Value stocks typically trade at discounts to the broader market, offering patient investors the opportunity to buy businesses when they’re out of favor. The key risk, however, is that these stocks are usually cheap for a reason – five cents for a piece of fruit may seem like a great deal until you find out it’s rotten.

Separating the winners from the value traps is a tough challenge, and that’s where StockStory comes in. Our job is to find you high-quality companies that will stand the test of time. Keeping that in mind, here are three value stocks with little support and some other investments you should consider instead.

United Parcel Service (UPS)

Forward P/E Ratio: 14x

Trademarking its recognizable UPS Brown color, UPS (NYSE: UPS) offers package delivery, supply chain management, and freight forwarding services.

Why Do We Avoid UPS?

1. Products and services are facing significant end-market challenges during this cycle as sales have declined by 1.3% annually over the last two years
2. 5.7 percentage point decline in its free cash flow margin over the last five years reflects the company’s increased investments to defend its market position
3. Eroding returns on capital suggest its historical profit centers are aging

United Parcel Service is trading at $98.33 per share, or 14x forward P/E. If you’re considering UPS for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

AT&T (T)

Forward P/E Ratio: 12.6x

Founded by Alexander Graham Bell, AT&T (NYSE: T) is a multinational telecomm conglomerate providing a range of communications and internet services.

Why Do We Steer Clear of T?

1. Sales stagnated over the last five years and signal the need for new growth strategies
2. Sales over the last five years were less profitable as its earnings per share fell by 7.9% annually while its revenue was flat
3. Capital intensity will likely increase as its free cash flow margin is anticipated to drop by 1.3 percentage points over the next year

AT&T’s stock price of $28.79 implies a valuation ratio of 12.6x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with T, check out our full research report (it’s free).

CONMED (CNMD)

Forward P/E Ratio: 8.4x

With over five decades of experience in surgical innovation since its founding in 1970, CONMED (NYSE: CNMD) develops and manufactures medical devices and equipment for surgical procedures, specializing in orthopedic and general surgery products.

Why Are We Hesitant About CNMD?

1. Sales trends were unexciting over the last two years as its 5.1% annual growth was below the typical healthcare company
2. Smaller revenue base of $1.37 billion means it hasn’t achieved the economies of scale that some industry juggernauts enjoy
3. Sales are projected to tank by 1.3% over the next 12 months as demand evaporates

At $37.07 per share, CONMED trades at 8.4x forward P/E. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than CNMD.

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