
Fairfax Financial Holdings screens cheaper than Great-West Lifeco on all three valuation measures in the supplied data. That gives investors a starting point for comparison, but it doesn’t show that either stock is a good buy.
Great-West Lifeco Inc. (GWO.TO) and Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd. (FFH.TO) are Canadian insurance companies. In the snapshot dated November 2, 2026, Great-West Lifeco’s adjusted closing price was C$91.82, compared with C$2,490.61 for Fairfax. Fairfax had a smaller market capitalization: C$56.0 billion versus C$82.2 billion. Share prices alone don’t show which company is cheaper because the companies have different numbers of shares. Valuation multiples offer a more useful comparison.
Investor takeaway: Fairfax has lower P/E, PEG and P/B ratios: 9.0, 0.28 and 1.36, respectively, compared with Great-West Lifeco’s 18.9, 1.84 and 2.91. The snapshot also reports higher trailing-twelve-month (TTM) ROE for Fairfax, while Great-West Lifeco has the higher dividend yield. These measures describe different aspects of each company. They don’t establish future returns, business quality or fair value. Both companies have a Strong Sell analyst consensus label and C$0.00 price targets in the supplied table. Treat these as snapshot data, not as a valuation conclusion.
Stocks in this list
Live snapshots — open any name for the full quote and Wealth Awesome price forecast.
Great-West Lifeco Inc.
GWO.TO
Financials
$91.82
$82.20B
1D
-0.46%
1W
+0.96%
Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd
FFH.TO
Financials
$2490.61
$55.96B
1D
-0.44%
1W
+1.07%
Fairfax is lower on all three supplied valuation multiples
Fairfax’s P/E is 9.0, compared with 18.9 for Great-West Lifeco. Its PEG is 0.28 versus 1.84, and its P/B is 1.36 versus 2.91. On these measures, Fairfax looks cheaper. That doesn’t prove it’s undervalued, has stronger fundamentals or will outperform.
Bull case
Investors comparing valuation with recent profitability may find Fairfax’s lower multiples and 16.5% TTM ROE worth a closer look. These figures alone don’t show whether its earnings or book value will hold up over time.
Bear case
Fairfax’s 0.60% dividend yield is lower than Great-West Lifeco’s 2.78%. And a low valuation multiple can reflect risks or expectations that this snapshot doesn’t capture. The supplied figures don’t explain the difference.
The valuation comparison favours Fairfax on the supplied multiples
Fairfax is below Great-West Lifeco on all three valuation measures in the snapshot:
| Company | P/E | PEG | P/B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great-West Lifeco (GWO.TO) | 18.9 | 1.84 | 2.91 |
| Fairfax Financial Holdings (FFH.TO) | 9.0 | 0.28 | 1.36 |
The difference is consistent across the three measures. But these figures don’t cover every factor that affects a company’s valuation, and they don’t tell us what either stock is worth.
Yield, profitability and analyst fields add context
The snapshot reports a 2.78% dividend yield and 14.1% TTM ROE for Great-West Lifeco. Fairfax’s figures are a 0.60% yield and 16.5% TTM ROE. So Fairfax has the higher reported ROE, while Great-West Lifeco has the higher yield.
Both companies have a Strong Sell analyst consensus label and a C$0.00 target in the snapshot. These are data points, not an explanation of either company’s prospects. Look beyond these summary measures before drawing a conclusion.
Best next step
Keep exploring this topic
If you want to go deeper, these are the most useful follow-up pages and tools for this topic.
Broker comparison
Best trading platforms in Canada
Compare $0-commission brokers before you act on a ticker story.
Safe cash
Best GIC rates in Canada
If the story makes you want to de-risk, compare guaranteed rates next.
HISA roundup
Best high-interest savings accounts
Keep dry powder in a no-fee savings account instead of chequing.
TFSA room
Check TFSA contribution room
Shelter the next contribution before you buy.

Wealth Awesome
Timely coverage of Canadian stocks, earnings, dividends, and market movers for DIY investors. Stories are checked against exchange data and public filings.
View Full Profile →✅ Reviewed by Certified Financial Professionals
This content has been reviewed by CFA® charterholders and Certified Financial Planners (CFP®) with over a decade of experience in Canadian financial markets. All information is fact-checked against official Canadian sources and regulations.
Why these credentials matter: CFA® charterholders complete 900+ hours of rigorous study in investment analysis and ethics. CFP® professionals are held to the highest standards of financial planning competency and fiduciary duty in Canada.
⚠️ Professional Disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized financial advice. While our team brings professional expertise, individual circumstances vary. For personalized guidance, consult with a qualified financial advisor, tax professional, or mortgage specialist.


