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Cathay General (CATY) Q1 2026 profit $86.9M as credit metrics improve

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(High)
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8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Cathay General Bancorp reported solid first quarter 2026 results with mixed trends. Net income was $86.9 million, or $1.29 per diluted share, down from $90.5 million and $1.33 in the fourth quarter of 2025 but up from $69.5 million a year earlier.

Net interest income was $194.2 million as net interest margin improved to 3.43% from 3.36%, helped by lower deposit and funding costs. Provision for credit losses rose to $18.2 million, while non-interest income fell to $20.7 million due to a $15.7 million impairment on available-for-sale securities, partly offset by higher equity securities gains.

Non-interest expense declined 6.0% to $86.7 million, improving the efficiency ratio to 40.35%. Gross loans edged up to $20.17 billion and deposits were $20.68 billion. Asset quality strengthened as non-performing assets fell to $127.9 million, 0.53% of total assets, and capital ratios remained firmly in the well-capitalized range, with a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 13.46%. The quarterly cash dividend was $0.38 per share.

Positive

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Insights

Cathay delivers stable earnings, stronger credit metrics, and firm capital.

Cathay General Bancorp generated Q1 2026 net income of $86.9 million and diluted EPS of $1.29. Profit dipped modestly versus Q4 2025 but rose versus Q1 2025, while net interest margin expanded to 3.43% as funding costs eased.

Credit costs stayed elevated with a $18.2 million provision, yet asset quality improved: non-performing assets fell to $127.9 million, or 0.53% of total assets, and allowance coverage of non-performing loans increased. A $15.7 million securities impairment weighed on non-interest income but was partly offset by stronger equity securities gains.

Operating efficiency improved, with non-interest expense down to $86.7 million and the efficiency ratio at 40.35%. Capital remained robust, with a Tier 1 risk-based ratio of 13.46% and a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 11.15% as of March 31, 2026. Subsequent filings may provide more detail on loan growth and credit trends through 2026.

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition Financial
Disclosure of earnings results, typically an earnings press release or preliminary financials.
Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure Disclosure
Material non-public information disclosed under Regulation Fair Disclosure, often investor presentations or guidance.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Net income $86.9 million Quarter ended March 31, 2026
Diluted EPS $1.29 per share Quarter ended March 31, 2026
Net interest income $194.2 million Quarter ended March 31, 2026
Net interest margin 3.43% Quarter ended March 31, 2026
Provision for credit losses $18.2 million Quarter ended March 31, 2026
Non-interest income $20.7 million Quarter ended March 31, 2026
Non-performing assets $127.9 million 0.53% of total assets as of March 31, 2026
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio 13.46% As of March 31, 2026
net interest margin financial
"The net interest margin was 3.43% for the first quarter of 2026 compared to 3.36% for the fourth quarter of 2025."
Net interest margin measures how much a bank earns from lending and investing compared with what it pays for funding, expressed as a percentage of its interest-earning assets. Think of it like a grocery store’s markup: it shows the gap between buying cost and selling price per dollar of goods — here, the cost is interest paid and the sale is interest received. Investors watch it because a higher margin usually means a bank is more profitable and better at managing interest rate and credit conditions.
efficiency ratio financial
"The efficiency ratio, defined as non-interest expense divided by the sum of net interest income before provision for loan losses plus non-interest income, was 40.35% in the first quarter of 2026."
A measure of how much a company spends to produce each dollar of revenue, usually shown as operating expenses divided by revenue and expressed as a percentage. Think of it as a household’s budget: a lower percentage means more of each dollar earned stays as profit, while a higher number means costs are eating into returns. Investors use it to judge cost control and compare how efficiently companies turn revenue into earnings, especially in banks and financial firms.
non-performing assets financial
"Total non-performing assets decreased $15.8 million, or 11.0%, to $127.9 million as of March 31, 2026."
Loans or other credit exposures that are not producing expected income because borrowers have stopped making scheduled payments for a significant period (commonly around 90 days). Think of it like a business lending money that has gone quiet — the cash flow stops while the lender still carries the debt on its books. High levels of non-performing assets matter to investors because they reduce a lender’s earnings, tie up capital that could be used for growth, and signal higher risk of future losses.
allowance for loan losses financial
"As of March 31, 2026, the allowance for loan losses increased by $12.9 million to $208.8 million, or 1.03% of gross loans."
Allowance for loan losses is money set aside by a bank to cover potential losses if some loans don’t get repaid. It helps the bank stay prepared for bad debts, much like setting aside savings for unexpected expenses. This ensures the bank remains stable even if some borrowers can’t pay back their loans.
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio financial
"As of March 31, 2026, the Company’s Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 13.46% ... continue to place the Company in the “well capitalized” category."
A Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio measures a bank’s core financial cushion—its highest-quality capital such as common equity—relative to the size and risk of its assets, where riskier loans count for more. Think of it as the safety margin a bank keeps against losses compared to the amount and riskiness of what it owns; investors use it to judge a bank’s solvency, regulatory strength, and ability to withstand shocks or sustain payouts.
tangible book value financial
"TBV represents stockholders’ equity less goodwill and other intangible assets."
Tangible book value is the accounting measure of a company’s net worth after removing intangible items like goodwill, patents and trademarks, leaving only physical and financial assets minus liabilities. For investors it offers a clearer view of the company’s hard-asset backing per share—like estimating the cash you could get by selling the furniture, machinery and cash in a house—helping gauge downside risk and whether a stock may be cheaply valued.
Offering Type earnings_snapshot
false 0000861842 0000861842 2026-04-22 2026-04-22
 

