Stan Kroenke Becomes America's Largest Private Landowner After Acquiring Nearly 1 Million Acres in New Mexico
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 15 2026
0mins
Should l Buy MCD?
Source: Newsfilter
- Land Acquisition Achievement: Stan Kroenke's purchase of nearly 1 million acres of New Mexico ranchland in December elevates his total land holdings to 2.7 million acres, surpassing Yellowstone National Park and establishing him as America's largest private landowner, significantly enhancing his stature in land investment.
- Transaction Scale Impact: This acquisition marks the largest land deal in the U.S. in over a decade, propelling Kroenke from fourth to first place, surpassing the Emmerson family and media mogul John Malone, demonstrating his influence among high-net-worth investors.
- Farmland Investment Trend: As billionaires increasingly invest in farmland to hedge against inflation, U.S. farmland values have grown at an average annual rate of 5.8% from 2019 to 2024, making Kroenke's investment strategy timely and aligned with market trends.
- Rapid Expansion Strategy: Kroenke has quickly expanded his land holdings by acquiring large ranches held by families for generations, such as the Waggoner Ranch purchased for $725 million in 2016, ending 160 years of family ownership, showcasing his keen insight into the land market.
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Analyst Views on MCD
Wall Street analysts forecast MCD stock price to rise
23 Analyst Rating
12 Buy
11 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 307.290
Low
300.00
Averages
337.63
High
375.00
Current: 307.290
Low
300.00
Averages
337.63
High
375.00
About MCD
McDonald's Corporation is a global foodservice retailer. Its segment includes U.S., International Operated Markets, and International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate. The U.S. segment is its largest market and is 95% franchised. The International Operated Markets segment is comprised of markets, or countries in which it operates and franchises restaurants, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom. This segment is 89% franchised. The International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate segment is comprised of developmental licensee and affiliate markets, including equity method investments in China and Japan. This segment is 99% franchised. Its menu features hamburgers and cheeseburgers, the Big Mac, the Quarter Pounder with Cheese, the Filet-O-Fish, and several chicken sandwiches, such as the McChicken and McCrispy as well as Chicken McNuggets, Fries, shakes, sundaes, cookies, soft drinks, coffee, and other beverages.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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