Lampert Group Reports 4.6% Stake in AutoNation; Falls Below 5% Threshold

Amendment No. 69 to Schedule 13D for AutoNation, Inc. (AN) This filing updates ownership by Edward S. Lampert and related entities.

Accepted by SEC EDGAR 09/08/2025 - 09:30 PM EDT Learn about SEC filing dates

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Amendment No. 69 to Schedule 13D for AutoNation, Inc. (AN)

This filing updates ownership by Edward S. Lampert and related entities. The cover pages show ESL Partners, RBS Partners and ESL Investments each report beneficial ownership of 2,203 shares (0.1% of the class) and The Lampert Foundation reports 162,002 shares (0.4%). Mr. Lampert reports total beneficial ownership of 1,749,845 shares, representing 4.6% of AutoNation's 37,706,017 shares outstanding as of July 23, 2025. The filing states the Filing Persons ceased to beneficially own more than 5% of the outstanding shares on September 4, 2025.

Positive

• Transparent disclosure of aggregated holdings across affiliated entities and trusts, including precise share counts and percentage of class.
• Clear statement that the Filing Persons ceased to beneficially own more than 5% as of September 4, 2025, resolving threshold status.

Negative

• Reduced stake below 5% may lessen perceived influence over corporate actions compared with prior filings.
• No details provided in this amendment about the transactions or timing in Annex B within the body of the filing.

Insights

Securities Analyst

TL;DR: Lampert's group holds 4.6% of AutoNation after falling below the 5% threshold on Sept 4, 2025.

The amendment clarifies current ownership levels and confirms a reduction below the 5% reporting threshold. The reported 1,749,845 shares and 4.6% stake are calculated from 37,706,017 shares outstanding per the issuer's quarterly report. This disclosure is procedural but important for holders and regulators because it changes certain reporting and potential group-status implications. No recent transactions within 60 days are reported except as set forth in Annex B, and the filing disclaims admissions of beneficial ownership beyond what is stated.

Corporate Governance Expert

TL;DR: Governance impact is limited; Lampert remains a notable holder but below a typical activist threshold.

The schedule consolidates ownership across trusts, foundations, and affiliated partnerships, showing Mr. Lampert's influence through multiple vehicles but an aggregate stake of 4.6%. Falling below 5% reduces certain presumptions of group control and may alter engagement expectations with the board. The filing is transparent about relationships among the entities and makes clear it is not an admission of broader group action.

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

How many AutoNation (AN) shares does Edward S. Lampert beneficially own according to this filing?

The filing reports that Edward S. Lampert beneficially owns 1,749,845 shares, equal to 4.6% of AutoNation's outstanding shares.

When did Lampert's group fall below owning more than 5% of AN?

The filing states the Filing Persons ceased to beneficially own more than 5% of the outstanding shares on September 4, 2025.

What is the total number of AutoNation shares outstanding used to calculate the percentage?

Percentages are based on 37,706,017 shares outstanding as of July 23, 2025, per the issuer's quarterly report filed July 25, 2025.

Do the affiliated entities report separate holdings?

Yes. ESL Partners, RBS Partners and ESL Investments each report 2,203 shares (0.1%); The Lampert Foundation reports 162,002 shares (0.4%).

Does this amendment report recent transactions in AN stock?

Item 5(c) states that, other than Annex B, there have been no transactions in the past 60 days or since the most recent Schedule 13D filing.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 13D

Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Amendment No. 69)

AutoNation, Inc.

(Name of Issuer)

Common Stock

(Title of Class of Securities)

05329W102

(CUSIP Number)

Bruce Newsome, Esq.
Haynes and Boone, LLP, 2801 N. Harwood Street, Suite 2300
Dallas, TX, 75201
(214) 651-5000

(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)

09/04/2025

(Date of Event Which Requires Filing of This Statement)

If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition that is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this schedule because of §§ 240.13d-1(e), 240.13d-1(f) or 240.13d-1(g), check the following box.

The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be "filed" for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Act") or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes).

SCHEDULE 13D

CUSIP No. 05329W102

1

Name of reporting person

ESL Partners, L.P.

