One-time gains lift HCA earnings

Nashville-based hospital chain HCA Inc. has reported a nearly 128 percent increase in its fourth-quarter net income as gains from sales of facilities and on investments helped to offset higher interest costs. HCA representatives said the chain gained $139 million from sales of facilities and $2 million on investments. The company also got 6.6 percent more in revenue per patient, although admissions at hospitals opened at least a year fell by a percent.