 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 8-K
 
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): April 22, 2026
 
CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
001-31830
95-4274680
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
(Commission
File Number)
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
 
777 North Broadway, Los Angeles, California      90012
(Address of principal executive offices)         (Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (213625-4700
 
Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
 
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
 
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
 
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
 
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
 
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock
CATY
Nasdaq Global Select Market
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
Emerging growth company
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
 
 

 
 

 
 
Item 2.02         Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
 
On April 22, 2026, Cathay General Bancorp (the “Company”) announced, in a press release, its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. That press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.
 
Item 7.01.          Regulation FD Disclosure
 
As announced in the press release attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1, the Company will host a conference call on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time to discuss its first quarter 2026 financial results. A presentation to accompany the conference call, which contains certain historical and forward-looking information relating to the Company (the “Presentation Materials”), has been made available on its website at www.cathaygeneralbancorp.com. A copy of the Presentation Materials is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2.
 
The information included in this report pursuant to Item 2.02 and Item 7.01 of Form 8-K (including Exhibit 99.1 and Exhibit 99.2) shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall such information be deemed to be incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act.
 
Item 9.01         Financial Statements and Exhibits.
 
(d)
Exhibits
 
 
99.1
Press Release of Cathay General Bancorp, dated April 22, 2026
 
 
99.2
Presentation Materials, dated April 22, 2026
 
 
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
 
 

 
 
SIGNATURE
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
Date: April 22, 2026
 
CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Albert J. Wang
 
 
 
Albert J. Wang
 
 
 
Executive Vice President and
 
    Chief Financial Officer  
 
 

Exhibit 99.1

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  

 

 

For: Cathay General Bancorp Contact: Albert J. Wang
  777 N. Broadway   (626) 279-3695
  Los Angeles, CA 90012    

 

 

Cathay General Bancorp Announces First Quarter 2026 Results

 

Los Angeles, Calif., April 22, 2026: Cathay General Bancorp (the “Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) (Nasdaq: CATY), the holding company for Cathay Bank, today announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. The Company reported net income of $86.9 million, or $1.29 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2026 compared to $90.5 million, or $1.33 per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2025.

 

“Our ability to expand net interest margin while keeping deposit costs contained underscores the strength of our franchise and the loyalty of our customers.” commented Chang M. Liu, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. “Although loan growth did not meet our earlier expectations, we are intentionally choosing to prioritize credit quality and deepen customer relationships rather than chase volume in a period of heightened geopolitical uncertainty. This disciplined approach positions us well for sustainable performance.”

 

 

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

 

   

Three months ended

 

(unaudited)

 

March 31, 2026

   

December 31, 2025

   

March 31, 2025

 

Net income

 

$86.9 million

   

$90.5 million

   

$69.5 million

 

Basic earnings per common share

  $ 1.30     $ 1.34     $ 0.99  

Diluted earnings per common share

  $ 1.29     $ 1.33     $ 0.98  

Return on average assets

    1.47 %     1.49 %     1.22 %

Return on average total stockholders' equity

    11.88 %     12.27 %     9.84 %

Efficiency ratio

    40.35 %     41.36 %     45.60 %

 

FIRST QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS

 

Net interest margin increased to 3.43% during the first quarter from 3.36% in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Total loans, excluding loans held for sale, increased to $20.17 billion, or 0.14%, from $20.15 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025.

We completed the $150.0 million share repurchase program previously announced in June 2025 and the Board approved an additional $150.0 million buyback program, subject to regulatory approval, which is currently pending1/.

 

 

1/

There can be no assurance if and when such regulatory approval will be received, but the company will announce the commencement of such additional buyback program if and when such approval is received.

 

 

 
 

INCOME STATEMENT REVIEW

FIRST QUARTER 2026 COMPARED TO THE FOURTH QUARTER 2025

 

Net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, was $86.9 million, a decrease of $3.6 million, or 4.0%, compared to net income of $90.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2025. Diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2026 was $1.29 per share compared to $1.33 per share for the fourth quarter of 2025.

 

Return on average stockholders’ equity was 11.88% and return on average assets was 1.47% for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, compared to a return on average stockholders’ equity of 12.27% and a return on average assets of 1.49% in the fourth quarter of 2025.

 

Net interest income before provision for credit losses

 

Net interest income before provision for credit losses decreased $0.8 million, or 0.4%, to $194.2 million during the first quarter of 2026, compared to $195.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2025. The decrease was due primarily to a decrease in interest income from loans and securities, partially offset by a decrease in deposit interest expense.

 

The net interest margin was 3.43% for the first quarter of 2026 compared to 3.36% for the fourth quarter of 2025.

