The spring 2003 edition of Mergent's Dividend Achievers cites CNLR as one of only 228 of the 10,000 publicly-traded companies in the US that have increased annual dividends to shareholders for 13 or more consecutive years. Of the 286 listed dividend achievers, CNLR had the 13th highest total return for 2002 and the third highest current yield.

"The 13 consecutive years of increased annual dividends per share is an important intangible asset of the company and demonstrates the company's commitment to a safe and growing dividend," CNLR executive vice president and CEO Kevin B. Habicht says in a prepared statement. "This is obviously a track record we intend to perpetuate."

CNLR owns, either directly or through investment interests, 349 properties leased to 124 retailers in 44 retail lines of trade. The REIT's stock Monday was trading on the New York Stock Exchange in the $17.92-per-share range, up from $17.65 on July 3.