FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about STRC preferred stock.
Getting started
STRC is a preferred stock issued by Strategy, Inc. (formerly MicroStrategy) that trades on the Nasdaq. It pays cash dividends twice a month at a variable rate, currently 12.00% annualized, and is designed to trade near its $100 par value. Read more
STRC is a preferred stock, which is a hybrid between common stock and a bond. Like a bond, it pays regular income (semi-monthly dividends, paid twice a month). Like a stock, it trades on an exchange and its price can fluctuate. It does not have a maturity date, which is why it is called "perpetual."
Each share costs approximately $100 (the par value). You need enough to buy at least one share. Some brokerages may allow fractional shares, which would allow smaller investments.
Yes. STRC is listed on the Nasdaq and is available on most major brokerage platforms including Fidelity, Schwab, Vanguard, Interactive Brokers, and Robinhood. Step-by-step guide
STRC can be held in traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, and most brokerage-based retirement accounts. However, not all 401(k) plans allow individual stock purchases. Check with your plan administrator. The return-of-capital tax treatment may have different implications in tax-advantaged accounts.
Safety and risk
STRC has a different risk profile than a savings account, CD, or U.S. Treasury. It is not FDIC insured, your principal is not guaranteed, and the dividend rate can change. The higher yield reflects these additional risks. Full risk breakdown
No. STRC is a preferred stock, not a bank deposit. It is not protected by FDIC insurance. You could lose part or all of your investment.
Yes. The share price can fluctuate. STRC has traded as low as $88 per share since its launch. If you sell when the price is below what you paid, you will realize a loss. The dividend rate can also be reduced, which would lower your income.
Strategy's financial health is closely tied to bitcoin. A severe bitcoin decline would stress Strategy's balance sheet, potentially affecting its ability to pay dividends and maintain STRC's price near par. During the late 2025 bitcoin drawdown, STRC briefly traded below $95 before recovering. More on risks
No. STRC is a publicly traded preferred stock issued by a Nasdaq-listed company with SEC reporting obligations. However, critics have noted that the dividend payments are funded primarily by new capital raises rather than operating cash flow, which means continued investor demand is important for sustaining the dividend. This is a legitimate structural concern worth understanding. How STRC pays its yield How the ATM program works
Income and dividends
Twice a month. As of June 30, 2026, STRC pays semi-monthly, with record dates on the 15th and the last day of each month and payment on the following record date. (Before that, it paid once a month.) The rate itself is still reviewed monthly.
You will receive a dividend on the next payment date (the 15th or the last day of the month), provided you owned shares before that period's record date. STRC now pays twice a month, so the wait for your first payment is shorter than it was under the old monthly schedule.
Strategy reviews the STRC rate monthly. Under the revised dividend policy announced June 29, 2026, it weighs a range of factors, including STRC's trading level, market yields and credit spreads, the price and volatility of bitcoin, USD reserve coverage, and its overall capital structure. Historically the rate moved up when STRC traded below par, but Strategy has stated it will not necessarily raise the rate solely because STRC trades below its $100 stated amount. The framework is described in Strategy's SEC filings. Dividend details Complete guide to variable rate preferreds
STRC dividends have been classified as return of capital (ROC), meaning they are not treated as ordinary income when received. Instead, they reduce your cost basis in the shares, potentially resulting in a larger capital gain when you sell. Consult a tax professional for guidance specific to your situation. Tax treatment details
Most brokerages offer dividend reinvestment plans (DRIP) that will automatically use your STRC dividends to purchase additional shares. Check with your brokerage to enable this feature.
For financial professionals
STRC is a Variable Rate Series A Perpetual Stretch Preferred Stock issued by Strategy, Inc. (Nasdaq: MSTR). It is cumulative, meaning unpaid dividends accrue. It has no stated maturity. The dividend rate is variable and reviewed monthly at the board's discretion, and dividends are paid semi-monthly (twice a month) as of June 30, 2026.
STRC sits below Strategy's senior convertible notes (~$8.25B) and STRF preferred, and above STRK, STRD preferred, and MSTR common equity. Capital stack diagram
$100 per share (the stated amount), plus any accrued and unpaid dividends. In a liquidation event, STRC holders have priority over STRK, STRD, and common equity holders but are junior to debt holders and STRF holders.
Yes. Strategy has the option to redeem STRC shares at $101 per share (par plus $1), subject to certain conditions described in the prospectus.
Strategy has issued multiple preferred securities, each with different terms. STRF (10% fixed, senior, quarterly) is higher in the capital stack. STRK (8% convertible, quarterly) can convert to MSTR common shares. STRD (10% fixed, junior, quarterly) is lower in the capital stack. STRC (variable rate, semi-monthly) sits between STRF and STRK and is the only one with a variable rate and twice-monthly payments.
As of July 2026, STRC's 30-day volatility is approximately 2.2%, which is significantly lower than MSTR common stock (~80%), bitcoin (~53%), gold (~33%), and the S&P 500 (~12%). This low volatility is by design, as the variable dividend mechanism is intended to keep the share price stable near par. Try the stress test
Selling and liquidity
Yes. STRC trades on the Nasdaq during regular market hours (9:30 AM to 4:00 PM ET, Monday through Friday). You can sell your shares like any other stock. Average daily trading volume is approximately $150-400 million, so liquidity is strong.
U.S. equities settle on a T+1 basis, meaning the cash from a sale is typically available in your brokerage account the next business day.
No. There is no early withdrawal penalty like with a CD. However, if the share price is below what you paid, you will sell at a loss.