8)
Warrant forwards(e)(9)

2018 Valuation technique

1,810.7 Net asset value
1,298.9 Discounted cash flow
504.7 Net asset valuation of
secured loans

439.1 Quoted price net of

discount

77.1 Market comparable
148.9 Discounted cash flow
123.2 Market approach

98.8 Net asset value
71.2 Market comparable

77.3 Option pricing model
24.9 Option pricing model
Forward pricing model
23.0

Significant
unobservable
input

Net asset value / Price
Credit spread
Recoverability of assets

Input range
used

Low

High

N/A
2.6%

N/A
18.5%
60.0% 100.0%

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

Increase
Decrease
Increase

Discount for lack of
marketability
Book value multiple
Credit spread
Recent transaction
price
Net asset value / Price
Price/Earnings
multiple
Equity volatility
Inflation volatility
Probability of exercise

11.6%

11.6%

Decrease

1.3
5.1%
N/A

N/A
10.0

1.3
5.7%
N/A

N/A
10.0

26.4%
0.0%
100%

42.6%
4.4%
100%

Increase
Decrease
Increase

Increase
Increase

Increase
Increase
Increase

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

(b)

Included within holding company cash and investments or common stocks on the consolidated balance sheet.

(c)

Included within holding company cash and investments or bonds on the consolidated balance sheet.

(d)

Included within preferred stocks on the consolidated balance sheet.

(e)

Included  within  holding  company  cash  and  investments  or  derivatives  and  other  invested  assets  on  the  consolidated
balance sheet.

(1) Valued  primarily  based  on  net  asset  value  statements  provided  by  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, such investments are classified as Level 3 if they
require at least three months’ notice to liquidate or redeem. Reasonably possible alternative assumptions have
not  been  applied  to  the  estimated  fair  value  of  these  investments  due  to  their  diverse  nature  and  resulting
dispersion  of  prices.  At  December  31,  2018  limited  partnerships  and  other  consisted  of  50  investments,  the
largest being $442.7.

(2) Valued  using  industry  accepted  discounted  cash  flow  models  that  incorporate  market  unobservable  credit
spreads of the issuers. At December 31, 2018 this asset class consisted of 12 investments, the largest being $512.4.
By increasing (decreasing) the credit spreads within a reasonably possible range, the fair value of these private
placement debt securities would decrease by $36.4 (increase by $36.1).

(3) At December 31, 2018 this asset class consisted of 3 investments, the largest being $253.0.

(4) A  discount  for  lack  of  marketability  is  applied  to  the  quoted  price  of  common  shares  that  the  company  is
restricted from selling for a specified period, and is determined using an industry accepted option pricing model
that incorporates market unobservable long-dated equity volatilities. A higher (lower) equity volatility generally
results in a higher (lower) option value and a lower (higher) fair value of the common shares.

(5) Fair  values  are  determined  by  reference  to  various  valuation  measures  for  comparable  companies  and
transactions,  including  relevant  valuation  multiples.  In  some  instances,  such  investments  are  classified  as
Level  3  because  the  valuation  multiples  applied  by  the  company  were  adjusted  for  differences  in  attributes
between  the  investment  and  the  underlying  companies  or  transactions  from  which  the  valuation  multiples
were derived.

(6) Valued  using  industry  accepted  discounted  cash  flow  models  that  incorporate  market  unobservable  credit

spreads of the preferred shares.

(7) Valued using industry accepted option pricing models that incorporate market unobservable long-dated equity
volatilities. A higher equity volatility generally results in a higher fair value due to the higher probability of
obtaining a greater return from the warrant.

56

(8) Valued  based  on  broker-dealer  quotes  which  utilize  market  observable  inputs  except  for  inflation  volatility

which is market unobservable.

(9) The  company  estimated  the  probability  of  exercise  at  December 31,  2018  to  be  100%,  so  a  decrease  in  the

probability of exercise would decrease the estimated fair value of the warrant forwards.

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 invested assets

Dividends:

Preferred stocks
Common stocks

Investment expenses

Interest and dividends

Share of profit of associates(1)

2018

2017

158.1
555.0
30.8

117.5
441.9
(44.8)

743.9

514.6

11.0
70.5

81.5

2.1
71.1

73.2

(41.9)

(28.8)

783.5

559.0

221.1

200.5

(1)

Includes impairment charges on investments in associates of $57.3 during 2018 (2017 – $46.6). See note 6 for details.

57

278.0
(0.3)
712.2

989.9

(417.9)
19.6
–
38.3
(71.0)
(153.2)
(0.3)

(584.5)

88.8(3)
(74.9)
(11.1)

2.8

999.9

59.4

1,467.5

67.7
(2.0)
–
15.4
(71.0)
21.3
8.1

39.5

88.0
–
9.9

97.9

–

57.3

612.2

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Net gains (losses) on investments

2018

2017

Net

Net change

Net

Net change

realized

in unrealized

Net gains

realized

in unrealized

gains

(losses) on

(losses)

investments

gains

(losses)

(335.9)
(10.7)
(581.1)

(209.7)
(32.6)
(384.7)

445.7
0.2
126.5(6)

gains

Net gains

(losses) on

(losses)

investments

(167.7)
(0.5)
585.7(6)

(927.7)

(627.0)

572.4

417.5

Bonds
Preferred stocks
Common stocks

Derivatives:

Common stock and equity index short positions
Common stock and equity index long positions
Equity warrant forward contracts
Equity warrants and call options
CPI-linked derivatives
U.S. treasury bond forwards
Other

Foreign currency net gains (losses) on:

Investing activities
Underwriting activities
Foreign currency contracts

gains

(losses)

126.2
(21.9)
196.4

300.7

(46.8)(1)
(37.2)(1)
75.4(2)
(15.1)
–
49.6
0.1

26.0

(43.1)
31.6
(21.5)

(33.0)

8.6
(49.1)
38.5(2)
(54.8)
(6.7)
(2.9)
19.8(2)

(46.6)

(38.2)
(86.3)
113.9
(69.9)
(6.7)
46.7
19.9

(485.6)(1)
21.6(1)
–
22.9
–
(174.5)
(8.4)

(20.6)

(624.0)

(128.2)
–
29.4

(171.3)(3)
31.6
7.9

0.8
(74.9)
(21.0)

(98.8)

(131.8)

(95.1)

Gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary and

disposition of associates

Other

1,028.8(4)(5)

(0.1)

–

3.6

1,028.8

999.9(7)(8)

3.5

2.1

Net gains (losses) on investments

1,322.4

(1,069.5)

252.9

855.3

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

(2)

Includes the Seaspan forward contracts described in note 6.

(3) Foreign currency net losses on investing activities during 2018 primarily reflected strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative
to  the  Indian  rupee  and  the  euro.  Foreign  currency  net  gains  on  investing  activities  during  2017  primarily  reflected
strengthening of the euro, Canadian dollar and British pound sterling relative to the U.S. dollar.

(4) During 2018 Thomas Cook India entered into a strategic agreement with the founder of Quess that resulted in Quess
becoming  an  associate  of  Thomas  Cook  India  whereas  it  was  previously  a  consolidated  subsidiary.  Accordingly,  the
company re-measured the carrying value of Quess to its fair value of $1,109.5, recognized a non-cash gain of $889.9 and
commenced applying the equity method of accounting.

(5) During  2018  the  company  sold  its  equity  accounted  investments  in  Arbor  Memorial  Services  Inc.  and  an  insurance
brokerage for net proceeds of $179.2 (Cdn $235.4) and $58.8 (Cdn$76.3) and recorded net realized gains of $111.8 and
$17.6 (Cdn$22.7) respectively. See note 6 for details.

(6) During 2017 the company increased its equity interest and potential voting interest in EXCO Resources, Inc. (‘‘EXCO’’) to
15.8% and 21.8% respectively and commenced applying the equity method of accounting, resulting in unrealized losses of
$121.6 on EXCO being reclassified to realized losses with a net impact of nil in the consolidated statement of earnings.

(7) During 2017 the company sold a 24.3% equity interest in ICICI Lombard for net proceeds of $908.5 and recorded a net
realized gain of $595.6. The company’s remaining 9.9% equity interest in ICICI Lombard was reclassified to common
stock at FVTPL and re-measured to fair value for a net realized gain of $334.5.

(8) During  2017  the  company  acquired  control  of  Grivalia  Properties  by  increasing  its  equity  interest  to  52.7%  and
commenced consolidating Grivalia Properties in the Other reporting segment. Accordingly, the company re-measured its
equity accounted carrying value of Grivalia Properties to fair value and recorded a net realized gain of $51.3.

58

6.

Investments in Associates

The following summarizes the company’s investments in associates:

December 31, 2018

Carrying value

Fair

value(b) arrangements

Fairfax India
Associates
and
and joint Fairfax Africa
associates(c)

Insurance and reinsurance:

Eurolife ERB Insurance Group Holdings S.A. (‘‘Eurolife’’)
Gulf Insurance Company (‘‘Gulf Insurance’’)
Thai Re Public Company Limited (‘‘Thai Re’’)(1)
Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam Insurance

Joint Stock Corporation (‘‘BIC Insurance’’)
Ambridge Partners LLC (‘‘Ambridge Partners’’)
Singapore Reinsurance Corporation Limited (‘‘Singapore Re’’)
Onlia Holdings Inc. (‘‘Onlia’’)(2)
Falcon Insurance PLC (‘‘Falcon Thailand’’)
Camargue Underwriting Managers Group Ltd. (‘‘Camargue’’)
Go Digit Infoworks Services Private Limited (‘‘Digit’’)

Non-insurance:

Agriculture

Astarta Holding N.V. (‘‘Astarta’’)(5)
Farmers Edge Inc. (‘‘Farmers Edge’’)

Ownership
percentage(a)

50.0%
43.3%
47.1%

35.0%
50.0%
27.8%
50.0%
41.2%
50.0%
45.3%

28.2%
49.2%

Real estate

KWF Real Estate Ventures Limited Partnerships (‘‘KWF LPs’’)(3)
Other

–
–

India

Quess Corp Limited (‘‘Quess’’)(4)(5)
Bangalore International Airport Limited (‘‘Bangalore Airport’’)(9)
IIFL Holdings Limited (‘‘IIFL Holdings’’)
Catholic Syrian Bank Ltd. (‘‘CS Bank’’)(10)
Other

Africa

Atlas Mara Limited (‘‘Atlas Mara’’)(5)
AFGRI Holdings Proprietary Limited (‘‘AFGRI’’)(11)
Other(12)(13)

Other

Resolute Forest Products Inc. (‘‘Resolute’’)(5)
APR Energy plc (‘‘APR Energy’’)
Seaspan Corporation (‘‘Seaspan’’)(6)
Peak Achievement Athletics (‘‘Peak Achievement’’)
Arbor Memorial Services Inc. (‘‘Arbor Memorial’’)(7)
Partnerships, trusts and other(8)

Investments in associates

As presented on the consolidated balance sheet:

Investments in associates
Fairfax India investments in associates(9)(10)
Fairfax Africa investments in associates(11)(12)(13)

48.8%
54.0%
35.4%
36.4%
–

42.4%
60.0%
–

33.6%
67.8%
21.8%
42.6%
–
–

287.7
211.5
53.1

46.0
37.3
34.5
12.2
9.3
5.7
3.4

175.2(d)
174.2
53.1

47.1
37.3
36.5
12.2(d)
9.3
5.7
3.4

700.7

554.0

43.1
66.6

109.7

246.7
116.7

363.4

672.5
704.1
818.3
93.1
233.2

116.9
66.9

183.8

247.3(d)
105.7(d)

353.0

1,044.6
–
106.2
–
6.6

Year ended
December 31,
2018

Share of
profit
(loss)

18.1
7.3
(52.4)

0.7
5.9
0.6
(3.7)
–
0.6
(6.8)

Total

175.2
174.2
53.1

47.1
37.3
36.5
12.2
9.3
5.7
3.4

554.0

(29.7)

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
674.4
317.2
93.1
18.3

1,044.6
674.4
423.4
93.1
24.9

116.9
66.9

183.8

247.3
105.7

353.0

195.6
57.1
35.4

288.1

299.8
298.4
276.8
128.6
–
220.1

1,223.7

(16.3)
(32.7)

(49.0)

118.6
(2.8)

115.8

8.4
51.1
45.3
–
(1.0)

30.8
(13.2)
–

17.6

74.4
(10.3)
8.8
(15.1)
10.8
(6.0)

62.6

250.8

221.1

2,521.2

1,157.4

1,103.0

2,260.4

103.8

119.1
149.9
35.3

304.3

240.8
303.6
300.8
153.5
–
225.1

–
–
–

–

195.6
57.1
35.4

288.1

299.8
298.4(d)
276.8
128.6(d)

–
220.1

1,223.8

1,223.7

4,522.4

2,917.9

1,391.1

4,309.0

5,223.1

3,471.9

1,391.1

4,863.0

3,279.1
1,639.7
304.3

5,223.1

3,471.9
1,103.0
288.1

4,863.0

(a) Ownership percentages include the effects of financial instruments that are considered in-substance equity.
(b) See note 5 for fair value hierarchy information.
(c) Fairfax India and Fairfax Africa’s associates are domiciled in India and Africa respectively.
(d) These investments are considered joint arrangements.

59

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Insurance and reinsurance:

Eurolife ERB Insurance Group Holdings S.A. (‘‘Eurolife’’)
Gulf Insurance Company (‘‘Gulf Insurance’’)
Thai Re Public Company Limited (‘‘Thai Re’’)
Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam Insurance

Joint Stock Corporation (‘‘BIC Insurance’’)
Ambridge Partners LLC (‘‘Ambridge Partners’’)
Singapore Reinsurance Corporation Limited (‘‘Singapore Re’’)
Falcon Insurance PLC (‘‘Falcon Thailand’’)
Camargue Underwriting Managers Group Ltd. (‘‘Camargue’’)
Go Digit Infoworks Services Private Limited (‘‘Digit’’)
ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited

(‘‘ICICI Lombard’’)

Non-insurance:

Agriculture

Astarta Holding N.V. (‘‘Astarta’’)
Farmer’s Edge Inc. (‘‘Farmer’s Edge’’)

Ownership
percentage

43.3%
41.4%
34.9%

35.0%
50.0%
27.8%
41.2%
50.0%
45.3%

–

28.1%
46.1%

Real estate

KWF Real Estate Ventures Limited Partnerships (‘‘KWF LPs’’)
Other

–
–

India

Bangalore International Airport Limited (‘‘Bangalore Airport’’)
IIFL Holdings Limited (‘‘IIFL Holdings’’)
Other

Africa

Atlas Mara Limited (‘‘Atlas Mara’’)
AFGRI Holdings Propriety Limited (‘‘AFGRI’’)

Other

Resolute Forest Products Inc. (‘‘Resolute’’)
APR Energy plc (‘‘APR Energy’’)
Peak Achievement Athletics (‘‘Peak Achievement’’)
Arbor Memorial Services Inc. (‘‘Arbor Memorial’’)
Partnerships, trusts and other

Investments in associates

As presented on the consolidated balance sheet:

Investments in associates
Fairfax India investments in associates
Fairfax Africa investments in associates

48.0%
35.5%
–

43.3%
60.0%

33.8%
67.8%
42.6%
43.4%
–

December 31, 2017

Carrying value

Year ended
December 31,
2017

Fair

value(a) arrangements

Fairfax India
Associates
and
and joint Fairfax Africa
associates(b)

Share of
profit
(loss)

117.6
7.7
(21.3)

1.6
4.4
3.2
–
0.7
–

24.0

137.9

15.8
(10.5)

5.3

12.2
21.8

34.0

15.8
36.5
0.2

52.5

1.6
(0.4)

1.2

0.3
(3.1)
(6.2)
10.6
(32.0)

(30.4)

62.6

200.5

Total

298.0
185.4
80.3

48.6
34.9
38.5
9.2
5.5
10.6

–

711.0

140.6
88.1

228.7

213.4
88.6

302.0

611.1
419.9
27.8

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

611.1
317.2
21.2

303.0
233.1
80.5

66.7
34.9
39.6
9.2
5.5
10.6

–

298.0(c)
185.4
80.3

48.6
34.9
38.5
9.2
5.5
10.6

–

783.1

711.0

101.2
95.0

196.2

213.4
88.7

302.1

608.3
1,185.1
27.2

1,820.6

168.7
119.0

287.7

334.0
336.4
153.5
111.8
303.9

140.6
88.1

228.7

213.4(c)
88.6(c)

302.0

–
102.7
6.6

109.3

320.6
309.4(c)
144.8(c)
61.4
299.8

–
–

–

170.3
49.5

219.8

949.5

1,058.8

170.3
49.5

219.8

320.6
309.4
144.8
61.4
299.8

1,136.0

–
–
–
–
–

–

1,239.6

1,136.0

3,846.2

1,776.0

1,169.3

2,945.3

4,629.3

2,487.0

1,169.3

3,656.3

2,824.3
1,517.3
287.7

4,629.3

2,487.0
949.5
219.8

3,656.3

(a) See note 5 for fair value hierarchy information.
(b) Fairfax India and Fairfax Africa’s associates are domiciled in India and Africa respectively.
(c) These investments are considered joint arrangements.

60

Insurance and reinsurance associates

(1) On January 9, 2018 the company increased its equity interest in Thai Re Public Company Limited (‘‘Thai Re’’) to
47.1%  through  the  acquisition  of  an  additional  12.2%  equity  interest  for  cash  consideration  of  $28.2
(910.5 million Thai baht). During 2018 the carrying value of the company’s investment in Thai Re exceeded its
fair value as determined by the market price of Thai Re shares. The company performed a value-in-use analysis to
establish the recoverable amount of its investment in Thai Re and recognized a non-cash impairment charge of
$46.5 in share of profit of associates in the consolidated statement of earnings.

(2) On  May  18,  2018  the  company  acquired  a  50.0%  equity  interest  in  Onlia  Holdings  Inc.  (‘‘Onlia’’)  for  cash
consideration of $9.7 (Cdn$12.4). During the remainder of 2018 the company contributed an additional $6.6
(Cdn$8.8) to maintain its 50.0% equity interest and is committed to make additional such contributions of
approximately $6 (Cdn$8) prior to September 30, 2019. Onlia, a newly formed Canadian insurance services
group that will offer digital property and casualty insurance underwritten by Northbridge, is jointly controlled
by the company and Achmea Holding B.V., a provider of financial services in the Netherlands.

Non-insurance associates

(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.  The  company  participates  as  a
limited partner in the KWF LPs with interests ranging from approximately 50% to 60%. Kennedy Wilson is the
general partner and holds the remaining limited partnership interest in each of the KWF LPs. During 2018 three
KWF  LPs  sold  investment  property  in  Dublin,  Ireland.  The  company  recognized  its  share  of  profit  of  $73.6
(A64.2) from those sales in share of profit of associates in the consolidated statement of earnings. The three
KWF LPs were subsequently liquidated and their carrying values reduced to nil when the company received final
net distributions of $107.3 (A91.9).

(4) On March 1, 2018 Thomas Cook India entered into a strategic agreement with the founder of Quess that resulted
in  Quess  becoming  an  associate  of  Thomas  Cook  India  whereas  it  was  previously  a  consolidated  subsidiary.
Accordingly, the company re-measured the carrying value of Quess to its fair value of $1,109.5, recognized a
non-cash gain of $889.9 and commenced applying the equity method of accounting.

(5) At December 31, 2018 certain of the company’s associates had carrying values that exceeded their fair values as
determined by the market price of their shares. For each such associate, the company performed a value-in-use
analysis based on multi-year free cash flow projections and concluded that no impairment was required as the
recoverable amount exceeded carrying value. Key assumptions for each value-in-use analysis are set out in the
table below:

Associate
Astarta(c)

Source of free cash flow
projections

Internal estimates consistent
with third party analyst
reports

After-tax
discount
rate(a)

13.3%

Atlas Mara

Atlas Mara management

12.5% – 29.3%

Quess

Quess management

13.1%

Resolute

Internal estimates consistent
with third party analyst
reports

12.0%

Long-term
growth rate(b)

Summary of other assumptions

3.0% Annual  capital  expenditures  consistent  with  external
analyst  estimates,  working  capital 
requirements
comparable to industry peers and cash taxes payable at
the Ukraine corporate income tax rate.

2% – 3% Growth  in  loans  and  advances  and  customer  deposits
subsequent to the completion of a new digital banking
platform and improved operating expense ratios due to
increased investment in information technology.

6.0% Annual capital expenditures reverting to lower historic
levels,  working  capital  requirements  comparable  to
industry  peers  and  reduced  cash  taxes  payable  in  the
next  eight  years  through  utilization  of  existing  tax
incentives.

1.5% Valuation  of  pension  funding  liability  on  a  going
concern basis, annual capital expenditures reverting to
lower  historic  levels,  working  capital  requirements
comparable  to  industry  peers  and  no  significant  cash
taxes payable in the next five years through utilization
of existing tax losses.

(a) The after-tax discount rate is representative of the cost of capital of industry peers.

(b) The long-term growth rate is consistent with growth expectations for the industry and the economies in which each

associate operates.

(c) The  company  recorded  an  impairment  charge  of  $10.8  related  to  its  investment  in  Astarta  during  2018.  At

December 31, 2018 a value-in-use analysis concluded that no further impairment charge was required. 

61

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

(6) On February 14, 2018 the company invested $250.0 in securities of Seaspan Corporation (‘‘Seaspan’’) comprised
of 5.50% unsecured debentures due February 14, 2025 and warrants to purchase 38.5 million Class A common
shares with an exercise price of $6.50 per share (‘‘Tranche 1’’). In March 2018 the company committed to invest,
in January 2019, an additional $250.0 comprised of 5.50% unsecured debentures due 2026 and warrants to
purchase  38.5  million  Class  A  common  shares  with  an  exercise  price  of  $6.50  per  share  (‘‘Tranche  2’’).  On
May  31,  2018  the  company  agreed  to  exercise  the  Tranche  1  warrants  early  and  to  exercise  the  Tranche  2
warrants immediately upon issuance in January 2019. In exchange, Seaspan agreed to issue to the company new
7-year  warrants  to  purchase  25.0  million  Class  A  common  shares  with  an  exercise  price  of  $8.05  per  share
(the  ‘‘$8.05  warrants’’)  and  to  amend  the  terms  of  the  Tranche  1  and  Tranche  2  debentures  such  that  the
company  may  require  Seaspan  to  repurchase  some  or  all  of  the  debentures  prior  to  their  maturity  dates
(collectively  the  ‘‘early  exercise  inducement’’).  Seaspan  is  a  publicly  listed  independent  charter  owner  and
manager of containerships.

At initial recognition on February 14, 2018 the company’s consolidated balance sheet reflected the Tranche 1
debentures as bonds ($222.0) and the Tranche 1 warrants as an investment in associate ($28.0), as the Tranche 1
warrants had features of in-substance equity and provided a potential voting interest in Seaspan of 22.4% at the
transaction date (assuming all holders of Seaspan convertible securities, including the company, exercised their
conversion  options).  On  July  16,  2018  the  company  exercised  the  Tranche  1  warrants  early  and  acquired
38.5 million Class A common shares of Seaspan for $250.0 and received the $8.05 warrants. The company’s
commitments to purchase the Tranche 2 warrants and invest in the Tranche 2 debentures, and its right to receive
the $8.05 warrants, (collectively the ‘‘Seaspan forward contracts’’), as well as the company’s Class A common
shares and Tranche 1 debentures, were recorded on the consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statement
of earnings as follows:

Financial instrument
Class A common shares(a)
Tranche 1 debentures(b)
Commitment to purchase Tranche 2

warrants(c)

Commitment to purchase Tranche 2

debentures(d)

Right to receive $8.05 warrants(e)
$8.05 warrants(e)

Balance sheet line

Investments in associates
Bonds – corporate and other

Derivatives – equity warrant forward contracts

Derivatives – other
Derivatives – equity warrant forward contracts
Derivatives – equity warrant contracts

December 31, 2018

Carrying
value

276.8
242.9

23.1

21.0
–
47.3

Fair
value

300.8
242.9

23.1

21.0
–
47.3

611.1

635.1

Year ended
December 31,
2018

Net gains (losses)
on investments

–
18.7

23.1

21.0
75.4
(28.1)

110.1

(a) On July 16, 2018 the company exercised the Tranche 1 warrants and acquired 38.5 million Class A common shares
of Seaspan for $250.0 which was added to the equity accounted carrying value of the Tranche 1 warrants.

(b) The unrealized gain of $18.7 in 2018 primarily reflected the change in fair value of the Tranche 1 debentures as a
result of the early exercise inducement giving the company the ability to put the Tranche 1 debentures to Seaspan each
year in the seven years subsequent to issuance. Prior to the early exercise inducement, the Tranche 1 debentures were
payable only at maturity (seven years after issue).

(c) The unrealized gain of $23.1 in 2018 reflected the intrinsic value of the 38.5 million Tranche 2 warrants of $51.1
less the expected cost to acquire those warrants on January 15, 2019 of $28.0. Intrinsic value was considered to be
appropriate in the determination of fair value due to the short term nature of the Tranche 2 warrants, and was
calculated  as  the  difference  between  the  $7.83  per  share  fair  value  of  a  Seaspan  Class  A  common  share  at
December 31, 2018 and the $6.50 per share exercise price of the Tranche 2 warrants, multiplied by 38.5 million.

(d) The  unrealized  gain  of  $21.0  in  2018  primarily  related  to  the  impact  of  the  early  exercise  inducement  on  the
company’s commitment to purchase the Tranche 2 debentures. The early exercise inducement gave the company the
ability to put the Tranche 2 debentures to Seaspan each year in the seven years subsequent to their issuance, whereas
previously the Tranche 2 debentures were payable only at maturity (seven years after issue).

(e) On  July  16,  2018  the  company  received  the  $8.05  warrants  in  accordance  with  the  early  exercise  inducement.
Accordingly, the company derecognized its right to receive $8.05 warrants, which had appreciated by $75.4 in 2018,
primarily as a result of fluctuations in the price of Seaspan Class A common shares.

62

The company’s aggregate cash investments in Seaspan are set out below:

Financial instruments acquired

Date

Total
investment

Tranche 1 debentures and warrants
Class A common shares and $8.05 warrants through early exercise of Tranche 1 warrants
Tranche 2 debentures and warrants
Class A common shares through early exercise of Tranche 2 warrants

February 14, 2018
July 16, 2018
January 15, 2019*
January 15, 2019*

250.0
250.0
250.0
250.0

1,000.0

*

See subsequent event below.

(7) On October 31, 2018 Arbor Memorial Services Inc. (‘‘Arbor Memorial’’) repurchased the company’s 43.4% equity
interest for consideration of $179.2 (Cdn $235.4), comprised of cash and newly issued preferred shares. The
company derecognized its equity accounted interest in Arbor Memorial, recorded a pre-tax net realized gain on
investment of $111.8 and classified the new Arbor Memorial preferred shares at FVTPL.

(8) On August 3, 2018 the company sold its equity interest in an insurance brokerage, for net proceeds of $58.8

(Cdn$76.3) and recorded a net realized gain of $17.6 (Cdn $22.7).

Fairfax India

(9) On  May  16,  2018  Fairfax  India  increased  its  equity  interest  in  Bangalore  International  Airport  Limited
(‘‘Bangalore Airport’’) to 54.0% by acquiring an additional 6.0% for cash consideration of $67.4 (4.6 billion
Indian  rupees).  The  company  continues  to  apply  the  equity  method  of  accounting  to  its  investment  in
Bangalore  Airport  because  of  extensive  Indian  government  regulation  of,  and  participation  in,  Bangalore
Airport’s relevant activities. Bangalore Airport operates the Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore,
India through a public-private partnership.

(10) On October 19, 2018 Fairfax India invested $88.5 (6.5 billion Indian rupees) in The Catholic Syrian Bank Limited
(‘‘CS Bank’’) and received common shares and warrants representing a 36.4% effective equity interest. Fairfax
India has committed to invest approximately $80 (5.6 billion Indian rupees) in exchange for additional warrants
of CS Bank within 18 months of the initial closing date to increase its effective equity interest in CS Bank to
approximately 51%. At that time the company expects it will continue to apply the equity method of accounting
to its investment in CS Bank, primarily because of extensive government regulation of the banking sector in
India,  including  restricted  board  representation  and  shareholders  being  limited  to  15%  of  available  voting
rights. CS Bank, established in 1920, is a private company headquartered in Thrissur, India, offering banking
services through 418 branches and 270 automated teller machines across India.

Fairfax Africa

(11) On January 31, 2018 Fairfax Africa invested $26.1 (311.2 million South African rand) in the rights issue of AFGRI

Holdings Proprietary Limited (‘‘AFGRI’’) to maintain its 60.0% equity interest.

(12) On September 28, 2018 Fairfax Africa invested $9.8 (139.4 million South African rand) to acquire a 35.0% equity
interest in GroCapital Holdings Proprietary Limited (‘‘GroCapital’’), a newly established intermediate holding
company that subsequently acquired a 99.8% equity interest in the South African Bank of Athens on October 4,
2018. On November 8, 2018 Fairfax Africa invested $2.3 (32.2 million South African rand) in GroCapital to
maintain its 35.0% equity interest.

(13) On  November  19,  2018  Fairfax  Africa  acquired  a  26.0%  equity  interest  in  Philafrica  Foods  Proprietary  Ltd.
(‘‘Philafrica’’) for $23.3 (325.0 million South African rand). Philafrica, a subsidiary of AFGRI, is a South African
producer of food ingredients primarily for the food processing and quick-service restaurant industries.

63

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Changes in the carrying value of investments in associates for the years ended December 31 were as follows:

2018

Associates arrangements

Joint Fairfax India Fairfax Africa
associates

associates

Total

Balance – January 1
Share of pre-tax comprehensive income (loss):

Share of profit
Impairment charges(1)
Share of other comprehensive income (loss), excluding gains

(losses) on defined benefit plans

Share of losses on defined benefit plans

Dividends and distributions received
Purchases and acquisitions
Divestitures and other net changes in capitalization(2)
Reclassifications(3)
Foreign exchange effect

1,437.0

1,050.0

949.5

219.8

3,656.3

73.0
(57.3)

(23.0)
(49.6)

(56.9)
(74.2)
321.7
(139.8)
1,109.5
(87.1)

104.0
–

(19.4)
–

84.6
(220.5)
80.6
(16.0)
(5.9)
(11.1)

83.7
–

0.5
–

84.2
(6.2)
155.9
–
–
(80.4)

17.7
–

(13.0)
–

4.7
–
63.3
0.3
–
–

278.4
(57.3)

(54.9)
(49.6)

116.6
(300.9)
621.5
(155.5)
1,103.6
(178.6)

Balance – December 31

2,510.2

961.7

1,103.0

288.1

4,863.0

(1)

Included in share of profit of associates in the consolidated statement of earnings.

(2)

Includes the derecognition of Quess’ investments in associates of $12.8 upon deconsolidation of Quess (note 23).

(3) Comprised  of  the  deconsolidation  of  Quess  (note  23)  and  the  consolidation  by  Grivalia  Properties  of  a  former  joint

arrangement. 

2017

Associates arrangements

Joint Fairfax India Fairfax Africa
associates

associates

Total

1,769.6

623.4

240.5

–

2,633.5

Balance – January 1
Share of pre-tax comprehensive income (loss):

Share of profit
Impairment charges(1)
Share of other comprehensive income (loss), excluding gains

(losses) on defined benefit plans

Share of gains (losses) on defined benefit plans

Dividends and distributions received
Purchases and acquisitions
Divestitures and other net changes in capitalization
Reclassifications(2)
Foreign exchange effect

72.2
(46.6)

22.9
12.4

60.9
(50.5)
367.4
(290.5)
(440.4)
20.5

128.2
–

46.4
–

174.6
(57.0)
301.6
(2.4)
–
9.8

Balance – December 31

1,437.0

1,050.0

45.5
–

(0.1)
(0.1)

45.3
(26.8)
682.9
(0.7)
(20.4)
28.7

949.5

1.2
–

(1.3)
–

(0.1)
–
219.9
–
–
–

247.1
(46.6)

67.9
12.3

280.7
(134.3)
1,571.8
(293.6)
(460.8)
59.0

219.8

3,656.3

(1)

Included in share of profit of associates in the consolidated statement of earnings.

(2) Comprised of the consolidation of Grivalia Properties, the reduction of the company’s investment in ICICI Lombard and

the consolidation of Fairchem subsequent to its merger with Privi Organics.

64

The company’s strategic investment in 15.0% of Alltrust Insurance Company of China Ltd. had a carrying value of
$77.1  at  December  31,  2018  (December  31,  2017 – $81.2)  and  is  classified  as  a  common  stock  at  FVTPL  on  the
consolidated balance sheet.

Subsequent to December 31, 2018

Additional investment in Seaspan Corporation warrants and debentures

On  January  15,  2019  the  company  fulfilled  its  commitment  to  purchase  the  Seaspan  Tranche  2  warrants  and
debentures  for  aggregate  cash  consideration  of  $250.0.  The  Tranche  2  warrants  were  immediately  exercised  for
additional cash consideration of $250.0 to acquire 38.5 million Seaspan Class A common shares. In its consolidated
financial  reporting  in  the  first  quarter  of  2019  the  company  will  derecognize  its  commitments  to  purchase  the
Tranche 2 warrants and debentures and will record a net realized gain on derivatives of $107.6 (of which $44.1 was
recognized as unrealized gains in 2018 for the increase in fair value of the commitments up to December 31, 2018)
primarily  related  to  the  appreciation  of  Seaspan’s  Class  A  common  shares  during  the  commitment  period.  The
company  expects  to  continue  to  apply  the  equity  method  of  accounting  to  its  investment  in  Seaspan  Class  A
common shares.

Additional investment in Sanmar Chemicals Group

On September 17, 2018 Fairfax India entered into an agreement with Sanmar Chemicals Group (‘‘Sanmar’’) pursuant
to which Fairfax India’s $299.0 principal amount of Sanmar bonds, including accrued interest, will be settled for
equivalent  proceeds  comprised  of  an  additional  12.9%  equity  interest  in  Sanmar  valued  at  approximately  $202
(14.1  billion  Indian  rupees)  and  cash.  The  cash  portion  of  the  proceeds  had  a  value  of  approximately  $191  at
December 31, 2018 based on the fair value of the Sanmar bonds of approximately $393 at that date. Closing of the
transaction will increase Fairfax India’s ownership interest in Sanmar to 42.9% from 30.0%, is subject to customary
conditions and third party consents, and is expected to be completed in the first half of 2019. Sanmar is one of the
largest suspension PVC manufacturers in India.

7. Short Sales and Derivatives

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

December 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

Notional

Fair value

Notional

Fair value

Cost amount Assets Liabilities Cost amount Assets Liabilities

Equity contracts:

Equity total return swaps – short positions

Equity index total return swaps – short positions

Equity total return swaps – long positions
Equity warrants and call options(1)
Equity warrant forward contracts(1)

–

–

–
123.7

–

CPI-linked derivative contracts

668.9 114,426.4

U.S. treasury bond forward contracts

Foreign currency forward contracts

Foreign currency options
Other derivative contracts(1)

–

–

48.3

–

471.9

–

–

–

414.4

22.3

–

390.3
652.9

316.6

–

4.8
79.8

38.4

24.9

–

71.3

44.9

21.0

13.4

–

–

–

51.7

–
– 65.2

–

–

892.5

52.6

697.8
615.3

–

11.8

0.4

17.8
77.6

–

– 678.4 117,254.6

39.6

30.4

53.7

–

0.3

–

–

–

–

1,693.8

–

–

–

–

57.1

–

–

12.1

–

15.6
–

–

–

28.8

69.7

–

–

Total

307.4

149.5

204.3

126.2

(1)

Includes the Seaspan warrants and forward contracts at December 31, 2018 described in note 6.

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 of certain market risks but are not designated as hedges for financial reporting.

65

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Equity contracts

The company holds short equity and equity index total return swaps for investment purposes with original notional
amounts of $276.5 and nil at December 31, 2018 (December 31, 2017 – $539.2 and $54.8). These contracts provide a
return which is inverse to changes in the fair values of the underlying equity indexes and certain individual equities.
During  2018  the  company  paid  net  cash  of  $46.8  (2017 – $485.6)  in  connection  with  the  closures  and  reset
provisions of its short equity and equity index total return swaps (excluding the impact of collateral requirements).
During 2018 the company closed out $565.8 notional amount of short equity and equity index total return swaps
and recognized net losses on investments of $11.4 (inception-to-date realized losses of $248.2 of which $236.8 was
recognized as unrealized losses in prior years).

The company holds long equity total return swaps on individual equities for investment purposes with an original
notional amount of $501.5 at December 31, 2018 (December 31, 2017 – $706.3). These contracts provide a return
which is directly correlated to changes in the fair values of the underlying individual equities. During 2018 the
company  paid  net  cash  of  $37.2  (2017 – received  net  cash  of  $21.6)  in  connection  with  the  closures  and  reset
provisions of its long equity total return swaps (excluding the impact of collateral requirements). During 2018 the
company  closed  out  $452.9  notional  amount  of  long  equity  total  return  swaps  and  recognized  a  net  gain  on
investment of $19.5 (inception-to-date realized gain of $16.5 of which $3.0 was recognized as unrealized losses in
prior years).

At December 31, 2018 the fair value of 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 $186.1
(December  31,  2017 – $272.5),  comprised  of  collateral  of  $126.1  (December  31,  2017 – $236.5)  required  to  be
deposited to enter into such derivative contracts (principally related to total return swaps), and collateral of $60.0
(December 31, 2017 – $36.0) securing amounts owed to counterparties in respect of fair value changes since the most
recent reset date.

U.S. treasury bond forward contracts

The company holds forward contracts to sell long dated U.S. treasury bonds to reduce its exposure to interest rate
risk. At December 31, 2018 these contracts had a notional amount of $471.9 (December 31, 2017 – $1,693.8), an
average term to maturity of less than three months, and may be renewed at market rates.

66

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, 2018 these contracts have a remaining weighted average life of
3.6 years (December 31, 2017 – 4.6 years) and notional amounts and fair values 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
that contract on the date of the transaction. The company’s maximum potential loss on a contract is limited to the
original cost of that contract. The CPI-linked derivative contracts are summarized as follows:

Underlying CPI index

United States
United States
European Union
United Kingdom
France

Underlying CPI index

United States
United States
European Union
United Kingdom
France

December 31, 2018

Average

Notional amount

Weighted

average

Index value

Floor
rate(1)

0.0%
0.5%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%

life

Contract

(in years)

currency

3.7 46,725.0
5.8 12,600.0
3.0 41,375.0
3,300.0
3.9
3,150.0
4.1

U.S.

dollars

46,725.0
12,600.0
47,297.6
4,202.9
3,600.9

strike

price

231.39
238.30
96.09
243.82
99.27

at period

end

Cost

251.23 286.7
251.23
39.4
104.10 299.3
22.8
285.60
20.7
103.16

3.6

114,426.4

668.9

December 31, 2017

Average

Notional amount

Weighted

average

Index value

Floor
rate(1)

0.0%
0.5%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%

life

Contract

(in years)

currency

4.7 46,725.0
6.8 12,600.0
4.0 41,375.0
3,300.0
4.9
3,150.0
5.1

U.S.

dollars

46,725.0
12,600.0
49,683.0
4,464.1
3,782.5

strike

price

231.39
238.30
96.09
243.82
99.27

at period

end

Cost

246.52 287.5
39.9
246.52
102.57 307.1
23.2
278.10
20.7
101.76

4.6

117,254.6

678.4

Fair

Cost in
bps(2)

Fair

value in Unrealized

value

bps(2)

gain (loss)

61.4
31.3
63.3
54.2
57.5

8.0
15.1
1.5
–
0.3

24.9

(278.7)
(24.3)
(297.8)
(22.8)
(20.4)

(644.0)

1.7
12.0
0.3
–
0.8

Fair

Cost in
bps(2)

Fair

value in Unrealized

value

bps(2)

gain (loss)

61.5
31.7
61.8
52.0
54.7

20.6
17.2
1.4
0.3
0.1

39.6

4.4
13.7
0.3
0.7
0.3

(266.9)
(22.7)
(305.7)
(22.9)
(20.6)

(638.8)

(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 an equivalent weighted average strike
price of 250.49 if cumulative inflation averages less than 0.5% per year over the life of the contract. At December 31, 2018
the  equivalent  weighted  average  strike  price  for  the  United  States  0.5%  CPI-linked  derivative  contracts  was  243.41
(December 31, 2017 – 242.20).

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

During 2018 the company recorded net unrealized losses of $6.7 (2017 – $71.0) on its CPI-linked derivative contracts
and did not enter into any new contracts.

Foreign currency forward contracts
Long and short foreign currency 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, 2018 consisted of cash of $1.1 and government securities of $18.3 (December 31,
2017 – $3.6  and  $35.9).  The  company  has  recognized  the  cash  collateral  within  subsidiary  cash  and  short  term
investments and recognized a corresponding liability within accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The company
had  not  exercised  its  right  to  sell  or  repledge  collateral  at  December  31,  2018.  The  company’s  exposure  to
counterparty risk and the management thereof are discussed in note 24.

67

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Hedge of net investment in Canadian subsidiaries
At  December  31,  2018  the  company  has  designated  the  carrying  value  of  Cdn$2,691.5  principal  amount  of  its
Canadian dollar denominated unsecured senior notes with a fair value of $2,028.4 (December 31, 2017 – principal
amount of Cdn$2,212.9 with a fair value of $1,868.6) as a hedge of a portion of its net investment in operations with
a Canadian dollar functional currency. During 2018 the company recognized pre-tax gains of $166.3 (2017 – pre-tax
losses of $106.3) related to exchange rate movements on the unsecured senior notes in gains (losses) on hedge of net
investment in Canadian subsidiaries in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

Hedge of net investment in European operations
On March 29, 2018 and May 18, 2018 the company completed an offering of A600.0 unsecured senior notes and a
A150.0  re-opening  of  those  notes.  At  December  31,  2018  the  company  has  designated  the  carrying  value  of
A750.0 principal amount of its euro denominated unsecured senior notes with a fair value of $854.5 as a hedge of its
net  investment  in  European  operations  with  a  euro  functional  currency.  During  2018  the  company  recognized
pre-tax gains of $57.1 related to exchange rate movements on the unsecured senior notes in gains on hedge of net
investment in European operations in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. See note 15 for details
of the euro denominated unsecured senior notes.

8.

Insurance Contract Liabilities

Provision for unearned premiums
Provision for losses and loss adjustment

expenses

December 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

Gross
6,272.2

Ceded
1,290.8

Net
4,981.4

Gross
5,951.7

Ceded
1,169.0

Net
4,782.7

29,081.7

6,459.1

22,622.6

28,610.8

6,189.7

22,421.1

Total insurance contract liabilities

35,353.9

7,749.9

27,604.0

34,562.5

7,358.7

27,203.8

Current
Non-current

14,086.5
21,267.4

3,489.5
4,260.4

10,597.0
17,007.0

13,405.0
21,157.5

2,975.9
4,382.8

10,429.1
16,774.7

35,353.9

7,749.9

27,604.0

34,562.5

7,358.7

27,203.8

At  December  31,  2018  the  company’s  net  provision  for  losses  and  loss  adjustment  expenses  of  $22,622.6
(December 31, 2017 – $22,421.1) were comprised of case reserves of $9,409.3 and IBNR of $13,213.3 (December 31,
2017 – $9,731.5 and $12,689.6).

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)
Divestiture of subsidiary (note 23)
Foreign exchange effect and other

Provision for unearned premiums – December 31

2018
5,951.7
15,528.3
(15,001.4)
5.9
–
(212.3)

2017
3,740.4
12,207.5
(11,822.0)
1,906.2
(157.9)
77.5

6,272.2

5,951.7

68

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(1)
Paid on claims occurring during:

the current year
the prior years

Acquisitions of subsidiaries and reinsurance transactions(2)
Divestiture of subsidiary (note 23)
Foreign exchange effect and other

Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses – December 31

2018
28,610.8
(462.7)
11,165.8

2017
19,481.8
(218.8)
9,736.5

(2,474.6)
(7,566.3)
564.6
–
(755.9)

(2,263.9)
(5,526.0)
7,377.6
(546.6)
570.2

29,081.7

28,610.8

(1) Excludes a gain of $103.7 related to the Part VII transfer component of the RiverStone (UK) acquisition transactions in

2018 (described in the subsequent paragraph).

(2) Comprised primarily of gross insurance contract liabilities assumed of $553.2 related to the Part VII transfer component of
the RiverStone (UK) acquisition transactions in 2018 (described in the subsequent paragraph) and the acquisition of Allied
World in 2017 (note 23).

RiverStone (UK) acquisition transactions

Effective  October  1,  2018  a  portfolio  of  business  comprised  of  direct  UK  employers’  liability  and  public  liability
policies written by a UK insurer relating to accident years 2001 and prior was transferred to RiverStone (UK) through
a Part VII transfer under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended. Also effective October 1, 2018
certain latent claims related to policies issued by the same UK insurer relating to accident years 2002 through 2014
were reinsured by RiverStone (UK). The combination of these two transactions (collectively the ‘‘RiverStone (UK)
acquisition  transactions’’)  resulted  in  RiverStone  (UK)  assuming  $566.8  of  net  insurance  contract  liabilities  in
exchange for cash consideration of $670.5. The 2018 consolidated statement of earnings reflected the RiverStone
(UK) acquisition transactions as follows: net premiums earned and losses on claims of $37.5 were recorded for the
reinsurance component of this transaction; the difference between the cash consideration of $633.0 received for the
Part VII transfer and the net insurance contract liabilities assumed of $529.3 decreased losses on claims by $103.7;
and operating expenses included a profit commission payable to the UK insurer of $18.8 for these transactions.

Subsequent to December 31, 2018

Effective January 1, 2019 European Run-off reinsured a portfolio of business predominantly comprised of casualty
(principally  employers’  liability  and  public  liability),  professional  indemnity,  property,  marine  and  aviation
exposures relating to accident years 2018 and prior, and will assume approximately $549 of net insurance contract
liabilities  in  exchange  for  consideration  of  approximately  the  same.  This  transaction  will  be  reflected  in  the
company’s consolidated financial reporting in the first quarter of 2019.

69

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Development of insurance losses, gross
The development of insurance liabilities illustrates the estimation uncertainty associated with these liabilities and
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, 2018.

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

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

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

28,610.8
8.7

29,081.7
8.0

14,477.2

16,024.0

17,208.0

19,628.2

19,194.9

17,733.9

19,802.2

19,469.0

28,602.1

29,073.7

3,126.6
5,307.6
6,846.3
7,932.7
8,936.9
9,721.1
10,456.1
10,975.6
11,515.3

14,616.0
14,726.6
14,921.6
14,828.9
14,663.1
14,433.0
14,551.5
14,744.2
14,800.0

3,355.9
5,441.4
7,063.1
8,333.3
9,327.0
10,202.6
10,823.4
11,442.7

15,893.8
15,959.7
15,705.6
15,430.4
15,036.2
15,099.0
15,252.1
15,279.7

3,627.6
6,076.7
7,920.3
9,333.4
10,458.7
11,263.6
12,030.0

17,316.4
17,013.6
16,721.0
16,233.9
16,269.6
16,331.8
16,340.6

4,323.5
7,153.1
9,148.0
10,702.8
11,783.3
12,729.6

4,081.1
6,787.6
8,775.5
10,212.4
11,354.4

19,021.2
18,529.4
17,820.5
17,735.5
17,830.5
17,791.8

18,375.6
17,475.0
17,307.9
17,287.2
17,203.5

3,801.6
6,364.5
8,172.7
9,561.8

4,441.4
7,283.6
9,466.5

4,608.0
7,631.4

7,564.0

16,696.4
16,269.2
16,114.0
15,938.9

19,169.3
18,973.6
18,502.5

19,343.1
18,804.8

27,580.6

(322.8)

744.3

867.4

1,836.4

1,991.4

1,795.0

1,299.7

664.2

1,021.5

116.7
(439.5)

303.3
441.0

320.1
547.3

635.8
1,200.6

544.1
1,447.3

329.2
1,465.8

(137.0)
1,436.7

(113.0)
777.2

558.8
462.7

(322.8)

744.3

867.4

1,836.4

1,991.4

1,795.0

1,299.7

664.2

1,021.5

(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 run-off
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 2018 of $462.7 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 claims liabilities.

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 run-off group.

70

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 U.S. asbestos exposure on a gross and net basis for the years ended December 31:

2018

2017

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
1,292.1 1,033.3 1,347.7
153.0
114.3
(208.6)
(170.1)
–
17.8

138.6
(233.2)
20.4

Net
1,065.5
141.8
(174.0)
–

Provision for asbestos claims and loss adjustment expenses – December 31

1,217.9

995.3 1,292.1

1,033.3

(1) Comprised primarily of the reinsurance component of the RiverStone (UK) acquisition transactions.

Fair Value
The estimated fair value of the company’s insurance and reinsurance contracts is as follows:

Insurance contracts
Ceded reinsurance contracts

December 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

Fair
value
34,560.2
7,276.2

Carrying
value
35,353.9
7,749.9

Fair
value
33,807.2
6,948.7

Carrying
value
34,562.5
7,358.7

The fair value of insurance contracts is comprised of the fair value of both unpaid claims liabilities and unearned
premiums. The fair value of ceded reinsurance contracts is comprised of the fair value of reinsurers’ share of unpaid
claims liabilities and unearned premiums. 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  unearned
premiums includes acquisition expenses to reflect the deferral of these expenses at the inception of the insurance
contract.  The  estimated  fair  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 the expected future cash flows. The difference between the sum of the undiscounted expected
future cash flows and the sum of the discounted expected future cash flows represents 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, 2018

December 31, 2017

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
6,764.1
7,147.6

reinsurance
contracts
7,074.1
7,494.8

insurance
contracts
32,820.7
34,877.5

insurance
contracts
33,539.0
35,686.3

71

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

9. Reinsurance

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

December 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

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

6,482.3
792.6
1,290.8

8,565.7

(23.2)
(141.6)
–

6,459.1
651.0
1,290.8

6,216.2
593.7
1,169.0

(26.5)
(139.9)
–

6,189.7
453.8
1,169.0

(164.8)

8,400.9

7,978.9

(166.4)

7,812.5

Current
Non-current

4,121.2
4,279.7

8,400.9

3,418.6
4,393.9

7,812.5

(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

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

2018

Paid Unpaid
losses
losses
593.7 6,216.2
2,233.3 (2,233.3)
–
(2,012.6)
– 2,774.4
–
–

Unearned uncollectible
reinsurance
premiums
(166.4)
1,169.0
–
–
–
–
–
(2,935.4)
–
3,097.3

Provision for Recoverable
from
reinsurers
7,812.5
–
(2,012.6)
(161.0)
3,097.3

balances

(5.5)

(2.5)

–

(0.2)

(8.2)

Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23) and reinsurance

transactions(1)

Foreign exchange effect and other

0.1
(16.4)

30.1
(302.6)

4.2
(44.3)

–
1.8

34.4
(361.5)

Balance – December 31

792.6 6,482.3

1,290.8

(164.8)

8,400.9

(1)

Includes recoverable from reinsurers of $23.9 related to the Part VII transfer component of the RiverStone (UK) acquisition
transactions described in note 8.

Balance – January 1

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

2017

Paid Unpaid
losses
losses
432.2 3,210.0
1,330.7 (1,330.7)
–
(1,314.0)
– 2,367.1
–
–

Unearned uncollectible
reinsurance
premiums
(171.7)
539.8
–
–
–
–
–
(2,100.6)
–
2,224.0

Provision for Recoverable
from
reinsurers
4,010.3
–
(1,314.0)
266.5
2,224.0

(0.2)

0.7
162.7 2,115.2
(237.8)
(29.0)
91.7
11.3

–
586.0
(86.8)
6.6

7.2
–
0.1
(2.0)

7.7
2,863.9
(353.5)
107.6

Balance – December 31

593.7 6,216.2

1,169.0

(166.4)

7,812.5

72

Commission  income  earned  on  premiums  ceded  to  reinsurers  in  2018  of  $567.4  (2017 – $347.1)  is  included  in
commissions, net in the consolidated statement of earnings.

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,
2018
2,949.8
1,082.1
800.9
307.5
(29.6)

December 31,
2017
2,752.3
1,086.4
659.8
218.7
(30.3)

5,110.7

4,686.9

Changes in the insurance premiums receivable and reinsurance premiums receivable balances for the years ended
December 31 were as follows:

Balance – January 1

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

Balance – December 31

Insurance
premiums receivable

Reinsurance
premiums receivable

2018
2,752.3
11,895.0
(10,344.5)
–
(1,220.4)
4.0
–
(136.6)

2017
1,906.2
9,329.9
(8,075.2)
0.5
(932.3)
604.1
(64.7)
(16.2)

2018
1,086.4
3,633.3
(2,772.1)
(1.7)
(842.7)
–
–
(21.1)

2017
788.8
2,877.6
(2,323.3)
(0.7)
(686.4)
445.2
(48.5)
33.7

2,949.8

2,752.3

1,082.1

1,086.4

11. Deferred Premium Acquisition Costs

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

Balance – January 1

Premium acquisition costs deferred
Amortization
Divestiture of subsidiary (note 23)
Foreign exchange effect and other

Balance – December 31

2018

2017

927.5
3,012.1
(2,812.5)
–
0.2

693.1
2,380.2
(2,140.7)
(15.8)
10.7

1,127.3

927.5

73

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

12. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and intangible assets were comprised as follows:

Goodwill

Intangible assets

Total

Balance – January 1, 2018

Additions
Disposals
Amortization
Impairment
Foreign exchange effect and other

Balance – December 31, 2018

Gross carrying amount
Accumulated amortization
Accumulated impairment

2,904.7
136.4
(227.1)
–
(2.6)
(108.7)

2,702.7

2,712.3
–
(9.6)

2,702.7

Lloyd’s
participation

Customer
Brand
and broker
rights(1) relationships names(1)
1,047.8 1,171.4
11.9
(8.5)
–
–
(78.0)

507.9
–
–
–
(4.3)
(0.4)

11.2
(8.2)
(99.3)
(0.2)
(18.5)

Computer
software
and other

440.7
134.9
(4.1)
(96.3)
(1.2)
(32.6)

6,072.5
294.4
(247.9)
(195.6)
(8.3)
(238.2)

503.2

507.5
–
(4.3)

503.2

932.8 1,096.8

441.4

5,676.9

1,247.0 1,096.8
–
–

(314.0)
(0.2)

852.8
(398.6)
(12.8)

6,416.4
(712.6)
(26.9)

932.8 1,096.8

441.4

5,676.9

Goodwill

Intangible assets

Total

Lloyd’s
participation

Customer
Brand
and broker
rights(1) relationships names(1)
431.8 1,014.4
87.5
672.8
–
–
–
(67.9)
–
–
69.5
11.1

420.5
87.4
–
–
–
–

Computer
software
and other

347.1
172.9
(0.2)
(91.0)
(0.5)
12.4

3,847.5
2,232.9
(1.9)
(158.9)
(0.6)
153.5

507.9

507.9
–
–

507.9

1,047.8 1,171.4

440.7

6,072.5

1,266.7 1,171.4
–
–

(218.9)
–

767.7
(311.5)
(15.5)

6,625.5
(530.4)
(22.6)

1,047.8 1,171.4

440.7

6,072.5

Balance – January 1, 2017

Additions
Disposals
Amortization
Impairment
Foreign exchange effect and other

Balance – December 31, 2017

Gross carrying amount
Accumulated amortization
Accumulated impairment

(1) Not subject to amortization.

