NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Feb. 9, 2010 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Nationwide Health Properties, Inc. (NYSE: NHP) announced today that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly common stock cash dividend of $0.44 per share. The dividend will be paid on March 5, 2010 to stockholders of record on February 19, 2010.

Nationwide Health Properties, Inc. is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that invests primarily in healthcare real estate in the United States. As of September 30, 2009, the Company's portfolio of properties, including mortgage loans and properties owned by unconsolidated joint ventures, totaled 579 properties among the following segments: 279 senior housing facilities, 200 skilled nursing facilities, 82 medical office buildings, 11 continuing care retirement communities and 7 specialty hospitals. For more information on Nationwide Health Properties, Inc., visit our website at http://www.nhp-reit.com.


    CONTACT:
    Abdo H. Khoury
    Chief Financial and Portfolio Officer
    Nationwide Health Properties, Inc.
    (949) 718-4400

SOURCE Nationwide Health Properties, Inc.