MARKET WIRE NEWS

Fairfax Completes C$650 Million Senior Notes Offering

MWN-AI** Summary

Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited has successfully concluded its offering of C$650 million in Senior Notes, comprising C$400 million of 4.40% Senior Notes due 2036 and C$250 million of 5.10% Senior Notes due 2055. This issuance enhances the existing amount of the 5.10% Senior Notes to C$550 million, further solidifying Fairfax's capital structure. The offering was managed by a syndicate of dealers, led by BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc., RBC Dominion Securities Inc., and Scotia Capital Inc.

The proceeds from this debt offering are earmarked for various strategic uses, including refinancing or redeeming existing debt and pursuing acquisition opportunities, as well as supporting general corporate purposes. Fairfax has not yet decided on specific obligations to be repaid or acquired, or the timing for these actions, which will depend on market conditions. This offering allows Fairfax to strengthen its financial flexibility amidst potential investment opportunities.

Importantly, the Senior Notes are unsecured obligations, and this issuance is not open to U.S. investors, as the securities are not registered under U.S. securities law. This exclusion aims to comply with regulations while enabling Fairfax to tap into Canadian capital markets.

Fairfax operates primarily in the property and casualty insurance sector and its subsidiaries engage in reinsurance and investment management. The company issued a cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements that may accompany this press release, acknowledging the uncertainties and risks associated with their business strategy and operational metrics.

Overall, the Senior Notes offering positions Fairfax advantageously for future endeavors while maintaining its regulatory compliance and commitment to prudent financial management.

MWN-AI** Analysis

The recently completed C$650 million Senior Notes offering by Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited represents an essential move for the company amid evolving market dynamics. By issuing C$400 million in 4.40% Senior Notes due in 2036 and C$250 million in 5.10% Senior Notes due in 2055, Fairfax is solidifying its financial position while capitalizing on favorable interest rates.

From an investor's standpoint, the current issuance has the potential to enhance the company's liquidity and operational flexibility. By using the proceeds to refinance and possibly repurchase existing debt, Fairfax may lower its overall cost of capital, particularly given that the new 5.10% notes are set to replace previous issuances of the same rate. This strategy can bolster shareholder value in the long term through improved financial metrics.

However, it’s critical to remain cognizant of the risks highlighted in the offering's disclosures. Investors should note that the firm operates in a volatile insurance landscape, with inherent risks tied to underwriting losses, catastrophic events, and market fluctuations. The company’s growth ambitions through potential acquisitions are promising but contingent upon favorable market conditions and its ability to execute during uncertain economic climates.

From a broader market perspective, the Senior Notes have been well-received, reflecting investor confidence in Fairfax's operational model and strategic plans. Given the current trend of rising interest rates and inflationary pressures, potential investors should conduct thorough due diligence, evaluating Fairfax's ability to maintain its financial health and long-term growth objectives. Moreover, observing how the company employs the new capital in acquisitions or debt repayment could offer valuable insights into its future trajectory.

In summary, Fairfax's latest note offering presents an opportunity for growth while requiring careful monitoring of the risks associated with their business model. Investors should closely watch market conditions and the company’s financial maneuvers to make informed decisions moving forward.

**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.

Source: GlobeNewswire

Not for distribution to U.S. news wire services or dissemination in the United States.

TORONTO, Feb. 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (“Fairfax”) (TSX: FFH and FFH.U) has completed its previously announced offering (the “Offering”) of (i) C$400 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.40% Senior Notes due 2036 and (ii) an additional C$250 million in aggregate principal amount of its 5.10% Senior Notes due 2055 (collectively, the “Senior Notes”). Together with the previously issued C$300 million aggregate principal amount 5.10% Senior Notes due 2055, there is C$550 million aggregate principal amount of notes of this series outstanding.

The Senior Notes were offered through a syndicate of dealers led by BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc., RBC Dominion Securities Inc. and Scotia Capital Inc., as joint bookrunners, and included Merrill Lynch Canada Inc., National Bank Financial Inc., TD Securities Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Canada Inc., Desjardins Securities Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities Canada Inc., Mizuho Securities Canada Inc. and Morgan Stanley Canada Limited, as agents. The Senior Notes are unsecured obligations of Fairfax.

Fairfax intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering to refinance, repay or redeem outstanding debt, equity or other corporate obligations of Fairfax and its subsidiaries, to pursue potential acquisition or investment opportunities (which may include acquisitions of minority interests in its subsidiaries), and for general corporate purposes. This may include the redemption or repurchase of certain of Fairfax’s previously issued debt or equity securities. As of the date of this press release, Fairfax has not made any determination as to the specific debt, equity or other corporate obligations to be repaid or redeemed, nor the amount, timing or method of such repurchase or redemption. Similarly, as of the date of this press release, Fairfax has not made any determination as to the specific acquisitions or investment opportunities to be pursued, nor the cost, timing or method of such acquisitions or investments. Any such repurchase, redemption, acquisition or investment will be subject to market conditions. Any proceeds not used to refinance, repay or redeem outstanding debt, equity or other corporate obligations or to pursue potential acquisition or investment opportunities will be used for general corporate purposes, which may include to augment Fairfax’s cash position or to increase short-term investments and marketable securities held at the holding company level.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. This press release is not an offer of securities for sale in the United States, and the securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from the registration requirements. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Fairfax is a holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is primarily engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and the associated investment management.

