UPDATE: Jefferies Upgrades Ventas to Buy; Both a Defensive and Growth Play

Jefferies upgraded Ventas

from Hold to Buy and raised the price target from $66.00 to $72.00. Jefferies commented, "Given macro uncertainties heading into 2013, VTR offers investors a nice mix of defense and growth. A solid acquisition outlook, and another year of strong results from the senior housing operating portfolio also suggests upside to 2013 consensus estimates. We are upgrading to Buy and raising our PT to $72 from $66." Ventas closed at $64.76 on Monday.