What Companies Does The Mormon Church Own: A Comprehensive Breakdown (2024)

Ever wondered about the expansive business holdings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often referred to as the Mormon Church? It’s truly an intriguing topic, considering their diverse portfolio that spans across multiple industries. From media outlets and agricultural enterprises to real estate and financial services, you’ll find the church’s economic reach is far broader than you might expect.

To begin with, Deseret Management Corporation (DMC) serves as the church’s primary commercial holding company. DMC oversees a network of for-profit businesses owned by the church. One such notable enterprise is Bonneville International Corporation – a significant player in broadcasting which owns several radio stations across major U.S markets.

Furthermore, if you’ve ever visited Salt Lake City, there’s a high chance you’ve been to City Creek Center. This upscale open-air shopping center located in downtown Salt Lake City is another asset within the church’s vast property portfolio managed through Property Reserve Inc., its commercial real estate arm.

Understanding the Mormon Church’s Finances

If you’ve ever pondered about the financial stature of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often referred to as the Mormon Church, you’re not alone. It’s an intriguing topic given its global reach and influence.

The Mormon Church is known for its secrecy about its finances. However, it’s widely acknowledged that they have a significant economic footprint. The church owns a diverse portfolio including agricultural properties, commercial real estate, media outlets, and more.

One major source of income for the church is tithing – members are encouraged to donate 10% of their income. This alone brings in billions each year. Additionally, Deseret Management Corporation (DMC) is integral to understanding where much of their wealth lies.

DMC oversees several for-profit businesses owned by the church:

• Deseret News: A Salt Lake City based newspaper.
• KSL Television & Radio: Media outlets which serve Utah’s population.
• Bonneville International: One of the top-ranked nationwide broadcasting companies.
• Beneficial Financial Group: An insurance and financial services company.

In addition to these holdings under DMC’s umbrella, there are other notable entities like AgReserves Inc, one of the largest private landowners in America with huge farming interests.

Further expanding on this list we find:

• City Creek Center: A billion-dollar shopping center located in Salt Lake City.
• Hawaii Reserves Inc.: Managing extensive property holdings in Hawaii
• Farm Management Company: Manages farmland across multiple states
• Florida Property Reserve Inc: Owns around 2% land in Florida

Remember though, this isn’t an exhaustive list – it’s merely scratching at the surface!

When it comes down to actual numbers? They’re pretty elusive due to lack of disclosure requirements by religious institutions but estimates suggest that they could be sitting on a nest egg upwards from $100 billion.

So next time when you wonder ‘what companies does the mormon church own’, just remember – it’s likely more than you’d initially expect!

A Peek into the LDS Church’s Corporate Empire

You might be surprised to learn about the corporate reach of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, better known as the Mormon Church. With a diverse portfolio that spans across various industries, it’s clear this church is not just a religious organization.

Deseret Management Corporation (DMC), an umbrella company overseeing many of the church’s for-profit businesses, sits at the heart of this empire. This includes companies in publishing like Deseret News and KSL Broadcasting, which owns television and radio stations.

The LDS Church also has a substantial presence in real estate through Property Reserve Inc. (PRI) and Suburban Land Reserve (SLR). These companies manage commercial properties, residential units, farming lands and more around the globe.

Here’s a quick overview:

Furthermore, they’re engaged in life insurance with Beneficial Life Insurance Co., providing services to Mormons and non-Mormons alike.

A major player in agriculture too! The church owns farms and ranches across America under Farmland Reserve Inc., making it one of the country’s biggest landowners.

Lastly, let’s not forget their involvement in education. The LDS Church operates educational institutions such as Brigham Young University and several other schools worldwide.

It’s evident that their business interests are vast:

• Deseret Management Corporation
• Deseret News
• KSL Broadcasting
• Property Reserve Inc.
• Suburban Land Reserve
• Beneficial Life Insurance Co.
• Farmland Reserve Inc.
• Brigham Young University

This brief insight serves to show you just how expansive the LDS Church’s corporate empire is. It’s certainly far-reaching beyond its spiritual domain!

Farms and Agriculture: The Mormon Stake in Food Industry

Diving into the world of farms and agriculture, it’s clear that the Mormon Church has a significant stake. You might be surprised to know that Deseret Ranches, one of America’s largest cow-calf ranching operations, is owned by this religious institution. Spanning over 290,000 acres of land across Florida, this massive property isn’t just for show.

Operating under AgReserves Inc., a tax-paying company of the LDS Church, Deseret Ranches is just one example of their agricultural prowess. They also own substantial farmland in Nebraska and Oklahoma. But what’s all this land used for? Primarily cattle grazing and crop cultivation.

The church doesn’t keep its farming practices behind closed doors either. They’ve been open about their commitment to sustainable farming methods. This means they’re not only contributing to food production but also safeguarding our environment.