 

For the first quarter of 2026, the yield on average interest-earning assets was 5.70%, the cost of funds on average interest-bearing liabilities was 2.99%, and the cost of average interest-bearing deposits was 2.96%. In comparison, for the fourth quarter of 2025, the yield on average interest-earning assets was 5.74%, the cost of funds on average interest-bearing liabilities was 3.14%, and the cost of average interest-bearing deposits was 3.12%. The decrease in the cost of funds on average interest-bearing liabilities resulted mainly from lower interest rates on deposits driven by the lower repricing of maturing time deposits in the first quarter. The decrease in the yield on average interest-earning assets resulted mainly from lower interest rates on loans. The net interest spread, defined as the difference between the yield on average interest-earning assets and the cost of funds on average interest-bearing liabilities, was 2.71% for the first quarter of 2026, compared to 2.60% for the fourth quarter of 2025.

 

Provision for credit losses

 

The Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $18.2 million in the first quarter of 2026 compared to $17.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2025. As of March 31, 2026, the allowance for loan losses increased by $12.9 million to $208.8 million, or 1.03% of gross loans, compared to $195.9 million, or 0.97% of gross loans as of December 31, 2025.

 

The following table sets forth the charge-offs and recoveries for the periods indicated:

 

   

Three months ended

 
   

March 31, 2026

   

December 31, 2025

   

March 31, 2025

 
   

(In thousands) (Unaudited)

 

Charge-offs:

                       

Commercial loans

  $ 7,971     $ 5,467     $ 2,344  

Real estate loans (1)

    1,385       409        

Total charge-offs

    9,356       5,876       2,344  

Recoveries:

                       

Commercial loans

    7,078       517       270  

Real estate loans (1)

    155       3       97  

Total recoveries

    7,233       520       367  

Net charge-offs

  $ 2,123     $ 5,356     $ 1,977  

 

(1) Real estate loans include commercial real estate loans, residential mortgage loans and equity lines.

 

- 2 -

 

 

Non-interest income

 

Non-interest income, which includes revenues from depository service fees, letters of credit commissions, securities gains (losses), wealth management fees, and other sources of fee income, was $20.7 million for the first quarter of 2026, a decrease of $7.1 million, or 25.5%, compared to $27.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2025. The decrease was primarily due to an impairment loss of $15.7 million on available-for-sale investment securities in connection with the Company’s decision to sell certain impaired securities within that portfolio. The decrease was offset by an increase of $7.6 million in gains from equity securities, when compared to the fourth quarter of 2025.

 

Non-interest expense

 

Non-interest expense decreased $5.5 million, or 6.0%, to $86.7 million in the first quarter of 2026 compared to $92.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2025. The decrease in non-interest expense in the first quarter of 2026 was primarily due to a decrease of $2.9 million in salaries and employee benefits, a decrease of $4.5 million in amortization expense of investments of low income housing and alternative energy partnerships offset, in part, by an increase of $1.5 million in other real estate owned expense, when compared to the fourth quarter of 2025. The efficiency ratio, defined as non-interest expense divided by the sum of net interest income before provision for loan losses plus non-interest income, was 40.35% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to 41.36% for the fourth quarter of 2025.

 

Income taxes

 

The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2026 was 20.98% compared to 20.23% for the fourth quarter of 2025. The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2026 and fourth quarter of 2025 includes the impact of low-income housing tax credits.

 

BALANCE SHEET REVIEW

 

Gross loans, excluding loans held for sale, were $20.17 billion as of March 31, 2026, an increase of $27.4 million, or 0.14%, from $20.15 billion as of December 31, 2025. The increase was primarily due to an increase of $98.0 million, or 3.1%, in commercial loans, $24.0 million, or 0.2%, in commercial real estate loans, and $6.7 million, or 3.0%, in equity lines of credit offset, in part, by a decrease of $53.6 million, or 0.9%, in residential real estate loans, and $48.5 million, or 14.4%, in construction loans.

 

The loan balances and composition as of March 31, 2026, compared to December 31, 2025, and March 31, 2025, are presented below:

 

   

March 31, 2026

   

December 31, 2025

   

March 31, 2025

 
   

(In thousands) (Unaudited)

 

Commercial loans

  $ 3,282,557     $ 3,184,556     $ 2,998,423  

Construction loans

    289,042       337,550       332,729  

Commercial real estate loans

    10,588,726       10,564,744       10,160,934  

Residential mortgage loans

    5,778,531       5,832,094       5,623,564  

Equity lines

    233,140       226,444       231,184  

Installment and other loans

    2,593       1,814       6,169  

Gross loans

  $ 20,174,589     $ 20,147,202     $ 19,353,003  
                         

Allowance for loan losses

    (208,786 )     (195,911 )     (173,936 )

Unamortized deferred loan fees

    (14,164 )     (14,903 )     (11,657 )

Total loans held for investment, net

  $ 19,951,639     $ 19,936,388     $ 19,167,410  
                         

Loans held for sale

  $ 6,902     $     $ 11,759  

 

- 3 -

 

 

Total deposits were $20.68 billion as of March 31, 2026, a decrease of $218.5 million, or 1.0%, from $20.89 billion as of December 31, 2025.

