Feb 12 (Reuters) - Ventas ( VTR ) posted

better-than-expected funds from operations (FFO) for the fourth

quarter on Wednesday, driven by strong demand for its assisted

living and senior housing properties.

The Chicago-based healthcare-centric real estate investment

trust (REIT) owns and leases senior housing properties in both

the United States and the United Kingdom, including outpatient

medical buildings and research centers.

Earlier this week, larger peer Welltower ( WELL ) forecast

annual FFO above estimates, betting on its senior housing

properties.

The demand for senior housing in the United States is on the

rise due to an aging population, coupled with an increase in

healthcare expenditure among senior citizens.

The company sees 2025 normalized FFO to be between $3.35 and

$3.46 per share, the midpoint of which is in line with analysts'

average expectation of $3.41 per share, according to LSEG data.

Ventas ( VTR ) posted normalized FFO of 81 cents per share in the

quarter ended December 31, an increase of 7% over the previous

year and above estimates of 80 cents.