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
December 22, 2020

On Being an Ox in 2021

December 22, 2020
Malcolm Shaw

Malcolm Shaw sets his investment theme for 2021 as the Metal Ox—dependable and unyielding—committing to the energy and materials sectors (rocks, trees, and dirt). He asserts that these sectors, long in survival mode, are poised for significant returns due to chronic underinvestment and favorable macro trends, with money just beginning to trickle in from institutional players. Malcolm Shaw details his major holdings across Energy (highlighting Transglobe Energy (TGL.TO) as potentially the "cheapest oil stock in the market" trading at less than 1x EV/Cash Flow), Uranium (betting heavily on Nexgen (NXE.TO) as the "best undeveloped deposit on the planet"), Base Metals (Copper Mountain and nickel stocks like FPX Nickel), and Precious Metals (Gatos Silver and New OroPeru). He concludes by listing a few dividend payers and highly speculative bets in Bitcoin and the Tech sector (Maxar Technologies and Poet Technologies).

Unyielding Value in Hard Assets
The investment theme for 2021 is set as the Metal Ox — dependable and unyielding — with a commitment to the energy and materials sectors (rocks, trees, and dirt). These sectors, long in survival mode, are now poised for significant returns due to chronic underinvestment and favorable macro trends, with institutional money just beginning to trickle in.
The Core Holdings
  • Energy: Transglobe Energy (TGL.TO) is highlighted as potentially the "cheapest oil stock in the market" — trading at less than 1x EV/Cash Flow.
  • Uranium: A heavy bet is placed on Nexgen (NXE.TO) — called the "best undeveloped deposit on the planet."
  • Base Metals: Core holdings include Copper Mountain and nickel stocks like FPX Nickel.
  • Precious Metals: Key picks are Gatos Silver and New OroPeru.
The commentary concludes by listing a few dividend payers and highly speculative bets in Bitcoin and the Tech sector (Maxar Technologies and Poet Technologies).

AAV.TO|ATU.V|AZZ.TO|BIR.TO|CCO.TO|CMMC.TO|CUR.V|DCMC.TO|DML.TO|ENB.TO|EU.V|FOM.V|FPX.V|GATO.TO|GLO.TO|KRR.TO|MAXR.TO|MEG.TO|NTR.TO|NXE.TO|ORO.V|PDM.TO|PG.TO|PTK.V|QBTC.TO|TAO.V|TECK.B.TO|TGL.TO|TLO.TO|TOU.TO|TXP.TO|URC.TO|VS.C

Pre-Circle
December 8, 2020

A Transglobe Rerate is in the Cards

December 8, 2020
Malcolm Shaw

Malcolm Shaw analyzes Transglobe Energy’s (TGL.TO) "transformational" new Petroglobe production sharing contract (PSC) in Egypt. By restructuring the fiscal terms, TGL’s netbacks at US$50 Brent are projected to jump **125%**, increasing annual cash flow from US$24 million to US$56 million. With a current Enterprise Value of approximately CDN$66 million, Malcolm Shaw calculates TGL is trading at a stunningly low 0.9x EV/Cash Flow multiple—what he calls "half of dirt cheap." He projects a modest growth case for 2022 (13,000 bopd at US$60 Brent) that could boost cash flow to CDN$110 million, suggesting the stock could reach CDN$3.00 (a 2x multiple) or higher, even without factoring in the company's Canadian assets.

The Masterstroke Restructure
An analysis of Transglobe Energy’s (TGL.TO) "transformational" new Petroglobe production sharing contract (PSC) in Egypt is provided.
By restructuring the fiscal terms, TGL’s netbacks at US$50 Brent are projected to jump 125% — dramatically increasing annual cash flow from US$24 million to US$56 million.
With a current Enterprise Value of approximately CDN$66 million — the author calculates TGL is trading at a stunningly low 0.9x EV/Cash Flow multiple — a valuation he provocatively calls "half of dirt cheap."
He projects a modest growth case for 2022 (13,000 bopd at US$60 Brent) that could boost cash flow to CDN$110 million — suggesting the stock could reach CDN$3.00 (a 2x multiple) or higher, even without factoring in the company's Canadian assets.