 

The deposit balances and composition as of March 31, 2026, compared to December 31, 2025, and March 31, 2025, are presented below:

 

   

March 31, 2026

   

December 31, 2025

   

March 31, 2025

 
   

(In thousands) (Unaudited)

 

Non-interest-bearing demand deposits

  $ 3,399,461     $ 3,505,606     $ 3,361,245  

NOW deposits

    2,336,121       2,370,047       2,131,445  

Money market deposits

    3,701,873       3,800,471       3,423,953  

Savings deposits

    1,518,300       1,500,890       1,266,561  

Time deposits

    9,719,892       9,717,153       9,634,324  

Total deposits

  $ 20,675,647     $ 20,894,167     $ 19,817,528  

 

ASSET QUALITY REVIEW

 

As of March 31, 2026, total non-accrual loans were $89.0 million, a decrease of $23.4 million, or 20.8%, from $112.4 million as of December 31, 2025.

 

The allowance for loan losses was $208.8 million and the allowance for off-balance sheet unfunded credit commitments was $15.6 million as of March 31, 2026. The allowances represent the amount estimated by management to be appropriate to absorb expected credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio, including unfunded credit commitments. The allowance for loan losses represented 1.03% of period-end gross loans, and 220.95% of non-performing loans as of March 31, 2026. The comparable ratios were 0.97% of period-end gross loans, and 172.82% of non-performing loans as of December 31, 2025.

 

The changes in non-performing assets as of March 31, 2026, compared to December 31, 2025, and March 31, 2025, are presented below:

 

(In thousands) (Unaudited)

 

March 31, 2026

   

December 31, 2025

   

%

Change

   

March 31, 2025

   

%

Change

 

Non-performing assets

                                       

Accruing loans past due 90 days or more

  $ 5,491     $ 1,000       449     $ 595       823  
                                         

Non-accrual loans:

                                       

Commercial real estate loans

    51,091       59,511       (14 )     76,802       (33 )

Commercial loans

    7,665       21,498       (64 )     53,362       (86 )

Residential mortgage loans

    30,248       31,354       (4 )     24,462       24  

Total non-accrual loans:

  $ 89,004     $ 112,363       (21 )   $ 154,626       (42 )

Total non-performing loans

    94,495       113,363       (17 )     155,221       (39 )

Other real estate owned

    33,436       30,336       10       18,484       81  

Total non-performing assets

  $ 127,931     $ 143,699       (11 )   $ 173,705       (26 )
                                         

Allowance for loan losses

  $ 208,786     $ 195,911       7     $ 173,936       20  

Allowance for off-balance sheet credit commitments

  $ 15,637     $ 12,441       26     $ 11,028       42  

Allowance for credit losses

  $ 224,423     $ 208,352       8     $ 184,964       21  
                                         

Total gross loans outstanding, at period-end

  $ 20,174,589     $ 20,147,202           $ 19,353,003       4  
                                         

Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans, at period-end

    220.95 %     172.82 %             112.06 %        

Allowance for loan losses to gross loans, at period-end

    1.03 %     0.97 %             0.90 %        

Allowance for credit losses to gross loans, at period-end

    1.11 %     1.03 %             0.96 %        

 

The ratio of non-performing assets to total assets was 0.53% as of March 31, 2026, compared to 0.59% as of December 31, 2025. Total non-performing assets decreased $15.8 million, or 11.0%, to $127.9 million as of March 31, 2026, compared to $143.7 million as of December 31, 2025, primarily due to a decrease of $23.4 million, or 20.8%, in non-accrual loans, offset, in part, by an increase of $4.5 million, or 449.1% in accruing loans past due 90 days or more, and an increase of $3.1 million, or 10.2%, in other real estate owned.

 

CAPITAL ADEQUACY REVIEW

 

As of March 31, 2026, the Company’s Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 13.46%, total risk-based capital ratio of 15.19%, and Tier 1 leverage capital ratio of 11.15%, calculated under the Basel III capital rules, continue to place the Company in the “well capitalized” category for regulatory purposes, which is defined as institutions with a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio equal to or greater than 8%, a total risk-based capital ratio equal to or greater than 10%, and a Tier 1 leverage capital ratio equal to or greater than 5%. As of December 31, 2025, the Company’s Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 13.27%, total risk-based capital ratio was 14.93%, and Tier 1 leverage capital ratio was 10.91%.

 

- 4 -

 

 

CONFERENCE CALL

 

Cathay General Bancorp will host a conference call to discuss its first quarter 2026 financial results this afternoon, Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., Pacific Time. Analysts and investors may dial in and participate in the question-and-answer session. To access the call, please dial 1-833-816-1377 and enter Conference ID 10208393. The presentation accompanying this call and access to the live webcast is available on our site at www.cathaygeneralbancorp.com and a replay of the webcast will be archived for one year within 24 hours after the event.

 

ABOUT CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP

 

Cathay General Bancorp is a publicly traded company (Nasdaq: CATY) and is the holding company for Cathay Bank, a California state-chartered bank.  Founded in 1962, Cathay Bank offers a wide range of financial services and currently operate over 60 branches across the United States in California, New York, Washington, Texas, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Nevada, and New Jersey. Overseas, it has a branch outlet in Hong Kong, and representative offices in Beijing, Shanghai, and Taipei. To learn more about Cathay Bank, please visit www.cathaybank.com. Cathay General Bancorp’s website is at www.cathaygeneralbancorp.com. Information set forth on such websites is not incorporated into this press release.

