Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited
Overview
Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited is a Canadian diversified financial holding company headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. Founded in 1985 by V. Prem Watsa, the company is anchored in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance but has grown into a global conglomerate spanning consumer services, retail, logistics, agriculture, hospitality, and banking across multiple continents. Roughly half of its earnings originate from North America, with the balance drawn primarily from Europe and Asia. Fairfax ranks among the top 20 property and casualty insurers globally, writing US$33 billion in gross premiums through 26 decentralized insurance companies, and manages a consolidated investment portfolio exceeding US$70 billion. Listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: FFH, FFH.U) and a constituent of the S&P/TSX 60 Index, its subsidiaries and holdings include Odyssey Group, Brit Insurance, Recipe Unlimited, Sleep Country Canada, and Bauer Hockey. The company's investment portfolios are managed by Hamblin Watsa Investment Counsel (HWIC), applying a long-term value-oriented approach influenced by Benjamin Graham and John Templeton. Since 1985, book value per share has compounded at 18.7 percent annually, and the common share price at approximately 19.2 percent annually (including dividends), with the stock rising from CDN$3.25 in 1985 to over CDN$2,000 by the end of 2024 — one of the strongest long-term compounding records of any publicly listed Canadian company. Fairfax's investment philosophy emphasizes disciplined underwriting and value-oriented total return investing, aiming to achieve a 15% growth in book value per share over the long term. This approach has led to significant growth in assets and a diversified portfolio across various industries and geographies, reflecting the company's commitment to building long-term shareholder value.
Investment Focus
- Focus on growth, late stage, buyout, turnaround, and distressed opportunities
- Interest in diverse industries including insurance, reinsurance, and investment management
- Geographical focus on North America, Europe, and Asia
- Preference for investments with a long-term value orientation
Portfolio Companies
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Unlock full contacts →Frequently asked questions about Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited
What sectors does Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited invest in?
Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited invests in Technology, Healthcare, Energy, Telecommunications, Media and Banking, and is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited is listed as a institutional investor in the ConnectSafely investor database.
What stage does Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited invest at?
Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited backs companies at Growth, Late Stage, Buyout, Turnaround and Distressed, writing cheques of 1M - 1B.
Which regions does Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited invest in?
Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited invests across United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Japan and Australia.
Who are the partners at Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited?
Team members listed for Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited include Steve Yendall (CFO Fairfax Asia Ltd.) and Thomas Rowe (Vice President, Corporate Affairs).
What companies has Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited invested in?
Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited's portfolio includes Odyssey Group, Brit Insurance, Recipe Unlimited, Sleep Country Canada and Bauer Hockey.
How do I contact Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited?
Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited's contact details — including phone and LinkedIn — are listed in the ConnectSafely investor database, along with its website and the LinkedIn profiles of its partners.
Last updated · Source: ConnectSafely investor database