1,633.7
1,212.3
(1.7)
–
(0.1)
60.5

2,904.7

2,911.8
–
(7.1)

2,904.7

74

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

Allied World
Recipe(1)
Brit
Zenith National
Crum & Forster
Thomas Cook India
Northbridge
Odyssey Group
AMAG Insurance
Quess(1)
All other(2)

December 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

Goodwill
937.9
261.8
154.3
317.6
185.9
133.4
87.8
119.7
42.2
–
462.1

Intangible
assets
710.0
984.9
561.1
107.2
108.3
52.7
76.6
57.7
101.5
–
214.2

Total Goodwill
938.9
222.3
154.3
317.6
188.8
150.0
95.7
119.7
44.7
229.0
443.7

1,647.9
1,246.7
715.4
424.8
294.2
186.1
164.4
177.4
143.7
–
676.3

Intangible
assets
763.7
1,073.6
571.3
115.5
129.4
54.2
77.1
51.6
110.2
21.8
199.4

Total
1,702.6
1,295.9
725.6
433.1
318.2
204.2
172.8
171.3
154.9
250.8
643.1

2,702.7

2,974.2

5,676.9

2,904.7

3,167.8

6,072.5

(1) Recipe acquired The Keg on February 22, 2018, and Quess was deconsolidated on March 1, 2018, as described in note 23.

(2) Comprised  primarily  of  balances  related  to  NCML,  Fairchem,  Mosaic  Capital,  Boat  Rocker,  Dexterra,  U.S.  Run-off

and Pethealth.

At  December  31,  2018  goodwill  and  intangible  assets  were  comprised  primarily  of  amounts  arising  on  the
acquisitions of Allied World during 2017, St-Hubert and Original Joe’s (both by Recipe) during 2016, Recipe and Brit
during 2015, Thomas Cook India during 2012, and Zenith National during 2010. Impairment tests for goodwill and
intangible  assets  not  subject  to  amortization  were  completed  in  2018  and  it  was  concluded  that  no  significant
impairments had occurred.

When testing for impairment, the recoverable amount of each CGU or group of CGUs was based on the higher of fair
value less costs of disposal or value in use, 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 historic growth rate for the business in which each CGU operates.

A number of other assumptions and estimates including premium volumes, investment returns, revenue, expenses
and  working  capital  requirements  were  required  to  be  incorporated  into  the  discounted  cash  flow  models.  The
forecasts were based on 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 8.4% to 13.0%
for insurance business and 11.7% to 18.3% for non-insurance business. A long term investment return of 5.0% was
applied to the investment portfolios of insurance businesses. The long-term growth rates used to extrapolate cash
flows beyond five years for the majority of the CGUs ranged from 2.5% to 3.0%.

75

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

13. Other Assets

Other assets were comprised as follows:

Premises and equipment

374.8

867.7

1,242.5

403.0

847.3

1,250.3

December 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

Insurance and

Non-
reinsurance insurance
companies companies

Insurance and

Non-
reinsurance insurance
companies companies

Total

Total

Other reporting segment investment property (note 23)

Other reporting segment inventories

Other reporting segment sales receivables

Prepaid expenses

Accrued interest and dividends

Income taxes refundable

Deferred compensation plans

Pension surplus (note 21)

Receivables for securities sold but not yet settled

Other

Current

Non-current

–

–

–

89.9

162.0

123.0

80.5

64.0

3.4

1,157.9

1,157.9

455.5

390.9

117.3

11.2

29.3

–

–

–

455.5

390.9

207.2

173.2

152.3

80.5

64.0

3.4

448.1

192.8

640.9

–

–

–

83.7

105.2

83.1

67.1

49.1

207.3

565.5

1,168.4

1,168.4

320.7

470.0

102.5

16.2

63.9

–

–

–

275.3

320.7

470.0

186.2

121.4

147.0

67.1

49.1

207.3

840.8

1,345.7

3,222.6

4,568.3

1,564.0

3,264.3

4,828.3

614.5

731.2

947.8

1,562.3

2,274.8

3,006.0

788.5

775.5

1,069.0

1,857.5

2,195.3

2,970.8

1,345.7

3,222.6

4,568.3

1,564.0

3,264.3

4,828.3

14. Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities were comprised as follows:

December 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

Insurance and

Non-
reinsurance insurance
companies companies

Other reporting segment payables related to cost of sales

–

616.8

Payable to reinsurers

Salaries and employee benefit liabilities

Deferred gift card, hospitality and other revenue

Amounts withheld and accrued taxes

Ceded deferred premium acquisition costs

Pension and post retirement liabilities (note 21)

Accrued rent, storage and facilities costs

Amounts payable to agents and brokers

Accrued commissions

Accrued premium taxes

Accrued legal and professional fees

Accrued interest expense

Amounts payable for securities purchased but not yet settled

576.4

315.1

24.7

269.8

254.8

232.0

26.9

93.8

86.8

74.6

61.1

63.2

19.2

–

61.2

336.4

29.5

–

21.1

159.6

–

0.5

–

10.7

3.0

29.8

Insurance and

Non-
reinsurance insurance
companies companies

–

530.8

428.2

296.8

27.3

205.2

161.4

227.1

33.1

90.4

79.8

66.6

37.7

48.0

18.2

–

77.3

294.7

43.4

–

23.7

59.7

0.1

0.4

–

10.7

3.4

–

Total

616.8

576.4

376.3

361.1

299.3

254.8

253.1

186.5

93.8

87.3

74.6

71.8

66.2

49.0

Total

530.8

428.2

374.1

322.0

248.6

161.4

250.8

92.8

90.5

80.2

66.6

48.4

51.4

18.2

Administrative and other

675.6

226.1

901.7

621.7

243.8

865.5

Current

Non-current

2,774.0

1,494.7

4,268.7

2,341.5

1,288.0

3,629.5

1,866.1

1,156.4

3,022.5

1,429.7

1,019.7

2,449.4

907.9

338.3

1,246.2

911.8

268.3

1,180.1

2,774.0

1,494.7

4,268.7

2,341.5

1,288.0

3,629.5

76

15. Borrowings

Borrowings – holding company
Fairfax unsecured notes:

7.375% due April 15, 2018(e)(10)
7.25% due June 22, 2020 (Cdn$275.0)(d)(8)
5.80% due May 15, 2021(d)(5)
6.40% due May 25, 2021 (Cdn$400.0)(d)
5.84% due October 14, 2022 (Cdn$450.0)(d)(1)
4.50% due March 22, 2023 (Cdn$400.0)
4.875% due August 13, 2024(d)(1)
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)
4.25% due December 6, 2027 (Cdn$650.0)
2.75% due March 29, 2028 (A750.0)(11)
4.85% due April 17, 2028(9)
7.75% due July 15, 2037(e)

Borrowings – insurance and reinsurance companies
Allied World 5.50% senior notes due November 1, 2020(7)
Allied World 4.35% senior notes due October 29, 2025
Allied World revolving credit facility and other borrowings
Odyssey Group floating rate unsecured senior notes due 2021
Zenith National 8.55% debentures due August 1, 2028(d)
Brit 6.625% subordinated notes due December 9, 2030 (£135.0)
Brit floating rate revolving credit facility
Advent floating rate unsecured senior notes due 2026(d)
Advent floating rate subordinated notes due June 3, 2035(d)
First Mercury trust preferred securities due 2036 and 2037

Borrowings – non-insurance companies(c)
Fairfax India floating rate term loans(4)
Fairfax India subsidiary borrowings
Fairfax Africa floating rate term loan and credit facility(2)(3)
Recipe term loans and credit facilities
Grivalia Properties term loans and revolving facility
Loans and revolving credit facilities primarily at floating rates(6)

December 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

Carrying

Fair

Principal

value(a) value(b) Principal

Carrying

Fair
value(a) value(b)

–
–
–
289.6
326.5
292.9
282.5
256.3
91.8
329.5
475.9
857.4
600.0
91.3

–
–
–
288.7
329.2
290.9
279.5
252.9
91.6
327.2
473.7
840.7
594.6
90.5

–
–
–
310.2
352.9
301.7
288.2
267.2
109.5
334.3
462.1
854.5
576.3
106.7

144.2
213.3
500.0
315.7
359.2
319.2
300.0
279.3
91.8
359.2
518.8
–
–
91.3

144.2
212.7
498.0
314.4
362.5
316.8
296.2
275.5
91.6
356.6
516.2
–
–
90.4

146.4
235.6
534.1
349.4
397.2
333.5
313.4
297.1
116.3
371.7
514.7
–
–
114.1

3,893.7

3,859.5 3,963.6

3,492.0

3,475.1 3,723.5

–
500.0
39.6
90.0
38.5
171.9
7.9
46.0
47.7
41.4

–
507.2
43.5
89.9
38.2
176.1
7.9
45.0
46.5
41.4

–
490.4
43.2
92.4
38.2
174.3
7.9
46.0
44.7
41.4

300.0
500.0
45.0
90.0
38.4
182.6
45.0
46.0
48.4
41.4

320.4
508.4
49.2
89.8
38.2
188.5
45.0
45.0
47.1
41.4

320.0
507.3
49.2
93.0
38.2
199.0
45.0
46.0
47.8
41.4

983.0

995.7

978.5

1,336.8

1,373.0 1,386.9

550.0
183.8
30.0
328.0
254.2
283.7

547.2
183.8
29.5
326.9
254.2
283.6

550.0
183.8
29.5
326.9
254.2
283.6

400.0
186.1
150.0
379.9
160.4
291.7

400.0
186.1
150.0
378.2
160.4
291.3

400.0
186.1
150.0
378.2
160.4
291.4

1,629.7

1,625.2 1,628.0

1,568.1

1,566.0 1,566.1

Total debt

6,506.4

6,480.4 6,570.1

6,396.9

6,414.1 6,676.5

(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)

Issuer may redeem any time at prices specified in the instrument’s offering document.

(e) Not redeemable prior to the contractual maturity date.

During 2018 the company and its subsidiaries completed the following debt transactions:

(1) During 2018 the company repurchased $17.5 principal amount of its 4.875% senior notes due August 13, 2024

and $3.1 (Cdn$4.0) principal amount of its 5.84% senior notes due October 14, 2022.

77

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

(2) On September 7, 2018 Fairfax Africa entered into a $90.0 secured, floating rate revolving demand credit facility
with a syndicate of lenders that matures on September 7, 2019. There was $30.0 drawn on that credit facility at
December 31, 2018.

(3) On August 29, 2018 Fairfax Africa repaid its $150.0 term loan due August 31, 2018 with the proceeds from the

release of that term loan’s cash collateral.

(4) On  June  28,  2018  Fairfax  India  replaced  its  $400.0  principal  amount,  one-year  floating  rate  term  loan  due
July 10, 2018 with a $550.0 principal amount, one-year floating rate syndicated term loan due June 28, 2019
(with a one year extension option).

(5) On June 15, 2018 the company redeemed its $500.0 principal amount of 5.80% senior notes due May 15, 2021
for cash consideration of $538.8 including accrued interest, and recognized a loss on repurchase of long term
debt of $38.2 in other expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings.

(6) On May 31, 2018 Toys ‘‘R’’ Us Canada repaid its $195.9 (Cdn$254.2) principal amount of debtor in possession
financing for cash consideration of $198.0 (Cdn$256.9) including accrued interest. Contemporaneously Toys
‘‘R’’  Us  Canada  entered  into  a  $154.2  (Cdn$200.0)  floating  rate  revolving  credit  facility  with  a  syndicate  of
lenders  that  matures  on  May  31,  2023.  There  was  $73.9  (Cdn$101.0)  drawn  on  that  credit  facility  at
December 31, 2018.

(7) During  2018  the  company  repurchased  $8.2  principal  amount  of  Allied  World’s  5.50%  senior  notes  due
November 15, 2020. On May 7, 2018 Allied World used a capital contribution from the company to redeem the
remaining $291.8 principal amount of those notes for cash consideration of $316.6 including accrued interest.

(8) On April 30, 2018 the company redeemed its remaining $207.3 (Cdn$267.3) principal amount of 7.25% senior
notes  due  June  22,  2020  for  cash  consideration  of  $232.0  (Cdn$298.4)  including  accrued  interest,  and
recognized a loss on repurchase of long term debt of $19.6 (Cdn$25.1) in other expenses in the consolidated
statement of earnings.

(9) On April 17, 2018 the company completed an offering of $600.0 principal amount of 4.85% unsecured senior
notes due April 17, 2028 at an issue price of 99.765 for net proceeds after discount, commissions and expenses of
$594.2. Commissions and expenses of $4.4 were included in the carrying value of the notes. In anticipation of
this offering, the company had initiated a hedge of the treasury benchmark interest rate related to the notes
which decreased the effective interest rate of the notes from 4.88% to 4.58% per annum. On January 24, 2019
the notes were exchanged by their holders for an equal principal amount of substantially identical notes that
had been registered under the U.S. Securities Act.

(10) On April 15, 2018 the company repaid $144.2 principal amount of its 7.375% senior notes on maturity.

(11) On March 29, 2018 the company completed an offering of A600.0 principal amount of 2.75% unsecured senior
notes due March 29, 2028 at an issue price of 98.791 for net proceeds after discount, commissions and expenses
of $723.2 (A588.0). In anticipation of this offering, the company had initiated a hedge of the benchmark interest
rate related to the notes which increased the effective interest rate of the notes from 2.89% to 3.12% per annum.
On May 18, 2018 the company completed a re-opening of these notes for A150.0 principal amount at an issue
price  of  98.893  for  net  proceeds  after  discount,  commissions  and  expenses  of  $173.3  (A147.2).  Aggregate
commissions and expenses of $7.1 (A5.8) were included in the carrying value of the notes.

78

Changes in the carrying values of borrowings for the years ended December 31 were as follows:

2018

2017

Insurance
and
Holding reinsurance

Non-
insurance
companies companies

Insurance
and
Holding reinsurance

Non-
insurance
companies companies

Total company

Total

1,373.0
–
(317.7)

1,566.0 6,414.1
664.0 2,154.7
(660.6) (1,907.1)

3,472.5
509.5
(483.7)

435.5
22.5
–

859.6 4,767.6
500.6 1,032.6
(752.4)
(268.7)

(42.2)

41.4

(0.8)

(200.0)

45.0

193.7

38.7

–

–
–

218.1

218.1

–

860.5

221.5 1,082.0

(141.6)
–

(141.6)
58.9

–
28.6

–
–

–
–

–
28.6

Balance – January 1

Cash inflows from issuances
Cash outflows from repayments
Net cash inflows (outflows) from
credit facilities and short term
loans

Non-cash changes:

Acquisitions (note 23)
Deconsolidation of subsidiary

(note 23)

Loss on redemption
Foreign exchange effect and

other

company

3,475.1
1,490.7
(928.8)

–

–

–
58.9

(236.4)

(17.4)

(62.1)

(315.9)

148.2

9.5

59.3

217.0

Balance – December 31

3,859.5

995.7

1,625.2 6,480.4

3,475.1

1,373.0

1,566.0 6,414.1

Principal repayments on borrowings are due as follows:

Holding company
Insurance and reinsurance companies
Non-insurance companies

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023 Thereafter

Total

–
8.2
1,026.2

–
0.3
133.8

289.6
90.3
222.2

326.5
0.3
24.6

292.9
0.3
133.3

2,984.7
883.6
89.6

3,893.7
983.0
1,629.7

Total

1,034.4

134.1

602.1

351.4

426.5

3,957.9

6,506.4

Subsequent to December 31, 2018

On February 7, 2019 the company completed an offering of $85.0 principal amount of 4.142% unsecured senior
notes  due  February  7,  2024  at  an  issue  price  of  100.0  for  net  proceeds  of  $85.0.  Commissions  and  expenses  of
$0.6 were reimbursed to the company by the sole purchaser of the notes.

Credit Facility – Holding company

During 2018 the company extended the term of its $2.0 billion unsecured revolving credit facility with a syndicate of
lenders  by  one  year  to  December  21,  2022.  The  principal  financial  covenants  of  the  credit  facility  require  the
company  to  maintain  a  ratio  of  consolidated  debt  to  consolidated  capitalization  not  exceeding  0.35:1  and
consolidated  shareholders’  equity  attributable  to  shareholders  of  Fairfax  of  not  less  than  $9.5  billion.  At
December 31, 2018 there were no amounts drawn on the credit facility and the company was in compliance with its
financial  covenants,  with  a  consolidated  debt  to  consolidated  capitalization  ratio  of  0.26:1  and  consolidated
shareholders’ equity attributable to shareholders of Fairfax of $13.1 billion.

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.

79

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Issued capital

Issued capital at December 31, 2018 was comprised of 1,548,000 multiple voting shares and 27,717,325 subordinate
voting shares without par value prior to deducting 1,228,148 subordinate voting shares reserved in treasury for share-
based payment awards (December 31, 2017 – 1,548,000, 27,904,801 and 902,498 respectively). 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 multiple and subordinate voting shares held through ownership interest in

shareholder – beginning and end of year

Common stock effectively outstanding – December 31

2018

2017

27,002,303
–
(187,476)
(415,538)
89,888

22,344,796
5,084,961
(184,367)
(277,364)
34,277

26,489,177
1,548,000

27,002,303
1,548,000

(799,230)

(799,230)

27,237,947

27,751,073

During 2018 the company purchased for cancellation 187,476 subordinate voting shares (2017 – 184,367) under the
terms of its normal course issuer bids at a cost of $92.7 (2017 – $96.2), of which $46.3 (2017 – $50.6) was charged to
retained  earnings.  Subsequent  to  December  31,  2018  and  up  to  March  8,  2019  the  company  purchased  for
cancellation 249,361 subordinate voting shares under the terms of its normal course issuer bid at a cost of $118.0.

During  2018  the  company  purchased  for  treasury  415,538  subordinate  voting  shares  at  a  cost  of  $214.0  (2017 –
277,364 subordinate voting shares at a cost of $140.5) on the open market for use in its share-based payment awards.
Subsequent to December 31, 2018 and up to March 8, 2019 the company purchased for treasury 103,649 subordinate
voting shares at a cost of $47.9 on the open market for use in its share-based payment awards.

During 2017 the company issued 5,084,961 subordinate voting shares, of which 5,075,894 shares with a fair value of
$2,191.6 were issued pursuant to the acquisition of Allied World as described in note 23.

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

Date of declaration

Date of record

January 3, 2019
January 3, 2018
January 4, 2017

January 18, 2019
January 18, 2018
January 19, 2017

Date of payment

January 28, 2019
January 25, 2018
January 26, 2017

Preferred stock

The number of preferred shares outstanding was as follows:

Dividend
per share

$10.00
$10.00
$10.00

Total
cash
payment

$278.0
$283.2
$237.4

January 1, 2017

2017 activity:

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

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Series C

Series D

Series E

Series F

Series G Series H

Series I

Series J

Series K Series M

Total

December 31, 2017

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

2018 activity:

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

December 31, 2018

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

80

The carrying value of preferred shares outstanding was as follows:

January 1, 2017

2017 activity:

December 31, 2017

2018 activity:

December 31, 2018

Series C

Series D

Series E

Series F

Series G

Series H

Series I

Series J

Series K

Series M

Total

136.7

–

136.7

–

136.7

90.5

–

90.5

–

90.5

90.8

–

90.8

–

90.8

81.8

–

81.8

–

81.8

175.3

–

175.3

–

175.3

60.6

–

60.6

–

60.6

251.6

–

251.6

–

251.6

36.9

–

36.9

–

36.9

231.7

179.6

1,335.5

–

–

–

231.7

179.6

1,335.5

–

–

–

231.7

179.6

1,335.5

The terms of the company’s cumulative five-year rate reset preferred shares at December 31, 2018 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, 2022
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

Fixed
dividend rate
per annum

Floating
dividend rate
per annum(3)

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

4.58%
–
2.91%
–
3.32%
–
3.71%
–
4.67%
4.75%

–
4.86%
–
3.87%
–
4.27%
–
4.56%
–
–

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 by the company 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
option to convert their shares into Series D, Series F, Series H, Series J, Series L and Series N floating rate cumulative
preferred shares respectively, at the specified conversion dates, 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 option to convert their
shares into Series C, Series E, Series G and Series I fixed rate cumulative preferred shares respectively, at the specified
conversion dates, 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.

During 2018 the company paid preferred share dividends of $45.1 (2017 – $44.6).

81

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to shareholders of Fairfax was comprised as follows:

December 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

Pre-tax Income tax After-tax
recovery
amount

amount amount

Pre-tax Income tax After-tax
amount
recovery

Items that may be subsequently reclassified to

net earnings

Currency translation account

Share of accumulated other comprehensive loss of

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

Items that will not be subsequently reclassified

to net earnings

Share of net losses on defined benefit plans of

associates

Net losses on defined benefit plans

Other

(405.1)

5.7

(399.4)

(166.6)

2.8

(163.8)

(68.2)

(473.3)

4.1

9.8

(64.1)

(22.0)

(463.5)

(188.6)

0.5

3.3

(21.5)

(185.3)

(78.0)

(49.2)

(0.8)

(128.0)

9.0

7.1

10.1

26.2

(69.0)

(42.1)

9.3

(30.3)

(60.9)

–

3.5

8.9

–

(26.8)

(52.0)

–

(101.8)

(91.2)

12.4

(78.8)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

attributable to shareholders of Fairfax

(601.3)

36.0

(565.3)

(279.8)

15.7

(264.1)

Non-controlling interests

Details of non-controlling interests as at and for the years ended December 31 were as follows:

Subsidiary
Allied World(1)
Fairfax India(2)
Recipe(3)
Grivalia Properties
Thomas Cook India(4)
Fairfax Africa(5)
Brit(6)
All other

Domicile
Switzerland
Canada
Canada
Greece
India
Canada
U.K.
–

December 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

Minority
voting
percentage
32.2%
6.2%
43.1%
47.3%
33.1%
1.7%
11.1%
–

Carrying
value
1,196.6
1,095.4
494.3
473.1
434.5
267.2
181.9
107.4

4,250.4

Minority
voting
percentage
32.6%
6.4%
43.3%
47.3%
32.4%
1.2%
27.5%
–

Carrying
value
1,229.4
1,110.7
578.0
517.6
391.2
191.6
435.3
147.1

4,600.9

Net earnings
(loss) attributable to
non-controlling
interests

2018
6.1
81.9
33.6
28.6
283.4
(1.6)
(1.7)
11.6

441.9

2017
(182.3)
(59.9)
55.7
20.0
28.2
4.3
(19.1)
27.4

(125.7)

(1) On April 30, 2018 a dividend of $61.3 was paid to Allied World’s minority shareholders (OMERS, AIMCo and others).

(2) On March 9, 2018 the company received a performance fee of $114.4 for the period January 30, 2015 to December 31,
2017 in the form of 7,663,685 newly issued Fairfax India subordinate voting shares, which increased the company’s
equity interest in Fairfax India to 33.6% from 30.2% at December 31, 2017.

(3) During 2018 Cara Operations Limited changed its name to Recipe Unlimited Corporation (‘‘Recipe’’). The decrease in
carrying value of Recipe’s non-controlling interests at December 31, 2018 compared to December 31, 2017 primarily
reflected Recipe’s acquisition of The Keg, partially offset by Recipe’s issuance of common shares to partially finance the
acquisition. See note 23.

(4) The  increase  in  carrying  value  of  Thomas  Cook  India’s  non-controlling  interests  at  December  31,  2018  compared  to
December 31, 2017 primarily reflected the non-controlling interests’ 33.0% share of the non-cash re-measurement gain

82

($889.9) related to the deconsolidation of Quess, partially offset by the deconsolidation of the non-controlling interests in
Quess ($212.5). See note 23.

(5) During 2018 the company acquired 4,745,421 subordinate voting shares of Fairfax Africa for cash consideration of $57.8
through  Fairfax  Africa’s  secondary  public  offering  and  open  market  purchases.  Those  transactions  decreased  the
company’s equity interest in Fairfax Africa to 59.2% from 64.2% at December 31, 2017. See note 23.

(6) On December 14, 2018 the company increased its ownership interest in Brit to 88.9% through a capital contribution to
Brit of $126.0 to support Brit’s 2019 underwriting plans. On July 5, 2018 Brit used the proceeds from a $264.6 capital
contribution  from  the  company  to  purchase  an  11.2%  ownership  interest  from  its  minority  shareholder  (OMERS)  for
$251.8 and to pay an accrued dividend of $12.8 on the shares purchased. On April 30, 2018 a dividend of $45.8 was paid
to Brit’s minority shareholder (OMERS).

Minority  voting  percentages  in  the  table  above  are  consistent  with  equity  interests  in  each  subsidiary  at
December 31, 2018 except for Fairfax India, Recipe, and Fairfax Africa whose minority equity interests were 66.3%,
56.3%, and 41.3% respectively (December 31, 2017 – 69.8%, 59.8%, 35.8%).

Other net changes in capitalization

The  impact  on  retained  earnings  and  non-controlling  interests  of  certain  capital  transactions  and  changes  in
ownership interests of the company’s consolidated subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are
included in other net changes in capitalization in the consolidated statement of changes in equity as shown in the
table below. See note 23 and under the heading ‘‘Non-controlling interests’’ earlier in this note for details of these
transactions.

Deconsolidation of Quess
Recipe’s acquisition of The Keg
Dividends paid to co-investors in Allied World and Brit
Fairfax Africa secondary public offering
Additional investments in Brit
Acquisition of the remaining shares of Allied World AG
Quess transactions
Fairfax India secondary public offering and private placement
Other

As presented in other net changes in capitalization in the

consolidated statement of changes in equity

17. Earnings per Share

2018

2017

Retained
earnings
–
(9.3)
(86.5)
3.9
(63.9)
–
–
–
(29.4)

Non-

controlling Retained
earnings
–
–
(33.2)
–
–
(35.7)
135.6
(3.3)
120.4

interests
(212.5)
(79.1)
86.5
86.6
(233.5)
–
–
–
(67.2)

Non-
controlling
interests
–
–
33.2
–
–
(193.4)
210.0
336.3
(202.1)

(185.2)

(419.2)

183.8

184.0

Net earnings per share is calculated using weighted average common shares outstanding as follows:

Net earnings attributable to shareholders of Fairfax
Preferred share dividends

Net earnings 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 per common share – basic
Net earnings per common share – diluted

2018
376.0
(45.1)

330.9

2017
1,740.6
(44.6)

1,696.0

27,505,896
890,985

25,411,246
689,571

28,396,881

26,100,817

$
$

12.03
11.65

$
$

66.74
64.98

83

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

18. Income Taxes

The company’s provision for 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
Change in tax rate related to U.S. tax reform
Other

Provision for income taxes

2018

2017

144.1
5.1

200.6
(22.6)

149.2

178.0

(108.1)
(1.6)
–
4.7

(22.5)
24.3
222.4
6.1

(105.0)

230.3

44.2

408.3

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 (loss) before income
taxes by jurisdiction and the associated provision (recovery) for income taxes for the years ended December 31 are
summarized in the following table:

Canada(1) U.S.(2) U.K.(3) Other(4) Total Canada(1) U.S.(2) U.K.(3) Other(4)

Total

2018

2017

Earnings (loss) before

income taxes

Provision (recovery)
for income taxes

54.7

(78.2)

(115.4)

1,001.0 862.1

(141.3)

543.5

(72.1)

1,693.1 2,023.2

47.4

(27.2)

(24.0)

48.0

44.2

52.9

420.5

(24.6)

(40.5)

408.3

Net earnings (loss)

7.3

(51.0)

(91.4)

953.0 817.9

(194.2)

123.0

(47.5)

1,733.6 1,614.9

(1)

Includes Fairfax India and Fairfax Africa.

(2) Principally comprised of Crum & Forster, Zenith National, Odyssey Group (notwithstanding that certain operations of Odyssey Group

conduct business outside of the U.S.), U.S. Run-off and other associated holding company results.

(3) Principally comprised of Brit, European Run-off, Advent and other associated holding company results.

(4)

Includes companies in India, Asia, Europe (excluding the U.K.) and Allied World (acquired on July 6, 2017; the majority of Allied World’s
net earnings (loss) is sourced from its Bermuda operations notwithstanding certain of its operations conduct business in the U.S. and
the U.K.).

Increased pre-tax profitability in Canada in 2018 compared to 2017 primarily reflected stronger earnings at Fairfax
India and Fairfax Africa. Decreased pre-tax profitability in the U.S. and U.K. in 2018 compared to 2017 primarily
reflected unrealized investment losses. Decreased pre-tax profitability in Other in 2018 compared to 2017 primarily
reflected  the  2017  gains  on  sale  of  First  Capital  and  a  portion  of  the  company’s  investment  in  ICICI  Lombard,
partially offset by the gain on deconsolidation of Quess in 2018 (see note 23).

84

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

Canadian statutory income tax rate

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

Provision for income taxes

2018
26.5%

228.5
(289.7)
(36.4)
81.6
27.4
25.0
4.3
3.5
–

2017
26.5%

536.1
(116.2)
(445.3)
210.2
12.8
(15.6)
2.2
1.7
222.4

44.2

408.3

Non-taxable  investment  income  of  $289.7  in  2018  and  $116.2  in  2017  was  principally  comprised  of  dividend
income, non-taxable interest income, the 50% of net capital gains which are not taxable in Canada and share of
profit of associates in certain jurisdictions. Also included in 2018 was an income tax rate benefit of $235.8 related to
the non-cash gain on deconsolidation of Quess reflecting the preferential treatment of long term capital gains in
India.

The tax rate differential on income and losses outside Canada of $36.4 in 2018 principally related to income taxed at
lower rates at Allied World, certain subsidiaries of Fairfax India and in Barbados. The tax rate differential on income
and  losses  outside  Canada  of  $445.3  in  2017  principally  reflected  the  impact  of  net  gains  on  the  sales  of  ICICI
Lombard and First Capital which were not taxable in the jurisdictions in which they were held (income tax rate
benefits of $246.5 in Mauritius and $269.9 in Barbados respectively), partially offset by income in the U.S. that is
taxed at rates higher than the Canadian statutory rate and losses at Allied World and in the U.K. that are taxed at rates
lower than the Canadian statutory rate.

The  change  in  unrecorded  tax  benefit  of  losses  and  temporary  differences  of  $81.6  in  2018  (2017 – $210.2)
principally reflected deferred tax assets in Canada of $63.3 (2017 – $70.8) that were not recorded, as it was considered
not  probable  that  those  losses  could  be  utilized.  The  change  in  unrecorded  tax  benefit  of  losses  and  temporary
differences in 2017 also included a reduction of $89.7 in U.S. tax credits and operating losses capitalized in prior
years, primarily driven by the effects of U.S. tax reform as discussed later in this note.

Other including permanent differences in 2018 primarily reflected $17.9 of U.S. base erosion anti-abuse tax (BEAT)
enacted  as  part  of  U.S.  tax  reform.  Other  including  permanent  differences  in  2017  included  an  income  tax  rate
benefit of $7.4 related to the impact of the transition tax under U.S. tax reform.

Change in tax rate for deferred income taxes related to U.S. tax reform of $222.4 in 2017 principally reflected the
impact of the reduction of the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate on the company’s net deferred income tax asset.
The impact of U.S. tax reform on the company’s consolidated financial statements is discussed later in this note.

Income taxes refundable and payable were as follows:

Income taxes refundable

Income taxes payable

Net income taxes refundable

December 31, December 31,
2017

2018

152.3

(80.1)

72.2

147.0

(95.6)

51.4

85

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Changes in net income taxes 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 (note 23)

Deconsolidation of subsidiary (note 23)

Foreign exchange effect and other

Balance – December 31

2018

51.4

2017

167.3

(149.2)

(178.0)

229.9

7.3

(71.3)

4.1

33.4

18.8

–

9.9

72.2

51.4

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 Intan-

2018

Balance – January 1

187.7

131.3

91.9

(66.7)

(443.5) 177.5 118.1 184.5 380.8

capital adjustment unearned acquisition
costs
expenses premiums

losses

gible Invest-
assets ments credits Other Total

Tax

Amounts recorded in the consolidated

statement of earnings

(67.6)

5.3

Amounts recorded in total equity

Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23)

Deconsolidation of subsidiary (note 23)

Foreign exchange effect and other

5.0

1.4

(6.1)

(13.0)

–

–

–

(1.9)

5.5

–

(0.8)

–

0.2

(15.6)

11.2

128.8

1.1

36.3 105.0

–

1.4

–

(0.2)

–

7.6

–

–

(4.7)

4.2

13.2

–

–

13.9

26.5

9.1

6.4

– (15.3)

(17.2)

1.0

(0.3)

(2.6)

(3.6)

Balance – December 31

107.4

134.7

96.8

(81.1)

(419.6) 314.9 118.9 225.9 497.9

Operating
and

Provision
for losses Provision
for

and loss

Deferred
premium Intan-

2017

capital adjustment unearned acquisition
costs
expenses premiums

losses

gible Invest-
assets ments credits Other Total

Tax

Balance – January 1

188.8

182.3

126.6

(120.0)

(347.6) 331.9 224.3 146.3 732.6

Amounts recorded in the consolidated

statement of earnings

(41.2)

(72.3)

(15.0)

(0.6)

111.0 (140.1) (106.0) 33.9 (230.3)

Amounts recorded in total equity

Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23)

Foreign exchange effect and other

–

33.1

7.0

–

20.5

0.8

–

(19.8)

0.1

–

–

(15.5)

(0.1)

(5.1)

(20.7)

53.6

(195.2)

0.3

(11.7)

0.9

0.3

–

5.4 (101.5)

(0.1)

4.0

0.7

Balance – December 31

187.7

131.3

91.9

(66.7)

(443.5) 177.5 118.1 184.5 380.8

Management expects that the 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,  2018  related  to
investments, provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses, tax credits and operating and capital losses, partially
offset by a deferred income tax liability related to intangible assets. The 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). 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. Deferred taxes on
intangible assets primarily relates to intangible assets recognized on acquisitions (principally Allied World, Recipe
and Brit) that are typically not deductible in the determination of income taxes payable. The deferred income tax
asset related to operating and capital losses arises primarily at Northbridge, Allied World and Fairfax Latam. Tax

86

credits are primarily in the U.S. and relate to foreign taxes paid that will reduce U.S. taxes payable in the future. Other
deferred taxes include temporary differences related to pensions and premises and equipment.

Management  conducts  ongoing  reviews  of  the  recoverability  of  the  deferred  income  tax  asset  and  adjusts,  as
necessary,  to  reflect  its  anticipated  realization.  At  December  31,  2018  deferred  income  tax  assets  of  $857.8
(December 31, 2017 – $838.2) related principally to operating and capital losses and U.S. foreign tax credits have not
been recorded. The losses for which deferred income tax assets have not been recorded are comprised of losses in
Canada of $1,570.1 (December 31, 2017 – $1,516.4), losses in Europe of $613.4 (December 31, 2017 – $635.7), losses
in  the  U.S.  of  $45.9  (December  31,  2017 – $44.6),  losses  at  Allied  World  of  $363.5  across  various  jurisdictions
(December 31, 2017 – $393.7) and U.S. foreign tax credits of $159.0 (December 31, 2017 – $159.0). The losses in
Canada expire between 2026 and 2038. The losses and foreign tax credits in the U.S. expire between 2019 and 2038.
Substantially all of the losses in Europe do not have an expiry date. Allied World’s losses are primarily in the U.K. and
Asia, with no expiry date, while the remainder expire between 2022 and 2037.

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  $3.2  billion  at
December 31, 2018 (December 31, 2017 – $3.1 billion) and are not likely to be repatriated in the foreseeable future.

The  United  States  Tax  Cuts  and  Jobs  Act  (‘‘U.S.  tax  reform’’)  that  was  signed  into  law  on  December  22,  2017
introduced a number of significant changes to U.S. corporate income tax for tax years beginning after December 31,
2017: it reduced the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, required companies to pay a one-time
transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred, repealed the alternative
minimum tax (‘‘AMT’’) regime, modified rules pertaining to loss reserve discounting, introduced a new minimum
base erosion and anti-abuse tax (‘‘BEAT’’) on certain payments to foreign affiliates, and implemented a U.S. tax on
foreign earnings for certain global intangible low-taxed income (‘‘GILTI’’).

Under IFRS, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the enacted or substantively enacted tax rate
expected to apply when temporary differences are to be realized or settled. The resulting deferred income tax is
recognized  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  earnings,  except  to  the  extent  that  it  relates  to  items  previously
recognized  directly  in  equity.  The  company  selected  December  31,  2017  as  the  revaluation  date  for  its  U.S.  net
deferred income tax asset as the impact between the date of enactment and December 31, 2017 was not considered
significant. In 2017, the reduction in the U.S. corporate income tax rate decreased the U.S. net deferred income tax
asset related to operating and capital losses and other timing differences by $229.2, of which $222.4 was recorded in
the consolidated statement of earnings and $6.8 was recorded in other comprehensive income. The company also
decreased its recognized U.S. foreign tax credit carry forwards by $100.0 at December 31, 2017 as the reduction in the
U.S. corporate income tax rate will make utilization of foreign tax credit carry forwards recognized in prior years
more difficult, requiring increased U.S. and foreign source income in the future.

For tax years beginning before January 1, 2018, U.S. tax reform required that U.S. companies include in income the
mandatory  deemed  repatriation  of  post-1986  undistributed  foreign  earnings  (the  ‘‘transition  tax’’).  As  of
December 31, 2017 the company had included $79.1 of previously untaxed foreign earnings in taxable income.
Future repatriation of this amount will not incur additional U.S. tax. The company utilized current and prior year
foreign tax credits (rather than net operating loss carry forwards) to offset this income to reduce the transition tax
liability payable in cash to nil. Additionally, as of December 31, 2017 the recognition of the transition tax caused the
company to record reductions to a deferred tax liability of $34.5 related to previously deferred earnings of Odyssey
Group’s  U.K.  operations  and  to  foreign  tax  credit  carry  forwards  of  $27.1  that  no  longer  had  value  due  to  the
mandatory repatriation. The amounts estimated as of December 31, 2017 above were finalized with the filing of the
2017 income tax return during 2018, with no significant impact on the consolidated financial statements.

The tax effects included in these consolidated financial statements represent the company’s best estimate based upon
the information available as of December 31, 2018. The finalization during 2019 of proposed regulations issued by
the U.S. tax authorities during 2018 could potentially affect the estimates of the impacts related to BEAT and GILTI as
of December 31, 2018. The repeal of the AMT regime did not have a significant impact on the company and the
company continued to reflect the AMT credit carryforwards as part of its net deferred income tax asset. The company
recognizes charges related to BEAT and GILTI, if any, in the periods in which they are incurred, and has not included
their impacts in measuring its net deferred income tax asset at December 31, 2018.

87

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

19. Statutory Requirements

The retained earnings of the company are largely represented by retained earnings at the company’s insurance and
reinsurance subsidiaries. Those 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 2018 by
the insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries, which are eliminated on consolidation, was $415.2 (2017 – $418.1).

Based on the surplus and net earnings (loss) of the primary insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries as at and for the
year ended December 31, 2018, the maximum dividend capacity available in 2019 at each of those subsidiaries,
payable to all shareholders (including non-controlling interests) is as follows:

Allied World
Odyssey Group
Zenith National
Crum & Forster(1)
Brit
Northbridge(1)

December 31,
2018
685.6
329.7
133.7
131.8
128.7
81.9

1,491.4

(1) Subject to prior regulatory approval.

When determining the amount of dividends to be paid from its insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries, the company
considers not only regulatory capital requirements, but also rating agency capital tests, future capital levels required
to support growth and tax planning matters, among other factors. In addition, the co-investors in Allied World and
Brit have a dividend in priority to the company.

20. Contingencies and Commitments

Lawsuits

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. On April 27, 2017, the appeals court
issued a decision reinstating certain claims but affirming the dismissal of the major portion of the claims. On July 10,
2017, Fairfax filed with the New Jersey Supreme Court a petition for certification of the appeal court’s decision. On
October 20, 2017, that petition was denied by the court. The case allowed then moved ahead to a trial, which took
place in September and October 2018. Prior to the trial, Fairfax agreed, in exchange for the receipt of a payment of
$20.0,  to  resolve  its  claims  against  Morgan  Keegan  &  Company,  Incorporated;  that  payment  was  received  in
September 2018. At the trial, the jury awarded Fairfax and its Crum & Forster subsidiary damages of $10.9 against
Exis Capital Management and related Exis companies, Adam Sender and Andrew Heller, including punitive damages
of $3.0 against Exis, $2.25 against Mr. Sender and $0.25 against Mr. Heller. Fairfax intends to continue to pursue its
remaining claims against other defendants in the lawsuit by way of appeals against previous court decisions. 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, except for the receipt of the $20.0 payment as described above.

Other

In early December 2018, the Autorit ´e des march ´es financiers (the ‘‘AMF’’), the securities regulatory authority in the
Province  of  Quebec,  closed  its  investigation  of  Fairfax,  its  CEO,  Prem  Watsa,  and  its  President,  Paul  Rivett.  The
investigation concerned the possibility of illegal insider trading and/or tipping (not involving any personal trading

88

by the individuals) in connection with the December 15, 2011 takeover offer by Resolute Forest Products Inc. for
shares of Fibrek Inc. As consistently stated previously, Fairfax fully cooperated with the AMF’s investigation, and
Fairfax was always confident that in connection with the Resolute takeover offer, it had no material non-public
information and it did not engage in illegal insider trading or tipping, and that there was no reasonable basis for any
proceedings in this connection.

Subsidiaries of the company, in the ordinary course of their business, are defendants in several damage suits and have
been named as third parties 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.

Odyssey Group, Brit, Allied World, 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 cash equivalents of $309.7 and securities with a fair value of $1,312.3 at December 31, 2018 as
capital to support those underwriting activities. Pledged securities primarily consist of bonds and equity investments
presented 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, 2018 was $1,290.5, with a further amount of approximately $306 committed for
investments described in note 23.

Pursuant to the sale of the company’s 97.7% interest in First Capital to Mitsui Sumitomo on December 28, 2017 as
described in note 23, the company agreed to guarantee the sufficiency of First Capital’s loss reserves as at the sale date
and will receive (return) sale consideration equal to any favourable (adverse) development on these loss reserves.
Although  the  company  believes  that  these  loss  reserves  were  sufficient,  the  value  of  the  guarantee  was  not
determinable as at December 31, 2018 due to the range of possible outcomes.

21. Pensions and Post Retirement Benefits

The  funded  status  of  the  company’s  defined  benefit  pension  and  post  retirement  plans  at  December 31  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

Defined benefit
post retirement
plans

2018
(803.7)
726.9

(76.8)
–

2017
(918.3)
836.1

(82.2)
(1.0)

2018
(112.3)
–

(112.3)
–

2017
(118.5)
–

(118.5)
–

(76.8)

(83.2)

(112.3)

(118.5)

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

3.6%
2.7%
–

3.2%
2.7%
–

4.2%
3.6%
4.6%

4.1%
3.3%
5.0%

(1) The defined benefit pension plan net accrued liability at December 31, 2018 of $76.8 (December 31, 2017 – $83.2) was
comprised of pension surpluses of $64.0 and pension deficits of $140.8 (December 31, 2017 – $49.1 and $132.3).

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FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Pension and post retirement benefit expenses recognized in the consolidated statement 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 plan expense

2018
26.8
50.3
9.7

2017
17.3
45.6
10.3

86.8

73.2

Pre-tax actuarial net gains (losses) recognized in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the years
ended December 31 were comprised 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

Defined benefit post retirement plans – actuarial net gains on benefit obligations

2018

2017

(69.2)
74.1

4.9
7.3

18.6
(53.0)

(34.4)
0.3

12.2

(34.1)

During 2018 the company contributed $28.8 (2017 – $30.7) to its defined benefit pension and post retirement plans,
and expects to make contributions of $31.7 in 2019.

22. Operating Leases

During 2018 the company incurred operating lease costs of $253.1 (2017 – $216.2).

Aggregate  future  minimum  operating  lease  commitments  at  December  31,  2018  relating  primarily  to  premises,
automobiles and equipment for various terms were payable as follows:

2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Thereafter

23. Acquisitions and Divestitures

Subsequent to December 31, 2018

Privatization of AGT Food and Ingredients Inc.

Insurance and

reinsurance Non-insurance
companies
204.3
179.3
156.8
127.4
101.7
334.0

companies
83.5
79.2
72.2
55.4
45.2
204.7

Total
287.8
258.5
229.0
182.8
146.9
538.7

540.2

1,103.5

1,643.7

On  February  5,  2019  shareholders  of  AGT  Food  &  Ingredients  Inc.  (‘‘AGT’’)  approved  a  previously  announced
management led take-private transaction pursuant to which a buying group, which included the company, would
acquire  all  of  the  issued  and  outstanding  common  shares  of  AGT  not  already  owned  by  the  buying  group  for
Cdn$18.00 per common share. The company has committed to loan the purchaser entity up to $256.3 (Cdn$350.0)
to,  among  other  things,  acquire  all  of  the  outstanding  common  shares  of  AGT  (other  than  those  owned  by  the
buying group). Closing of the transaction is subject to receipt of certain regulatory approvals and is expected to occur
in the first half of 2019. Upon closing, the company will exchange its holdings of AGT shares (183,700 common
shares  and  19,000,000  preferred  shares  with  carrying  values  of  $2.2  and  $97.0  at  December  31,  2018)  for  an

90

approximate  60%  controlling  equity  interest  in  the  purchaser  entity.  AGT  is  one  the  world’s  largest  suppliers  of
pulses, staple foods and food ingredients and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Additional investment in Consolidated Infrastructure Group

On January 4, 2019 Fairfax Africa acquired an additional 41.2% equity interest in Consolidated Infrastructure Group
(‘‘CIG’’) for $49.7 (696 million South African rand) which increased its total equity interest in CIG to 49.1%. Fairfax
Africa will have de facto voting control as CIG’s largest shareholder, and as an owner of currently exercisable CIG
convertible  debentures  that,  if  converted,  would  provide  majority  voting  control.  The  company,  through  its
subsidiary Fairfax Africa, will consolidate the assets, liabilities and results of operations of CIG in its consolidated
financial reporting in the first quarter of 2019 in the Other reporting segment. CIG is a pan-African engineering
infrastructure company listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

Merger of Grivalia Properties REIC and Eurobank Ergasias S.A.

On November 26, 2018 Grivalia Properties REIC (‘‘Grivalia Properties’’) and Eurobank Ergasias S.A. (‘‘Eurobank’’)
announced a planned merger of Grivalia Properties into Eurobank. Shareholders of Grivalia Properties, including the
company,  will  receive  a  pre-merger  dividend  of  A0.42  per  share  and  approximately  15.8  newly  issued  Eurobank
shares in exchange for each share of Grivalia Properties. Closing of the transaction is subject to shareholder and
regulatory approvals and is expected to occur in the second quarter of 2019. At December 31, 2018 the company
owned equity interests of approximately 53% and 18% in Grivalia Properties and Eurobank respectively, and expects
to own approximately 32% of the merged entity upon closing. Eurobank is a financial services provider in Greece and
is listed on the Athens Stock Exchange.

Year ended December 31, 2018

Reorganization of ownership interests in Sporting Life Inc. and Golf Town Limited

On August 31, 2018 the company, together with the respective non-controlling interests, contributed 100% of the
ownership interests in Sporting Life and Golf Town to a new holding company. Subsequent to the reorganization, the
company holds a controlling 65.1% ownership interest in each of Sporting Life and Golf Town through the new
holding company.

Additional investments in Brit Limited

On July 5, 2018 Brit used the proceeds from a $264.6 capital contribution from the company to purchase an 11.2%
ownership interest from its minority shareholder (OMERS) for $251.8 and to pay an accrued dividend of $12.8 on the
shares  purchased.  Subsequent  to  this  transaction,  the  company’s  ownership  interest  in  Brit  was  88.0%.  On
December 14, 2018 the company increased its ownership interest in Brit to 88.9% through a capital contribution of
$126.0 to support Brit’s 2019 underwriting plans.

Additional investment in Fairfax Africa Holdings Corporation

On June 18, 2018 Fairfax Africa completed a bought deal secondary public offering of 12,300,000 subordinate voting
shares at a price of $12.25 per share, which raised gross proceeds of $150.7 (net proceeds of $148.3 after commissions
and expenses). The company acquired 4,100,000 subordinate voting shares for $50.2 through the public offering,
and an additional 645,421 subordinate voting shares for $7.6 through open market purchases. These transactions
collectively decreased the company’s ownership interest and voting interest in Fairfax Africa from 64.2% and 98.8%
at December 31, 2017 to 59.2% and 98.3% respectively, and resulted in an increase in non-controlling interests of
$86.6 and a dilution gain of $3.9, which are included in other net changes in capitalization in the consolidated
statement of changes in equity.

Acquisition of Toys ‘‘R’’ Us (Canada) Ltd.

On May 31, 2018 the company acquired a 100% equity interest in Toys ‘‘R’’ Us (Canada) Ltd. (‘‘Toys ‘‘R’’ Us Canada’’)
from  Toys  ‘‘R’’  Us – Delaware,  Inc.  for  cash  consideration  of  $41.1  (Cdn$53.3)  and  an  additional  investment  of
$193.7 (Cdn$251.3) that Toys ‘‘R’’ Us Canada used to repay its debtor in possession financing loan. Toys ‘‘R’’ Us
Canada is a specialty retailer of toys and baby products with 82 stores across Canada. The assets, liabilities and results
of operations of Toys ‘‘R’’ Us Canada were consolidated in the Other reporting segment.

91

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Receipt of Fairfax India Performance Fee

Pursuant  to  the  company’s  investment  advisory  agreement  with  Fairfax  India,  on  March  9,  2018  the  company
received  a  performance  fee  of  $114.4  for  the  period  January  30,  2015  to  December  31,  2017  in  the  form  of
7,663,685 newly issued Fairfax India subordinate voting shares, which increased the company’s equity interest in
Fairfax India to 33.6% from 30.2% at December 31, 2017.

Acquisition of certain businesses of Carillion Canada Inc.

On March 7, 2018 the company acquired the services business carried on in Canada by Carillion Canada Inc. and
certain  affiliates  thereof  relating  to  facilities  management  of  airports,  commercial  and  retail  properties,  defense
facilities,  select  healthcare  facilities  and  on  behalf  of  oil,  gas  and  mining  clients.  The  acquired  business  was
subsequently renamed Dexterra Integrated Facilities Management (‘‘Dexterra’’). Dexterra is an infrastructure services
company that provides asset management and operations solutions to industries and governments. The assets and
liabilities and results of operations of Dexterra were consolidated in the Other reporting segment.

Deconsolidation of Quess Corp Limited

On March 1, 2018 Thomas Cook India entered into a strategic agreement with the founder of Quess Corp Limited
(‘‘Quess’’)  that  resulted  in  Quess  becoming  an  associate  of  Thomas  Cook  India  whereas  it  was  previously  a
consolidated  subsidiary.  Accordingly,  the  company  re-measured  the  carrying  value  of  Quess  to  its  fair  value  of
$1,109.5, recognized a non-cash gain of $889.9 and commenced applying the equity method of accounting. The
deconsolidation of Quess reduced non-controlling interests by $212.5 which was included in other net changes in
capitalization in the consolidated statement of changes in equity.

Sale of Keg Restaurants Ltd. to Recipe Unlimited Corporation (formerly Cara Operations Limited)

On February 22, 2018 the company completed the sale of its 51.0% ownership interest in The Keg to Recipe for
consideration of $74.6 (Cdn$94.7), comprised of cash of $7.9 (Cdn$10.0) and 3,400,000 Recipe subordinate voting
shares. The other shareholders of The Keg sold their 49.0% ownership interest to Recipe for $82.7 (Cdn$105.0),
comprised of cash of $74.8 (Cdn$95.0) and 401,284 Recipe subordinate voting shares. Recipe may be required to pay
up to an additional $23.6 (Cdn$30.0) of cash consideration to the other shareholders of The Keg, contingent on the
achievement  of  certain  financial  objectives  within  the  first  three  years  subsequent  to  closing.  The  transaction
increased  the  company’s  equity  interest  in  Recipe  to  43.2%  from  40.2%  at  December  31,  2017.  The  company
recorded the sale of its ownership interest in The Keg to Recipe as a business combination between entities under
common control using predecessor values whereby the company’s carrying values for the assets and liabilities of The
Keg at the date of the transaction were added to those of Recipe’s, with no change to the company’s consolidated
financial statements. Recipe’s acquisition of the remaining 49.0% ownership interest in The Keg was recorded as an
equity transaction, with the excess of consideration paid over the carrying value of non-controlling interests in The
Keg included in other net changes in capitalization in the consolidated statement of changes in equity.