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Statements made in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the applicable provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding management’s beliefs, projections, and assumptions concerning future results and events. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, such words as “aims,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “hopes,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “projects,” “predicts,” “potential,” “possible,” “optimistic,” “seeks,” “shall,” “should,” “will,” and variations of these words and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates, beliefs, projections, and assumptions of management and are not guarantees of future performance. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations or projections. Such risks and uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, adverse developments or conditions related to or arising from local, regional, national and international business, market and economic conditions and events, the potential for new or increased tariffs, trade restrictions or geopolitical tensions that could affect economic activity or specific industry sectors and the impact they may have on us, our customers and our operations, assets and liabilities; possible additional provisions for loan losses and charge-offs; credit risks of lending activities and deterioration in asset or credit quality; extensive laws and regulations and supervision that we are subject to including potential future supervisory action by bank supervisory authorities; increased costs of compliance and other risks associated with changes in regulation; higher capital requirements from the implementation of the Basel III capital standards; compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act and other money laundering statutes and regulations; potential goodwill impairment; liquidity risk; fluctuations in interest rates; risks associated with acquisitions and the expansion of our business into new markets; inflation and deflation; real estate market conditions and the value of real estate collateral; our ability to generate anticipated returns on our investments and financings, including in tax-advantaged projects; environmental liabilities; our ability to compete with larger competitors; our ability to retain key personnel; successful management of reputational risk; natural disasters, public health crises and geopolitical events; including wars and armed conflicts, and their resulting economic impacts; general economic or business conditions in Asia, and other regions where Cathay Bank has operations; failures, interruptions, or security breaches of our information systems; our ability to adapt our systems to technological changes; risk management processes and strategies; adverse results in legal proceedings; certain provisions in our charter and bylaws that may affect acquisition of the Company; changes in accounting standards or tax laws and regulations; market disruption and volatility; restrictions on dividends and other distributions by laws and regulations and by our regulators and our capital structure; issuance of preferred stock; successfully raising additional capital, if needed, and the resulting dilution of interests of holders of our common stock; the soundness of other financial institutions; and general competitive, economic political, and market conditions and fluctuations.

 

These and other factors are further described in Cathay General Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 (Item 1A in particular), other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and other filings Cathay General Bancorp makes with the SEC from time to time. Actual results in any future period may also vary from the past results discussed in this press release. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and, except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or review any forward-looking statement to reflect circumstances, developments or events occurring after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 

- 5 -

 

 

CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

(Unaudited)

 

   

Three months ended

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

March 31, 2026

   

December 31, 2025

   

March 31, 2025

 
                         

Financial performance

                       

Net interest income before provision for credit losses

  $ 194,168     $ 195,013     $ 176,639  

Provision for credit losses

    18,193       17,200       15,500  

Net interest income after provision for credit losses

    175,975       177,813       161,139  

Non-interest income

    20,659       27,816       11,204  

Non-interest expense

    86,680       92,156       85,656  

Income before income tax expense

    109,954       113,473       86,687  

Income tax expense

    23,068       22,956       17,181  

Net income

  $ 86,886     $ 90,517     $ 69,506  
                         

Net income per common share:

                       

Basic

  $ 1.30     $ 1.34     $ 0.99  

Diluted

  $ 1.29     $ 1.33     $ 0.98  

Cash dividends paid per common share

  $ 0.38     $ 0.34     $ 0.34  
                         

Selected ratios

                       

Return on average assets

    1.47 %     1.49 %     1.22 %

Return on average total stockholders’ equity

    11.88 %     12.27 %     9.84 %

Efficiency ratio

    40.35 %     41.36 %     45.60 %

Dividend payout ratio

    29.28 %     25.28 %     34.32 %
                         

Yield analysis (Fully taxable equivalent)

                       

Total interest-earning assets

    5.70 %     5.74 %     5.89 %

Total interest-bearing liabilities

    2.99 %     3.14 %     3.46 %

Net interest spread

    2.71 %     2.60 %     2.43 %

Net interest margin

    3.43 %     3.36 %     3.25 %

 

 

 

March 31, 2026

   

December 31, 2025

   

March 31, 2025

 
Capital ratios                        

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio

    13.46 %     13.27 %     13.58 %

Total risk-based capital ratio

    15.19 %     14.93 %     15.19 %

Tier 1 leverage capital ratio

    11.15 %     10.91 %     11.06 %

 

- 6 -

 

 

CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

 

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

March 31, 2026

   

December 31, 2025

   

March 31, 2025

 
                         

Assets

                       

Cash and due from banks

  $ 135,540     $ 146,320     $ 175,027  

Short-term investments and interest bearing deposits

    1,069,943       1,278,089       1,209,487  

Securities available-for-sale (amortized cost of $1,740,858 at March 31, 2026, $1,735,451 at December 31, 2025 and $1,535,896 at March 31, 2025)

    1,678,140       1,658,223       1,434,040  

Loans held for sale

    6,902             11,759  

Loans

    20,174,589       20,147,202       19,353,003  

Less:   Allowance for loan losses

    (208,786 )     (195,911 )     (173,936 )

Unamortized deferred loan fees, net

    (14,164 )     (14,903 )     (11,657 )

