July 30 (Reuters) - Ventas ( VTR ) raised annual

forecast for normalized funds from operations (FFO) on

Wednesday, expecting strong demand for its assisted living and

senior housing properties.

The healthcare real estate investment trust owns and leases

senior housing and healthcare properties across the United

States and the United Kingdom, including outpatient medical

buildings and research centers.

The company's normalized FFO - a key performance metric for

REITs - was 87 cents per share for the quarter ended June 30,

slightly above the analysts' average estimate of 86 cents per

share.

Earlier this week, larger peer Welltower ( WELL ) raised its

forecast for annual FFO, driven by optimism around its senior

housing properties.

The demand for senior housing in the United States is

increasing, fueled by an aging population and higher healthcare

expenditures among senior citizens.

The company now expects its 2025 normalized FFO to range

between $3.41 and $3.46 per share, compared with a prior

projection of $3.36 to $3.46 per share.

However, the midpoint of the new range was below analysts'

average expectation of $3.45 per share, according to data

compiled by LSEG.

Shares of the Chicago-based company were down 3.3% in

extended trading.