Dividend.com: U.S. Market Hurting Toyota

Toyota (TM Quote) took its global sales numbers down Monday, mostly because of a weakening North American car market. The vehicle sales plan for this year is now 9.5 million units, down from the 9.85 million the company had recently forecast.

Despite the bad headlines, the carmaker is still on track to sell more vehicles than it did last year. In the U.S., Toyota plans to sell 2.44 million vehicles, less than the earlier prediction of 2.64 million. The company is the world's second-largest automaker in annual vehicles sales, behind General Motors (GM Quote).

Shares of Toyota are down nearly 30% in the last year, and we are slowly becoming interested. The company has a dividend yield of 2.43%, based on Friday's closing stock price of $91.92. We'll keep everyone posted as to when we believe the risk/reward for owning shares becomes favorable.

Toyota is not recommended at this time, holding a Dividend.com Rating of 3.1 out of 5 stars.

Lufkin Industries: Will the Profit Pump Turn Off?

Lufkin Industries (LUFK Quote) has been reaping substantial profits from the recent oil bull market. Specifically, the company's manufacturing division has seen record performance.

The manufacturing division is equipped to transport and repair pumping units, as well as refurbish used pumping units. The division also builds and installs various computer-control equipment and analytical services for the pumping units.

Lufkin's stock is up nearly 50% in the past year, and for now, we think investors can and should hold the shares. At the same time, investors need to be aware that a lengthy oil-price correction could turn things south in a hurry. We will be watching the shares and monitoring the news flow for any signs that profits might be in danger. Lufkin Industries has a dividend yield of 1.14%, based on Friday's closing stock price of $87.38.