**

** Chicago-based firm 10.6 mln share offering as part of forward sale

** The REIT enters into 1-year forward sale agreement with underwriter Wells Fargo

** Upon settlement of agreement, co to use net proceeds for

** Ventas has ~419.4 mln shares outstanding for ~$27 bln market cap, per LSEG

** Shares fell 3 cents to close at $64.45 on Weds. Stock up 29% YTD and up ~45% over the past 12 months

** In comparison, S&P 500 Real Estate index up ~8% in 2024 and up ~25% over the past year

(Lance Tupper is a Reuters market analyst. The views expressed are his own) ((lance.tupper@thomsonreuters.com lance.tupper@tr.com 1-646-279-6380))