Do Your Own Due Diligence.

Before you consider joining, read the work. This archive contains years of our market analysis and unvarnished post-mortems on both winners and losers. It is the foundation upon which The Circle is built, and the single best way to understand our approach.

We invite you to judge for yourself.

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Pre-Circle
January 16, 2022

If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It

January 16, 2022
Malcolm Shaw

Malcolm Shaw argues that 2022 could be the year money "really sloshes into hard assets," driven by inflation and investor flight from high-tech valuations, resembling past commodity bull markets. He is focused on deeply undervalued energy stocks like Africa Oil (AOI) (trading at ~60% of NPV, poised for dividend/buyback) and Yangarra (YGR) (trading at ~20% of 1P reserves) as they harvest massive free cash flow. In the secular space, he highlights the strategic value of Commerce Resources (CCE)—North America's largest, highest-grade Rare Earth Element deposit—and believes Critical Elements (CRE), trading at a huge discount 0.36x NAV, is poised to re-rate once its final lithium permits are secured. He remains bullish on Uranium (NXE, U.UN) and expects a significant M&A step-change for Tenaz Energy (TNZ) this year.

Malcolm Shaw argues that 2022 could be the year money "really sloshes into hard assets" — driven by relentless inflation and an investor flight from frothy high-tech valuations, resembling past commodity bull markets.
Deeply Undervalued Energy
He is focused on deeply undervalued energy stocks that are harvesting massive free cash flow. This includes Africa Oil (AOI) — trading at $\sim$60% of NPV and poised for a dividend or buyback — and Yangarra (YGR) — trading at a minuscule $\sim$20% of 1P reserves. Tenaz Energy (TNZ) is also expected to make a significant M&A step-change this year.
Strategic Secular Plays
In the secular space, Shaw highlights the strategic value of Commerce Resources (CCE) — which holds North America's largest, highest-grade Rare Earth Element deposit. He also believes Critical Elements (CRE) — trading at a huge discount (0.36x NAV) — is poised to re-rate once its final lithium permits are secured. He remains bullish on Uranium names like NexGen Energy (NXE) and Uranium Royalty Corp (U.UN).

AAV.TO|AGI.TO|AMC.V|AOI.V|CCE.V|CRE.V|EMM.V|FCX.US|FIL.TO|FOM.V|HBM.TO|LUC.TO|MPVD.TO|NAN.TO|NETZ.C|NICU.V|NOT.TO|NPK.TO|NPR.V|NSE.V|NTR.TO|NXE.TO|POE.V|PRYM.V|RPX.V|SPC.V|STRR.V|SURG.V|TAO.V|TECK.B.TO|TGL.TO|TLO.TO|TNZ.V|U.UN.TO|VLE.TO|XYZ.V|YGR.TO

Pre-Circle
November 23, 2021

Autumn Reflections

November 23, 2021
Malcolm Shaw

Malcolm Shaw is moving into a selective, cash-heavy "alpha" strategy, focusing on high-conviction, event-driven stocks that offer outsized value in a commodity market driven by inflation and energy shortages. He highlights: Advantage Energy (AAV), with upside potential from its embedded Entropy carbon capture subsidiary (projected to be half the cost of competitors); Anacortes Mining (XYZ), a high-grade Peruvian gold deposit (20-year obscurity, similar to a Prime Mining replay) with drilling expected to start in Q1 2022; Tenaz Energy (TNZ), where he is patiently waiting for the management team to execute on its corporate goal of reaching 50,000 boepd; Verde Agritech (NPK), a fertilizer "rockstar" benefiting from strong sales and fully funded expansion; and deeply discounted stocks like Valeura Energy (VLE) (trading 20% below cash value) and Yangarra (YGR).

High Conviction and Event-Driven Value
Malcolm Shaw is moving into a selective, cash-heavy "alpha" strategy — focusing on high-conviction, event-driven stocks that offer outsized value in a commodity market driven by inflation and energy shortages.
The Alpha Picks
  • Advantage Energy (AAV): Highlighted for the upside potential from its embedded Entropy carbon capture subsidiary — which is projected to be half the cost of competitors, adding a non-conventional alpha layer.
  • Anacortes Mining (XYZ): A high-grade Peruvian gold deposit (emerging from 20 years of obscurity, seen as a potential Prime Mining replay) — with crucial drilling expected to start in Q1 2022.
  • Tenaz Energy (TNZ): Shaw is patiently waiting for the expert management team to execute on its aggressive corporate goal of reaching 50,000 boepd — a strategy that promises a major re-rate.
  • Verde Agritech (NPK): A fertilizer "rockstar" benefiting from strong sales and fully funded expansion — poised to capture significant market share amid global fertilizer shortages.
  • Deeply Discounted Stocks: Also noted are Valeura Energy (VLE) — trading 20% below cash value — and Yangarra (YGR) — both offering exceptional value arbitrage.

