The low valuation multiples for value stocks provide a margin of safety that growth stocks rarely offer. However, the challenge lies in determining whether these cheap assets are genuinely undervalued or simply on sale due to their potentially deteriorating business models.
This distinction between true value and value traps can challenge even the most skilled investors. Luckily for you, we started StockStory to help you uncover exceptional companies. That said, here are three value stocks with poor fundamentals and some alternatives you should consider instead.
8x8 (EGHT)
Forward P/S Ratio: 0.4x
Founded in 1987, 8x8 (NYSE: EGHT) provides software for organizations to efficiently communicate and collaborate with their customers, employees, and partners.
Why Are We Out on EGHT?
- Customers had second thoughts about committing to its platform over the last year as its billings averaged 1.5% declines
- Projected sales are flat for the next 12 months, implying demand will slow from its three-year trend
- Competitive market means the company must spend more on sales and marketing to stand out even if the return on investment is low
8x8 is trading at $1.95 per share, or 0.4x forward price-to-sales. To fully understand why you should be careful with EGHT, check out our full research report (it’s free).
MillerKnoll (MLKN)
Forward P/E Ratio: 9.9x
Created through the 2021 merger of industry icons Herman Miller and Knoll, MillerKnoll (NASDAQ: MLKN) designs, manufactures, and distributes interior furnishings for offices, healthcare facilities, educational settings, and homes worldwide.
Why Do We Avoid MLKN?
- Customers postponed purchases of its products and services this cycle as its revenue declined by 5.2% annually over the last two years
- 5.4 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
- High net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 7× could force the company to raise capital at unfavorable terms if market conditions deteriorate
MillerKnoll’s stock price of $18.85 implies a valuation ratio of 9.9x forward P/E. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than MLKN.
Insight Enterprises (NSIT)
Forward P/E Ratio: 14x
With over 35 years of IT expertise and partnerships with more than 8,000 technology providers, Insight Enterprises (NASDAQ: NSIT) provides end-to-end digital transformation solutions that help businesses modernize their IT infrastructure and maximize the value of technology.
Why Should You Sell NSIT?
- Products and services are facing significant end-market challenges during this cycle as sales have declined by 8.7% annually over the last two years
- Earnings growth over the last two years fell short of the peer group average as its EPS only increased by 1.6% annually
- Poor free cash flow margin of 3.5% for the last five years limits its freedom to invest in growth initiatives, execute share buybacks, or pay dividends
At $139.88 per share, Insight Enterprises trades at 14x forward P/E. If you’re considering NSIT for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.
Stocks We Like More
When Trump unveiled his aggressive tariff plan in April 2024, markets tanked as investors feared a full-blown trade war. But those who panicked and sold missed the subsequent rebound that’s already erased most losses.
Don’t let fear keep you from great opportunities and take a look at Top 5 Growth Stocks for this month. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025).
Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Kadant (+351% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free. Find your next big winner with StockStory today. Find your next big winner with StockStory today
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