Acquisition of AIG operations in Uruguay

On  January  31,  2018  the  company  completed  the  acquisition  of  the  insurance  operations  of  AIG  in  Uruguay
(subsequently renamed SBI Seguros Uruguay S.A. (‘‘SouthBridge Uruguay’’)) for cash consideration of $5.9. The assets
and  liabilities  and  results  of  operations  of  SouthBridge  Uruguay  were  consolidated  in  the  Insurance  and
Reinsurance – Other reporting segment.

The determination of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with the acquisitions
described above is currently underway and will be finalized within twelve months of the respective acquisition dates.

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Provisionally recorded amounts primarily include intangible assets, deferred income taxes, goodwill and the excess
of fair value of net assets acquired over purchase consideration.

Acquisition date
Percentage of common shares acquired
Assets:

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

Liabilities:

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Deferred income taxes
Funds withheld payable to reinsurers
Insurance contract liabilities
Borrowings

Non-controlling interests
Purchase consideration

Excess of fair value of net assets acquired over purchase consideration

Toys ‘‘R’’ Us
Canada

Other(1)
May 31, 2018 Throughout 2018

100.0%

–
9.1(2)
–
11.3
16.8
413.9

451.1

181.0
4.4
–
–
195.9

381.3
–
41.1

28.7

451.1

4.1
34.3
10.0
1.6
168.3
130.7

349.0

102.6
1.8
0.7
13.9
22.2

141.2
4.0
202.4

1.4

349.0

(1) Comprised primarily of the acquisitions of Dexterra and AIG’s insurance operations in Uruguay, and various acquisitions

by Boat Rocker, Recipe and Pethealth.

(2) Comprised of subsidiary cash and cash equivalents.

(3) Comprised of goodwill of $146.2 and intangible assets of $38.9 (primarily brand names of $17.3, media content and

non-compete agreements at Boat Rocker of $12.1, and customer relationships of $6.1).

Year ended December 31, 2017

Divestiture of First Capital Insurance Limited

On December 28, 2017 the company completed the sale of its 97.7% interest in First Capital to Mitsui Sumitomo
Insurance Company Limited of Tokyo, Japan (‘‘Mitsui Sumitomo’’) for gross proceeds of $1,683.3 and realized a net
after-tax gain of $1,018.6. The transaction was completed pursuant to an agreement with Mitsui Sumitomo to pursue
a global strategic alliance. On July 1, 2018 the company entered into a 25% quota share reinsurance agreement to
participate in the net underwriting result of First Capital’s insurance portfolio.

Acquisition of Allied World Assurance Holdings AG

On  July  6,  2017  the  company  completed  the  acquisition  of  94.6%  of  the  outstanding  shares  of  Allied  World
Assurance  Company  Holdings,  AG  (‘‘Allied  World  AG’’)  for  purchase  consideration  of  $3,977.9,  consisting  of
$1,905.6 in cash and $2,072.3 by the issuance of 4,799,497 subordinate voting shares. In addition, Allied World AG
declared a special pre-closing cash dividend of $5.00 per share ($438.0). Contemporaneously with the closing of the
acquisition  of  Allied  World  AG,  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’’) invested $1,580.0 for an indirect equity interest in Allied
World AG. The remaining 5.4% of the outstanding shares of Allied World AG were acquired on August 17, 2017 for

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FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

purchase consideration of $229.0, consisting of $109.7 in cash and $119.3 by the issuance of 276,397 subordinate
voting  shares,  in  a  merger  transaction  under  Swiss  law  pursuant  to  which  Allied  World  Assurance  Company
Holdings, GmbH (‘‘Allied World’’) became the surviving entity. This merger resulted in the co-investors holding an
indirect  ownership  interest  in  Allied  World  of  32.6%.  The  co-investors  will  have  a  dividend  in  priority  to  the
company, and the company will have the ability to purchase the shares owned by the co-investors over the next
seven years. Allied World is a global property, casualty and specialty insurer and reinsurer.

Quess Corp. Transactions

On December 27, 2017 Quess acquired the facility management and catering business of Manipal Integrated Services
Private Limited (‘‘Manipal’’) for $152.5 (9.8 billion Indian rupees), primarily comprised of the issuance of $117.7
(7.5  billion  Indian  rupees)  of  Quess  common  shares  to  Manipal  shareholders  and  the  reinvestment  of  $34.3
(2.2 billion Indian rupees) of Quess’ existing holdings of Manipal preferred shares upon cancellation of those shares.
In November of 2017 Thomas Cook India sold a 5.4% equity interest in Quess for cash proceeds of $96.8 (6.3 billion
Indian rupees). On August 18, 2017 Quess raised $132.2 (8.5 billion Indian rupees) in net proceeds following the
completion of a private placement of common shares with institutional investors. These transactions at Thomas
Cook India and Quess collectively reduced the company’s indirect ownership of Quess from 42.1% to 33.1% and
resulted in an increase in non-controlling interest of $210.0 and a dilution gain of $135.6, which were included in
other net changes in capitalization in the consolidated statement of changes in equity. Quess is a provider of staffing
and facilities management services.

Additional investment in Grivalia Properties REIC

On July 4, 2017 the company acquired control of Grivalia Properties REIC (‘‘Grivalia Properties’’) by increasing its
equity interest to 52.6% through the purchase of an additional 10.3% equity interest from Eurobank Ergasias S.A. for
cash consideration of $100.0 (A88.0). Accordingly, the company re-measured its equity accounted carrying value of
Grivalia  Properties  to  fair  value,  recorded  a  net  realized  gain  of  $51.3  and  commenced  consolidating  Grivalia
Properties in the Other reporting segment. Pursuant to Greek securities law, the company then made a tender offer
for all remaining outstanding shares of Grivalia Properties which expired on September 6, 2017, resulting in the
company increasing its equity interest by 0.1% to 52.7% for cash consideration of $0.6 (A0.5). Grivalia Properties is a
real estate investment company listed on the Athens Stock Exchange.

Acquisition of 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.

The company, through Colonnade Insurance, has completed the acquisition of the business and renewal rights of
the insurance operations of AIG in Hungary, Czech Republic and Slovakia (effective from April 30, 2017), Turkey
(on  May  2,  2017  and  sold  to  Gulf  Insurance  on  the  same  day),  Bulgaria  (effective  from  May  31,  2017),  Poland
(effective  from  June  30,  2017)  and  Romania  (effective  October  31,  2017).  Through  an  ongoing  partnership,  the
company is providing claims handling and run-off management services to AIG in the European countries where
business operations were acquired.

The company has completed the acquisition of the insurance operations of AIG in Chile and Colombia (effective
from July 31, 2017), Argentina (effective from September 30, 2017) and Uruguay (effective from January 31, 2018)
(collectively ‘‘Fairfax Latam’’), and continues to work through the legal, regulatory and operational requirements to
complete the acquisition in Venezuela.

Merger of Fairchem Speciality Limited and Privi Organics Limited

On  March  14,  2017  Fairchem  Speciality  Limited  (‘‘Fairchem’’)  and  Privi  Organics  Limited  (‘‘Privi  Organics’’)
completed their previously announced merger, with the merged entity continuing under the Fairchem name. As a
result of the merger, Fairfax India, which had acquired a 44.7% interest in Fairchem on February 8, 2016 and a 50.8%
interest in Privi Organics on August 26, 2016, became the dominant shareholder in Fairchem with a 48.7% interest.
Prior to the merger, the company consolidated Privi Organics and applied the equity method of accounting to its
investment in Fairchem. Subsequent to the merger, the assets and liabilities and results of operations of Fairchem
were consolidated in the Other reporting segment.

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Investment in Fairfax Africa Holdings Corporation

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 equity
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  $493.3  after  issuance  costs  and
expenses, inclusive of the contribution of the investment in AFGRI. Following those transactions, the company’s
$325.0 ($10.00 per share) 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 were 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.  The  assets  and  liabilities  and  results  of  operations  of
Saurashtra Freight were consolidated in the Other reporting segment.

Investment in Mosaic Capital Corporation

On January 26, 2017 the company invested $114.5 (Cdn$150.0) in securities of Mosaic Capital Corporation (‘‘Mosaic
Capital’’)  issued  through  a  private  placement  comprised  of:  (i)  Cdn$100.0  principal  amount  of  6.00%  senior
preferred securities; (ii) Cdn$50.0 principal amount of 5.00% senior secured debentures; and (iii) warrants entitling
the company to acquire up to 17,026,106 common shares of Mosaic Capital at a price of Cdn$8.81 per common
share  at  any  time  until  January  26,  2024  (the  ‘‘Mosaic  Capital  warrants’’).  Pursuant  to  IFRS,  the  company’s
investment in Mosaic Capital warrants represented a potential voting interest of approximately 62% (assuming all
holders of Mosaic Capital convertible securities, including the company, exercised their options to convert), giving
the company the ability to control Mosaic Capital. Consequently, the assets and liabilities and results of operations
of  Mosaic  Capital  were  consolidated  in  the  Other  reporting  segment.  Mosaic  Capital  is  a  Canadian  investment
company  that  owns  a  portfolio  of  established  businesses  in  the  infrastructure,  printing,  oil  and  gas  services,
technology, manufacturing and real estate industries.

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 ($11.75
per  share)  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 private placement and public offering. These transactions collectively resulted in an increase in non-controlling
interests of $336.3 and a dilution loss of $3.3, which were included in other net changes in capitalization in the
consolidated statement of changes in equity.

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FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

The fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with the 2017 acquisitions described above are
summarized in the table that follows:

Acquisition date
Percentage of common shares acquired
Assets:

Insurance contract receivables
Portfolio investments(2)
Recoverable from reinsurers
Deferred income taxes
Goodwill and intangible assets
Other assets

Liabilities:

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Income taxes payable
Deferred income taxes
Funds withheld payable to reinsurers
Insurance contract liabilities
Borrowings

Non-controlling interests
Purchase consideration
Excess of fair value of net assets acquired over

purchase consideration

Allied
World

Grivalia
Properties

Fairfax
Latam

Other(1)
July 6, 2017 July 4, 2017 Throughout 2017 Throughout 2017

94.6%

52.6%

100.0%

1,212.5
8,568.7
2,363.6
–

1,726.9(3)
223.5

14,095.2

300.7
3.4
118.0
193.5
8,467.7
860.5

9,943.8
173.5
3,977.9

–

–
139.1
–
0.3
–
1,020.4

1,159.8

25.3
4.2
–
–
–
137.6

167.1
470.5
519.7

2.5

207.1
249.3
631.4
38.2
24.5
81.0

1,231.5

198.9
15.1
18.0
9.8
821.8
–

1,063.6
–
167.9

–

14,095.2

1,159.8

1,231.5

0.4
76.0
0.7
5.0
384.1
290.1

756.3

167.4
1.1
4.3
0.1
3.0
83.9

259.8
8.1
488.4

–

756.3

(1) Comprised primarily of the acquisitions of Mosaic Capital and certain AIG branches in Central and Eastern Europe, the
acquisition of Pickle Barrel by Recipe, the acquisition of Saurashtra Freight and the consolidation of Fairchem by Fairfax
India, and various acquisitions by Quess, Thomas Cook India, Mosaic Capital and Boat Rocker.

(2)

Included  subsidiary  cash  and  cash  equivalents  of  Allied  World  ($1,195.4,  of  which  $4.8  was  restricted),  Grivalia
Properties ($26.3) and Fairfax Latam ($67.2).

(3) Comprised  of  goodwill  of  $937.9  and  intangible  assets  of  $789.0  (primarily  broker  relationships  of  $574.0,  Lloyd’s

participation rights of $87.0 and brand names of $71.0).

Allied World contributed income of $1,050.5 and a net loss of $555.4 to the company’s consolidated financial results
for the year ended December 31, 2017. Had Allied World been acquired on January 1, 2017, the company’s pro-forma
consolidated  income  and  net  earnings  would  have  been  $17,514.6  and  $1,766.4  for  the  year  ended
December 31, 2017.

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

96

the  company’s  risk  exposures  or  the  processes  used  by  the  company  for  managing  those  risk  exposures  at
December 31, 2018 compared to those identified at December 31, 2017, except as discussed below.

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. In addition, although the company and its operating subsidiaries each have an officer with designated
responsibility for risk management, 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 Chief Operating Officer reports on risk considerations to the company’s Executive Committee and
provides a quarterly report on key risk exposures to the company’s Board of Directors. The Executive Committee, in
consultation  with  the  Chief  Operating  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, commissions and premium
acquisition costs 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,  2018  compared  to
December 31, 2017.

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, professional liability 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 net premiums earned by line of business is included in note 25.

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FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

The table below shows the company’s concentration of insurance 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 2018 by line of business amounted to $1,267.2 for property (2017 – $992.3), $1,443.4 for casualty
(2017 – $916.3) and $386.7 for specialty (2017 – $315.4).

For the years ended
December 31

Property
Casualty
Specialty

Total

Insurance
Reinsurance

Canada

United States

Asia(1)

International(2)

Total

2018

732.6
695.4
164.6

2017

2018

2017

646.8 2,704.3 1,878.6
602.6 6,082.3 4,899.4
548.8
619.8
143.4

2018

634.5
384.5
215.3

2017

2018

586.5 1,495.8
400.8 1,210.8
588.4
275.1

2017

995.7
805.0
424.8

2018

2017

5,567.2
8,373.0
1,588.1

4,107.6
6,707.8
1,392.1

1,592.6 1,392.8 9,406.4 7,326.8 1,234.3 1,262.4 3,295.0 2,225.5

15,528.3

12,207.5

1,492.5 1,295.3 7,439.7 5,855.4
97.5 1,966.7 1,471.4

100.1

692.4
541.9

684.9 2,270.4 1,494.3
731.2
577.5 1,024.6

11,895.0
3,633.3

9,329.9
2,877.6

1,592.6 1,392.8 9,406.4 7,326.8 1,234.3 1,262.4 3,295.0 2,225.5

15,528.3

12,207.5

(1) The Asia geographic segment comprises countries located throughout Asia, including China, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia,

Singapore, Indonesia and 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  used  in  pricing
calculations. Historically the underwriting results of the property and casualty industry have fluctuated significantly
due to the cyclicality of the insurance market. Market cycles are 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  used  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

98

homogeneity of the underlying data used in carrying out the reserve analyses; and external factors such as trends
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 operating company 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, and those guidelines are regularly
monitored  and  updated.  Operating  companies  also  manage  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’s exposure. Independent
exposure limits for each entity in the group are aggregated to produce an exposure limit for the group as there is
presently 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  exposure  to  underwriting  risk,  and  the  pricing,  reserving  and  catastrophe  risks  contained  therein,
operating companies have established limits for underwriting authority and requirements for specific approvals of
transactions involving new products or 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
company’s  Chief  Actuary  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 companies for
specific exposures and, if needed, at the holding company 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.

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FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

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
reinsurance  of  individual  risks  as  agreed  by  the  company  and  the  reinsurer.  The  company  follows  a  policy  of
underwriting  and  reinsuring  contracts  of  insurance  and  reinsurance  which,  depending  on  the  type  of  contract,
generally  limits  the  liability  of  an  operating  company  on  any  policy  to  a  maximum  amount  on  any  one  loss.
Reinsurance  decisions  are  made  by  operating  companies  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 operating companies 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.
Notwithstanding the significant current period catastrophe losses suffered by the industry in 2017 and 2018, capital
adequacy within the reinsurance market remains strong and alternative forms of reinsurance capacity continue to be
available. As a result, reinsurance pricing of loss affected business has increased modestly while non-loss affected
property has increased to a lesser extent. The company remains 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, 2018 compared to December 31, 2017.

100

The  company’s  gross  credit  risk  exposure  at  December  31,  2018  (without  consideration  of  amounts  held  by  the
company as collateral) was comprised as follows:

Cash and short term investments
Investments in debt instruments:
U.S. sovereign government(1)
Other sovereign government rated AA/Aa or higher(1)(2)
All other sovereign government(3)
Canadian provincials
U.S. states and municipalities
Corporate and other

Receivable from counterparties to derivative contracts
Insurance contract receivables
Recoverable from reinsurers
Other assets

Total gross credit risk exposure

December 31, December 31,
2017
19,198.8

2018
7,361.3

10,464.0
1,368.1
1,189.9
51.9
363.2
7,124.4
168.2
5,110.7
8,400.9
1,159.6

42,762.2

1,779.3
615.4
1,268.4
93.8
2,452.1
4,081.8
126.7
4,686.9
7,812.5
1,708.9

43,824.6

(1) Representing together 30.5% of the company’s total investment portfolio at December 31, 2018 (December 31, 2017 –

6.1%) and considered by the company to have nominal credit risk.

(2) Comprised primarily of bonds issued by the governments of Canada, Australia, Germany, and the U.K with fair values at
December 31, 2018  of  $964.7,  $93.6,  $49.1  and  $33.2  respectively  (December  31,  2017 – $84.4,  $97.9,  $105.3,
and $90.9).

(3) Comprised  primarily  of  bonds  issued  by  the  governments  of  India,  Spain  and  Poland  with  fair  values  at
December 31, 2018 of $527.5, $210.6 and $127.4 respectively (December 31, 2017 – $734.7, nil and $125.1).

The company had income taxes refundable of $152.3 at December 31, 2018 (December 31, 2017 – $147.0) that are
considered to have nominal credit risk and are not included in the table above.

Cash and short term investments

The  company’s  cash  and  short  term  investments  (including  those  of  the  holding  company)  are  held  at  major
financial institutions in the jurisdictions in which the company operates. At December 31, 2018, 79.5% of these
balances were held in Canadian and U.S. financial institutions, 13.0% in European financial institutions and 7.5% in
other  foreign  financial  institutions  (December  31,  2017 – 87.4%,  9.1%  and  3.5%  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. From
these reviews, the company may transfer balances from financial institutions where it perceives heightened credit
risk to others 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 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
on credit quality and may, from time to time, initiate positions in certain types of derivatives to further mitigate
credit risk exposure.

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FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

The  composition  of  the  company’s  investments  in  debt  instruments  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
Unrated(1)

Total

December 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

Amortized
cost
11,931.0
1,107.6
2,214.0
2,583.1
125.0
87.8
27.6
2,412.4

Fair
value
11,920.5
1,115.3
2,184.7
2,641.8
131.8
79.7
27.5
2,460.2

Amortized
cost
2,476.3
2,149.5
823.1
1,617.1
151.1
448.7
554.1
1,594.4

%
58.1
5.4
10.6
12.8
0.6
0.4
0.1
12.0

Fair
value
2,432.0
2,408.8
819.8
1,764.8
154.0
447.6
432.7
1,831.1

%
23.7
23.4
8.0
17.1
1.5
4.3
4.2
17.8

20,488.5

20,561.5

100.0

9,814.3

10,290.8

100.0

(1) Comprised  primarily  of  the  fair  value  of  the  company’s  investments  in  Blackberry  Limited  of  $512.4  (December  31,
2017 – $663.6),  EXCO  Resources,  Inc.  of  $504.6  (previously  rated  B/B  at  December  31,  2017 – $402.0),  Sanmar
Chemicals Group of $392.8 (December 31, 2017 – $333.2), Seaspan Corporation of $242.9 (December 31, 2017 – nil)
and Chorus Aviation Inc. of $138.6 (December 31, 2017 – $155.2).

At December 31, 2018, 86.9% (December 31, 2017 – 72.2%) of the fixed income portfolio’s carrying value was rated
investment grade or better, with 63.5% (December 31, 2017 – 47.1%) rated AA or better (primarily consisting of
government obligations). The increase in the fair value of bonds rated AAA/Aaa primarily reflected the reinvestment
of  cash  and  short  term  investments  into  short-dated  U.S.  treasury  bonds  and  Canadian  government  bonds
(net purchases of $8,642.2 and $928.6 respectively). The decrease in bonds rated AA/Aa and B/B was primarily due to
net sales of U.S. state and municipal bonds (net proceeds of $1,683.9 and $278.2 respectively). The increase in bonds
rated A/A and BBB/Baa was primarily due to net purchases of high quality U.S. corporate bonds (net purchases of
$1,345.7  and  $1,126.3  respectively).  The  increase  in  unrated  bonds  was  primarily  due  to  the  reclassification  of
investments in EXCO Resources, Inc. from lower than B/B to unrated and increased investment in unrated private
placement corporate bonds.

At  December  31,  2018  holdings  of  bonds  in  the  ten  issuers  to  which  the  company  had  the  greatest  exposure
(excluding U.S., Canadian, U.K. and German sovereign government bonds) totaled $3,079.6 (December 31, 2017 –
$3,398.7), which represented approximately 7.9% (December 31, 2017 – 8.7%) of the total investment portfolio.
Exposure to the largest single issuer of corporate bonds at December 31, 2018 was $512.4 (December 31, 2017 –
$663.6), which represented approximately 1.3% (December 31, 2017 – 1.7%) of the total investment portfolio.

The consolidated investment portfolio included U.S. state and municipal bonds of $363.2 ($354.6 tax-exempt, $8.6
taxable)  at  December 31,  2018  (December 31,  2017 – approximately  $2.5 billion),  a  large  portion  of  which  were
purchased during 2008 within subsidiary investment portfolios. At December 31, 2018, $79.4 (December 31, 2017 –
approximately $1.5 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 have 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 daily fair value of the derivative contracts. The company’s exposure to risk

102

associated  with  providing  initial  margin  is  mitigated  where  possible  through  the  use  of  segregated  third  party
custodian  accounts  that  only  permit  counterparties  to  take  control  of  the  collateral  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 against amounts 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)
Obligations that may be offset under 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,
2017
126.7
(38.6)
(39.1)
9.0
8.2

2018
168.2
(83.4)
(17.9)
26.1
2.0

Net derivative counterparty exposure after net settlement and collateral

arrangements

95.0

66.2

(1) Excludes equity warrants, equity warrant forward contracts, equity call options and other derivatives which are not subject

to counterparty risk.

(2) Excludes excess collateral pledged by counterparties of $1.5 at December 31, 2018 (December 31, 2017 – $0.4).

Collateral deposited for the benefit of the company at December 31, 2018 consisted of cash of $1.1 and government
securities of $18.3 (December 31, 2017 – $3.6 and $35.9). The company had not exercised its right to sell or repledge
collateral at December 31, 2018.

Recoverable from reinsurers

Credit risk on the company’s recoverable from reinsurers balance existed at December 31, 2018 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
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,  performs  annual  reviews  of  impaired  reinsurers,  and  provides  recommendations  for  uncollectible
reinsurance provisions for the group. This department also collects and maintains individual and group reinsurance
exposures across the group. Most of the reinsurance balances for reinsurers rated B++ or lower were inherited by the
company  on  acquisition  of  a  subsidiary.  The  company’s  single  largest  recoverable  from  reinsurer  (Munich
Reinsurance  Company)  represented  6.7%  of  shareholders’  equity  attributable  to  shareholders  of  Fairfax  at
December 31, 2018 (December 31, 2017 – 6.5%) and is rated A+ by A.M. Best.

The  company’s  gross  exposure  to  credit  risk  from  its  reinsurers  increased  at  December  31,  2018  compared  to
December 31, 2017, primarily reflecting current period catastrophe losses ceded to reinsurers and higher business
volumes  (principally  at  Odyssey  Group,  Allied  World  and  Brit).  Changes  that  occurred  in  the  provision  for
uncollectible reinsurance during the period are disclosed in note 9.

103

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

The  following  table  presents  the  gross  recoverable  from  reinsurers  classified  according  to  the  financial  strength
ratings of the reinsurers. Pools and associations are generally government or similar insurance funds with limited
credit risk.

December 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

A.M. Best Rating
(or S&P equivalent)
A++
A+
A
A(cid:1)
B++
B+
B or lower
Not rated
Pools and associations

Provision for uncollectible reinsurance

Recoverable from reinsurers

Liquidity Risk

Gross
recoverable
from
reinsurers
369.8
4,225.2
2,255.2
247.9
32.4
1.5
10.3
1,139.6
283.8

8,565.7
(164.8)

8,400.9

Outstanding
balances

Net
Gross
unsecured
for which recoverable recoverable
from
reinsurers
429.6
3,878.4
2,311.9
245.5
22.2
3.1
5.4
948.2
134.6

from
reinsurers
340.9
3,960.4
2,169.7
238.3
21.9
1.2
8.5
466.2
280.1

security
is held
28.9
264.8
85.5
9.6
10.5
0.3
1.8
673.4
3.7

Outstanding
balances

Net
unsecured
for which recoverable
from
reinsurers
397.7
3,611.2
2,216.5
230.4
21.0
2.3
2.4
454.4
130.1

security
is held
31.9
267.2
95.4
15.1
1.2
0.8
3.0
493.8
4.5

1,078.5

7,487.2
(164.8)

7,978.9
(166.4)

7,322.4

7,812.5

912.9

7,066.0
(166.4)

6,899.6

Liquidity risk is the potential for loss if the company is unable to meet financial commitments in a timely manner at
reasonable cost 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 operating
companies to ensure that future cash needs are met or exceeded by cash flows generated by operating companies.

The  holding  company’s  known  significant  commitments  for  2019  consist  of  payment  of  a  $278.0  dividend  on
common  shares  ($10.00  per  common  share,  paid  in  January  2019),  interest  and  corporate  overhead  expenses,
preferred share dividends, income tax payments and potential cash outflows related to derivative contracts.

The  company  believes  that  holding  company  cash  and  investments,  net  of  holding  company  short  sale  and
derivative obligations, at December 31, 2018 of $1,550.6 provides adequate liquidity to meet the holding company’s
known commitments in 2019. 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 $2.0 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 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,
investment  commitments  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).

104

The company’s insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries, and the holding company at a consolidated level, 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,  2018  portfolio  investments  net  of  short  sale  and  derivative  obligations  was  approximately
$37.3 billion (December 31, 2017 – $36.9 billion). Portfolio investments include investments that may lack liquidity
or  are  inactively  traded,  including  corporate  debentures,  preferred  stocks,  common  stocks,  limited  partnership
interests  and  other  invested  assets.  At  December  31,  2018  these  asset  classes  represented  approximately  13.3%
(December  31,  2017 – 12.3%)  of  the  carrying  value  of  the  insurance  and  reinsurance  subsidiaries’  portfolio
investments.  Fairfax  India  and  Fairfax  Africa  together  held  investments  that  may  lack  liquidity  or  are  inactively
traded with a carrying value of $1,406.7 at December 31, 2018 (December 31, 2017 – $1,054.7).

The insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries may experience cash inflows or outflows on occasion related to their
derivative contracts, including collateral requirements. During 2018 the insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries paid
net  cash  of  $61.8  (2017 – $285.0)  in  connection  with  long  and  short  equity  and  equity  index  total  return  swap
derivative contracts (excluding the impact of collateral requirements).

The  non-insurance  companies  have  principal  repayments  coming  due  in  2019  of  $1,026.2  primarily  related  to
Fairfax India and Recipe term loans. Borrowings of the non-insurance companies are non-recourse to the holding
company and are generally expected to be settled through a combination of refinancing and operating cash flows.

The  following  tables  set  out  the  maturity  profile  of  the  company’s  financial  liabilities  based  on  the  expected
undiscounted cash flows from the balance sheet date 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 – holding company and insurance and

reinsurance companies:
Principal
Interest

Borrowings – non-insurance companies:

Principal
Interest

December 31, 2018

Less than 3 months
to 1 year
3 months

1,712.1
142.3
2,385.8

809.6
417.1
5,428.5

1 – 3 years

3 – 5 years

569.5
44.5
8,292.1

103.4
–
4,578.1

More than
5 years

123.2
70.4
8,397.2

Total

3,317.8
674.3
29,081.7

0.1
53.5

159.5
20.1

8.1
177.7

866.7
39.3

380.2
451.4

356.0
43.7

620.0
391.4

157.9
22.1

3,868.3
783.2

4,876.7
1,857.2

89.6
63.5

1,629.7
188.7

4,473.4

7,747.0

10,137.4

5,872.9

13,395.4

41,626.1

105

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities(1)
Funds withheld payable to reinsurers

December 31, 2017

Less than 3 months
to 1 year
3 months

1,518.9

186.6

558.4

553.2

1 – 3 years

3 – 5 years

More than
5 years

458.7

41.9

215.9

1.4

92.1

67.1

Total

2,844.0

850.2

Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses

2,108.8

5,344.5

8,272.0

4,557.3

8,328.2 28,610.8

Borrowings – holding company and insurance and

reinsurance companies:

Principal

Interest

Borrowings – non-insurance companies:

Principal

Interest

–

28.4

47.1

17.2

149.2

225.1

808.8

45.0

558.3

488.5

319.2

54.4

1,264.9

2,856.4

4,828.8

355.1

672.9

1,770.0

291.9

26.4

101.1

1,568.1

72.7

215.7

3,907.0

7,684.2

10,193.0

6,712.9

12,190.5 40,687.6

(1) Excludes pension and post retirement liabilities, ceded deferred premium acquisition costs, deferred gift card, hospitality

and other revenue, and accrued interest. Operating lease commitments are described in note 22.

The timing of claims 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, 2018 the company had income
taxes payable of $80.1 (December 31, 2017 – $95.6).

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  balance  sheet  date  to  the  contractual  maturity  date  or  the
settlement date:

December 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

Less than
3 months
13.4
51.7
45.7
30.4
–

3 months More than
1 year
to 1 year
–
–
–
–
–
8.0
–
–
0.3
–

Total
13.4
51.7
53.7
30.4
0.3

Less than
3 months
12.1
15.6
58.1
28.8
–

3 months
to 1 year
–
–
11.6
–
–

Total
12.1
15.6
69.7
28.8
–

141.2

8.0

0.3

149.5

114.6

11.6

126.2

Equity total return swaps – short positions
Equity total return swaps – long positions
Foreign exchange forward contracts
U.S. treasury bond forwards
Other derivative contracts

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,  and  also  in  its  underwriting  activities  where  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,  with  policies  to  limit  and
monitor individual issuer exposures, and aggregate equity exposure at the subsidiary and consolidated levels. The
following is a discussion of the company’s primary market risk exposures and how those exposures are managed.

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, 2018 the company’s investment portfolio

106

included fixed income securities with an aggregate fair value of approximately $20.6 billion that is subject to interest
rate risk.

The  company’s  exposure  to  interest  rate  risk  increased  during  2018  due  to  increased  bond  holdings,  primarily
reflecting the reinvestment of cash and short term investments into short-dated U.S. treasury bonds, high quality
U.S.  corporate  bonds  and  Canadian  government  bonds  (net  purchases  of  $8,642.2,  $2,960.7  and  $928.6
respectively), partially offset by sales of U.S. state and municipal bonds (net proceeds of $2,050.5). To reduce its
exposure to interest rate risk (specifically exposure to U.S. state and municipal bonds and long dated U.S. treasury
bonds held in its fixed income portfolio), the company held forward contracts to sell long dated U.S. treasury bonds
with a notional amount of $471.9 at December 31, 2018 (December 31, 2017 – $1,693.8). There were no significant
changes to the company’s framework used to monitor, evaluate and manage interest rate risk at December 31, 2018
compared to December 31, 2017.

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 sold, and the
proceeds reinvested at lower interest 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.

December 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

Fair value
of fixed
income
portfolio

19,902.5
20,227.4
20,561.5
20,915.6
21,282.1

Hypothetical Hypothetical
change in net % change in
fair value(1)

earnings(1)

(541.1)
(274.3)
–
290.4
590.6

(3.2)
(1.6)
–
1.7
3.5

Fair value
of fixed
income
portfolio

9,897.4
10,090.1
10,290.8
10,498.6
10,720.5

Hypothetical Hypothetical
change in net % change in
fair value(1)

earnings(1)

(306.2)
(155.6)
–
161.3
332.0

(3.8)
(2.0)
–
2.0
4.2

Change in interest rates
200 basis point increase
100 basis point increase
No change
100 basis point decrease
200 basis point decrease

(1)

Includes the impact of forward contracts to sell long dated U.S. treasury bonds with a notional amount of $471.9 at
December 31, 2018 (December 31, 2017 – $1,693.8).

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.

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. The company’s risk management objective with respect to
market price fluctuations places primary emphasis on the preservation of invested capital. There were no significant
changes  to  the  company’s  exposure  to  equity  price  risk  through  its  equity  and  equity-related  holdings  at
December 31, 2018 compared to December 31, 2017.

107

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

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. 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, 2018 and 2017 and results of operations for the years then ended.
The company considers the fair value of $4,522.4 (December 31, 2017 – $3,846.2) 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, 2018

December 31, 2017

2018

2017

Exposure/

Exposure/

Pre-tax

Pre-tax

Notional

Carrying

Notional Carrying

earnings

earnings

amount

value

amount

value

(loss)

(loss)

Long equity exposures:
Common stocks(1)
Preferred stocks – convertible
Bonds – convertible
Investments in associates(2)(3)
Derivatives and other invested assets:

5,148.2 5,148.2 5,578.1 5,578.1
68.1
833.8
4,522.4 4,309.0 3,846.2 2,945.3

107.9
595.6

107.9
595.6

68.1
833.8

Equity total return swaps – long positions
Equity warrant forward contracts(4)
Equity warrants and call options(4)

390.3
316.6
79.8

(46.9)
38.4
79.8

697.8
–
77.6

2.2
–
77.6

(386.2)
2.9
(171.3)
1,028.8

(86.3)
113.9
(69.9)

707.8
(1.6)
233.1
69.8

19.6
–
38.3

Total equity and equity related holdings

11,160.8 10,232.0 11,101.6 9,505.1

431.9

1,067.0

Short equity exposures:

Derivatives and other invested assets:

Equity total return swaps – short positions
Equity index total return swaps – short

positions

(414.4)

8.9

(892.5)

(0.3)

(33.9)

(408.7)

–

–

(52.6)

(414.4)

8.9

(945.1)

0.4

0.1

(4.3)

(9.2)

(38.2)

(417.9)

Net equity exposures and financial effects

10,746.4

10,156.5

393.7

649.1

(1) The company excludes other funds that are invested principally in fixed income securities with a carrying value of $150.3

at December 31, 2018 (December 31, 2017 – $90.9) 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) On March 1, 2018 Thomas Cook India entered into a strategic agreement with the founder of Quess that resulted in Quess
becoming  an  associate  of  Thomas  Cook  India  whereas  it  was  previously  a  consolidated  subsidiary.  Accordingly,  the
company re-measured the carrying value of Quess to its fair value of $1,109.5, recognized a non-cash gain of $889.9 and
commenced applying the equity method of accounting.

(4)

Includes the Seaspan warrants and forward contracts described in note 6.

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,  2018  and  2017.  The  analysis  assumes  variations  of  5%  and  10%  which  the  company

108

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, 2018

December 31, 2017

Fair value
of equity
and equity-
related holdings

Hypothetical

$ change effect Hypothetical
% change

Fair value
of equity
and equity-
in fair value related holdings

Hypothetical

$ change effect Hypothetical
% change
in fair value

on net
earnings

on net
earnings

Change in global
equity markets

10% increase
5% increase
No change
5% decrease
10% decrease

6,807.2
6,510.9
6,224.0
5,929.9
5,645.7

498.3
244.9
–
(251.3)
(493.8)

9.4
4.6
–
(4.7)
(9.3)

6,887.9
6,597.9
6,310.3
6,023.0
5,738.1

479.9
239.0
–
(238.5)
(475.0)

9.2
4.6
–
(4.6)
(9.1)

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.

At  December  31,  2018  the  company’s  ten  largest  holdings  within  common  stocks  totaled  $2,681.1,  which
represented 6.9% of the total investment portfolio (December 31, 2017 – $3,138.1, 8.0%). The largest single holding
within common stocks at December 31, 2018 was $497.1, which represented 1.3% of the total investment portfolio
(December 31, 2017 – $549.0, 1.4%).

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, 2018 these contracts have a remaining weighted average life of
3.6 years (December 31, 2017 – 4.6 years), a notional amount of $114.4 billion (December 31, 2017 – $117.3 billion)
and a fair value of $24.9 (December 31, 2017 – $39.6). 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 2018 the company recorded net
unrealized  losses  of  $6.7  (2017 – $71.0)  on  its  CPI-linked  derivative  contracts  and  did  not  enter  into  any
new contracts.

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 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, including net premiums earned and losses on claims, net that are
denominated in foreign currencies. Investments in associates and net investments in subsidiaries with functional
currencies other than the U.S. dollar also result in exposure to foreign currency risk. The company’s exposure to
foreign currency risk was not significantly different at December 31, 2018 compared to December 31, 2017.

The company’s foreign currency risk management objective is to mitigate the impact of foreign currency exchange
rate fluctuations on total equity, notwithstanding the company’s exposure to the Indian rupee from its investment
in Fairfax India. The company monitors its invested assets for exposure to foreign currency risk and limits such
exposure as deemed necessary. At the consolidated level the company accumulates and matches all significant asset
and liability foreign currency exposures to identify net unmatched positions, whether long or short. To mitigate
exposure to an unmatched position, the company may: enter into long and short foreign currency forward contracts

109

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

(primarily denominated in the euro, the British pound sterling and the Canadian dollar) to manage exposure on
foreign currency denominated transactions; identify or incur foreign currency denominated liabilities to manage
exposure to investments in associates and net investments in subsidiaries with functional currencies other than the
U.S. dollar; and, purchase investments denominated in the same currency as foreign currency exposed liabilities.
Despite such efforts, the company may experience gains or losses resulting from foreign currency fluctuations, which
may favourably or adversely affect operating results.

At  December  31,  2018  the  company  has  designated  the  carrying  value  of  Cdn$2,691.5  principal  amount  of  its
Canadian dollar denominated unsecured senior notes with a fair value of $2,028.4 (December 31, 2017 – principal
amount of Cdn$2,212.9 with a fair value of $1,868.6) as a hedge of a portion of its net investment in Canadian
subsidiaries. During 2018 the company recognized pre-tax gains of $166.3 (2017 – pre-tax losses of $106.3) related to
exchange rate movements on the unsecured senior notes in gains (losses) on hedge of net investment in Canadian
subsidiaries in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

At  December  31,  2018  the  company  has  designated  the  carrying  value  of  A750.0  principal  amount  of  its  euro
denominated unsecured senior notes with a fair value of $854.5 (December 31, 2017 – principal amount of nil with a
fair value of nil) as a hedge of its net investment in European operations with a euro functional currency. During
2018  the  company  recognized  pre-tax  gains  of  $57.1  (2017 – nil)  related  to  exchange  rate  movements  on  the
unsecured senior notes in gains on hedge of net investment in European operations 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)

2018

2017

(171.3)
31.6
7.9

88.8
(74.9)
(11.1)

(131.8)

2.8

Foreign currency net losses on investing activities during 2018 primarily reflected strengthening of the U.S. dollar
relative to the Indian rupee and the euro. Foreign currency net gains on investing activities during 2017 primarily
reflected strengthening of the euro, Canadian dollar and British pound sterling relative to the U.S. dollar.

The table below shows the approximate effect of a 10% 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 10% appreciation
of the U.S. dollar occurred at December 31, 2018 with all other variables held constant.

Canadian
dollar

Euro

British
pound
sterling

Indian rupee

All other
currencies

Total

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

0.1

65.1

37.8

12.5

15.6

11.5 (105.8) (129.5) (96.9) (111.8) (149.2) (152.2)

(1.3)

48.7

31.8

10.0

12.6

10.9

(95.0) (114.6) (74.3)

(91.1) (126.2) (136.1)

(130.5) (150.5) (13.8) (121.6) (98.5) (67.2) (308.7) (257.1) (99.5) (108.5) (651.0) (704.9)

(128.2) (147.7)

(4.9) (109.2) (98.1) (66.8) (305.7) (253.7) (93.4) (101.6) (630.3) (679.0)

Pre-tax earnings

(loss)

Net earnings

(loss)

Pre-tax other

comprehensive
income (loss)

Other

comprehensive
income (loss)

110

The hypothetical impact in 2018 of the foreign currency movements on pre-tax earnings (loss) in the table above
principally related to the following:

Canadian  dollar: Foreign  currency  forward  contracts  used  as  economic  hedges  of  operational  exposure  at
Odyssey Group (including Odyssey Group’s net investment in its Canadian branch where the net assets are
translated  through  other  comprehensive  income)  and  portfolio  investments  at  Allied  World.  The  exposure
decreased during 2018 as the carrying value of certain Canadian dollar denominated senior notes was included
as part of the hedge of net investment in Canadian subsidiaries.

Euro: Foreign currency forward contracts at Odyssey Group, Allied World and Crum & Forster used as economic
hedges of euro denominated operational exposure and portfolio investments, and certain net liabilities at Allied
World and Run-off (principally provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses, partially offset by portfolio
investments).

British pound sterling: Net liabilities at Brit and Allied World, partially offset by net assets at Run-off (principally
related to portfolio investments and operational exposure).

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 Odyssey Group’s Paris branch and Newline syndicate), foreign
currency forward contracts used as economic hedges of operational exposure at Odyssey Group and certain net
assets of Allied World, partially offset by certain net liabilities at Fairfax India (primarily U.S. dollar borrowings).

The hypothetical impact in 2018 of the foreign currency movements on pre-tax other comprehensive income (loss)
in  the  table  above  principally  related  to  the  translation  of  the  company’s  non-U.S.  dollar  net  investments  in
subsidiaries and investments in associates as follows:

Canadian  dollar: Net  investments  in  Northbridge  and  Canadian  subsidiaries  within  the  Other  reporting
segment, partially offset by the impact of the hedge of net investment in Canadian subsidiaries.

Euro: Net  investments  in  Grivalia  Properties  and  investments  in  associates  (primarily  Eurolife,  Astarta  and
certain KWF LPs), partially offset by net liabilities in Odyssey Group’s Paris branch and the impact of the hedge
of net investment in European operations implemented during 2018.

British pound sterling: Net investments in RiverStone (UK) at European Run-off and Odyssey Group’s Newline
syndicate. RiverStone (UK) changed its functional currency from the U.S. dollar to the British pound sterling
during 2018 after the RiverStone (UK) acquisition transactions.

Indian rupee: Net investments in Fairfax India and Thomas Cook India.

All other currencies: Net investments in Fairfax Latin America (Argentine peso, Chilean peso, Colombian peso,
Uruguayan peso, Brazilian real), Bryte Insurance (South African rand), Polish Re (Polish zloty), AMAG Insurance
(Indonesian rupiah), Fairfirst Insurance (Sri Lankan rupee), Pacific Insurance (Malaysian ringgit), Fairfax Central
and Eastern Europe (Bulgarian lev, Czech koruna, Hungarian florint, Romanian leu and Ukrainian hryvnia) and
investments  in  associates  (primarily  Kuwaiti  dinar  at  Gulf  Insurance,  South  African  rand  at  AFGRI  and
Vietnamese dong at BIC Insurance).

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, 2018, comprising total debt, shareholders’
equity attributable to shareholders of Fairfax and non-controlling interests, was $23,845.6 compared to $24,826.1 at
December 31, 2017. The company manages its capital based on the following financial measurements and ratios to

111

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

provide an indication of the company’s ability to issue and service debt without impacting the operating companies
or their portfolio investments:

Consolidated

Excluding consolidated
non-insurance companies

December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31,
2017

2018

2017

2018

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

1,550.6

3,859.5
995.7
1,625.2

6,480.4

4,929.8

2,356.9

3,475.1
1,373.0
1,566.0

6,414.1

4,057.2

1,550.6

3,859.5
995.7
–

4,855.2

3,304.6

2,356.9

3,475.1
1,373.0
–

4,848.1

2,491.2

11,779.3
1,335.5
4,250.4

12,475.6
1,335.5
4,600.9

11,779.3
1,335.5
1,437.1

12,475.6
1,335.5
1,725.9

17,365.2

18,412.0

14,551.9

15,537.0

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)

28.4%
22.1%
27.2%
3.5x
3.0x

22.0%
18.1%
25.8%
7.1x
6.0x

22.7%
18.5%
25.0%

3.2x (6)
2.6x (6)

16.0%
13.8%
23.8%

8.0x (6)
6.5x (6)

(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.

(6) Excludes earnings (loss) before income taxes, and interest expense, of consolidated non-insurance companies. The ratios
for the year ended December 31, 2018 include the non-cash gain of $889.9 from the deconsolidation of Quess (note 23).

The  company  has  used  substantially  all  of  the  net  proceeds  from  its  offerings  of  unsecured  senior  notes  on
December 4, 2017 (Cdn$650.0 principal amount), March 29, 2018 (A600.0 principal amount), April 17, 2018 ($600.0
principal amount) and May 18, 2018 (A150.0 principal amount) to retire long term debt, such that its next significant
debt maturity is not until 2021.

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.

In  the  United  States,  the  National  Association  of  Insurance  Commissioners  (‘‘NAIC’’)  applies  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, 2018 Odyssey
Group, Crum & Forster, Zenith National, Allied World and U.S. Run-off subsidiaries had capital and surplus that met
or exceeded the regulatory minimum requirement of two times the authorized control level.

112

In Bermuda, the Bermuda Insurance Act 1978 imposes solvency and liquidity standards on Bermuda insurers and
reinsurers. There is a requirement to hold available statutory economic capital and surplus equal to or in excess of an
enhanced capital and target capital level as determined by the Bermuda Monetary Authority under the Bermuda
Solvency  Capital  Requirement  model.  The  target  capital  level  is  measured  as  120%  of  the  enhanced  capital
requirements.  At  December  31,  2018  Allied  World’s  subsidiary  was  in  compliance  with  Bermuda’s  regulatory
requirements.

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, 2018 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, 2018 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., Canada, the U.K. and Bermuda where the company operates, the company met or
exceeded the applicable regulatory capital requirements at December 31, 2018.

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 operating companies and where the primary underlying insurance
risk 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.

Odyssey Group – 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.

Allied World – A global property, casualty and specialty insurer and reinsurer with a presence at Lloyd’s.

Fairfax  Asia – This  reporting  segment  includes  the  company’s  operations  that  underwrite  insurance  and
reinsurance coverages in Hong Kong (Falcon), Malaysia (Pacific Insurance), Indonesia (AMAG Insurance), Sri Lanka
(Fairfirst  Insurance)  and  Singapore  (First  Capital,  sold  on  December  28,  2017).  Fairfax  Asia  also  includes  the
company’s  equity  accounted  interests  in  Vietnam-based  BIC  Insurance  (35.0%),  Thailand-based  Falcon  Thailand
(41.2%) and Mumbai-based ICICI Lombard (9.9%).

Insurance  and  Reinsurance – Other – This  reporting  segment  is  comprised  of  Group  Re,  Bryte  Insurance,
Advent,  Fairfax  Latin  America  and  Fairfax  Central  and  Eastern  Europe  (‘‘Fairfax  CEE’’).  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. Bryte Insurance is an established
property and casualty insurer in South Africa and Botswana. Advent is a specialty property reinsurance and insurance
company operating through Syndicate 780 at Lloyd’s. On July 11, 2018 Advent announced that certain classes of its
business would be transferred to Brit, Allied World and Newline with the remainder of Advent Syndicate 780 placed
into  run-off.  Advent  will  be  reported  in  the  Run-off  reporting  segment  effective  January  1,  2019.  Fairfax  Latin

113

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

America  is  comprised  of  Fairfax  Brasil,  which  writes  commercial  property  and  casualty  insurance  in  Brazil,  and
Fairfax Latam, consisting of property and casualty insurance operations in Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Uruguay.
Fairfax  CEE  is  comprised  of  Polish  Re,  which  writes  reinsurance  in  Central  and  Eastern  Europe,  and  Colonnade
Insurance,  a  Luxembourg  property  and  casualty  insurer  with  branches  in  each  of  the  Czech  Republic,  Hungary,
Slovakia, Poland, Bulgaria and Romania, and an insurance subsidiary in Ukraine.

Run-off

This reporting segment is comprised of European Run-off, which includes RiverStone (UK) and Syndicate 3500 at
Lloyd’s  (managed  by  RiverStone  Managing  Agency  Limited),  and  U.S.  Run-off,  which  includes  TIG  Insurance.
Effective September 28, 2018 all assets and liabilities of RiverStone Insurance Limited (previously part of European
Run-off) were transferred to RiverStone (UK) through a Part VII transfer under the Financial Services and Markets Act
2000, as amended. This transaction did not have any impact on the Run-off reporting segment or the company’s
consolidated  financial  reporting.  The  company  expects  to  windup  RiverStone  Insurance  Limited  in  2019  as  it
simplifies its organizational structure.

Other

The Other reporting segment is comprised of the company’s non-insurance operations as follows:

Restaurants and retail – Comprised of Recipe and its subsidiaries The Keg (acquired on February 22, 2018), Pickle
Barrel (acquired on December 1, 2017), St-Hubert and Original Joe’s, Toys ‘‘R’’ Us Canada (acquired on May 31, 2018),
Praktiker, Golf Town, Sporting Life, Kitchen Stuff Plus and William Ashley.

Fairfax India – Comprised of Fairfax India and its subsidiaries NCML, Fairchem (merged on March 14, 2017 with
Privi Organics) and Saurashtra Freight (acquired on February 14, 2017).

Thomas  Cook  India – Comprised  of  Thomas  Cook  India  and  its  subsidiaries  Sterling  Resorts  and  Quess
(deconsolidated on March 1, 2018).

Other – Comprised of Dexterra (acquired on March 7, 2018), Grivalia Properties (consolidated on July 4, 2017),
Fairfax Africa (since its initial public offering on February 17, 2017), Mosaic Capital (consolidated on January 26,
2017), Pethealth and Boat Rocker.

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.

114

Sources of Earnings by Reporting Segment

Sources of earnings by reporting segment for the years ended December 31 were as follows:

2018

Gross premiums written

External

Intercompany

Insurance and Reinsurance

Odyssey Crum &

Zenith

Allied Fairfax

Operating

Corporate Eliminations

and

and

Northbridge Group Forster National

Brit World

Asia

Other companies Run-off

Other

Other adjustments Consolidated

1,316.0

3,269.4

2,305.7

800.3

2,221.3

3,355.2

384.5

1,725.2

15,377.6

6.0

59.2

57.4

–

17.8

13.7

1.1

67.7

222.9

150.7

268.2

1,322.0

3,328.6

2,363.1

800.3

2,239.1

3,368.9

385.6

1,792.9

15,600.5

418.9

Net premiums written

1,173.6

2,897.8

1,977.8

789.2

1,494.2

2,368.8

191.9

1,124.2

12,017.5

413.5

Net premiums earned

External

Intercompany

1,125.4

2,736.4

1,939.6

806.6

1,645.8

2,318.3

195.6

1,141.2

11,908.9

(6.2)

19.0

21.3

(2.3)

(166.1)

(31.5)

(6.1)

(75.6)

(247.5)

157.1

247.5

Underwriting expenses(1)

(1,072.2)

(2,574.3) (1,928.3)

(664.1)

(1,556.7)

(2,243.9)

(189.1)

(1,114.5)

(11,343.1)

(647.0)

1,119.2

2,755.4

1,960.9

804.3

1,479.7

2,286.8

189.5

1,065.6

11,661.4

404.6

Underwriting profit (loss)

47.0

181.1

32.6

140.2

(77.0)

42.9

0.4

(48.9)

318.3

(242.4)

Interest income

Dividends

72.2

10.2

155.5

15.6

73.2

4.9

36.9

3.5

64.5

3.6

140.6

11.3

16.4

7.8

61.7

3.5

621.0

60.4

45.3

9.8

43.4

10.0

Investment expenses

(15.4)

(31.2)

(13.5)

(8.1)

(12.8)

(34.7)

(3.1)

(18.5)

(137.3)

(11.4)

(40.6)

Interest and dividends

67.0

139.9

64.6

32.3

55.3

117.2

21.1

46.7

544.1

43.7

12.8

Share of profit (loss) of

associates

Other

Revenue

Expenses

6.3

65.8

4.1

4.4

5.3

(3.8)

(5.1)

16.7

93.7

0.8

109.4

17.2

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

4,434.2

(4,176.1)

258.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

39.8

1.3

(3.3)

37.8

–

15,528.3

(491.1)

–

(491.1)

15,528.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

(5.6)

–

150.7

145.1

–

–

5.6

5.6

12,431.0

12,066.0

–

12,066.0

(11,990.1)

75.9

743.9

81.5

(41.9)

783.5

221.1

4,434.2

(4,170.5)

263.7

Operating income (loss)

120.3

386.8

101.3

176.9

(16.4)

156.3

16.4

14.5

956.1

(197.9)

380.3

55.0

150.7

1,344.2

Net gains (losses) on

investments

Loss on repurchase of long

term debt (note 15)

Interest expense

Corporate overhead

(55.6)

(111.4)

(144.2)

(57.6)

(63.1)

(66.9)

(71.7)

45.8

(524.7)

(107.6)

900.4

(15.2)

–

–

–

–

(4.1)

(2.2)

(6.6)

(23.3)

(24.1)

–

(14.2)

(14.0)

–

(26.2)

(67.6)

–

–

(10.3)

–

(5.6)

(21.9)

–

(55.6)

(176.0)

(3.3)

(8.2)

–

–

–

–

(94.1)

–

(58.9)

(197.4)

(2.3)

–

–

–

(150.7)

Pre-tax income (loss)

58.1

248.0

(69.2)

107.8

(107.7)

(4.4)

(65.6)

32.8

199.8

(305.5)

1,186.6

(218.8)

–

Income taxes

Net earnings

Attributable to:

Shareholders of Fairfax

Non-controlling interests

252.9

(58.9)

(347.1)

(329.0)

862.1

(44.2)

817.9

376.0

441.9

817.9

(1)

Underwriting  expenses  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2018  were  comprised  as  shown  below.  Accident  year  underwriting  expenses  exclude  the  impact  of  favourable  or  adverse  prior  year  claims  reserve
development.

