ADT buys Sunpro Solar, launches ADT Solar to expand home offerings

BOCA RATON, Fla.—ADT announced an agreement to acquire Sunpro Solar, one of the largest residential rooftop solar contractors in the U.S., for $160 million in cash plus approximately 77.8 million shares of ADT common stock, implying a total enterprise value of approximately $825 million.

ADT will rebrand Sunpro to “ADT Solar” and enter the rooftop solar business to offer ADT customers a protected, connected, and now powered home.

“With its strong focus on the customer, Sunpro is the perfect partner for ADT and a logical extension of our ecosystem, unlocking an integrated home experience that includes security, automation, and energy management,” said Jim DeVries, ADT President and Chief Executive Officer. “By combining a cash-flow-positive company in the high-growth solar space with ADT’s trusted brand, national footprint, and cross-sell potential, we can expand offerings to our customers and accelerate growth for both ADT and ADT Solar.”

Founded in 2008, Sunpro is a leading provider of rooftop solar systems in the United States. Sunpro markets, designs, sells, installs, and maintains solar power systems on residential and commercial properties through their 3,600-person, full-time workforce of solar energy professionals with 56 locations in 22 states. The company has been growing quickly, with a 90 percent year-over-year increase in installs in 2020 and has a cash-flow-positive, asset-light business model with more than four consecutive years of positive EBITDA. The transaction price represents 10x estimated standalone next twelve months’ EBITDA.

Sunpro founder Marc Jones and the Sunpro management team are expected to join ADT to help build ADT Solar into the U.S. rooftop solar industry leader.

“Becoming part of the ADT family will accelerate our ability to bring residential and commercial rooftop solar to more customers, helping them save money and also become more energy independent,” Jones said. “With our shared mission to further advance smart home technologies and renewable energy solutions for customers, our expansion will make a meaningful difference in how our customers live daily.”

The cash portion of the proceeds are expected to be used for debt reduction and sellers’ taxes. Nearly all of the sellers’ consideration is in ADT stock, reflecting their conviction in ADT’s future growth.

ADT noted that the deal increases its total addressable market, creating a larger presence in the home automation and energy management markets by providing more consumer offerings, leading to an increase in its total addressable market.

“We’re excited to offer consumers even more peace of mind by giving them the opportunity to power their homes with sustainable and affordable solar energy. Residential solar represents a $15 billion annual market, but still only in 3 percent of all U.S. homes,” DeVries continued. “With more than 6 million ADT customers and our best-in-class sales force and marketing channels, we will be well-positioned to further scale ADT Solar while lowering customer acquisition costs and accelerating overall solar adoption. We believe we have the potential to grow ADT Solar into a multi-billion-dollar business over time as we meaningfully increase the accessibility and penetration of residential solar across America.”

Citi is serving as financial advisors to ADT, and Morgan, Lewis & Bockius is serving as legal advisor to ADT. Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. is serving as financial advisor to Sunpro, and Vinson & Elkins is serving as legal advisor to Sunpro.