FINANCE

Premier Performers: The financial results that Orange National Bank posted last year put it in lofty company.

The Orange-based bank joined the ranks of 18 community banks in the state that have been named premier performers for the 10th time by consultant Findley’s annual Findley Reports, a compilation of banking financial data.

Orange National is only the second bank in Orange County to receive a 10-year plaque from Findley Reports. Eldorado Bank in Tustin hit the 10-year mark for solid financial results in 1989.

Eldorado and Orange National were among nine Orange County banks and 110 banks statewide that Findley recognized as premier performers or super premier performers based on asset or deposit growth, shareholder return and low rate of loan losses.

The award winners represent 26% of the 427 banks reviewed by Findley.

Other premier or super premier performing banks in the county for last year are:

Pioneer Bank in Fullerton, Mariners Bank in San Clemente, Bank of Anaheim, Liberty National Bank in Huntington Beach, Pacific National Bank in Newport Beach, Colonial Bank in Santa Ana and American Commerce National Bank in Anaheim.

In addition, three county banks and a trust company were ranked among 64 “commendable” performers. They are National Bank of Southern California in Santa Ana, Landmark Bank in La Habra, Bank of Orange County in Fountain Valley and California Central Trust Bank Corp. in Irvine.

Findley Reports has been issuing its annual awards for 16 years.