2

Check the appropriate box if a member of a Group (See Instructions)

(a)
(b)

3

SEC use only

4

Source of funds (See Instructions)

OO

5

Check if disclosure of legal proceedings is required pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)

6

Citizenship or place of organization

DELAWARE

Number of Shares Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person With:

7	Sole Voting Power 2,203.00
8	Shared Voting Power 0.00
9	Sole Dispositive Power 2,203.00
10	Shared Dispositive Power 0.00

11

Aggregate amount beneficially owned by each reporting person

2,203.00

12

Check if the aggregate amount in Row (11) excludes certain shares (See Instructions)

13

Percent of class represented by amount in Row (11)

0.1 %

14

Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions)

PN

Comment for Type of Reporting Person:

The figures included above reflect 2,203 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Shares"), of AutoNation, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Issuer") held in the Liability Accounts controlled by ESL Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership ("ESL").

SCHEDULE 13D

CUSIP No. 05329W102

1

Name of reporting person

RBS Partners, L.P.

2

Check the appropriate box if a member of a Group (See Instructions)

(a)
(b)

3

SEC use only

4

Source of funds (See Instructions)

OO

5

Check if disclosure of legal proceedings is required pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)

6

Citizenship or place of organization

DELAWARE

Number of Shares Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person With:

7	Sole Voting Power 2,203.00
8	Shared Voting Power 0.00
9	Sole Dispositive Power 2,203.00
10	Shared Dispositive Power 0.00

11

Aggregate amount beneficially owned by each reporting person

2,203.00

12

Check if the aggregate amount in Row (11) excludes certain shares (See Instructions)

13

Percent of class represented by amount in Row (11)

0.1 %

14

Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions)

PN

Comment for Type of Reporting Person:

The figures included above reflect 2,203 Shares held in the Liability Accounts controlled by ESL. RBS Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership ("RBS") is the general partner of, and may be deemed to indirectly beneficially own securities beneficially owned by, ESL.

SCHEDULE 13D

CUSIP No. 05329W102

1

Name of reporting person

ESL Investments, Inc.

2

Check the appropriate box if a member of a Group (See Instructions)

(a)
(b)

3

SEC use only

4

Source of funds (See Instructions)

OO

5

Check if disclosure of legal proceedings is required pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)

6

Citizenship or place of organization

DELAWARE

Number of Shares Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person With:

7	Sole Voting Power 2,203.00
8	Shared Voting Power 0.00
9	Sole Dispositive Power 2,203.00
10	Shared Dispositive Power 0.00

11

Aggregate amount beneficially owned by each reporting person

2,203.00

12

Check if the aggregate amount in Row (11) excludes certain shares (See Instructions)

13

Percent of class represented by amount in Row (11)

0.1 %

14

Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions)

CO

Comment for Type of Reporting Person:

The figures included above reflect 2,203 Shares held in the Liability Accounts controlled by ESL. RBS is the general partner of, and may be deemed to indirectly beneficially own securities beneficially owned by, ESL. ESL Investments, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Investments") is the general partner of, and may be deemed to indirectly beneficially own securities beneficially owned by, RBS.

SCHEDULE 13D

CUSIP No. 05329W102

1

Name of reporting person

The Lampert Foundation

2

Check the appropriate box if a member of a Group (See Instructions)

(a)
(b)

3

SEC use only

4

Source of funds (See Instructions)

OO

5

Check if disclosure of legal proceedings is required pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)

6

Citizenship or place of organization

CONNECTICUT

Number of Shares Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person With:

7	Sole Voting Power 162,002.00
8	Shared Voting Power 0.00
9	Sole Dispositive Power 162,002.00
10	Shared Dispositive Power 0.00

11

Aggregate amount beneficially owned by each reporting person

162,002.00

12

Check if the aggregate amount in Row (11) excludes certain shares (See Instructions)

13

Percent of class represented by amount in Row (11)

0.4 %

14

Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions)

OO

Comment for Type of Reporting Person:

The figures included above reflect 162,002 Shares held by The Lampert Foundation, a Connecticut trust (the "Foundation"). Mr. Lampert and his wife Kinga Keh Lampert are co-trustees of, and may be deemed to indirectly beneficially own securities owned by, the Foundation.

