DaVita’s profit increases 33%

DaVita Inc., a provider of dialysis treatments, said earnings rose 33% in the first quarter, helped by an increase in patients served.

Net income grew to $76.6 million, or 72 cents a share, from $57.5 million, or 55 cents, a year earlier, the company said. Revenue increased 9.9% to $1.28 billion. El Segundo-based DaVita also raised its earnings forecast for the year.