UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported): August 19, 2011

VENTAS, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (877) 483-6827

Not Applicable

Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the Registrant under any of the following provisions:

o            Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o            Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o            Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o            Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Item 8.01.                                          Other Events.

On August 19, 2011, Ventas, Inc. (the “Company”) announced that its Board of Directors declared a prorated dividend on the Company’s common stock in the amount of $0.4486 per share, payable in cash on September 30, 2011 to stockholders of record on September 13, 2011.  On July 12, 2011, the Company paid a prorated dividend in the amount of $0.1264 to stockholders of record on June 30, 2011, in connection with the Company’s acquisition of Nationwide Health Properties, Inc. on July 1, 2011.  Together, these two installments equate to the Company’s regular quarterly dividend of $0.575 per share and constitute the third quarterly installment of the Company’s 2011 annual dividend.

A copy of the press release issued by the Company on August 19, 2011 is filed herewith as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated in this Item 8.01 by reference.

Item 9.01.                                          Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(a)  Financial Statements of Businesses Acquired.

Not applicable.

(b)  Pro Forma Financial Information.

Not applicable.

(c)  Shell Company Transactions.

Not applicable.

(d)  Exhibits:

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

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EXHIBIT INDEX

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