UPDATE: HCA Reports Surge In Q4 Earnings

HCA Holdings Inc

reported a rise in its fourth-quarter earnings. HCA's quarterly earnings surged to $1.94 billion, or $4.25 per share, from $283 million, or $0.65 per share, in the year-ago period. Its revenue rose to $7.77 billion, from $7.16 billion. HCA also approved a special cash dividend of $2 per share. HCA projects 2012 earnings of $3.35 to $3.55 per share, versus $2.85 per share in 2011. HCA shares gained 2.95% to $27.24 in pre-market trading.