Loss & LAE – accident year
Commissions
Premium acquisition costs and other underwriting

expenses

Insurance and Reinsurance

Odyssey Crum &

Zenith

Allied Fairfax

Operating

Northbridge

Group Forster National

Brit World

Asia

Other companies

802.7
184.5

2,061.5 1,244.7
304.2

588.7

453.4
84.2

982.6 1,739.9
207.8
456.8

138.0
19.9

687.4
177.6

8,110.2
2,023.7

191.7

269.8

383.3

211.8

216.6

392.8

55.6

276.6

1,998.2

Underwriting expenses – accident year
Net favourable claims reserve development

1,178.9
(106.7)

2,920.0 1,932.2
(3.9)

(345.7)

749.4 1,656.0 2,340.5
(96.6)
(99.3)
(85.3)

213.5 1,141.6
(27.1)
(24.4)

12,132.1
(789.0)

Underwriting expenses – calendar year

1,072.2

2,574.3 1,928.3

664.1 1,556.7 2,243.9

189.1 1,114.5

11,343.1

115

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

2017

Gross premiums written

External

Intercompany

Insurance and Reinsurance

Odyssey Crum &

Zenith

Allied Fairfax

Operating

Corporate Eliminations

and

and

Northbridge

Group Forster National

Brit World(1)

Asia Other companies Run-off

Other

Other adjustments Consolidated

1,180.4

2,725.7

2,120.0

849.0

2,048.1

1,447.6

667.9 1,160.4

12,199.1

6.6

57.4

54.5

–

8.9

–

2.5

83.9

213.8

1,187.0

2,783.1

2,174.5

849.0

2,057.0

1,447.6

670.4 1,244.3

12,412.9

–

12,207.5

(213.8)

–

(213.8)

12,207.5

Net premiums written

1,064.9

2,495.9

1,863.4

837.4

1,530.9

991.9

327.5

863.3

9,975.2

Net premiums earned

External

Intercompany

1,023.7

2,318.3

1,822.1

814.1

1,537.3

1,041.3

369.3

775.2

9,701.3

(4.0)

15.1

30.7

(2.5)

(0.4)

(12.6)

(41.7)

15.4

–

Underwriting expenses(2)

(1,010.7)

(2,273.4) (1,849.6)

(694.4)

(1,738.8)

(1,615.3)

(289.4)

(871.2)

(10,342.8)

(227.5)

1,019.7

2,333.4

1,852.8

811.6

1,536.9

1,028.7

327.6

790.6

9,701.3

20.1

Underwriting profit (loss)

9.0

60.0

3.2

117.2

(201.9)

(586.6)

38.2

(80.6)

(641.5)

(207.4)

Interest income

Dividends

Investment expenses

56.1

9.5

(11.5)

131.0

15.6

53.4

3.4

26.8

3.8

41.9

3.7

76.8

2.2

31.3

3.2

38.7

11.8

456.0

53.2

37.2

4.6

29.7

9.1

(21.7)

(23.0)

(7.2)

(13.0)

(13.1)

(5.4)

(12.0)

(106.9)

(12.9)

(143.7)

Interest and dividends

54.1

124.9

33.8

23.4

32.6

65.9

29.1

38.5

402.3

28.9

(104.9)

8.4

–

8.4

8.3

20.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(8.3)

6.3

(2.1)

(4.1)

Share of profit (loss) of

associates

Other

Revenue

Expenses

Operating income (loss)

Net gains (losses) on

investments

Gain on sale of subsidiary

(note 23)

Loss on repurchase of long

term debt (note 15)

Interest expense

Corporate overhead

–

–

–

66.3

44.8

–

–

–

3.2

7.2

(1.1)

(9.8)

9.2

(17.6)

29.4

3.0

23.5

(6.1)

55.4

127.7

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

3,257.6

(2,996.0)

261.6

–

–

–

192.1

35.9

130.8

(160.1)

(538.3)

96.7

(39.1)

(215.7)

(184.6)

212.1

123.6

236.8

253.1

27.9

26.6

79.0

(26.5) 1,083.9

69.5

1,558.3

73.3

7.2

(171.3)

–

–

–

–

(3.3)

(1.8)

–

–

–

–

(3.3)

(8.2)

(12.5)

(9.2)

– 1,018.6

–

–

(4.8)

–

–

(2.6)

(22.2)

1,018.6

–

(41.3)

(131.6)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(65.8)

–

–

(28.6)

(224.1)

93.1

–

(15.6)

(27.9)

(8.7)

(27.4)

(25.4)

Pre-tax income (loss)

102.4

414.5

36.6

145.9

(102.8)

(608.3) 2,196.6

3.4

2,188.3

(111.3)

153.5

(207.3)

–

Income taxes

Net earnings

Attributable to:

Shareholders of Fairfax

Non-controlling interests

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

236.8

236.8

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(236.8)

9,983.5

9,721.4

–

9,721.4

(10,570.3)

(848.9)

514.6

73.2

(28.8)

559.0

200.5

3,257.6

(2,996.0)

261.6

172.2

1,467.5

1,018.6

(28.6)

(331.2)

(275.3)

2,023.2

(408.3)

1,614.9

1,740.6

(125.7)

1,614.9

(1)

(2)

Allied World is included in the company’s consolidated financial reporting with effect from July 6, 2017.

Underwriting  expenses  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2017  were  comprised  as  shown  below.  Accident  year  underwriting  expenses  exclude  the  impact  of  favourable  or  adverse  prior  year  claims  reserve
development.

Loss & LAE – accident year
Commissions
Premium acquisition costs and other underwriting

expenses

Insurance and Reinsurance

Odyssey Crum &

Zenith

Allied Fairfax

Operating

Northbridge

Group Forster National

Brit World

Asia Other companies

760.1
164.5

1,827.7 1,209.8
292.4

492.5

477.9 1,117.8 1,293.1
32.6
424.8

83.5

263.1 563.8
4.7 148.4

7,513.3
1,643.4

179.6

241.3

357.6

209.4

205.7

217.7

73.9 192.6

1,677.8

Underwriting expenses – accident year
Net (favourable) adverse claims reserve development

1,104.2
(93.5)

2,561.5 1,859.8
(10.2)

(288.1)

770.8 1,748.3 1,543.4
71.9
(76.4)

(9.5)

341.7 904.8
(52.3) (33.6)

10,834.5
(491.7)

Underwriting expenses – calendar year

1,010.7

2,273.4 1,849.6

694.4 1,738.8 1,615.3

289.4 871.2

10,342.8

116

Investments in Associates, Additions to Goodwill, Segment Assets and Segment Liabilities

Investments in associates, segment assets and segment liabilities at December 31, and additions to goodwill for the
years then ended, by reporting segment were as follows:

Investments in
associates

Additions to
goodwill

Segment assets

Segment liabilities

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

Insurance and Reinsurance

Northbridge
Odyssey Group
Crum & Forster
Zenith National
Brit
Allied World(1)
Fairfax Asia
Other

136.9
443.2
260.6
149.3
266.9
310.0
91.6
115.9

218.6
355.7
263.2
162.9
231.4
210.5
100.9
92.0

–
–
–
–
–
–
(0.3)
3.7

Operating companies
Run-off
Other
Corporate and Other and eliminations

1,774.4
273.4
2,523.3

1,635.2
252.0
1,250.8

3.4
–
133.0

1.1
–
–
–
–
937.9
(24.2)
19.6

934.4
–
277.9

4,205.7
12,077.8
6,217.4
2,543.0
7,543.4
14,530.7
1,813.4
4,353.4

53,284.8
5,529.1
9,424.7

4,527.2
11,316.1
6,290.6
2,586.8
7,480.1
14,584.4
1,930.7
4,321.3

53,037.2
5,207.2
8,684.0

2,706.0
7,887.7
4,617.9
1,612.8
5,947.6
10,911.7
692.4
3,285.9

37,662.0
3,934.3
3,361.2

2,804.6
7,248.4
4,651.1
1,653.8
5,930.1
10,937.2
674.5
3,223.5

37,123.2
3,456.5
3,245.8

and adjustments

291.9

518.3

–

–

(3,866.5)

(2,838.3)

2,049.4

1,852.6

Consolidated

4,863.0

3,656.3

136.4

1,212.3

64,372.1

64,090.1

47,006.9

45,678.1

(1) Allied World is included in the company’s consolidated financial reporting with effect from July 6, 2017.

Product Line

Net premiums earned by product line for the years ended December 31 were as follows:

Property

Casualty

Specialty

Total

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

Net premiums earned – Insurance and
Reinsurance

Northbridge
Odyssey Group
Crum & Forster
Zenith National
Brit
Allied World(1)
Fairfax Asia
Other

Operating companies
Run-off

Consolidated net premiums earned
Interest and dividends
Share of profit of associates
Net gains on investments
Gain on sale of subsidiary (note 23)
Other

Consolidated income

490.3
1,398.3
253.9
35.5
490.7
794.5
75.7
564.9

4,103.8
–

449.1
1,206.0
238.9
32.1
427.1
360.9
65.6
405.9

3,185.6
–

523.2
1,099.2
1,623.6
768.8
618.5
1,362.4
93.0
308.5

6,397.2
389.1

474.4
901.5
1,518.0
779.5
755.7
607.4
219.2
221.9

5,477.6
22.9

105.7
257.9
83.4
–
370.5
129.9
20.8
192.2

96.2
225.9
95.9
–
354.1
60.4
42.8
162.8

1,119.2
2,755.4
1,960.9
804.3
1,479.7
2,286.8
189.5
1,065.6

1,160.4
15.5

1,038.1
(2.8)

11,661.4
404.6

4,103.8

3,185.6

6,786.3

5,500.5

1,175.9

1,035.3

12,066.0
783.5
221.1
252.9
–
4,434.2

1,019.7
2,333.4
1,852.8
811.6
1,536.9
1,028.7
327.6
790.6

9,701.3
20.1

9,721.4
559.0
200.5
1,467.5
1,018.6
3,257.6

17,757.7

16,224.6

Allocation of net premiums earned

34.0%

32.8%

56.3%

56.6%

9.7%

10.6%

(1) Allied World is included in the company’s consolidated financial reporting with effect from July 6, 2017.

117

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Geographic Region

Net premiums earned by geographic region for the years ended December 31 were as follows:

Canada

United States

Asia(1)

International(2)

Total

2018

2017

2018

2017 2018 2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

Net premiums earned – Insurance and
Reinsurance

Northbridge
Odyssey Group
Crum & Forster
Zenith National
Brit
Allied World(3)
Fairfax Asia
Other

Operating companies
Run-off

Consolidated net premiums earned
Interest and dividends
Share of profit of associates
Net gains on investments
Gain on sale of subsidiary (note 23)
Other

Consolidated income

1,108.2 1,007.2

–

11.0

12.5

–
76.8 1,858.0 1,539.2 319.8 247.2
–
–
60.3
88.2
– 189.5 319.0
94.9 108.0

– 1,958.0 1,852.6
811.6
804.3
–
83.1 1,073.7 1,036.5
20.5 1,671.9
–
83.6

–
–
57.9
773.7 254.9

0.1
9.1

98.9

–
507.4
2.9
–
252.8
331.8
–
882.1

–
470.2
0.2
–
357.0
146.3
8.5
574.6

804.3

1,119.2 1,019.7
2,755.4 2,333.4
1,960.9 1,852.8
811.6
1,479.7 1,536.9
2,286.8 1,028.7
327.6
790.6

189.5
1,065.6

70.2
–
–
95.3
28.2
–
5.0

1,306.9 1,196.8 7,460.5 6,125.0 917.0 822.7 1,977.0
398.3

23.7

6.3

–

–

–

–

1,556.8 11,661.4 9,701.3
20.1

404.6

(3.6)

1,306.9 1,196.8 7,466.8 6,148.7 917.0 822.7 2,375.3

1,553.2 12,066.0 9,721.4
559.0
783.5
221.1
200.5
252.9 1,467.5
– 1,018.6
4,434.2 3,257.6

17,757.7 16,224.6

Allocation of net premiums earned

10.8% 12.3% 61.9% 63.2% 7.6% 8.5% 19.7%

16.0%

(1) The Asia geographic segment comprises countries located throughout Asia, including China, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and

Thailand, and the Middle East.

(2) The International geographic segment comprises Australia and countries located in Africa, Europe and South America.

(3) Allied World is included in the company’s consolidated financial reporting with effect from July 6, 2017.

Other reporting segment

Revenue and expenses of the Other reporting segment were comprised as follows for the years ended December 31:

Restaurants
and retail

Fairfax
India(1)

Thomas Cook
India(2)

Other

Total

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2,013.4
(1,890.7)

1,441.7
(1,322.5)

430.3
(403.3)

336.0
(315.9)

1,202.4 1,009.6
(953.1)
(1,184.1)

788.1
(698.0)

470.3
(404.5)

4,434.2
(4,176.1)

3,257.6
(2,996.0)

Revenue
Expenses

Pre-tax income before interest expense

and other

122.7

119.2

27.0

20.1

18.3

56.5

90.1

65.8

258.1

261.6

(1) These results differ from those published by Fairfax India due to Fairfax India’s application of investment entity accounting under IFRS.

(2) These results differ from those published by Thomas Cook India primarily due to differences between IFRS and Indian GAAP, and acquisition
accounting adjustments. Upon adopting IFRS 15 on January 1, 2018 Thomas Cook India began reporting revenue on a principal basis for certain of
its travel related businesses which were previously reported on an agency basis under IAS 18 as described in note 3. This revenue recognition change
increased Thomas Cook India’s reported revenue and cost of sales by $770.1 for the year ended December 31, 2018, with no impact on net
earnings.

118

26. Expenses
Losses  on  claims,  net,  operating  expenses  and  other  expenses  for  the  years  ended  December  31  were  comprised
as follows:

2018

2017

Insurance and

Insurance and

reinsurance Non-insurance
companies(2)
companies(1)
–
7,545.9

Losses and loss adjustment expenses
Other reporting segment cost of

sales

Wages and salaries
Employee benefits
Depreciation, amortization and

impairment charges

Operating lease costs
Premium taxes
Information technology costs
Audit, legal and tax professional fees
Other reporting segment marketing

costs

Share-based payments to directors

and employees
Restructuring costs
Loss on repurchase of long term

debt (note 15)(2)

Administrative expense and other

–
1,241.2
309.5

181.2
93.5
210.9
155.9
136.4

–

78.4
25.9

–
289.3

Total

7,545.9

2,653.2
1,929.7
412.8

349.5
253.1
210.9
180.4
176.6

2,653.2
688.5
103.3

168.3
159.6
–
24.5
40.2

102.7

102.7

11.2
9.5

58.9
209.5

89.6
35.4

58.9
498.8

reinsurance Non-insurance
companies(2)
companies(1)
–
6,880.0

–
1,072.0
242.1

136.5
79.3
152.7
122.2
155.7

–

58.4
30.6

–
266.9

1,821.4
495.2
76.9

144.0
136.9
–
16.2
27.2

65.4

5.4
3.1

28.6
204.3

Total

6,880.0

1,821.4
1,567.2
319.0

280.5
216.2
152.7
138.4
182.9

65.4

63.8
33.7

28.6
471.2

10,268.1

4,229.4

14,497.5

9,196.4

3,024.6

12,221.0

(1) Total  expense  of  the  insurance  and  reinsurance  companies  is  comprised  of  losses  on  claims,  net  and  operating  expenses  as  presented  in  the

consolidated statement of earnings.

(2) Other expenses as presented in the consolidated statement of earnings is comprised of cost of sales and operating expenses of the non-insurance

companies, and loss on repurchase of long term debt of the holding company.

27. Supplementary Cash Flow Information

Cash,  cash  equivalents  and  bank  overdrafts  as  presented  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  cash  flows  excludes
restricted cash and cash equivalents that are amounts primarily required to be maintained on deposit with various
regulatory authorities to support the operations of the insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries. Cash equivalents are
comprised of treasury bills and other eligible bills.

December 31, 2018

Unrestricted cash and cash
equivalents included in the
consolidated statement of
cash flows

Restricted cash and cash
equivalents

Cash
Cash equivalents

Total Cash equivalents Total

Cash

Cash and cash equivalents
included on the
consolidated balance sheet

Cash
Cash equivalents

Total

131.0

96.1

227.1

0.6

–

0.6

131.6

96.1

227.7

Holding company cash and

investments

Subsidiary cash and short term

investments

2,300.1

1,722.7 4,022.8 359.7

201.2

560.9 2,659.8

1,923.9 4,583.7

Subsidiary assets pledged for short
sale and derivative obligations

Fairfax India
Fairfax Africa

–
25.0
77.4

3.0
27.1
154.5

3.0
52.1
231.9

–
15.6
–

–
–
–

–
15.6
–

–
40.6
77.4

3.0
27.1
154.5

3.0
67.7
231.9

2,533.5

2,003.4 4,536.9 375.9

201.2

577.1 2,909.4

2,204.6 5,114.0

119

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

December 31, 2017

Unrestricted cash and cash
equivalents included in the
consolidated statement of
cash flows

Restricted cash and cash
equivalents

Cash
Cash equivalents

Total Cash equivalents Total

Cash

Cash and cash equivalents
included on the
consolidated balance sheet

Cash
Cash equivalents

Total

127.4

866.3

993.7

1.7

–

1.7

129.1

866.3

995.4

Holding company cash and

investments

Subsidiary cash and short term

investments

2,137.2

4,742.1 6,879.3 218.3

286.5

504.8 2,355.5

5,028.6 7,384.1

Subsidiary assets pledged for short
sale and derivative obligations

Fairfax India
Fairfax Africa

–
28.5
16.7

16.8
–
–

–
16.8
28.5
15.5
16.7 313.0

–
–
–

–
15.5
313.0

–
44.0
329.7

16.8
–
–

16.8
44.0
329.7

2,309.8

5,625.2 7,935.0 548.5

286.5

835.0 2,858.3

5,911.7 8,770.0

Details of certain cash flows included in the consolidated statement of cash flows for the years ended December 31
were as follows:

2018

2017

8,033.8
(10,743.0)
(25.6)
82.3
(96.8)

(2,816.5)
5,677.1
(249.6)
778.3
(677.3)

(2,749.3)

2,712.0

102.9
1,200.6
521.9
(555.6)
(954.5)
(211.6)
(175.4)
653.5
(6.2)
(302.8)

(245.4)
1,842.1
395.2
(428.4)
(1,168.5)
(32.4)
182.0
174.0
46.5
(195.3)

272.8

569.8

668.1
(285.5)

531.9
(277.9)

382.6

254.0

(229.9)

(33.4)

Net (purchases) sales of securities classified at FVTPL

Short term investments
Bonds
Preferred stocks
Common stocks
Derivatives and short sales

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

Net decrease (increase) 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

Net interest and dividends received

Interest and dividends received
Interest paid

Net income taxes paid

120

28. Related Party Transactions

Compensation for the company’s key management team for the years ended December 31 determined in accordance
with the company’s IFRS accounting policies was as follows:

Salaries and other short term employee benefits
Share-based payments

2018
9.3
3.6

12.9

Compensation for the company’s Board of Directors for the years ended December 31 was as follows:

Retainers and fees
Share-based payments

2018
0.9
0.3

1.2

2017
9.7
3.1

12.8

2017
0.8
0.3

1.1

Pursuant to the company’s investment advisory agreement with Fairfax India, a performance fee of $114.4 in the
form of newly issued Fairfax India subordinate voting shares was received on March 9, 2018. See note 23.

During 2017 the company entered into an investment management contract on normal commercial terms pursuant
to which effectively Benjamin Watsa, a member of the company’s Board of Directors and the son of Prem Watsa, the
company’s Chairman and CEO and effectively controlling shareholder, would manage investments up to $50.0 for
operating companies within the Fairfax group.

121

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

29. Subsidiaries

During 2018 the company acquired Toys ‘‘R’’ Us Canada and Dexterra, sold The Keg to Recipe (formerly Cara), and
deconsolidated  Quess.  The  foregoing  transactions  are  described  in  note  23.  The  company  has  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, 2018
Insurance and reinsurance
Northbridge Financial Corporation (Northbridge)
Odyssey Group Holdings, Inc. (Odyssey Group)

Hudson Insurance Company (Hudson Insurance)
Newline Holdings UK Limited (Newline)

Crum & Forster Holdings Corp. (Crum & Forster)
Zenith National Insurance Corp. (Zenith National)
Brit Limited (Brit)
Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, GmbH (Allied World)
Advent Capital (Holdings) Ltd. (Advent)(1)
Fairfax Central and Eastern Europe, which consists of:

Domicile

Canada
United States
United States
United Kingdom
United States
United States
United Kingdom
Switzerland
United Kingdom

Polskie Towarzystwo Reasekuracji Sp ´olka Akcyjna (Polish Re)
Colonnade Insurance S.A. (Colonnade Insurance)

Poland
Luxembourg

Fairfax Latin America, which consists of:

Fairfax Brasil Seguros Corporativos S.A. (Fairfax Brasil)
La Meridional Compa ˜n´ıa Argentina de Seguros S.A. (La Meridional

Brazil

Argentina)

SBS Seguros Colombia S.A. (SouthBridge Colombia)
SBI Seguros Uruguay S.A. (SouthBridge Uruguay)
Southbridge Compa ˜n´ıa de Seguros Generales S.A. (SouthBridge

Chile)

Bryte Insurance Company Ltd (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 Company (Hong Kong) Limited (Falcon)
The Pacific Insurance Berhad (Pacific Insurance)
PT Asuransi Multi Artha Guna Tbk (AMAG Insurance)
Fairfirst Insurance Limited (Fairfirst Insurance)

Argentina
Colombia
Uruguay

Chile
South Africa

Barbados
Barbados

Hong Kong
Malaysia
Indonesia
Sri Lanka

Run-off
TIG Insurance Company (TIG Insurance)
RiverStone Insurance (UK) Limited (RiverStone (UK))(2)
RiverStone Managing Agency Limited

United States
United Kingdom
United Kingdom

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

Canada

Fairfax’s ownership
(100% other than
as shown below)

88.9%
67.8%

85.0%
80.0%
78.0%

(1) Effective January 1, 2019 Advent will be included in the Run-off reporting segment. See note 25.

(2) Effective September 28, 2018 all of the assets and liabilities of RiverStone Insurance Limited were transferred to RiverStone

(UK). See note 25.

122

December 31, 2018
Other reporting segment

Domicile

Fairfax’s
ownership

Primary business

Restaurants and retail
Recipe Unlimited Corporation (Recipe) (formerly

Cara Operations Limited) which owns:
100.0% of Keg Restaurants Ltd. (The Keg)

Canada

Canada

100.0% of Groupe St-Hubert Inc. (St-Hubert)

Canada

43.7%(1) Franchisor, owner and operator

of restaurants

43.7% Owner and operator of premium
dining restaurants
43.7% Full-service restaurant operator

and a fully integrated food
manufacturer

89.2% of Original Joe’s Franchise Group Inc.

Canada

39.0% Multi-brand restaurant owner

(Original Joe’s)

and operator

100.0% of Pickle Barrel Holdings Limited (Pickle Canada

43.7% Owner and operator of

Barrel)

restaurants and catering
business

Praktiker Hellas Commercial Societe Anonyme

Greece

100.0% Retailer of home improvement

(Praktiker)

goods

Toys ‘‘R’’ Us (Canada) Ltd. (Toys ‘‘R’’ Us Canada)

Canada

100.0% Retailer of toys and baby

Sporting Life Group Limited which owns:

100.0% of Sporting Life Inc. (Sporting Life)

Canada
Canada

100.0% of Golf Town Limited (Golf Town)

Canada

William Ashley China Corporation (William

Canada

Ashley)

Fairfax India
Fairfax India Holdings Corporation (Fairfax India)

Canada

which owns:
89.5% of National Collateral Management

Services Limited (NCML)

48.8% of Fairchem Speciality Limited

(Fairchem)

51.0% of Saurashtra Freight Private Limited

(Saurashtra Freight)

Thomas Cook India
Thomas Cook (India) Limited (Thomas Cook

India) which owns:
100.0% of Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited

(Sterling Resorts)

Other
Fairfax Africa Holdings Corporation (Fairfax

Africa)

Grivalia Properties Real Estate Investment

Company S.A. (Grivalia Properties)

India

India

India

India

India

products

65.1% Invests in retail businesses
65.1% Retailer of sporting goods and

sports apparel
65.1% Retailer of golf equipment,

consumables, athletic apparel
and accessories
100.0% Retailer of tableware and gifts

33.7%(1) Invests in public and private
Indian businesses

30.2% Provider of agricultural
commodities storage

16.4% Manufacturer, supplier and

exporter of aroma chemicals

17.2% Container freight station

operator

66.9% Provider of integrated travel and
travel-related financial services

66.9% Owner and operator of holiday

resorts

Canada

Greece

58.7%(1) Invests in public and private
African businesses
52.7% Real estate investment company

Mosaic Capital Corporation (Mosaic Capital)

Canada

Dexterra Integrated Facilities Management

Canada

(Dexterra)

Pethealth Inc. (Pethealth)

–(2) Invests in private Canadian

businesses
100.0% Infrastructure services to

industries and government

Canada

100.0% Pet medical insurance and

database services

Boat Rocker Media Inc. (Boat Rocker)

Canada

58.2% Development, production,

marketing and distribution of
television programs

(1) The company owns multiple voting shares and subordinate voting shares of Recipe, Fairfax India and Fairfax Africa that

give it voting rights of 56.9%, 93.8% and 98.3% respectively.

(2) The company owns Mosaic Capital warrants that represent a potential voting interest of approximately 62%.

123

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 Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Share of Profit of Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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 Dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Share of Profit of Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

125
126

127
129
130
134
135
139
140

142
163
163
163
163
164
164
165

165
167
169
172

174
175
175
176
177
179
181
181
182
183

184
188
190
193
193

193
193
194
194
194

195
195

206
207
207
207

124

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(as of March 8, 2019)

(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 run-off 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 the company’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 ceded or 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), the underwriting expense ratio (premium acquisition costs and other
underwriting expenses 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,  2018  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) 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 terms ‘‘total return swap expense’’ and ‘‘total return swap income’’
refer to the net dividends and interest paid and received respectively, related to the company’s long and
short equity and equity index total return swaps. Interest and dividends as presented in the consolidated
statement of earnings includes total return swap expense or income.

(6) The  measures  ‘‘pre-tax  income  before  net  gains  (losses)  on  investments’’,  ‘‘net  realized  gains  (losses)  on
investments’’, and ‘‘net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments’’ are each shown separately in
this MD&A to present more meaningfully the results of the company’s investment management strategies.
The two measures ‘‘net realized gains (losses) on investments’’, and ‘‘net change in unrealized gains (losses)
on investments’’ 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, 2018, and
their sum is equal to ‘‘net gains on investments’’ as presented in the consolidated statement of earnings.

125

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

(7)

In  this  MD&A,  ‘‘long  equity  exposures’’  and  ‘‘short  equity  exposures’’  refer  to  long  and  short  positions
respectively,  in  equity  and  equity-related  instruments  held  for  investment  purposes,  and  ‘‘net  equity
exposures’’ refers to the company’s long equity exposures net of the company’s short equity exposures.

(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, 2018 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) Book value per basic share (also referred to as book value per share) is a performance measure calculated by
the  company  as  common  shareholders’  equity  divided  by  the  number  of  common  shares  effectively
outstanding.

(11) Intercompany shareholdings of insurance and reinsurance affiliates are presented as ‘‘Investments in Fairfax
insurance  and  reinsurance  affiliates’’  and  intercompany  shareholdings  of  non-insurance  affiliates  are
presented  within  ‘‘Portfolio  investments’’  on  the  segmented  balance  sheets  and  carried  at  cost.  Total
intercompany  shareholdings  are  presented  as  ‘‘Investments  in  Fairfax  affiliates’’  within  the  ‘‘Capital’’
section of the segmented balance sheets.

(12) References in this MD&A to the company’s insurance and reinsurance operations do not include its run-off

operations.

(13) Adoption of the complete version of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (‘‘IFRS 9’’) on January 1, 2018 did not result
in  any  changes  to  the  company’s  accounting  policies  for  items  within  the  scope  of  IFRS  9,  including
financial assets, financial liabilities and hedges. Adoption of IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers
(‘‘IFRS 15’’)  did  not  have  a  significant  impact  on  the  company’s  consolidated  financial  statements.
Comparative periods were not restated as permitted by the transition provisions of IFRS 9 and IFRS 15. For
further details see note 3 (Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, under the heading ‘‘New accounting
pronouncements adopted in 2018’’) in the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended
December 31, 2018.

Overview of Consolidated Performance

The insurance and reinsurance operations produced an underwriting profit of $318.3 and a combined ratio of 97.3%
in 2018, compared to an underwriting loss of $641.5 and a combined ratio of 106.6% in 2017. The underwriting
profit in 2018 principally reflected the impact of lower current period catastrophe losses and higher net favourable
prior year reserve development. The insurance and reinsurance operations reported operating income (excluding net
gains (losses) on investments) of $956.1 in 2018 compared to an operating loss of $215.7 in 2017, reflecting higher
underwriting profit and higher interest income. Net premiums written by the insurance and reinsurance operations
increased by 20.5% to $12,017.5 in 2018 (8.7% excluding the acquisitions of Allied World and of AIG branches in
Latin  America  and  Central  and  Eastern  Europe,  the  sale  of  First  Capital  and  other  intercompany  reinsurance
transactions, all of which occurred during 2017 and 2018).

Net investment gains of $252.9 in 2018 principally reflected a net realized gain recorded on re-measurement of Quess
($889.9) upon its deconsolidation, net losses on common stocks and convertible bonds which arose primarily in the
fourth quarter as a result of marking those positions to market and foreign currency net losses that resulted primarily
from the strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the Indian rupee and euro. Net investment gains of $1,467.5 in
2017 principally reflected the net gain of $930.1 related to the reduction of the company’s shareholding in ICICI
Lombard.  Interest  and  dividends  increased  to  $783.5  in  2018  from  $559.0  in  2017,  primarily  reflecting  higher
interest earned on increased holdings of short-dated U.S. treasury bonds and high quality corporate bonds, partially
offset by lower interest earned on U.S. state and municipal bonds as a result of sales of such bonds during 2017 and

126

2018.  At  December  31,  2018  subsidiary  cash  and  short  term  investments  (other  than  those  of  Fairfax  India  and
Fairfax Africa) of $6,761.8 accounted for 18.1% of portfolio investments.

Net earnings attributable to shareholders of Fairfax decreased to $376.0 in 2018 from $1,740.6 in 2017 primarily due
to  decreased  net  gains  on  investments,  the  non-recurring  gain  on  sale  of  First  Capital  recognized  in  2017  and
increased net earnings attributable to non-controlling interests, partially offset by increased underwriting profit,
interest and dividends and a lower provision for income taxes.

The company’s consolidated total debt to total capital ratio increased to 27.2% at December 31, 2018 from 25.8% at
December 31, 2017 primarily as a result of decreased total capital (reflecting decreased non-controlling interests and
common shareholders’ equity). Common shareholders’ equity decreased to $11,779.3 ($432.46 per basic share) at
December 31, 2018 from $12,475.6 ($449.55 per basic share) at December 31, 2017 (a decrease of 1.5%, adjusted for
the $10.00 per common share dividend paid in the first quarter of 2018) primarily due to net unrealized foreign
currency  translation  losses  on  foreign  operations  and  associates,  the  payment  of  dividends  on  the  company’s
common and preferred shares, the purchase of subordinate voting shares for use in share-based payment awards and
for cancellation and other net changes in capitalization, partially offset by net earnings attributable to shareholders
of Fairfax.

Maintaining  its  emphasis  on  financial  soundness,  the  company  held  $1,557.2  of  cash  and  investments  at  the
holding company ($1,550.6 net of $6.6 of holding company short sale and derivative obligations) at December 31,
2018 compared to $2,368.4 ($2,356.9 net of $11.5 of holding company short sale and derivative obligations) at
December 31, 2017.

Business Developments

Acquisitions and Divestitures

The following narrative sets out the company’s key business developments in 2018 and 2017 by reporting segment.
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, 2018 or to the Components of Net Earnings section of this MD&A under
the relevant reporting segment.

Brit

During 2018 the company increased its ownership interest in Brit to 88.9% from 72.5% at December 31, 2017.

Allied World

Pursuant to transactions on July 6, 2017 and August 17, 2017 the company acquired a 67.4% ownership interest in
Allied World.

Fairfax Asia

On December 28, 2017 the company completed the sale of its 97.7% interest in First Capital to Mitsui Sumitomo.

On August 30, 2017 Pacific Insurance acquired Prudential Assurance Malaysia, a general insurer in Malaysia.

During 2017 the company reduced its equity interest in ICICI Lombard and commenced accounting for its remaining
equity interest as a common stock at FVTPL.

Insurance and Reinsurance – Other

On January 31, 2018 the company completed the acquisition of the insurance operations of AIG in Uruguay.

During  2017  the  company  acquired  certain  insurance  operations  of  AIG  in  Central  and  Eastern  Europe  and  in
Latin America.

127

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Other

Restaurants and retail

On August 31, 2018 ownership of Sporting Life and Golf Town was reorganized under a new holding company in
which the company has a 65.1% controlling equity interest.

On May 31, 2018 the company acquired Toys ‘‘R’’ Us Canada, a specialty retailer of toys and baby products.

On February 22, 2018 the company sold its 51.0% ownership interest in The Keg to Recipe. Recipe contemporaneously
acquired the 49.0% non-controlling interest in The Keg.

On December 1, 2017 Recipe acquired Pickle Barrel, which operates restaurants and provides catering services in the
province of Ontario, Canada.

Fairfax India

Subsequent to December 31, 2018

On September 17, 2018 Fairfax India entered into an agreement with Sanmar to exchange its holdings of Sanmar
bonds for an additional 12.9% equity interest in Sanmar and cash. Closing of the transaction is expected to occur in
the first half of 2019.

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

On  October  19,  2018  Fairfax  India  acquired  a  36.4%  effective  equity  interest  in  CS Bank,  which  offers  banking
services across India.

On May 16, 2018 Fairfax India increased its equity interest in Bangalore Airport to 54.0%.

On  March  9,  2018  the  company  received  7,663,685  newly  issued  Fairfax  India  subordinate  voting  shares  in
settlement of a performance fee receivable recorded during the year ended December 31, 2017.

On March 14, 2017 Fairchem and Privi Organics merged under the Fairchem name.

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 in a
private placement.

Thomas Cook India

On March 1, 2018 Thomas Cook India entered into a strategic agreement with the founder of Quess that resulted in
Quess becoming an associate of Thomas Cook India whereas it was previously a consolidated subsidiary.

On December 27, 2017 Quess acquired the facility management and catering business of Manipal. In November of
2017 Thomas Cook India sold a 5.4% interest in Quess. On August 18, 2017 Quess completed a private placement of
common  shares  with  institutional  investors.  These  transactions  collectively  reduced  the  company’s  indirect
ownership of Quess from 42.1% to 33.1%.

Other

Subsequent to December 31, 2018

On February 5, 2019 the shareholders of AGT, a supplier of pulses, staple foods and food ingredients, approved a
management  led  take-private  transaction  which  included  the  company  in  the  buying  group.  Closing  of  the
transaction is subject to receipt of certain regulatory approvals, is expected to occur in the first half of 2019, and will
result in the company owning approximately 60% of the purchaser entity.

On  January  4,  2019  Fairfax  Africa  increased  its  equity  interest  in  CIG,  a  pan-African  engineering  infrastructure
company, to 49.1%.

128

On November 26, 2018 Grivalia Properties announced a planned merger with Eurobank, a financial services provider
in Greece. Closing of the transaction is subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals, is expected to occur in the
second quarter of 2019, and will result in the company owning approximately 32% of the merged entity.

Years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

On June 18, 2018 the company acquired an additional 4,100,000 subordinate voting shares of Fairfax Africa through
Fairfax  Africa’s  secondary  public  offering  and  a  further  645,421  subordinate  voting  shares  through  open  market
purchases.

On March 7, 2018 the company acquired Dexterra, a Canadian infrastructure services company that provides asset
management and operations solutions to industries and governments.

On July 4, 2017 the company acquired control of Grivalia Properties by increasing its equity interest to 52.6%.

On February 17, 2017 the company 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 January 26, 2017 the company invested in various securities of Mosaic Capital, including warrants that represent a
potential voting interest of approximately 62%.

Operating Environment

Insurance Environment

The property and casualty insurance and reinsurance industry is expected to report a moderate underwriting loss in
2018 due to tropical cyclone activity in the Atlantic and Pacific and wildfires on the U.S. west coast. 2018 marked an
improvement over 2017, but the market remains challenging since deteriorating underwriting results relative to the
past several years reflect the above average catastrophe losses, the expectation that the benefit from net favourable
prior year reserve development may diminish somewhat, and the competitive market conditions that persist across
many lines of business. Rising interest rates are starting to benefit the operating income reported by the industry,
although investment results were challenged by weakness in the equity markets, notably in the fourth quarter of
2018. The combination of poor equity market performance and underwriting losses is expected to contribute to a
slight decline in capital for the industry. Insurance pricing on property and casualty lines of business shows signs of
firming  as  catastrophe  losses  have  focused  attention  on  pricing  across  all  segments,  some  of  which  were  being
subsidized by property lines of business that were benefiting from lower than average recent catastrophe losses prior
to 2017.

The  reinsurance  sector  remains  well  capitalized  despite  the  above  average  catastrophe  losses  in  2017  and 2018.
Pricing on many reinsurance lines remains attractive: property catastrophe-exposed business has experienced rate
increases for loss affected lines of business, non-loss affected lines of business are experiencing low single digit price
increases, and non-catastrophe property and casualty reinsurance business is experiencing another year of flat or
nominal price increases in contrast to price decreases in several prior years.

129

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Sources of Income

Income for the most recent three years was comprised as follows:

Net premiums earned – Insurance and Reinsurance

Northbridge
Odyssey Group
Crum & Forster
Zenith National
Brit
Allied World(1)
Fairfax Asia
Other

Run-off

Interest and dividends
Share of profit of associates
Net gains (losses) on investments(2)
Gain on sale of subsidiary(3)
Other revenue(4)

2018

2017

2016

1,119.2
2,755.4
1,960.9
804.3
1,479.7
2,286.8
189.5
1,065.6
404.6

12,066.0
783.5
221.1
252.9
–
4,434.2

1,019.7
2,333.4
1,852.8
811.6
1,536.9
1,028.7
327.6
790.6
20.1

9,721.4
559.0
200.5
1,467.5
1,018.6
3,257.6

908.8
2,074.1
1,769.5
807.3
1,399.3
–
302.5
437.2
163.5

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

17,757.7

16,224.6

9,299.6

(1) Allied World is included in the company’s consolidated financial reporting with effect from July 6, 2017.

(2)

Includes a net gain of $889.9 on the re-measurement of Quess upon its deconsolidation in 2018 and a net gain of $930.1
related to the reduction of the company’s shareholding in ICICI Lombard in 2017.

(3) Gain on sale of the company’s 97.7% interest in First Capital on December 28, 2017.

(4) Represents  revenue  earned  by  the  Other  reporting  segment,  which  primarily  comprises  the  revenue  earned  by  Recipe
(formerly Cara) and its subsidiaries The Keg, Pickle Barrel (acquired on December 1, 2017), St-Hubert and Original Joe’s,
Toys ‘‘R’’ Us Canada (acquired on May 31, 2018), Praktiker, Golf Town, Sporting Life, Kitchen Stuff Plus, William Ashley,
Thomas Cook India and its subsidiaries Quess (deconsolidated on March 1, 2018) and Sterling Resorts, Dexterra (acquired
on March 7, 2018), Grivalia Properties (consolidated on July 4, 2017), Fairfax Africa (since its initial public offering on
February 17, 2017), Mosaic Capital (consolidated on January 26, 2017), Pethealth, Boat Rocker, and Fairfax India and
its subsidiaries NCML, Fairchem (merged on March 14, 2017 with Privi Organics) and Saurashtra Freight (acquired on
February 14, 2017).

The increase in income to $17,757.7 in 2018 from $16,224.6 in 2017 principally reflected higher net premiums
earned  (including  the  consolidation  of  a  full  year  of  net  premiums  earned  by  Allied  World),  other  revenue  and
interest and dividends, partially offset by lower net gains on investments and the non-recurring net gain of $1,018.6
recognized on sale of the company’s 97.7% interest in First Capital in 2017. Net investment gains of $252.9 in 2018
principally reflected a net realized gain recorded on re-measurement of Quess ($889.9) upon its deconsolidation, net
losses on common stocks and convertible bonds which arose primarily in the fourth quarter as a result of marking
those  positions  to  market  and  foreign  currency  net  losses  that  resulted  primarily  from  the  strengthening  of  the
U.S. dollar relative to the Indian rupee and euro. Net investment gains of $1,467.5 in 2017 principally reflected the
net gain of $930.1 related to the reduction of the company’s shareholding in ICICI Lombard. Interest and dividends
increased to $783.5 in 2018 from $559.0 in 2017, primarily reflecting higher interest earned on increased holdings of
short-dated  U.S.  treasury  bonds  and  high  quality  corporate  bonds,  partially  offset  by  lower  interest  earned  on
U.S. state and municipal bonds as a result of sales of such bonds during 2017 and 2018. Share of profit of associates
increased to $221.1 in 2018 from $200.5 in 2017, principally reflecting increased share of profit of Resolute and
KWF LPs ($73.6 related to sales of investment property located in Dublin, Ireland) and contributions from Atlas Mara
and Bangalore Airport (both acquired in 2017), partially offset by non-cash impairment charges related to Thai Re
and Astarta, the absence of share of profit of ICICI Lombard in 2018, the increased share of loss of Farmers Edge and
the share of loss of Astarta (compared to share of profit in 2017).

130

The increase in net premiums earned by the company’s insurance and reinsurance operations in 2018 reflected the
consolidation of a full year of net premiums earned by Allied World ($1,258.1 of incremental net premiums earned in
2018) and increases at Odyssey Group ($422.0, 18.1%), Insurance and Reinsurance – Other ($354.3, 44.8% excluding
the  impact  of  the  Advent  reinsurance  transaction  and  including  the  consolidation  of  the  $170.6  and  $61.3  of
incremental net premiums earned by Fairfax Latam and Colonnade Insurance related to the AIG branches in Latin
America and Central and Eastern Europe respectively, described in the Insurance and Reinsurance – Other section of
this MD&A), Brit ($117.2, 7.6% excluding the impact of the Brit reinsurance transaction described in the Brit section
of this MD&A), Crum & Forster ($108.1, 5.8%) and Northbridge ($99.5, 9.8% including the favourable effect of
foreign currency translation), partially offset by decreases at Fairfax Asia ($138.1, 42.2% reflecting the divestiture of
First Capital on December 28, 2017) and Zenith National ($7.3, 0.9%). Net premiums earned at Run-off in 2018
principally reflected the impact of the RiverStone (UK) acquisition transactions, the Advent reinsurance transaction,
the Brit reinsurance transaction and the Other 2018 reinsurance transactions described in the Run-off section of
this MD&A.

The increase in income to $16,224.6 in 2017 from $9,299.6 in 2016 principally reflected increased net gains on
investments, a gain of $1,018.6 on the sale of the company’s 97.7% interest in First Capital, higher net premiums
earned (including the consolidation of the net premiums earned by Allied World of $1,028.7), higher other revenue
and increased share of profit of associates. The increase in net gains on investments principally reflected the net gain
of $930.1 related to the reduction in the company’s shareholding in ICICI Lombard in 2017, higher net gains on
common stocks and lower net losses on short equity exposures, partially offset by higher net losses on U.S. treasury
bond forward contracts. Interest and dividends increased modestly to $559.0 in 2017 from $555.2 in 2016, primarily
reflecting lower total return swap expense, the consolidation of the interest and dividends of Allied World ($65.9)
and  increased  interest  income  earned  on  cash  equivalents  and  short  term  investments,  partially  offset  by  lower
interest income earned as a result of sales of U.S. treasury and municipal bonds late in 2016 and in the first quarter of
2017. Share of profit of associates of $200.5 in 2017 increased from $24.2 in 2016, primarily due to an increase in
share of profit of Eurolife in 2017 and a non-cash impairment charge of $100.4 recognized on Resolute in 2016.

The increase in net premiums earned by the company’s insurance and reinsurance operations in 2017 reflected the
consolidation  of  the  net  premiums  earned  by  Allied  World  ($1,028.7),  increases  at  Insurance  and  Reinsurance –
Other ($353.4, 80.8% inclusive of the consolidation of the $241.1, $68.5 and $23.7 of net premiums earned by Bryte
Insurance, and Fairfax Latam and Colonnade Insurance related to the AIG branches in Latin America and Central
and Eastern Europe respectively), Odyssey Group ($259.3, 12.5%), Brit ($137.6, 9.8%), Northbridge ($110.9, 12.2%
including the favourable effect of foreign currency translation), Crum & Forster ($83.3, 4.7%), Fairfax Asia ($25.1,
8.3%) and Zenith National ($4.3, 0.5%). Net premiums earned at Run-off in 2016 principally reflected the impacts of
the  second  quarter  2016  construction  defect  reinsurance  transaction  and  the  habitational  casualty  reinsurance
transaction.

In order to better compare 2018 to 2017, the table which follows presents net premiums written by the company’s
insurance and reinsurance operations, excluding net premiums written related to companies acquired or divested
during 2017 (comprised of Allied World (acquired July 6, 2017), First Capital (divested December 28, 2017) and
various acquisitions within Insurance and Reinsurance – Other) and certain intercompany reinsurance transactions
as described in the footnotes to the table.

Net premiums written

Northbridge
Odyssey Group
Crum & Forster
Zenith National
Brit(1)
Fairfax Asia(2)
Other(3)(4)

As adjusted

2018
1,173.6
2,897.8
1,977.8
789.2
1,668.6
191.9
806.0

2017
1,064.9
2,495.9
1,863.4
837.4
1,530.9
201.3
753.7

% change
year-over-
year
10.2
16.1
6.1
(5.8)
9.0
(4.7)
6.9

Insurance and reinsurance operations

9,504.9

8,747.5

8.7

(1) Excludes the impact of the Brit reinsurance transaction.

131

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

(2) Excludes in 2017: First Capital, which was sold on December 28, 2017.

(3) Excludes  in  2018  and  2017:  Fairfax  Latam  (comprised  of  the  insurance  operations  acquired  from  AIG  in  Chile  and
Colombia (acquired July 31, 2017), Argentina (acquired September 30, 2017) and Uruguay (acquired January 31, 2018))
and  the  business  and  renewal  rights  of  the  insurance  operations  acquired  from  AIG  in  Central  and  Eastern  Europe
(Hungary, Czech Republic and Slovakia (acquired April 30, 2017), Bulgaria (acquired May 31, 2017), Poland (acquired
June 30, 2017) and Romania (acquired October 31, 2017)). Also excluded from 2017 is the impact of the Bryte loss
portfolio transfer. Refer to the Insurance and Reinsurance – Other section of this MD&A for additional details.

(4) Excludes the impact of the Advent reinsurance transaction in 2018.

Northbridge’s net premiums written increased by 10.2% in 2018 (increased by 10.1% in Canadian dollar terms),
primarily due to strong retention of renewal business and price increases across the group.

Odyssey Group’s net premiums written increased by 16.1% in 2018, primarily reflecting increases in all divisions
with the majority of the increase related to U.S. Insurance (growth in U.S. crop and automobile insurance lines of
business), North America (growth in accident and health and U.S. casualty treaty reinsurance lines of business) and
EuroAsia (growth in commercial property and crop reinsurance lines of business), partially offset by increases in the
cost to purchase catastrophe reinsurance in 2018.

Crum  &  Forster’s  net  premiums  written  increased  by  6.1%  in  2018,  primarily  reflecting  growth  in  accident  and
health,  umbrella,  commercial  multi-peril  and  fidelity  and  surety  lines  of  business  and  price  increases  (primarily
related to the automobile, property and umbrella lines of business).

Zenith National’s net premiums written decreased by 5.8% in 2018, primarily reflecting price decreases, partially
offset by higher audit premiums (additional net premiums written based on exposure reported by the insured).

Brit’s net premiums written (as adjusted) increased by 9.0% in 2018, primarily reflecting increased contribution from
underwriting  initiatives  launched  in  recent  years,  price  increases  (principally  in  property  lines  of  business)  and
premiums received in 2018 that were greater than prior years’ premium estimates, partially offset by reductions in
non-core lines of business through active portfolio management.

Net premiums written by Fairfax Asia (as adjusted) decreased by 4.7% in 2018, primarily reflecting increased use of
reinsurance, partially offset by growth in commercial automobile and accident and health lines of business.

Net premiums written by the Insurance and Reinsurance – Other reporting segment (as adjusted) increased by 6.9%
in 2018 principally reflecting increases at Colonnade Insurance, Group Re and Polish Re, partially offset by decreases
at Advent.

132

Net gains (losses) on investments in 2018 and 2017 were comprised as shown in the following table:

Common stocks
Preferred stocks – convertible
Bonds – convertible
Other equity derivatives(1)(2)
Gain on disposition of associates(3)(4)(5)
Gain on deconsolidation of non-insurance subsidiary(6)

Long equity exposures
Short equity exposures

Net equity exposures

Bonds
CPI-linked derivatives
U.S. treasury bond forwards
Other derivatives
Foreign currency
Gain on disposition of insurance and reinsurance associate(7)
Other

Net gains on investments

Net gains (losses) on bonds is comprised as follows:

Government bonds
U.S. states and municipalities
Corporate and other

2018
(386.2)
2.9
(171.3)
(42.3)
138.9
889.9

2017
707.8
(1.6)
233.1
57.9
69.8
–

431.9
(38.2)

1,067.0
(417.9)

393.7
(38.4)
(6.7)
46.7
19.9
(131.8)
–
(30.5)

649.1
44.9
(71.0)
(153.2)
(0.3)
2.8
930.1
65.1

252.9

1,467.5

(41.7)
(40.5)
43.8

(38.4)

24.2
67.3
(46.6)

44.9

(1) Other equity derivatives include long equity total return swaps, equity warrant forward contracts, equity warrants and

call options.

(2)

Includes  the  Seaspan  forward  contracts  described  in  note  6  (Investments  in  Associates)  to  the  consolidated  financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2018.

(3) During 2018 Arbor Memorial Services Inc. (‘‘Arbor Memorial’’) repurchased the company’s equity interest for net proceeds
of $179.2 (Cdn$235.4). Consequently the company recorded a pre-tax net realized gain on investment of $111.8.

(4) During  2018  the  company  sold  its  equity  accounted  investment  in  an  insurance  brokerage  for  net  proceeds  of  $58.8

(Cdn$76.3) and recorded a net realized gain of $17.6 (Cdn$22.7).

(5) During  2017  the  company  acquired  control  of  Grivalia  Properties  by  increasing  its  equity  interest  to  52.7%  and
commenced consolidating Grivalia Properties in the Other reporting segment. Accordingly, the company re-measured its
equity accounted carrying value of Grivalia Properties to fair value and recorded a net realized gain of $51.3. Refer to
note 23 (Acquisitions and Divestitures) to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018.

(6) During 2018 Thomas Cook India entered into a strategic agreement with the founder of Quess that resulted in Quess
becoming  an  associate  of  Thomas  Cook  India  whereas  it  was  previously  a  consolidated  subsidiary.  Accordingly,  the
company re-measured the carrying value of Quess to its fair value of $1,109.5, recognized a non-cash gain of $889.9 and
commenced applying the equity method of accounting.

(7) During 2017 the company sold a 24.3% equity interest in ICICI Lombard for net proceeds of $908.5 and recorded a net
realized gain of $595.6. The company’s remaining 9.9% equity interest in ICICI Lombard was reclassified to common
stock at FVTPL and re-measured to fair value for a net realized gain of $334.5. Refer to note 6 (Investments in Associates)
to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Net gains on long equity exposures in 2018 of $431.9 (2017 – $1,067.0) were primarily comprised of a net realized
gain recorded on the re-measurement of Quess ($889.9), net gains on equity warrant forward contracts ($113.9) and
a net realized gain on the disposition of Arbor Memorial ($111.8), partially offset by net losses on common stocks
($386.2) and convertible bonds ($171.3). The company’s short equity exposures produced net losses in 2018 of $38.2
(2017 – $417.9). The company holds short equity total return swaps for investment purposes. In the fourth quarter of

133

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

2016 the company discontinued its economic equity hedging strategy and no longer regards short equity and equity
index total return swaps as hedges of its equity and equity-related holdings. During 2018 the company closed out
$565.8  notional  amount  of  short  equity  and  equity  index  total  return  swaps  and  recognized  net  losses  on
investments of $11.4 (inception-to-date realized losses of $248.2 of which $236.8 was recognized as unrealized losses
in prior years). During 2017 the company closed out $1,202.9 notional amount of short equity total return swaps and
recognized net losses on investments of $237.9 (inception-to-date realized losses of $553.1 of which $315.2 was
recognized as unrealized losses in prior years).

Net losses on bonds in 2018 of $38.4 (2017 – net gains on bonds of $44.9) were primarily comprised of net losses on
U.S. state and municipal bonds ($40.5) and U.S. treasury bonds ($38.6), partially offset by net gains on corporate and
other bonds ($43.8).

During 2018 the company recorded net unrealized losses of $6.7 (2017 – $71.0) on its CPI-linked derivative contracts
and did not enter into any new contracts. Net unrealized losses on CPI-linked derivative contracts typically reflect
the market’s expectation of 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).

Net losses on foreign currency in 2018 of $131.8 (2017 – net gains on foreign currency of $2.8) primarily reflected
foreign currency net losses on investing activities of $171.3 (principally related to investments denominated in the
euro and Indian rupee, both of which weakened against the U.S. dollar), partially offset by foreign currency net gains
on underwriting activities of $31.6.

