Cathay General Bancorp Announces Quarterly Dividend Increase

Cathay General Bancorp, the holding company for Cathay Bank, has confirmed that it will pay a quarterly dividend of $0.38 per share. The announcement, released on February 13, 2026, follows a 11.8 % increase over the previous dividend, reflecting the bank’s continued commitment to returning value to its shareholders.

Dividend Details

  • Dividend amount: $0.38 per share
  • Increase: 11.8 % from the prior quarter’s payment
  • Payout ratio: Not disclosed in the brief, but the rise aligns with the bank’s historical pattern of moderate, steady increases.

The dividend payment is scheduled for the same distribution date as past quarters, providing investors with a reliable income stream. With a market capitalization of approximately $3.58 billion and a current share price of $52.80, the dividend yields an effective annual return of roughly 2.9 %, assuming the dividend is maintained at this level through all four quarters of the year.

Context within Cathay Bank’s Operations

Cathay Bank, which operates across multiple U.S. states, offers a broad suite of financial services including deposit taking, loan origination, trade financing, and global investment services. The bank’s diversified product offering has supported stable earnings, enabling the holding company to maintain a disciplined dividend policy. The recent dividend adjustment follows a period of solid performance, as evidenced by the bank’s asset growth and loan portfolio expansion.

Market Reaction

Although the announcement itself was brief, it has been noted by financial news outlets such as Investing.com and Seeking Alpha. The incremental increase is viewed positively by investors who favor consistent dividend growth, particularly in a sector where many peers have reduced payouts amid regulatory and economic uncertainty.

Outlook

Cathay General Bancorp’s dividend policy demonstrates its confidence in ongoing profitability and cash‑flow generation. With the bank’s focus on both traditional retail banking and innovative financial services, management expects continued resilience in the face of market volatility. Shareholders can anticipate a stable, if modest, dividend stream that complements the company’s broader strategic objectives.