HCA said Monday that its per-share earnings before special items rose 13% in the first quarter from the year-ago period.

A 6.8% gain in same-facility revenue pushed revenue in the quarter ended March 31 to $4.5 billion, up from $4.3 billion. HCA earned $331 million, or 60 cents a share, before several non-recurring items, versus a gain of $306 million, or 53 cents a share, a year ago. Net income rose to $326 million, or 59 cents a share, from $296 million, or 52 cents a share.

The number of shares outstanding at March 31 was 537 million, down 20 million from a year earlier. HCA operates 194 hospitals and 77 surgery centers.

The company's annual shareholders meeting will be held on May 24 at 1:30 at its headquarters behind Centennial Park.