Here's Why The Next 5-10 Years Are Crucial For Apple

Stifel on Friday issued a report on

commenting on the company's reported development of an electric vehicle. Stifel rates Apple as a Buy with a $150 price target. Analysts Aaron Rakers, James Albertine, Joseph Quatrochi and Andrew Shinn wrote, "We believe there is enough evidence that suggest Apple is internally working on the development of a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)...We are intrigued by Apple's CFO, Luca Maestri's, background at General Motors; particularly his role in establishing GM's regional Asia-Pacific operations, including manufacturing investments in China and Thailand." Stifel does note that there are regulatory risks for Apple attempting to enter the highly competitive automotive market. Furthermore, analysts are concerned about the slowdown in Chinese growth affecting sales of Apple's products along with legal disputes arising supposed copyright infractions. Shares of Apple closed Thursday at $127.50.