Group 1 - The article discusses the investment outlook for FEMSA, a well-managed Mexican retailer, highlighting a discrepancy between short-term and long-term perspectives [1] - There is a concern regarding the potential impact of weaker consumer conditions in Mexico on FEMSA's performance [1]

Core Insights - FEMSA reported third-quarter 2025 adjusted net majority earnings per ADS of 88 cents, down from $1.37 in the same quarter last year, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.06 [1] - Net consolidated income was Ps. 5,838 million (US$318.2 million), reflecting a decline of 36.8% year over year [1] - Total revenues increased to US$11.7 billion (Ps. 214,638 million), a 9.1% rise year over year, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $11.2 billion [2] Financial Performance - Gross profit rose 8% year over year to Ps. 85,709 million (US$4.67 billion), while the consolidated gross margin contracted 40 basis points to 39.9% [4][6] - Operating income improved 4.3% year over year to Ps. 18,126 million (US$988.1 million), with a consolidated operating margin decrease of 40 bps to 8.4% [8] - The company had cash and cash equivalents of Ps. 123,635 million (US$6.7 billion) and long-term debt of Ps. 130,822 million (US$7.1 billion) as of September 30, 2025 [16] Segment Performance - Proximity Americas: Revenues rose 9.2% year over year to Ps. 84,738 million (US$4.6 billion), with same-store sales growth of 1.7% [9] - Proximity Europe: Revenues grew 10.1% year over year to Ps. 14,837 million (US$808.8 million), benefiting from currency appreciation [11] - Health Division: Total revenues were Ps. 21,483 million (US$1.19 billion), up 2.9% year over year, with a same-store sales increase of 0.8% [12] - Fuel Division: Revenues rose 5% year over year to Ps. 17,933 million (US$977.6 million), with average same-station sales increasing by 8.3% [13] - Coca-Cola FEMSA: Revenues advanced 3.3% year over year to Ps. 71,884 million (US$3.9 billion), with an operating margin expansion of 50 bps to 14.3% [14][15] Capital Expenditure - Capital expenditure totaled Ps. 13,128 million (US$715.6 million), an increase from the prior year, primarily due to higher spending in Coca-Cola FEMSA [17] - Proximity Americas recorded slightly lower CAPEX in Mexico, focusing on selective store openings and optimization of existing locations [18]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue growth for the third quarter of 2025 was 9.1%, driven by solid trends outside Mexico and currency tailwinds, particularly in Europe [30] - Operating income increased by 4.3% year over year, reflecting inflationary effects on costs and expenses, partially offset by efficiency efforts [30] - Net consolidated income decreased by 36.8% to 5.8 billion pesos, primarily due to a non-cash foreign exchange loss of 1.3 billion pesos [31][32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Proximity Americas reported same-store sales growth of 1.7%, with average ticket rising 4.9% and average traffic contracting 3.1% [19][34] - Total revenues for Proximity Americas grew 9.2%, driven by the expansion of the store network and strong performance in LATAM markets [35] - Operating income for the health division declined by 4%, with same-store sales growing 0.8%, primarily due to strong performance in Chile and Colombia [39][40] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Mexico, OXXO continues to experience a decade of continuous store growth, with a leadership transition to Carlos Arroyo [10] - Coca-Cola FEMSA showed gradual improvement in volume, particularly in South America, despite a slight decline in Mexico [41] - Valora in Europe reported total revenues increased by 10.1% in pesos, driven by higher Swiss retail sales [38] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The FEMSA Forward strategy focuses on maximizing long-term value creation by concentrating on core verticals: retail and beverages, supported by digital initiatives [8] - The company plans to distribute approximately $7.8 billion in capital through dividends and share buybacks between March 2024 and March 2027 [8] - Future growth opportunities are seen in OXXO Brazil, OXXO Colombia, and Bara, with significant potential for value creation [11][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strength of business units despite a sluggish year in Mexico, with positive signs of recovery in traffic and market share gains [9][20] - The company is cautiously optimistic about the upcoming year, anticipating improvements in the operating environment and benefiting from the FIFA World Cup [42] - Management acknowledged challenges from a recent tax increase in Mexico but believes adjustments can be made to maintain return on investment [12] Other Important Information - The company distributed a total of 11.8 billion pesos in dividends during the quarter, with no share buybacks executed [41] - The effective tax rate for the quarter improved to 29.3%, following a spike in the first half of the year [32][33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on same-store sales performance and traffic dynamics at OXXO - Management noted a reversal of trends in OXXO Mexico, with improved traffic performance compared to the first half of the year, and expressed optimism for the fourth quarter [46][49] Question: Details on gross margin performance at OXXO Mexico - Management indicated that gross margin improvements were driven by commercial income growth and a favorable service mix, with expectations for