Cathay General Bancorp (CATY): Evaluating Valuation Following Strong Q2 Performance and Enhanced Investor Confidence
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Oct 16 2025
0mins
Should l Buy CATY?
Source: Yahoo Finance
Positive Investor Sentiment: Investor sentiment for Cathay General Bancorp (CATY) has improved due to strong earnings reports from major banks and indications from the Fed about easing quantitative tightening, leading to a supportive environment for the banking sector.
Share Price and Valuation: CATY's share price has been rising, with a total shareholder return of 9.88% over the past year. Analysts suggest its fair value is $52.40, indicating it may be undervalued at its current price of $48.87.
Operational Efficiency and Growth: The bank's investments in digital capabilities are enhancing operational efficiency and supporting income growth, while maintaining strong credit discipline and stable asset quality.
Risks and Market Conditions: Despite the positive outlook, CATY faces risks due to heavy exposure to commercial real estate and concentration in specific urban markets, which could impact its performance if sector conditions worsen.
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Analyst Views on CATY
Wall Street analysts forecast CATY stock price to fall
2 Analyst Rating
0 Buy
1 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Sell
Current: 52.800
Low
45.00
Averages
50.00
High
55.00
Current: 52.800
Low
45.00
Averages
50.00
High
55.00
About CATY
Cathay General Bancorp is the holding company of Cathay Bank (the Bank). The Bank offers a range of financial services and operates over 60 branches across the United States in California, New York, Washington, Texas, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Nevada, and New Jersey. It also has a branch outlet in Hong Kong, and representative offices in Beijing, Shanghai, and Taipei. The Bank provides financial services to diverse commercial and professional businesses in its market areas. It offers products and services to businesses, such as checking and deposit, lines of credits, commercial and commercial real estate loans, merchant services and payment processing, treasury management services, international banking and financing services, and other customary banking services. Through its Cathay Wealth Management business unit, the Bank offers clients a range of investment products and services, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, insurance, annuities, and advisory services.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Cathay General Bancorp Declares Cash Dividend
- Dividend Declaration: Cathay General Bancorp's Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend of $0.38 per common share, payable on March 9, 2026, reflecting the company's commitment to returning value to shareholders.
- Record Date for Shareholders: The record date for this dividend is set for February 26, 2026, ensuring that shareholders holding stock by this date will receive the dividend, which enhances investor confidence.
- Company Overview: Founded in 1962, Cathay General Bancorp serves as the holding company for Cathay Bank, operating over 60 branches across states like California and New York, demonstrating its solid presence in the U.S. market.
- International Expansion: In addition to its domestic operations, Cathay Bank has a branch in Hong Kong and representative offices in Beijing, Shanghai, and Taipei, indicating its strategic positioning in the Asia-Pacific region.
See More
Cathay General Bancorp CFO Heng W. Chen to Retire in 2026
- Executive Retirement: Heng W. Chen, CFO and treasurer of Cathay General Bancorp, will retire on March 1, 2026, marking a significant leadership change that may impact investor confidence.
- Succession Plan: Deputy CFO Albert J. Wang will succeed Chen as CFO and treasurer, ensuring continuity and stability in financial management to support the company's future growth.
- Transition Support: Chen will remain as a special advisor to the office of the president at Cathay Bank until December 31, 2026, aiding the new CFO's transition and ensuring smooth business operations.
- Performance Outlook: Cathay General Bancorp has set a loan growth target of 3.5%-4.5% for 2026 and declared a dividend of $0.34 per share, indicating a focus on shareholder returns while continuing to expand operations.
See More
Cathay General Bancorp CFO Heng W. Chen to Retire, Albert J. Wang to Succeed
- Executive Retirement: Heng W. Chen, CFO of Cathay General Bancorp, will retire on March 1, 2026, concluding nearly 42 years in auditing and finance, including 23 years at Cathay, marking a significant leadership transition for the company.
- Succession Plan: Albert J. Wang, currently Deputy CFO, will succeed Chen as CFO and Treasurer, bringing over 28 years of finance and accounting experience, which is expected to provide fresh perspectives and leadership for the company.
