Exhibit 12.1

CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

	For the Years Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except ratios)	2009			2008		2007		2006		2005
(Loss)/income before income tax expense	$	(129,302	)	$	70,075	$	196,660	$	184,829	$	166,481
Plus fixed charges		247,540			299,477		309,114		214,664		112,432
Earnings		118,238			369,552		505,774		399,493		278,913
Fixed charges		247,540			299,477		309,114		214,664		112,432
Preferred stock dividends		16,948			1,750		610		610		611
Fixed charges and preferred stock dividends	$	264,488		$	301,227	$	309,724	$	215,274	$	113,043
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges		0.48			1.23		1.64		1.86		2.48
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred stock dividends		0.45			1.23		1.63		1.86		2.47