AAV.TO|B.V|CRE.V|EMM.V|NPK.TO|NSE.V|SURG.V|TAO.V|TNZ.V|U.UN.TO|VLE.TO|XYZ.V|YGR.TO

Pre-Circle
October 4, 2021

If Oil and Gas Stocks are the New Tobacco -- Welcome to Flavour Country

October 4, 2021
Malcolm Shaw

Malcolm Shaw highlights that compounding factors (policy, renewables, LNG dynamics) have created a "rogue wave" of natural gas shortages and high prices, which is confounding markets and driving inflation globally. He is shifting focus from "beta" to higher-risk "alpha" special situations that offer step-changes in value. He cites Anacortes Mining (XYZ), a high-grade Peruvian gold deposit set for a potential Prime Mining replay with drilling expected in Q1 2022. He is patient with Tenaz Energy (TNZ) and New Stratus Energy (NSE) as they pursue accretive acquisitions. Shaw remains extremely bullish on Advantage Energy (AAV), which he calls a huge opportunity due to its Entropy carbon capture subsidiary (targeting half the cost of competitors) and notes deeply discounted stocks like Valeura Energy (VLE) (trading 20% below cash value) and Yangarra (YGR) (trading near its PDP reserve value).

The Shift to Alpha
The convergence of policy, renewables, and LNG dynamics has created a "rogue wave" of natural gas shortages and high prices — driving global inflation and prompting a shift from "beta" to high-risk "alpha" special situations.
The focus is now on high-impact alpha plays. Anacortes Mining (XYZ), a high-grade Peruvian gold deposit, is set for a potential Prime Mining replay with crucial drilling expected in Q1 2022. An extremely bullish stance is maintained on Advantage Energy (AAV) — a huge opportunity due to its Entropy carbon capture subsidiary (a technology targeting half the cost of competitors). Patience is advised with Tenaz Energy (TNZ) and New Stratus Energy (NSE) as they pursue highly accretive acquisitions. Deeply discounted stocks are also noted, including Valeura Energy (VLE) (trading 20% below cash value) and Yangarra (YGR) (trading near its PDP reserve value).

AAV.TO|AMI.V|AOI.V|ARX.TO|ATH.TO|ATU.V|BIR.TO|BTE.TO|CJ.TO|CPG.TO|CPI.TO|ERF.TO|MEG.TO|NSE.V|POE.V|RBY.TO|TAO.V|TNZ.V|TOU.TO|TVE.TO|TXP.TO|VLE.TO|WCP.TO|YGR.TO

Pre-Circle
August 31, 2021

Altura Ups the Ante with a Recapitalization

August 31, 2021
Malcolm Shaw

Malcolm Shaw notes that the recent textbook correction in resource stocks, bringing valuations from "low fair value" to "cheap," has created excellent entry points. He is confident in the durability of the commodity theme (electrification for copper, capital discipline for oil). He highlights Advantage Energy (AAV), which is finding new highs as its Entropy subsidiary—projected to be far superior to Aker Carbon Capture—readies a capital raise to peg a market value. The biggest new "special situation" is the recapitalization of Altura (ATU), which is trading at less than half of the implied asset value of its Leduc-Woodbend field. The new structure, led by former Vermillion CEO Tony Marino, has a plan to grow the producer to 100,000 boepd via acquisitions, with the first deal expected before year-end, providing a massive, undervalued opportunity.