- Transition Collaboration: Chen and Wang will work closely together to ensure a smooth transition, with Chen serving as a Special Advisor until December 31, 2026, continuing to support the company during this period.
- Company Growth: Under Chen's tenure, Cathay Bank has achieved sustained growth, delivering strong earnings and consistent shareholder value, demonstrating its robust performance and strategic decision-making capabilities in the financial services industry.
See More
Cathay General Bancorp (CATY) Reports 16.5% Net Income Growth to $90.5 Million in Q4 2025
- Net Income Growth: Cathay General Bancorp reported a net income of $90.5 million for Q4 2025, reflecting a 16.5% increase from $77.7 million in Q3, demonstrating effective strategies in credit management and revenue diversification.
- Earnings Per Share Increase: Diluted earnings per share rose from $1.13 in Q3 to $1.33, an 18.3% increase, indicating enhanced profitability and increased investor confidence in the company's performance.
- Loan and Deposit Growth: Total loans grew by $42 million, primarily driven by increases in commercial real estate and residential loans, while total deposits increased by $373 million, with expectations for deposit growth of 4% to 5% in 2026, further solidifying the company's market position.
- Capital Ratio Improvement: Capital ratios improved slightly across Tier 1 leverage, Tier 1 risk-based, and total risk-based capital, indicating robust performance in capital management and risk control, laying a solid foundation for future growth.
See More
Cathay General Bancorp Reports Q4 EPS of $1.33, Beating Estimates
- Strong Earnings Performance: Cathay General Bancorp reported a Q4 GAAP EPS of $1.33, exceeding market expectations by $0.10, which reflects the company's ongoing growth in profitability and boosts investor confidence.
- Significant Revenue Growth: The bank's revenue reached $222.8 million, marking a 19.5% year-over-year increase and surpassing estimates by $11.04 million, indicating robust growth momentum in a competitive market that strengthens its market position.
- Stable Dividend Distribution: Cathay General declared a dividend of $0.34 per share, demonstrating its commitment to providing consistent returns to shareholders while maintaining profitability growth, which enhances investor confidence in holding shares.
- Optimistic Market Outlook: Analysts have upgraded Cathay General's earnings outlook to
See More
Cathay General Bancorp to Announce 2025 Financial Results on January 22, 2026
- Earnings Announcement Schedule: Cathay General Bancorp is set to release its fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results after market close on January 22, 2026, which is expected to provide investors with crucial financial data and business performance insights.
- Conference Call Details: The company will host a conference call at 3:00 PM Pacific Time (6:00 PM Eastern Time) lasting one hour, allowing analysts and investors to engage in a question-and-answer session, thereby enhancing interaction with management.
- Webcast Access: A live webcast of the call will be available on the company's website, with a recorded version accessible for replay within 24 hours post-call, facilitating information access for investors unable to attend live.
- Company Background Information: Founded in 1962, Cathay General Bancorp operates over 60 branches across several U.S. states and has a branch in Hong Kong, showcasing its extensive footprint and international strategy in the financial services sector.
See More
Cathay General Bancorp Declares Cash Dividend
- Dividend Declaration: Cathay General Bancorp's Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend of $0.38 per common share, payable on March 9, 2026, reflecting the company's commitment to returning value to shareholders.
- Record Date for Shareholders: The record date for this dividend is set for February 26, 2026, ensuring that shareholders holding stock by this date will receive the dividend, which enhances investor confidence.
- Company Overview: Founded in 1962, Cathay General Bancorp serves as the holding company for Cathay Bank, operating over 60 branches across states like California and New York, demonstrating its solid presence in the U.S. market.
- International Expansion: In addition to its domestic operations, Cathay Bank has a branch in Hong Kong and representative offices in Beijing, Shanghai, and Taipei, indicating its strategic positioning in the Asia-Pacific region.
See More
Cathay General Bancorp CFO Heng W. Chen to Retire in 2026
- Executive Retirement: Heng W. Chen, CFO and treasurer of Cathay General Bancorp, will retire on March 1, 2026, marking a significant leadership change that may impact investor confidence.
