ORANGE COUNTY EARNINGS

Hines Horticulture Inc.: The Irvine operator of commercial nurseries reported second-quarter net income of $13.2 million, or 77 cents a share, a 21% increase from the $10.9 million, or $1.14 a share, a year ago. The 1998 figure included an extraordinary charge of $1.4 million from early retirement of debt. Sales rose 23% to $115.5 million from $94.1 million.

For the six months, net income rose 16% to $13 million, or 82 cents a share, from $11.2 million, or 97 cents a share, for the comparable period of 1997. Sales gained 15% to $163.7 million from $141.9 million. The company had its initial public offering in June.