TGL.TO

Pre-Circle
December 4, 2020

Touchstone Hits More Gas while Transglobe Bags a New Deal

December 4, 2020
Malcolm Shaw

Malcolm Shaw provides an updated, bullish view on the energy and materials sectors, driven by global reflation, massive liquidity, and pent-up demand. He argues that the oil sector is poised for a major boom due to a slow supply response from producers prioritizing debt repayment and dividends over growth, which will exacerbate the supply imbalance by mid-2021. Malcolm Shaw then focuses on specific energy holdings: he has trimmed Touchstone (TXP.TO) after its positive Cascadura Deep results, but retains conviction that the company is on a path to either being bought or generating significant free cash flow. He also details his rationale for buying two "absurdly cheap" oil stocks during tax loss selling: Pan Orient Energy (POE.V), which is trading at a huge discount to its NAV, and TransGlobe Energy (TGL.TO), whose new Egyptian concession agreement is deemed "transformational," potentially adding 59 million barrels of contingent resources and drastically increasing netbacks by US$9-11 per barrel at US$60 Brent. He concludes that the TGL deal makes it one of the cheapest oil stocks he has found in recent memory.

Reflation and Pent-Up Demand:
An updated, bullish view is provided on the energy and materials sectors — driven by global reflation, massive liquidity, and pent-up demand. The oil sector is argued to be poised for a major boom due to a slow supply response from producers prioritizing debt repayment and dividends over growth, which is expected to exacerbate the supply imbalance by mid-2021.
The author focuses on specific energy holdings:
  • Touchstone (TXP.TO) has been trimmed after its positive Cascadura Deep results — but conviction is retained that the company is on a path to either being bought or generating significant free cash flow.
  • The rationale is detailed for buying two "absurdly cheap" oil stocks during tax loss selling:
    • Pan Orient Energy (POE.V) — noted to be trading at a huge discount to its NAV.
    • TransGlobe Energy (TGL.TO) — whose new Egyptian concession agreement is deemed "transformational," potentially adding 59 million barrels of contingent resources and drastically increasing netbacks by US$9-11 per barrel at US$60 Brent. The TGL deal is concluded to make it one of the cheapest oil stocks the author has found in recent memory.

POE.V|TGL.TO|TXP.TO

Pre-Circle
October 29, 2020

Now What?

October 29, 2020
Malcolm Shaw

Malcolm Shaw addresses market volatility, arguing it stems from an overconcentration in specific tech/retail stocks and a resulting split between overvalued and undervalued silos. He believes stimulus is imminent post-US election, which, combined with pent-up demand from COVID-19 lockdowns, will lead to scarcity and inflation. Malcolm Shaw reiterates his long-term bullish focus on Energy, Gold, and Materials—sectors he believes will benefit most from inflation and the "green energy" transition. He highlights copper and nickel for electrification and anticipates an oil supply shortage in H2 2021/2022 due to years of underinvestment and ESG-driven capital flight. He then details his portfolio, emphasizing value plays like Nutrien (NTR.TO), gas producers (Spartan Delta (SDE.V)), cheap gold miners (Karora Resources (KRR.TO)), lithium explorers (Neo Lithium (NLC.V)), and Maxar Technologies (MAXR.TO) as a free-cash-flow space bet.

Volatility and Inflation: The Scarcity Trade Thesis
The author addresses market volatility, arguing it stems from an overconcentration in specific tech/retail stocks and a resulting split between overvalued and undervalued silos.
The core thesis is that imminent stimulus post-U.S. election, combined with pent-up demand from COVID-19 lockdowns, will lead to scarcity and inflation.
Long-Term Sector Focus
The author reiterates a long-term bullish focus on Energy, Gold, and Materials — sectors believed to benefit most from inflation and the "green energy" transition.
  • Electrification: Copper and nickel are specifically highlighted for their role in electrification.
  • Oil Shortage: An oil supply shortage is anticipated in H2 2021/2022 due to years of underinvestment and ESG-driven capital flight away from the sector.

