EXHIBIT 12.1

CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends

	For the three months ended March 31,				For the years ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except ratios)	2017		2016		2016		2015		2014		2013		2012
Income (Loss) before income tax expense	$	69,446	$	68,838	$	242,200	$	221,096	$	219,795	$	194,170	$	184,171
Plus fixed charges	19,625		20,866		84,808		77,297		78,864		85,093		111,155
Earnings	89,071		89,704		327,008		298,393		298,659		279,263		295,326
Fixed charges	19,625		20,866		84,808		77,297		78,864		85,093		111,155
Preferred stock dividends	—		—		—		—		—		10,277		17,093
Fixed charges and preferred stock dividends	$	19,625	$	20,866	$	84,808	$	77,297	$	78,864	$	95,370	$	128,248
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred dividends	4.54		4.30		3.86		3.86		3.79		2.93		2.30