ORANGE COUNTY EARNINGS

The Presley Cos.: The Newport Beach home builder reported a net loss of $7.7 million, or 15 cents a share, for the fourth quarter, contrasted with a net income of $1.4 million, or 3 cents a share, a year ago. Sales were flat at $96.2 million. Sales from homes were $84.1 million, down 12% from the $95.8 million for the comparable period a year ago. Sales of lots, land and other items rose to $12.1 million from $355,000.

For the year, the company reported a net loss of $89.9 million, or $1.72 a share, which included a noncash charge of $74 million in the second quarter from losses on certain real estate assets. The company posted a profit of $152,000 for 1996. Sales increased 3% to $329.9 million from $319 million.