Loans, net

    19,951,639       19,936,388       19,167,410  

Equity securities

    69,202       51,886       30,238  

Federal Home Loan Bank stock

    17,250       17,250       17,250  

Other real estate owned, net

    33,436       30,336       18,484  

Affordable housing investments and alternative energy partnerships, net

    287,283       287,182       285,707  

Premises and equipment, net

    88,464       87,579       89,760  

Customers’ liability on acceptances

    5,409       4,385       12,678  

Accrued interest receivable

    94,570       96,993       95,755  

Goodwill

    375,696       375,696       375,696  

Other intangible assets, net

    2,450       2,683       3,101  

Right-of-use assets- operating leases

    34,737       34,187       30,021  

Other assets

    197,969       222,378       248,609  

Total assets

  $ 24,048,630     $ 24,229,575     $ 23,205,022  
                         

Liabilities and Stockholders Equity

                       

Deposits:

                       

Non-interest-bearing demand deposits

  $ 3,399,461     $ 3,505,606     $ 3,361,245  

Interest-bearing deposits:

                       

NOW deposits

    2,336,121       2,370,047       2,131,445  

Money market deposits

    3,701,873       3,800,471       3,423,953  

Savings deposits

    1,518,300       1,500,890       1,266,561  

Time deposits

    9,719,892       9,717,153       9,634,324  

Total deposits

    20,675,647       20,894,167       19,817,528  
                         

Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank

                95,000  

Other borrowings for affordable housing investments

    13,526       17,582       17,696  

Long-term debt

    119,136       119,136       119,136  

Acceptances outstanding

    5,409       4,385       12,678  

Lease liabilities - operating leases

    36,581       36,102       32,120  

Other liabilities

    211,683       232,815       245,705  

Total liabilities

    21,061,982       21,304,187       20,339,863  

Stockholders' equity

    2,986,648       2,925,388       2,865,159  

Total liabilities and equity

  $ 24,048,630     $ 24,229,575     $ 23,205,022  
                         

Book value per common share

  $ 44.60     $ 43.53     $ 40.91  

Number of common shares outstanding

    66,972,039       67,200,126       70,034,708  

 

- 7 -

 

 

CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

   

Three months ended

 
   

March 31, 2026

   

December 31, 2025

   

March 31, 2025

 
   

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

Interest and Dividend Income

                       

Loan receivable, including loan fees

  $ 298,935     $ 306,761     $ 293,984  

Investment securities

    12,983       13,505       12,103  

Federal Home Loan Bank stock

    874       380       379  

Deposits with banks

    10,118       12,106       12,929  

Total interest and dividend income

    322,910       332,752       319,395  
                         

Interest Expense

                       

Time deposits

    84,846       90,715       96,066  

Other deposits

    41,006       44,514       42,434  

Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank

    1,010       527       1,904  

Long-term debt

    1,829       1,956       2,020  

Short-term borrowings

    51       27       332  

Total interest expense

    128,742       137,739       142,756  
                         

Net interest income before provision for credit losses

    194,168       195,013       176,639  

Provision for credit losses

    18,193       17,200       15,500  

Net interest income after provision for credit losses

    175,975       177,813       161,139  
                         

Non-Interest Income

                       

Net gains/(losses) from equity securities

    17,316       9,710       (4,191 )

Impairment loss on investment securities

    (15,685 )            

Letters of credit commissions

    2,406       2,332       2,091  

Depository service fees

    2,014       1,885       1,752  

Wealth management fees

    7,102       6,364       6,169  

Other operating income

    7,506       7,525       5,383  

Total non-interest income

    20,659       27,816       11,204  
                         

Non-Interest Expense

                       

Salaries and employee benefits

    45,511       48,415       42,427  

Occupancy expense

    5,816       5,866       5,737  

Computer and equipment expense

    5,627       6,260       6,054  

Professional services expense

    7,782       7,996       7,448  

Data processing service expense

    4,015       4,438       4,406  

FDIC and State assessments

    2,447       2,023       3,399  

Marketing expense

    1,863       1,518       1,878  

Other real estate owned expense

    1,589       59       244  

Amortization of investments in low income housing and
alternative energy partnerships

    6,740       11,232       9,054  

Amortization of core deposit intangibles

    218       217       250  

Other operating expense

    5,072       4,132       4,759  

Total non-interest expense

    86,680       92,156       85,656  
                         

Income before income tax expense

    109,954       113,473       86,687  

Income tax expense

    23,068       22,956       17,181  

Net income

  $ 86,886     $ 90,517     $ 69,506  

Net income per common share:

                       

Basic

  $ 1.30     $ 1.34     $ 0.99  

Diluted

  $ 1.29     $ 1.33     $ 0.98  
                         

Cash dividends paid per common share

  $ 0.38     $ 0.34     $ 0.34  

Basic average common shares outstanding

    67,040,473       67,681,571       70,379,835  

Diluted average common shares outstanding

    67,387,657       67,988,945       70,679,640  

 

- 8 -

 

 

CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP

AVERAGE BALANCES SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

(Unaudited)

 

   

Three months ended

         

(In thousands)(Unaudited)

 

March 31, 2026

   

December 31, 2025

   

March 31, 2025

 
   

Average

Balance

   

Average Yield/Rate (1)

   

Average Balance

   

Average Yield/Rate (1)

   

Average Balance

   

Average Yield/Rate (1)

 

Interest-earning assets:

                                               

Loans (1)

  $ 20,163,694       6.01 %   $ 20,103,677       6.05 %   $ 19,332,602       6.17 %