Another critical aspect being addressed here is food security. With these extensive agricultural assets, they’re able to produce a significant amount of foodstuff. From grains to meat products – it’s all part of ensuring members have access to basic necessities during tough times.

• Grains: Wheat, corn, soybeans
• Meat Products: Beef from cattle

Even beyond serving their community directly, these operations play an important role in supporting local economies through job creation and industry growth.

So you see, when we talk about companies that the Mormon Church owns – it goes way beyond real estate or media outlets. It stretches out into vast fields under clear blue skies where crops sway gently in the breeze; where herds of cattle roam freely around sprawling ranches; where sustainable agriculture practices are helping shape a brighter future for us all.

Media Companies Owned by the Mormon Church

You may be surprised to learn that the Mormon Church, formally known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, owns a substantial portfolio of media companies. These range from publishing houses to broadcasting networks.

Deseret Management Corporation serves as the umbrella organization for these media holdings. This includes Deseret News, one of Utah’s largest newspapers, and KSL-TV, an NBC-affiliated television station serving Salt Lake City.

Bonnieville International, another key player in the church’s media roster, operates more than 20 radio stations across the United States–spanning markets from Seattle to Phoenix.

Moreover, there’s also Deseret Book Company. It’s not just a bookstore but a publisher too, focusing on books related to LDS theology or culture.

Recognize that these media outlets are influential platforms. They offer not only news but also faith-oriented content reflecting LDS doctrines and values. Here’s a quick breakdown for you:

Indeed, this isn’t an exhaustive list. There are other entities like BYU Broadcasting (which runs BYUtv and BYU Radio) that are owned by Brigham Young University – an institution itself owned by the church.

So it’s safe to say that through its various subsidiaries and affiliated organizations, the Mormon Church possesses significant influence in both local and national media landscapes.

Zooming in on Deseret Management Corporation

Delving deeper into the business ventures of the Mormon Church, you’ll find a significant player named Deseret Management Corporation. It’s an umbrella organization managing many of the church’s for-profit businesses.

Established in 1966, this Salt Lake City-based corporation is a powerhouse that oversees several enterprises. These span various sectors like broadcasting, publishing, insurance, and even hospitality.

Let’s break down some of these key holdings:

• Bonneville International: As one of the top radio broadcasters in America, it owns and operates around 13 radio stations across major markets.
• Deseret News Publishing Company: This entity publishes Utah’s oldest continuously operating daily newspaper – The Deseret News.
• Beneficial Financial Group: A stalwart in life insurance and investment services sector within Utah.
• Temple Square Hospitality Corporation: Handling food services and event management at venues located on Temple Square.

But what about revenue? Well, while exact figures aren’t publicly available due to its private status, estimates suggest that Deseret Management Corporation commands considerable financial clout. For instance, Bonneville International reportedly brings in over $130 million annually!

What sets Deseret apart is how intertwined its operations are with the teachings and values of the Mormon Church. For example, their media outlets often promote content related to faith and family values – a reflection of the Church’s principles.

So there it is! You’ve now got an inside look at Deseret Management Corporation, a key component of the commercial empire owned by the Mormon Church.

Real Estate Holdings: An Area of Massive Interest for LDS Church

Real estate, it’s a big deal for the LDS (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) or commonly known as the Mormon Church. They’ve been linked with various significant real estate holdings around the world, including in their home base of Utah.

One notable entity owned by the church is Deseret Ranches, which spans across three counties in Florida and covers an astonishing 290,000 acres. That’s about nine times the size of Manhattan! And it’s no ordinary ranch—it boasts one of the largest cow-calf operations in America.

Further west, another prominent holding is City Creek Center located right in Salt Lake City’s downtown district. This upscale open-air shopping center features more than 100 stores and restaurants spread over almost 20 acres—yet another testament to LDS Church’s extensive reach into real estate.

Here are some key numbers:

Additionally, here are some other properties that have been associated with the Mormon Church:

• Beneficial Financial Group: A financial services company with assets worth over $3 billion.
• Bonneville International: A broadcasting company owning several radio stations.
• Hawaii Reserves Inc: Manages commercial and residential properties in Hawaii.

In Utah alone, they reportedly own nearly two percent of all land—a staggering figure when you think about it.

It’s important to note though, that while these holdings are vast and varied—they’re used to support various causes like humanitarian aid and education rather than generate profits for individual members. So next time you see a massive piece of property or a thriving business remember—you might just be looking at something owned by the Mormon Church!

Philanthropic Organizations under the LDS Umbrella

When you delve into the world of philanthropy associated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), it’s impressive to see how far their reach extends. The church owns numerous organizations that are dedicated to improving lives and providing care for those in need.

A prominent example is Deseret Management Corporation – a conglomerate managing many of the commercial businesses owned by the LDS Church. This corporation operates across various sectors such as media, publishing, hospitality, and insurance.

Another key player is LDS Philanthropies, an arm of the Church’s welfare department. It’s responsible for soliciting donations for different humanitarian projects like education funds, clean water initiatives, and global disaster relief efforts.

