Edward Lampert
Lampert is often viewed as a value investor and his investment style is frequently described as "concentrated value". For example, at the quarter ended September 30, 2007, RBS Partners held positions in only six different companies: AutoNation (NYSE: AN), AutoZone (NYSE: AZO), Citigroup (NYSE: C), Clear Channel Communications (NYSE: CCU), Home Depot (NYSE: HD), and Sears Holdings. Despite a relatively narrow range of positions, Lampert has results to back-up his investments: since he started ESL Investments in 1988, Lampert has returned about 29% annually to his investors.
In 2004, Eddie Lampert grossed approximately $1.02 billion, making him the first Wall Street manager to exceed the $1 billion mark in regards to annual income. In 2006 and 2007, it was estimated that Mr. Lampert was worth about $3.8 and $4.5 billion, respectively.
2007 and 2008 have been rough for Lampert as Sears Holdings (Nasdaq: SHLD) shares collapsed and bets in Citigroup (NYSE: C) and other stocks have not paid off.
