Chris Constant, president and CEO of Getty Realty Corp. (NYSE: GTY), sat down for a video interview at Nareit’s REITweek: 2026 Investor Conference in New York, June 1-4.
Getty Realty’s portfolio is built to perform through changing market conditions by focusing on convenience retail and automotive-related properties that benefit from steady, non-discretionary consumer demand, Constant said.
“Getty’s portfolio is really constructed in sort of a defensive manner,” he said, noting that gasoline purchases, convenience shopping, and automotive services such as oil changes, tire replacement, and repairs remain essential regardless of broader economic conditions.
When evaluating acquisitions, Getty employs what Constant called a “total value underwriting model” that extends beyond current cash flow. The company prioritizes well-located properties in major U.S. markets with strong traffic patterns and easy customer access while also considering each property's long-term redevelopment potential.
“We want income-producing properties in our portfolio on day one, but it doesn’t scare us if the ultimate use for that property might be something different,” Constant said. Getty has already redeveloped nearly 40 properties into higher and better uses and continues to see “lots of embedded value” throughout its portfolio and acquisition pipeline.
Looking ahead, Constant said Getty is well positioned to grow, ending the quarter with more than $125 million under contract and a record amount of capital available for investment.
Although economic uncertainty remains, he said many convenience and automotive retail operators are moving forward with expansion plans. As those businesses seek to grow and consolidate, they are increasingly turning to real estate financing strategies, creating attractive investment opportunities for Getty.