Microsoft's Azure Cloud Unit Under Antitrust Investigation in Japan
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 25 2026
0mins
Should l Buy MSFT?
Source: seekingalpha
- Antitrust Investigation Initiated: Japan's Fair Trade Commission has begun investigating Microsoft's Azure cloud computing unit, focusing on whether it has restricted customers' use of other cloud services, which could impact Microsoft's competitive position in the Japanese market.
- On-Site Inspection Underway: The agency has conducted an on-site inspection of Microsoft's Tokyo office to assess whether further action is necessary, a move that could expose Microsoft to legal and financial risks.
- Intensifying Market Competition: Microsoft faces fierce competition in the Japanese cloud services market from Amazon AWS and Google Cloud, with the market projected to reach $28.97 billion in 2025 and grow to $33.53 billion in 2026, indicating significant market potential.
- Stock Price Reaction Mild: Despite the ongoing investigation, Microsoft's stock price rose only slightly in premarket trading on Wednesday, indicating a cautious initial market reaction to the news.
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Analyst Views on MSFT
Wall Street analysts forecast MSFT stock price to rise
34 Analyst Rating
32 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 369.370
Low
500.00
Averages
631.36
High
678.00
Current: 369.370
Low
500.00
Averages
631.36
High
678.00
About MSFT
Microsoft Corporation is a technology company that develops and supports software, services, devices, and solutions. Its Productivity and Business Processes segment consists of products and services in its portfolio of productivity, communication, and information services, spanning a variety of devices and platforms. It comprises Microsoft 365 Commercial products and cloud services; Microsoft 365 Consumer products and cloud services; LinkedIn, and Dynamics products and cloud services. The Intelligent Cloud segment consists of its public, private, and hybrid server products and cloud services. It comprises server products and cloud services, including Azure, and enterprise and partner services, including Enterprise Support Services. Its More Personal Computing segment primarily comprises Windows and Devices, including Windows OEM licensing; Gaming, including Xbox hardware and Xbox content; Search and news advertising, comprising Bing and Copilot, Microsoft News, and Microsoft Edge.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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