The Textbook Correction: Excellent Entry Points Emerge
The recent textbook correction in resource stocks — which brought valuations from "low fair value" to "cheap" — is argued to have created excellent entry points. The author maintains confidence in the durability of the commodity theme (electrification for copper, capital discipline for oil).
High-Impact Plays
  • Advantage Energy (AAV): The stock is finding new highs as its Entropy subsidiary — projected to be far superior to Aker Carbon Capture — readies a capital raise designed to peg a firm market value to the technology.
  • The New Special Situation (Altura): The biggest new "special situation" is the recapitalization of Altura (ATU) — which is currently trading at less than half of the implied asset value of its Leduc-Woodbend field.
  • Massive Undervalued Opportunity: The new structure, led by former Vermilion CEO Tony Marino, has an aggressive plan to grow the producer to 100,000 boepd via acquisitions. With the first deal expected before year-end, this represents a massive, undervalued opportunity.

AAV.TO|ARX.TO|ATU.V|BIR.TO|CMMC.TO|TAO.V|TNZ.V|TOU.TO|YGR.TO

Pre-Circle
July 2, 2021

Advantage Energy to the Rescue

July 2, 2021
Malcolm Shaw

Malcolm Shaw argues that global net-zero policies are transforming carbon dioxide into a massive new commodity market, comparable in size to the oil market. He highlights Advantage Energy (AAV)'s new subsidiary, Entropy Inc., as a potential game-changer. Entropy has developed a modular, scalable, point-source carbon capture technology that is projected to be commercially profitable at a carbon price below $50 per tonne, potentially half the cost of existing technology. This "Holy Grail" technology, capable of capturing approximately 90% of CO2 emissions from hard-to-decarbonize sectors (like power, cement, and steel), is set for its first full-scale deployment at AAV's Glacier gas plant in Q2 2022. Shaw views Entropy as a free, highly scalable call option within AAV's current valuation, which already reflects the value of its core gas assets.

The Next Massive Commodity Market
Malcolm Shaw argues that global net-zero policies are fundamentally transforming carbon dioxide into a massive new commodity market — one that he suggests is comparable in size to the oil market itself.
The "Holy Grail" Technology
He highlights Advantage Energy (AAV)'s new subsidiary, Entropy Inc., as a potential game-changer in this emerging sector. Entropy has developed a modular, scalable, point-source carbon capture technology that is projected to be commercially profitable at a carbon price below $50 per tonne — potentially half the cost of existing technology.
This "Holy Grail" technology is capable of capturing approximately 90% of $\text{CO}_2$ emissions from hard-to-decarbonize sectors (like power, cement, and steel). Its first full-scale deployment is set for AAV's Glacier gas plant in Q2 2022. Shaw views Entropy as a free, highly scalable call option within AAV's current valuation, which already reflects the value of its core gas assets.

AAV.TO|WCP.TO

Pre-Circle
June 17, 2021

The Winds of Change Swirl at New OroPeru

June 17, 2021
Malcolm Shaw

Malcolm Shaw is unfazed by general commodity market volatility, maintaining conviction in the energy and metals sectors due to deep fundamental value and long-term themes (The Great Restart, Green New Deal). The focus of the day is a major special situation: New OroPeru (ORO) has secured a $20 million investment from First Light Capital (led by former Equinox Gold COO Jim Currie, who will become the new CEO). This changing of the guard is a profound validation of the Tres Cruces asset, which sits 10–12 km from Boroo's Lagunas Norte mine. The shallow, leachable oxide gold at Tres Cruces represents 500,000 recoverable ounces with an estimated $400–$500 million in undiscounted cash flow and minimal CAPEX, making it the perfect bolt-on to jumpstart Lagunas Norte. The entry of this high-caliber team means ORO is no longer subject to Boroo's whims, enabling a re-rate based on the new management's ability to either "go it alone" (a Prime Mining-like scenario) or negotiate from a position of strength.

Profound Validation at New OroPeru
Unfazed by general commodity market volatility — Malcolm Shaw maintains conviction in the energy and metals sectors due to deep fundamental value and long-term themes (The Great Restart, Green New Deal). The focus of the day, however, is a major special situation:
New OroPeru (ORO) — A High-Caliber Catalyst
New OroPeru (ORO) has secured a $20 million investment from First Light Capital — led by former Equinox Gold COO Jim Currie, who will become the new CEO. This changing of the guard is a profound validation of the Tres Cruces asset.
The asset sits only 10–12 km from Boroo's Lagunas Norte mine. The shallow, leachable oxide gold at Tres Cruces represents 500,000 recoverable ounces with an estimated $400–$500 million in undiscounted cash flow and minimal CAPEX — making it the perfect bolt-on to jumpstart Lagunas Norte.
The entry of this high-caliber team means ORO is no longer subject to Boroo's whims — enabling a significant re-rate based on the new management's ability to either "go it alone" (a Prime Mining-like scenario) or negotiate future deals from a position of strength.

