ESL Partners Updates AutoNation Stake in 13D/A Amendment 63

TL;DR

**ESL Partners just updated their AutoNation stake, watch for potential moves.**

AI Summary

ESL Partners, L.P., led by Edward S. Lampert, filed an Amendment No. 63 to their Schedule 13D on January 10, 2024, regarding their ownership in AutoNation, Inc. This filing updates their beneficial ownership, indicating a change in their holdings or intentions. For investors, this matters because ESL Partners is a significant long-term shareholder, and changes in their position or stated intentions can signal their view on AutoNation's future prospects or potential strategic actions, impacting stock sentiment.

Why It Matters

This filing signals a potential shift in the investment strategy or ownership stake of a major long-term investor, ESL Partners, in AutoNation, Inc., which could influence market perception and future stock performance.

Risk Assessment

Risk Level: medium — Changes by a major activist investor like ESL Partners can introduce volatility or signal strategic shifts, creating both opportunities and risks for shareholders.

Analyst Insight

Investors should monitor subsequent filings from ESL Partners for any significant changes in their beneficial ownership percentage or stated intentions, as these could signal strategic shifts for AutoNation.

Key Numbers

• 005-40342 — SEC File Number (identifies AutoNation, Inc.'s registration with the SEC)
• 05329W102 — CUSIP Number (unique identifier for AutoNation, Inc.'s Common Stock)
• 63 — Amendment Number (indicates this is the 63rd update to the original Schedule 13D filing by ESL Partners)

Key Players & Entities

• ESL PARTNERS, L.P. (company) — the filing entity and a major investor in AutoNation, Inc.
• Edward S. Lampert (person) — a group member of the filing entity, ESL Investments, Inc., and Lampert Foundation
• AUTONATION, INC. (company) — the subject company whose securities are being reported
• January 10, 2024 (date) — the date of the event requiring the filing of this statement
• Amendment No. 63 (number) — the specific amendment number to the Schedule 13D filing

Forward-Looking Statements

• ESL Partners will continue to be an active, influential shareholder in AutoNation. (ESL Partners, L.P.) — high confidence, target: 2025-01-10
• The market will closely monitor future filings from ESL Partners for further changes in their AutoNation stake. (AutoNation, Inc.) — medium confidence, target: 2024-07-10

FAQ

Key Financial Figures

• $0.01 — es to shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the Shares ), of AutoNation,

Filing Documents

• d64919dsc13da.htm (SC 13D/A) — 108KB
• 0001193125-24-007654.txt ( ) — 110KB

Interest in Securities of the Issuer

Item 5. Interest in Securities of the Issuer.

is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows

Item 5 is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows: (a)-(b) Each Filing Person declares that neither the filing of this statement nor anything herein shall be construed as an admission that such person is, for the purposes of Section 13(d) or 13(g) of the Act or any other purpose, the beneficial owner of any securities covered by this statement. Each Filing Person may be deemed to be a member of a group with respect to the Issuer or securities of the Issuer for the purposes of Section 13(d) or 13(g) of the Act. Each Filing Person declares that neither the filing of this statement nor anything herein shall be construed as an admission that such person is, for the purposes of Section 13(d) or 13(g) of the Act or any other purpose, (i) acting (or has agreed or is agreeing to act) with any other person as a partnership, limited partnership, syndicate, or other group for the purpose of acquiring, holding, or disposing of securities of the Issuer or otherwise with respect to the Issuer or any securities of the Issuer or (ii) a member of any syndicate or group with respect to the Issuer or any securities of the Issuer. As of January 12, 2024, the Filing Persons may be deemed to beneficially own the Shares set forth in the table below. FILING PERSON NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED PERCENTAGE OF OUTSTANDING SHARES SOLE VOTING POWER SHARED VOTING POWER SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER ESL Partners, L.P. 4,408 (1) Less than 0.1% (2) 4,408 (1) 0 4,408 (1) 0 RBS Partners, L.P. 4,408 (1) Less than 0.1% (2) 4,408 (1) 0 4,408 (1) 0 ESL Investments, Inc. 4,408 (1) Less than 0.1% (2) 4,408 (1) 0 4,408 (1) 0 The Lampert Foundation 162,002 0.4% (2) 162,002 0 162,002 0 Edward S. Lampert 4,825,571 (1)(3)(4) 11.3% (2) 4,825,571 (1)(3)(4) 0 4,825,571 (1)(3)(4) 0 (1) This number includes 4,408 Shares held in the Liability Accounts controlled by ESL. RBS is the general par