Strategy Buys $1.57B in Bitcoin, Funded by Stock Sales | BTC Holdings Surge

London, United Kingdom – March 17, 2026 – Strategy Inc. (MSTR) continues to aggressively expand its Bitcoin holdings, announcing the purchase of 22,337 Bitcoin for approximately $1.57 billion last week. This substantial acquisition, detailed in a Form 8-K filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Monday, represents the company’s largest Bitcoin purchase since January 20th, when it invested around $2.1 billion in the cryptocurrency. The move underscores Strategy’s commitment to a long-term strategy centered around Bitcoin as a store of value, and highlights a shift in how the company is funding these acquisitions.

The recent purchase, executed between March 9th and 15th at an average price of $70,194 per Bitcoin, including fees and expenses, is particularly noteworthy because it was largely financed through the sale of the company’s Variable Rate Series A Perpetual Stretch Preferred Stock (STRC). This marks a significant departure from Strategy’s previous funding methods, where common equity typically dominated the financing mix. The increasing reliance on STRC for Bitcoin purchases signals a deliberate structural change within the company’s financial strategy, allowing for continued investment in Bitcoin without heavily diluting existing shareholders.

Strategy’s Funding Shift: STRC Takes Center Stage

According to the SEC filing, approximately $1.18 billion – roughly 75% – of the $1.57 billion used to acquire Bitcoin came from at-the-market sales of 11,818,467 shares of STRC perpetual preferred shares. The remaining $396 million, or 25%, was raised through the sale of MSTR Class A common stock. This represents a clear inversion of Strategy’s typical funding pattern. CryptoTimes reported This represents the first instance of STRC being the primary funding source for a single weekly Bitcoin purchase.

STRC (Nasdaq: STRC) was launched in July 2025 via an initial public offering (IPO) at $90 per share, offering an initial annual dividend of 9%. Since its launch, Strategy’s board has increased the dividend rate five times, currently standing at 11.50% as of March 2026. The design of STRC is intentional: unlike traditional bonds, it has no maturity date and does not convert to common stock. Its variable dividend rate, adjusted monthly by the board, is designed to maintain the share price near its $100 par value. Strategy also retains the option to redeem shares at $101.

Bitcoin Holdings and Year-to-Date Accumulation

As of March 15, 2026, Strategy now holds a total of 761,068 Bitcoin, acquired at a cumulative cost of $57.61 billion – an average purchase price of $75,696 per coin. The 22,337 BTC added this week brings Strategy’s year-to-date accumulation to over 66,231 BTC in roughly 75 days, surpassing the company’s full-year net purchases in 2021, 2022, and 2023 combined. This aggressive accumulation strategy demonstrates Strategy’s unwavering belief in the long-term potential of Bitcoin.

The company’s recent buying spree follows a period of smaller purchases. Last week’s acquisition of 17,994 BTC for approximately $1.2 billion ended a streak of more modest investments spanning over a month. The timing of these purchases appears to coincide with increased geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with some analysts suggesting Strategy is capitalizing on potential price dips related to these events.

Bitcoin Market Context and ETF Inflows

The broader Bitcoin market has shown resilience, stabilizing above the $70,000 mark, supported by significant inflows into Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Last week alone, these ETFs attracted $793 million, representing 75% of the total inflows into cryptocurrency products, which reached $1.060 billion, according to data from MSN. This surge in ETF demand is a key factor driving positive momentum in the Bitcoin market.

As of Monday, Bitcoin was trading at $74,200, reflecting a 3.4% increase over the previous 24 hours. The continued interest from institutional investors, coupled with Strategy’s substantial purchases, suggests a growing confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term viability. The increasing adoption of Bitcoin ETFs, like BlackRock’s IBIT, is further solidifying its position as a mainstream asset class.

Understanding Strategy’s Preferred Stock Strategy

The use of STRC to fund Bitcoin purchases is a strategic move that allows Strategy to maintain its Bitcoin accumulation pace without relying solely on its common stock. This approach mitigates the potential dilution of existing shareholders, a concern that often accompanies large-scale equity offerings. The perpetual nature of STRC, combined with its variable dividend rate, provides Strategy with flexibility in managing its capital structure and responding to market conditions.

The variable dividend rate is a crucial element of the STRC design. By adjusting the dividend monthly, Strategy’s board can influence the share price, aiming to keep it anchored near the $100 par value. This mechanism helps to attract and retain investors, ensuring a consistent source of funding for future Bitcoin acquisitions. The lack of a maturity date further enhances STRC’s appeal, providing a long-term funding solution for Strategy’s Bitcoin strategy.

Strategy’s Bitcoin purchases and holdings are regularly updated and can be explored in detail on the company’s dedicated Bitcoin Purchases page. This resource provides a comprehensive overview of the company’s acquisition strategies and financial details related to its Bitcoin investments.

Key Takeaways:

• Strategy Inc. Purchased 22,337 Bitcoin for $1.57 billion, its largest acquisition since January 20th.
• The purchase was primarily funded by sales of STRC perpetual preferred shares (75%), marking a shift in funding strategy.
• Strategy now holds 761,068 Bitcoin, accumulated at a cost of $57.61 billion.
• Year-to-date Bitcoin accumulation exceeds full-year purchases in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
• Bitcoin’s market stability is supported by strong ETF inflows, with $793 million entering Bitcoin ETFs last week.

Looking ahead, Strategy is expected to continue its Bitcoin accumulation strategy, leveraging its innovative funding mechanisms to capitalize on market opportunities. The company’s next SEC filing, detailing its Bitcoin holdings and financial performance, is anticipated in April 2026. Investors and market observers will be closely watching Strategy’s continued evolution as a leading corporate adopter of Bitcoin.

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