ORANGE COUNTY EARNINGS

PNB Financial Group: The parent company of Pacific National Bank, based in Newport Beach, reported record fourth-quarter net income of $1.7 million, or 70 cents a share. That was 70% higher than the $1 million, or 46 cents a share, for the year-earlier period. Net income for 1997 increased 39% to $5 million, or $2.11 a share, from $3.6 million, or $1.57 a share, for 1996. Total assets rose 23% to $242.9 million from $198.2 million.