BANKING / FINANCE : Findley Reports Ranks Few in O.C. Among Best Performers of Past Year

California banks, especially those in Orange County, had a tough time last year making the Findley Reports list of so-called premier performing banks.

Only 26% of the state’s banks were named “super-premier” or “premier” banks by the Anaheim consulting and information services company. The awards are given to banks that show superior financial results for the year.

Orange County’s sole super-premier performer was tiny Bank of Yorba Linda, which has only $53.3 million in loans and other assets. The county’s premier performers were Eldorado Bank in Tustin with $304.2 million in assets, Landmark Bank in La Habra with $247 million in assets and Los Angeles National Bank in Buena Park, with $90.9 million in assets.

In addition, Huntington National Bank in Huntington Beach, which is being bought by a Missouri banking company, earned kudos for having “commendable” results last year.

Community banks especially covet the Findley designation, often using the award in advertising and promotions.

In typical years, more than a third of the state’s banks and a dozen Orange County banks are recognized on Findley’s list. But the recession took its toll on the financial health of local banks as a number of them failed and most others experienced large losses.