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)	2011		2010			2009			2008		2007
Income before income tax expense	$	151,411	$	(3,064	)	$	(129,302	)	$	70,075	$	196,660
Plus fixed charges		142,533		194,102			247,540			299,477		309,114
Earnings		293,944		191,038			118,238			369,552		505,774
Fixed charges		142,533		194,102			247,540			299,477		309,114
Preferred stock dividends		17,042		16,998			16,948			1,750		610
Fixed charges and preferred stock dividends	$	159,575	$	211,100		$	264,488		$	301,227	$	309,724
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges		2.06		0.98			0.48			1.23		1.64
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred stock dividends		1.84		0.90			0.45			1.23		1.63