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
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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 rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for VTR is 84.21 USD with a low forecast of 74.00 USD and a high forecast of 93.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
14 Analyst Rating
12 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 75.920
Low
74.00
Averages
84.21
High
93.00
Current: 75.920
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.
Ventas, Inc. Announces $1.89 Taxable Dividend Per Share for 2025
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