- Succession Plan: Deputy CFO Albert J. Wang will succeed Chen as CFO and treasurer, ensuring continuity and stability in financial management to support the company's future growth.
- Transition Support: Chen will remain as a special advisor to the office of the president at Cathay Bank until December 31, 2026, aiding the new CFO's transition and ensuring smooth business operations.
- Performance Outlook: Cathay General Bancorp has set a loan growth target of 3.5%-4.5% for 2026 and declared a dividend of $0.34 per share, indicating a focus on shareholder returns while continuing to expand operations.
See More
Cathay General Bancorp CFO Heng W. Chen to Retire, Albert J. Wang to Succeed
- Executive Retirement: Heng W. Chen, CFO of Cathay General Bancorp, will retire on March 1, 2026, concluding nearly 42 years in auditing and finance, including 23 years at Cathay, marking a significant leadership transition for the company.
- Succession Plan: Albert J. Wang, currently Deputy CFO, will succeed Chen as CFO and Treasurer, bringing over 28 years of finance and accounting experience, which is expected to provide fresh perspectives and leadership for the company.
- Transition Collaboration: Chen and Wang will work closely together to ensure a smooth transition, with Chen serving as a Special Advisor until December 31, 2026, continuing to support the company during this period.
- Company Growth: Under Chen's tenure, Cathay Bank has achieved sustained growth, delivering strong earnings and consistent shareholder value, demonstrating its robust performance and strategic decision-making capabilities in the financial services industry.
See More
Cathay General Bancorp (CATY) Reports 16.5% Net Income Growth to $90.5 Million in Q4 2025
- Net Income Growth: Cathay General Bancorp reported a net income of $90.5 million for Q4 2025, reflecting a 16.5% increase from $77.7 million in Q3, demonstrating effective strategies in credit management and revenue diversification.
- Earnings Per Share Increase: Diluted earnings per share rose from $1.13 in Q3 to $1.33, an 18.3% increase, indicating enhanced profitability and increased investor confidence in the company's performance.
- Loan and Deposit Growth: Total loans grew by $42 million, primarily driven by increases in commercial real estate and residential loans, while total deposits increased by $373 million, with expectations for deposit growth of 4% to 5% in 2026, further solidifying the company's market position.
- Capital Ratio Improvement: Capital ratios improved slightly across Tier 1 leverage, Tier 1 risk-based, and total risk-based capital, indicating robust performance in capital management and risk control, laying a solid foundation for future growth.
See More
Cathay General Bancorp Reports Q4 EPS of $1.33, Beating Estimates
- Strong Earnings Performance: Cathay General Bancorp reported a Q4 GAAP EPS of $1.33, exceeding market expectations by $0.10, which reflects the company's ongoing growth in profitability and boosts investor confidence.
- Significant Revenue Growth: The bank's revenue reached $222.8 million, marking a 19.5% year-over-year increase and surpassing estimates by $11.04 million, indicating robust growth momentum in a competitive market that strengthens its market position.
- Stable Dividend Distribution: Cathay General declared a dividend of $0.34 per share, demonstrating its commitment to providing consistent returns to shareholders while maintaining profitability growth, which enhances investor confidence in holding shares.
- Optimistic Market Outlook: Analysts have upgraded Cathay General's earnings outlook to
See More
Cathay General Bancorp to Announce 2025 Financial Results on January 22, 2026
- Earnings Announcement Schedule: Cathay General Bancorp is set to release its fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results after market close on January 22, 2026, which is expected to provide investors with crucial financial data and business performance insights.
- Conference Call Details: The company will host a conference call at 3:00 PM Pacific Time (6:00 PM Eastern Time) lasting one hour, allowing analysts and investors to engage in a question-and-answer session, thereby enhancing interaction with management.
- Webcast Access: A live webcast of the call will be available on the company's website, with a recorded version accessible for replay within 24 hours post-call, facilitating information access for investors unable to attend live.
- Company Background Information: Founded in 1962, Cathay General Bancorp operates over 60 branches across several U.S. states and has a branch in Hong Kong, showcasing its extensive footprint and international strategy in the financial services sector.
See More