Taxable investment securities

    1,670,914       3.15 %     1,653,908       3.24 %     1,457,724       3.37 %

FHLB stock

    17,250       20.56 %     17,250       8.75 %     17,250       8.92 %

Deposits with banks

    1,128,168       3.64 %     1,229,444       3.91 %     1,202,304       4.36 %

Total interest-earning assets

  $ 22,980,026       5.70 %   $ 23,004,279       5.74 %   $ 22,009,880       5.89 %
                                                 

Interest-bearing liabilities:

                                               

Interest-bearing demand deposits

  $ 2,341,354       1.43 %   $ 2,305,316       1.58 %   $ 2,142,241       1.68 %

Money market deposits

    3,670,457       3.00 %     3,668,083       3.15 %     3,382,292       3.43 %

Savings deposits

    1,514,129       1.51 %     1,518,094       1.62 %     1,289,628       1.57 %

Time deposits

    9,688,896       3.55 %     9,727,542       3.70 %     9,582,826       4.07 %

Total interest-bearing deposits

  $ 17,214,836       2.96 %   $ 17,219,035       3.12 %   $ 16,396,987       3.43 %

Other borrowed funds

    128,265       3.35 %     71,474       3.07 %     215,021       4.22 %

Long-term debt

    119,136       6.23 %     119,136       6.51 %     119,136       6.88 %

Total interest-bearing liabilities

  $ 17,462,237       2.99 %   $ 17,409,645       3.14 %   $ 16,731,144       3.46 %
                                                 

Non-interest-bearing demand deposits

    3,352,409               3,484,027               3,305,149          
                                                 

Total deposits and other borrowed funds

  $ 20,814,646             $ 20,893,672             $ 20,036,293          
                                                 

Total average assets

  $ 24,040,352             $ 24,089,037             $ 23,187,863          

Total average equity

  $ 2,965,655             $ 2,927,541             $ 2,864,709          

Net interest spread

            2.71 %             2.60 %             2.43 %

Net interest margin

            3.43 %             3.36 %             3.25 %

 

 

(1) Yields and interest earned include net loan fees. Non-accrual loans are included in the average balance.

 

- 9 -

 

 

CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP

GAAP to NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

(Unaudited)

 

The Company uses certain non-GAAP financial measures including tangible book value (“TBV”), tangible book value per share (“TBV/Share”), tangible assets, tangible common equity (“TCE”) ratio, the return on average tangible common stockholders’ equity (“ROATCE”), and the Adjusted efficiency ratio. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures provide investors with information useful in understanding its financial position, results of operations, the strength of its capital position, and overall business performance. These non-GAAP financial measures are used for performance measurement purposes, as well as for internal planning and forecasting, and by securities analysts, investors, and other interested parties to assess peer company operating performance. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered a substitute for GAAP-basis financial measures. Because non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare these with other companies that present financial measures having the same or similar names. The Company strongly encourages investors to review its consolidated financial statements in their entirety and to not rely on any single financial measure.

 

TBV represents stockholders’ equity less goodwill and other intangible assets. TBV/share represents TBV divided by the number of common shares outstanding at the end of the reporting period. The TCE ratio represents TBV divided by total assets less goodwill and other intangible assets. ROATCE is calculated using net income adjusted for the tax-effected amortization of intangible assets, as a percentage of average stockholders’ equity less average goodwill and other intangible assets.

 

     

As of

 

($ In thousands, except share and per share data)

   

March 31, 2026

   

December 31, 2025

   

March 31, 2025

 
     

(Unaudited)

 

Stockholders' equity

(a)

  $ 2,986,648     $ 2,925,388     $ 2,865,159  

Less: Goodwill

    (375,696 )     (375,696 )     (375,696 )

Other intangible assets (1)

    (2,450 )     (2,683 )     (3,101 )

Tangible book value

(b)

  $ 2,608,502     $ 2,547,009     $ 2,486,362  
                           

Total assets

(c)

  $ 24,048,630     $ 24,229,575     $ 23,205,022  

Less: Goodwill

    (375,696 )     (375,696 )     (375,696 )

Other intangible assets (1)

    (2,450 )     (2,683 )     (3,101 )

Tangible assets

(d)

  $ 23,670,484     $ 23,851,196     $ 22,826,225  
                           

Average stockholders' equity

  $ 2,965,655     $ 2,927,541     $ 2,864,709  

Less: Average goodwill and other intangible assets, net

    (378,146 )     (378,379 )     (378,797 )

Average tangible stockholders' equity

(e)

  $ 2,587,509     $ 2,549,162     $ 2,485,912  
                           

Number of common shares outstanding

(f)

    66,972,039       67,200,126       70,034,708  
                           

Common equity to assets ratio

    12.42 %     12.07 %     12.35 %

Tangible common equity ratio

g=(b)/(d)

    11.02 %     10.68 %     10.89 %

Book value per share

  $ 44.60     $ 43.53     $ 40.91  

Tangible book value per share

h=(b)/(f)

  $ 38.95     $ 37.90     $ 35.50  

 

     

Three Months Ended

 
     

March 31, 2026

   

December 31, 2025

   

March 31, 2025

 
     

(In thousands) (Unaudited)

 

Net Income

  $ 86,886     $ 90,517     $ 69,506  

Add: Amortization of other intangibles (1)

    223       338       283  

Tax effect of amortization adjustments (2)

    (66 )     (100 )     (84 )

Tangible net income

(i)

  $ 87,043     $ 90,755     $ 69,705  
                           

Return on average stockholders' equity (3)

    11.88 %     12.27 %     9.84 %

Return on average tangible common equity (3)

j=(i)/(e)

    13.64 %     14.44 %     11.37 %

 

(1) Includes core deposit intangibles and servicing rights

(2) Applied the statutory rate of 29.65%.

