HCA expects stronger revenue

Hospital company HCA Inc. announced it expects first-quarter revenue higher than a year earlier. Analysts and investors had been concerned about weakening results from the company as hospitals have been hurt by the global recession as patients cut back elective surgery and hospital admissions. HCA said it expects revenue of $7.4 billion to $7.45 billion, up from $7.13 billion a year earlier. Same-facility admissions are seen falling 0.9%, with the rate for the uninsured being flat.