10 Stocks Worse Than BP

By Louis Navellier of InvestorPlace

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Oil and fuel stock BP(BP) is shrouded in uncertainty, the butt of watercolor jokes and is stuck in a downward spiral as the Gulf of Mexico oil spill closes in on three months of economic and environmental disaster for the region. But if you think things are rough for BP shareholders, look out. There are 10 oil, gas and fuel stocks out there right now that are WORSE for you than BP.

What makes them worse? For one, their steepest declines are yet to come. BP stock is down more than 50% since the April 20 Deepwater Horizon disaster, while many of these stocks are only at the beginning of their declines. Another reason these stocks are trouble is because many investors may not have heard of these companies since they are largely small-cap stocks, and some traders could unwittingly put their money into these duds without knowing the consequences.

Then, of course, there are the specific reasons for each stock that make it a particular "dog with fleas." Take the European energy giant Total (TOT). This company has a market cap larger than BP as of this writing and some mistakenly believe that its size gives it stability. But shares are down about 16% year-to-date due to the debt trouble in the eurozone economy and it looks like these troubles will continue to hold back the stock.

Or take small-cap Texas oil stock Tesoro(TSO), which has missed earnings estimates for the last two quarters and is slumping again ahead of the second quarter reporting season. Though the companies share similar problems as the industry fights a headwind, both of these oil stocks each have their own very particular troubles right now.

As you'll see, each of these stocks has a lot working against it right now. So to steer your portfolio clear of another BP disaster, here are 10 oil and gas stocks to sell now:

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