Liquid Compute CEO explains the price hedging mechanism of computing power

Liquid Compute CEO Ronit Jain published an article introducing the hedging of computing power prices. Purchasing computing power, holding GPUs, or lending based on this has exposed them to computing power price fluctuations. Hedging is a cash-settled contract that locks in future prices against an index without the need to transfer GPUs.

Companies can buy forwards to fix the cost of next year's capacity as a budget item while still being able to purchase from any supplier. Neocloud can sell forwards to convert uncontracted hours into fixed cash flow, making it easier for lenders to provide loans based on this. Regarding the residual value of sale-leaseback, recent forwards can be rolled over when entering a tradable range, or put options can be bought on forwards, with more liquid near-term options available to pay for the option premium.

Hedging locks in prices rather than quantities, and does not completely match actual rates, nor is it free: it requires giving up favorable price movements or paying option premiums. Legally, it usually requires signing an ISDA Master Agreement with the counterparty, obtaining permission for the settlement index, and determining the ratio of hedging exposure.