One of the most important tenants of value investing is the ability to identify legitimate bargains and value traps. Think of it as separating the value wheat from the chaff.

Fortunately, spotting value trap hallmarks is easy. They include depressed price-to-earnings multiples, lumpy earnings trends, questionable moves by management, and difficulties containing costs, among other factors.

Altria stock is on a sale, but that doesn't mean it's a good deal. Image source: Getty Images.

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Source Fool.com