You’ve seen the blue octagon on your neighbor's lawn. It’s basically the universal sign for "don’t even think about it." But honestly, have you ever wondered who actually signs the checks at ADT? Most people think it’s still just some old-school security giant doing its own thing, or maybe they heard a rumor that Google bought the whole company.
Well, the reality is a lot more tangled.
As of early 2026, ADT Inc. is a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker ADT. However, being "public" doesn't mean it’s just a free-for-all of small investors. The real power behind the throne is a mix of a massive private equity firm, a tech titan, and a major insurance player.
The Power Players: Who Really Pulls the Strings?
If you want to know who owns ADT security services, you have to look at the cap table. It’s not just one person. It’s a group of heavy hitters who each want something different from your home’s data and safety.
1. Apollo Global Management
Apollo is the big dog here. Back in 2016, they took ADT private in a massive $7 billion deal. They merged it with Protection 1 and basically overhauled the whole business model. While ADT went public again in 2018, Apollo kept a massive chunk of the shares.
Even now, after years of slowly selling off bits and pieces, Apollo Global Management still holds a significant minority stake—roughly 12% to 14% of the common equity. They’ve been trimming their position recently, which led S&P Global to actually upgrade ADT’s credit rating because the company is becoming less of a "private equity play" and more of a stable, independent entity.
2. State Farm (The Surprise Investor)
This one caught everyone off guard a couple of years ago. In 2022, State Farm dropped $1.2 billion to snag a 15% stake in ADT.
Why? Because they want to stop fires and floods before they happen. It’s way cheaper for an insurance company to help you install a smart leak sensor than it is to pay out $50,000 for a ruined basement. However, the partnership has been... bumpy. By the end of 2025, State Farm started scaling back some of its specific ADT-branded insurance programs in certain states due to high costs and low adoption. They still own about 16% of the shares, making them one of the largest single owners.
3. Google (Alphabet Inc.)
Google doesn't own ADT, but they are a very loud "strategic partner." Google owns about 6% to 7% of the company.
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Basically, Google wanted a way to get their Nest cameras and doorbells into millions of homes without having to send out their own installers. ADT has the "boots on the ground"—thousands of technicians in branded vans. Google provided the hardware; ADT provides the labor and the 24/7 monitoring. If you buy an ADT system today, it’s almost certainly running on Google Nest tech.
A Messy History: From Telegraphs to Tech Giants
ADT didn't start as a multi-billion dollar tech company. It started with a break-in.
In 1874, Edward Callahan woke up to a burglar in his home. He got fed up and invented a telegraph-based "call-box" that could signal for help. He connected 50 of his neighbors to a central office, and American District Telegraph was born.
Since then, the company has changed hands more times than a hot potato:
- Western Union bought it in 1901.
- AT&T took control in 1909.
- Tyco International bought it in 1997. (This was the era of the "Tyco-ADT" stickers).
- Apollo Global Management (the private equity firm) took it private in 2016.
It’s been a wild ride. Honestly, it’s a miracle the brand stayed so consistent through all that corporate musical chairs.
Does the Ownership Change Your Monthly Bill?
Kinda. When a company is owned by private equity like Apollo or has a massive debt-to-equity ratio, they are under huge pressure to increase "RMR"—Recurring Monthly Revenue.
This is why ADT has shifted away from just "burglar alarms" and toward "smart home automation." They want you to pay for the monitoring, but also for the cloud storage for your cameras, the smart lock integration, and the mobile app access.
The Google and State Farm investments are actually good for you as a consumer because they keep ADT from becoming a dinosaur. Without Google, ADT would still be trying to sell you those clunky plastic panels from 1998. Instead, you're getting Google Nest Hubs and AI-driven person detection.
Who is the CEO?
The person actually running the show day-to-day is Jim DeVries. He’s been the President and CEO since 2018. He’s the one who had to navigate the "Solar Disaster" (ADT tried to get into the solar business with Sunpro, lost a ton of money, and shut it down in 2024). Now, his focus is entirely on the "ADT+" platform and getting the debt levels down.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that ADT is a franchise.
It’s not. Well, not entirely. While there are "ADT Authorized Dealers" (like SafeStreets) that sell and install the systems, the core monitoring services and the brand itself are owned by the parent corporation, ADT Inc. If you see a van that says "Authorized Dealer," that’s a local business with a contract. If it just says "ADT," that’s the corporate mothership.
Actionable Insights for Homeowners
Knowing who owns ADT security services helps you negotiate. Here is how you use this info:
- Leverage the Google Connection: If you already have a house full of Google Nest gear, don't let a salesperson tell you it's incompatible. ADT’s current tech stack is literally built by Google. Demand integration.
- Check with State Farm: If you are a State Farm policyholder, you might be eligible for discounts or subsidized hardware, even if the "official" joint program has scaled back in your state. Always ask your agent for the "Home Alert Protection" discount.
- Watch the Contract: Because ADT is answerable to big institutional investors (like Vanguard and BlackRock, who own large chunks of the public stock), they are very strict about their 36-month contracts. Don't sign unless you're sure; those "early termination fees" are how they keep their stock price healthy.
- Monitor the Stock: If you're a real nerd about this, watch the ticker ADT. When the stock dips, management often pushes for new subscriber "promos" to beef up their numbers before earnings calls. That’s the best time to call and ask for a deal.
To secure your home effectively, start by auditing your current insurance policy for "smart home" discounts before calling an ADT rep, ensuring you have your State Farm or other provider's requirements in hand to force a better hardware deal.