Other revenue increased to $4,434.2 in 2018 from $3,257.6 in 2017 principally reflecting increases at Thomas Cook
India (an increase of $803.5 primarily reflecting the adoption of IFRS 15 as described in the subsequent paragraph)
and Fairfax India (primarily reflecting growth in business volume at NCML and inclusion of the full year revenue of
Fairchem which was consolidated following its merger with Privi Organics on March 14, 2017), the inclusion of the
full year revenue of Mosaic Capital and Grivalia Properties, and the consolidation of Dexterra (on March 7, 2018) and
Toys ‘‘R’’ Us Canada (on May 31, 2018), partially offset by decreases at Quess (primarily reflecting its deconsolidation
on March 1, 2018).

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers introduced a single model for recognizing revenue from contracts with
customers that replaced the previous revenue recognition guidance in IAS 18 Revenue and various related standards
and interpretations. The company adopted IFRS 15 on January 1, 2018 and did not restate comparative periods as
permitted  by  IFRS 15’s  transition  provisions.  Upon  adoption  of  IFRS  15,  Thomas  Cook  India  determined  that  it
should report in other revenue the gross receipts from certain of its travel related businesses, and the associated cost
of sales in other expenses. This change in revenue recognition increased Thomas Cook India’s reported revenue and
cost of sales by $770.1 for the year ended December 31, 2018, with no impact on net earnings. Prior to the adoption
of IFRS 15, Thomas Cook India only reported the net commissions earned on this business as other revenue.

Net Premiums Earned by Geographic Region

As  presented  in  note  25  (Segmented  Information)  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements  for  the  year  ended
December 31, 2018, the United States, Canada, International and Asia accounted for 61.9%, 10.8%, 19.7% and 7.6%
respectively, of net premiums earned by geographic region in 2018, compared to 63.2%, 12.3%, 16.0% and 8.5%
respectively, in 2017.

United States

Net premiums earned in the United States geographic region increased by 21.4% from $6,148.7 in 2017 to $7,466.8
in 2018 primarily reflecting the inclusion of the full year net premiums earned by Allied World which was acquired in
2017 ($1,671.9 in 2018 compared to $773.7 in 2017) and increases at Odyssey Group (growth in the property and
casualty reinsurance lines of business and the commercial automobile, casualty and crop insurance lines of business),
Crum & Forster (growth in accident and health and commercial transportation lines of business) and Brit (organic
growth and new initiatives).

Canada

Net premiums earned in the Canada geographic region increased by 9.2% from $1,196.8 in 2017 to $1,306.9 in 2018
primarily  reflecting  an  increase  at  Northbridge  (strong  retention  of  renewal  business  and  price  increases  across
the group).

134

International

Net premiums earned in the International geographic region increased by 52.9% from $1,553.2 in 2017 to $2,375.3
in 2018 primarily reflecting the fourth quarter of 2018 reinsurance transactions at Run-off, the inclusion of the full
year net premiums earned by companies acquired in 2017 including Allied World ($331.8 in 2018 compared to
$146.3 in 2017), Fairfax Latam ($239.1 in 2018 compared to $68.5 in 2017) and Colonnade Insurance related to the
business and renewal rights acquired from AIG in Central and Eastern Europe ($85.0 in 2018 compared to $23.7 in
2017), and the impact on Group Re in 2018 of the third party adverse development cover. The fourth quarter of 2018
reinsurance transactions and the third party adverse development cover are described in more detail in the Run-off
and Insurance and Reinsurance – Other sections respectively of this MD&A.

Asia

Net premiums earned in the Asia geographic region increased by 11.5% from $822.7 in 2017 to $917.0 in 2018
primarily as a result of the inclusion of the full year net premiums earned by Allied World which was acquired in 2017
($254.9  in  2018  compared  to  $88.2  in  2017)  and  an  increase  at  Odyssey  Group  (growth  in  property  and  crop
reinsurance lines of business), partially offset by the impact of the sale of First Capital on December 28, 2017.

Sources of Net Earnings

The table below presents the sources of the company’s net earnings for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and
2016, set out in a format the company has consistently used as it believes it assists in understanding the composition
and management of the company. In that table, combined ratios and underwriting results for each of the insurance
and reinsurance segments is shown separately. Operating income as presented for the insurance and reinsurance
segments, and the Run-off and Other reporting segments, includes interest and dividends and share of profit (loss) of
associates,  and  excludes  net  gains  (losses)  on  investments  which  are  considered  a  less  predictable  source  of
investment income. Net gains (losses) on investments is disaggregated into net realized gains (losses) on investments

135

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

and  net  change  in  unrealized  gains  (losses)  on  investments  to  present  more  meaningfully  the  results  of  the
company’s investment management strategies.

Combined ratios – Insurance and Reinsurance

Northbridge
Odyssey Group
Crum & Forster
Zenith National
Brit
Allied World(1)
Fairfax Asia
Other

Consolidated

Sources of net earnings
Underwriting – Insurance and Reinsurance

Northbridge
Odyssey Group
Crum & Forster
Zenith National
Brit
Allied World(1)
Fairfax Asia
Other

Underwriting profit (loss) – Insurance and Reinsurance
Interest and dividends – Insurance and Reinsurance
Share of profit of associates – Insurance and Reinsurance

Operating income (loss) – Insurance and Reinsurance
Operating loss – Run-off
Operating income – Other reporting segment
Interest expense
Corporate overhead and other
Gain on sale of subsidiary(2)

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

2018

2017

2016

95.8%
93.4%
98.3%
82.6%
105.2%
98.1%
99.8%
104.6%

99.1%
97.4%
99.8%
85.6%
113.1%
157.0%
88.4%
110.2%

97.3%

106.6%

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

92.5%

47.0
181.1
32.6
140.2
(77.0)
42.9
0.4
(48.9)

318.3
544.1
93.7

956.1
(197.9)
380.3
(347.1)
(182.2)
–

609.2
1,174.9

9.0
60.0
3.2
117.2
(201.9)
(586.6)
38.2
(80.6)

(641.5)
402.3
23.5

(215.7)
(184.6)
212.1
(331.2)
56.5
1,018.6

555.7
723.4

46.3
235.2
32.4
164.1
29.1
–
41.1
27.7

575.9
410.0
53.3

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

649.3
(2,071.4)

(1,422.1)
867.8

Pre-tax income (loss) including net realized gains (losses) on investments
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments

1,784.1
(922.0)

1,279.1
744.1

Pre-tax income (loss)
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

862.1
(44.2)

2,023.2
(408.3)

(554.3)
159.6

817.9

1,614.9

(394.7)

376.0
441.9

1,740.6
(125.7)

(512.5)
117.8

817.9

1,614.9

(394.7)

$ 12.03
$ 11.65
$ 10.00

$ 66.74
$ 64.98
$ 10.00

$ (24.18)
$ (24.18)
10.00
$

(1) Allied World is included in the company’s consolidated financial reporting with effect from July 6, 2017.

(2) Gain on sale of the company’s 97.7% interest in First Capital on December 28, 2017.

136

The company’s insurance and reinsurance operations produced an underwriting profit of $318.3 (combined ratio of
97.3%) in 2018 compared to an underwriting loss of $641.5 (combined ratio of 106.6%) in 2017. The decrease in the
combined ratio in 2018 principally reflected the impact of lower current period catastrophe losses and higher net
favourable prior year reserve development.

Net favourable prior year reserve development of $789.0 (6.8 combined ratio points) in 2018 increased from $491.7
(5.1 combined ratio points) in 2017 and was comprised as follows:

Insurance and Reinsurance

Northbridge
Odyssey Group
Crum & Forster
Zenith National
Brit
Allied World(1)
Fairfax Asia
Other

Net favourable development

2018

2017

(106.7)
(345.7)
(3.9)
(85.3)
(99.3)
(96.6)
(24.4)
(27.1)

(93.5)
(288.1)
(10.2)
(76.4)
(9.5)
71.9
(52.3)
(33.6)

(789.0)

(491.7)

(1) Allied World is included in the company’s consolidated financial reporting with effect from July 6, 2017.

Current  period  catastrophe  losses  of  $752.3  (6.5  combined  ratio  points)  in  2018  decreased  from  $1,330.4
(13.7 combined ratio points) in 2017 and were comprised as follows:

California wildfires(2)
Hurricane Michael
Typhoon Jebi
Hurricane Florence
Hurricane Irma
Hurricane Maria
Hurricane Harvey
Mexico earthquakes
Other

2018

2017

Catastrophe
losses(1)
232.7
137.8
102.0
69.0
–
–
–
–
210.8

Combined
ratio impact
2.0
1.2
0.9
0.6
–
–
–
–
1.8

Catastrophe
losses(1)
185.4
–
–
–
372.0
281.7
252.4
24.1
214.8

Combined
ratio impact
1.9
–
–
–
3.8
2.9
2.6
0.2
2.3

752.3

6.5 points

1,330.4

13.7 points

(1) Net of reinstatement premiums.

(2) California wildfires include the Woolsey and Camp wildfires in 2018 and the October Northern California and December

Southern California wildfires in 2017.

The following table presents the components of the company’s combined ratios for the years ended December 31:

Underwriting profit (loss) – Insurance and Reinsurance

Loss & LAE – accident year
Commissions
Underwriting expense

Combined ratio – accident year

Net favourable development

Combined ratio – calendar year

137

2018
318.3

2017
(641.5)

69.5% 77.4%
17.4% 16.9%
17.2% 17.4%

104.1% 111.7%
(6.8)% (5.1)%

97.3% 106.6%

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

The commission expense ratio increased to 17.4% in 2018 from 16.9% in 2017, primarily reflecting the impact of
intercompany  reinsurance  transactions  in  2018  that  added  0.4%  to  the  commission  expense  ratio  (the  Brit
reinsurance transaction and Advent reinsurance transaction reduced net premiums earned) and an increase in the
commission  expense  ratio  at  Fairfax  Asia  (primarily  due  to  decreased  profit  commission  on  reinsurance  ceded
following the divestiture of First Capital), partially offset by the impact of the consolidation of Allied World (Allied
World’s commission expense ratio, which was generally lower than that of Fairfax’s other operating companies, was
included for the full year in 2018 compared to approximately six months in 2017).

The underwriting expense ratio decreased to 17.2% in 2018 from 17.4% in 2017, primarily reflecting the impact of
the consolidation of Allied World (Allied World’s underwriting expense ratio, which was generally lower than that of
Fairfax’s other operating companies, was included for the full year in 2018 compared to approximately six months in
2017) and improvements at Odyssey Group (primarily reflecting increased net premiums earned relative to modest
increases  in  underwriting  expenses),  partially  offset  by  the  higher  underwriting  expense  ratio  of  Fairfax  Latam
(primarily related to the timing difference between net premiums written that are earned over the coverage period
and  underwriting  expenses  that  are  recognized  when  incurred)  and  the  impact  of  intercompany  reinsurance
transactions in 2018 that added 0.3% to the underwriting expense ratio (the Brit reinsurance transaction and Advent
reinsurance transaction reduced net premiums earned).

Underwriting expenses in 2018 increased by $82.5 or 5.9% (excluding underwriting expenses of Allied World and
Fairfax  Latam  in  2018  and  2017),  primarily  reflecting  increases  at  Odyssey  Group,  Crum  &  Forster  and  Brit
commensurate with increased business volumes and Colonnade Insurance reflecting start-up costs associated with
its operations, partially offset by decreases at Fairfax Asia (primarily reflecting lower underwriting expenses following
the divestiture of First Capital on December 28, 2017).

Operating  expenses  as  presented  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  earnings  increased  to  $2,444.7  in  2018  from
$2,049.5 in 2017, primarily reflecting increased underwriting expenses of the insurance and reinsurance operations
as described in the preceding paragraphs (including the year-over-year impact of the consolidation of the operating
expenses  of  Allied  World  and  Fairfax  Latam  of  $175.1  and  $62.8  respectively),  increased  subsidiary  holding
companies’  corporate  overhead  and  higher  operating  expenses  at  Run-off.  Fairfax  corporate  overhead  in  2018
included the benefit of $20.0 related to the settlement of a lawsuit.

Other expenses as presented in the consolidated statement of earnings increased to $4,229.4 in 2018 from $3,024.6
in  2017  principally  reflecting  increases  at  Thomas  Cook  India  (an  increase  of  $809.5  primarily  reflecting  the
adoption  of  IFRS  15  as  described  in  the  Sources  of  Income  section  of  this  MD&A)  and  Fairfax  India  (primarily
reflecting growth in business volume at NCML and the inclusion of the full year expenses of Fairchem which was
consolidated following its merger with Privi Organics on March 14, 2017), the inclusion of the full year expenses of
Mosaic  Capital  and  Grivalia  Properties,  and  the  consolidation  of  Dexterra  (on  March  7,  2018)  and  Toys  ‘‘R’’  Us
Canada (on May 31, 2018), partially offset by decreases at Quess (primarily reflecting its deconsolidation on March 1,
2018).  Other  expenses  also  included  loss  on  repurchase  of  long  term  debt  of  $58.9  in  2018  compared  to  $28.6
in 2017.

The company reported net earnings attributable to shareholders of Fairfax of $376.0 (net earnings of $12.03 per basic
share  and  $11.65  per  diluted  share)  in  2018  compared  to  net  earnings  attributable  to  shareholders  of  Fairfax  of
$1,740.6 (net earnings of $66.74 per basic share and $64.98 per diluted share) in 2017. The year-over-year decrease in
profitability in 2018 primarily reflected decreased net gains on investments, the non-recurring gain on sale of a
subsidiary recognized in 2017 and increased net earnings attributable to non-controlling interests, partially offset by
increases in underwriting profit, interest and dividends and a lower provision for income taxes.

Common shareholders’ equity decreased from $12,475.6 at December 31, 2017 to $11,779.3 at December 31, 2018
primarily  reflecting  other  comprehensive  loss  ($310.5,  comprised  primarily  of  $235.6  related  to  net  unrealized
foreign currency translation losses on foreign operations and $84.8 related to the share of other comprehensive loss
of associates), the payment of dividends on the company’s common and preferred shares ($328.3), the purchase of
subordinate voting shares for use in share-based payment awards ($214.0) and for cancellation ($92.7) and other net
changes in capitalization ($192.3), partially offset by net earnings attributable to shareholders of Fairfax ($376.0).
Common shareholders’ equity per basic share at December 31, 2018 was $432.46 compared to $449.55 per basic
share at December 31, 2017, representing a decrease of 3.8% (without adjustment for the $10.00 per common share
dividend paid in the first quarter of 2018, or a decrease of 1.5% adjusted to include that dividend).

138

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, 2018 and 2017. The intercompany adjustment for gross premiums written eliminates premiums on
reinsurance ceded within the group, primarily to Odyssey Group and Group Re.

Year ended December 31, 2018

Insurance and Reinsurance

Zenith
Northbridge Group Forster National

Odyssey Crum &

Allied Fairfax

Operating

Brit World

Asia Other companies Run-off Other and Other adjustments Consolidated

Corporate

Eliminations
and

Gross premiums written

1,322.0

3,328.6

2,363.1

800.3 2,239.1

3,368.9

385.6 1,792.9

15,600.5

418.9

Net premiums written

1,173.6

2,897.8

1,977.8

789.2 1,494.2

2,368.8

191.9 1,124.2

12,017.5

413.5

Net premiums earned

1,119.2

2,755.4

1,960.9

804.3 1,479.7

2,286.8

189.5 1,065.6

11,661.4

404.6

47.0

67.0

181.1

139.9

32.6

64.6

140.2

(77.0)

32.3

55.3

42.9

117.2

0.4

21.1

(48.9)

46.7

318.3

544.1

(242.4)

43.7

12.8

6.3

65.8

4.1

4.4

5.3

(3.8)

(5.1)

16.7

93.7

0.8

109.4

Operating income (loss)

120.3

386.8

101.3

176.9

(16.4)

156.3

16.4

14.5

956.1

(197.9) 122.2

(55.6)

(111.4)

(144.2)

(57.6)

(63.1)

(66.9)

(71.7)

45.8

(524.7)

(107.6) 900.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(4.1)

(2.2)

(3.3)

(14.2)

(26.2)

–

–

–

(5.6)

–

(55.6)

(6.6)

(23.3)

(24.1)

(8.2)

(14.0)

(67.6)

(10.3)

(21.9)

(176.0)

–

–

–

258.1

(94.1)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

37.8

17.2

55.0

(15.2)

–

(197.4)

(491.1)

15,528.3

–

–

–

145.1

–

12,431.0

12,066.0

75.9

783.5

221.1

145.1

1,080.5

–

5.6

–

252.9

263.7

(347.1)

–

(61.2)

(150.7)

(387.9)

58.1

248.0

(69.2)

107.8 (107.7)

(4.4)

(65.6)

32.8

199.8

(305.5) 1,186.6

(218.8)

–

862.1

(44.2)

817.9

376.0

441.9

817.9

Year ended December 31, 2017

Insurance and Reinsurance

Zenith
Northbridge Group Forster National

Odyssey Crum &

Allied Fairfax

Operating

Brit World(1)

Asia Other companies Run-off Other

Corporate Eliminations
and

and

Other adjustments Consolidated

Gross premiums written

1,187.0

2,783.1

2,174.5

849.0 2,057.0

1,447.6

670.4 1,244.3

12,412.9

Net premiums written

1,064.9

2,495.9

1,863.4

837.4 1,530.9

991.9

327.5

863.3

9,975.2

8.4

8.3

Net premiums earned

1,019.7

2,333.4

1,852.8

811.6 1,536.9

1,028.7

327.6

790.6

9,701.3

20.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

9.0

54.1

60.0

124.9

3.2

33.8

117.2 (201.9)

(586.6)

23.4

32.6

65.9

38.2

29.1

(80.6)

38.5

(641.5)

(207.4)

402.3

28.9 (104.9)

(4.1)

236.8

3.2

7.2

(1.1)

(9.8)

9.2

(17.6)

29.4

3.0

23.5

(6.1)

55.4

127.7

–

Operating income (loss)

66.3

192.1

35.9

130.8 (160.1)

(538.3)

96.7

(39.1)

(215.7)

(184.6)

(49.5)

123.6

236.8

(213.8)

12,207.5

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

9,983.5

9,721.4

(848.9)

559.0

200.5

(89.4)

1,467.5

1,018.6

261.6

(331.2)

44.8

253.1

27.9

26.6

79.0

(26.5) 1,083.9

69.5

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 1,018.6

–

–

–

1,558.3

1,018.6

73.3

–

7.2

–

–

– 261.6

(171.3)

–

–

–

–

(3.3)

(1.8)

(3.3)

(12.5)

(15.6)

(4.8)

(41.3)

(65.8)

(224.1)

–

–

(8.7)

(27.4)

(25.4)

(8.2)

(9.2)

(27.9)

(2.6)

(22.2)

(131.6)

–

64.5

(236.8)

(303.9)

102.4

414.5

36.6

145.9 (102.8)

(608.3) 2,196.6

3.4

2,188.3

(111.3) 153.5

(207.3)

–

2,023.2

(408.3)

1,614.9

1,740.6

(125.7)

1,614.9

Underwriting profit (loss)

Interest and dividends

Share of profit (loss) of

associates

Net gains (losses) on

investments

Other reporting segment

Interest expense

Corporate overhead and other

expense

Pre-tax income (loss)

Income taxes

Net earnings

Attributable to:

Shareholders of Fairfax

Non-controlling interests

Underwriting profit (loss)

Interest and dividends

Share of profit (loss) of

associates

Net gains (losses) on

investments

Gain on sale of subsidiary

Other reporting segment

Interest expense

Corporate overhead and other

expense (income)

Pre-tax income (loss)

Income taxes

Net earnings

Attributable to:

Shareholders of Fairfax

Non-controlling interests

(1) Allied World is included in the company’s consolidated financial reporting with effect from July 6, 2017.

139

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Balance Sheets by Reporting Segment

The company’s segmented balance sheets as at December 31, 2018 and 2017 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 equity interests in other Fairfax subsidiaries (‘‘Fairfax affiliates’’)
at December 31, 2018. 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 Odyssey Group and the primary insurers), which affects recoverable from reinsurers, provision for
losses and loss adjustment expenses and unearned premiums. Corporate and Other borrowings of $3,865.9
at December 31, 2018 primarily consisted of Fairfax holding company borrowings of $3,859.5. Corporate
and Other borrowings of $3,445.1 at December 31, 2017 primarily consisted of Fairfax holding company
borrowings of $3,475.1, partially offset by the elimination of intercompany debt.

Equity interests in Fairfax affiliates at December 31, 2018

Investments in

insurance and
reinsurance
affiliates(1)(2)

Zenith National

Advent

TRG (Run-off)

Investments in

non-insurance
affiliates(3)

Thomas Cook India

Fairfax India

Recipe

Boat Rocker Media

Fairfax Africa

Grivalia Properties

Toys ‘‘R’’ Us Canada

Northbridge

–

–

–

–

–

5.1%

–

1.3%

–

–

Odyssey Crum &

Zenith

Group Forster National Brit World

Insurance &
Allied Fairfax Reinsurance –
Other

Asia

Run- Corporate &

off

Other Consolidated

6.1%

2.0%

15.7% 12.7%

–

5.2%

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 13.8%

31.5% 44.9%

91.9%

57.8%

18.4%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

0.4%

–

4.6% 0.6%

0.2% 4.9%

45.3%

9.4%

6.6%

11.7%

27.3%

18.8%

18.8%

1.5%

3.4%

5.6%

3.9%

5.2%

0.9% 3.6%

5.4% 1.0%

1.0% 3.0%

5.4%

–

20.1%

–

–

7.3% 7.6%

7.3% 0.5%

1.4% 3.5%

5.0%

–

–

–

–

1.1% 4.9%

2.5% 8.9%

10.8%

–

4.5% 3.2%

5.0% 9.2%

6.8%

0.5%

–

4.3%

4.6%

66.9%

33.7%

43.7%

58.2%

58.7%

52.7%

25.0% 25.0%

25.0%

–

–

– 25.0%

–

100.0%

(1)

(2)

(3)

This table excludes subsidiaries where the company’s equity interest is entirely held by the holding company including Northbridge, Odyssey Group, Crum & Forster, Brit, Allied World,
Fairfax Asia, Fairfax Brasil, Fairfax Latam, Bryte Insurance and Polish Re.

Investments in insurance and reinsurance affiliates are reported in investments in Fairfax insurance and reinsurance affiliates on the segmented balance sheet.

Investments in non-insurance affiliates are reported within portfolio investments on the segmented balance sheet.

140

Segmented Balance Sheet as at December 31, 2018

Insurance and Reinsurance

Odyssey Crum &

Zenith

Allied Fairfax

Operating

Corporate

Northbridge

Group Forster National

Brit World

Asia Other companies Run-off

Other and Other Consolidated

Assets

Holding company cash

and investments

Insurance contract

receivables

Portfolio investments(1)
Deferred premium
acquisition costs

Recoverable from reinsurers

Deferred income taxes

Goodwill and intangible

assets

Due from affiliates

Other assets

Investments in Fairfax

insurance and
reinsurance affiliates

120.2

553.6

9.9

9.8

–

–

497.1

–

1,190.6

–

–

366.6

1,557.2

334.6
2,700.6

1,253.1
302.7
8,168.8 3,989.1

247.0

853.0
1,697.4 3,898.4

1,420.9
7,922.6

78.3

565.9
658.7 2,159.6

5,055.5

–
31,195.2 3,822.6 4,216.0

160.1

118.0

396.8

95.3

164.4

191.6

84.2

264.0

1,208.1

222.1

131.0

987.4

165.5

12.1

215.2

253.2

18.5

130.4

46.6 1,743.1

3,108.7

314.9 1,230.3

49.1

–

–

–

53.0

1,142.4

9,035.9

585.0

3.5

634.5

11.0

–

–

–

177.4

294.2

424.8

715.4

1,647.9

182.4

5.6

93.2

3.1

264.3

–

0.2

0.2

–

56.2

118.1

177.2

63.5

124.0

46.2

11.7

3,652.7

35.9 1,984.9

212.4

980.7

438.2

1.0

108.1 3,222.8

(104.9)
(1,800.9)

(18.6)

(1,269.5)

(98.1)

3.4

(651.6)

256.7

5,110.7
37,432.9

1,127.3

8,400.9

497.9

5,676.9

–

4,568.3

–

131.9

70.2

–

–

–

–

32.3

234.4

315.2

–

(549.6)

–

Total assets

4,205.7

12,077.8 6,217.4

2,543.0 7,543.4 14,530.7

1,813.4 4,353.4

53,284.8 5,529.1 9,424.7

(3,866.5)

64,372.1

Liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued

liabilities

Income taxes payable

Short sale and derivative

obligations

Due to affiliates

Funds withheld payable to

reinsurers

Provision for losses and loss

Provision for unearned

premiums

Deferred income taxes

Borrowings

203.7

20.1

24.4

1.1

795.4

325.1

109.9

152.6

323.4

112.3

478.2

2,500.6

113.4 1,494.7

2.0

30.2

9.4

–

3.3

–

36.3

1.5

16.5

3.6

14.1

1.0

1.6

1.5

307.8

0.7

–

1.3

6.7

7.5

16.9

34.4

–

21.9

160.0

23.8

130.5

342.6

12.4

–

6.6

–

85.7

(428.3)

4,268.7

80.1

149.5

–

–

–

–

(102.7)

674.3

(1,184.2)

29,081.7

(83.1)

(208.6)

6,272.2

–

adjustment expenses

1,820.3

5,799.1 3,453.0

1,150.6 4,316.3

7,653.5

379.4 1,909.4

26,481.6 3,784.3

4.1

84.5

28.4

–

340.1

224.9

9.4

78.3

769.7

7.3

632.3

1,077.2

732.2

290.7

925.6

1,807.7

183.1

689.6

6,338.4

16.9

–

–

–

89.9

–

41.4

–

13.9

38.2

184.0

40.6

550.7

6.2

–

7.8

91.5

68.5

995.7

–

140.1

– 1,618.8

3,865.9

6,480.4

Total liabilities

2,706.0

7,887.7 4,617.9

1,612.8 5,947.6 10,911.7

692.4 3,285.9

37,662.0 3,934.3 3,361.2

2,049.4

47,006.9

Equity

Shareholders’ equity
attributable to
shareholders of Fairfax

Non-controlling interests

1,499.7

4,190.1 1,599.5

930.2 1,595.8

3,617.1

1,062.4 1,064.8

15,559.6 1,594.8 5,932.0

(9,971.6)

–

–

–

–

–

1.9

58.6

2.7

63.2

–

131.5

4,055.7

13,114.8

4,250.4

Total equity

1,499.7

4,190.1 1,599.5

930.2 1,595.8

3,619.0

1,121.0 1,067.5

15,622.8 1,594.8 6,063.5

(5,915.9)

17,365.2

Total liabilities and total

equity

Capital

Borrowings

Investments in Fairfax

affiliates

Shareholders’ equity
attributable to
shareholders of Fairfax

Non-controlling interests

4,205.7

12,077.8 6,217.4

2,543.0 7,543.4 14,530.7

1,813.4 4,353.4

53,284.8 5,529.1 9,424.7

(3,866.5)

64,372.1

–

89.9

41.4

38.2

184.0

550.7

–

91.5

995.7

– 1,618.8

3,865.9

6,480.4

62.0

827.5

302.6

109.6

201.3

320.9

25.9

159.7

2,009.5

672.2

–

(2,681.7)

–

1,437.7

3,362.6 1,296.9

820.6 1,212.6

2,101.5

1,036.5

907.8

12,176.2

922.6 3,250.2

(3,234.2)

–

–

–

–

181.9

1,196.6

58.6

–

1,437.1

– 2,813.3

–

13,114.8

4,250.4

Total capital

1,499.7

4,280.0 1,640.9

968.4 1,779.8

4,169.7

1,121.0 1,159.0

16,618.5 1,594.8 7,682.3

(2,050.0)

23,845.6

% of consolidated total

capital

6.3%

17.9%

6.9%

4.1% 7.5% 17.5%

4.7% 4.9%

69.8%

6.7% 32.2%

(8.7)%

100.0%

(1)

Includes investments in non-insurance affiliates.

141

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Segmented Balance Sheet as at December 31, 2017

Insurance and Reinsurance

Assets

Holding company cash and

investments

Insurance contract

receivables

Portfolio investments(1)
Deferred premium
acquisition costs

Recoverable from reinsurers

Deferred income taxes

Goodwill and intangible

assets

Due from affiliates

Other assets

Investments in Fairfax

insurance and reinsurance
affiliates

Odyssey Crum &

Zenith

Allied Fairfax

Operating

Corporate

Northbridge

Group Forster National

Brit World

Asia Other companies Run-off

Other and Other Consolidated

107.0

557.8

5.3

9.4

–

–

549.0

–

1,228.5

–

–

1,139.9

2,368.4

327.4
3,008.1

995.9

315.4
7,979.8 4,024.2

260.7

774.0
1,716.0 4,245.1

1,336.7
8,162.9

97.8

621.6
632.9 2,145.7

4,729.5

–
31,914.7 3,500.9 3,176.8

73.8

116.4

441.5

81.6

172.8

205.4

67.0

223.4

126.0

12.2

207.1

146.6

16.8

94.4

942.9

976.1 1,033.7

53.1 1,437.6

2,879.6

275.9 1,110.2

8,207.7

195.7

151.6

29.9

–

–

–

66.3

525.1

–

737.9

25.3

–

–

–

171.3

318.2

433.1

725.6

1,702.6

196.4

–

–

–

8.6

66.6

32.0

3,786.6

36.8 2,242.7

250.6

437.6

–

72.4

90.7

356.0

153.3

149.4

1,214.4

79.7 3,264.5

1.6

82.6

3.0

243.0

(116.4)
(1,579.2)

(15.4)

(1,133.1)

(169.6)

6.4

(688.2)

269.7

4,686.9
37,013.2

927.5

7,812.5

380.8

6,072.5

–

4,828.3

–

131.9

70.2

–

–

–

–

35.1

237.2

315.2

–

(552.4)

–

Total assets

4,527.2 11,316.1 6,290.6

2,586.8 7,480.1 14,584.4

1,930.7 4,321.3

53,037.2 5,207.2 8,684.0

(2,838.3)

64,090.1

Liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued

liabilities

Income taxes payable

Short sale and derivative

obligations

Due to affiliates

Funds withheld payable to

reinsurers

Provision for losses and loss

adjustment expenses

Provision for unearned

premiums

Deferred income taxes

Borrowings

2.7

0.9

4.9

187.2

16.2

533.0

34.4

309.9

108.6

156.5

272.2

114.2

442.0

2,123.6

90.4 1,288.0

–

–

7.4

66.8

–

12.8

127.5

16.0

61.0

5.1

19.1

10.9

4.3

2.8

12.5

–

101.9

39.8

13.0

1.6

12.6

189.8

(1.3)

(231.2)

1.7

0.6

6.0

1.9

0.1

0.7

5.2

1.6

13.4

3,629.5

95.6

126.2

–

94.2

21.4

–

450.1

270.3

12.5

103.2

956.6

12.5

1,964.3

5,521.8 3,535.4

1,194.2 4,136.1

7,787.9

359.5 1,836.5

26,335.7 3,331.0

628.4

909.1

713.0

305.7

891.2

1,653.0

177.1

726.3

6,003.8

–

–

–

89.8

–

41.4

–

42.8

38.2

233.5

67.5

878.0

8.5

–

3.2

92.1

122.0

1,373.0

8.0

–

–

–

–

146.6

(118.9)

850.2

(1,055.9)

28,610.8

(60.1)

(268.6)

5,951.7

–

– 1,596.0

3,445.1

6,414.1

Total liabilities

2,804.6

7,248.4 4,651.1

1,653.8 5,930.1 10,937.2

674.5 3,223.5

37,123.2 3,456.5 3,245.8

1,852.6

45,678.1

Equity

Shareholders’ equity
attributable to
shareholders of Fairfax

Non-controlling interests

1,722.5

4,067.7 1,639.5

933.0 1,550.0

3,641.6

1,195.0 1,095.7

15,845.0 1,750.7 5,092.5

(8,877.1)

0.1

–

–

–

–

5.6

61.2

2.1

69.0

–

345.7

4,186.2

13,811.1

4,600.9

Total equity

1,722.6

4,067.7 1,639.5

933.0 1,550.0

3,647.2

1,256.2 1,097.8

15,914.0 1,750.7 5,438.2

(4,690.9)

18,412.0

Total liabilities and total

equity

Capital

Borrowings

Investments in Fairfax

affiliates

Shareholders’ equity
attributable to
shareholders of Fairfax

Non-controlling interests

4,527.2 11,316.1 6,290.6

2,586.8 7,480.1 14,584.4

1,930.7 4,321.3

53,037.2 5,207.2 8,684.0

(2,838.3)

64,090.1

–

89.8

41.4

38.2

233.5

878.0

–

92.1

1,373.0

– 1,596.0

3,445.1

6,414.1

154.3

824.2

298.6

106.0

193.4

244.1

26.0

195.2

2,041.8

629.0

–

(2,670.8)

–

1,568.2

3,243.5 1,340.9

827.0

921.3

2,173.7

1,169.0

902.6

12,146.2 1,121.7 2,563.3

(2,020.1)

0.1

–

–

–

435.3

1,229.4

61.2

–

1,726.0

– 2,874.9

–

13,811.1

4,600.9

Total capital

1,722.6

4,157.5 1,680.9

971.2 1,783.5

4,525.2

1,256.2 1,189.9

17,287.0 1,750.7 7,034.2

(1,245.8)

24,826.1

% of consolidated total

capital

6.9% 16.7%

6.8%

3.9% 7.2% 18.2%

5.1% 4.8%

69.6%

7.1% 28.3%

(5.0)%

100.0%

(1)

Includes investments in non-insurance affiliates.

Components of Net Earnings

Underwriting and Operating Income

Set out and discussed below are the underwriting and operating results of the company’s insurance and reinsurance,
Run-off and Other reporting segments for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.

142

Northbridge

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
Share of profit of associates

Operating income

Cdn$

2018
60.9

71.7%
16.5%
17.1%

2017
11.6

74.5%
16.1%
17.7%

2018
47.0

71.7%
16.5%
17.1%

2017
9.0

74.5%
16.1%
17.7%

105.3%
(9.5)%

108.3%
(9.2)%

105.3%
(9.5)%

108.3%
(9.2)%

95.8%

99.1%

95.8%

99.1%

1,712.8

1,539.4

1,322.0

1,187.0

1,520.5

1,381.0

1,173.6

1,064.9

1,450.0

1,322.4

1,119.2

1,019.7

60.9
86.8
8.1

155.8

11.6
70.2
4.1

85.9

47.0
67.0
6.3

120.3

9.0
54.1
3.2

66.3

The Canadian dollar strengthened relative to the U.S. dollar (measured using average foreign exchange rates) by 0.1%
in 2018 compared to 2017. 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.

Northbridge reported an underwriting profit of Cdn$60.9 ($47.0) and a combined ratio of 95.8% in 2018 compared
to an underwriting profit of Cdn$11.6 ($9.0) and a combined ratio of 99.1% in 2017. The increase in underwriting
profit  in  2018  principally  reflected  better  non-catastrophe  loss  experience  related  to  the  current  accident  year
(primarily related to commercial property and commercial auto lines of business) and increased net favourable prior
year reserve development, partially offset by an increase in current period catastrophe losses.

Net  favourable  prior  year  reserve  development  in  2018  of  Cdn$138.2  ($106.7  or  9.5  combined  ratio  points)
principally reflected better than expected emergence on automobile and casualty lines of business related to accident
years 2013 to 2016. Net favourable prior year reserve development in 2017 of Cdn$121.3 ($93.5 or 9.2 combined
ratio  points)  principally  reflected  better  than  expected  emergence  on  automobile  and  casualty  lines  of  business
related to accident years 2009 to 2014.

The  underwriting  results  in  2018  included  Cdn$23.9  ($18.5  or  1.7  combined  ratio  points)  of  current  period
catastrophe losses principally related to several storms in Ontario and Quebec. The underwriting results in 2017
included Cdn$11.6 ($8.9 or 0.9 of a combined ratio point) of current period catastrophe losses.

Gross premiums written increased by 11.3% from Cdn$1,539.4 in 2017 to Cdn$1,712.8 in 2018, primarily reflecting
strong retention of renewal business and price increases across the group. Net premiums written increased by 10.1%
in 2018, consistent with the growth in gross premiums written. Net premiums earned increased by 9.6% in 2018
primarily reflecting the growth in net premiums written during 2017 and 2018.

Interest and dividends increased to Cdn$86.8 ($67.0) in 2018 from Cdn$70.2 ($54.1) in 2017, principally reflecting
lower  total  return  swap  expense  and  higher  interest  income  earned  (primarily  due  to  purchases  of  short-dated
Canadian government and U.S. treasury bonds in 2018).

Cash provided by operating activities (excluding operating cash flow activity related to securities recorded at FVTPL)
increased to Cdn$184.4 ($142.3) in 2018 from Cdn$113.6 ($87.6) in 2017, primarily reflecting higher net premium
collections, partially offset by higher net paid claims and higher income taxes paid.

143

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Northbridge’s average annual return on average equity over the past 33 years since inception in 1985 was 12.6% at
December 31, 2018 (December 31, 2017 – 12.9%) (expressed in Canadian dollars).

Odyssey Group(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
Share of profit of associates

Operating income

2018
181.1

74.8%
21.4%
9.7%

2017
60.0

78.3%
21.1%
10.3%

105.9%
(12.5)%

109.7%
(12.3)%

93.4%

97.4%

3,328.6

2,783.1

2,897.8

2,495.9

2,755.4

2,333.4

181.1
139.9
65.8

386.8

60.0
124.9
7.2

192.1

(1) These results differ from those published by Odyssey Group 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 Odyssey Group in 2009.

Odyssey Group reported an underwriting profit of $181.1 and a combined ratio of 93.4% in 2018 compared to an
underwriting profit of $60.0 and a combined ratio of 97.4% in 2017. The increase in underwriting profit in 2018
principally reflected lower current period catastrophe losses (as set out in the table below) and higher net favourable
prior  year  reserve  development,  partially  offset  by  higher  non-catastrophe  loss  experience  related  to  the  current
accident year (primarily related to the impact of large losses).

California wildfires(2)
Hurricane Michael
Typhoon Jebi
Hurricane Florence
Hurricane Maria
Hurricane Irma
Hurricane Harvey
Mexico earthquakes
Other

2018

2017

Catastrophe
losses(1)
48.9
30.9
25.6
7.5
–
–
–
–
138.7

Combined
ratio impact
1.8
1.1
0.9
0.3
–
–
–
–
5.0

Catastrophe
losses(1)
46.6
–
–
–
103.0
70.4
51.6
8.2
111.9

Combined
ratio impact
2.0
–
–
–
4.4
3.0
2.2
0.4
4.8

251.6

9.1 points

391.7

16.8 points

(1) Net of reinstatement premiums.

(2) California wildfires include the Woolsey and Camp wildfires in 2018 and the October Northern California and December

Southern California wildfires in 2017.

144

Net favourable prior year reserve development (primarily related to casualty and assumed property catastrophe loss
reserves  in  each  of  2018  and  2017)  increased  to  $345.7  (12.5  combined  ratio  points)  in  2018  from  $288.1
(12.3 combined ratio points) in 2017. Odyssey Group’s underwriting expense ratio decreased to 9.7% in 2018 from
10.3% in 2017, primarily reflecting increased net premiums earned relative to modest increases in underwriting
expenses.

Gross premiums written and net premiums written increased by 19.6% and 16.1% in 2018 principally reflecting
increases  in  all  divisions  with  the  majority  of  the  increase  related  to  U.S.  Insurance  (growth  in  U.S.  crop  and
automobile  insurance  lines  of  business),  North  America  (growth  in  accident  and  health  and  U.S.  casualty  treaty
reinsurance lines of business) and EuroAsia (growth in commercial property and crop reinsurance lines of business).
Net premiums written did not increase to the same extent as gross premiums written primarily due to increases in
insurance  lines  of  business  where  premium  retention  is  lower  and  increases  in  the  cost  to  purchase  catastrophe
reinsurance in 2018. Net premiums earned in 2018 increased by 18.1% consistent with the growth in net premiums
written during 2017 and 2018.

Interest and dividends increased to $139.9 in 2018 from $124.9 in 2017, primarily reflecting higher interest income
earned (principally due to the impact of higher short term interest rates on cash and cash equivalents and higher
interest income earned on short-dated U.S. treasury bonds purchased in 2018), partially offset by higher investment
management  and  administration  fees.  Share  of  profit  of  associates  of  $65.8  in  2018  primarily  reflected  Odyssey
Group’s share of net gains on sales and net unrealized appreciation of investment property of the KWF LPs.

Cash provided by operating activities (excluding operating cash flow activity related to securities recorded at FVTPL)
decreased nominally to $499.4 in 2018 from $509.8 in 2017, primarily reflecting higher net paid losses and income
taxes paid which were offset by higher net premium collections.

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
Share of profit (loss) of associates

Operating income

2018
32.6

63.5%
15.5%
19.5%

2017
3.2

65.3%
15.8%
19.3%

98.5%
(0.2)%

100.4%
(0.6)%

98.3%

99.8%

2,363.1

2,174.5

1,977.8

1,863.4

1,960.9

1,852.8

32.6
64.6
4.1

101.3

3.2
33.8
(1.1)

35.9

Crum & Forster reported an underwriting profit of $32.6 and a combined ratio of 98.3% in 2018 compared to an
underwriting profit of $3.2 and a combined ratio of 99.8% in 2017. The increase in underwriting profit in 2018
principally reflected higher business volumes in profitable lines of business and lower current period catastrophe
losses  (as  set  out  in  the  table  below),  partially  offset  by  a  modest  decrease  in  net  favourable  prior  year  reserve
development. Net favourable prior year reserve development was $3.9 in 2018 compared to $10.2 in 2017.

145

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

California wildfires(2)
Hurricane Michael
Hurricane Florence
Hurricane Irma
Hurricane Harvey
Other

2018

2017

Catastrophe
losses(1)
9.0
2.7
1.8
–
–
13.1

Combined
ratio impact
0.5
0.1
0.1
–
–
0.7

Catastrophe
losses(1)
2.1
–
–
16.5
5.0
18.4

Combined
ratio impact
0.1
–
–
0.9
0.3
1.0

26.6

1.4 points

42.0

2.3 points

(1) Net of reinstatement premiums.

(2) California wildfires include the Woolsey and Camp wildfires in 2018 and the October Northern California and December

Southern California wildfires in 2017.

Gross  premiums  written  and  net  premiums  written  increased  by  8.7%  and  6.1%  in  2018,  principally  reflecting
growth in accident and health, umbrella, commercial multi-peril and fidelity and surety lines of business and price
increases  (primarily  related  to  the  automobile,  property  and  umbrella  lines  of  business).  Net  premiums  earned
increased by 5.8% in 2018 primarily reflecting the growth in net premiums written during 2017 and 2018.

Interest and dividends increased to $64.6 in 2018 from $33.8 in 2017, primarily due to higher interest income earned
(principally due to purchases of short-dated U.S. treasury bonds in 2018), lower total return swap expense and lower
investment management and administration fees.

Cash provided by operating activities (excluding operating cash flow activity related to securities recorded at FVTPL)
decreased to $98.1 in 2018 from $111.6 in 2017 primarily reflecting higher net paid losses.

Crum & Forster’s cumulative net earnings since acquisition on August 13, 1998 was $1,770.1 and its average annual
return on average equity since acquisition was 8.2% (December 31, 2017 – 8.7%).

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
Share of profit (loss) of associates

Operating income

2018
140.2

2017
117.2

56.4%
10.5%
26.3%

93.2%
(10.6)%

58.9%
10.3%
25.8%

95.0%
(9.4)%

82.6%

85.6%

800.3

789.2

804.3

140.2
32.3
4.4

176.9

849.0

837.4

811.6

117.2
23.4
(9.8)

130.8

(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.

146

Zenith National reported an underwriting profit of $140.2 and a combined ratio of 82.6% in 2018 compared to an
underwriting profit of $117.2 and a combined ratio of 85.6% in 2017. The decrease in the combined ratio in 2018
principally reflected higher net favourable prior year reserve development and an improvement in the estimated
accident year loss and LAE ratio (inclusive of lower current period catastrophe losses).

Net favourable prior year reserve development of $85.3 (10.6 combined ratio points) in 2018 compared to $76.4
(9.4 combined ratio points) in 2017, principally reflected net favourable emergence related to accident years 2015
through 2017. The decrease in the estimated accident year loss and LAE ratio in 2018 compared to 2017 reflected
favourable loss development trends for accident year 2017 emerging in 2018, partially offset by modest earned price
decreases and estimated loss trends for accident year 2018.

In  2017  Zenith  National’s  agriculture  property  and  casualty  line  of  business  incurred  current  period  catastrophe
losses  of  $8.2  (1.0  combined  ratio  point)  related  to  the  October  Northern  California  and  December  Southern
California wildfires. The underwriting results in 2018 do not include any material current period catastrophe losses.

Net premiums earned decreased to $804.3 in 2018 from $811.6 in 2017, primarily reflecting earned price decreases,
partially  offset  by  higher  audit  premiums  (additional  net  premiums  earned  based  on  exposure  reported  by
the insured).

Interest and dividends increased to $32.3 in 2018 from $23.4 in 2017, primarily reflecting higher interest income
earned (principally due to purchases of short-dated U.S. treasury bonds in 2018) and higher total return swap income
from long total return swaps. Share of loss of associates of $9.8 in 2017 primarily reflected Zenith National’s share of a
non-cash impairment charge related to Thai Re.

Cash provided by operating activities (excluding operating cash flow activity related to securities recorded at FVTPL)
increased to $119.5 in 2018 from $95.5 in 2017, primarily reflecting lower income taxes paid and higher investment
income received, partially offset by lower net premium collections.

Brit(1)

Underwriting loss

Loss & LAE – accident year
Commissions
Underwriting expenses

Combined ratio – accident year

Net favourable development

Combined ratio – calendar year

Gross premiums written

Net premiums written (ceded)

Net premiums earned (ceded)

Underwriting loss
Interest and dividends
Share of profit of associates

Operating loss

Brit
reinsurance
transaction(2)
(4.0)

Brit(3)
(73.0)

2018
(77.0)

2017
(201.9)

102.3%

–
–

69.7%
27.6%
13.1%

66.4%
30.9%
14.6%

72.7%
27.6%
13.4%

102.3%

–

110.4%
(6.0)%

111.9%
(6.7)%

113.7%
(0.6)%

102.3%

104.4%

105.2%

113.1%

–

2,239.1

2,239.1

2,057.0

(174.4)

1,668.6

1,494.2

1,530.9

(174.4)

1,654.1

1,479.7

1,536.9

(4.0)
–
–

(4.0)

(73.0)
55.3
5.3

(12.4)

(77.0)
55.3
5.3

(201.9)
32.6
9.2

(16.4)

(160.1)

(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 and different measurement and presentation of certain items including
investments and foreign exchange.

(2) Effective  November  30,  2018,  Run-off  Syndicate  3500  agreed  to  reinsure  a  portfolio  of  business  written  by  Brit
Syndicate 2987 including non-US professional indemnity, UK employer’s liability, UK public liability and a number of
legacy lines of business, relating to accident years 2018 and prior (the ‘‘Brit reinsurance transaction’’). The impact of that

147

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

transaction in 2018 is shown separately in the table above to minimize distortion on the components of combined ratio.
This transaction is eliminated within Fairfax’s consolidated financial reporting.

(3) Brit prior to the reinsurance transaction described in the preceding footnote.

On July 5, 2018 Brit used the proceeds from a $264.6 capital contribution from the company to purchase an 11.2%
ownership interest from its minority shareholder (OMERS) for $251.8 and to pay an accrued dividend of $12.8 on the
shares purchased. On December 14, 2018 Fairfax made a capital contribution to Brit of $126.0 to support its 2019
underwriting plans. Subsequent to these transactions, the company’s ownership interest in Brit was 88.9%.

References to 2018 throughout the remainder of this section exclude the impact of the Brit reinsurance transaction.

Brit reported an underwriting loss of $73.0 and a combined ratio of 104.4% in 2018 compared to an underwriting
loss of $201.9 and a combined ratio of 113.1% in 2017. The decrease in the underwriting loss in 2018 principally
reflected higher net favourable prior year reserve development and lower current period catastrophe losses (as set out
in the table below), partially offset by increased non-catastrophe loss experience related to the current accident year
(principally reflecting the impact of downward pressure on pricing experienced in recent years).

California wildfires(2)
Hurricane Michael
Hurricane Florence
Typhoon Jebi
Hurricane Irma
Hurricane Harvey
Hurricane Maria
Mexico earthquakes
Other

2018

2017

Catastrophe
losses(1)
91.5
53.7
26.9
23.0
–
–
–
–
15.2

Combined
ratio impact
5.5
3.2
1.6
1.4
–
–
–
–
1.0

Catastrophe
losses(1)
34.2
–
–
–
110.5
54.3
45.6
6.8
7.5

Combined
ratio impact
2.2
–
–
–
7.2
3.5
3.0
0.4
0.5

210.3

12.7 points

258.9

16.8 points

(1) Net of reinstatement premiums.

(2) California wildfires include the Woolsey and Camp wildfires in 2018 and the October Northern California and December

Southern California wildfires in 2017.

Net favourable prior year reserve development of $99.3 (6.0 combined ratio points) in 2018 primarily reflected better
than expected emergence on the 2017 catastrophe losses and energy and property (political risks and violence) lines
of business, partially offset by net reserve strengthening on the marine line of business. Net favourable prior year
reserve  development  of  $9.5  (0.6  of  a  combined  ratio  point)  in  2017  primarily  reflected  better  than  expected
emergence  on  casualty  and  property  reinsurance  and  energy  lines  of  business,  partially  offset  by  net  reserve
strengthening of $13.1 resulting from a change in the Ogden discount rate that was effective from March 2017. The
Ogden discount rate is set and revised periodically by the U.K. government and is used by the U.K. courts in the
assessment of lump sum awards for personal injury claimants.

Gross  premiums  written  and  net  premiums  written  increased  by  8.9%  and  9.0%  in  2018,  principally  reflecting
increased  contribution  from  underwriting  initiatives  launched  in  recent  years,  price  increases  (principally  in
property lines of business) and premiums received in 2018 that were greater than prior years’ premium estimates,
partially offset by reductions in non-core lines of business through active portfolio management. Net premiums
earned increased by 7.6% in 2018 reflecting increased net premiums written during 2017 and 2018.

Interest and dividends increased to $55.3 in 2018 from $32.6 in 2017, primarily due to higher interest income earned
(principally due to purchases of short-dated U.S. treasury bonds in 2018).

Cash used in operating activities (excluding operating cash flow activity related to securities recorded at FVTPL) of
$133.1 in 2018 primarily reflected the impact of net paid losses related to the 2017 catastrophe losses. This compares
to cash provided by operating activities of $17.2 in 2017.

148

Allied World(1)

Underwriting profit (loss)

Loss & LAE – accident year
Commissions
Underwriting expenses

Combined ratio – accident year

Net (favourable) adverse development

Combined ratio – calendar year

Gross premiums written

Net premiums written

Net premiums earned

Underwriting profit (loss)
Interest and dividends
Share of loss of associates

Operating income (loss)

2018
42.9

2017(2)
(586.6)

76.1%
9.1%
17.1%

102.3%
(4.2)%

125.7%
3.2%
21.1%

150.0%
7.0%

98.1%

157.0%

3,368.9

1,447.6

2,368.8

991.9

2,286.8

1,028.7

42.9
117.2
(3.8)

(586.6)
65.9
(17.6)

156.3

(538.3)

(1) These results differ from those published by Allied World primarily due to acquisition accounting adjustments recorded by

Fairfax related to the acquisition of Allied World on July 6, 2017.

(2) Allied World is included in the company’s consolidated financial reporting with effect from July 6, 2017.

As used herein, ‘‘Allied World’’ means Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, GmbH, the successor by merger to
Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, AG (‘‘Allied World AG’’). On July 6, 2017 the company completed the
acquisition of 94.6% of the outstanding shares of Allied World AG for purchase consideration of $3,977.9, consisting
of $1,905.6 in cash and $2,072.3 by the issuance of 4,799,497 subordinate voting shares. In addition, Allied World
AG declared a special pre-closing cash dividend of $5.00 per share ($438.0). Contemporaneously with the closing of
the acquisition of Allied World AG, 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’’) invested $1,580.0 for an indirect equity interest in Allied
World AG. The remaining 5.4% of the outstanding shares of Allied World AG were acquired on August 17, 2017 for
purchase consideration of $229.0, consisting of $109.7 in cash and $119.3 by the issuance of 276,397 subordinate
voting shares, in a merger transaction under Swiss law pursuant to which Allied World became the surviving entity.
This  merger  resulted  in  the  co-investors  holding  an  indirect  ownership  interest  in  Allied  World  of  32.6%.  The
co-investors have a dividend in priority to the company, and the company will have the ability to purchase the
shares owned by the co-investors over the seven years subsequent to the acquisition date. Allied World is a global
property, casualty and specialty insurer and reinsurer.

On May 7, 2018 Allied World used the proceeds from a $325.5 capital contribution from Fairfax to redeem all of its
5.50%  senior  notes  due  November  15,  2020  for  cash  consideration  of  $325.5,  including  accrued  interest  and
make-whole  provision.  On  April  30,  2018  a  dividend  of  $61.3  was  paid  to  Allied  World’s  minority  shareholders
(OMERS, AIMCo and others).

Allied  World  reported  an  underwriting  profit  of  $42.9  and  a  combined  ratio  of  98.1%  in  2018  compared  to  an
underwriting loss of $586.6 and a combined ratio of 157.0% in the period from July 6, 2017 to December 31, 2017.
The underwriting profit of $42.9 in 2018 primarily reflected lower year-over-year current period catastrophe losses
(as set out in the table below) and net favourable prior year reserve development in 2018 compared to net adverse
prior  year  reserve  development  in  2017.  The  underwriting  loss  of  $586.6  in  the  period  from  July  6,  2017  to

149

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

December  31,  2017  primarily  reflected  current  period  catastrophe  losses  (as  set  out  in  the  table  below)  and  net
adverse prior year reserve development.

