What Business Does the Mormon Church Own
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints owns a diversified portfolio through for-profit entities and an investment arm. The church operates Deseret Management Corporation as its holding company, which oversees for-profit subsidiaries and investment funds. Deseret Management directs capital into private equity, venture capital, real estate, and agriculture, and it reports to the church's leadership. The church's investment arm, Ensign Peak Advisors, manages a multibillion-dollar portfolio that includes public equities, fixed income, and alternative assets Forbes.
The church's for-profit businesses span multiple sectors, including agriculture, hospitality, media, and retail. It owns farmland across the United States, ranches, and food production companies through subsidiaries under Deseret Management. The church also operates hotels, canneries, and distribution firms, and it has stakes in companies involved in technology and financial services. These businesses generate revenue that funds church operations, humanitarian aid, and infrastructure projects.
Major Companies and Investments
Real Estate and Agriculture
The church is one of the largest private landowners in the United States, with holdings that include farmland, shopping centers, and office properties. It manages these assets through subsidiaries and real estate investment vehicles controlled by Deseret Management. The church's agricultural arm includes cattle ranching, dairy operations, and seed production, with operations spanning multiple states. These holdings provide both income and long-term capital appreciation.
In the media and technology space, the church has owned or invested in broadcasting companies, publishing firms, and digital platforms. It previously operated a television network and has stakes in companies focused on data management and information services. The church also has investments in venture capital funds that target early-stage technology startups, aligning with broader institutional investment trends.
Financial Structure and Transparency
Investment Arm and Portfolio
Ensign Peak Advisors manages the church's investment portfolio, which has grown to tens of billions of dollars in recent years. The portfolio includes publicly traded equities, bonds, private equity, and real estate investments. The church's investment strategy emphasizes long-term growth and diversification, and it has made notable allocations to sectors such as technology and healthcare SEC EDGAR.
The church's for-profit entities operate with a corporate structure that separates day-to-day management from ecclesiastical oversight. Deseret Management coordinates subsidiaries and investment activities, while the church's leadership sets strategic priorities. This structure allows the church to invest in a wide range of industries while maintaining alignment with its broader institutional goals.