NOTE: This update article was first published for Junior Stock Review Premium readers on May 22nd, 2020. Subsequently, FPX’s share price has appreciated roughly 30% since. Become a Premium subscriber today and get my best investment ideas, market commentary and interviews first.
The attention of the market right now is rightfully focused on gold and silver, as the thesis for owning the metals has never been clearer.
Conversely, base metal prices have fallen off and are at multi-year lows. The downside risk, at least in the short term, is clearly evident.
While many base metal operations have been shut down due to the Covid-19 lockdown, it’s the demand side of the equation which I think poses the most risk to the short-term future of base metals’ prices.
In my view, much of the next 3 to 6 months is still murky, as it’s unclear to me if all the quantitative easing (QE) and low interest rates will be able to stave off the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
To add, even if a depression-like scenario is averted, it’s my view that this global shutdown will come at a price.
That price could come in a number of forms, but the one that I think is most likely is one of stagflation.
Stagflation is defined as,
“persistent high inflation combined with high unemployment and stagnant demand in a country’s economy.”
Although a stagflation environment paints an ugly picture for the economy and by extension base metals, I’m still very bullish on their long-term future.
I, therefore, believe any potential weakness in share prices as great buying opportunities for those who have an investment horizon of at least 1 to 2 years down the road.
Conversely, if you can handle the risk and are able to find a well-financed junior base metal explorer, discovery can pay no matter where you are in the cycle.
Today, I would like to give you an update on FPX Nickel Corp. (TSX-V:FPX).
As the name suggests, FPX is a junior nickel company that is developing their Decar Nickel District in Central British Columbia, Canada.
FPX Nickel Corp.
MCAP – $24.5M
Shares – 163.3M
FD – 178.9M
Cash – $1.9M as of May 1st, 2020
Currently, FPX is focused on an updated PEA, which I believe should be dramatically different from the one released in 2013.
What’s changed over the last 7 years? A lot.
Let me take you through what I see as the major positive differences between the old and the new.
Economic Improvements to Come
Risks to Investment
Covid-19 Crisis – While I’m citing Covid-19 as a risk, it’s really only a catalyst for supply and demand destruction and ties into the stagflation theme which I explained in the introduction. Longer term, though, FPX is at the top of my list in terms of junior nickel companies, and is currently the only one I’m invested in.
Nickel Price – It’s my guess that FPX will target a nickel price of around US$7.50/lb in their updated PEA, which means that the nickel price has to increase by almost 50% from its current price. Without an increase in price, the value of Decar is very speculative. To contrast that, take a look at the majority of undeveloped nickel projects worldwide. You will soon see that they are uneconomic at US$5.60/lbs. In fact, many require much more than US$8/lb to be economic, making FPX’s Decar very attractive.
CAPEX – There’s no getting around the fact that this will be a multi-billion dollar development project. To some, they won’t be able to see passed this, but I would point out, there aren’t many 30+ year mining projects that don’t require large upfront capital costs.
Debt – FPX does have a good chunk of debt, roughly $7.9M, however, it isn’t due for a few years and it is all held by 2 of the company’s largest shareholders. My guess, if FPX hasn’t been bought out before the loans’ maturity, FPX’s CEO Martin Turenne will find a way to eliminate it or extend the debt into the future.
Concluding Remarks
In my opinion, FPX Nickel is the best junior nickel company in the market. Putting it all together, the investment thesis is as follows:
Investment in FPX isn’t without risk, but at its current MCAP, it’s trading at a fraction of its value. I continue to hold my shares of FPX and will continue to add to my position moving forward.
Further reading and watching on nickel and FPX Nickel Corp.:
2019 Cambridgehouse VRIC Presentation – https://www.juniorstockreview.com/nickel-a-short-and-long-term-outlook/
2019 Cambridgehouse VRIC Panel – https://www.juniorstockreview.com/junior-stock-review-nickel-panel/
Mining Stock Education – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxgbpO0vebk
Original Investment Thesis Article January 2018 – https://www.juniorstockreview.com/fpx-nickel-corp-undervalued-pure-nickel-play/
FPX Metallurgical Improvements Update – https://www.juniorstockreview.com/fpx-nickel-corp-update-on-the-baptiste-deposit-metallurgy/
Get the e-book Junior Resource Sector Investing Success: The Risks, Rules & Strategies You Need to Know today, when you become a FREE Junior Stock Review VIP .
Until next time,
Brian Leni P.Eng
Founder – Junior Stock Review Premium
Disclaimer: The following is not an investment recommendation, it is an investment idea. I am not a certified investment professional, nor do I know you and your individual investment needs. Please perform your own due diligence to decide whether this is a company and sector that is best suited for your personal investment criteria. I have NO business relationship with FPX Nickel Corp., I do own shares in FPX Nickel Corp and am therefore bias.
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