(3) Annualized

 

- 10 -

 

 

Adjusted total revenue is calculated by adding net interest income before provision for credit losses and non-interest income excluding net gains and losses from equity and investment securities. Adjusted non-interest expense is non-interest expense excluding amortization of investments in low-income housing and alternative energy partnerships, other real estate owned expenses, amortization of core deposit intangibles and the FDIC special assessment. The Adjusted efficiency ratio is calculated by dividing the Company’s adjusted non‑interest expense by adjusted total revenue. It represents the costs expended to generate a dollar of revenue. The adjusted components exclude items that are non‑operational as well as the amortization of investments in low‑income housing partnerships and alternative energy partnerships. Although this amortization is operational in nature, it is removed to enhance comparability with peers that report these costs within income tax expense under proportional amortization accounting, which the Company has not yet adopted.

 

     

As of

 

($ In thousands) (Unaudited)

   

March 31, 2026

   

December 31, 2025

   

March 31, 2025

 

Net interest income before provision for credit losses

a

  $ 194,168     $ 195,013     $ 176,639  

Non-interest income

b

  $ 20,659     $ 27,816     $ 11,204  

Net gains/(losses) from equity securities

      17,316       9,710       (4,191 )

Impairment loss on investment securities

      (15,685 )            

Adjusted non-interest income

c

  $ 19,028     $ 18,106     $ 15,395  

Adjusted total revenue

d=c+a

  $ 213,196     $ 213,119     $ 192,034  
                           

Non-interest expense

e

  $ 86,680     $ 92,156     $ 85,656  
                           

Amortization of investments in low income housing

      6,625       12,500       8,722  

Amortization of investments in alternative energy partnerships

      115       (1,268 )     332  

Other real estate owned

      1,589       59       244  

Amortization of core deposit intangible

      218       217       250  

FDIC special assessment

      (584 )     (1,200 )     139  

Adjusted non-interest expense

f

  $ 78,717     $ 81,848     $ 75,969  
                           

Efficiency ratio

g=f/(a+b)

    40.4 %     41.4 %     45.6 %

Adjusted efficiency ratio

h=f/d

    36.9 %     38.4 %     39.6 %

 

These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered a substitute for GAAP-basis financial measures. Because non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare these with other companies that present financial measures having the same or similar names. The Company strongly encourages investors to review its consolidated financial statements in their entirety and to not rely on any single financial measure.

 

- 11 -

Exhibit 99.2

 

 

 

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FAQ

How much net income did Cathay General Bancorp (CATY) earn in Q1 2026?

Cathay General Bancorp earned net income of $86.9 million in Q1 2026. This compares with $90.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2025 and $69.5 million in the first quarter of 2025, showing year-over-year earnings growth despite a modest linked-quarter decline.

What were Cathay General Bancorp (CATY) earnings per share for Q1 2026?

Q1 2026 diluted earnings per share were $1.29 at Cathay General Bancorp. Basic EPS was $1.30. This was slightly lower than $1.33 diluted EPS in Q4 2025, but higher than $0.98 diluted EPS reported in Q1 2025, reflecting improved profitability over the prior year.

How did Cathay General Bancorp’s (CATY) net interest margin change in Q1 2026?

Net interest margin rose to 3.43% in Q1 2026. This compares with 3.36% in the fourth quarter of 2025 and 3.25% a year earlier. The improvement came as the cost of interest-bearing liabilities declined to 2.99% while yields on interest-earning assets remained relatively strong.

What was Cathay General Bancorp’s (CATY) asset quality position at March 31, 2026?

Non-performing assets totaled $127.9 million at March 31, 2026. This represented 0.53% of total assets, down from 0.59% at December 31, 2025. Non-accrual loans fell to $89.0 million, while the allowance for loan losses covered 220.95% of non-performing loans.

What were Cathay General Bancorp (CATY) loan and deposit balances at March 31, 2026?

Gross loans reached $20.17 billion and total deposits were $20.68 billion. Loans increased slightly from $20.15 billion at December 31, 2025, while deposits declined about 1.0% from $20.89 billion. Time deposits remained the largest category at $9.72 billion.

How strong were Cathay General Bancorp’s (CATY) capital ratios in Q1 2026?

Cathay General Bancorp remained well capitalized under regulatory standards. At March 31, 2026, the Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 13.46%, total risk-based capital ratio was 15.19%, and Tier 1 leverage ratio was 11.15%, all comfortably above well-capitalized minimums.

What dividend did Cathay General Bancorp (CATY) pay in the first quarter of 2026?

The company paid a cash dividend of $0.38 per common share in Q1 2026. This compares with $0.34 per share in both the fourth quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2025, indicating an increase in the quarterly dividend year over year and sequentially.

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