Value stocks are typically traded at lower prices compared to the overall market, which can be an opportunity for patient investors to purchase undervalued businesses. However, these stocks are often cheap for a reason, similar to buying a fruit for a low price only to discover it's rotten.

Differentiating between genuine value and value traps can be challenging even for experienced investors. This is where StockStory comes in to assist in identifying exceptional companies. Here are three value stocks with weak fundamentals and suggested alternatives.

Foot Locker (FL): Known for its sports-oriented retail stores, Foot Locker faces challenges with store closures indicating weak demand and a high debt-to-earnings ratio. Trading at 8.9 times its projected future earnings, investors may want to explore alternative options.

ADT (ADT): ADT provides security and home solutions but is struggling with slow customer adoption rates and declining earnings per share. Trading at 10.1 times its projected future earnings, there may be better investment opportunities available.

Acadia Healthcare (ACHC): Operating in the mental health and substance use disorder treatment sector, Acadia Healthcare is trading at 8.8 times its projected future earnings. Investors may want to proceed with caution due to certain aspects raising concerns about potential investment risks.