California wildfires(3)
Typhoon Jebi
Hurricane Michael
Hurricane Florence
Hurricane Irma
Hurricane Maria
Hurricane Harvey
Mexico earthquakes
Other

2018

2017(1)

Catastrophe
losses(2)
76.1
52.9
47.5
25.6
–
–
–
–
21.3

Combined
ratio impact
3.3
2.3
2.1
1.1
–
–
–
–
1.0

Catastrophe
losses(2)
87.3
–
–
–
153.9
124.9
122.9
9.1
43.5

Combined
ratio impact
8.4
–
–
–
15.1
12.0
11.8
0.9
4.5

223.4

9.8 points

541.6

52.7 points

(1) Allied World is included in the company’s consolidated financial reporting with effect from July 6, 2017.

(2) Net of reinstatement premiums.

(3) California wildfires include the Woolsey and Camp wildfires in 2018 and the October Northern California and December

Southern California wildfires in 2017.

Net favourable prior year reserve development of $96.6 (4.2 combined ratio points) in 2018 primarily reflected better
than expected emergence on the 2017 catastrophe losses and a reduction in unallocated loss adjustment expenses,
partially offset by net adverse prior year reserve development in the casualty line of business primarily related to the
2012,  2014  and  2015  accident  years  and  the  professional  liability  line  of  business  primarily  related  to  the  2012
accident year.

Net adverse prior year reserve development of $71.9 (7.0 combined ratio points) in the period from July 6, 2017 to
December 31, 2017 primarily reflected net adverse development related to the insurance segment (principally net
unfavourable emergence in the professional liability line of business for the 2012 and 2013 accident years and in the
primary casualty line of business), partially offset by net favourable development in the reinsurance segment (due to
net  favourable  emergence  in  the  specialty  and  casualty  lines  of  business,  partially  offset  by  net  unfavourable
emergence in the property line of business related to U.S. storms in 2015 and 2016).

The commission expense ratio increased to 9.1% in 2018 from 3.2% in the period from July 6, 2017 to December 31,
2017, primarily due to the impact in 2017 of acquisition accounting adjustments. The underwriting expense ratio
decreased to 17.1% in 2018 from 21.1% in the period from July 6, 2017 to December 31, 2017, primarily due to
expense rationalization efforts.

Gross premiums written and net premiums written in 2018 reflected overall growth compared to 2017 principally
reflecting increases in the insurance segment (primarily reflecting growth across each of the North America, Europe
and Asia platforms), partially offset by decreases in the reinsurance segment (primarily related to the timing of the
renewals of certain treaties). Net premiums written in 2018 also reflected a decrease in premium retention compared
to 2017. Net premiums earned in 2018 increased consistent with the growth in net premiums written during 2017
and 2018. The release of acquisition accounting adjustments decreased net premiums earned in 2017. Allied World’s
gross  premiums  written  of  $1,447.6  in  the  period  from  July  6,  2017  to  December  31,  2017  included  assumed
reinstatement premiums of $19.8 related to 2017 catastrophe losses.

Interest and dividends of $117.2 in 2018 principally reflected interest income earned on short-dated U.S. treasury
bonds and high quality corporate bonds and dividend income from common stocks. Share of loss of associates of
$17.6 in the period from July 6, 2017 to December 31, 2017 primarily reflected a non-cash impairment charge of
$19.2 related to an associate.

Cash used in operating activities (excluding operating cash flow activity related to securities recorded at FVTPL) of
$557.0 in 2018 primarily reflected higher net paid losses related to the 2017 catastrophe losses and funding of a
collateralized property catastrophe program.

150

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
Share of profit (loss) of associates

Operating income

2018
0.4

2017
38.2

72.8% 80.3%
1.4%
10.5%
29.4% 22.7%

112.7% 104.4%
(12.9)% (16.0)%

99.8% 88.4%

385.6

670.4

191.9

327.5

189.5

327.6

0.4
21.1
(5.1)

16.4

38.2
29.1
29.4

96.7

Fairfax Asia comprises the company’s Asian holdings and operations: 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 Asuransi Multi Artha Guna Tbk. (‘‘AMAG Insurance’’), 78.0%-owned Sri Lanka-
based  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 9.9%-owned Mumbai-based ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company
Limited (‘‘ICICI Lombard’’).

On December 28, 2017 the company completed the sale of its 97.7% interest in First Capital Insurance Limited (‘‘First
Capital’’) to Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company Limited of Tokyo, Japan (‘‘Mitsui Sumitomo’’) for gross proceeds
of $1,683.3 and realized a net after-tax gain of $1,018.6. The transaction was completed pursuant to an agreement
with Mitsui Sumitomo to pursue a global strategic alliance. On July 1, 2018 Falcon entered into a 25% quota share
reinsurance agreement to participate in the net underwriting result of First Capital’s insurance portfolio.

On  August  30,  2017  Pacific  Insurance  acquired  the  assets  and  liabilities  of  the  general  insurance  business  of
Prudential Assurance Malaysia Berhad (‘‘Prudential Assurance Malaysia’’) for $2.3. Prudential Assurance Malaysia is a
general insurer in Malaysia.

On July 6, 2017 the company sold a 12.2% equity  interest in ICICI Lombard to private equity investors for  net
proceeds  of  $376.3  and  recorded  a  net  realized  gain  of  $223.3.  On  September  19,  2017  the  company  sold  an
additional 12.1% equity interest through participation in ICICI Lombard’s initial public offering for net proceeds of
$532.2 and recorded a net realized gain of $372.3. The company’s remaining 9.9% equity interest in ICICI Lombard
was reclassified from the equity method of accounting to a common stock at FVTPL, resulting in a re-measurement
gain of $334.5. This remaining equity interest is included in holding company cash and investments in the Fairfax
Asia reporting segment, and had a fair value of $497.1 at December 31, 2018 (December 31, 2017 – $549.0).

Fairfax  Asia  reported  an  underwriting  profit  of  $0.4  and  a  combined  ratio  of  99.8%  in  2018  compared  to  an
underwriting profit of $38.2 and a combined ratio of 88.4% in 2017. The entities comprising Fairfax Asia produced
combined ratios as set out in the following table:

First Capital(1)
Falcon
Pacific Insurance
AMAG Insurance
Fairfirst Insurance
Fairfax Asia (excluding First Capital(1))

(1) The company divested its 97.7% interest in First Capital on December 28, 2017.

151

2018
–

2017
69.5%
99.4% 99.1%
103.7% 99.6%
89.2% 95.9%
98.8% 99.0%
99.8% 99.2%

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Fairfax  Asia’s  underwriting  results  in  2018  included  the  benefit  of  $24.4  (12.9  combined  ratio  points)  of  net
favourable prior year reserve development, primarily related to commercial automobile, workers’ compensation and
marine loss reserves. Fairfax Asia’s underwriting profit in 2017 included the benefit of $52.3 (16.0 combined ratio
points)  of  net  favourable  prior  year  reserve  development,  primarily  related  to  commercial  automobile,  marine,
property loss reserves and accident and health loss reserves.

Fairfax Asia’s commission expense ratio increased to 10.5% in 2018 from 1.4% in 2017, primarily reflecting decreased
profit  commission  on  reinsurance  ceded  following  the  divestiture  of  First  Capital.  Fairfax  Asia’s  underwriting
expense  ratio  increased  to  29.4%  in  2018  from  22.7%  in  2017,  primarily  reflecting  lower  net  earned  premium
following the divestiture of First Capital.

The divestiture of First Capital affected gross premiums written, net premiums written and net premiums earned as
set out in the following table:

2018

2017

Fairfax Asia – as reported
First Capital

Fairfax Asia – as adjusted to exclude

First Capital

Net

Net

Gross

Net
premiums premiums premiums premiums premiums premiums
earned
327.6
(119.4)

written
327.5
(126.2)

written
670.4
(336.8)

written
191.9
–

written
385.6
–

earned
189.5
–

Gross

Net

385.6

191.9

189.5

333.6

201.3

208.2

Percentage change (year-over-year)

15.6%

(4.7)%

(9.0)%

Gross  premiums  written  (as  adjusted)  increased  by  15.6%  in  2018,  principally  reflecting  growth  in  commercial
automobile and accident and health lines of business. Net premiums written (as adjusted) decreased by 4.7% in 2018
reflecting  increased  use  of  reinsurance,  partially  offset  by  the  growth  in  gross  premiums  written.  Net  premiums
earned (as adjusted) decreased by 9.0% in 2018, principally reflecting the normal lag of net premiums earned relative
to net premiums written.

Interest and dividends decreased to $21.1 in 2018 from $29.1 in 2017, primarily due to the impact of the divestiture
of the investment portfolio of First Capital. Share of loss of associates of $5.1 in 2018 principally reflected the share of
loss of Go Digit of $6.8. Share of profit of associates in 2017 included the share of profit of ICICI Lombard of $24.0.

152

Insurance and Reinsurance – Other

Group Re

Bryte
Insurance

Advent

2018

Fairfax
Latin
America

Fairfax
Central
and
Eastern
Europe

Inter-
company

Underwriting profit (loss)

Loss & LAE – accident year
Commissions
Underwriting expenses

9.7

83.4%
17.2%
2.2%

9.2

(26.1)

(45.7)

4.0

66.0%
14.0%
19.2%

64.4%
42.4%
33.3%

60.7%
6.9%
44.8%

Combined ratio – accident year

Net adverse (favourable) development

102.8%
(8.3)%

99.2% 140.1%
(2.5)% (16.4)%

112.4%
3.1%

51.4%
20.0%
24.9%

96.3%
1.7%

Combined ratio – calendar year

94.5%

96.7% 123.7%

115.5%

98.0%

Total

(48.9)

64.5%
16.7%
25.9%

107.1%
(2.5)%

104.6%

–

–
–
–

–
–

–

Gross premiums written

Net premiums written

Net premiums earned

Underwriting profit (loss)
Interest and dividends
Share of profit (loss) of associates

Operating income (loss)

167.3

163.9

178.9

9.7
(2.5)
13.9

21.1

353.4

247.4

758.8

268.9

(2.9)

1,792.9

276.6

88.2

378.8

216.7

277.1

110.0

295.7

203.9

9.2
17.5
–

26.7

(26.1)
7.4
3.5

(15.2)

(45.7)
22.5
–

(23.2)

4.0
1.8
(0.7)

5.1

–

–

–
–
–

–

1,124.2

1,065.6

(48.9)
46.7
16.7

14.5

Group Re

Bryte
Insurance

Advent

2017

Fairfax
Latin
America

Fairfax
Central
and
Eastern
Europe

Inter-
company

Underwriting profit (loss)

7.1

(3.0)

(48.7)

(22.2)

(13.8)

Loss & LAE – accident year
Commissions
Underwriting expenses

96.1%
29.0%
4.3%

68.6%
17.9%
17.2%

81.7%
24.3%
21.1%

54.8%
1.1%
57.5%

51.5%
19.1%
31.2%

Combined ratio – accident year

Net adverse (favourable) development

129.4%
(35.2)%

103.7% 127.1%
(0.8)%

(2.5)%

113.4% 101.8%
9.7%

5.1%

Combined ratio – calendar year

94.2%

101.2% 126.3%

118.5% 111.5%

–

–
–
–

–
–

–

Total

(80.6)

71.3%
18.8%
24.3%

114.4%
(4.2)%

110.2%

Gross premiums written

Net premiums written

Net premiums earned

Underwriting profit (loss)
Interest and dividends
Share of profit (loss) of associates

Operating income (loss)

147.9

129.2

124.4

7.1
1.9
3.4

12.4

348.9

271.2

314.1

168.6

(6.4)

1,244.3

240.8

184.4

160.6

148.3

241.1

185.1

120.1

119.9

(3.0)
16.8
–

(48.7)
5.9
(1.2)

(22.2)
12.7
–

(13.8)
1.2
0.8

13.8

(44.0)

(9.5)

(11.8)

–

–

–
–
–

–

863.3

790.6

(80.6)
38.5
3.0

(39.1)

153

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Fairfax Latin America is comprised of Fairfax Brasil (established by the company in 2010) and Fairfax Latam, which
consists  of  the  insurance  operations  acquired  from  AIG  in  Chile  and  Colombia  (effective  from  July  31,  2017),
Argentina  (effective  from  September  30,  2017)  and  Uruguay  (effective  from  January  31,  2018).  Fairfax  Latam
continues to work through the legal, regulatory and operational requirements to complete the acquisition of the
insurance operations of AIG in Venezuela.

Fairfax Central and Eastern Europe (‘‘Fairfax CEE’’) is comprised of Colonnade Insurance and Polish Re (acquired in
2009). Colonnade Insurance includes the following: the business and renewal rights of the insurance operations
acquired  in  2016  from  QBE  in  Hungary,  Czech  Republic  and  Slovakia;  the  business  and  renewal  rights  of  the
insurance operations acquired from AIG in Hungary, Czech Republic and Slovakia (effective from April 30, 2017),
Bulgaria  (effective  from  May  31,  2017),  Poland  (effective  from  June  30,  2017)  and  Romania  (effective  from
October 31, 2017); and Colonnade Ukraine (acquired in 2015).

On July 11, 2018 Advent announced that certain classes of its business would be transferred to Brit, Allied World and
Newline with the remainder of Advent Syndicate 780 placed into run-off. Accordingly, in the third quarter of 2018,
Advent’s  casualty,  property  binder  and  terrorism  underwriting  teams  joined  Brit.  Advent’s  consumer  products
underwriting team was seconded to Allied World and will formally join Allied World on March 1, 2019. Effective
October 1, 2018, Run-off reinsured on a 25% quota share basis Advent’s net insurance contract liabilities (including
net  provision  for  unearned  premiums)  that  were  outstanding  on  October  1,  2018  (the  ‘‘Advent  reinsurance
transaction’’). Brit will reinsure on a 100% quota share basis Advent’s net provision for unearned premiums for the
property  binders,  direct  and  faculty  property  and  terrorism  classes  of  business  upon  expiry  of  Advent’s  external
reinsurance program on April 1, 2019. To facilitate the runoff, the majority of Advent’s remaining employees joined
Run-off  Syndicate  3500  on  January  1,  2019  and  the  capital  supporting  Advent  Syndicate  780  and  Run-off
Syndicate  3500  was  made  interavailable  from  January  1,  2019.  The  impact  on  Advent  in  2018  of  the  Advent
reinsurance transaction was as follows: decreased net premiums written and net premiums earned by $95.0 and
$79.3 respectively, and decreased losses on claims, net and underwriting expenses by $78.7 and $3.0 respectively.
This transaction is eliminated within Fairfax’s consolidated financial reporting.

Effective January 1, 2019 Advent will be reported in the Run-off reporting segment. The decision to place Advent into
run-off  reflected  the  considerable  strategic  challenges  facing  Advent  Syndicate  780  as  it  endeavored  to  build  a
significant presence in its target areas of business in an extremely competitive market place.

Effective December 31, 2018 Group Re entered into an agreement to provide a third-party insurer with excess of loss
reinsurance protection for a portfolio comprised of a diverse mix of direct primary and excess classes of business
written across a range of geographies related to accident years 2018 and prior (the ‘‘third party adverse development
cover’’). The impact on Group Re in 2018 of the third party adverse development cover was as follows: increased
gross premiums written, net premiums written and net premiums earned by $39.1 respectively and increased losses
on claims, net by $39.1.

On  May  12,  2017  Bryte  Insurance  completed  a  loss  portfolio  transfer  with  a  third  party  reinsurer  to  transfer  all
liability for risks Bryte Insurance had insured as at December 31, 2016 and prior years (the ‘‘Bryte loss portfolio
transfer’’), which decreased both net premiums written and net premiums earned by $32.2 and decreased losses on
claims, net by $28.3, in 2017. The Bryte loss portfolio transfer replaced the reinsurance protection formerly provided
by  Zurich  Insurance  Company  Ltd.  (‘‘Zurich  Insurance’’)  as  all  reinsurance  treaties  with  Zurich  Insurance  were
commuted as at December 31, 2016.

154

The Insurance and Reinsurance – Other segment produced an underwriting loss of $48.9 and a combined ratio of
104.6% in 2018 compared to an underwriting loss of $80.6 and a combined ratio of 110.2% in 2017. The decrease in
underwriting loss in 2018 principally reflected lower current period catastrophe losses (as set out in the table below),
partially offset by lower net favourable prior year reserve development and an increase in non-catastrophe large loss
experience.

Hurricane Florence
California wildfires(2)
Hurricane Michael
Hurricane Irma
Hurricane Harvey
Hurricane Maria
Other

2018

2017

Catastrophe
losses(1)
7.1
6.2
2.9
–
–
–
4.7

Combined
ratio impact
0.7
0.6
0.3
–
–
–
0.4

Catastrophe
losses(1)
–
7.0
–
20.7
18.6
8.2
24.6

Combined
ratio impact
–
0.9
–
2.6
2.4
1.0
3.1

20.9

2.0 points

79.1

10.0 points

(1) Net of reinstatement premiums.

(2) California wildfires include the Woolsey and Camp wildfires in 2018 and the October Northern California and December

Southern California wildfires in 2017. 

The underwriting results in 2018 included net favourable prior year reserve development of $27.1 (2.5 combined
ratio points), principally reflecting net favourable development at Advent, Group Re and Bryte Insurance, partially
offset by net adverse development at Fairfax Latam (primarily related to long tail casualty coverages in Argentina due
to the macro economic conditions) and Polish Re (primarily related to automobile third party liability and property
loss reserves). The underwriting results in 2017 included the benefit of net favourable prior year reserve development
of $33.6 (4.2 combined ratio points), principally at Group Re (primarily related to property and liability loss reserves),
partially offset by net adverse development at Polish Re (primarily related to automobile third party liability and
property loss reserves).

The nominal decrease in the underwriting expense ratio to 24.2% in 2018 (excluding the impact of reduced net
premiums  earned  related  to  the  Advent  reinsurance  transaction)  from  24.3%  in  2017  principally  reflected  the
increase in net premiums earned at Group Re, Polish Re and Colonnade Insurance, partially offset by the impact of
Fairfax Latam (primarily related to the timing difference between net premiums written that are earned over the
coverage  period  and  underwriting  expenses  that  are  recognized  when  incurred).  Although  Fairfax  Latam’s
underwriting expense ratio improved significantly year-over-year, it continues to be elevated relative to the other
companies in its reporting segment.

The commission expense ratio decreased to 15.5% in 2018 (excluding the impact of reduced net premiums earned
related  to  the  Advent  reinsurance  transaction)  from  18.8%  in  2017,  principally  due  to  decreases  at  Group  Re
(primarily reflecting net premiums earned related to the third party adverse development cover which did not incur
any commission expense and lower profit commissions paid) and Bryte Insurance (primarily reflecting higher profit
commission  received  and  the  impact  of  the  Bryte  loss  portfolio  transfer  in  2017  which  reduced  net  premiums
earned). The change in Fairfax Latam’s commission expense ratio reflected the impact of the lag from the change
from  proportional  reinsurance  in  2017  (with  high  ceding  commissions)  to  a  combination  of  proportional
reinsurance and non-proportional reinsurance in 2018 (with lower ceding commissions).

155

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Excluding the year-over-year impacts of the Advent reinsurance transaction, the acquisitions of Fairfax Latam and
the business and renewal rights of the insurance operations of AIG in central and eastern Europe (‘‘CEE’’) and the
Bryte LPT, gross premiums written, net premiums written and net premiums earned in 2018 and 2017 were as set out
in the following table:

2018

2017

Gross

Net
premiums premiums premiums premiums premiums premiums
earned

written

written

written

written

earned

Gross

Net

Net

Net

Insurance and Reinsurance – Other – as reported
Advent reinsurance transaction
Fairfax Latam
Business and renewal rights of the insurance operations acquired from

AIG in CEE

Bryte loss portfolio transfer

1,792.9
–
(614.0)

(140.3)
–

1,124.2
95.0
(317.6)

1,065.6
79.3
(239.1)

(95.6)
–

(85.0)
–

1,244.3
–
(166.5)

(57.0)
–

863.3
–
(97.7)

(44.1)
32.2

790.6
–
(68.5)

(23.7)
32.2

Insurance and Reinsurance – Other – as adjusted

1,038.6

806.0

820.8

1,020.8

753.7

730.6

Percentage change (year-over-year)

1.7%

6.9%

12.3%

Gross  premiums  written  (as  adjusted)  increased  by  1.7%  in  2018,  principally  reflecting  increases  at  Colonnade
Insurance (primarily related to organic growth), Group Re (primarily related to the impact of the third party adverse
development cover, partially offset by lower writings in the assumed commercial automobile line of business) and
Polish Re (primarily related to increased writings  in the property and agricultural  reinsurance lines of business),
partially offset by decreases at Advent (primarily related to the impact of the decision to place Advent into run-off).
Net premiums written (as adjusted) increased by 6.9% in 2018 consistent with the growth in gross premiums written
and also reflected increases at Advent (principally reflecting higher reinstatement premiums paid in 2017 related to
the catastrophe losses in 2017) and a reduction in reinsurance purchased by Group Re in 2018. Net premiums earned
(as adjusted) increased by 12.3% in 2018 reflecting the growth in net premiums written during 2017 and 2018.

Interest and dividends increased to $46.7 in 2018 from $38.5 in 2017 primarily reflecting the consolidation of the
interest and dividends of Fairfax Latam and higher interest income earned (principally reflecting purchases of short-
dated U.S. treasury bonds in 2018).

Run-off

The Run-off 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. Run-off group, principally consisting of
TIG  Insurance  Company,  and  the  European  Run-off  group,  principally  consisting  of  RiverStone  (UK)  and
Syndicate 3500 at Lloyd’s. The Run-off 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 Run-off management operation which has 480 employees in the U.S. and the
U.K.  Effective  September  28,  2018  all  assets  and  liabilities  of  RiverStone  Insurance  Limited  (previously  part  of
European Run-off) were transferred to RiverStone (UK) through a Part VII transfer under the Financial Services and
Markets Act 2000, as amended. This transaction did not have any impact on the Run-off reporting segment or the
company’s consolidated financial reporting. The company expects to windup RiverStone Insurance Limited in 2019
as it simplifies its organizational structure.

Effective January 1, 2019 European Run-off reinsured a portfolio of business predominantly comprised of casualty
(principally  employers’  liability  and  public  liability),  professional  indemnity,  property,  marine  and  aviation
exposures relating to accident years 2018 and prior, and will assume approximately $549 of net insurance contract
liabilities  in  exchange  for  consideration  of  approximately  the  same.  This  transaction  will  be  reflected  in  the
company’s consolidated financial reporting in the first quarter of 2019.

Effective  October  1,  2018  a  portfolio  of  business  comprised  of  direct  UK  employers’  liability  and  public  liability
policies written by a UK insurer relating to accident years 2001 and prior was transferred to RiverStone (UK) through
a Part VII transfer under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended. Also effective October 1, 2018
certain latent claims related to policies issued by the same UK insurer relating to accident years 2002 through 2014
were reinsured by RiverStone (UK). The combination of these two transactions (collectively the ‘‘RiverStone (UK)
acquisition  transactions’’)  resulted  in  RiverStone  (UK)  assuming  $566.8  of  net  insurance  contract  liabilities  in
exchange  for  cash  consideration  of  $670.5.  Run-off  results  in  2018  reflected  the  RiverStone  (UK)  acquisition

156

transactions  as  follows:  net  premiums  earned  and  losses  on  claims  of  $37.5  were  recorded  for  the  reinsurance
component of this transaction; the difference between the cash consideration of $633.0 received for the Part VII
transfer  and  the  net  insurance  contract  liabilities  assumed  of  $529.3  decreased  losses  on  claims  by  $103.7;  and
operating expenses included a profit commission payable to the UK insurer of $18.8 for these transactions.

On July 11, 2018 Advent announced that certain classes of its business would be transferred to Brit, Allied World and
Newline  with  the  remainder  of  Advent  Syndicate  780  placed  into  run-off.  Effective  October  1,  2018,  Run-off
reinsured  on  a  25%  quota  share  basis  Advent’s  net  insurance  contract  liabilities  (including  net  provision  for
unearned  premiums)  that  were  outstanding  on  October  1,  2018  (the  ‘‘Advent  reinsurance  transaction’’).  This
transaction resulted in Run-off assuming $78.7 of net insurance contract liabilities and $15.7 of net provision for
unearned premiums in exchange for cash consideration of $95.0. The 2018 Run-off results reflected, in respect of this
transaction, gross premiums written and net premiums written of $95.0, net premiums earned of $79.3, losses on
claims of $78.7 and operating expenses of $3.0. This transaction is eliminated within Fairfax’s consolidated financial
reporting. Effective January 1, 2019, Advent will be reported in the Run-off reporting segment. Refer to the Insurance
and Reinsurance – Other section of this MD&A for additional details.

Effective  November  30,  2018,  Run-off  Syndicate  3500  agreed  to  reinsure  a  portfolio  of  business  written  by  Brit
Syndicate 2987 including non-US professional indemnity, UK employer’s liability, UK public liability and a number
of  legacy  lines  of  business,  relating  to  accident  years  2018  and  prior  (the  ‘‘Brit  reinsurance  transaction’’).  This
transaction  resulted  in  Run-off  assuming  $170.4  of  net  insurance  contract  liabilities  in  exchange  for  cash
consideration of $174.4. The 2018 Run-off results reflected, in respect of this transaction, gross premiums written,
net  premiums  written  and  net  premiums  earned  of  $174.4  and  losses  on  claims  of  $170.4.  This  transaction  is
eliminated within Fairfax’s consolidated financial reporting.

Effective  in  December  2018,  Run-off  agreed  to  reinsure  two  separate  third  party  runoff  portfolios  comprised  of
exposures to asbestos, pollution and other hazards (‘‘APH’’) related to accident years 1999 and prior (assumed by
RiverStone UK) and Irish employer’s liability and public liability exposures related to accident years 2018 and prior
(assumed by Syndicate 3500) (collectively the ‘‘Other 2018 reinsurance transactions’’). These transactions resulted in
Run-off assuming $102.6 of net insurance contract liabilities in exchange for cash consideration of $113.5. The 2018
Run-off  results  reflected,  in  respect  of  this  transaction,  gross  premiums  written,  net  premiums  written  and  net
premiums earned of $113.5, losses on claims of $102.6 and operating expenses of $1.4 (related to a commission paid
by Run-off to a third party for facilitating this transaction).

Set out below is a summary of the operating results of Run-off for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.

Gross premiums written

Net premiums written

Net premiums earned

Losses on claims
Operating expenses
Interest and dividends
Share of profit (loss) of associates

Operating profit (loss)

Reinsurance
transactions(1)
419.2

414.2

398.7

(285.5)
(23.2)
–
–

Run-off(2)
(0.3)

2018
418.9

(0.7)

413.5

2017
8.4

8.3

5.9

404.6

20.1

(216.8)
(121.5)
43.7
0.8

(502.3)
(144.7)
43.7
0.8

(125.4)
(102.1)
28.9
(6.1)

90.0

(287.9)

(197.9)

(184.6)

(1) Reinsurance  transactions  are  comprised  of  the  RiverStone  (UK)  acquisition  transactions,  the  Advent  reinsurance
transaction, the Brit reinsurance transaction and the Other 2018 reinsurance transactions (collectively the ‘‘fourth quarter
of 2018 reinsurance transactions’’) as described in the preceding paragraphs.

(2) Run-off prior to the fourth quarter of 2018 reinsurance transactions referenced in the preceding footnote.

References  to  2018  throughout  the  remainder  of  this  section  exclude  the  impact  of  the  fourth  quarter  of  2018
reinsurance transactions referenced in footnote (1) above.

Run-off reported an operating loss of $287.9 in 2018 compared to an operating loss of $184.6 in 2017.

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FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Losses on claims of $216.8 in 2018 principally reflected net adverse prior year reserve development of $197.1 and
$11.3 at U.S. Run-off and European Run-off respectively. Net adverse prior year reserve development at U.S. Runoff
was principally comprised of $143.6 related to APH exposures assumed primarily from Crum & Forster and in the
legacy  portfolio  of  Clearwater  Insurance,  $38.6  of  strengthening  of  other  loss  reserves  principally  related  to
construction  defect  and  habitational  risk  exposures  and  $31.7  of  strengthening  of  unallocated  loss  adjustments
expenses  principally  at  TIG  Insurance,  partially  offset  by  $16.8  of  net  favourable  emergence  on  workers’
compensation loss reserves principally at TIG Insurance. Net adverse prior year reserve development of $11.3 at
European Run-off principally related to reserve strengthening on one specific loss.

Losses on claims of $125.4 in 2017 principally reflected net adverse prior year reserve development of $145.9 at
U.S. Run-off, partially offset by net favourable prior year reserve development of $33.4 at European Run-off. Net
adverse prior year reserve development at U.S. Run-off was principally comprised of $182.5 related to APH exposures
assumed primarily from Crum & Forster and in the legacy portfolio of Clearwater Insurance, partially offset by $39.0
of net favourable emergence on workers’ compensation loss reserves principally at TIG Insurance. Net favourable
prior year reserve development of $33.4 at European Run-off principally related to the World Trade Center aviation
market settlement of $27.8.

Operating expenses increased to $121.5 in 2018 from $102.1 in 2017, primarily reflecting an increase in provision for
uncollectible reinsurance and higher personnel and information technology expenses, partially offset by lower legal
fees and lower profit sharing payments made to a broker in connection with an acquired portfolio of construction
defect claims.

Interest and dividends increased to $43.7 in 2018 from $28.9 in 2017, primarily as a result of lower total return swap
expenses,  increased  dividend  income  on  common  stocks  and  higher  interest  income  earned  (principally  due  to
purchases of short-dated U.S. treasury bonds in 2018).

Share of profit of associates of $0.8 in 2018 primarily reflected Run-off’s share of net gains on sales and net unrealized
appreciation of investment property of the KWF LPs, and increased share of profit of Resolute, partially offset by a
non-cash impairment charge of $19.3 related to an associate (Thai Re). Share of loss of associates of $6.1 in 2017
included a non-cash impairment charge of $10.2 related to an associate (Thai Re).

In  2018  and  2017,  Fairfax  augmented  Run-off’s  capital  with  net  contributions  of  $136.3  and  $26.3  respectively,
comprised of cash and marketable securities.

Run-off’s cash flows may be volatile as to timing and amount, with potential variability arising principally from the
requirement to pay gross claims initially while third party reinsurance is only subsequently collected 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

2018

Restaurants
and retail(1)
2,013.4
(1,890.7)

Fairfax
India(2)
430.3
(403.3)

Thomas Cook
India(3)
1,202.4
(1,184.1)

Other(4)
788.1
(698.0)

Total
4,434.2
(4,176.1)

Pre-tax income before interest expense and other
Interest and dividends(5)
Share of profit of associates
Net gains (losses) on investments(6)

122.7
8.3
0.9
(7.9)

27.0
(11.0)
83.7
80.0

Pre-tax income before interest expense

124.0

179.7

18.3
–
8.8
841.0

868.1

90.1
15.5
16.0
(12.7)

258.1
12.8
109.4
900.4

108.9

1,280.7

158

2017

Restaurants
and retail(1)

Fairfax
India(2)

Thomas Cook
India(3)

Other(4)

Total

Revenue
Expenses

Pre-tax income before interest expense and other
Interest and dividends(5)
Share of profit of associates
Net gains (losses) on investments

1,441.7
(1,322.5)

119.2
7.7
–
(0.4)

336.0
(315.9)

20.1
(116.8)
45.5
(4.6)

Pre-tax income (loss) before interest expense

126.5

(55.8)

1,009.6
(953.1)

470.3
(404.5)

3,257.6
(2,996.0)

56.5
–
0.3
0.6

57.4

65.8
4.2
9.6
11.6

91.2

261.6
(104.9)
55.4
7.2

219.3

(1) Comprised primarily of Recipe (formerly Cara) and its subsidiaries The Keg, Pickle Barrel (acquired on December 1, 2017),
St-Hubert and Original Joe’s, Toys ‘‘R’’ Us Canada (acquired on May 31, 2018), Praktiker, Golf Town, Sporting Life,
Kitchen Stuff Plus and William Ashley.

(2) Comprised of Fairfax India and its subsidiaries NCML, Fairchem (merged on March 14, 2017 with Privi Organics) and
Saurashtra Freight (acquired on February 14, 2017). 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 (until its deconsolidation on March 1, 2018) 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 Dexterra (acquired on March 7, 2018), Grivalia Properties (consolidated on July 4, 2017), Fairfax
Africa  (since  its  initial  public  offering  on  February  17,  2017),  Mosaic  Capital  (consolidated  on  January  26,  2017),
Pethealth and Boat Rocker.

(5)

Interest and dividends of Fairfax India are net of investment management and administration fees paid to Fairfax of
$33.9 and $139.7 in 2018 and 2017.

(6) Net gains (losses) on investments of Thomas Cook India include a non-cash gain of $889.9 related to the deconsolidation

of Quess.

Restaurants and retail

Year ended December 31, 2018

On August 31, 2018 the company, together with the respective non-controlling interests, contributed 100% of the
ownership interests in Sporting Life and Golf Town to a new holding company. Subsequent to the reorganization, the
company holds a controlling 65.1% ownership interest in each of Sporting Life and Golf Town through the new
holding company.

On May 31, 2018 the company acquired a 100% equity interest in Toys ‘‘R’’ Us (Canada) Ltd. (‘‘Toys ‘‘R’’ Us Canada’’)
from  Toys  ‘‘R’’  Us – Delaware,  Inc.  for  cash  consideration  of  $41.1  (Cdn$53.3)  and  an  additional  investment  of
$193.7 (Cdn$251.3) that Toys ‘‘R’’ Us Canada used to repay its debtor in possession financing loan. Toys ‘‘R’’ Us
Canada is a specialty retailer of toys and baby products with 82 stores across Canada.

On  February  22,  2018  the  company  completed  the  sale  of  its  51.0%  ownership  interest  in  The  Keg  to  Recipe
Unlimited  Corporation  (‘‘Recipe’’;  formerly  Cara  Operations  Limited)  for  consideration  of  $74.6  (Cdn$94.7),
comprised of cash of $7.9 (Cdn$10.0) and 3,400,000 Recipe subordinate voting shares. The other shareholders of The
Keg sold their 49.0% ownership interest to Recipe for $82.7 (Cdn$105.0), comprised of cash of $74.8 (Cdn$95.0) and
401,284 Recipe subordinate voting shares. Recipe may be required to pay up to an additional $23.6 (Cdn$30.0) of
cash  consideration  to  the  other  shareholders  of  The  Keg,  contingent  on  the  achievement  of  certain  financial
objectives within the first three years subsequent to closing. The transaction increased the company’s equity interest
in Recipe to 43.2% from 40.2% at December 31, 2017.

159

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Year ended December 31, 2017

On December 1, 2017 Recipe acquired a 100% equity interest in Pickle Barrel Restaurants Inc. (‘‘Pickle Barrel’’) for
purchase consideration of $16.9 (Cdn$21.5). Pickle Barrel operates restaurants and provides catering services in the
province of Ontario.

The year-over-year increases in the revenue and expenses of Restaurants and retail in 2018 primarily reflected the
consolidation of Toys ‘‘R’’ Us Canada on May 31, 2018.

Fairfax India

Subsequent to December 31, 2018

On September 17, 2018 Fairfax India entered into an agreement with Sanmar Chemicals Group (‘‘Sanmar’’) pursuant
to which Fairfax India’s $299.0 principal amount of Sanmar bonds, including accrued interest, will be settled for
equivalent  proceeds  comprised  of  an  additional  12.9%  equity  interest  in  Sanmar  valued  at  approximately  $202
(14.1 billion  Indian  rupees)  and  cash.  The  cash  portion  of  the  proceeds  had  a  value  of  approximately  $191  at
December 31, 2018 based on the fair value of the Sanmar bonds of approximately $393 at that date. Closing of the
transaction will increase Fairfax India’s ownership interest in Sanmar to 42.9% from 30.0%, is subject to customary
conditions and third party consents, and is expected to be completed in the first half of 2019. Sanmar is one of the
largest suspension PVC manufacturers in India.

Year ended December 31, 2018

On October 19, 2018 Fairfax India invested $88.5 (6.5 billion Indian rupees) in The Catholic Syrian Bank Limited
(‘‘CS Bank’’) and received common shares and warrants representing a 36.4% effective equity interest. Fairfax India
has committed to invest approximately $80 (5.6 billion Indian rupees) in exchange for additional warrants of CS
Bank within 18 months of the initial closing date to increase its effective equity interest in CS Bank to approximately
51%. At that time the company expects it will continue to apply the equity method of accounting to its investment
in CS Bank, primarily because of extensive government regulation of the banking sector in India, including restricted
board representation and shareholders being limited to 15% of available voting rights. CS Bank, established in 1920,
is  a  private  company  headquartered  in  Thrissur,  India,  offering  banking  services  through  418  branches  and
270 automated teller machines across India.

On May 16, 2018 Fairfax India increased its equity interest in Bangalore International Airport Limited (‘‘Bangalore
Airport’’) to 54.0% by acquiring an additional 6.0% for cash consideration of $67.4 (4.6 billion Indian rupees). The
company continues to apply the equity method of accounting to its investment in Bangalore Airport because of
extensive Indian government regulation of, and participation in, Bangalore Airport’s relevant activities. Bangalore
Airport operates the Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore, India through a public-private partnership.

Pursuant  to  the  company’s  investment  advisory  agreement  with  Fairfax  India,  on  March  9,  2018  the  company
received  a  performance  fee  of  $114.4  for  the  period  January  30,  2015  to  December  31,  2017  in  the  form  of
7,663,685 newly issued Fairfax India subordinate voting shares, which increased the company’s equity interest in
Fairfax India to 33.6% from 30.2% at December 31, 2017.

Year ended December 31, 2017

On  March  14,  2017  Fairchem  Speciality  Limited  (‘‘Fairchem’’)  and  Privi  Organics  Limited  (‘‘Privi  Organics’’)
completed their previously announced merger, with the merged entity continuing under the Fairchem name. As a
result of the merger, Fairfax India, which had acquired a 44.7% interest in Fairchem on February 8, 2016 and a 50.8%
interest in Privi Organics on August 26, 2016, became the dominant shareholder in Fairchem with a 48.7% interest.
Prior to the merger, the company consolidated Privi Organics and applied the equity method of accounting to its
investment in Fairchem.

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 ($11.75
per  share)  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

160

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 private placement and public offering.

The  year-over-year  increases  in  the  revenue  and  expenses  of  Fairfax  India  in  2018  primarily  reflected  growth  in
business volume at NCML and Fairchem, and the consolidation of Fairchem subsequent to its merger with Privi
Organics on March 14, 2017. Interest and dividends in 2017 included an accrual of a performance fee payable to
Fairfax  by  Fairfax  India  of  $114.4  (nil  in  2018).  The  performance  fee  was  for  the  period  January  30,  2015  to
December  31,  2017  as  Fairfax  India’s  common  shareholders’  equity  per  share  at  December  31,  2017  surpassed  a
specified hurdle for that period, and represented an intercompany transaction that was eliminated on consolidation.

The increase in share of profit of associates in 2018 primarily reflected increased contribution from Bangalore Airport
(acquired March 24, 2017) and IIFL Holdings. Net gains on investments of $80.0 in 2018 compared to net losses on
investments of $4.6 in 2017 primarily reflected higher net gains on common stocks and corporate and Government
of  India  bonds,  partially  offset  by  foreign  exchange  losses  on  Fairfax  India’s  term  loans  as  a  result  of  the
strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the Indian rupee.

Thomas Cook India

Year ended December 31, 2018

On March 1, 2018 Thomas Cook India entered into a strategic agreement with the founder of Quess Corp Limited
(‘‘Quess’’)  that  resulted  in  Quess  becoming  an  associate  of  Thomas  Cook  India  whereas  it  was  previously  a
consolidated  subsidiary.  Accordingly,  the  company  re-measured  the  carrying  value  of  Quess  to  its  fair  value  of
$1,109.5, recognized a non-cash gain of $889.9 and commenced applying the equity method of accounting.

Upon adoption of IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers on January 1, 2018, Thomas Cook India determined
that it should report in other revenue the gross receipts from certain of its travel related businesses, and the associated
cost of sales in other expenses. This change in revenue recognition increased Thomas Cook India’s reported revenue
and cost of sales by $770.1 for the year ended December 31, 2018, with no impact on net earnings. Prior to the
adoption  of  IFRS 15,  Thomas  Cook  India  only  reported  the  net  commissions  earned  on  this  business  as  other
revenue.  For  further  details  see  note 3  (Summary  of  Significant  Accounting  Policies,  under  the  heading  ‘‘New
accounting pronouncements adopted in 2018’’) in the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year
ended December 31, 2018.

Year ended December 31, 2017

On December 27, 2017 Quess acquired the facility management and catering business of Manipal Integrated Services
Private Limited (‘‘Manipal’’) for $152.5 (9.8 billion Indian rupees), primarily comprised of the issuance of $117.7
(7.5  billion  Indian  rupees)  of  Quess  common  shares  to  Manipal  shareholders  and  the  reinvestment  of  $34.3
(2.2 billion Indian rupees) of Quess’ existing holdings of Manipal preferred shares upon cancellation of those shares.
In November of 2017 Thomas Cook India sold a 5.4% equity interest in Quess for cash proceeds of $96.8 (6.3 billion
Indian rupees). On August 18, 2017 Quess raised $132.2 (8.5 billion Indian rupees) in net proceeds following the
completion of a private placement of common shares with institutional investors. These transactions at Thomas
Cook India and Quess collectively reduced the company’s indirect ownership of Quess from 42.1% to 33.1%. Quess is
a provider of staffing and facilities management services.

The year-over-year increases in the revenue and expenses of Thomas Cook India in 2018 primarily reflected increased
revenue and expenses at Thomas Cook India (reflecting the adoption of IFRS 15 as described in the Sources of Income
section of this MD&A), partially offset by the deconsolidation of Quess on March 1, 2018. Net gains on investments
in 2018 included the non-cash gain of $889.9 recognized on deconsolidation of Quess.

Other

Subsequent to December 31, 2018

On  February  5,  2019  shareholders  of  AGT  Food  &  Ingredients  Inc.  (‘‘AGT’’)  approved  a  previously  announced
management led take-private transaction pursuant to which a buying group, which included the company, would
acquire  all  of  the  issued  and  outstanding  common  shares  of  AGT  not  already  owned  by  the  buying  group  for
Cdn$18.00 per common share. The company has committed to loan the purchaser entity up to $256.3 (Cdn$350.0)

161

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

to,  among  other  things,  acquire  all  of  the  outstanding  common  shares  of  AGT  (other  than  those  owned  by  the
buying group). Closing of the transaction is subject to receipt of certain regulatory approvals and is expected to occur
in the first half of 2019. Upon closing, the company will exchange its holdings of AGT shares (183,700 common
shares  and  19,000,000  preferred  shares  with  carrying  values  of  $2.2  and  $97.0  at  December  31,  2018)  for  an
approximate  60%  controlling  equity  interest  in  the  purchaser  entity.  AGT  is  one  the  world’s  largest  suppliers  of
pulses, staple foods and food ingredients and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

On January 4, 2019 Fairfax Africa acquired an additional 41.2% equity interest in Consolidated Infrastructure Group
(‘‘CIG’’) for $49.7 (696 million South African rand) which increased its total equity interest in CIG to 49.1%. Fairfax
Africa will have de facto voting control as CIG’s largest shareholder, and as an owner of currently exercisable CIG
convertible  debentures  that,  if  converted,  would  provide  majority  voting  control.  The  company,  through  its
subsidiary Fairfax Africa, will consolidate the assets, liabilities and results of operations of CIG in its consolidated
financial reporting in the first quarter of 2019 in the Other reporting segment. CIG is a pan-African engineering
infrastructure company listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

On November 26, 2018 Grivalia Properties REIC (‘‘Grivalia Properties’’) and Eurobank Ergasias S.A. (‘‘Eurobank’’)
announced a planned merger of Grivalia Properties into Eurobank. Shareholders of Grivalia Properties, including the
company,  will  receive  a  pre-merger  dividend  of  A0.42  per  share  and  approximately  15.8  newly  issued  Eurobank
shares in exchange for each share of Grivalia Properties. Closing of the transaction is subject to shareholder and
regulatory approvals and is expected to occur in the second quarter of 2019. At December 31, 2018 the company
owned equity interests of approximately 53% and 18% in Grivalia Properties and Eurobank respectively, and expects
to own approximately 32% of the merged entity upon closing. Eurobank is a financial services provider in Greece and
is listed on the Athens Stock Exchange.

Year ended December 31, 2018

On June 18, 2018 Fairfax Africa completed a bought deal secondary public offering of 12,300,000 subordinate voting
shares at a price of $12.25 per share, resulting in net proceeds of $148.3 after commission and expenses, to provide
financing  for  the  acquisition  of  additional  African  Investments.  The  company  acquired  4,100,000  subordinate
voting shares for $50.2 through the public offering, and an additional 645,421 subordinate voting shares for $7.6
through open market purchases.

On March 7, 2018 the company acquired the services business carried on in Canada by Carillion Canada Inc. and
certain  affiliates  thereof  relating  to  facilities  management  of  airports,  commercial  and  retail  properties,  defense
facilities,  select  healthcare  facilities  and  on  behalf  of  oil,  gas  and  mining  clients.  The  acquired  business  was
subsequently renamed Dexterra Integrated Facilities Management (‘‘Dexterra’’). Dexterra is an infrastructure services
company that provides asset management and operations solutions to industries and governments.

Year ended December 31, 2017

On July 4, 2017 the company acquired control of Grivalia Properties REIC (‘‘Grivalia Properties’’) by increasing its
equity interest to 52.6% through the acquisition of an additional 10.3% equity interest from Eurobank Ergasias S.A.
for  cash  consideration  of  $100.0  (A88.0)  and  commenced  consolidation.  Grivalia  Properties  is  a  real  estate
investment company listed on the Athens Stock Exchange.

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  $493.3  after  issuance  costs  and  expenses,  inclusive  of  the
contribution of the investment in AFGRI. Following those transactions, the company’s $325.0 ($10.00 per share)
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 securities and debt instruments of
African businesses or other businesses with customers, suppliers or business primarily conducted in, or dependent
on, Africa.

On January 26, 2017 the company invested $114.5 (Cdn$150.0) in securities of Mosaic Capital Corporation (‘‘Mosaic
Capital’’)  issued  through  a  private  placement  comprised  of:  (i)  Cdn$100.0  principal  amount  of  6.00%  senior

162

preferred securities; (ii) Cdn$50.0 principal amount of 5.00% senior secured debentures; and (iii) warrants entitling
the company to acquire up to 17,026,106 common shares of Mosaic Capital at a price of Cdn$8.81 per common
share at any time until January 26, 2024 (the ‘‘Mosaic Capital warrants’’). The company’s Mosaic Capital warrants
represent  a  potential  voting  interest  of  approximately  62%  (assuming  all  holders  of  Mosaic  Capital  convertible
securities, including the company, exercised their options to convert), giving the company the ability to control
Mosaic Capital.

The year-over-year increases in the revenue and expenses of Other in 2018 reflected the inclusion of the full year
revenue and expenses of Mosaic Capital and Grivalia Properties, and the consolidation of Dexterra (on March 7,
2018). The increase in share of profit of associates in 2018 reflected the contribution from Atlas Mara (acquired
August 31, 2017), partially offset by increased share of loss of AFGRI at Fairfax Africa. The decrease in net gains on
investments in 2018 reflected net losses on corporate bonds and convertible debentures at Fairfax Africa.

Interest and Dividends

An analysis of interest and dividends is presented in the Investments section of this MD&A.

Share of Profit of Associates

An analysis of share of profit of associates 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 of $347.1 in 2018 (2017 – $331.2) was comprised as follows:

Holding company
Insurance and reinsurance companies
Non-insurance companies(1)

2018
197.4
55.6
94.1

2017
224.1
41.3
65.8

347.1

331.2

(1) Borrowings and related interest expense are non-recourse to the holding company. 

The decrease in interest expense incurred at the holding company in 2018 principally reflected the redemption on
June 15, 2018 of $500.0 principal amount of 5.80% senior notes due 2021, the redemption on December 29, 2017 of
Cdn$388.4 principal amount of 7.50% senior notes due 2019, lower borrowings on the holding company credit
facility year-over-year, the redemption on April 30, 2018 of Cdn$267.3 principal amount of 7.25% senior notes due
2020, the repayment on December 13, 2017 of purchase consideration payable upon maturity and the repayment on
April 15, 2018 of $144.2 principal amount of 7.375% senior notes upon maturity, partially offset by the issuance on
April  17,  2018  of  $600.0  principal  amount  of  4.85%  unsecured  senior  notes  due  2028,  the  issuance  of
A750.0 principal amount of 2.75% unsecured senior notes due 2028 on March 29, 2018 (A600.0) and May 18, 2018
(A150.0) and the issuance on December 4, 2017 of Cdn$650.0 principal amount of 4.25% unsecured senior notes
due 2027.

The increase in interest expense incurred at the insurance and reinsurance companies in 2018 principally reflected
the inclusion of the full year interest expense of Allied World, partially offset by the repurchase and redemption of
Allied World’s $300.0 principal amount of 5.50% senior notes due 2020.

The increase in interest expense incurred at the non-insurance companies in 2018 principally reflected increased
borrowings at Fairfax India (primarily related to the replacement of its $400.0 one-year term loan due July 2018 with
a  $550.0  one-year  term  loan  due  June  2019),  Grivalia  Properties  (primarily  related  to  purchases  of  investment
property and a capital contribution to a joint arrangement) and Recipe, and the consolidation of the borrowings of
Toys ‘‘R’’ Us Canada, partially offset by the deconsolidation of the borrowings of Quess.

For  further  details  on  the  company’s  borrowings  refer  to  note  15  (Borrowings)  to  the  consolidated  financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2018.

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FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Corporate Overhead and Other

Corporate overhead and other consists of the expenses of all of the group holding companies, net of investment
management and administration fees earned by the holding company, and interest and dividends and share of profit
of associates 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
Holding company share of profit of associates
Investment management and administration fees
Loss on repurchase of long term debt

2018
153.0
66.7
109.3
(37.8)
(17.2)
(150.7)
58.9

2017
143.7
49.5
82.1
4.1
(127.7)
(236.8)
28.6

182.2

(56.5)

(1) Non-cash amortization of intangible assets is principally comprised of customer and broker relationships.

Fairfax  corporate  overhead  of  $153.0  in  2018  increased  from  $143.7  in  2017  primarily  reflecting  increases  in
employee  compensation  expense,  legal  and  consulting  fees,  partially  offset  by  a  benefit  of  $20.0  related  to  the
settlement of a lawsuit and decreased charitable donations.

Subsidiary  holding  companies’  corporate  overhead  of  $66.7  in  2018  increased  from  $49.5  in  2017  primarily
reflecting the consolidation of the corporate overhead of Allied World, partially offset by decreases in charitable
donations and restructuring costs (restructuring costs incurred at Advent in 2018 and at Bryte Insurance and Fairfax
Latam in 2017) and the absence of expenses incurred in connection with the acquisition of Allied World in 2017.

Subsidiary holding companies’ non-cash intangible asset amortization of $109.3 in 2018 increased from $82.1 in
2017 primarily due to amortization of intangible assets at Allied World.

Holding company interest and dividends included total return swap income of $7.8 in 2018 compared to total return
swap expense of $16.8 in 2017. Excluding the impact of total return swap income and expense, holding company
interest and dividends of $30.0 in 2018 increased from $12.7 in 2017 primarily reflecting increased interest income
earned on U.S. treasury bonds, partially offset by decreased dividend income.

Holding company share of profit of associates of $17.2 in 2018 decreased from $127.7 in 2017 primarily reflecting a
decrease in share of profit of Eurolife.

Investment  management  and  administration  fees  of  $150.7  in  2018  decreased  from  $236.8  in  2017  primarily
reflecting a performance fee receivable from Fairfax India of $114.4 recorded in 2017, partially offset by incremental
investment management fees earned on the investment portfolio of Allied World.

Loss on repurchase of long term debt of $58.9 in 2018 was primarily comprised of a loss of $19.6 (Cdn$25.1) related
to the redemption on April 30, 2018 of the company’s $207.3 (Cdn$267.3) principal amount of 7.25% senior notes
due June 22, 2020 and a loss of $38.2 related to the redemption on June 15, 2018 of the company’s $500.0 principal
amount of 5.80% senior notes due May 15, 2021. Loss on repurchase of long term debt of $28.6 in 2017 arose on the
early  redemption  of  Cdn$388.4  principal  amount  7.5%  unsecured  senior  notes  due  2019  and  the  purchase  of
principal amounts of $8.7, $5.8 and $3.3 of the holding company’s unsecured senior notes due in 2019, 2020 and
2021. Refer to note 15 (Borrowings) to the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2018
and 2017.

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 company’s effective income tax rate in 2018 of 5.1% ($44.2 provision for income taxes) was lower than the
company’s Canadian statutory income tax rate of 26.5% primarily due to the non-cash gain on deconsolidation of
Quess which was not taxable (income tax rate benefit of $235.8 due to the preferential treatment of long term capital
gains  in  India),  other  non-taxable  investment  income  (principally  comprised  of  dividend  income,  non-taxable

164

interest income and share of profit of associates in certain jurisdictions) and income taxed at lower rates than the
Canadian statutory income tax rate at Allied World, certain subsidiaries of Fairfax India and in Barbados, partially
offset by the unrecorded tax benefit of losses and temporary differences, principally in Canada.

