First Mariner Bancorp (fka FMARQ)

[56Chevy]

I appreciate the encouragement Salty. EI has been the model of objective posting and its made me money (or in some cases saved me some which is as good as a win).

One of the things EI pointed out when analyzing smaller type regional banks was whether or not they have paid back their TARP money. Many have not...and its one of the main considerations (or should be) before investing.

http://www.knowyourbank.com/blogs/bank-tarp-funds/

Its interesting to note that 1st Mariner Bancorp didn't receive TARP money. Hard to believe but true. 1st Mariner has an interesting story related to TARP and Ed Hale (FMAR founder and former CEO now retired). The story is a couple years old now but he was a CEO you could respect imo.

http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2010-02-17/business/bal-bz.hancock17feb17_1_1st-mariner-bank-golden-parachutes-long-suffering-shareholders