Hospital admissions boost HMA earnings

Health Management Associates Inc. reported net income of $167.2 million, or 68 cents a share, for 2008, compared to net income of $119.9 million, or 49 cents a share in 2007. For the fourth quarter ending Dec. 31, net income was $14.5 million, or 6 cents a share, compared to net income of $12.5 million, or 5 cents a share, in the fourth quarter a year earlier.