The company’s effective income tax rate in 2017 of 20.2% ($408.3 provision for income taxes) was lower than the
company’s Canadian statutory income tax rate of 26.5% primarily due to the impact of net gains on the sales of ICICI
Lombard and First Capital which were not taxable in the jurisdictions in which they were held (income tax rate
benefits  of  $246.5  in  Mauritius  and  $269.9  in  Barbados  respectively)  and  non-taxable  investment  income
(principally comprised of dividend income, non-taxable interest income and share of profit of associates in certain
jurisdictions), partially offset by the revaluation of U.S. deferred tax assets as a result of U.S. tax reform (income tax
rate charge of $222.4), losses at Allied World that are taxed at rates lower than the Canadian statutory income tax rate
and a reduction in U.S. tax credits and operating losses capitalized in prior years primarily driven by the effects of
U.S. tax reform (income tax rate charge of $89.7).

For further details related to the impact of U.S. tax reform on the company’s financial reporting, please refer to
note 18 (Income Taxes) to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Non-controlling Interests

Non-controlling interests principally relate to Allied World, Fairfax India, Recipe (formerly Cara), Grivalia Properties,
Thomas Cook India, Fairfax Africa and Brit. For further details refer to note 16 (Total Equity) to the consolidated
financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Components of Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheet Summary

The assets and liabilities reflected on the company’s consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2018 were primarily
impacted by the consolidation of Toys ‘‘R’’ Us Canada (acquired May 31, 2018) and Dexterra (acquired March 7,
2018), and the deconsolidation of Quess. Effective March 1, 2018 Quess ceased to be a consolidated subsidiary and
was subsequently reported as an investment in associate with a carrying value of $1,044.6 at December 31, 2018.
Refer  to  note  23  (Acquisitions  and  Divestitures)  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements  for  the  year  ended
December 31, 2018 for additional details related to these transactions.

Holding company cash and investments decreased to $1,557.2 ($1,550.6 net of $6.6 of holding company short
sale and derivative obligations) at December 31, 2018 from $2,368.4 at December 31, 2017 ($2,356.9 net of $11.5 of
holding company short sale and derivative obligations). Significant cash movements at the holding company in
2018 are as set out in the Financial Condition section of this MD&A under the heading ‘‘Liquidity’’.

Insurance  contract  receivables  increased  by  $423.8  to  $5,110.7  at  December  31,  2018  from  $4,686.9  at
December 31, 2017 primarily reflecting increased business volume at Odyssey Group and Brit.

Portfolio  investments  comprise  investments  carried  at  fair  value  and  equity  accounted  investments,  the
aggregate carrying value of which was $37,432.9 at December 31, 2018 ($37,290.0 net of subsidiary short sale and
derivative obligations) compared to an aggregate carrying value at December 31, 2017 of $37,013.2 ($36,898.5 net of
subsidiary short sale and derivative obligations). The increase of $391.5 principally reflected the deconsolidation of
Quess, investments in North American investment property and net unrealized gains on short equity exposures,
partially  offset  by  net  unrealized  losses  on  common  stocks  and  bonds,  and  the  unfavourable  impact  of  foreign
currency  translation  (principally  the  strengthening  of  the  U.S.  dollar  relative  to  the  Indian  rupee  and  euro),  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)  decreased  by  $10,910.1,  primarily  reflecting  the  reinvestment  of  cash  and  short  term
investments  into  short-dated  U.S.  treasury  bonds,  Canadian  government  bonds  and  high  quality  U.S.  corporate
bonds, partially offset by proceeds from net sales of U.S. state and municipal bonds.

Bonds  (including  bonds  pledged  for  short  sale  and  derivative  obligations)  increased  by  $10,140.4,  primarily
reflecting  the  reinvestment  of  cash  and  short  term  investments  into  short-dated  U.S.  treasury  bonds,  Canadian
government bonds and high quality U.S. corporate bonds, partially offset by net sales of U.S. state and municipal
bonds.

165

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Common stocks decreased by $290.3 primarily reflecting net unrealized losses, partially offset by net purchases of
common stocks.

Investments in associates increased by $1,206.7 primarily reflecting the deconsolidation of Quess, share of profit of
associates ($221.1), the reinvestment of cash and short term investments into Seaspan ($278.0) and CS Bank ($88.5
by  Fairfax  India)  and  additional  investments  in  Bangalore  Airport  ($67.4  by  Fairfax  India)  and  AFGRI  ($26.1  by
Fairfax Africa), partially offset by dividends and distributions received ($300.9) and divestitures of investments in
Arbor Memorial and an insurance brokerage.

Derivatives and other invested assets net of short sale and derivative obligations increased by $281.5 primarily due to
investments in North American investment property and equity warrants, and lower net payables to counterparties
to foreign currency forward contracts, partially offset by higher net payables to counterparties to total return swaps
and net unrealized losses on equity warrants and CPI-linked derivative contracts.

Recoverable  from  reinsurers  increased  by  $588.4  to  $8,400.9  at  December  31,  2018  from  $7,812.5  at
December 31, 2017 primarily reflecting increases at Odyssey Group, Allied World and Brit due to higher business
volume,  the  impact  of  current  period  catastrophe  losses  ceded  to  reinsurers  and  an  increase  at  Fairfax  Latam
reflecting large losses ceded to reinsurers, partially offset by a decrease at Run-off, the impact of foreign currency
translation and the receipt of reinsurance recoverables related to the 2017 catastrophe losses.

Deferred income taxes increased by $117.1 to $497.9 at December 31, 2018 from $380.8 at December 31, 2017
primarily  reflecting  increases  in  timing  differences  principally  related  to  investments,  partially  offset  by  the
utilization of deferred tax assets recorded in prior years related to U.S. operating losses and tax credits.

Goodwill  and  intangible  assets  decreased  by  $395.6  to  $5,676.9  at  December  31,  2018  from  $6,072.5  at
December 31, 2017 primarily due to the deconsolidation of Quess (which resulted in the derecognition of goodwill
related to Quess and its subsidiaries), the impact of foreign currency translation (principally the strengthening of the
U.S.  dollar  relative  to  the  Canadian  dollar)  and  continued  amortization  of  intangible  assets,  partially  offset  by
goodwill related to the acquisition of Dexterra.

The  aforementioned  acquisition,  and  the  allocation  of  goodwill  of  $2,702.7  and  intangible  assets  of  $2,974.2  at
December 31, 2018 (December 31, 2017 – $2,904.7 and $3,167.8) by operating segment, are described in note 23
(Acquisitions  and  Divestitures)  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2018.
Impairment tests for goodwill and intangible assets not subject to amortization were completed in 2018 and it was
concluded that no significant impairments had occurred.

Other assets decreased by $260.0 to $4,568.3 at December 31, 2018 from $4,828.3 at December 31, 2017 primarily
due to the deconsolidation of Quess, partially offset by the consolidation of Toys ‘‘R’’ Us Canada and Dexterra.

Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses increased by $470.9 to $29,081.7 at December 31, 2018
from $28,610.8 at December 31, 2017 primarily reflecting the fourth quarter of 2018 reinsurance transactions at
Run-off (described in the Run-off section of this MD&A), increases at Odyssey Group, Brit and Colonnade Insurance
due to higher business volume and the impact of large losses at Fairfax Latam, partially offset by net favourable prior
year  claims  reserve  development  (principally  at  Odyssey  Group,  Northbridge,  Brit,  Allied  World  and  Zenith
National), the payment of claims related to the 2017 catastrophe losses (principally Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and
Maria and the 2017 California wildfires), Run-off’s continued progress settling its claims liabilities, and the impact on
loss reserves of the strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to most foreign currencies.

Non-controlling interests decreased by $350.5 to $4,250.4 at December 31, 2018 from $4,600.9 at December 31,
2017 primarily reflecting the impact of Brit’s purchase of an 11.2% ownership interest from its minority shareholder,
Recipe’s purchase of the non-controlling interests in The Keg, net unrealized foreign currency translation losses and
dividends paid to non-controlling interests, partially offset by non-controlling interests’ share of net earnings, the
impact of Fairfax Africa’s secondary public offering and the deconsolidation of Quess (increased non-controlling
interests by $80.6, comprised of the non-controlling interests’ 33.0% share of the non-cash re-measurement gain of
$889.9  ($293.1),  partially  offset  by  the  derecognition  of  Quess’  non-controlling  interests  of  $212.5).  For  further
details  refer  to  note  16  (Total  Equity)  and  note  23  (Acquisitions  and  Divestitures)  to  the  consolidated  financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2018.

166

Comparison  of  2017  to  2016 – Total  assets  increased  to  $64,090.1  at  December  31,  2017  from  $43,384.4  at
December 31, 2016 primarily reflecting the acquisitions of Allied World, Fairfax Latam, and Mosaic Capital, partially
offset  by  the  divestiture  of  First  Capital,  pursuant  to  the  transactions  described  in  note  23  (Acquisitions  and
Divestitures) to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018.

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 run-off
operations are subject to several reviews. The reserves are reviewed separately by, and must be acceptable to, internal
actuaries at each operating company and the company’s Chief Actuary. Independent actuaries are also periodically
engaged to review an operating company’s reserves or reserves for certain lines of business.

The tables below present the company’s gross provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses by reporting segment
and line of business at December 31:

2018

Insurance and Reinsurance

Odyssey Crum &

Zenith

Allied Fairfax

Operating

Corporate

Northbridge Group Forster National

Brit World

Asia Other companies Run-off and Other Consolidated

Property

Casualty

Specialty

297.0

1,585.5

137.4

19.6

844.5

1,270.1

1,467.6

3,746.4

3,117.0

1,123.6 2,643.2

6,021.1

52.3

322.5

110.7

7.4

777.3

348.4

105.3

165.2

107.4

732.4

737.9

333.0

4,991.8

119.6

19,022.0

2,775.7

2,059.0

113.6

1,816.9

5,654.4

3,365.1

1,150.6 4,265.0

7,639.6

377.9 1,803.3

26,072.8

3,008.9

–

–

–

–

Intercompany

3.4

144.7

87.9

–

51.3

13.9

1.5

106.1

408.8

775.4

(1,184.2)

5,111.4

21,797.7

2,172.6

29,081.7

–

Provision for

losses and LAE

1,820.3

5,799.1

3,453.0

1,150.6 4,316.3

7,653.5

379.4 1,909.4

26,481.6

3,784.3

(1,184.2)

29,081.7

2017

Insurance and Reinsurance

Odyssey Crum &

Zenith

Allied Fairfax

Operating

Corporate

Northbridge Group Forster National

Brit World(1)

Asia Other companies Run-off and Other Consolidated

Property

Casualty

Specialty

285.5

1,575.6

146.9

23.6

674.7

1,382.8

1,614.6

3,451.5

3,171.9

1,162.9 2,637.5

5,940.7

57.6

348.5

149.8

7.7

782.2

452.3

99.8

159.4

100.2

604.5

813.1

272.6

4,793.4

32.9

18,951.6

2,491.9

2,170.9

170.1

1,957.7

5,375.6

3,468.6

1,194.2 4,094.4

7,775.8

359.4 1,690.2

25,915.9

2,694.9

–

–

–

–

Intercompany

6.6

146.2

66.8

–

41.7

12.1

0.1

146.3

419.8

636.1

(1,055.9)

4,826.3

21,443.5

2,341.0

28,610.8

–

Provision for

losses and LAE

1,964.3

5,521.8

3,535.4

1,194.2 4,136.1

7,787.9

359.5 1,836.5

26,335.7

3,331.0

(1,055.9)

28,610.8

(1)

Allied World is included in the company’s consolidated financial reporting with effect from July 6, 2017.

In the ordinary course of carrying on business, the company’s insurance, reinsurance and run-off 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)  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  $6.1  billion  of  cash  and  investments  pledged  by  the  company’s
subsidiaries  at  December  31,  2018,  as  described  in  note  5  (Cash  and  Investments)  to  the  consolidated  financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2018, 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 (these pledges
do not involve the cross-collateralization by one group company of another group company’s obligations).

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FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

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.
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, 2018 and 2017 were comprised as shown in
the following table:

Insurance and Reinsurance

Northbridge
Odyssey Group
Crum & Forster
Zenith National
Brit
Allied World
Fairfax Asia
Other

Operating companies
Run-off

Favourable/(Unfavourable)

2018(1)
106.7
345.7
3.9
85.3
99.3
96.6
24.4
26.9

788.8
(208.4)

580.4

2017(2)
93.5
288.1
10.2
76.4
9.5
–
53.1
36.3

567.1
(112.5)

454.6

(1) Excludes net favourable development of companies acquired in 2018 – SouthBridge Uruguay ($0.2).

(2) Excludes net unfavourable development of companies acquired in 2017 – Allied World ($71.9), Fairfax Latam ($6.7) and
Prudential Assurance Malaysia ($0.8). Also excluded in 2017 is net favourable development on the CTR Life business
($4.0).

168

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

2017

2018

2016
22,412.4 16,289.4 16,596.3
(103.7)

(444.6)

463.3

2015
14,378.2
(559.3)

2014
14,981.6
(496.2)

8,505.4
(580.4)

6,192.9
(454.6)

5,286.9
(573.7)

4,307.0
(467.5)

4,166.2
(374.4)

(2,034.8) (1,691.3) (1,304.5)
(5,777.2) (3,876.8) (3,695.2)

(1,055.3)
(2,688.4)

(1,076.7)
(2,822.7)

Provision for claims of companies acquired and reinsurance

transactions during the year at December 31

Divestiture of subsidiary

533.8
–

5,725.0
(235.5)

83.3
–

2,681.6
–

0.4
–

Provision for claims at December 31 before the undernoted 22,614.6 22,412.4 16,289.4
CTR Life(1)
12.8

8.0

8.7

16,596.3
14.2

14,378.2
15.2

Provision for claims at December 31 – net
Reinsurers’ share of provision for claims at December 31

22,622.6 22,421.1 16,302.2
3,179.6
6,189.7

6,459.1

16,610.5
3,205.9

14,393.4
3,355.7

Provision for claims at December 31 – gross

29,081.7 28,610.8 19,481.8

19,816.4

17,749.1

(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 run-off
in 2002.

The  foreign  exchange  effect  of  change  in  provision  for  claims  principally  related  to  the  impact  in  2018  of  the
strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to most other foreign currencies (principally at Northbridge, Odyssey Group,
Fairfax Latam, Brit and Run-off). 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,
2018 are tables that show the historical reserve reconciliation and the reserve development of Northbridge, Odyssey
Group,  Crum  &  Forster,  Zenith  National,  Fairfax  Asia  and  Insurance  and  Reinsurance – Other  (comprised  of
Group Re, Bryte Insurance, Advent, Fairfax Latin America and Fairfax Central and Eastern Europe), and Run-off’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  latent  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.  Substantially  all  of  the
company’s exposure to asbestos losses are now under the management of Run-off. 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

169

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

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. Further, asbestos litigation itself continues to be an imperfect process for
resolving  asbestos  claims  fairly  and  cost  effectively.  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.

The company also faces claims exposure related to environmental pollution and bodily injury from exposure to
potentially harmful products or substances such as breast implants, pharmaceutical products, chemical products,
lead-based pigments, tobacco, talc, and in utero exposure to diethylstilbestrol (‘‘DES’’). Other latent injury claims
arise from insureds’ alleged responsibility for sports head trauma, sexual molestation, and opioid addiction. 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.
The  company  is  monitoring  the  emergence  of  water  and  soil  contamination  claims  involving  perfluorinated
chemicals (‘‘PFCs’’) which are a group of compounds widely used in water and stain resistant products, as well as
firefighting  materials.  Although  still  a  risk  due  to  occasional  unfavourable  court  decisions,  lead  pigment  bodily
injury litigation has had some favourable underlying litigation developments resulting in this hazard presenting less
of  a  risk  to  the  company.  Additionally,  the  company  is  evaluating  a  recent  court  decision  finding  certain  paint
manufacturers  liable  for  the  presence  of  and  abatement  of  lead  paint  in  residential  structures  based  on  those
manufacturers’ advertising practices decades ago. The company continues to monitor claims alleging breast cancer
as  a  result  of  in  utero  exposure  to  DES,  a  synthetic  estrogen  supplement  prescribed  to  prevent  miscarriages  or
premature births. Since first emerging several years ago, the DES breast cancer claims have not progressed due to a
lack of widely accepted scientific support for such claims. The company is also monitoring an emerging body of
claims by women who claim bodily injury from exposure to talc as an ingredient of consumer products such as
powders and cosmetics. Many such claims have alleged the talc in these products caused ovarian cancer; other claims
assert the talc was contaminated with asbestos which caused ovarian cancer or other more typical asbestos injury
such  as  mesothelioma.  Since  2016,  a  number  of  large  talc  verdicts  have  been  awarded  against  a  number  of
defendants.  However,  there  also  have  been  developments  in  defendants’  favour  in  recent  years,  including  the
reversal of two sizeable plaintiff verdicts by appellate courts based on jurisdictional and scientific defenses as well as
several defense verdicts. Whether the other latent injury claims will develop into material exposures to the company
is yet to be determined due to the lack of developed scientific proof of causation and significant questions around
coverage.

Asbestos Claims Discussion

Tort  reform  in  the  first  decade  of  the  millennium,  both  legislative  and  judicial,  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  also  have  increased  because  the  malignancy  cases  often  are  more  heavily  litigated  than  the
non-malignancy cases and because the asbestos litigation process and practices in the U.S. continue to be inefficient.
Asbestos  trial  results  have  been  mixed,  with  both  plaintiff  and  defense  verdicts  having  been  rendered  in  courts
throughout the U.S. Some plaintiffs continue to focus their efforts on maximizing their recoveries in the U.S. tort
system  from  solvent  defendants  by  heavily  emphasizing  their  exposure  to  these  defendants’  products  and
operations, however limited that exposure may have been. Separately, these plaintiffs also seek to recover from the
trusts established by the prior bankruptcies of large asbestos manufacturing defendants associated with significant
and prolonged worksite contamination, which, in some cases, is not identified in the allegations in the tort system.
The unfortunate result in these instances is a disproportionate shift in financial responsibility for alleged asbestos
injuries  from  large  bankrupt  entities  to  solvent  peripheral  defendants.  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

170

strengthened  asbestos  reserves  by  $138.6  in  2018,  or  10.7%  of  the  provision  for  asbestos  claims  and  ALAE  at
January 1, 2018.

In November 2018 A.M. Best Company issued its Asbestos Review, where it maintained its estimate of net ultimate
asbestos losses in the U.S. property and casualty industry at $100 billion, noting asbestos losses have not slowed
down since A.M. Best boosted its estimate to this level in its 2016 report which cited ‘‘an unstable environment faced
with evolving litigation, increasing secondary exposure cases, and an increase in life expectancy.’’ The company
continues to see in the run-off portfolio some of the underlying litigation factors A.M. Best cites. The policyholders
with the most significant asbestos exposure continue to be defendants who manufactured, distributed or installed
asbestos products on a nationwide basis. The run-off companies are exposed to these risks and face the majority of
the  direct  asbestos  exposure  within  the  company.  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  be  named  as  defendants.  For  the  most  part,  these  are  regional,  rather  than  nationwide
defendants. 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  the  company  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  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;  applicable  coverage  defenses  and  the
impact of the defense strategies and initiatives advanced on behalf of each insured.

Following is an analysis of the company’s gross and net loss and ALAE reserves from U.S. asbestos exposures as at
December 31, 2018 and 2017, 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)

2018

2017

Gross

Net

Gross

Net

1,292.1
138.6
(233.2)

1,033.3
114.3
(170.1)

1,347.7
153.0
(208.6)

1,065.5
141.8
(174.0)

20.4

17.8

–

–

Provision for asbestos claims and ALAE at December 31

1,217.9

995.3

1,292.1

1,033.3

(1) Comprised primarily of the reinsurance component of the RiverStone (UK) acquisition transactions.

Summary

Management  believes  that  the  asbestos  reserves  reported  at  December  31,  2018  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  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.

171

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

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 were inherited by the company on acquisition of a subsidiary.

Recoverable from reinsurers of $8,400.9 on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2018 consisted of future
recoverables from reinsurers on unpaid claims ($6,482.3), reinsurance receivable on paid losses ($792.6) and the
unearned portion of premiums ceded to reinsurers ($1,290.8), net of provision for uncollectible balances ($164.8).
Recoverables from reinsurers on unpaid claims increased by $266.1 to $6,482.3 at December 31, 2018 from $6,216.2
at December 31, 2017 primarily reflecting increases at Odyssey Group, Allied World and Brit due to higher business
volumes,  the  impact  of  current  period  catastrophe  losses  ceded  to  reinsurers  and  an  increase  at  Fairfax  Latam
reflecting large losses ceded to reinsurers, partially offset by a decrease at Run-off, the impact of foreign currency
translation and the payment of claims related to 2017 catastrophe losses ceded to reinsurers.

The following table presents the company’s top 25 reinsurance groups (ranked by gross recoverable from reinsurers)
at December 31, 2018, which represented 83.1% (December 31, 2017 – 81.0%) of total recoverable from reinsurers.

Reinsurance group
Munich
Swiss Re
AIG
Markel
Lloyd’s
Everest
Axis
HDI
Berkshire Hathaway
Risk Management
Agency
Alleghany
EXOR

AXA
Liberty Mutual
SCOR
Arch Capital
RenaissanceRe
Tokio Marine
WR Berkley
Chubb
Aspen
Aeolus
QBE
Singapore Re
Sompo Holdings

Principal reinsurers
Munich Reinsurance Company
Swiss Reinsurance America Corporation
New Hampshire Insurance Company
Markel CATco Reinsurance Limited
Lloyd’s
Everest Reinsurance (Bermuda), Ltd
Axis Reinsurance Company
Hannover R ¨uck SE
General Reinsurance Corporation
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation

Transatlantic Reinsurance Company
Partner Reinsurance Company of the
U.S.
XL Reinsurance America Inc
Liberty Mutual Insurance Company
SCOR Reinsurance Company
Arch Reinsurance Company
Renaissance Reinsurance US Inc
Tokio Millennium Re AG
Berkley Insurance Company
Chubb Tempest Reinsurance Ltd
Aspen Insurance UK Ltd
Aeolus Re Ltd
QBE Reinsurance Corporation
Singapore Reinsurance Corporation Ltd
Endurance Assurance Corporation

Top 25 reinsurance groups
Other reinsurers

Gross 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++
NR

A+

A
A+
A
A+
A+
A+
A+
A+
A++
A
NR
A
A-
A+

Gross
recoverable
from
reinsurers(2)
1,175.5
856.3
705.2
569.6
536.9
369.1
320.5
276.9
273.4
272.6

Net unsecured
recoverable
from
reinsurers(3)
1,050.8
847.2
676.2
242.3
530.6
306.0
309.5
267.0
272.7
272.6

179.8

150.9
148.6
147.8
145.8
137.3
131.5
127.9
108.5
87.3
83.1
82.8
81.6
80.2
72.0

7,121.1
1,444.6

8,565.7
(164.8)

8,400.9

178.0

146.3
138.6
147.5
144.6
133.0
121.2
117.1
106.6
59.0
83.1
0.1
80.7
80.2
70.3

6,381.2
1,106.0

7,487.2
(164.8)

7,322.4

(1) Financial strength rating of principal reinsurer (or of the group, if principal reinsurer is not rated).

172

(2) Excludes specific provisions for uncollectible reinsurance.

(3) Net of outstanding balances for which security was held, and excludes specific provisions for uncollectible reinsurance.

The  following  table  presents  recoverable  from  reinsurers  of  $8,400.9  at  December 31,  2018  separately  for  the
insurance and reinsurance operations and for the run-off operations, according to the financial strength rating of the
reinsurers. Pools and associations, shown separately, generally consist of government or similar insurance  funds
carrying limited credit risk. At December 31, 2018 approximately 7.2% (December 31, 2017 – 8.7%) of recoverable
from reinsurers related to run-off operations.

Insurance and Reinsurance

Run-off

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

reinsurers

reinsurers

held

reinsurers

reinsurers

A++

A+

A

A-

B++

B+

B or lower

Not rated

Pools and associations

Provision for uncollectible
reinsurance

304.7

3,966.2

2,123.0

241.0

30.0

1.0

7.6

870.7

279.2

7,823.4

held

28.6

248.2

75.8

6.5

8.5

–

1.6

604.5

3.7

977.4

276.1

3,718.0

2,047.2

234.5

21.5

1.0

6.0

266.2

275.5

6,846.0

65.1

259.0

132.2

6.9

2.4

0.5

2.7

268.9

4.6

742.3

0.3

16.6

9.7

3.1

2.0

0.3

0.2

68.9

–

101.1

64.8

242.4

122.5

3.8

0.4

0.2

2.5

200.0

4.6

641.2

Recoverable from reinsurers

7,794.5

6,817.1

606.4

505.3

8,400.9

(28.9)

(28.9)

(135.9)

(135.9)

(164.8)

369.8

4,225.2

2,255.2

247.9

32.4

1.5

10.3

1,139.6

283.8

held

28.9

264.8

85.5

9.6

10.5

0.3

1.8

673.4

3.7

reinsurers

340.9

3,960.4

2,169.7

238.3

21.9

1.2

8.5

466.2

280.1

8,565.7

1,078.5

7,487.2

(164.8)

7,322.4

To  support  recoverable  from  reinsurers  balances,  the  company  had  the  benefit  of  letters  of  credit  or  trust  funds
totaling $1,078.5 at December 31, 2018 as follows:

(cid:127) for reinsurers rated A – or better, security of $388.8 against outstanding reinsurance recoverables of $7,098.1;

(cid:127) for reinsurers rated B++ or lower, security of $12.6 against outstanding reinsurance recoverables of $44.2;

(cid:127) for unrated reinsurers, security of $673.4 against outstanding reinsurance recoverables of $1,139.6; and

(cid:127) for pools and associations, security of $3.7 against outstanding reinsurance recoverables of $283.8.

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  $164.8  at  December  31,  2018  related  to  net
unsecured reinsurance recoverables of $497.8 from reinsurers rated B++ or lower, including those that are not rated
(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, 2018.

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 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

173

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

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  benefit  of  ceded
reinsurance  of  $398.2  (2017 – $621.3).  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
reinsurers’ share of premiums earned of $567.4 (2017 – $347.1); losses on claims ceded to reinsurers of $2,774.4
(2017 – $2,367.1); and provision for uncollectible reinsurance of $8.2 (2017 – recovery of $7.7).

Year ended December 31, 2018

Insurance and Reinsurance

Northbridge

Group Forster National Brit(1) World

Asia Other(2) companies Run-off

Odyssey Crum & Zenith

Allied Fairfax

Operating

Reinsurers’ share of
premiums earned

Pre-tax benefit (cost) of
ceded reinsurance

143.9

387.9

383.0

11.1

724.9

922.4

180.1

642.3

3,395.6

5.4

(38.7)

234.2

86.4

(8.8)

43.7

7.8

(13.1)

96.3

407.8

26.3

Corporate
and
Other

Inter-

company(1)(2) Consolidated

–

–

(465.6)

2,935.4

(35.9)

398.2

(1)

Brit includes $174.4 of reinsurers’ share of premiums earned and $4.0 of pre-tax cost of ceded reinsurance related to the intercompany Brit reinsurance
transaction with Run-off (described in the Component of Net Earnings section of this MD&A under the heading ‘‘Brit’’).

(2) Other includes $79.3 of reinsurers’ share of premiums earned and $2.4 of pre-tax benefit of ceded reinsurance related to the intercompany Advent reinsurance
transaction with Run-off (described in the Component of Net Earnings section of this MD&A under the heading ‘‘Insurance and Reinsurance – Other’’).

Year ended December 31, 2017

Insurance and Reinsurance

Northbridge

Odyssey Crum & Zenith
Group Forster National

Allied Fairfax
Asia

Brit World(1)

Operating
Other companies Run-off

Reinsurers’ share of
premiums earned

Pre-tax benefit (cost) of
ceded reinsurance

121.2

283.1

292.6

11.9

465.8

390.7

330.8

414.1

2,310.2

0.1

(59.2)

162.0

93.2

(11.8) 155.1

321.9

(49.7)

42.9

654.4

68.7

(1) Allied World is included in the company’s consolidated financial reporting with effect from July 6, 2017.

Corporate
and
Other

Inter-

company Consolidated

–

–

(209.7)

2,100.6

(101.8)

621.3

Reinsurers’ share of premiums earned increased from $2,100.6 in 2017 to $2,935.4 in 2018 primarily reflecting the
full year results of Allied World and Fairfax Latam (both acquired in 2017), increases at Crum & Forster and Odyssey
Group (consistent with increased business volume) and an increase at Brit (primarily reflecting increased use of third
party reinsurance), partially offset by a decrease at Fairfax Asia (reflecting the divestiture of First Capital in 2017).

Commissions earned on reinsurers’ share of premiums earned increased from $347.1 in 2017 to $567.4 in 2018
commensurate with the increase in reinsurers’ share of premiums earned as described in the preceding paragraph.

Reinsurers’ share of losses on claims increased from $2,367.1 in 2017 to $2,774.4 in 2018 primarily reflecting the full
year results of Fairfax Latam and Allied World (both acquired in 2017), increases at Odyssey Group (primarily related
to growth and higher current year loss recoveries in its U.S. crop line of business) and Crum & Forster (commensurate
with the increase in reinsurers’ share of premiums earned), partially offset by the impact of the divestiture of First
Capital and lower current period catastrophe losses ceded to reinsurers. The company recorded net provisions for
uncollectible reinsurance of $8.2 in 2018 (2017 – net recoveries of $7.7).

The use of reinsurance in 2018 decreased cash provided by operating activities by approximately $455 (2017 – $469)
primarily reflecting the timing of premiums paid to reinsurers in each of 2018 and 2017 which was earlier than the
collection of reinsurance recoverables, principally due to significant current period catastrophe losses in both years.

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 the holding company, its insurance, reinsurance and run-off companies, and
Fairfax  India  and  Fairfax  Africa.  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, assessing 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

174

investing  in  out-of-favour  securities  when  sentiment  is  negative,  and  maintaining  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 the company’s CEO and one
other corporate officer serving as 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
oversight by Hamblin Watsa management. The company’s Board of Directors, management, insurance, reinsurance
and run-off companies, and Fairfax India and Fairfax Africa are kept apprised of significant investment decisions by
Hamblin Watsa through the financial reporting process and periodic presentations by Hamblin Watsa management.

Overview of Investment Performance

Investments at their year-end carrying values (including at the holding company) for the company’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)

2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017(5)
2018

Cash and
short term
investments
6.4

3,658.8
4,073.4
6,899.1
8,085.4
7,988.0
6,428.5
7,368.7
11,214.4
19,186.2
7,423.8

Bonds(2)
14.1

11,550.7
13,353.5
12,074.7
11,545.9
10,710.3
12,660.3
14,905.0
10,358.3
10,392.5
20,727.3

Preferred
stocks
1.0

Common
stocks
2.5

Real
estate(3)
–

357.6
627.3
608.3
651.4
764.8
520.6
116.9
70.6
299.6
264.6

5,697.9
5,095.3
4,448.8
5,397.6
4,951.0
5,968.1
6,124.4
6,281.1
9,014.1
9,738.1

8.0
150.5
291.6
413.9
447.5
615.2
501.1
506.3
363.0
686.8

Total(4)
24.0

21,273.0
23,300.0
24,322.5
26,094.2
24,861.6
26,192.7
29,016.1
28,430.7
39,255.4
38,840.6

Per share
($)
4.80

1,064.24
1,139.07
1,193.70
1,288.89
1,172.72
1,236.90
1,306.22
1,231.11
1,414.55
1,425.97

(1)

(2)

IFRS  basis  for  2010  to  2018;  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 $150.3 at December 31, 2018 (December 31,
2017 – $90.9,  December  31,  2016 – $157.1,  December  31,  2015 – $1,094.0)  that  are  invested  principally  in  fixed
income securities.

(3)

Includes  the  company’s  equity-accounted  investments  in  KWF  LPs,  and  Grivalia  Properties  prior  to  its  consolidation
effective July 4, 2017.

(4) Net of short sale and derivative obligations of the holding company and the operating companies commencing in 2004.

(5)

Increase  primarily  related  to  Allied  World’s  investment  portfolio  of  $7,918.8,  which  the  company  commenced
consolidating on July 6, 2017.

Investments per share increased by $11.42 to $1,425.97 at December 31, 2018 from $1,414.55 at December 31, 2017
primarily reflecting the impact of net purchases of shares by the company for treasury for use in its share-based
payment  awards  and  for  cancellation  pursuant  to  normal  course  issuer  bids,  partially  offset  by  the  factors  that
decreased investments described under the heading ‘‘Components of Consolidated Balance Sheets’’ in this MD&A.
The  company’s  common  shares  effectively  outstanding  decreased  to  27,237,947  at  December  31,  2018  from
27,751,073 at December 31, 2017. Since 1985, investments per share has compounded at a rate of 18.8% per year,
including the impact of acquisitions.

Interest and Dividends

The majority of interest and dividends is earned by the insurance, reinsurance and run-off companies. Interest and
dividends on holding company cash and investments was $30.0 in 2018 (2017 – $12.7) prior to giving effect to total

175

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

return  swap  income  of  $7.8  (2017 – total  return  swap  expense  of  $16.8).  Interest  and  dividends  earned  in  the
company’s first year and for the past ten years is presented in the following table.

Interest and dividends

Average

Pre-tax

After tax

Investments at

carrying value(2) Amount
3.4
46.3

Yield(3)
(%)
7.34

Per share(4)
($)
0.70

Amount(5)
1.8

Yield(3)
(%)
3.89

Per share(4)
($)
0.38

20,604.2
22,270.2
23,787.5
25,185.2
25,454.7
25,527.2
27,604.4
28,723.4
33,843.1
39,048.0

712.7
711.5
705.3
409.3
376.9
403.8
512.2
555.2
559.0
783.5

3.46
3.20
2.97
1.63
1.48
1.58
1.86
1.93
1.65
2.01

38.94
34.82
34.56
19.90
18.51
18.70
22.70
24.12
21.42
27.59

477.5
490.9
505.7
300.8
277.0
296.8
376.5
408.1
410.9
575.9

2.32
2.20
2.13
1.19
1.09
1.16
1.36
1.42
1.21
1.47

26.09
24.02
24.78
14.63
13.60
13.74
16.69
17.73
15.74
20.28

Year(1)
1986
(cid:1)

2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018

(1)

IFRS  basis  for  2010  to  2018;  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)

Interest and dividends, on a pre-tax and after-tax basis, expressed as a percentage of average investments at carrying value.

(4) Based on the weighted average diluted number of common shares outstanding during the year.

(5) Tax effected at the company’s Canadian statutory income tax rate.

Interest and dividends increased to $783.5 in 2018 from $559.0 in 2017, primarily reflecting increases in interest
income from the reinvestment of cash and short term investments into higher yielding, short-dated U.S. treasury
bonds, high quality U.S. corporate bonds and Canadian government bonds during 2018 (net purchases of $8,642.2,
$2,960.7 and $928.6 respectively), total return swap income in 2018 compared to total return swap expense in 2017
and  the  consolidation  of  a  full  year  of  the  interest  and  dividends  of  Allied  World  acquired  in  2017  ($51.3  of
incremental interest and dividends earned), partially offset by lower interest income earned as a result of sales of
municipal bonds in 2017 and 2018.

The  company’s  pre-tax  interest  and  dividend  yield  increased  from  1.65%  in  2017  to  2.01%  in  2018  and  the
company’s after-tax interest and dividend yield increased from 1.21% in 2017 to 1.47% in 2018. Prior to giving effect
to the interest which accrued to reinsurers on funds withheld of $6.1 (2017 – $2.8) and total return swap income of
$17.9 (2017 – total return swap expense of $53.2), interest and dividends in 2018 of $759.5 (2017 – $609.4) produced
a pre-tax gross portfolio yield of 1.95% (2017 – 1.80%). The increase in the pre-tax gross portfolio yield was primarily
due to the factors described in the preceding paragraph (excluding the impact of total return swaps).

Total return swap income of $17.9 in 2018 compared to total return swap expense of $53.2 in 2017, with the change
primarily reflecting closures of short equity total return swaps in 2017 that resulted in decreased total return swap
expense in 2018. Total return swap income in 2018 primarily reflected increased dividend income earned on long
equity total return swaps.

Share of Profit of Associates

Share of profit of associates increased to $221.1 in 2018 from $200.5 in 2017, principally reflecting increased share of
profit  of  Resolute  and  KWF  LPs  ($73.6  related  to  sales  of  investment  property  located  in  Dublin,  Ireland)  and
contributions  from  Atlas  Mara  and  Bangalore  Airport  (both  acquired  in  2017),  partially  offset  by  non-cash
impairment charges related to Thai Re ($46.5) and Astarta ($10.8), the absence of share of profit of ICICI Lombard in
2018, the increased share of loss of Farmers Edge and the share of loss of Astarta (compared to share of profit in 2017).

176

Net Gains (Losses) on Investments

Net gains on investments of $252.9 in 2018 (2017 – $1,467.5) was comprised as shown in the following table:

2018

2017

realized gains
(losses)

Net Net change in
unrealized
gains (losses)

Net gains
(losses) on realized gains
(losses)

Net Net change in
unrealized
gains (losses)

investments

Common stocks(1)
Preferred stocks – convertible
Bonds – convertible
Gain on disposition of associates(2)(3)
Gain on deconsolidation of non-

insurance subsidiary(4)

Other equity derivatives(5)(6)(7)

Long equity exposures
Short equity exposures(6)

Net equity exposure and financial effects

Bonds
CPI-linked derivatives
U.S. treasury bond forwards
Other derivatives
Foreign currency
Gain on disposition of insurance
and reinsurance associate(8)

Other

195.2
5.1
20.2
138.9

889.9
76.8

1,326.1
(248.0)

1,078.1
106.0
–
49.6
0.1
(33.0)

–
(25.9)

(581.4)
(2.2)
(191.5)
–

–
(119.1)

(894.2)
209.8

(684.4)
(144.4)
(6.7)
(2.9)
19.8
(98.8)

–
(4.6)

(386.2)
2.9
(171.3)
138.9

889.9
(42.3)

431.9
(38.2)

393.7
(38.4)
(6.7)
46.7
19.9
(131.8)

–
(30.5)

Net gains (losses) on investments

1,174.9

(922.0)

252.9

Net gains (losses) on bonds is comprised

as follows:
Government bonds
U.S. states and municipalities
Corporate and other

(70.8)
212.0
(35.2)

106.0

29.1
(252.5)
79.0

(144.4)

(41.7)
(40.5)
43.8

(38.4)

125.1
–
25.9
69.8

–
(19.9)

200.9
(553.1)

(352.2)
419.8
–
(174.5)
(8.4)
(95.1)

930.1
3.7

723.4

(2.6)
437.5
(15.1)

419.8

Net gains
(losses) on
investments

707.8
(1.6)
233.1
69.8

–
57.9

1,067.0
(417.9)

649.1
44.9
(71.0)
(153.2)
(0.3)
2.8

930.1
65.1

582.7
(1.6)
207.2
–

–
77.8

866.1
135.2

1,001.3
(374.9)
(71.0)
21.3
8.1
97.9

–
61.4

744.1

1,467.5

26.8
(370.2)
(31.5)

(374.9)

24.2
67.3
(46.6)

44.9

Refer to note 6 (Investments in Associates) to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018 for
additional details of 2018 transactions described below:

(1) During 2017 the company increased its equity interest and potential voting interest in EXCO Resources, Inc. (‘‘EXCO’’) to
15.8% and 21.8% respectively and commenced applying the equity method of accounting, resulting in unrealized losses of
$121.6 on EXCO being reclassified to realized losses with a net impact of nil in the consolidated statement of earnings.

(2) During  2018  the  company  sold  its  equity  accounted  investments  in  Arbor  Memorial  Services  Inc.  and  an  insurance
brokerage for net proceeds of $179.2 (Cdn$235.4) and $58.8 (Cdn$76.3) and recorded net realized gains of $111.8 and
$17.6 (Cdn$22.7) respectively.

(3) During  2017  the  company  acquired  control  of  Grivalia  Properties  by  increasing  its  equity  interest  to  52.7%  and
commenced consolidating Grivalia Properties in the Other reporting segment. Accordingly, the company re-measured its
equity accounted carrying value of Grivalia Properties to fair value and recorded a net realized gain of $51.3.

(4) During 2018 Thomas Cook India entered into a strategic agreement with the founder of Quess that resulted in Quess
becoming  an  associate  of  Thomas  Cook  India  whereas  it  was  previously  a  consolidated  subsidiary.  Accordingly,  the
company re-measured the carrying value of Quess to its fair value of $1,109.5, recognized a non-cash gain of $889.9 and
commenced applying the equity method of accounting.

(5) Other equity derivatives include long equity total return swaps, equity warrant forward contracts, equity warrants and

call options.

(6) 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).

(7)

Includes the Seaspan equity warrants and equity warrant forward contracts in 2018.

177

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

(8) During 2017 the company sold a 24.3% equity interest in ICICI Lombard for net proceeds of $908.5 and recorded a net
realized gain of $595.6. The company’s remaining 9.9% equity interest in ICICI Lombard was reclassified to common
stock at FVTPL and re-measured to fair value for a net realized gain of $334.5.

Net equity exposure and financial effects: During  2018  the  company’s  net  equity  exposure  (long  equity
exposures net of short equity exposures) produced net gains of $393.7 (2017 – $649.1). Net gains on long equity
exposures of $431.9 in 2018 was primarily comprised of a net realized gain recorded on the re-measurement of Quess
upon its deconsolidation ($889.9), net gains on equity warrant forward contracts ($113.9) and a net realized gain on
the disposition of Arbor Memorial ($111.8), partially offset by net losses on common stocks ($386.2) and convertible
bonds ($171.3).

The  company’s  short  equity  exposures  produced  net  losses  in  2018  of  $38.2  (2017 – $417.9).  During  2018  the
company closed out $565.8 notional amount of short equity and equity index total return swaps and recognized net
losses  on  investments  of  $11.4  (inception-to-date  realized  losses  of  $248.2  of  which  $236.8  was  recognized  as
unrealized losses in prior years). During 2017 the company closed out $1,202.9 notional amount of short equity total
return  swaps  and  recognized  net  losses  on  investments  of  $237.9  (inception-to-date  realized  losses  of  $553.1  of
which $315.2 was recognized as unrealized losses in prior years).

Bonds: Net losses on bonds in 2018 of $38.4 (2017 – net gains on bonds of $44.9) were primarily comprised of net
losses on U.S. state and municipal bonds ($40.5) and U.S. treasury bonds ($38.6), partially offset by net gains on
corporate and other bonds ($43.8).

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. During 2018 the company recorded net unrealized losses
of $6.7 (2017 – $71.0) on its CPI-linked derivative contracts and did not enter into any new contracts. Refer to note 7
(Short Sales and Derivatives) under the heading ‘‘CPI-linked derivatives’’ in the company’s consolidated financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2018 for further details.

Foreign currency: Net losses on foreign currency in 2018 of $131.8 (2017 – net gains on foreign currency of $2.8)
primarily reflected foreign currency net losses on investing activities of $171.3 (principally related to investments
denominated in the euro and Indian rupee, both of which weakened against the U.S. dollar), partially offset by
foreign currency net gains on underwriting activities of $31.6.

Net gains (losses) on investments by reporting segment: Net gains (losses) on investments by reporting
segment in 2018 and 2017 were comprised as shown in the following tables:

Year ended December 31, 2018

Long equity exposures(1)

Short equity exposures

Bonds

U.S treasury bond forwards

CPI-linked derivatives

Foreign currency

Other

Insurance and Reinsurance

Odyssey Crum &

Zenith

Allied Fairfax

Operating

Corporate
and

Northbridge Group Forster National Brit World

Asia Other companies Run-off Other

Other Consolidated

(27.5)

(144.0)

0.2

(8.7)

0.5

(2.8)

(3.3)

(14.0)

(8.3)

(0.9)

6.7

2.9

35.5

(3.3)

(93.2)

(14.8)

(48.8)

28.2

(0.3)

(9.2)

(6.1)

(43.2) (60.9)

(5.2)

(16.8)

27.5

(363.3)

(83.4) 908.4

–

(8.7)

3.3

(0.4)

–

4.7

0.3

1.2

–

–

(25.0)

(10.8)

–

–

–

–

(2.0)

(6.0)

0.2

(1.5)

(6.2) (13.0)

(23.4)

(44.6)

19.4

(2.4)

4.6

(13.3)

0.5

8.2

(24.9)

(2.5)

–

(104.2)

(15.1)

84.5

39.2

(0.9)

(44.8)

(25.8)

7.2

0.1

–

–

(12.9)

(90.6)

(1.0)

(1.9)

(29.8)

(10.8)

(3.6)

0.3

(5.9)

16.5

18.1

431.9

(38.2)

(38.4)

46.7

(6.7)

(131.8)

(10.6)

Net gains (losses) on investments

(55.6)

(111.4)

(144.2)

(57.6) (63.1)

(66.9)

(71.7)

45.8

(524.7)

(107.6) 900.4

(15.2)

252.9

178

Year ended December 31, 2017

Insurance and Reinsurance

Northbridge Group Forster National Brit World(2)

Asia Other companies Run-off Other

Odyssey Crum &

Zenith

Allied Fairfax

Operating

Corporate
and

Other Consolidated

Long equity exposures

Short equity exposures

Bonds

U.S treasury bond forwards

CPI-linked derivatives

Foreign currency
Other(3)

114.4

362.0

119.1

24.6 80.9

130.5

80.8

912.9

129.9

23.6

0.6

(35.7)

(21.9)

(2.3)

(5.5)

(5.9)

1.7

(46.2)

(13.5)

(29.0)

(22.2)

0.1

1.9

(114.5)

102.6

(84.0)

(5.0)

9.6

0.1

–

–

–

5.1 (10.4)

(35.5)

11.9

(8.5)

(1.2)

(5.5)

(7.6)

10.3 15.5

0.6

1.8

–

–

–

–

10.1

10.7

(1.7)

930.8

(8.3)

6.9

(2.4)

(17.3)

2.8

7.0

(204.7)

(35.1)

–

(178.1)

45.2

(127.4)

(63.1)

53.2

942.2

8.0

(2.5)

(23.5)

(1.9)

–

–

(4.1)

(13.4)

–

(0.5)

(5.8)

(2.3)

(6.0)

(32.9)

53.2

0.6

–

1,067.0

(417.9)

44.9

(153.2)

(71.0)

2.8

994.9

Net gains (losses) on investments

44.8

253.1

27.9

26.6 79.0

(26.5) 1,083.9

69.5

1,558.3

73.3

7.2

(171.3)

1,467.5

(1)
(2)
(3)

Includes a net realized gain of $889.9 related to the deconsolidation of Quess in the Other reporting segment.
Allied World is included in the company’s consolidated financial reporting with effect from July 6, 2017.
Includes net realized gains of $930.1 on partial disposition and re-measurement of the company’s investment in ICICI Lombard at Fairfax Asia.

Total Return on the Investment Portfolio

The following table presents the performance of the investment portfolio since the company’s inception in 1985. For
the years 1986 to 2006, the calculation of total return on average investments included 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  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 2018 includes 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 amounts described above are included on a pre-tax basis in the calculation of total return on average
investments.

179

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Average
investments
at carrying
value(2)

Interest
and
dividends

Net Change in
realized unrealized
gains
(losses)

gains
(losses)

Net gains (losses)
recorded in:

Net

Other
earnings comprehensive
income (loss)

(loss)(3)

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
33,843.1
39,048.0

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
559.0
783.5

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(4)

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

(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)

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
– 1,639.5
– 2,718.6
904.3(4)
–
28.7
–
737.7
–
–
639.4
– (1,579.8)
– 1,682.7
–
(341.3)
– (1,223.3)
– 1,542.4(5)
–

221.3

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
304.5
(426.7)
1,076.7
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Change in
unrealized
gains
(losses) on
investments
in associates(6)

Total return
on average
investments(6)

(%)

3.9
7.2

–
8.4
–
8.9
–
23.5 22.9
–
18.3 16.3
–
(8.8) (4.4)
–
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
–
539.7
9.1
(274.9) (2.7)
–
– 1,377.2 12.2
–
7.3
751.9
– 1,164.3 11.2
– 1,300.4 11.3
6.5
841.8
–
6.5
–
924.8
– 1,288.1
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
98.2
838.4
6.4
78.5 1,521.5
79.6 1,128.3
4.5
(44.6) (1,247.5) (4.9)
8.4
70.3 2,156.8
191.8
20.9
0.7
(508.0) (1.8)
160.1
7.2
339.2 2,440.6
1.0
391.9
(612.9)

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
2017
2018

Cumulative from inception

11,788.5

3,887.8

6,970.2

8.0(7)

(1)

IFRS basis for 2010 to 2018; 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 foreign currency net gains (losses) recognized on the company’s underwriting activities since 2008.

(4) Excludes gains on the company’s secondary offerings of certain insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries (2004 – $40.1;
2006 – $69.7), losses on repurchase of long term debt at premiums to par (2004 – $27.0; 2006 – $15.7) and other gains
and losses arising on transactions involving the common and preferred shares of consolidated insurance and reinsurance
subsidiaries (2006 – $8.1 loss; 2009 – $25.9 gain).

(5) Excludes the $1,018.6 gain on the company’s sale of First Capital during 2017.

(6) 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.

(7) Simple average of the total return on average investments for each of the 33 years.

180

Investment  gains  have  been  an  important  component  of  the  company’s  financial  results  since  1985,  having
contributed  an  aggregate  $11,916.7  (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 2018,
total return on average investments has averaged 8.0%.

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, 2018, 86.9% (December 31, 2017 – 72.2%) of the fixed income portfolio’s carrying value was rated
investment grade or better, with 63.5% (December 31, 2017 – 47.1%) 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, 2018 for a discussion of the
company’s exposure to the credit risk in its fixed income portfolio.

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 $274.3 and $541.1 respectively (2017 – $155.6 and $306.2).

The company’s exposure to interest rate risk increased during 2018 reflecting an increase in bond holdings, primarily
reflecting the reinvestment of cash and short term investments into short-dated U.S. treasury bonds, high quality
U.S.  corporate  bonds  and  Canadian  government  bonds  (net  purchases  of  $8,642.2,  $2,960.7  and  $928.6
respectively), partially offset by sales of U.S. state and municipal bonds (net proceeds of $2,050.5). To reduce its
exposure to interest rate risk (specifically exposure to U.S. state and municipal bonds and long dated U.S. treasury
bonds held in its fixed income portfolio), the company held forward contracts to sell long dated U.S. treasury bonds
with a notional amount of $471.9 as at December 31, 2018 (December 31, 2017 – $1,693.8). These contracts have an
average term to maturity of less than three months 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, 2018.

Common Stocks

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. The company’s equity and equity-
related exposure did not change significantly during 2018 compared to 2017.

The company’s risk management objective with respect to market price fluctuations places primary emphasis on the
preservation of invested capital. In the foreseeable future, the company does not expect to apply equity hedging
strategies and will remain focused on its long-term value-oriented investment philosophy, seeking investments that
are attractively priced, selling at a discount to intrinsic value and afford a margin of safety.

A hypothetical decrease in global equity markets of 5% and 10% at December 31, 2018 would potentially decrease
the company’s net earnings by $251.3 and $493.8 respectively (2017 – $238.5 and $475.0). 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, 2018.

181

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

The company’s holdings of common stocks and long equity total return swaps at December 31, 2018 and 2017 are
summarized by the issuer’s primary industry in the table below.

Financials and investment funds
Commercial and industrial
Consumer products and other

December 31, December 31,
2017(1)
4,171.6
1,356.1
748.2

2018(1)
4,120.9
966.6
451.0

5,538.5

6,275.9

(1) Excludes  other  funds  that  are  invested  principally  in  fixed  income  securities  of  $150.3  at  December  31,  2018

(December 31, 2017 – $90.9).

The company’s holdings of common stocks and long equity total return swaps at December 31, 2018 and 2017 are
summarized by the issuer’s country of domicile in the table below.

United States
Canada
India
Netherlands
Egypt
Greece
Singapore
China
Thailand
Hong Kong
Nigeria
United Kingdom
Italy
Brazil
Kuwait
Germany
All other

December 31, December 31,
2017(1)
2,078.2
1,060.7
621.2
355.8
367.1
434.1
122.9
214.3
111.0
115.2
78.4
94.3
29.1
38.4
47.7
29.5
478.0

2018(1)
1,466.7
978.9
677.8
509.4
351.1
244.4
178.6
154.8
97.3
95.6
79.0
70.8
52.6
46.5
30.8
28.6
475.6

5,538.5

6,275.9

(1) Excludes  other  funds  that  are  invested  principally  in  fixed  income  securities  of  $150.3  at  December  31,  2018

(December 31, 2017 – $90.9).

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 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
net derivative counterparty risk at December 31, 2018 was estimated to be $95.0 (December 31, 2017 – $66.2).

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,  2018  for  a
discussion and tabular analysis of the company’s exposure to derivative counterparty risk.

182

Float

The company’s float (a non-IFRS measure) is the sum of its loss reserves, including loss adjustment expense reserves,
unearned premiums 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
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  (benefit)  of  generating  that  float  for  Fairfax’s
insurance  and  reinsurance  operations.  The  average  float  from  those  operations  increased  by  16.8%  in  2018  to
$19,824.8, at no cost.

Year
1986
(cid:1)

2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
Weighted average since inception

Underwriting
profit (loss)(1)
2.5

Average
float
21.6

Cost (benefit)
of float
(11.6)%

11,707.4
552.0
12,634.9
704.5
575.9
13,748.6
(641.5) 16,977.9
19,824.8
318.3

(4.7)%
(5.6)%
(4.2)%
3.8%
(1.6)%
0.5%

Average long
term Canada
treasury
bond yield
9.6%

2.8%
2.2%
1.9%
2.3%
2.4%
3.6%

Fairfax’s weighted average net benefit of float since inception: 3.1%

(1)

IFRS basis for 2010 to 2018; Canadian GAAP basis for 2009 and prior. 

