Curious as to what companies does the Mormon Church own? Read this post.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often referred to as the LDS Church or Mormon Church) is not only one of the largest religious organizations globally but also a significant player in the business world.
The church has established an impressive economic presence spanning diverse industries through a network of investments, subsidiaries, and holdings.
This article will provide a detailed exploration of the Mormon Church’s business assets, leadership structure, and influence.
Who Owns the Mormon Church?
Any single individual does not own the Mormon Church but operates under a hierarchical and organized structure. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is managed by its First Presidency, which includes the President of the Church and his counselors, along with the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
This leadership oversees both the spiritual guidance and the management of temporal assets, ensuring that the Church’s religious and financial interests align with its mission.
The church’s financial operations are handled by an entity called the Corporation of the Presiding Bishop, which manages its investments, including businesses, stocks, and real estate.
This separation of spiritual leadership and financial oversight ensures transparency and professional management of its assets.
What Companies Does the Mormon Church Own?
Here’s a list of the companies and brands owned by the Mormon Chuch:
Deseret Management Corporation (DMC)
Deseret Management Corporation is the central holding company for many of the Church’s for-profit enterprises.
It oversees a variety of businesses, including media, publishing, and hospitality industries. DMC serves as the umbrella organization for the church’s economic interests, ensuring they operate effectively while advancing the Church’s broader mission.
Deseret News
The Deseret News, Utah’s longest-running newspaper, is owned by the Church through the Deseret Management Corporation.
Founded in 1850, the publication focuses on both local and national news with a distinct emphasis on values stemming from the Church’s teachings. The Deseret News operates in print and digital formats, reaching a wide audience.
Bonneville International Corporation
Bonneville International is a key player in the Church’s media portfolio. It operates several radio and television stations across the United States, with programming that promotes family-friendly values. Bonneville serves as a medium for broadcasting messages that align with the Church’s ideals.
Bonneville Communications
Bonneville Communications is the advertising and public relations arm of the LDS Church.
It is best known for producing the “Homefront” advertising campaign, which promotes family values, and has won numerous awards for its creativity and impact.
Bonneville Communications also handles marketing and branding for the church’s various entities, ensuring a consistent and positive public image.
Deseret Mutual Benefit Administrators (DMBA)
DMBA is a nonprofit organization that provides insurance and financial services to employees of the LDS Church and its affiliated entities.
It offers health, life, and retirement plans, ensuring that church employees and their families are well taken care of. DMBA operates with a focus on ethical practices and long-term financial stability.
Ensign Peak Advisors
Ensign Peak Advisors is the investment arm of the LDS Church. It manages the Church’s financial portfolio, which includes stocks, bonds, and other investments.
Notably, the Church has been reported to hold a portfolio worth billions of dollars, ensuring steady financial growth to fund its organizational needs and charitable activities.
Property Reserve Inc.
Property Reserve Inc. oversees the Church’s real estate holdings. This includes retail, commercial, and residential properties, as well as agricultural lands. The Church owns properties around the globe, including notable developments in Salt Lake City, Utah, and other major cities.
Hawaii Reserves, Inc. (HRI)
Hawaii Reserves, Inc. is a subsidiary of Property Reserves, Inc. and manages the church’s properties in Laie, Hawaii.
This includes residential, commercial, and recreational properties, as well as the Laie Temple and Brigham Young University–Hawaii. HRI plays a key role in supporting the local community and preserving the church’s presence in Hawaii.
AgReserves, Inc.
AgReserves is an agricultural enterprise owned by the LDS Church. It manages large-scale farming operations, including ranches, orchards, and dairy farms, primarily in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
It is known for its focus on sustainable farming practices and high-quality produce. Some of its notable properties include Deseret Ranches in Florida and Circle Four Farms in Utah.
Deseret Land and Livestock
Deseret Land and Livestock is a subsidiary of AgReserves and operates one of the largest privately owned ranches in the United States. Located in Utah, the ranch spans over 200,000 acres and is involved in cattle ranching, wildlife conservation, and land management.
The ranch is also used for educational and recreational purposes, aligning with the church’s emphasis on self-reliance and stewardship.