continued gains [54][57] Question: Update on the health business in Mexico and Chile - Management reported strong growth in Chile despite a competitive environment, while acknowledging challenges in Mexico and the need for operational improvements [70][71] Question: Corporate restructuring and SG&A reduction plans - Management discussed ongoing efforts to streamline corporate overhead and indicated potential for significant savings, with further details expected in future calls [78][79] Question: Interest expense increase and its drivers - Management explained that the increase in interest expense was primarily due to lease accounting under IFRS and the consolidation of U.S. operations [95][96]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue growth for the third quarter of 2025 was 9.1%, driven by solid trends outside Mexico and currency tailwinds, particularly in Europe [30][31] - Operating income increased by 4.3% year over year, reflecting inflationary effects on costs and expenses, partially offset by efficiency efforts [30][31] - Net consolidated income decreased by 36.8% to 5.8 billion pesos, primarily due to a non-cash foreign exchange loss of 1.3 billion pesos [31][32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Proximity Americas' same-store sales increased by 1.7%, with average ticket rising by 4.9% and average traffic contracting by 3.1% [19][34] - Total revenues for Proximity Americas grew by 9.2%, driven by the expansion of the store network and strong performance in LATAM markets [35] - Operating income for the health division declined by 4%, with same-store sales growing by 0.8%, primarily due to strong performance in Chile and Colombia [39][40] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Mexico, OXXO continues to experience sluggish growth, but there are signs of improvement in market share for key categories like beer and snacks [10][20] - Coca-Cola FEMSA showed gradual improvement in volume, particularly in South America, despite a slight decline in Mexico [41] - Valora in Europe reported a 10.1% increase in total revenues, driven by higher retail sales in Switzerland [38] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maximizing long-term value creation through its FEMSA Forward strategy, which includes divesting nearly $11 billion in assets and setting clear capital allocation targets [8][9] - There is a strong emphasis on expanding the OXXO platform in Brazil and Colombia, with significant growth opportunities identified [10][26] - The company aims to enhance its digital capabilities and improve the value proposition of its retail offerings, particularly in coffee and food categories [24][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism for the upcoming year, noting signs of improvement in October data and the potential positive impact of the FIFA World Cup [42] - The recent tax increase in Mexico is expected to present challenges, but management believes they can adapt and maintain return on investment [12][30] - The incoming CEO emphasized the importance of urgency and excellence in management to drive future growth [94] Other Important Information - The company distributed a total of 11.8 billion pesos in dividends during the quarter, with no share buybacks executed [41] - The effective tax rate for the quarter improved to 29.3%, following a spike in the first half of the year [32][33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on same-store sales performance and traffic dynamics at OXXO - Management noted a reversal of trends in OXXO Mexico, with improved traffic performance compared to the first half of the year, and expressed optimism for the fourth quarter [46][49] Question: Gross margin performance at OXXO Mexico - Management indicated that gross margin improvements were driven by commercial income growth and a favorable service mix, with expectations for continued gains [54][57] Question: Update on health business in Mexico and Chile - Management reported strong growth in Chile despite a competitive environment, while acknowledging challenges in Mexico and the need for operational improvements [70][71] Question: Corporate restructuring and SG&A reduction - Management discussed ongoing efforts to streamline corporate overhead and indicated potential for significant savings in the future [78][79] Question: Interest expense increase and its drivers - Management explained that the increase in interest expense was primarily due to lease accounting under IFRS and the consolidation of U.S. operations [95][96]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue growth for the third quarter of 2025 was 9.1%, driven by solid trends outside Mexico and the consolidation of OXXO USA [29] - Operating income increased by 4.3% year over year, reflecting inflationary effects on costs and expenses, partially offset by efficiency efforts [29] - Net consolidated income decreased by 36.8% to 5.8 billion pesos, primarily due to a non-cash foreign exchange loss of 1.3 billion pesos [29][30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Proximity Americas reported same-store sales growth of 1.7%, with average ticket rising 4.9% and average traffic declining 3.1% [19][33] - Total revenues for Proximity Americas grew 9.2%, driven by the expansion of the store network by 1,370 stores year on year [34] - OXXO Mexico continues to show strong performance with a decade of continuous store growth and world-class returns on capital [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Europe, Valora's total