Here’s a quick glance at some more entities:

• Bonneville International: A broadcasting company owning several radio stations.
• Deseret Book Company: A retail chain specializing in faith-based books and products.
• Beneficial Financial Group: An insurance and financial services company.

Let’s not forget about educational institutions either. The LDS church owns three universities: Brigham Young University (BYU) in Utah, BYU-Idaho in Rexburg, Idaho, and BYU-Hawaii in Laie, Hawaii.

These organizations play a significant role in fulfilling the Church’s mission to improve people’s lives both spiritually and physically. They illustrate how deeply interwoven philanthropy is within LDS culture.

While these corporations may seem vast and diverse – they all share one common goal: serving others while maintaining values taught by The Mormon Church. As you explore further into this topic, you’ll discover even more ways that the LDS community contributes positively through its wide range of corporations.

How Controversial Are These Business Endeavors?

So, you’ve learned about the numerous companies owned by the Mormon Church. Now, let’s delve into the controversy surrounding these business endeavors.

There are those who question whether it’s appropriate for a religious organization to hold such vast commercial interests. Critics argue that this blurs the line between spiritual guidance and financial profit. However, others see no issue with it, pointing out that many religious institutions have historically engaged in various forms of commerce.

One prominent matter is transparency or lack thereof. The exact extent of the Church’s business holdings isn’t publicly disclosed, which has led to speculation and criticism. Some argue that members deserve to know where their tithes are invested.

Let’s talk numbers for a moment:

These figures represent just two entities within a much larger portfolio. The secrecy around these investments only fuels further controversy.

But what about taxes? Religious organizations in the U.S., including the Mormon Church, enjoy tax-exempt status on income related to their religious activities. But when it comes to commercial operations, they’re supposed to pay taxes like any other businesses would do – but there’s debate over whether this always happens as it should.

It’s worth noting also how church-owned businesses affect local economies. They generate jobs and contribute significantly to regional growth in areas like Utah where they’re heavily concentrated.

In conclusion,

The controversy surrounding these business ventures seems unlikely to fade anytime soon due largely to issues of transparency and taxation as well as broader questions about religion’s place in commerce – an area traditionally separated from matters of faith.

Navigating Transparency and Religious Wealth Accumulation

When it comes to understanding the wealth accumulation of the Mormon Church, you’ll find that transparency isn’t always a clear path. It’s essential to grasp why this is so. For religious organizations like The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly referred to as the Mormon Church, financial disclosure isn’t mandated by U.S law. Consequently, getting a detailed view into their business holdings can be challenging.

However, certain notable holdings are public knowledge. Deseret Management Corporation, for instance, stands out as a significant commercial arm of the church. This corporation oversees various businesses in industries ranging from broadcasting to publishing and real estate.

Here’s an overview:

• Broadcasting: Bonneville International Corporation
• Publishing: Deseret News Publishing Company
• Real Estate: Property Reserve Inc.
• Investment: Ensign Peak Advisors

For further clarity on how these entities operate within the church’s structure – they’re not just random investments but strategic assets designed to support its mission and growth.

As you delve deeper into the financial landscape of religious organizations, remember there’s often more than meets the eye. When it comes down to ‘who owns what’, it becomes more about stewardship than ownership – a core tenet in many faith-based groups including Mormons.

It’s also worth noting that while some might perceive this accumulation of wealth as controversial, others see it as prudent resource management ensuring longevity and sustainability for generations to come.

In short, navigating through transparency and religious wealth accumulation requires patience, understanding and respect for confidentiality principles inherent in such institutions.

Wrapping Things Up: The Big Picture of LDS-Owned Enterprises

You’ve taken the journey through the vast network of companies owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), or as it’s more commonly known, the Mormon Church. Now, let’s step back and look at the big picture.

The LDS Church is not just a religious organization – it’s a significant player in global business. From real estate to media outlets, from education institutions to insurance firms – its influence extends far beyond places of worship.

Here are some key takeaways:

• Diversification: The LDS Church owns businesses across multiple sectors. This strategy helps spread risk and ensures financial stability for the church.
• Real Estate: As one of their primary investments, you’ll find that they own substantial properties worldwide.
• Media Outlets: They also have a strong presence in media and publishing with entities like Deseret News and Bonneville International.
• Education & Non-profits: Furthermore, they run universities such as Brigham Young University (BYU) and many non-profit organizations.

Though exact figures are difficult to pin down due to lack of public disclosure, estimates suggest that total assets could reach into tens of billions USD.

Remember this isn’t an exhaustive list but provides an insight into how extensive their holdings really are. It becomes evident that there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to LDS-owned enterprises.

In summation: you’re not just looking at a church; you’re looking at an influential international conglomerate operating under the guise of religion. By understanding this diverse portfolio better, you can appreciate how deeply woven these LDS-owned enterprises are into society’s fabric.