Why Ventas Could Be a Gold Mine for Income Investors

Healthcare real estate investment trust Ventas (NYSE: VTR) is a great income stock, with a steadily growing dividend that currently yields 4.5%. However, there's more to Ventas than just income -- the healthcare real estate market is expected to grow rapidly over the next few decades, and there is lots of opportunity for consolidation in the current inventory of properties. These catalysts could translate into an incredible long-term growth opportunity for Ventas and its investors.

Ventas currently has a portfolio of more than 1,200 properties. The overall strategy is to invest in properties that are more desirable than those its peers own and are operated by top-notch tenants. As of mid-2017, the portfolio breakdown is as follows:

In addition to these property types, 6% of Ventas's investment portfolio is made of real estate loans, and another 1% is international hospital properties.

Source: Fool.com