AAV.TO|AGI.TO|ARX.TO|BIR.TO|CMMC.TO|CNC.TO|CRE.V|CS.TO|FM.TO|FPX.V|HBM.TO|IMG.TO|KRR.TO|LAC.TO|MAXR.TO|NLC.V|NPK.TO|NTR.TO|PGZ.V|SDE.V|SURG.V|TAO.V|TLO.TO|TOU|TOU.TO|TXP.TO

Pre-Circle
August 18, 2020

What Summer Doldrums?

August 18, 2020
Malcolm Shaw

The market is currently defying the "summer doldrums" due to massive global liquidity and a surge of "deferred demand" ready to drive economic activity, fueling the reflation/inflation trade and benefiting the materials and energy sectors. The article provides extensive updates across the portfolio, highlighting gold (with Minera Alamos up 600% and deep value in Battle North Gold), the battery metals trifecta of lithium, nickel, and manganese, and the energy sector (bullish on natural gas leaders like Advantage and Spartans, and cautiously adding oil exposure). Malcolm Shaw stresses the exceptional value of New OroPeru (ORO.V), trading at just US$14/oz with Barrick's option deadline approaching, and makes a high-conviction bet on Maxar Technologies (MAXR.TO) as a free-cash-flow space play poised to break out from heavy short interest.

Defying Doldrums: Reflation Trade Fuels Materials and Energy
The market is currently defying the "summer doldrums" — driven by massive global liquidity and a surge of "deferred demand" ready to drive economic activity, fueling the reflation/inflation trade and benefiting the materials and energy sectors.
Portfolio Updates
  • Gold and Materials: Updates highlight strong performance in gold (Minera Alamos up 600%) and deep value in Battle North Gold. The focus is also on the battery metals trifecta of lithium, nickel, and manganese.
  • Energy Sector: The author is bullish on natural gas leaders like Advantage (AAV) and Spartans, while cautiously adding oil exposure to the portfolio.
  • New OroPeru (ORO.V): The exceptional value of ORO.V is stressed — trading at just US$14/oz with Barrick's option deadline approaching, positioning it for a major event.
  • Maxar Technologies (MAXR.TO): A high-conviction bet is placed on MAXR.TO as a free-cash-flow space play — which is argued to be poised to break out from heavy short interest as value is recognized.

AAV.TO|ATU.V|BIR.TO|BNAU.TO|CNC.V|CNQ.TO|CPG.TO|CYP.V|EMN.V|FPX.V|LAC.TO|MAI.V|MAXR.TO|NLC.V|NRN.V|NTR.TO|ORO.V|PG.TO|SDE.V|TECK.B.TO|TLO.TO|TOU.TO|TXP.TO|WCP.TO|YGR.TO

Pre-Circle
July 24, 2020

Elon's Call to Arms: Miners, Go Get More Nickel

July 24, 2020
Malcolm Shaw

Malcolm Shaw analyzes Elon Musk's plea for miners to produce more "environmentally friendly nickel" for the electric vehicle transition, even without a major price spike. He argues that while Musk calls for efficiency, chronic underinvestment means price is the true driver of new supply. Malcolm details his Canadian nickel basket, highlighting three key companies. He is particularly focused on FPX Nickel's Baptiste Deposit, which uses a unique awaruite metallurgy that results in non-acid generating tailings capable of sequestering CO2, directly addressing Musk's environmental demands. He also notes the scale of Canada Nickel's Crawford Project and the high-grade nature of Talon Metals' Tamarack Project as significant supply sources.

