Newsroom

Strategy Pushes Bitcoin Holdings Past 4% of Total Supply in $2B Buy

18 May, 2026   /   News   /  AI   /  327 reads   /   Tags:  bitcoin, strategy, shares, preferred, company

Strategy Pushes Bitcoin Holdings Past 4% of Total Supply in $2B Buy

Strategy has added another 24,869 Bitcoin for roughly $2 billion, bringing its total stash to 843,738 BTC — more than 4% of all Bitcoin that will ever exist

The company funded the latest round mainly through sales of its preferred stock and common shares, continuing a pattern that has drawn both strong support and fresh questions about long-term plans.

Massive Accumulation Continues

According to recent filings and statements, Strategy bought the fresh Bitcoin at an average price near $80,985 per coin. The company's overall average acquisition cost across all holdings stands at about $75,700. At current market levels around $77,000, the treasury shows solid paper gains but also sits below the most recent purchase prices.

This latest move pushes Strategy's Bitcoin holdings to levels that represent real scale in the overall market. The firm now controls a notable slice of the 21 million BTC hard cap, achieved through consistent buying since 2020. Year-to-date Bitcoin yield for the company reached 12.6% when measured against its share base.

Funding Through Equity and Preferred Shares

Strategy raised the needed capital by selling shares under its at-the-market programs. In the recent period, it moved about 19.95 million shares of its STRC preferred stock for nearly $1.95 billion and additional common shares for around $84 million. These tools have become central to the company's Bitcoin strategy, allowing steady accumulation without traditional debt pressure in some cases.

The STRC preferred shares, which pay monthly dividends with adjustable rates, have drawn steady investor interest and created regular buying cycles tied to dividend dates. The company recently discussed shifting dividend payments to twice monthly to improve liquidity and reduce timing gaps.

Buyback Plans and Potential Bitcoin Sales

At the same time, Strategy agreed to repurchase $1.5 billion face value of its 2029 zero-coupon convertible notes for about $1.38 billion in cash. The filing lists several funding options, including cash on hand, equity proceeds, and — notably — possible sales of Bitcoin. This marks one of the clearest public signals yet that Bitcoin could be used as a balance sheet tool when needed.

Michael Saylor addressed the topic directly in recent comments. He explained that maintaining flexibility around Bitcoin is important for credit ratings and overall asset treatment. An absolute "never sell" position could limit how markets and agencies view the holdings as usable capital. Saylor emphasized the company would remain a net buyer over time, with any sales offset by larger purchases when conditions allow.

He noted the Bitcoin market offers substantial liquidity that remains somewhat independent of Strategy's stock or credit profile. Using that liquidity when necessary prevents impairing the asset that makes up the bulk of the company's value.

Key Figures as of mid-May 2026:
  • Total Bitcoin held: 843,738 BTC
  • Average purchase price: ~$75,700
  • Latest weekly buy: 24,869 BTC for ~$2.01B
  • STRC and equity raises supporting ongoing purchases

Market Reaction and Broader Context

Bitcoin itself traded near $77,000 following the announcements, showing some pressure despite the continued corporate buying. The price pulled back from recent highs amid broader market moves, including oil price spikes tied to geopolitical tensions and shifting rate expectations. MSTR shares also moved lower in response to the latest developments and general market sentiment.

Investors continue watching the balance between rapid Bitcoin growth and any signs of changing treasury management. BlackRock added to its MSTR position in the first quarter, showing institutional interest remains present even as dilution and financing questions circulate.

Strategy has built its approach over multiple years, turning what started as a software business into one of the most prominent corporate Bitcoin holders. The combination of aggressive accumulation, creative financing, and now explicit discussion of liquidity options has kept the company at the center of crypto market attention.

What Lies Ahead

With substantial remaining capacity in its equity programs and a clear long-term focus on Bitcoin, Strategy shows no signs of slowing its core strategy. The recent statements from Saylor aim to balance strong conviction with practical financial management. Markets will continue testing how this mix holds up under different price environments and external pressures.

The coming weeks will bring more data on note buyback completion, any additional Bitcoin purchases, and ongoing performance of the preferred stock offerings. For now, the message remains one of expansion — with added emphasis on keeping options open.

Associated cryptocurrencies
Disclaimer
This article was generated by AI using information from multiple industry sources. It has not been reviewed or verified by a human editor and may contain inaccuracies, omissions, or misinformation. Readers are encouraged to independently verify any information before making decisions based on its content.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Cryptocurrency and related investments involve substantial risk, and past performance does not guarantee future results.