Nvidia(US:NVDA) CAITONG SECURITIES·2025-08-10 11:15Core Insights - NVIDIA aims to build a global AI computing aggregation platform through the acquisition of Lepton AI, which was established only two years prior. This platform, NVIDIA DGX Cloud Lepton, connects a network of global GPU cloud providers with AI developers, creating a closed-loop "AI computing kingdom" that encompasses hardware, ecosystem, and end customers [5][8][11]. Group 1: NVIDIA's Acquisition of Lepton - The acquisition of Lepton AI for several hundred million dollars in April 2025 is a strategic move for NVIDIA to expand beyond just hardware sales of AI chips [5][8]. - Lepton AI is recognized as a top-tier GPU cloud service provider, classified as "Gold" level by Semianalysis, alongside Nebius and Oracle, with only CoreWeave above it in the "Platinum" category [8][11]. Group 2: Value Proposition for End Customers - Lepton provides a unified and user-friendly AI development platform that addresses issues such as GPU resource shortages and the complexity of multi-cloud infrastructure management, offering developers a standardized environment for development, training, and deployment [11][14]. - Developers can flexibly choose and switch between different cloud service providers based on real-time pricing and availability, optimizing costs and avoiding vendor lock-in [18][21]. Group 3: Value Proposition for Cloud Service Partners - Lepton serves as a distribution channel for GPU cloud service providers, allowing them to maximize GPU rental rates and revenue through collaboration with NVIDIA [23][26]. - Smaller GPU cloud service providers benefit from increased GPU utilization, while larger providers face a dilemma of either joining the Lepton ecosystem or risking losing business to competitors who do [26][27]. Group 4: Value for NVIDIA - By utilizing Lepton, NVIDIA gains direct access to end customers, enhancing its computing ecosystem and creating a more comprehensive business model beyond just chip sales [27][28]. - The platform is expected to generate a more stable and recurring revenue stream, improving NVIDIA's long-term valuation and profitability, similar to cloud service providers [28][30]. Group 5: Investment Recommendations - The report suggests focusing on overseas AI computing infrastructure companies such as NVIDIA, TSMC, Broadcom, and AMD, as well as domestic companies involved in AI computing and domestic substitution, including various hardware and software providers [31].