The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) has taken regulatory action against Google, citing a breach of the nation's Antimonopoly Act. The agency announced on October 23, 2023, that it launched an investigation into Google's practices. This probe revealed that since at least July 2020, Google has been inhibiting the integration of search functionalities from other general search service providers on certain Android smartphones.
The JFTC's investigation was conducted in collaboration with international competition authorities, which have been examining similar activities by Google. As a result of these findings, Google is required to undertake several remedial measures. This includes developing and distributing compliance guidelines for interactions between Google and Android Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) or distributors, to both its board members and relevant employees.
Additionally, Google is mandated to conduct regular compliance training and audits to ensure adherence to the Antimonopoly Act. These efforts are intended to address compliance related to business dealings with Android OEMs and distributors, specifically concerning Mobile Application Distribution Agreements (MADAs) and Revenue Sharing Agreements (RSAs).
Wall Street Analysts Forecast
Based on the one-year price targets offered by 17 analysts, the average target price for Alphabet Inc (GOOG, Financial) is $207.59 with a high estimate of $234.00 and a low estimate of $173.00. The average target implies an upside of 28.56% from the current price of $161.47. More detailed estimate data can be found on the Alphabet Inc (GOOG) Forecast page.
Based on the consensus recommendation from 22 brokerage firms, Alphabet Inc's (GOOG, Financial) average brokerage recommendation is currently 1.8, indicating "Outperform" status. The rating scale ranges from 1 to 5, where 1 signifies Strong Buy, and 5 denotes Sell.
Based on GuruFocus estimates, the estimated GF Value for Alphabet Inc (GOOG, Financial) in one year is $197.85, suggesting a upside of 22.53% from the current price of $161.47. GF Value is GuruFocus' estimate of the fair value that the stock should be traded at. It is calculated based on the historical multiples the stock has traded at previously, as well as past business growth and the future estimates of the business' performance. More detailed data can be found on the Alphabet Inc (GOOG) Summary page.
