ORANGE COUNTY EARNINGS

New Century Financial Corp.: The Irvine mortgage lender reported that net earnings for the second quarter rose 47% to $7.5 million, or 50 cents a share, from $5.1 million, or 46 cents a share, for the same quarter a year ago. Revenue advanced 98% to $45.5 million from $23 million. Year-to-date net income increased 85% to $13.7 million, or 92 cents a share, from $7.4 million, or 71 cents a share, for the 1997 first half. Revenue climbed to $84 million from $35.6 million.