revenues increased by 10.1% in pesos, driven by higher Swiss retail sales [37] - Coca-Cola FEMSA experienced a slight decline in total volume, primarily due to a challenging environment in Mexico, while South America showed resilient performance with volume growth [40] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maximizing long-term value creation through its FEMSA Forward strategy, which includes divesting nearly $11 billion of assets and a capital allocation framework targeting $7.8 billion in capital distribution by 2027 [6][7] - There is a strong emphasis on expanding the OXXO platform in Brazil, Colombia, and the U.S., with significant growth opportunities identified [25][57] - The company aims to enhance its value proposition in food and coffee categories, with ongoing experimentation to launch new offerings [23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strength of business units despite a sluggish year in Mexico, highlighting improvements in competitive positions in key categories [8][20] - The company anticipates a better operating environment in Mexico, aided by the FIFA World Cup and improvements in consumption trends [41] - Management acknowledged challenges from a recent tax increase in Mexico but believes adjustments can be made to maintain return on investment [11] Other Important Information - The company distributed a total of 11.8 billion pesos in dividends during the quarter, with no share buybacks executed [40] - The effective tax rate for the quarter was 29.3%, showing improvement from earlier in the year [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on same-store sales performance and traffic dynamics at OXXO - Management noted a sequential improvement in traffic and market share gains in key categories, with optimism for the fourth quarter [44][46] Question: Details on gross margin performance at OXXO Mexico - Management indicated that gross margin improvements were driven by service mix and pricing strategies, with expectations for continued gains [51][54] Question: Update on health business performance in Mexico and Chile - Management reported strong growth in Chile despite a competitive environment, while acknowledging challenges in Mexico that require operational fixes [61][63] Question: Corporate restructuring and SG&A reduction plans - Management outlined plans for fit-for-purpose initiatives to streamline corporate overhead and achieve significant cost savings [68][70] Question: Increase in interest expense and its drivers - Management explained that the increase in interest expense was primarily due to lease accounting under IFRS and the consolidation of U.S. operations [85]

Core Insights - FEMSA reported a 9.1% increase in total consolidated revenues and a 4.3% rise in income from operations for the third quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 [7] - The company experienced a modest sequential improvement in Mexico, despite facing a challenging consumption environment [4][5] - The diversified geographical presence helped mitigate softer trends in Mexico, with positive contributions from South America and Europe [5] Financial Performance - Total Revenues for FEMSA Consolidated grew by 9.1% in 3Q25 and 8.4% year-to-date [2] - Gross Profit increased by 8.0% in 3Q25 and 8.6% year-to-date [2] - Income from Operations rose by 4.3% in 3Q25 and 3.0% year-to-date [2] Segment Performance - Proximity Americas saw total revenues grow by 9.2% and income from operations increase by 7.1% compared to 3Q24 [7] - Proximity Europe reported a 10.1% increase in total revenues and a significant 29.1% rise in income from operations [2] - Coca-Cola FEMSA's total revenues and income from operations grew by 3.3% and 6.8%, respectively, against 3Q24 [7] User Engagement - Spin by OXXO had 9.9 million active users, representing a 20.5% growth compared to 3Q24 [7] - Spin Premia had 27.7 million active loyalty users, reflecting a 16.4% increase compared to 3Q24 [7] - The average tender at OXXO Mexico increased to 48.2% from 38.5% in 3Q24 [7] Future Outlook - The company is cautiously optimistic about continued improvement in results across business units in the fourth quarter of 2025 [6] - Anticipation for significant events in 2026, including the FIFA World Cup and Coca-Cola's 100th anniversary in Mexico, is noted [6]

Core Insights - Fomento Economico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. (FMX) is expected to report third-quarter 2025 earnings on October 28, with projected revenue growth of 7.3% year-over-year to $11.17 billion [1] - The consensus estimate for quarterly earnings is $1.06 per share, reflecting a 22.6% decline from the previous year, although the estimate has increased by 2.8% in the last week [2] Business Performance - FEMSA has been experiencing growth across its business units, supported by effective growth strategies and investments in digital initiatives, particularly in OXXO Gas [3][9] - The company is advancing its strategy to create a distribution platform in the U.S. through expansion in the specialized distribution industry, which is expected to enhance top-line performance [5][9] Digital Initiatives - FEMSA's Digital@FEMSA unit is focused on building a digital and financial ecosystem, with successful products like the OXXO digital wallet and loyalty programs [4] Cost Pressures - The company is facing margin pressures due to persistent cost challenges, including inflation, labor expenses, and supply-chain inefficiencies, which are likely to impact profitability in the upcoming quarter [6][9] Stock Performance - FMX shares have decreased by 9.3% over the past six months, underperforming the industry and broader market indices [10] - The company is trading at a forward 12-month P/E ratio of 22.43, higher than the industry average of 18.36 but lower than the S&P 500 average of 23.39 [10]