City Creek Center
City Creek Center, an upscale shopping mall in downtown Salt Lake City, is one of the Church’s high-profile real estate projects. It reflects the church’s efforts to contribute to urban development while generating revenue from retail operations.
Deseret Book
Deseret Book is the largest LDS-themed bookstore and publisher in the world. Founded in 1919, it offers a wide range of products, including books, music, artwork, and religious materials.
Deseret Book publishes works by LDS authors and produces content that aligns with the church’s teachings. It also operates Seagull Book, a subsidiary that offers discounted LDS-themed products.
Deseret Digital Media
Deseret Digital Media is the digital arm of the church’s media operations. It oversees the online presence of the Deseret News, KSL.com, and other digital platforms.
It focuses on creating engaging, family-friendly content that reaches a global audience. It also provides digital marketing services to other church-owned entities.
Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC)
The Polynesian Cultural Center is a unique cultural and tourist attraction located in Laie, Hawaii. Owned by the LDS Church, the PCC showcases the cultures of Polynesia through exhibits, performances, and interactive experiences.
It is one of Hawaii’s most popular tourist destinations and serves as a source of employment for students attending Brigham Young University–Hawaii, many of whom are from Polynesian countries.
Temple Square Hospitality
Temple Square Hospitality manages the church’s hospitality and event services in Salt Lake City, Utah. This includes the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, the Lion House, and the Beehive House, which offer dining, event hosting, and historical tours.
These venues are often used for church-related events and provide a source of revenue while promoting the church’s history and values.
KSL Broadcasting
KSL Broadcasting operates KSL-TV and KSL Radio, two of the most prominent media outlets in Utah. KSL-TV is a CBS-affiliated television station, while KSL Radio is a news and talk radio station.
Both platforms provide news, weather, and community-focused programming, reflecting the church’s commitment to serving the public interest.
Zions Securities Corporation
Zions Securities Corporation is a real estate management company that oversees the church’s commercial properties in downtown Salt Lake City. This includes office buildings, retail spaces, and parking facilities.
Zions Securities plays a key role in maintaining the church’s presence in the heart of Salt Lake City and generating revenue through property leases.
When Was the Mormon Church Founded?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was formally established on April 6, 1830, in Fayette, New York, by Joseph Smith. Its founding marked the beginning of what has become one of the fastest-growing religions worldwide.
From humble beginnings, the Church expanded rapidly, with its followers migrating to Utah under the leadership of Brigham Young by the mid-19th century. Today, the church claims over 17 million members across the globe.
Who Is the President of the Mormon Church?
The President of the Church, currently Russell M. Nelson, serves as the spiritual leader and oversees the organization.
He is supported by two counselors in the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who assist in both spiritual and organizational matters. These leaders provide guidance to congregations worldwide and oversee the financial and administrative operations of the church.
Where Is the Headquarters of the Mormon Church?
The headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is located in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The main administrative offices are situated on Temple Square, a 35-acre area that includes the iconic Salt Lake Temple and other prominent LDS buildings. Temple Square is not only the administrative heart of the Church but also a significant tourist destination.
Net Worth of the Mormon Church
As of February 2025, the estimated net worth of the Mormon Churn is at least $293 billion.
This is an estimation as the Mormon Church doesn’t disclose its ventures and investments publicity.
In 2020, a whistleblower revealed that the church’s investment arm, Ensign Peak Advisors, managed over $100 billion in assets, primarily in stocks, bonds, and real estate.
This shocking figure does not include the church’s extensive holdings in agriculture, media, commercial real estate, and other businesses managed through Deseret Management Corporation as discussed above.
Additionally, the church owns hundreds, if not thousands, of meetinghouses, temples, and educational institutions worldwide, further adding to its substantial wealth.
While the church emphasizes its use of resources for religious, charitable, and humanitarian purposes, its vast financial portfolio underscores its significant economic influence.
What Is the Annual Revenue of the Mormon Church?
The exact annual revenue of the LDS Church is difficult to determine due to limited public disclosure about its finances. However, estimates suggest the Church generates tens of billions of dollars annually through tithing from members, business profits, and investments.
Forbes and other outlets have reported that the Church maintains a financial reserve worth over $265 billion, which is used for operational expenses, missionary efforts, and humanitarian projects.
How Many Employees Does the Mormon Church Have?
