First Mariner Bancorp (fka FMARQ)

[56Chevy]

Hey Pagz- Perhaps this is dilutive selling but I'm more inclined to think the pullback has more to do with it simply being over-priced.

Despite steady (and very encouraging) cap ratio improvement in recent qtrs BV on FMAR was and is still in minus territory.

so are they just trying to raise ratios organically through earnings?

Apparently so. For whatever reason regulators have stood down this past year (which is a mystery all its own) and seem willing for now to allow the bank to continue on this course. I haven't seen evidence of meaningful pressure brought on by regulators to raise capital expediously ...and unless we see that ...it would appear that's exactly how FMAR intends to heal. ??


There are intangibles that don't show up on a balance sheet that I like here. Maybe its the "gut" talking but I like the overall story....its history..its founders story....amazingly it wasn't involved with TARP... and I like that it has still somehow survived..they beat the odds a slew of banks the past 4 years couldn't...which to me is a big deal! I also like that it has over $1B in assets under management which is a real good size for anyone looking to acquire or merge with them.

Is it worth a dollar today or even .75? no. not even close if numbers are your only guide... but I do think if it continues to stay down as it heals this is one an investor should seriously consider at some point for sure. And if you're in it allready I don't think you'll be sorry at all. Whatever the reason for the pullbacks is I think they're actually providing opportunities for the relatively few that even know about this bank to get in at better prices. I see the pullbacks as a good thing.