Core Insights - Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. (FMX) is recognized as a strong defensive stock amid economic challenges, primarily due to its strategic expansion and market adaptation [1][2] Group 1: U.S. Expansion - FMX is accelerating its retail presence in the U.S. with the acquisition of 249 Delek convenience stores for $385 million, which will be rebranded as Oxxo locations [2] - By September 2025, approximately 40 stores in West Texas will be converted, featuring expanded product lines including Andatti coffee [2] - This initiative aims for incremental sales growth and modernization of offerings to enhance competitiveness in the Southwest U.S. [2] Group 2: Domestic Operations - In Mexico, FMX has closed 432 underperforming pharmacy stores to enhance profitability and operational efficiency amid a challenging consumer environment [3] - Despite mixed domestic results, overall revenues increased by 6.3% last quarter, largely driven by international expansion [3] - The company continues to optimize product assortments, pricing, and overheads to strengthen its core markets ahead of year-end [3] Group 3: Leadership and Analyst Sentiment - On September 17, 2025, FMX appointed José Antonio Fernandez Garza-Laguera as the new CEO to lead its cross-border strategy [4] - Analyst sentiment has improved following positive performance of U.S. stores and ongoing international growth [4]

Core Viewpoint - FEMSA has appointed Jose Antonio Fernández Garza-Lagüera as the new CEO effective November 1, 2025, following a structured leadership succession planning process [1][2]. Group 1: Leadership Transition - The Corporate Practices and Nominations Committee of FEMSA's Board of Directors worked on the succession planning, leading to the formation of a Special Committee to oversee the process [2]. - The Special Committee, chaired by Ricardo Saldívar Escajadillo, included members from the Corporate Practices and Nominations Committee and independent directors, ensuring adherence to high corporate standards [2]. Group 2: Jose Antonio Fernández Garza-Lagüera's Background - Jose Antonio joined Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma Heineken in 2011 and has held various management roles within FEMSA, including CEO of FEMSA Proximity & Health [3]. - He currently leads over 180,000 employees and oversees more than 28,000 proximity stores, 4,300 drugstores, and 550 fuel stations across multiple countries [3]. Group 3: Strategic Vision - Jose Antonio is expected to bring a strategic focus and results-driven leadership style to FEMSA, emphasizing growth, innovation, and sustainability [4]. - The company aims to enhance economic and social value creation while focusing on the development of its employees and the communities it serves [4]. Group 4: Current Leadership - José Antonio Fernández Carbajal will continue as Executive Chairman and has been interim CEO since July 2023, receiving gratitude from the Board for his leadership during the transition [5]. Group 5: Company Overview - FEMSA operates in the retail industry through its Proximity Americas Division, which includes OXXO, and has a significant presence in the beverage industry as the largest franchise bottler of Coca-Cola products by volume [6]. - The company employs over 392,000 people across 18 countries and is recognized in various sustainability indices [6].

Core Insights - FEMSA has entered into definitive agreements with Raízen to amicably terminate their joint venture "Grupo Nós" in Brazil, allowing both companies to focus on their respective business strategies [1] - FEMSA will retain all OXXO stores in Brazil and the distribution center in Cajamar, while Raízen will keep all Shell Select convenience stores [1] - The transaction will be cash-neutral for both parties, with FEMSA assuming the existing debt of Grupo Nós at closing [1] Company Strategy - OXXO Brazil is a strategic priority for FEMSA, with plans for accelerated store expansion and adaptation of the OXXO format to local consumer needs [2] - The company aims to drive long-term returns through sustained top-line growth and operational efficiency in the Brazilian market [2] Market Positioning - FEMSA has tailored OXXO's offerings to meet local consumer preferences, introducing modern retail experiences in a market dominated by traditional trade [3] - The low penetration of modern convenience formats in Brazil presents a significant growth opportunity for FEMSA [3] Leadership Perspective - The CEO of FEMSA Retail expressed appreciation for the collaboration with Raízen and emphasized the commitment to strengthening OXXO's presence in Brazil as part of the long-term growth strategy [4] - The completion of the separation of OXXO and Shell Select stores is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the coming months [4] Company Overview - FEMSA operates in the retail industry through various divisions, including Proximity Americas with OXXO and Proximity Europe with Valora, and also has a significant presence in the beverage industry through Coca-Cola FEMSA [5] - The company employs over 392,000 people across 18 countries and is recognized in several global sustainability indices [5]