Health Care REIT, Inc. Increases 2012 Dividend Rate

Health Care REIT, Inc.

announced today that its Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend rate of $0.74 per share ($2.96 per share annually), commencing with the February 2012 dividend payment. The increase represents a two-and-a-half cent increase from the previous quarterly dividend rate of $0.715 per share. “Health Care REIT has increased our 2012 dividend payment level 4% above 2011 payments,” said George L. Chapman, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Health Care REIT, Inc. “The dividend increase is a result of the strength of our existing portfolio and demonstrates our confidence in our earnings growth potential. We are pleased to continue to deliver outstanding value to our shareholders.”