LONG BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 13, 2012-- HCP (NYSE:HCP) announced that it has been named to the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats index. This highly select index recognizes members of the S&P 500 that have a market capitalization in excess of $3 billion and have increased dividends every year for at least 25 consecutive years. The index is comprised of 51 Dividend Aristocrats representing a broad spectrum of industries. HCP is the only REIT to achieve this designation.

“Our Board’s decision last month to once again raise the dividend reflects our confidence in both the near and long-term fundamentals of our business, as well as our commitment to delivering attractive cash returns to our shareholders. We are very proud of our 27-year history of consecutive dividend increases and are pleased to be included among this prestigious group of companies,” said Jay Flaherty, HCP’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

“The entire REIT industry congratulates HCP on its inclusion in the S&P 500’s Dividend Aristocrats index,” said National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts President and CEO Steven A. Wechsler. “Its accomplishment is a tribute to the quality of the company’s management team over an extended period of time, as well as a testament to the REIT approach to real estate investment. Notably, the Dividend Aristocrats index highlights the importance of both capital growth and dividend income over at least 25 years – qualities embedded in the REIT investment proposition. Having just celebrated the 20^th anniversary of the Modern REIT Era, we look forward to seeing more and more REITs join this elite group in the future.”

About HCP

HCP, Inc. (NYSE:HCP) is a fully integrated real estate investment trust (REIT) that invests primarily in real estate serving the healthcare industry in the United States. The Company’s portfolio of assets is diversified among five distinct sectors: senior housing, post-acute/skilled nursing, life science, medical office and hospitals. A publicly traded company since 1985, HCP: (i) was the first healthcare REIT selected to the S&P 500 index; (ii) has increased its dividend per share for 27 consecutive years; and (iii) is the only REIT included in the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats index. For more information regarding HCP, visit the Company’s website at www.hcpi.com.

Source: HCP, Inc.

HCP, Inc.
Timothy M. Schoen
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(562) 733-5309