Gross Margin Improvement from New Businesses
Mexico saw roughly a 15 basis-point gross margin improvement attributed to new businesses; management noted new businesses have been contributing ~20 basis points quarter-on-quarter historically and are expected to continue supporting margins (with some quarter-to-quarter volatility).
Byte Achieved Profitability and Strong Customer Economics
Byte is already a profitable business; management expects Byte can reach operating margins in line with the core business in the near term. Byte customers have an average ticket more than 2x that of non-Byte customers, demonstrating strong cross-sell/retention benefits.
Private Brands and EDLP Strategy Momentum
Private brands are a core part of the EDLP strategy. Management targets private brand penetration of at least the mid-20s percentage range (mid-20s penetration minimum, focused on Bodega) and reported good Q4 penetration evolution, particularly in Bodega where private brand is a key differentiator.
Bodega Aurrera Performance and Format Strength
Bodega was the highest accelerator in sales during Q4; management emphasized strong penetration among lower-income households and highlighted the diversified portfolio (Bodega, Sam's, Walmart) as a strength during a soft environment.
E‑commerce On‑demand Growth and Operational Plans
On-demand (store-fulfilled) e-commerce grew almost 20% in the quarter. Management is accelerating e-commerce via speed, reach and assortment improvements, adding new delivery cities (examples: Valle de Bravo, San Miguel de Allende) and planning broader rollout (adding 20+ cities next quarter) while unifying platform capabilities (One Hallway) to scale assortment and fulfillment.
SKU Rationalization to Improve Availability
Walmex is reducing SKUs in smaller formats (Bodega Aurrera Express and Mi Bodega) by ~30% to devote space to items that drive sales and improve availability; management expects improved availability and faster sales as a result.
Omnichannel New Businesses (Walmart Connect, Financial Solutions)
New businesses such as Walmart Connect, financial solutions and Byte are contributing to revenue and P&L, with Walmart Connect and Byte highlighted as increasingly relevant contributors to gross margin and customer engagement.
Macroeconomic Outlook Slightly Improved for 2026
Management expects Mexico GDP growth for 2026 of roughly 1.5%, an improvement versus the 0% market growth reported for 2025, and is positioning the company to benefit if the market recovery materializes.