SCHEDULE 13D

CUSIP No. 05329W102

1

Name of reporting person

Edward S. Lampert

2

Check the appropriate box if a member of a Group (See Instructions)

(a)
(b)

3

SEC use only

4

Source of funds (See Instructions)

OO

5

Check if disclosure of legal proceedings is required pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)

6

Citizenship or place of organization

UNITED STATES

Number of Shares Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person With:

7	Sole Voting Power 1,749,845.00
8	Shared Voting Power 0.00
9	Sole Dispositive Power 1,749,845.00
10	Shared Dispositive Power 0.00

11

Aggregate amount beneficially owned by each reporting person

1,749,845.00

12

Check if the aggregate amount in Row (11) excludes certain shares (See Instructions)

13

Percent of class represented by amount in Row (11)

4.6 %

14

Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions)

IN

Comment for Type of Reporting Person:

The figures in Items 7, 9, 11, and 13 include (i) 1,582,342 Shares held by Mr. Lampert, (ii) 1,649 Shares held by held by The Nicholas Floyd Lampert 2015 Trust ("The Nicholas Trust"), (iii) 1,649 Shares held by The Nina Rose Lampert 2015 Trust ("The Nina Trust" and, together with The Nicholas Trust, the "Trusts"), (iv) 162,002 Shares held by the Foundation, and (v) 2,203 Shares held in the Liability Accounts controlled by ESL. With respect to (ii) and (iii), Mr. Lampert may be deemed to have beneficial ownership of securities owned by the Trusts. With respect to (iv), Mr. Lampert and his wife Kinga Keh Lampert are co-trustees of, and may be deemed to indirectly beneficially own securities owned by, the Foundation. With respect to (v), RBS is the general partner of, and may be deemed to indirectly beneficially own securities beneficially owned by, ESL; Investments is the general partner of, and may be deemed to indirectly beneficially own securities beneficially owned by, RBS; and Mr. Lampert is the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director of, and may be deemed to indirectly beneficially own securities beneficially owned by, Investments.

SCHEDULE 13D

Item 1.	Security and Issuer
(a)	Title of Class of Securities: Common Stock
(b)	Name of Issuer: AutoNation, Inc.
(c)	Address of Issuer's Principal Executive Offices: 200 SW 1st Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FLORIDA , 33301.
Item 1 Comment: This Amendment No. 69 to Schedule 13D (this "Amendment") amends the Schedule 13D, as previously amended, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") by ESL, RBS, Investments, the Foundation, and Edward S. Lampert, a United States citizen, by furnishing the information set forth below. Except as otherwise specified in this Amendment, all previous Items are unchanged. Capitalized terms used herein which are not defined herein have the meanings given to them in the Schedule 13D, as previously amended, filed with the SEC.
Item 5.	Interest in Securities of the Issuer
(a)	Item 5(a) is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows: (a) "The aggregate number and percentage of the class of securities identified pursuant to Item 1 beneficially owned by each Filing Person is stated in Items 11 and 13 on the cover page(s) hereto. With respect to Item 13, this number is based upon 37,706,017 Shares outstanding as of July 23, 2025, as disclosed in the Issuer's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2025, that was filed by the Issuer with the SEC on July 25, 2025. 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."
(b)	Item 5(b) is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows: (b) "Number of shares as to which each Filing Person has: (i) sole power to vote or to direct the vote: See Item 7 on the cover page(s) hereto. (ii) shared power to vote or to direct the vote: See Item 8 on the cover page(s) hereto. (iii) sole power to dispose or to direct the disposition of: See Item 9 on the cover page(s) hereto. (iv) shared power to dispose or to direct the disposition of: See Item 10 on the cover page(s) hereto."
(c)	Item 5(c) is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows: "Other than as set forth on Annex B hereto, there have been no transactions in the class of securities reported on that were effected by the Filing Persons during the past sixty days or since the most recent filing of Schedule 13D, whichever is less."
(d)	Not applicable.
(e)	Item 5(e) is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows: "The Filing Persons ceased to beneficially own more than five percent of the outstanding Shares on September 4, 2025."
Item 7.	Material to be Filed as Exhibits.
	Annex B - Recent Transactions by the Filing Persons in the Securities of AutoNation, Inc.

SIGNATURE

After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.

ESL Partners, L.P.

Signature:	/s/ Edward S. Lampert
Name/Title:	Edward S. Lampert, Chief Executive Officer of the GP of the GP
Date:	09/08/2025

RBS Partners, L.P.

Signature:	/s/ Edward S. Lampert
Name/Title:	Edward S. Lampert, Chief Executive Officer of the GP
Date:	09/08/2025

ESL Investments, Inc.

Signature:	/s/ Edward S. Lampert
Name/Title:	Edward S. Lampert, Chief Executive Officer
Date:	09/08/2025

The Lampert Foundation

Signature:	/s/ Edward S. Lampert
Name/Title:	Edward S. Lampert, Co-Trustee
Date:	09/08/2025

Edward S. Lampert

Signature:	/s/ Edward S. Lampert
Name/Title:	Edward S. Lampert
Date:	09/08/2025