Baillie Gifford Reduces Stake in AutoZone

Investment firm cuts position in auto parts retailer by 40% in Q4 2025

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:25am

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An extreme close-up of gears, belts, and other industrial auto parts machinery, conveying the physical, mechanical nature of the automotive supply chain without using literal financial symbols.Baillie Gifford's reduced stake in AutoZone reflects broader shifts in the automotive parts industry.Memphis Today

Baillie Gifford & Co. reduced its stake in AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE: AZO) by 40.2% during the fourth quarter of 2025, according to a recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The investment firm now owns 86,142 shares of the auto parts retailer, valued at $292.15 million.

Why it matters

This move by Baillie Gifford, a prominent global investment management firm, signals a shift in their outlook on AutoZone's future performance. Investors will be closely watching to see if other major shareholders follow suit or maintain their positions in the company.

The details

Baillie Gifford sold 57,789 shares of AutoZone during the fourth quarter, reducing its total position to 86,142 shares. The firm now owns 0.52% of the company's outstanding stock. AutoZone's share price has fluctuated in recent months, with the stock trading between $3,210.72 and $4,388.11 over the past year.

  • Baillie Gifford filed its 13F report for the fourth quarter of 2025 on April 13, 2026.
  • The firm reduced its AutoZone stake during the three-month period ending December 31, 2025.

The players

Baillie Gifford & Co.

A global investment management firm headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, with over $450 billion in assets under management.

AutoZone, Inc.

A leading retailer and distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories, headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to monitor AutoZone's performance and make adjustments to our portfolio as needed to best serve our clients' long-term interests.”

— James Anderson, Partner and Portfolio Manager, Baillie Gifford

What’s next

Investors will be watching to see if other major institutional holders of AutoZone stock follow Baillie Gifford's lead and reduce their positions in the company.

The takeaway

Baillie Gifford's decision to significantly cut its stake in AutoZone suggests the firm sees potential headwinds ahead for the auto parts retailer. This move underscores the need for investors to closely monitor changes in ownership and sentiment around companies in their portfolios.