Can This Automaker Reclaim Its Crown?

The following video is part of our "Motley Fool Conversations" series, in which industrials editor/analyst Brendan Byrnes and consumer goods editor/analyst Austin Smith discuss topics across the investing world.

In today's edition, Brendan and Austin discuss Toyota, which had a rough 2011. The company was hit hard by the Japanese earthquake and tsunami in March as well as the Thailand floods which disrupted the company's supply chain. Now, as Toyota recovers from these two disasters, it has to deal with the strength of the yen, which has been sapping profits on vehicles produced in Japan and sold abroad. After an earnings report that contained improved full-year guidance, is the company on its way to regaining the global sales crown? And is it the best auto stock for your portfolio?

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At the time thisarticle was published Austin Smith has no positions in the stocks mentioned above. Brendan Byrnes owns shares of Ford. The Motley Fool owns shares of Ford.Motley Fool newsletter services recommendFord, General Motors, and Tesla Motors . Try any of our Foolish newsletter servicesfree for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe thatconsidering a diverse range of insightsmakes us better investors. The Motley Fool has adisclosure policy.

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