Pennsylvania-based Universal Health posts strong earnings

King of Prussia, PA-based hospital company Universal Health Services Inc. said that 2008 is off to a good start and that it is now expecting a better finish as well. The company said net income was up 24.6%, to $61.7 million, in the first quarter, up from $49.5 million in the same period last year. Earnings per share were up 30% because there are fewer shares outstanding this year. Earnings at Universal Health also rose to $1.20 per share in this year's first quarter, from 92 cents a year ago.