New businesses contributing to margin expansion
Management noted that new businesses (e.g., Byte, financial solutions, Walmart Connect) have been contributing roughly ~20 basis points quarter-on-quarter to gross margin (the call referenced a ~15 bps improvement in Mexico tied to other businesses). Financial solutions and Byte were key contributors in the quarter.
Byte is profitable and driving higher customer spend
Byte is already a profitable business and management expects it can reach operating margins in line with the rest of the company in the near term. Byte customers have an average ticket more than 2x that of non-Byte customers, supporting higher spend and frequency.
Strong on-demand e-commerce growth
On‑demand (fulfillment) e-commerce grew almost 20% year-on-year, reflecting improved pick/fulfillment performance and growing customer adoption of on-demand services.
Private brands and EDLP strategy gaining traction
Private label penetration showed 'good evolution' in Q4, played a key role in Bodega's strong Q4 performance, and is a central part of the enhanced EDLP strategy. Management reiterated a mid-20s percentage penetration target for private brands (midterm, with focus on Bodega).
SKU rationalization to improve availability and price perception
Walmex is reducing SKUs in smaller formats (Bodega Aurrera Express and Mi Bodega) by about 30% to devote space to high-selling items, improve on-shelf availability, and strengthen price perception and customer experience.
E-commerce operational expansion and reach
Management is expanding e-commerce reach and speed — adding more than 20 cities next quarter, mapping stores, improving on-hand accuracy and modular integrity, and progressing One Hallway integration to broaden assortment and fulfillment capability over time.
Improving macro outlook for 2026
The company expects a gradual improvement in the macro environment with GDP growth for Mexico forecast near ~1.5% for 2026 (compared with ~0% in 2025), which management believes will benefit Walmex if the company is prepared.