MEXICO CITY, March 25 (Reuters) - Walmex, the Mexican

and Central American unit of Walmart, said on Wednesday it

expects capex of around 43 billion pesos ($2.43 billion) in

2026, a 10% increase over the previous year,

The retailer also proposed a share buyback program of up to

10 billion pesos and an ordinary cash dividend of 1.16 pesos per

share, the company said in a statement.

-- 42% of the investment will be directed to remodeling and

maintenance of existing stores.

-- 26% allocated to new store and club construction; new

stores expected to contribute 1.5%-1.7% to total sales growth in

2026.

-- 24% allocated to supply chain expansion and modernization

through automation; 8% earmarked for technology to improve data

management, digital shopping platforms, and automation in stores

and distribution centers.

DIVIDENDS AND BUYBACKS

-- The company proposed up to 10 billion pesos for share

repurchases, subject to corresponding internal approvals.

-- Walmex also proposed an ordinary cash dividend of 1.16

pesos per share, paid in two installments of 0.58 pesos each in

November 18 and December 9, 2026.

($1 = 17.7255 Mexican pesos)

(Reporting by Natalia Siniawski, Editing by Iñigo Alexander)