Jefferies' Leading Real Estate Investment for 2026 Targets Aging Population and Offers Strong Dividends
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 19 2025
0mins
Should l Buy VTR?
Source: CNBC
American Healthcare REIT's Outlook: Jefferies has identified American Healthcare REIT (AHR) as a top investment for 2026, highlighting its strong position in senior housing and a projected price target of $57, indicating a potential 20% upside.
Demographic Trends: The aging population is expected to significantly grow, with those aged 65 and older projected to rise from 17% to 21% of the U.S. population by 2030, benefiting senior housing investments.
Market Conditions: AHR's market cap of approximately $9 billion allows for greater earnings potential through acquisitions, and the REIT sector may see improved operating conditions if the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates.
Competitor Insights: Other REITs like Welltower and Ventas are also expected to benefit from the aging demographic, with Jefferies rating both as buys and providing price targets suggesting significant upside potential.
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Analyst Views on VTR
Wall Street analysts forecast VTR stock price to fall
14 Analyst Rating
12 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 85.200
Low
74.00
Averages
84.21
High
93.00
Current: 85.200
Low
74.00
Averages
84.21
High
93.00
About VTR
Ventas, Inc. is a real estate investment trust (REIT). The Company holds a portfolio that includes senior housing communities, outpatient medical buildings, research centers, hospitals and healthcare facilities located in North America and the United Kingdom. The Company owns approximately 1,400 properties in North America and the United Kingdom. It operates in three segments: senior housing operating portfolio (SHOP), outpatient medical and research portfolio (OM&R), and triple-net leased properties (NNN). In its SHOP segment, it owns and invests in senior housing communities. It engages third-party managers to operate the communities on its behalf. In its OM&R segment, it primarily acquires, owns, develops, leases and manages outpatient medical buildings and research centers. In its NNN segment, it invests in and owns senior housing communities, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), long-term acute care facilities (LTACs), and freestanding inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs).
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Significant Performance Growth: Ventas reported a normalized FFO of $3.48 per share for 2025, reflecting a 9% year-over-year increase at the high end of guidance, demonstrating the company's strong execution in the senior housing market.
- Robust Shareholder Returns: In 2025, Ventas achieved a total shareholder return of 35%, significantly outperforming industry benchmarks and the S&P 500, highlighting the company's ability to excel in a competitive landscape.
- Sustained Investment Plans: The company closed $2.5 billion in senior housing investments in 2025, with over $800 million already completed in 2026, indicating a proactive response to market demand.
- Optimistic Future Outlook: Management expects normalized FFO per share for 2026 to range from $3.78 to $3.88, representing an 8% year-over-year growth, while also announcing an 8% increase in quarterly dividends, further boosting investor confidence.
See More
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- Earnings Performance: The company reported a fourth-quarter funds from operations (FFO) of $0.89, beating expectations by $0.01, while revenue reached $1.56 billion, exceeding forecasts by $10 million, indicating its competitive position and growth potential in the market.
- Dividend Yield: The forward yield of this dividend stands at 2.61%, providing a stable return for investors, which further attracts income-seeking investors and enhances the company's market appeal.
- Shareholder Return Plan: The dividend will be payable on April 16, with a record date of March 31 and an ex-dividend date also on March 31, ensuring shareholders receive timely returns, reflecting the company's commitment to its shareholders.
See More
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- Revenue Growth: Q4 revenue reached $1.57 billion, surpassing analyst estimates of $1.55 billion, and increased by 5.4% from the previous quarter and 21.7% year-over-year, indicating enhanced competitiveness in the market.
- Positive Outlook: Ventas expects normalized FFO per share for 2026 to be between $3.78 and $3.88, significantly above the average analyst estimate of $3.47, based on approximately $2.5 billion in senior housing investments and $300 million in disposition proceeds.
- Dividend Increase: The company raised its quarterly dividend by 8% to $0.52 per share, reflecting confidence in future cash flow growth and enhancing investor return expectations.
See More
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- Market Performance Insight: Ventas has recently reached 52-week highs, reflecting investor confidence in its growth potential, and analysts maintain an optimistic outlook on its ongoing market performance, which may attract more investor interest.
- Financing Activity: The company announced the pricing of a $500 million senior notes offering, a move that not only provides funding for future expansions and investments but also strengthens its competitive position in the healthcare real estate market.
- Industry Conference Participation: Ventas presented at the REITworld 2025 Annual Conference, showcasing its active engagement in the industry and its understanding of future market trends, further solidifying its status as a leading healthcare REIT.
See More
