DeFi Development Corp. CHAD preferred dividend rate increase to 14%

DeFi Development Corp. (Nasdaq: DFDV), a Solana treasury company, will raise the dividend rate on its Variable Rate Series C Perpetual Preferred Stock (CHAD) from 13% to 14%, effective November 2, 2026. The change is tied to the company's SOL-focused treasury strategy.

What is happening

On October 15, 2026, DeFi Development Corp. announced a 100 basis point increase in the CHAD dividend rate, from 13.00% to 14.00%. The new rate takes effect on November 2, 2026. Based on CHAD's $10.00 stated amount, annual dividends rise from $1.30 to $1.40 per share, an increase of roughly 7.7% in annual dividend income per share.

Dividends on CHAD are cumulative and payable each business day, when, as and if declared by the company's Board of Directors. At a purchase price of $10.00 per share, the new rate corresponds to a 14.0% annualized cash dividend yield. Investors buying below $10.00 would receive a higher effective yield on their purchase price, assuming the rate stays unchanged and dividends are declared and paid.

The company says the increase reflects active management of CHAD's variable-rate structure, taking into account market conditions, investor demand and its cost of capital. It also states that its SOL treasury generates returns through staking, validator operations and other treasury strategies, and that proceeds from future CHAD issuance are intended to expand the SOL treasury and grow SOL per share.

Why it matters

For income-oriented investors, the higher rate raises the stated yield of a Nasdaq-listed preferred security that pays daily. For DeFi Development Corp., a more attractive rate may support demand for CHAD, which management links to its ability to accumulate more SOL and pursue growth for common shareholders. CEO Joseph Onorati described the goal of building CHAD into a leading digital credit instrument.

Holders and traders should note the risks the company itself lists. The dividend rate may be adjusted, dividends are payable only when declared, CHAD may trade below its stated amount, its trading price may be volatile, and staking and validator rewards may prove insufficient to support dividend payments. The company may also be unable to sell CHAD under its at-the-market program at or above the stated amount. The announcement is not an offer to sell securities, and offers under the CHAD ATM are made only through the prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus.

Key details

• Date: November 2, 2026 (rate change effective; announced October 15, 2026)
• Project: DeFi Development Corp. (Nasdaq: DFDV)
• Coins: SOL
• Category: Event
• Status: Confirmed
• Source: Company press release via GlobeNewswire (Manila Times Newswire); official page: https://www.defidevcorp.com/chad