The Green Nickel Imperative: Canadian Supply Basket
This analysis addresses Elon Musk's plea for miners to produce more "environmentally friendly nickel" for the electric vehicle (EV) transition, arguing that despite the call for efficiency, chronic underinvestment means price is the true driver of new supply.
The author details his Canadian nickel basket, highlighting three key companies that address the supply and environmental demands:
  • FPX Nickel's Baptiste Deposit: This is the primary focus, as its unique awaruite metallurgy results in non-acid generating tailings that are capable of sequestering $\text{CO}_2$ (carbon dioxide). This feature directly and uniquely addresses Musk's environmental demands for greener nickel production.
  • Canada Nickel's Crawford Project: Noted for its scale, positioning it as a potentially significant source of new supply.
  • Talon Metals' Tamarack Project: Highlighted for the high-grade nature of its ore, offering a valuable feed source for the EV battery supply chain.

CNC.V|FPX.V|GIGA.V|NAN.TO|S.TO|TLO.TO

Pre-Circle
July 20, 2020

Touchstone's Free Cash Flow Engine: Cascadura Reserves Report Delivers

July 20, 2020
Malcolm Shaw

Malcolm Shaw is highly impressed with Touchstone Exploration's (TXP.TO) maiden Cascadura reserves estimate, which beat all prior market expectations. The report confirms net 2P reserves of 234 BCF of gas and 6 Mmbbls of associated liquids, yielding a net before-tax NPV10 of $519.2 million. Malcolm Shaw emphasizes the extremely low Future Development Capital (FDC) of only $15.8 million required to unlock this massive cash flow stream, demonstrating the concept of "free cash flow." He states that the company's valuation, even using the industry rule-of-thumb of "$1/mcf" and assigning zero value to other assets, would suggest a target of **C$1.25/share**, and he believes the stock is poised for growth akin to a "super-fast-forward" version of Canacol Energy's development.

Massive Cash Flow on Minimal Capex
The maiden Cascadura reserves estimate from Touchstone Exploration's (TXP.TO) is noted to have beat all prior market expectations. The report confirms net 2P reserves of 234 BCF of gas and 6 Mmbbls of associated liquids — yielding a net before-tax NPV10 of $519.2 million.
The author emphasizes the extremely low Future Development Capital (FDC) of only $15.8 million required to unlock this massive cash flow stream, demonstrating the concept of "free cash flow."
Even using the industry rule-of-thumb of "$1/mcf" and assigning zero value to other assets, the company's valuation would suggest a target of C$1.25/share. The stock is believed to be poised for growth akin to a "super-fast-forward" version of Canacol Energy's development.

CNE.TO|TXP.TO

Pre-Circle
June 13, 2020

Taking Stock After Rough Waters

June 13, 2020
Malcolm Shaw

The market is defying the "summer doldrums," fueled by global liquidity and massive "deferred demand" that is stacking up for resource and industrial sectors. The overall strategy focuses on a bullish rotation from growth into value and commodities (gold, energy, and materials) in anticipation of future inflation and supply shortages. Key gold holdings like New OroPeru (ORO.V) are trading at extreme value ($\text{US\$14/oz}$) ahead of a looming decision deadline involving Barrick. High conviction is placed on battery metals (lithium, nickel, manganese) and major diversified resource names (Teck, Nutrien). The author views the energy sector as primed for an oil squeeze in H2 2021 due to chronic underinvestment. A major bet is on Maxar Technologies (MAXR.TO), a space-tech play considered grossly undervalued with a tight share structure and high short interest ahead of its next-gen satellite launch.

Quiet Market, Loud Catalysts: The Speculator's High-Conviction List
The author maintains high conviction despite market quietness, focusing on asymmetric risk/reward stories.
Key Catalysts
  • Touchstone Exploration (TXP.TO): The upcoming Chinook drill is the make-or-break event, with a strong Cascadura base case value providing a floor. Failure risks a temporary sell-off, but success could make the stock parabolic.
  • New Oroperu (ORO.V): An undervalued $44M market cap gold asset with 3M+ ounces facing a December 31 Barrick option deadline, positioning it for a major event. Its low-cost oxide cap offers a clear path to value.
  • Deep Value Energy: Yangarra (YGR.TO) is cited as "stupidly cheap," trading at a fraction of its NAV, alongside Spartan Delta (SDE.TO) (a new roll-up vehicle) and Altura Energy (ATU.V) (a patient call option on oil).
  • Orestone (ORS.V): A pure speculation on a copper/gold target in Chile with a favorable setup for a low-cost drilling lottery.