For further information contact:John Varnell, Vice President, Corporate Development at
(416) 367-4941


Certain statements contained herein may constitute “forward-looking statements” and are made pursuant to the “safe harbour” provisions of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. Such forward-looking statements may include, among other things,
the intended use of proceeds from the Offering. 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: our ability to complete acquisitions and other strategic transactions on the terms and timeframes contemplated, and to achieve the anticipated benefits therefrom; a reduction in net earnings if our loss reserves are insufficient; underwriting losses on the risks we insure that are higher than expected; the occurrence of catastrophic events with a frequency or severity exceeding our estimates; changes in market variables, including unfavourable changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, equity prices and credit spreads, which could negatively affect our operating results and investment portfolio; the cycles of the insurance market and general economic conditions, which can substantially influence our and our competitors’ premium rates and capacity to write new business; insufficient reserves for asbestos, environmental and other latent claims; exposure to credit risk in the event our reinsurers fail to make payments to us under our reinsurance arrangements; exposure to credit risk in the event our insureds, insurance producers or reinsurance intermediaries fail to remit premiums that are owed to us or failure by our insureds to reimburse us for deductibles that are paid by us on their behalf; our inability to maintain our long term debt ratings, the inability of our subsidiaries to maintain financial or claims paying ability ratings and the impact of a downgrade of such ratings on derivative transactions that we or our subsidiaries have entered into; risks associated with implementing our business 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; an increase in the amount of capital that we and our subsidiaries are required to maintain and 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 adverse requirements, supervision or regulation, including additional tax regulation, in the United States, Bermuda, Canada or other jurisdictions in which we operate; risks associated with applicable laws and regulations relating to sanctions, anti-money laundering and corrupt practices in Canada and in foreign 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; financial reporting risks relating to deferred taxes associated with amendments to IAS 12 – Income Taxes; impairment of the carrying value of our goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets or investments in associates; our failure to realize deferred income tax assets; risks associated with Canadian or foreign tax laws, or the interpretation thereof; technological or other change that adversely impacts demand, or the premiums payable, for the insurance coverages we offer; disruptions of our information technology systems; assessments and shared market mechanisms that may adversely affect our insurance subsidiaries; risks associated with the conflict in Ukraine and the development of other geopolitical events and economic disruptions worldwide; and risks associated with tariffs, trade restrictions, or other regulatory measures imposed by domestic or foreign governments that may, directly or indirectly, affect our business. Additional risks and uncertainties are described in our most recently issued Annual Report which is available at www.fairfax.ca and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov, and in our base shelf prospectus (under “Risk Factors”) filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada, which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Fairfax disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities law.


FAQ**

What are the potential risks associated with the use of proceeds from the February 2026 Offering by Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd FRFHF, considering the uncertainties highlighted in their forward-looking statements?

The potential risks associated with the use of proceeds from the February 2026 Offering by Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd FRFHF include market volatility, regulatory changes, operational challenges, and unforeseen economic conditions that could impact financial performance and strategy execution.

How might the refinancing and repayment strategies mentioned in the Offering impact Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd FRFHF's overall financial health and operational flexibility in the next few years?

The refinancing and repayment strategies may enhance Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd's liquidity and reduce interest expenses, thereby improving its overall financial health and operational flexibility for potential growth opportunities in the coming years.

Given the unsecured nature of the Senior Notes issued by Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd FRFHF, what implications does this have for investors regarding their priority in the event of corporate financial distress?

The unsecured nature of the Senior Notes issued by Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd (FRFHF) implies that in the event of corporate financial distress, these investors have a lower priority for repayment compared to secured debt holders, potentially increasing their risk of losses.

What specific acquisition or investment opportunities does Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd FRFHF plan to pursue, and how will they assess market conditions when making these decisions?

Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd (FRFHF) plans to pursue strategic acquisitions in the insurance and reinsurance sectors, assessing market conditions through rigorous analysis of profitability, risk factors, and potential synergies to make informed investment decisions.

**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited Subordinate Voting Shares (TSXC: FFH:CC).

Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited Subordinate Voting Shares

NASDAQ: FFH:CC

FFH:CC Trading

-4.12% G/L:

$661 Last:

77,695 Volume:

$689.43 Open:

mwn-alerts Ad 300

FFH:CC Latest News

FFH:CC Stock Data

$0
0
N/A
N/A

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Link Market Wire News to Your X Account

Download The Market Wire News App