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IBM Posts Worst Day Since 1987 Crash After Earnings Miss

IBM shares experienced their worst single-day decline since the 1987 market crash, after the company pre-announced earnings and revenue that missed investor expectations.

July 18, 2026
2 min read
Source: Motley Fool
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Key Numbers

decline percent
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previous close
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IBM (NYSE: IBM) suffered its worst trading day since the October 1987 market crash (Black Monday), after the company issued a preliminary earnings and revenue announcement that fell short of investor expectations.

Details of the Move

Reports did not specify the exact percentage decline, but sources indicate it was the largest daily drop for IBM since Black Monday 1987. The move followed the company's pre-announcement of preliminary results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026.

Potential Causes

The direct cause is IBM's pre-announcement of earnings and revenue below analyst estimates. Such pre-announcements often raise concerns about weak demand or operational challenges.

Broader Context

The decline comes amid heightened volatility in the technology sector, with investors focused on corporate capital expenditure in AI and cloud computing. IBM, which focuses on cloud services and consulting, may face pressure from intense competition.

Similar Moves in the Sector

No similar moves in other tech stocks were reported on the same day, but the broader market could be negatively affected by such news.

What This Means for Investors

Investors should wait for the full quarterly report to understand the depth of the issue. Pre-announcements are often cautionary but do not necessarily indicate a structural crisis. It is advisable to monitor management's future guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The exact percentage was not specified, but it was the worst day since the 1987 crash.

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This article was rewritten in Wrqti's editorial style based on information from the original source above. Content is informational only — not investment advice.