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)	2010			2009			2008		2007		2006
Income before income tax expense (1)	$	(3,064	)	$	(129,302	)	$	70,075	$	196,660	$	184,829
Plus fixed charges		194,102			247,540			299,477		309,114		214,664
Earnings		191,038			118,238			369,552		505,774		399,493
Fixed charges (2)		194,102			247,540			299,477		309,114		214,664
Preferred stock dividends		16,998			16,948			1,750		610		610
Fixed charges and preferred stock dividends	$	211,100		$	264,488		$	301,227	$	309,724	$	215,274
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges		0.98			0.48			1.23		1.64		1.86
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred stock dividends		0.90			0.45			1.23		1.63		1.86

(1) Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation.

(2) Includes interest expense on uncertain tax positions.