ORO.V|PRYM.V

Pre-Circle
May 4, 2021

The Wisdom of Kenny Rogers

May 4, 2021
Malcolm Shaw

Following a strong recovery in 2020, the author discusses shifting focus towards energy and materials, believing these sectors are entering a massive upswing similar to the recent rally in copper. The article details a portfolio strategy emphasizing value over growth, highlighting scaling back big copper winners (like Freeport and Capstone) near fair value to invest in smaller exploration/pre-development stories and larger, 'boring' companies (like Teck and Nutrien). The author is particularly optimistic about the oil sector, viewing it as lagging copper by about nine months, and provides a comprehensive breakdown of over twenty individual energy and resource holdings, from low-cost gas producers to high-leverage oil plays and uranium/iron ore juniors, all while stressing the importance of conviction and long-term holding.

The Great Rotation: Oil Set to Follow Copper’s Explosive Rally
Following a strong recovery in 2020, the author shifts focus aggressively toward energy and materials — believing these sectors are entering a massive upswing similar to the recent, explosive rally in copper.
The core portfolio strategy emphasizes value over growth. This involves scaling back big copper winners (like Freeport and Capstone) near fair value to invest in smaller exploration/pre-development stories and larger, "boring" but deeply undervalued companies (like Teck and Nutrien).
Extreme optimism is reserved for the oil sector — which is viewed as lagging copper by about nine months and poised for a major catch-up surge. The comprehensive breakdown highlights a portfolio of over twenty individual holdings — ranging from low-cost gas producers to high-leverage oil plays and uranium/iron ore juniors — all underpinned by a deep conviction in long-term holding and fundamental value.

AAV.TO|ATH.TO|ATU.V|BTE.TO|CJ.TO|CMMC.TO|CPI.TO|CS.TO|ERF.TO|FCX.US|GIII.V|MEG.TO|NTR.TO|TAO.V|TECK.B.TO|TGL.TO|TPL.TO|TRP.TO|TVE.TO|WCP.TO|YGR.TO

Pre-Circle
March 13, 2021

While the World Waits for Vaccines, OPEC Gives Oil Bulls a Shot in the Arm

March 13, 2021
Malcolm Shaw

Malcolm Shaw details his extremely bullish view on the oil market, driven by OPEC's decision to control supply and prioritize high prices, effectively imposing a rolling backwardation structure. He argues that energy stocks are still "really, really cheap" despite their rally, generating undeniable free cash flow that is forcing the market to recognize their value. Malcolm Shaw provides a deep dive into his oil stock basket, focusing on names with exceptional leverage to high oil prices (like ATH and BTE), massive tax pools making them potential M&A targets (like MEG and CJ), and companies with uniquely favorable valuations, such as TGL, which he calculates is trading at less than 1x its exit 2021 cash flow run rate after its recent PSC renegotiation. He also addresses the ESG debate, challenging the hypocrisy of shunning oil while relying on it for the "Green Transition."

OPEC’s Backwardation: The Undeniable Value of Oil Stocks
An extremely bullish view is detailed on the oil market — driven by OPEC’s decision to control supply and prioritize high prices, effectively imposing a rolling backwardation structure.
Despite their recent rally, energy stocks are argued to still be "really, really cheap" — generating undeniable free cash flow that is forcing the market to recognize their value.
The Oil Stock Basket
A deep dive is provided into the author's oil stock basket, focusing on three types of plays:
  • Exceptional Leverage: Names with exceptional leverage to high oil prices, such as Athabasca Oil (ATH) and Baytex Energy (BTE).
  • M&A Targets: Companies with massive tax pools making them potential M&A targets, including MEG Energy (MEG) and Cardinal Energy (CJ).
  • Unique Value: Companies with uniquely favorable valuations, such as Tamarack Valley Energy (TGL) — which is calculated to be trading at less than 1x its exit 2021 cash flow run rate after its recent PSC renegotiation.
The commentary also addresses the ESG debate — challenging the hypocrisy of shunning oil while relying on it for the "Green Transition."