ARX.TO|ATU.V|CHE.UN.TO|ENB.TO|NTR.TO|ORO.V|ORS.V|SDE.TO|TECK.B.TO|TXP.TO|YGR.TO

Pre-Circle
May 11, 2020

Fun with Touchstone Numbers

May 11, 2020
so clearly gas molecules are worth more now than they were in 2004... let's call it 150% more. So in a takeout

The article presents Malcolm Shaw's detailed scenario analysis for Touchstone Exploration (TXP.TO), arguing that the risk-reward is now highly asymmetric based on the Cascadura discovery alone. He establishes a base case value of C$1.65 per share by using the 2004 takeout of a similar Trinidad asset (Aventura) and adjusting the valuation for today's gas price (US$3.00/mcf), valuing Cascadura (assumed 200 BCF net to TXP) at C$1.50/mcf. This base case value is nearly 200% higher than the stock's current price of C$0.55. Malcolm Shaw then outlines the **incremental option value** from successful drilling at the larger Chinook prospect (estimated +C$0.50 to +C$2.00 per share) and the Cascadura Deep target (estimated +C$0.50 to +C$2.00 per share), leading to a range of potential outcomes from C$1.65 to C$5.85 per share, all for a stock that is currently undervalued.

Touchstone Exploration (TXP): The Asymmetric Scenario Analysis
This detailed scenario analysis for Touchstone Exploration (TXP.TO) argues that the risk-reward profile is now highly asymmetric — based on the Cascadura discovery alone.
Base Case Valuation (Cascadura Discovery)
A base case value of C$1.65 per share is established using a comparable M&A takeout of a similar Trinidad asset (Aventura) in 2004. This valuation is derived by:
  • Adjusting for today's gas price (US$3.00/mcf).
  • Valuing Cascadura (assumed 200 BCF net to TXP) at C$1.50/mcf.
This base case value is nearly 200% higher than the stock's current price of C$0.55.
Incremental Option Value
The analysis then outlines the incremental option value from successful drilling at two further, high-potential targets:
  • Chinook Prospect: Estimated to add +C$0.50 to +C$2.00 per share.
  • Cascadura Deep Target: Estimated to add +C$0.50 to +C$2.00 per share.
This scenario analysis leads to a massive range of potential outcomes, from the low-end base case of C$1.65 per share up to a high-end target of C$5.85 per share — all for a stock that is currently undervalued.

TXP.L|TXP.TO

Pre-Circle
April 22, 2020

It's Been a Looooong Time Coming for New OroPeru

April 22, 2020
Malcolm Shaw

Malcolm Shaw details his high conviction in New OroPeru (ORO.V), a stock he describes as an "illiquid relic" that has been completely off the market's radar for years. He highlights that ORO's Tres Cruces gold project contains over three million ounces of gold, yet is trading at an implied valuation of just US$4/ounce in the ground. The asset's strategic value is immense because it is located only 10 kilometres from Barrick's Lagunas Norte mine, which is currently running out of oxide ore, and Barrick holds an option agreement on the Tres Cruces asset that expires at the end of the year. Malcolm Shaw's analysis, based on two decades of scattered project history, reinforces his view that this undervalued asset is poised for action.

The Illiquid Relic: $4/oz Gold & The Barrick Option
New OroPeru (ORO.V) is highlighted as an "illiquid relic" — a stock that has been completely off the market's radar for years.
The Tres Cruces gold project contains over three million ounces of gold (Measured, Indicated, and Inferred) — yet the stock is trading at an implied valuation of just US$4/ounce in the ground.
The asset's strategic value is immense: it is located only 10 kilometres from Barrick's Lagunas Norte mine (now owned by Boroo), which is currently running out of oxide ore. Barrick still holds an option agreement on the Tres Cruces asset that expires at the end of the year.
The author's analysis, based on two decades of scattered project history, reinforces his view that this undervalued asset is aggressively poised for action as the option deadline looms.

ORO.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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