The home automation market is expected to explode at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29.5 percent between 2012 and 2020.  Because of this, there is growing interest in investing in companies that offer home automation solutions.

Interested parties can always back home automation projects in crowdfunding platforms, but there is no investment return aside from being one of the first to get the product if and when their product finally launches.  You could also become an angel investor for startups, but there is a huge risk in this since you have no assurance if the company will be successful.  Your best bet would be investing in publicly traded companies that are in the home automation market.

How to invest in publicly traded companies

The first thing you need to know about investing in a publicly traded company is that you need to buy stocks, and to buy stocks you either go buy them from a stock broker, an online brokerage firm, or directly from the company.

You need to decide whether you want to buy and sell stocks relatively frequently or if you want a long term investment.  If you’re buying stocks for long term investments, you’re better off with buying directly from a company.  If you want to move stocks, buy from a stock broker or online brokerage firm.  If you choose the latter, you need to open a trading account to make transactions easier.

The most important thing to remember when investing in publicly traded companies is to do your research first.  Know which companies allow direct stock purchases, monitor market trends, and of course know the market history of the company to determine the best companies in which to invest.  Look for reputable stock brokers and online brokerage firms so you won’t get duped and lose all your money.  Also, it wouldn’t hurt to get insights from analysts to see how they view your market interest.

Source: eHow money

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Publicly traded home automation companies

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Control4

Control4 offers home automation solutions based on your existing products and systems to make them all work together.  Launched in 2003, Control4 helps you start small or go big with your home automation project, and gives you options as to how to go about based on your lifestyle.  It integrates lighting control, music, home theater, climate control, security, mobile devices, to create personalized experiences.

If you’re interested in investing on Control4, you can check out its public portfolio here.

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AT&T Digital Life

AT&T is known as a network provider but it also offers home automation and security solutions with its new Digital Life arm (available in select areas).  AT&T Digital Life offers stand alone home security and home automation packages, or bundled packages that offers both home security and automation.  Bundled packages start at $4.99 per month but there’s a separate fee for the equipment and the price depends on the package.

If you’re interested in investing on AT&T, you can check out its public portfolio here.

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Staples Connect

Though Staples is known as a large office supply chain store, it also offers home automation services for a one time fee of $99.  Staples Connect makes it easy for you to manage other connected devices such as smart lights, smart switches and connected door locks, via its hub and smartphone app.  The app is free to download, and the hub costs $99.  There is no monthly fee for Staples Connect, but you do have to buy all the other connected devices separately, which could set you back a few hundred dollars.

If you’re interested in investing on Staples, you can check out its public portfolio here.

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Honeywell

Honeywell International Inc. is a multinational conglomerate company that delivers commercial and consumer products, engineering services, and aerospace systems for different sectors.  In its consumer line, Honeywell offers home automation solutions as well as security services such as a WiFi Smart Thermostat with voice control and the Instant Alert system to help you communicate fast during emergencies.

If you’re interested in investing on Honeywell, you can check out its public portfolio here.

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Comcast Xfinity

Comcast is one of the largest mass media and communications companies, but it also offers home automation and security solutions through Xfinity Home.  It offers bundled packages for its Xfinity services plus both home automation and security starting at $99 per month with a three year contract.

Secure 300 includes 80+ channels, internet connection with speeds of up to 25Mbps, XFINITY Home Secure 300 (one touchscreen controller, two door or window sensors, one motion sensor, and one wireless keypad), and a bonus Visa Prepaid card worth $150 or more if you sign up early.

If you’re interested in investing on Comcast, you can check out its public portfolio here.

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Lowe’s Iris

Lowe’s is known for its home improvement and appliance offerings so it’s not that surprising that it has its own line of home automation solutions such as Iris.  Iris offers three basic packages: Comfort & Control Kit, Smart Kit, and Safe & Secure Kit, price starts at $179.  These starter packages can be enhanced with more smart accessories so you can start automating your home little by little.

If you’re interested in investing on Lowe’s, you can check out its public portfolio here.

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image source: Time Warner

Time Warner Intelligent Home

Time Warner is a cable telecommunications company also offering home automation and security services via Intelligent Home.  Intelligent Home offers immediate access to emergency contacts via TWC’s Emergency Response Center, real-time home monitoring, remote control for lights and other connected appliances to save energy.  Package starts at $39.99 per month.

If you’re interested in investing on Time Warner, you can check out its public portfolio here.

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ADT Pulse

ADT Corporation provides residential and small business electronic security, fire protection and other related alarm monitoring services.  The ADT Pulse home automation and security service packages starts at $79 and includes free installation of equipment.

Depending on the plan you subscribe to, you will be given access to your home via Z-Wave technology, a personal command center, touchscreen security system, and real-time home monitoring and remote control using your smartphone.

If you’re interested in investing on ADT, you can check out its public portfolio here.

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Verizon Home Monitoring and Control

Verizon is a broadband and telecommunications company that also offers home automation and security.  The Verizon Home Monitoring and Control system allows users to remotely control their thermostats using their smartphones, monitor what’s happening inside, lock and unlock doors,  helps lower bills as you’ll easily know which appliances are turned on, even when not in use.

If you’re interested in investing on Verizon, you can check out its public portfolio here.

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