ABBV Options Signal Bullish Momentum: Key Strike Levels and Block Trades Point to Strategic Entry Zones

• AbbVie’s stock (ABBV) trades near $234.16, with a short-term bullish Kline pattern and a 57 RSI suggesting balanced momentum.

• Options data shows heavy call open interest at $240 and $250 strikes (expiring Friday), while puts dominate at $190 and $210.

• A massive block trade of 6,138 ABBV20251017C230 calls hints at institutional bullishness ahead of October 2025.

• The put/call open interest ratio at 0.82 implies a bearish bias, but call dominance at key strikes suggests a potential upside breakout.

The options market and technicals are painting a clear picture: ABBV is primed for a bullish move, but traders need to watch strike-level battles and block-trade signals to position effectively. Let’s break down why this stock could punch through its 52-week high and what risks lurk in the shadows.

Bullish Strike Clusters and Institutional Moves: What the Options Data Reveals

Options open interest tells a story of asymmetric positioning. For Friday’s expirations, calls at $240 (OI: 3,319) and $250 (OI: 2,771) dominate, while puts at $190 (OI: 4,898) and $210 (OI: 3,763) show heavy downside hedging. This suggests a tug-of-war: bulls are stacking up for a $240+ move, while bears are bracing for a drop below $210.

The most eye-catching detail? A block trade of 6,138 ABBV20251017C230 calls (expiring October 17, 2025) worth $705,870. That’s not just noise—it’s a whale-sized bet on a sustained rally. Think of it like a freight train: if ABBV breaks above $230, these calls could drive a wave of forced buying as expiration nears.

But don’t ignore the puts. The $190 strike’s massive OI (4,898) acts as a psychological floor. If ABBV dips below $210, that could trigger a cascade of put assignments, creating a short-term rebound. The key is whether the stock holds above its 30-day support zone ($227.83–$228.27) or collapses toward the 200-day support ($189.46–$190.94).

Company News: FDA Wins and Dividend Hikes Fuel Long-Term Optimism

AbbVie’s recent headlines are a mixed bag but lean bullish. The FDA approval of EPKINLY for follicular lymphoma and LUPRON DEPOT’s new strength in Canada are clear revenue accelerants. These approvals validate AbbVie’s oncology push, which analysts estimate could add $1–2 billion annually.

Meanwhile, the 5.5% dividend hike to $1.73 per share (a 3.1% yield) is a magnet for income investors. But here’s the catch: the market is already pricing in this stability. The stock’s 12.5% gain over 90 days suggests much of this good news is baked in.

The risks? The terminated ABBV-1088 Parkinson’s study and potential Medicare price cuts could weigh on short-term sentiment. However, AbbVie’s neuroscience and immunology segments (think Rinvoq and Skyrizi) are firing on all cylinders, offsetting these headwinds.

Actionable Trade Ideas: Calls for October, Bets on Breakouts

For options traders, the most compelling setup is the ABBV20251017C230 call (strike price $230, expiring October 17). With the block trade already in place, this option becomes a "free call" if ABBV surges past $230 before October. For a shorter-term play, the ABBV24025C (strike $240, expiring Friday) offers leverage if the stock breaks above its intraday high of $237.15.

Stock traders should consider entry near $233.29 (the intraday low) with a stop-loss below $227.83 (30-day support). If ABBV holds here, the first target is $237.15 (intraday high), followed by $238.34 (Bollinger Upper Band). A break above $240 would validate the call-heavy positioning and open the door to $250.

Volatility on the Horizon: Positioning for the Next Move

AbbVie’s options activity and fundamentals point to a stock at a crossroads. The bullish technicals, FDA wins, and dividend hike create a strong case for a rally. But the puts at $190 and the terminated Parkinson’s study remind us that volatility isn’t going away.

Traders should balance aggression with caution. Use the $230–$240 range as a filter: if ABBV breaks above $240 with volume, ride the momentum. If it cracks below $227.83, tighten stops and reassess. The next few weeks—especially with Q3 earnings and potential FDA updates—could be the catalyst that tips the scales.