Why IBM, Altria Group, and Lam Research Slumped Today

Earnings season continued to have a big influence on the stock market on Wednesday, with major benchmarks moving in different directions depending on which industries were most dominant among their constituents. Energy stocks did extremely well after crude oil prices jumped to highs not seen in more than three years.

Market participants weighed the prospect for stronger economic growth worldwide as well as potential supply disruptions stemming from geopolitical concerns. Elsewhere, though, some stocks weren't able to keep up with their peers. IBM (NYSE: IBM), Altria Group (NYSE: MO), and Lam Research (NASDAQ: LRCX)were among the worst performers on the day. Here's why they did so poorly.