Total year-end float for the most recent five years was comprised as follows:

Insurance and Reinsurance

Year

2014
2015
2016
2017
2018

Northbridge(1)

Odyssey
Group(2)

Crum &
Zenith
Forster(3) National(4)

Brit(5)

Allied Fairfax
Asia(7)

World(6)

Other(8)

Operating
companies

Run-off(9)

Total

1,910.8
1,626.1
1,670.7
1,760.2
1,669.6

4,492.3
4,172.2
4,024.6
4,439.6
4,580.1

2,562.7 1,195.2
2,593.6 1,217.1
2,706.5 1,179.1
2,860.8 1,177.2
2,852.2 1,139.1

– 524.4
– 570.7
– 561.1

880.4 11,565.8 3,499.2 15,065.0
–
792.5 13,704.0 3,367.6 17,071.6
2,731.8
2,795.8
855.4 13,793.2 2,879.7 16,672.9
3,078.3 5,457.2 233.5 1,155.8 20,162.6 2,566.9 22,729.5
2,805.7 5,063.7 235.4 1,141.1 19,486.9 3,013.0 22,499.9

During 2018 the company’s total float decreased by $229.6 to $22,499.9. A comparison of 2018 to 2017 year-end
float for each of the insurance and reinsurance reporting segments is provided below.

(1) Northbridge’s float decreased by 5.1% primarily due to the effect of the strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the
Canadian dollar. In Canadian dollar terms, Northbridge’s float increased by 3.3% primarily due to increases in  loss
reserves and unearned premiums.

(2) Odyssey Group’s float increased by 3.2% primarily due to increases in loss reserves and unearned premiums, partially
offset  by  increases  in  insurance  balances  receivable  and  reinsurance  recoverables.  The  increases  in  loss  reserves  and
reinsurance recoverables were principally due to catastrophe losses in 2018. The increase in unearned premiums primarily
reflected higher business volumes.

(3) Crum & Forster’s float decreased by 0.3% primarily due to a decrease in loss reserves and an increase in reinsurance

recoverables, partially offset by an increase in unearned premiums that reflected higher business volumes.

(4) Zenith  National’s  float  decreased  by  3.2%  reflecting  decreases  in  loss  reserves  and  unearned  premiums  due  to  lower

business volumes, partially offset by a decrease in insurance balances receivable.

183

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

(5) Brit’s float decreased by 8.9% due to increases in reinsurance recoverables, insurance balances receivable and reinsurance
funds  withheld,  partially  offset  by  increases  in  loss  reserves  and  unearned  premiums.  The  increase  in  reinsurance
recoverables primarily reflected the intercompany Brit reinsurance transaction with Run-off (described in the Component
of Net Earnings section of this MD&A under the heading ‘‘Brit’’). Brit is included in the company’s consolidated financial
reporting with effect from June 5, 2015.

(6) Allied  World’s  float  decreased  by  7.2%  due  to  increases  in  insurance  balances  receivable,  reinsurance  recoverables,
reinsurance funds withheld and lower loss reserves, partially offset by higher unearned premiums. Allied World is included
in the company’s consolidated financial reporting with effect from July 6, 2017.

(7) Fairfax Asia’s float increased by 0.8% primarily due to an increase in loss reserves and a decrease in insurance balances

receivable, partially offset by an increase in reinsurance recoverables.

(8)

Insurance and Reinsurance – Other’s float decreased by 1.3% primarily due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative
to the Argentine peso, South African rand, Brazilian real and Polish zloty, and higher reinsurance recoverables, partially
offset by an increase in loss reserves and lower insurance balances receivable.

(9) Run-off’s float increased by 17.4% primarily due to higher loss reserves, partially offset by higher insurance balances
receivable relating to reinsurance transactions undertaken during the year. Higher loss reserves primarily reflected the
fourth quarter of 2018 reinsurance transactions (described in the Component of Net Earnings section of this MD&A under
the heading ‘‘Run-off’’).

Financial Condition

Capital Resources and Management

The company manages its capital based on the following financial measurements and ratios:

Consolidated
Holding company cash and investments (net of short sale

and derivative obligations)

1,550.6

2,356.9

1,329.4

1,275.9 1,212.7

December 31,

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

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

3,859.5
995.7
1,625.2

3,475.1
1,373.0
1,566.0

3,472.5
435.5
859.6

2,599.0 2,656.5
385.9
136.6

468.5
284.0

6,480.4

6,414.1

4,767.6

3,351.5 3,179.0

4,929.8

4,057.2

3,438.2

2,075.6 1,966.3

11,779.3 12,475.6
1,335.5
4,600.9

1,335.5
4,250.4

8,484.6
1,335.5
2,000.0

8,952.5 8,361.0
1,334.9 1,164.7
218.1
1,731.5

17,365.2 18,412.0 11,820.1 12,018.9 9,743.8

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)

28.4%
22.1%
27.2%
3.5x
3.0x

22.0%
18.1%
25.8%
7.1x
6.0x

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

17.3% 20.2%
14.7% 16.8%
21.8% 24.6%
12.3x
9.0x

3.9x
2.9x

184

Excluding consolidated non-insurance companies
Holding company cash and investments (net of short sale

and derivative obligations)

1,550.6

2,356.9

1,329.4

1,275.9 1,212.7

Borrowings – holding company
Borrowings – insurance and reinsurance companies

3,859.5
995.7

3,475.1
1,373.0

3,427.5
435.5

2,599.0 2,656.5
385.9

468.5

December 31,

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

Total debt

Net debt(1)

Common shareholders’ equity
Preferred stock
Non-controlling interests

Total equity

4,855.2

4,848.1

3,863.0

3,067.5 3,042.4

3,304.6

2,491.2

2,533.6

1,791.6 1,829.7

11,779.3 12,475.6
1,335.5
1,725.9

1,335.5
1,437.1

8,484.6
1,335.5
523.5

8,952.5 8,361.0
1,334.9 1,164.7
13.3

524.3

14,551.9 15,537.0 10,343.6 10,811.7 9,539.0

Net debt/total equity
Net debt/net total capital(2)
Total debt/total capital(3)
Interest coverage(4)(6)
Interest and preferred share dividend distribution coverage(5)(6)

22.7%
18.5%
25.0%
3.2x
2.6x

16.0%
13.8%
23.8%
8.0x
6.5x

24.5%
19.7%
27.2%
n/a
n/a

16.6% 19.2%
14.2% 16.1%
22.1% 24.2%
12.5x
8.9x

3.5x
2.6x

(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.

(6) Excludes earnings (loss) before income taxes, and interest expense, of consolidated non-insurance companies. The ratios
for the year ended December 31, 2018 include the non-cash gain of $889.9 from the deconsolidation of Quess.

The  company  has  used  substantially  all  of  the  net  proceeds  from  its  offerings  of  unsecured  senior  notes  on
December 4, 2017 (Cdn$650.0 principal amount), March 29, 2018 (A600.0 principal amount), April 17, 2018 ($600.0
principal amount) and May 18, 2018 (A150.0 principal amount) to retire long term debt, such that its next significant
debt maturity is not until 2021. Significant cash movements at the holding company during 2018 are as set out in the
Financial Condition section of this MD&A under the heading ‘‘Liquidity’’.

Borrowings – holding  company  increased  by  $384.4  to  $3,859.5  at  December  31,  2018  from  $3,475.1  at
December 31, 2017 primarily reflecting the issuance of A750.0 principal amount of 2.75% unsecured senior notes due
March 29, 2028 and $600.0 principal amount of 4.85% unsecured senior notes due April 17, 2028, partially offset by
the  redemption  of  $500.0  principal  amount  of  5.80%  senior  notes  due  May  15,  2021  and  $207.3  (Cdn$267.3)
principal amount of 7.25% senior notes due June 22, 2020, the repayment of $144.2 principal amount of 7.375%
senior  notes  on  maturity,  and  the  impact  of  foreign  currency  translation  on  the  company’s  Canadian  dollar
denominated long term debt.

Borrowings – insurance  and  reinsurance  companies  decreased  by  $377.3  to  $995.7  at  December  31,  2018  from
$1,373.0  at  December  31,  2017  primarily  reflecting  Allied World’s  redemption  of  its  remaining  $291.8  principal
amount of 5.50% senior notes due November 15, 2020 and Brit’s repayment of $45.0 on its revolving credit facility.

Borrowings – non-insurance  companies  increased  by  $59.2  to  $1,625.2  at  December  31,  2018  from  $1,566.0  at
December 31, 2017 primarily reflecting increased borrowings at Fairfax India (related to the replacement of its $400.0
one-year term loan due July 10, 2018 with a $550.0 one-year term loan due June 28, 2019) and Grivalia Properties
(funding  for  purchases  of  investment  property  and  a  capital  contribution  to  a  joint  arrangement),  and  the

185

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

consolidation of Toys ‘‘R’’ Us Canada’s borrowings, partially offset by the repayment of Fairfax Africa’s $150.0 term
loan due August 31, 2018 and the deconsolidation of Quess’ borrowings.

Common shareholders’ equity decreased from $12,475.6 at December 31, 2017 to $11,779.3 at December 31, 2018
primarily  reflecting  other  comprehensive  loss  ($310.5,  comprised  of  $235.6  related  to  net  unrealized  foreign
currency  translation  losses  on  foreign  operations  and  $84.8  related  to  the  share  of  other  comprehensive  loss  of
associates), the payment of dividends on the company’s common and preferred shares ($328.3), the purchase of
subordinate voting shares for use in share-based payment awards ($214.0) and for cancellation ($92.7) and other net
changes in capitalization ($192.3), partially offset by net earnings attributable to shareholders of Fairfax ($376.0). For
further details on other net changes in capitalization refer to note 16 (Total Equity) and note 23 (Acquisitions and
Divestitures) to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Non-controlling interests decreased to $4,250.4 at December 31, 2018 from $4,600.9 at December 31, 2017 primarily
reflecting net unrealized foreign currency translation losses ($202.2), dividends paid to non-controlling interests
($159.5) and other net changes in capitalization ($419.2), partially offset by the non-controlling interests’ share of
net earnings ($441.9, including the non-controlling interests’ 33.0% share of the non-cash re-measurement gain of
$889.9 related to the deconsolidation of Quess ($293.1)). For further details on other net changes in capitalization
refer to note 16 (Total Equity) and note 23 (Acquisitions and Divestitures) to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended December 31, 2018.

The changes in borrowings and common shareholders’ equity affected the company’s leverage ratios as follows: the
consolidated net debt/net total capital ratio increased from 18.1% at December 31, 2017 to 22.1% at December 31,
2018 primarily as a result of increased net debt and decreased net total capital. The increase in net debt was primarily
due  to  decreased  holding  company  cash  and  investments,  and  increased  total  debt  (due  to  increased  holding
company  and  non-insurance  companies’  borrowings,  partially  offset  by  decreased  insurance  and  reinsurance
companies’ borrowings). The decrease in net total capital was primarily due to decreased non-controlling interests
and common shareholders’ equity (as described in the preceding paragraphs), partially offset by increased net debt.
The consolidated total debt/total capital ratio increased from 25.8% at December 31, 2017 to 27.2% at December 31,
2018  primarily  as  a  result  of  decreased  total  capital  (reflecting  decreased  non-controlling  interests  and  common
shareholders’ equity).

The company believes that holding company cash and investments, net of short sale and derivative obligations, at
December  31,  2018  of  $1,550.6  (December  31,  2017 – $2,356.9)  provide  adequate  liquidity  to  meet  the  holding
company’s known commitments in 2019. 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 2019.

The  company’s  insurance  and  reinsurance  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 companies for the most recent five years in the following table:

Insurance and Reinsurance

Northbridge (Canada)
Odyssey Group (U.S.)
Crum & Forster (U.S.)
Zenith National (U.S.)
Brit(1)
Allied World(2)
Fairfax Asia(3)
Other(4)

Canadian insurance industry
U.S. insurance industry

Net premiums written to statutory
surplus (total equity)

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

1.2
0.7
1.5
1.5
1.4
0.8
0.4
1.1
1.1
0.8

1.0
0.6
1.4
1.5
1.4
0.9
0.4
0.8
1.1
0.7

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

(1) The  2015  ratio  presented  for  Brit  includes  net  premiums  written  by  Brit  prior  its  acquisition  by  the  company  on

June 5, 2015.

186

(2) The  2018  and  2017  ratios  presented  for  Allied  World  include  its  U.S. GAAP  equity  of  $2,817.3  and  $2,523.8  at
December 31, 2018 and 2017 respectively. The 2017 ratio presented for Allied World includes net premiums written by
Allied World prior to its acquisition by the company on July 6, 2017.

(3) Total equity excludes certain holding company investments.

(4) Other includes Group Re, Bryte Insurance, Advent, Fairfax Latin America (Fairfax Brasil and Fairfax Latam) and Fairfax

CEE (Colonnade Insurance and Polish Re).

In  the  U.S.,  the  National  Association  of  Insurance  Commissioners  (‘‘NAIC’’)  has  developed  a  model  law  and
risk-based capital (‘‘RBC’’) formula designed to help regulators identify property and casualty insurers that may be
inadequately capitalized. Under the NAIC’s requirements, an insurer must maintain total capital and surplus above a
calculated threshold or face varying levels of regulatory action. The threshold is based on a formula that attempts to
quantify  the  risk  of  a  company’s  insurance  and  reinsurance,  investment  and  other  business  activities.  At
December 31, 2018 Odyssey Group, Crum & Forster, Zenith National, Allied World and U.S. Run-off subsidiaries had
capital and surplus that met or exceeded the regulatory minimum requirement of two times the authorized control
level; each subsidiary had capital and surplus of at least 3.3 times (December 31, 2017 – 3.3 times) the authorized
control level, except for TIG Insurance which had 2.0 times (December 31, 2017 – 2.3 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, 2018 Northbridge’s subsidiaries had a weighted average MCT ratio of 198% of the minimum statutory
capital required, compared to 205% at December 31, 2017.

In Bermuda, insurance and reinsurance companies are regulated by the Bermuda Monetary Authority and are subject
to the statutory requirements of the Bermuda Insurance Act 1978. There is a requirement to hold available statutory
economic capital and surplus equal to or in excess of an enhanced capital and target capital level as determined
under  the  Bermuda  Solvency  Capital  Requirement  model.  The  target  capital  level  is  measured  as  120%  of  the
enhanced capital requirements. At December 31, 2018 Allied World was in compliance with Bermuda’s regulatory
requirements.

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, 2018 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  $1,409.8  (December  31,  2017 – $1,468.5).  This  represented  a  surplus  of  $328.7  (December  31,
2017 – $395.1)  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, 2017 – $200.0).

In countries other than the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Bermuda where the company operates, the company met or
exceeded the applicable regulatory capital requirements at December 31, 2018.

187

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

The  issuer  credit  ratings  and  financial  strength  ratings  of  Fairfax  and  its  insurance  and  reinsurance  operating
companies at December 31, 2018 were as follows:

Issuer Credit Ratings

Standard

A.M. Best

& Poor’s Moody’s

Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited

bbb

BBB-

Baa3

Financial Strength Ratings
Crum & Forster Holdings Corp.(1)
Zenith National Insurance Corp.(1)
Odyssey Group Holdings, Inc.(1)
Brit Limited(2)
Northbridge General Insurance Corp.
Federated Insurance Company of Canada
Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, GmbH(1)
Wentworth Insurance Company Ltd.
Falcon Insurance Company (Hong Kong) Limited
Polish Re
Colonnade Insurance S.A.

A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
–
A-
A-

A-
A-
A-
A+
A-
A-
A-
–
A-
–
–

Baa1
Baa1
A3
–
A3
–
A3
–
–
–
–

DBRS

BBB
(high)

–
–
–
–
A
A
–
–
–
–
–

(1) Financial strength ratings apply to the operating companies.

(2) Brit’s ratings are the A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s ratings assigned to Lloyd’s.

There were no changes in the issuer credit ratings and financial strength ratings of Fairfax and its insurance and
reinsurance operating companies at December 31, 2018 compared to December 31, 2017.

Book Value Per Share

Common  shareholders’  equity  at  December  31,  2018  of  $11,779.3  or  $432.46  per  basic  share  (excluding  the
unrecorded  $48.3  pre-tax  excess  of  fair  value  over  the  carrying  value  of  investments  in  associates  and  certain
consolidated  non-insurance  subsidiaries)  compared  to  $12,475.6  or  $449.55  per  basic  share  (excluding  the
unrecorded $1,233.0 pre-tax excess of fair value over the carrying value of investments in associates and certain
consolidated non-insurance subsidiaries) at December 31, 2017, representing a decrease per basic share in 2018 of
3.8% (without adjustment for the $10.00 per common share dividend paid in the first quarter of 2018; the decrease
would be 1.5% adjusted to include that dividend). The decrease in common shareholders’ equity per basic share was
primarily due to unrealized foreign currency translation losses on foreign operations resulting from strengthening of
the U.S. dollar relative to the Indian rupee, Canadian dollar and British pound sterling during 2018. During 2018 the
number of basic shares decreased primarily as a result of net purchases of 325,650 subordinate voting shares for
treasury (for use in the company’s share-based payment awards) and purchases of 187,476 subordinate voting shares
for cancellation. At December 31, 2018 there were 27,237,947 common shares effectively outstanding.

The company has issued and purchased common shares in the most recent five years as follows:

Year
2014 – purchase of shares
2015 – issuance of shares
2016 – issuance of shares
2016 – purchase of shares
2017 – issuance of shares
2017 – purchase of shares
2018 – purchase of shares

Number of
subordinate
voting shares
(8)
1,169,294
1,000,000
(30,732)
5,084,961
(184,367)
(187,476)

Average
issue/purchase
price per share
430.98
502.01
523.50
458.81
431.94
521.79
494.46

Net proceeds/
(purchase cost)
–
587.0
523.5
(14.1)
2,196.4
(96.2)
(92.7)

188

On September 28, 2018 the company commenced its normal course issuer bid by which it is authorized, until expiry
of the bid on September 27, 2019, to acquire up to 2,612,802 subordinate voting shares, 601,588 Series C preferred
shares,  398,361  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 10% 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 purchases 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 common share issuances in 2015 and 2016 were pursuant to public offerings. During 2014 the
company purchased 8 subordinate voting shares for cancellation from former employees. During 2016, 2017 and
2018 the company purchased 30,732, 184,367 and 187,476 subordinate voting shares respectively for cancellation
under the terms of its normal course issuer bids.

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 pre-tax excess (deficiency) of fair value over carrying value of investments in associates
and  certain  consolidated  non-insurance  subsidiaries  the  company  considers  to  be  portfolio  investments.  The
aggregate pre-tax excess of fair value over carrying value of these investments is not included in the calculation of
book value per share.

December 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

Insurance and reinsurance associates
Non-insurance associates(2)
Recipe(3)
Grivalia Properties
Thomas Cook India(3)
Fairfax India
Fairfax Africa

value
700.7
1,834.4
508.5
486.9
826.6
658.4
293.3

554.0
1,801.8
555.8
523.8
946.4
520.7
358.0

Excess
(deficiency) of
Fair Carrying fair value over
value(1) carrying value
146.7

Excess
(deficiency) of
Fair Carrying fair value over
value(1) carrying value
72.1
265.2
(33.2)
(4.6)
546.9
218.0
168.6

711.0
1,713.1
519.5
573.2
449.7
448.4
291.6

value
783.1
32.6 1,978.3
486.3
(47.3)
568.6
(36.9)
996.6
(119.8)
666.4
137.7
460.2
(64.7)

5,308.8

5,260.5

48.3 5,939.5

4,706.5

1,233.0

(1) The carrying values of Recipe, Grivalia Properties, Thomas Cook India, Fairfax India and Fairfax Africa represent their

approximate carrying values under the equity method of accounting.

(2) Excludes investments in associates held by Grivalia Properties, Thomas Cook India, Fairfax India and Fairfax Africa.

(3)

Impairment tests for goodwill and intangible assets not subject to amortization were completed in 2018 and 2017 and it
was concluded that no significant impairments had occurred.

189

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Liquidity

Holding  company  cash  and  investments  at  December  31,  2018  was  $1,557.2  ($1,550.6  net  of  $6.6  of  holding
company short sale and derivative obligations) compared to $2,368.4 at December 31, 2017 ($2,356.9 net of $11.5 of
holding company short sale and derivative obligations).

Significant cash and investment inflows at the holding company during 2018 included the following: net proceeds
of $896.5 from the issuance of A750.0 principal amount of 2.75% unsecured senior notes due March 29, 2028 and
$594.2 from the issuance of $600.0 principal amount of 4.85% unsecured senior notes due April 17, 2028, dividends
received from Odyssey Group ($100.0), Zenith National ($75.3), Northbridge ($54.0) and Wentworth ($50.0), and
collection of the remaining proceeds from the sale of First Capital ($83.3).

Significant cash and investment outflows at the holding company during 2018 included the following: redemptions
of $500.0 principal amount of 5.80% senior notes due May 15, 2021 and $207.3 (Cdn$267.3) principal amount of
7.25% senior notes due June 22, 2020, capital contributions to Brit of $436.4 (comprised of funding of $251.8 for the
purchase of an 11.2% ownership interest from its minority shareholder OMERS, $58.6 for dividends to OMERS and
$126.0 to support Brit’s 2019 underwriting plans), Allied World of $325.5 (primarily to fund the redemption of Allied
World’s 5.50% senior notes due November 15, 2020) and Run-off of $136.3, the payment of $328.3 of common and
preferred share dividends, the repayment of $144.2 principal amount of 7.375% senior notes on maturity and the
purchase price paid to acquire Dexterra.

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
interest paid on long term debt. The carrying value of holding company cash and investments will vary with changes
in the fair values of those investments (including derivative contracts that may have collateral and cash settlement
requirements).

The  company  believes  that  holding  company  cash  and  investments,  net  of  holding  company  short  sale  and
derivative obligations at December 31, 2018 of $1,550.6 provides adequate liquidity to meet the holding company’s
known commitments in 2019. 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 $2.0 billion unsecured revolving credit facility (for further details related to the
revolving credit facility, refer to note 15 (Borrowings) to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended
December 31, 2018).

The  holding  company’s  known  significant  commitments  for  2019  consist  of  payment  of  a  $278.0  dividend  on
common  shares  ($10.00  per  common  share,  paid  in  January  2019),  interest  and  corporate  overhead  expenses,
preferred share dividends, income tax payments and potential cash outflows related to derivative contracts.

During 2018 subsidiary cash and short term investments (including cash and short term investments pledged for
short sale and derivative obligations) decreased by $10,910.1 primarily reflecting the reinvestment of cash and short
term investments into short-dated U.S. treasury bonds, Canadian government bonds and high quality U.S. corporate
bonds, partially offset by proceeds from net sales of U.S. state and municipal bonds

The insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries may experience cash inflows or outflows on occasion related to their
derivative contracts, including collateral requirements. During 2018 the insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries paid
net cash of $61.8 (2017 – $285.0) in connection with long and short equity and equity index total return swaps
(excluding the impact of collateral requirements).

The  non-insurance  companies  have  principal  repayments  coming  due  in  2019  of  $1,026.2  primarily  related  to
Fairfax India and Recipe term loans. Borrowings of the non-insurance companies are non-recourse to the holding
company and are generally expected to be settled through a combination of refinancing and operating cash flows.

190

The following table presents major components of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017:

Operating activities

Cash provided by operating activities before the undernoted
Net sales (purchases) of investments classified at FVTPL

Investing activities

Purchases of investments in associates
Sales of investments in associates
Purchases of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired
Sale of subsidiary, net of cash divested
Deconsolidation of subsidiary
Net purchases of premises and equipment and intangible assets
Net purchases of investment property

Financing activities

2018

2017

825.0
(2,749.3)

22.2
2,712.0

(535.8)
444.8
(163.1)
71.4
(67.7)
(236.5)
(141.7)

(1,026.5)
1,014.9
(1,107.7)
640.4
–
(337.2)
(111.6)

Borrowings – holding company and insurance and reinsurance companies
Repayments – holding company and insurance and reinsurance companies
Net repayments – holding company revolving credit facility
Net borrowings (repayments) – insurance and reinsurance companies’ revolving credit

1,490.7
(1,246.5)
–

facilities

Borrowings – non-insurance companies
Repayments – non-insurance companies
Net borrowings – non-insurance companies’ revolving credit facilities and short term

loans

Increase (decrease) in restricted cash related to financing activities
Purchases of subordinate voting shares for treasury
Purchases of subordinate voting shares for cancellation
Issuances of subsidiary common shares to non-controlling interests
Purchases of subsidiary common shares from non-controlling interests
Sales of subsidiary common shares to non-controlling interests
Common and preferred share dividends paid
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

(42.2)
664.0
(660.6)

41.4
150.5
(214.0)
(92.7)
103.1
(382.0)
–
(328.3)
(159.5)

532.0
(483.7)
(200.0)

45.0
500.6
(268.7)

193.7
(150.8)
(140.5)
(96.2)
2,223.2
(140.3)
96.8
(282.0)
(67.5)

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents during the year

(3,229.0)

3,568.1

Cash provided by operating activities (excluding net purchases of investments classified at FVTPL) increased from
$22.2  in  2017  to  $825.0  in  2018,  principally  reflecting  higher  net  premium  collections  and  higher  interest  and
dividends  received,  partially  offset  by  higher  net  paid  losses  and  higher  income  taxes  paid.  Refer  to  note  27
(Supplementary Cash Flow Information) to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31,
2018 for details of net purchases of securities classified at FVTPL.

Purchases of investments in associates of $535.8 in 2018 primarily reflected investments in Seaspan (21.8%) and CS
Bank (36.4% by Fairfax India), additional investments in Bangalore Airport (Fairfax India’s ownership increased by
6.0%),  Thai  Re  (ownership  increased  by  12.2%)  and  AFGRI  (to  maintain  Fairfax  Africa’s  ownership  at  60.0%).
Purchases  of  investments  in  associates  of  $1,026.5  in  2017  primarily  reflected  investments  in  Astarta  (28.1%),
Farmers  Edge  (46.1%),  Sigma  (81.2%),  Bangalore  Airport  (48.0%  by  Fairfax  India),  Atlas  Mara  (43.3%  by  Fairfax
Africa) and the purchase of an additional indirect interest in APR Energy (ownership increased by 22.9%). Sales of
investments in associates of $444.8 in 2018 primarily reflected cash proceeds received from sales of the company’s
ownership  in  Arbor  Memorial  ($103.1)  and  an  insurance  brokerage  ($58.8),  and  distributions  received  from  the
company’s  insurance  and  non-insurance  associates  and  joint  arrangements  (inclusive  of  net  cash  distributions
received from the liquidation of three KWF LPs). Sales of investments in associates of $1,014.9 in 2017 primarily
reflected  net  proceeds  received  on  the  sale  of  a  24.3%  ownership  in  ICICI  Lombard  ($908.5)  and  distributions
received from the company’s insurance and non-insurance associates and joint arrangements.

191

FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

Purchases of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired of $163.1 in 2018 primarily related to the acquisitions of Dexterra
(100%) and Toys ‘‘R’’ Us Canada (100%). Purchases of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired of $1,107.7 in 2017 primarily
related to the acquisitions of Allied World and Fairfax Latam (100%), an additional investment in Grivalia Properties
(ownership  increased  by 10.3%),  and  the  acquisition  of  Saurashtra  Freight  (51.0%,  by  Fairfax  India).  Sale  of
subsidiary,  net  of  cash  divested  in  2017  related  to  the  divestiture  of  the  company’s  97.7%  equity  interest  in
First Capital.

Borrowings – holding company and insurance and reinsurance companies of $1,490.7 in 2018 primarily reflected
net proceeds from offerings of A750.0 principal amount of 2.75% unsecured senior notes due March 29, 2028 and
$600.0 principal amount of 4.85% unsecured senior notes due April 17, 2028. Borrowings – holding company and
insurance  and  reinsurance  companies  of  $532.0  in  2017  primarily  reflected  net  proceeds  from  the  issuance  of
Cdn$650.0  principal  amount  of  4.25%  unsecured  senior  notes  due  December  6,  2027.  Repayments – holding
company  and  insurance  and  reinsurance  companies  of  $1,246.5  in  2018  primarily  reflected  the  company’s
redemption  of  its  $500.0  principal  amount  of  5.80%  senior  notes  due  May  15,  2021  and  the  remaining  $207.3
(Cdn$267.3) principal amount of 7.25% senior notes due June 22, 2020, Allied World’s redemption of its remaining
$291.8 principal amount of senior notes due November 15, 2020, the company’s repayment of $144.2 principal
amount of its 7.375% senior notes on maturity, and the repurchases of $20.6 principal amount of senior notes due
2022  and  2024.  Repayments – holding  company  and  insurance  and  reinsurance  companies  of  $483.7  in  2017
primarily reflected the early redemption of Cdn$388.4 principal amount of 7.5% unsecured senior notes due 2019
and the repayment of $124.9 principal amount of purchase consideration payable upon maturity.

Borrowings – non-insurance companies of $664.0 in 2018 primarily reflected the net proceeds received from Fairfax
India’s $550.0 one-year floating rate term loan due June 28, 2019. Borrowings – non-insurance companies of $500.6
in  2017  primarily  reflected  net  proceeds  from  Fairfax  India’s  term  loan  ($400.0).  Repayments – non-insurance
companies of $660.6 in 2018 primarily reflected Fairfax India’s repayment of its $400.0 one-year floating rate term
loan due July 10, 2018 and Toys ‘‘R’’ Us Canada’s repayment of its $195.9 (Cdn$254.2) principal amount of debtor in
possession financing. Repayments – non-insurance companies of $268.7 in 2017 primarily reflected Fairfax India’s
repayment of a previous term loan ($225.0).

Net  borrowings – non-insurance  companies’  revolving  credit  facilities  and  short  term  loans  of  $41.4  in  2018
primarily reflected borrowings by Toys ‘‘R’’ Us Canada and Quess (prior to its deconsolidation), partially offset by
Fairfax Africa’s repayment of its term loan ($150.0). Net borrowings – non-insurance companies’ revolving credit
facilities and short term loans of $193.7 in 2017 primarily reflected proceeds from Fairfax Africa’s term loan ($150.0)
that required cash collateral of $150.0 (included in restricted cash related to financing activities).

Purchases of subordinate voting shares for treasury in 2018 of $214.0 (2017 – $140.5) were for the company’s share-
based  payment  awards.  Issuance  of  subsidiary  common  shares  to  non-controlling  interests  of  $103.1  in  2018
primarily  reflected  Fairfax  Africa’s  secondary  public  offering.  Issuance  of  subsidiary  common  shares  to
non-controlling interests of $2,223.2 in 2017 primarily reflected the acquisition of an indirect equity interest in
Allied World by certain co-investors, public offerings by Fairfax Africa and Fairfax India and the issuance of common
shares by Quess.

Purchases of subsidiary common shares from non-controlling interests of $382.0 in 2018 primarily reflected Brit’s
purchase of its common shares from its minority shareholder (OMERS), Recipe’s (formerly Cara’s) acquisition of the
non-controlling  interests  in  The  Keg,  and  open  market  purchases  of  Fairfax  Africa  subordinate  voting  shares.
Purchases of subsidiary common shares from non-controlling interests of $140.3 in 2017 primarily reflected Mosaic
Capital’s redemption of certain of its preferred shares and other equity instruments. Sales of subsidiary common
shares to non-controlling interests of $96.8 in 2017 reflected Thomas Cook India’s sale of a 5.4% equity interest
in Quess.

192

Contractual Obligations

The following table sets out the expected payment schedule of the company’s significant contractual obligations as
at December 31, 2018:

Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses
Borrowings – holding company and insurance and

reinsurance companies:
Principal
Interest

Borrowings – non-insurance companies:

Principal
Interest

Operating leases

Less than
1 year
7,814.3

1-3 years
8,292.1

3-5 years
4,578.1

More than
5 years
8,397.2

Total
29,081.7

8.2
231.2

1,026.2
59.4
287.8

380.2
451.4

356.0
43.7
487.5

620.0
391.4

157.9
22.1
329.7

3,868.3
783.2

4,876.7
1,857.2

89.6
63.5
538.7

1,629.7
188.7
1,643.7

9,427.1

10,010.9

6,099.2

13,740.5

39,277.7

For further details on the company’s operating leases and the maturity profile of its financial liabilities, please see
note 22  (Operating  Leases)  and  note 24  (Financial  Risk  Management,  under  the  heading  ‘‘Liquidity  Risk’’)
respectively to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018.

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, 2018.

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, 2018, 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, 2018, 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  (‘‘IFRS’’)  as  issued  by  the
International Accounting Standards Board (‘‘IASB’’). 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 IFRS as issued
by  the  IASB,  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.

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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, 2018. 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). Based on this assessment, the company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded
that, as of December 31, 2018, 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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the effectiveness of the company’s internal
control  over  financial  reporting  as  of  December  31,  2018  has  been  audited  by  PricewaterhouseCoopers  LLP,  an
independent registered public accounting firm, 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, 2018.

Significant Accounting Policy Changes

For a detailed description of the company’s accounting policies and changes thereto during 2018, please see note 3
(Summary  of  Significant  Accounting  Policies)  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements  for  the  year  ended
December 31, 2018.

Future Accounting Changes

Certain new IFRS standards 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 three
years as 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
described in note 3 (Summary of Significant Accounting Policies) to the consolidated financial statements for the
year ended December 31, 2018.

IFRS 16 Leases (‘‘IFRS 16’’)

In January 2016 the IASB issued IFRS 16 which eliminates the distinction between finance and operating leases for
lessees and will result in almost all leases being recognized on the balance sheet. With limited exceptions, a lessee 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 a choice of modified retrospective or full
retrospective application.

During  2017  the  company  developed  an  implementation  plan  for  IFRS  16  and  had  its  operating  companies
undertake  a  detailed  inventory  of  leases  to  determine  the  characteristics  of  their  leases  and  the  completeness  of
historic lease data required for IFRS 16 transition calculations. During 2018 the company continued to work towards
the adoption of IFRS 16, and expects to apply the modified retrospective approach under IFRS 16 and recognize lease
liabilities, right of use assets and finance lease receivables of approximately $1.4 billion, $1.0 billion and $0.4 billion
respectively on initial application at January 1, 2019. Interest expense is expected to increase by approximately $63
in 2019 as a result of applying the effective interest method to lease liabilities under IFRS 16.

The company expects to apply certain of the practical expedients available on transition including carrying forward
the definition of a lease and applying IFRS 16 to all contracts entered into prior to January 1, 2019 and identified as
leases  in  accordance  with  IAS  17  Leases  and  IFRIC  4  Determining  Whether  an  Arrangement  Contains  a  Lease.
Comparative information will not be restated and the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard, being any
difference between the lease liabilities and the aggregate of the right of use assets and finance lease receivables, will be
recorded as an adjustment to opening equity.

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IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts (‘‘IFRS 17’’)

In  May  2017  the  IASB  issued  IFRS  17,  a  comprehensive  standard  that  provides  guidance  on  the  recognition,
measurement, presentation and disclosure of insurance contracts. IFRS 17 requires entities to measure insurance
contract liabilities at their current estimates of fulfillment cash flows using one of three approaches. The standard is
effective for the company on January 1, 2021 and must be applied retrospectively with restatement of comparatives
unless impracticable. In November 2018 the IASB tentatively deferred the effective date of IFRS 17 by one year. The
company will continue to monitor the IASB’s developments, particularly as new amendments are proposed.

The company is currently evaluating the impact of the new standard on its financial reporting and, potentially, its
operating activities. The new measurement model and its need for current estimates is expected to significantly
increase operational complexity compared to existing practice. The use of potentially different measurement models
depending  on  whether  a  group  of  insurance  contracts  is  eligible  for  the  premium  allocation  approach  presents
certain implementation challenges including the differing presentation requirements in the consolidated financial
statements. The company devoted significant effort during 2018 to the analysis of IFRS 17, including performing
impact  assessments  at  its  largest  insurance  and  reinsurance  companies,  conducting  education  workshops  in
numerous jurisdictions and exploring potential IT solutions. Further analysis will be undertaken in 2019, guided by
the findings from the impact assessments completed.

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,  2018  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  to  establish  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, 2018.

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, tornadoes,

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FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

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.
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, 2018.

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 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
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, 2018.

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 significantly reduce the amount of premiums the company writes and 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

196

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, 2018.

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.

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, 2018.

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 operations, financial positions and 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, 2018 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.

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. Third-party rating agencies assess and
rate the claims-paying ability of reinsurers and insurers based upon the criteria of such rating agencies. Periodically
the rating agencies evaluate the company’s insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries to confirm that they continue to
meet the criteria of the ratings previously assigned to them. 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

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FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

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.

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 company may periodically explore opportunities to make strategic investments in all or part of certain
businesses  or  companies.  Acquisitions  may  involve  a  number  of  special  risks,  including  failure  to  retain  key
personnel, unanticipated events or circumstances and legal liabilities, some or all of which could have a material
adverse effect on the company’s business, results of operations and financial position. The company cannot be sure
that any acquired businesses will achieve the anticipated revenues, income and synergies. Failure on the company’s
part to manage its acquisition strategy successfully could have a material adverse effect on its business, results of
operations and financial position. The company cannot be sure that it will be able to identify appropriate targets,
profitably manage additional businesses or successfully integrate any acquired business into its operations.

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.

Derivative Instruments

The  company  may  be  a  counterparty  to  various  derivative  instruments,  primarily  for  general  protection  against
declines in the fair value of its 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 and may vary dramatically up or down in short
periods, and their ultimate value will therefore only be known upon their disposition or settlement.

The company’s use of derivative instruments is governed by its investment policies and exposes the company to a
number  of  risks,  including  credit  risk,  interest  rate  risk,  liquidity  risk,  inflation  risk,  market  risk,  basis  risk  and
counterparty risk, although these risks are diminished because the company’s principal use of derivative instruments
is to hedge exposures to various risks. 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 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 an 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 its 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, 2018.

Economic Hedging Strategies

The company may use derivative instruments from time to time 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.
The company may choose 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, although the company
does not expect to undertake hedges of such  risks in the  foreseeable future. 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, 2018.

198

The company’s derivative instruments may expose it to basis risk. 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 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  its  economic  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, 2018.

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
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 would 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, 2018.

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’’. In addition, the company could be adversely affected by the growing trend of
plaintiffs  targeting  participants  in  the  property-liability  insurance  industry  in  purported  class  action  litigation
relating to claims handling and other practices.

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, 2018 and in the Asbestos, Pollution and Other Hazards section of this MD&A.

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FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

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 the countries where the company operates (principally the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom and
Bermuda)  (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, 2018 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 revolving credit facility discussed
in  note  15  (Borrowings)  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2018.  The
revolving 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 revolving 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  consolidated  shareholders’  equity  of  not  less  than
$9.5 billion. A failure to comply with the obligations and covenants under the revolving credit facility could result in
an event of default under such agreement which, if not cured or waived, could permit acceleration of indebtedness,
including other indebtedness of the holding company or its subsidiaries. If such indebtedness were to be accelerated,
there can be no assurance that the company’s 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, 2018 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
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.

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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.  As  a  result,  the  company’s  insurance
subsidiaries,  like  other  primary  insurance  companies,  increasingly  are  writing  insurance  policies  which  to  some
extent do not have the benefit of reinsurance protection. These gaps in reinsurance protection expose the company
to greater risk and greater potential losses.

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. More recently, there has been 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 prices decreasing for most lines of business. However, significant hurricane and typhoon loss
activity in 2017 and 2018 may again result in higher costs for reinsurance protection going forward, especially on
loss affected business. Each of the company’s subsidiaries continue to evaluate the relative costs and benefits  of
accepting  more  risk  on  a  net  basis,  reducing  exposure  on  a  direct  basis,  and  paying  additional  premiums  for
reinsurance.

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  is  discussed  in  note  24  (Financial  Risk  Management)  under  the
heading of ‘‘Capital Management’’ in the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018
and in the ‘‘Capital Resources and Management’’ section of this MD&A.

Economic Sanctions and Foreign Corrupt Practices

The company must comply with all applicable economic sanctions and anti-bribery laws and regulations, including
those  of  Canada,  the  U.S.,  the  United  Kingdom,  the  European  Union  and  other  foreign  jurisdictions  where  it
operates.  U.S.  laws  and  regulations  applicable  to  the  company  include  the  economic  trade  sanctions  laws  and
regulations administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, as well as certain
laws administered by the U.S. Department of State. In addition, the company’s business is subject to the Foreign
Corrupt Practices Act and other anti-bribery laws such as the U.K. Bribery Act that generally bar corrupt payments or
unreasonable gifts to foreign governments or officials. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations could
expose the company to civil penalties, criminal penalties and other sanctions, including fines or other punitive
actions. In addition, such violations could damage the company’s business and/or reputation and therefore have a
material adverse effect on the company’s financial condition and results of operations. The company believes that its

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commitment to honesty and integrity, set out in its Guiding Principles and regularly communicated, and that the
large number of its executives and employees who have served the company for a long time, significantly enhance
the likelihood that it will comply with those laws and regulations. More specifically, the company has policies and
controls  in  place  that  are  designed  to  ensure  compliance  with  these  laws  and  regulations,  including  policies
distributed annually to employees, controls and oversight at individual operating companies and company wide,
and whistleblower programs that are monitored by senior management and the Board of Directors.

Information Requests or Proceedings by Government Authorities

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. The
company sometimes receives inquiries and informational requests from insurance regulators in the jurisdictions in
which its insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries operate. From time to time, consumer advocacy groups or the media
also focus attention on certain insurance industry practices. The company cannot predict at this time the effect that
investigations, litigation and regulatory activity or negative publicity from consumers or the media will have on the
insurance or reinsurance industry or its business, or whether activities or practices currently thought to be lawful will
be  characterized  in  the  future  as  unlawful  or  will  become  subject  to  negative  scrutiny  from  consumer  advocacy
groups or the media. The company’s involvement in any investigations and related lawsuits would cause it to incur
legal costs and, if the company were found to have violated any laws, could be required to pay fines and damages,
perhaps  in  material  amounts.  In  addition,  the  company  could  be  materially  adversely  affected  by  the  negative
publicity for the insurance industry related to any such proceedings, and by any new industry-wide regulations or
practices  that  may  result  from  such  proceedings  or  publicity.  It  is  possible  that  future  investigations  or  related
regulatory developments will mandate changes in industry practices in a fashion that increases the company’s costs
of doing business or requires the company to alter aspects of the manner in which it conducts its business. 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 including,
but  not  limited  to:  disputes  over  coverage  or  claims  adjudication;  disputes  regarding  sales  practices,  disclosures,
premium  refunds,  licensing,  regulatory  compliance  and  compensation  arrangements;  disputes  with  its  agents,
brokers or network providers over compensation and termination of contracts and related claims; regulatory actions
relating to consumer pressure in relation to benefits realized by insurers; disputes with taxing authorities regarding
its tax liabilities and tax assets; regulatory proceedings and litigation related to acquisitions or divestitures made or
proposed by the company or its subsidiaries or in connection with subsidiaries in which the company holds an
investment; and disputes relating to certain businesses acquired or disposed of by the company. The existence of
such claims against the company or its affiliates, directors or officers could have various adverse effects, including
negative publicity and 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, 2018.

Technology Infrastructure

The company’s business is highly dependent upon the successful and uninterrupted functioning of its computer and
data  processing  systems  which  are  relied  upon  to  perform  actuarial  and  other  modeling  functions  necessary  for
writing business, to process and make claim payments and to process and summarize investment transactions. 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. The failure of these systems
could  interrupt  the  company’s  operations  or  impact  its  ability  to  rapidly  evaluate  and  commit  to  new  business
opportunities.  If  sustained  or  repeated,  a  system  failure  could  result  in  the  loss  of  existing  or  potential  business
relationships, or compromise the company’s ability to pay claims in a timely manner.

In addition, a security breach of the company’s computer systems could damage the company’s 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  insureds.  Significant  capital  and  other
resources may be required to protect against security breaches or to alleviate problems caused by such breaches. Any
well publicized compromise of security could deter people from conducting transactions that involve transmitting
confidential information to the company’s systems. Therefore, it is critical that these facilities and infrastructure
remain secure and are perceived by the marketplace to be secure. This infrastructure may be vulnerable to physical
break-ins, computer viruses, programming errors, attacks by third parties or similar disruptive problems. In addition,
the  company  could  be  subject  to  liability  if  hackers  were  able  to  penetrate  its  network  security  or  otherwise
misappropriate confidential information.

The  company  has  highly  trained  staff  that  is  committed  to  the  continual  development  and  maintenance  of  its
technology  infrastructure.  Security  measures,  including  data  security  programs  specific  to  confidential  personal
information, have been implemented and are regularly upgraded. The company and its third party service providers
also maintain contingency plans specific to its technology infrastructure.

Systemic Cyber-Attacks

The company relies on information technology in virtually all aspects of its business. A significant disruption or
failure  of  the  company’s  information  technology  systems  could  result  in  service  interruptions,  safety  failures,
security violations, regulatory compliance failures, and inability to protect information and assets against intruders,
and other operational difficulties. Attacks perpetrated against those information systems could result in loss of assets
and critical information, expose the company to remediation costs and reputational damage, and adversely affect
the company’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

Cyber-attacks could further adversely affect the company’s ability to operate facilities, information technology and
business  systems,  or  compromise  confidential  customer  and  employee  information.  Cyber-attacks  resulting  in
political, economic, social or financial market instability or damage to or interference with the company’s assets, or
its customers or suppliers may result in business interruptions, lost revenue, higher commodity prices, disruption in
fuel supplies, lower energy consumption, unstable markets, increased security and repair or other costs, any of which
may affect the company’s consolidated financial results. Furthermore, instability in the financial markets as a result
of  terrorism,  sustained  or  significant  cyber-attacks,  or  war  could  also  adversely  affect  the  company’s  ability  to
raise capital.

The company has taken steps intended to mitigate these risks, including implementation of cyber security measures,
business continuity planning, disaster recovery planning and business impact analysis, and regularly updates these
plans and security measures.

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  42.5%  of  the  voting  power  of  the  company’s  outstanding  shares.
Mr.  Watsa  has  the  ability  to  substantially  influence  certain  actions  requiring  shareholder  approval,  including

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FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

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 of the
company 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, 2018.

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.

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 and intangible assets. The intended use, expected life, and economic benefit
to  be  derived  from  definite-lived  intangible  assets  are  evaluated  by  the  company  when  there  are  indicators  of

204

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 impairment. The company’s goodwill and
intangible assets are described in note 12 (Goodwill and Intangible Assets) to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended December 31, 2018.

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. The company’s deferred tax assets are described in note 18 (Income Taxes) to the consolidated financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2018.

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 operating companies to regularly assess
new services and technologies that may be applicable or disruptive to the insurance and reinsurance industries.

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  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.

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Other

Quarterly Data (unaudited)

Years ended December 31

2018

Income
Net earnings (loss)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders of Fairfax
Net earnings (loss) per share
Net earnings (loss) per diluted share

2017

Income(1)
Net earnings
Net earnings attributable to shareholders of Fairfax
Net earnings per share
Net earnings per diluted share

First

Fourth
Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter

Second

Third

Full
Year

4,926.4
1,038.0
684.3
$ 24.27 $
$ 23.60 $

4,210.4
83.9
63.1
1.88 $
1.82 $

4,441.0
149.2
106.2

4,179.9
(453.2)
(477.6)

3.46 $ (17.89) $
3.34 $ (17.89) $

17,757.7
817.9
376.0
12.03
11.65

3,258.2
312.6
311.6

2,737.6
75.3
82.6
3.11 $ 13.04 $ 16.85 $ 30.87 $
3.03 $ 12.67 $ 16.42 $ 30.06 $

4,907.3
370.2
476.9

5,321.5
856.8
869.5

16,224.6
1,614.9
1,740.6
66.74
64.98

$
$

(1) Periods prior to 2018 have not been restated for the adoption of IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers on
January 1,  2018  as  described  in  note  3  (Summary  of  Significant  Accounting  Policies)  to  the  consolidated  financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Income of $4,926.4 in the first quarter of 2018 increased from $2,737.6 in the first quarter of 2017, principally as a
result  of  increases  in  net  gains  on  investments  (including  the  non-cash  gain  on  deconsolidation  of  Quess),  net
premiums earned (including the consolidation of the net premiums earned by Allied World), other revenue and
interest and dividends. The increase in net earnings attributable to shareholders of Fairfax to $684.3 (net earnings of
$24.27 per basic share and $23.60 per diluted share) in the first quarter of 2018 from $82.6 (net earnings of $3.11 per
basic  share  and  $3.03  per  diluted  share)  in  the  first  quarter  of  2017  primarily  reflected  increased  net  gains  on
investments (including the non-cash gain on deconsolidation of Quess), increased interest and dividends and higher
pre-tax  earnings  of  the  Other  reporting  segment,  partially  offset  by  an  increase  in  net  earnings  attributable  to
non-controlling interests (reflecting the non-controlling interests’ share of the non-cash gain on deconsolidation
of Quess).

Income of $4,210.4 in the second quarter of 2018 increased from $3,258.2 in the second quarter of 2017, principally
as a result of increases in net premiums earned (including the consolidation of the net premiums earned by Allied
World)  and  other  revenue,  partially  offset  by  lower  net  gains  on  investments.  The  decrease  in  net  earnings
attributable to shareholders of Fairfax to $63.1 (net earnings of $1.88 per basic share and $1.82 per diluted share) in
the second quarter of 2018 from $311.6 (net earnings of $13.04 per basic share and $12.67 per diluted share) in the
second quarter of 2017 primarily reflected lower net gains on investments.

Income of $4,441.0 in the third quarter of 2018 decreased from $4,907.3 in the third quarter of 2017, principally as a
result of lower net gains on investments, partially offset by increases in net premiums earned and other revenue. The
decrease in net earnings attributable to shareholders of Fairfax to $106.2 (net earnings of $3.46 per basic share and
$3.34 per diluted share) in the third quarter of 2018 from $476.9 (net earnings of $16.85 per basic share and $16.42
per diluted share) in the third quarter of 2017 primarily reflected decreased net gains on investments and increased
net earnings attributable to non-controlling interests, partially offset by increases in underwriting profit and interest
and dividends.

Income of $4,179.9 in the fourth quarter of 2018 decreased from $5,321.5 in the fourth quarter of 2017, principally
as a result of the non-recurring gain on sale of First Capital recognized in the fourth quarter of 2017 and lower net
gains  on  investments,  partially  offset  by  increases  in  net  premiums  earned  and  other  revenue.  The  net  loss
attributable to shareholders of Fairfax of $477.6 (net loss of $17.89 per basic share and diluted share) in the fourth
quarter of 2018 compared to net earnings attributable to shareholders of Fairfax of $869.5 (net earnings of $30.87 per
basic share and $30.06 per diluted share) in the fourth quarter of 2017 arose primarily as a result of net losses on
investments, partially offset by increases in underwriting profit and interest and dividends.

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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  favourable  or  adverse  reserve  development  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.

Stock Prices and Share Information

At  March  8,  2019,  Fairfax  had  26,136,167  subordinate  voting  shares  and  1,548,000  multiple  voting  shares
outstanding  (an  aggregate  of  26,884,937  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 2018 and 2017.

2018
High
Low
Close

2017
High
Low
Close

First
Quarter

Second
Quarter

Third
Quarter

Fourth
Quarter

(Cdn$)

678.66
614.59
653.07

663.63
598.00
605.20

788.88
635.50
736.66

628.42
547.95
562.01

752.10
678.04
701.74

652.89
552.01
649.33

708.83
565.99
600.98

708.99
639.00
669.34

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

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FAIRFAX  FINANCIAL  HOLDINGS  LIMITED

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
strategies; the timing of claims payments being sooner or the receipt of reinsurance recoverables being later than
anticipated by us; risks associated with any use we may make of derivative instruments; the failure of any hedging
methods we may employ 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; disruptions of our information technology systems; and
assessments and shared market mechanisms which may adversely affect our 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.

208

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
Principal, Branksome Hall
R. William McFarland (as of July 2019)
Corporate Director
Christine N. McLean
Director of Research
Sprucegrove Investment Management Ltd.
John R.V. Palmer
Corporate Director
Timothy R. Price
Chairman, Brookfield Funds, a division of
Brookfield Asset Management Inc.

Brandon W. Sweitzer
Dean, School of Risk Management, St. John’s University

Lauren C. Templeton
President, Templeton and Phillips Capital Management, LLC

Benjamin P. Watsa
President and Founder, Marval Capital Ltd.

V. Prem Watsa
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company

Officers of the Company
Jennifer Allen
Vice President
David Bonham
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Peter Clarke
Vice President and Chief Operating 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

Operating Management

Fairfax Insurance Group

Andrew A. Barnard, President

Northbridge

Silvy Wright, President
Northbridge Financial Corporation

Odyssey Group

Brian D. Young, President
Odyssey Group Holdings, Inc.

Crum & Forster
Marc Adee, President
Crum & Forster Holdings Corp.

Zenith National

Kari Van Gundy, President
Zenith National Insurance Corp.

Brit

Matthew Wilson, President
Brit Limited

Allied World

Scott A. Carmilani, President
Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, GmbH

Fairfax Asia

Ramaswamy Athappan, Chief Executive Officer
Sammy Y. Chan, President
Gobinath Athappan, Chief Operating Officer
and President, Pacific Insurance

Insurance and Reinsurance – Other

Bruno Camargo, President
Fairfax Brasil
Jacek Kugacz, President
Polish Re
Peter Csakvari, President
Colonnade Insurance
Edwyn O’Neill, President
Bryte Insurance
Fabricio Campos, President
Fairfax Latin America

Run-off

Nicholas C. Bentley, President
RiverStone Group

Other

Bijan Khosrowshahi, President
Fairfax International
Sean Smith, President
Pethealth
Wade Burton, President
Hamblin Watsa Investment Counsel

Auditor
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
General Counsel
Torys LLP
Head Office

95 Wellington Street West, Suite 800, Toronto, Canada M5J 2N7
Telephone: (416) 367-4941
Website: www.fairfax.ca

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