Nvidia(US:NVDA) 美股IPO·2025-12-13 16:03Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the complex and potentially catastrophic financial arrangements within the AI industry, drawing parallels to the financial crisis of 2008, highlighting the risks associated with high levels of debt and interlinked financial structures among major tech companies [5][6][10]. Company Analysis - CoreWeave, a relatively unknown company, has emerged as a significant player in the AI sector, achieving the largest tech IPO since 2021 and doubling its stock price. It has secured major contracts worth $220 billion with OpenAI, $140 billion with Meta, and $60 billion with Nvidia [5][6]. - Despite its impressive contracts, CoreWeave operates at a loss, projecting $5 billion in revenue against $20 billion in expenses for the year. The company has accumulated $14 billion in debt, with over half due within a year, and faces $34 billion in lease obligations by 2028 [6][7]. Financial Structures - The financial model of CoreWeave relies heavily on a few key clients, with Microsoft accounting for 70% of its revenue, and Nvidia and OpenAI contributing an additional 20%. This creates a precarious dependency on a limited customer base [7]. - The AI industry's financialization is driven by the high costs of infrastructure needed for AI systems, with data center spending expected to exceed $400 billion this year and potentially reach $7 trillion by 2030. Creative financing methods are essential to support these investments [8][10]. Interconnectedness and Risks - Major companies like Nvidia, OpenAI, and others are forming intricate financial relationships, often involving equity stakes in exchange for future profits, which obscures the true financial health of these companies [8][9]. - The article warns that if the anticipated AI revolution does not materialize as expected, the financial ties binding these companies could lead to widespread economic repercussions, potentially more severe than the dot-com bubble burst [10][11]. Debt and Financial Instruments - The AI sector is accumulating significant debt, with estimates suggesting it could reach $1.5 trillion by 2028. This high leverage poses risks to the broader financial system if defaults occur [11][14]. - Companies are utilizing complex financial instruments, such as special purpose vehicles (SPVs) and asset-backed securities, to obscure debt levels and manage financing, reminiscent of practices leading up to the 2008 crisis [12][13]. Regulatory Environment - The article highlights concerns over the lack of regulatory oversight for private equity firms involved in AI financing, which could exacerbate risks in the event of a market downturn. The interconnectedness of private credit and traditional financial institutions raises alarms about potential systemic risks [14][15]. - Recent regulatory rollbacks may expose a broader public to the risks associated with AI financing, contrasting with the more reactive approach taken during the 2008 crisis [15][16].