The Mormon Church employs tens of thousands of people worldwide. This includes staff in its administrative offices, employees in its business enterprises like Deseret Book, and workers on Church-owned farms and properties.
Additionally, the Church relies on a vast network of volunteers, particularly missionaries, who dedicate their time to spreading its teachings and supporting its initiatives.
Wrapping Up.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not only a religious organization but also a significant economic entity with extensive business holdings.
From media companies like Bonneville International to real estate and agricultural operations, its investments span industries and geographies. Guided by an efficient leadership structure, the Church has built a financial foundation that supports its spiritual and humanitarian goals.
With its significant influence both economically and spiritually, the Mormon Church continues to leave a lasting impact on its members and the world at large.
FAQs on The Mormon Church Owned Companies
Why does the Mormon Church own companies?
The LDS Church owns companies to support its mission of self-reliance, fund its religious and humanitarian efforts, and provide resources for its members and communities. The revenue generated from these businesses helps finance church operations, including the construction of temples, missionary work, and charitable initiatives. The church emphasizes ethical business practices and aligns its commercial ventures with its core values.
Does the Mormon Church pay taxes on its businesses?
The LDS Church is a tax-exempt religious organization, but its for-profit businesses, such as those under Deseret Management Corporation, are subject to taxes. These businesses operate as separate entities and are required to pay taxes on their income, just like any other commercial enterprise.
How does the Mormon Church use the profits from its companies?
The profits from the church’s companies are used to fund religious activities, build and maintain temples and meetinghouses, support missionary work, and finance humanitarian and charitable initiatives. The church emphasizes self-reliance and uses its resources to further its mission and serve its members and communities worldwide.
Does the Mormon Church own farmland?
Yes, the LDS Church owns significant agricultural holdings through AgReserves, Inc., its agricultural enterprise. This includes large-scale farms, ranches, and orchards in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Notable properties include Deseret Ranches in Florida and Circle Four Farms in Utah.
Is the Deseret News affiliated with the Mormon Church?
Yes, the Deseret News is owned by the LDS Church and has been a prominent media outlet since its founding in 1850. While it covers general news, the Deseret News often emphasizes stories related to family values, faith, and community, reflecting the church’s priorities.
Does the Mormon Church own any educational institutions?
Yes, the LDS Church owns and operates several educational institutions, including Brigham Young University (BYU) in Utah, BYU–Idaho, BYU–Hawaii, and Ensign College. These institutions provide education aligned with the church’s values and are partially funded by church resources.
How transparent is the Mormon Church about its finances?
The LDS Church is not highly transparent about its finances and does not publicly disclose detailed financial statements. However, it provides some information about its humanitarian efforts and tithing usage. The church’s financial practices have occasionally drawn scrutiny, but it maintains that its resources are used responsibly to further its mission.
Is Costco Mormon-owned?
No, Costco is not owned by the Mormon Church. Costco Wholesale Corporation is a publicly traded company founded by James Sinegal and Jeffrey Brotman. While some members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) may hold leadership positions or work at Costco, the company itself is not affiliated with or owned by the church.
Is Pepsi owned by Mormons?
No, PepsiCo is not owned by the Mormon Church. PepsiCo is a publicly traded multinational food and beverage corporation. It is not affiliated with the LDS Church, and its ownership is distributed among public shareholders. While individual members of the church may consume or work for PepsiCo, the company itself has no ties to the church.
Is Kroger owned by Mormons?
No, Kroger is not owned by the Mormon Church. The Kroger Company is one of the largest supermarket chains in the United States and is publicly traded. It is not affiliated with the LDS Church, and its ownership is spread among public shareholders. Like other major corporations, Kroger employs individuals from various backgrounds including members of the LDS Church, but it is not owned or operated by the church.
Is Marriott owned by Mormons?
No, Marriott International is not owned by the Mormon Church, but it has historical ties to the LDS Church through its founders. The Marriott Corporation was founded by J. Willard Marriott and his wife, Alice, who were members of the LDS Church.
Who owns the Kirtland Temple?
The Kirtland Temple, located in Kirtland, Ohio, is not owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Instead, it is owned and operated by the Community of Christ, a separate denomination that traces its origins to the same early Latter Day Saint movement.