Salesforce (CRM) Options Signal Bullish Bias: Key Strike Levels and Trade Setups for 2026

• Options data shows heavy call open interest at $270–$275 strikes ahead of Friday’s expiration, hinting at a potential short-term breakout.
• Put open interest peaks at $225 and $260, suggesting cautious downside protection but no major bearish bets.
• Technical indicators confirm a bullish near-term bias, with RSI at 61.6 and MACD above signal line.

Here’s the thing: Salesforce’s options market isn’t just whispering—it’s shouting. With call open interest outpacing puts by a 1.35:1 ratio and key strike levels aligned with technical targets, the stage is set for a directional move. Let’s break down what traders should watch today.

Bullish Sentiment Locked in at $270–$275 Strikes

Options market activity tells a clear story. For Friday’s expiration (Jan 2, 2026), the CRM20260102C270 and CRM20260102C275 calls dominate open interest, with 3,371 and 1,145 contracts respectively. That’s not random—it’s a vote of confidence from institutional players and savvy retail traders. The $270 strike, just 4.5% above current price, acts as a psychological magnet. If CRM cracks that level today, the $275 call holders could see exponential gains.

On the downside, puts at $260 (CRM20260102P260) and $250 (CRM20260102P250) hold 2,637 and 2,377 contracts of open interest. But here’s the catch: those strikes are 5–7% below current price, and the stock hasn’t closed below its 30-day support ($260.50) in weeks. This isn’t a bearish setup—it’s a hedge for a stock already in a short-term bullish trend.

News Flow: AI Momentum and Workforce Reallocation Fuel Optimism

Salesforce’s recent headlines align with the options data. The company’s Agentforce AI platform hitting a $500M annual run rate and 330% YoY growth is no small feat. Analysts are penciling in 22% upside for 2026, and the stock’s 15% December surge has institutional investors taking notice. The “no AI layoffs” narrative also removes a key risk—redeployment over cuts means sustained R&D and product innovation.

But here’s the rub: the market isn’t fully pricing in this yet. At 21x forward P/E, CRM trades at a discount to peers. If Q1 2026 guidance matches the 7–8% revenue growth hinted in Q4, this discount could narrow fast. That’s why the options market is leaning bullish—it’s betting on a valuation catch-up.

Actionable Trade Setups for Today

For options traders, the most compelling plays are:

• Short-term bullish: Buy CRM20260102C270 (strike price: $270) if CRM holds above $268.28 intraday. Target $280 by Jan 2 for ~14% gain.
• Bearish hedge: Sell CRM20260102P250 (strike: $250) if price dips to $265.35 (intraday low). Use it to protect a long stock position.

For stock traders, consider:

• Entry near $260.50 (30-day support) with a stop below $257.50. Target $277.27 (Bollinger Upper Band) as a first profit zone.
• Breakout play: If CRM closes above $268.28 today, push entry to $269–$270 with a tight stop at $266.23 (previous close).

Volatility on the Horizon: Positioning for 2026’s AI-Driven Moves

The next two weeks will test CRM’s resolve. A close above $277.27 (Bollinger Upper Band) would validate the bullish case, while a drop below $254.31 (200D MA) would trigger panic. But given the options data and news flow, the odds favor a rebound. This isn’t a high-risk trade—it’s a calculated bet on a company that’s finally aligning its AI ambitions with measurable results. Keep an eye on the $270 strike—it might just be the spark that ignites a larger move.