ATH.TO|ATU.V|BTE.TO|CJ.TO|CPG.TO|MEG.TO|TAO.V|TGL.TO|WCP.TO|YGR.TO

Pre-Circle
March 1, 2021

Reports of Oil's Demise May Be Greatly Exaggerated

March 1, 2021
Malcolm Shaw

Malcolm Shaw argues that the market is heading into a "Roaring Twenties redux" fueled by massive stimulus and infrastructure spending, positioning him as a patient, long-term buyer of energy and materials. He is most optimistic about oil, noting that the sector is trading with 15-20%+ free cash flow yields and at historically low multiples, despite being set for a massive surge in demand as the "rocket fuel" required for the green energy transition. He highlights that Baytex Energy (BTE) is positioned as the high-leverage option (similar to Copper Mountain Mining a year ago), while Whitecap Resources (WCP) is approaching a critical $6 resistance level that could unlock a run to the $9–$10 range. Capstone Mining (CS) remains a core holding in the metals basket.

Roaring Twenties Redux: The Energy and Materials Long Bet
The market is argued to be heading into a "Roaring Twenties redux" — fueled by massive stimulus and infrastructure spending. This thesis positions the author as a patient, long-term buyer of energy and materials.
Extreme optimism is reserved for oil, with the sector noted to be trading with 15-20%+ free cash flow yields and at historically low multiples. This is despite oil being the "rocket fuel" required for the coming green energy transition, setting the stage for a massive surge in demand.
  • Baytex Energy (BTE) is highlighted as the high-leverage option (similar to Copper Mountain Mining a year prior).
  • Whitecap Resources (WCP) is approaching a critical $6 resistance level — which, if cleared, could unlock a major run toward the $9–$10 range.
  • Capstone Mining (CS) remains a core holding in the metals basket.

BTE.TO|CMMC.TO|CS.TO|WCP.TO

Pre-Circle
February 1, 2021

Resource Report Sheds New Light on High-Grade Oxides at ORO's Tres Cruces

February 1, 2021
Malcolm Shaw

Malcolm Shaw analyzes the new resource update from New Oroperu (ORO.V) concerning its Tres Cruces gold deposit, focusing heavily on the shallow, high-grade oxide component. Malcolm Shaw highlights that the 630,000 ounces of leachable gold resource boast impressive grades, translating to high operating margins (estimated at US$1000/oz net of operating costs). He believes this low-capex, high-margin asset, which could be developed as a standalone heap leach operation (US$50-80 million capex) or feed a nearby facility, presents US$400 million in undiscounted operating margin, net of capex, against a very low market cap. He concludes that the oxide gold acts as a "jet fuel" starter project, unlocking the much larger, underlying refractory sulphide resource of over 1.8 million ounces, offering significant optionality and making ORO an undervalued triple-threat asset.

The Jet Fuel Oxide Gold Starter Project
An analysis of the new resource update from New OroPeru (ORO.V) focuses heavily on the shallow, high-grade oxide component of its Tres Cruces gold deposit.
The 630,000 ounces of leachable gold resource are highlighted for their impressive grades — translating to high operating margins (estimated at US$1000/oz net of operating costs).
The author believes this low-capex, high-margin asset — which could be developed as a standalone heap leach operation (US$50-80 million capex) or feed a nearby facility — presents a massive US$400 million in undiscounted operating margin, net of capex, against a very low market cap.
This oxide gold acts as a "jet fuel" starter project — crucially unlocking the much larger, underlying refractory sulphide resource of over 1.8 million ounces. This gives ORO significant optionality and frames it as an undervalued triple-threat asset.

OLA.TO|ORO.V|PRYM.V

The Math on The Membership

Let's be pragmatic. Malcolm's 5-year CAGR is +73.77%. We are not promising you will replicate that. However, as a thought experiment, consider the math: at the Annual Rate, the barrier to profitability is trivial.

A portfolio of ~$7,890 capturing just one-quarter of that return would generate more than the cost of your lifetime-locked membership.)

What Others Say

"Deep research, insightful analysis, and integrity. That’s what Malcolm has delivered for the 20 years I've been following him."

— Gordon B

"Malcolm became an invaluable mentor from afar, teaching me that true success in investing isn’t about chasing headlines, it’s about doing the hard work."

— Dennis B


"It's been awesome being in Malcolm's inner circle — I've learned so much about both mining and energy plays over the years. He helped me navigate the rollercoaster through COVID when everything felt uncertain. Having access to his ideas has been a total game-changer."

— Peter N
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