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Fortinet (FTNT) shares took off Wednesday after the cybersecurity firm released a strong set of financial results, posting its highest-ever quarterly operating margin while topping sales and profit forecasts.

Total revenue for the second quarter came in at $1.43 billion, up 11% from a year ago and edging out consensus forecasts calling for $1.40 billion. Earnings per share (EPS) of 54 cents blew past analysts' estimates of 41 cents.

The company also issued an upbeat forward outlook, anticipating EPS for the current quarter well above consensus forecasts.

Fortinet shares rose 25% to $69.93, their highest close since early April. The stock was the biggest gainer on the S&P 500 Wednesday.

Fortinet's outsized profit beat hinged on margin expansion. Second-quarter operating margins of 30.5%, based on generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), constituted a record for the California-based software firm.

Gains in higher-margin service revenue, which jumped 20% year over year, helped drive the strong sales performance as well as the effective profit results.

Fortinet maintains a strong position in the growing Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) market. SASE, pronounced "sassy," is a model that combines networking and cybersecurity solutions in a single cloud service. The technology can be useful for companies with remote as well as on-site workers, as it allows them to standardize security protocols across systems.

Ken Xie, Fortinet founder and CEO, highlighted the competitive advantages of the firm's SASE offerings in a statement accompanying the earnings release. "We expect to emerge as a SASE leader," he said.

Following the earnings report, Jefferies boosted its price target on Fortinet stock to $70 per share from $65. Analysts said the company's margin expansion appears sustainable but highlighted risks related to product refresh, maintaining a "hold" rating on the stock.

Meanwhile, Wedbush analysts reiterated their "outperform" rating and $78 price target on Fortinet stock, praising its "great bounce-back quarter" and pointing to a strong deal pipeline for the remainder of 2024.

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Veteran Nollywood actor, Francis Duru, has announced the death of his 15- year-old son, Ifeanyi. Francis Duru confirmed his son’s death on his Instagram page.

He wrote, “My champ!!my lion. You fought like a lion. if this is the way He wants it, so be it, I still judge you faithful.

“Ifeanyi my champ. I will miss you son, I will forever love you.

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Skitmaker Layi Wasabi has reasoned that men who can afford to a hair transplant on their head can afford to go bald.

He took to his twitter page to make the statement which has brought about a variety of reactions from men.

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Summer is an ideal time to take a hike, especially if you have the opportunity to explore one of our country's many state and national parks. But if you venture far from home, it's essential to make sure you're prepared for the local climate and other conditions you may encounter on the trail, especially if you're not an experienced hiker. Higher temperatures than you're accustomed to or other extreme weather can be deadly.

"If you're taking a hike in mid-July in the Arizona desert, there's a very different list of considerations than if you're in the mountains of Montana or the forests of North Carolina," says Dr. N. Stuart Harris, chief of the Division of Wilderness Medicine at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital. Here's a run-down of what to consider before you hit the trail.

Traveling companions, safety notifications, and orientation

First, it's safer to travel in pairs or a group of people. But always tell someone not on your hike where you're going, your anticipated route, and when you expect to return. National parks often require reservations or permits for overnight stays or treks to certain locales, and keep a record of day-hikers, so sign up as requested. If you end up getting injured or lost, the information can make a huge difference in locating you more quickly.

Remember to bring a map and know how to orient yourself. In many wilderness areas, cell service may be spotty or nonexistent, so don't count on using your phone's GPS.

In the desert, you may be able to see for 50 miles in the distance. But if you're in a steep, wooded area, you might not be able to see 100 yards ahead and it's much easier to become disoriented, says Dr. Harris.

Be ready for heat, humidity, and other weather hazards

Check forecasts first. Always check the forecast so you can be prepared for weather changes. Temperatures may drop and wind may increase as you climb higher. If you're in an area prone to thunderstorms, lightning injury should definitely be on your radar, says Dr. Harris. Learn these lightning safety tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Because these storms usually strike in the afternoon, you can minimize your risk by hiking in the earlier part of the day.

Hydrate well. During any type of exercise — especially hiking, which often demands a fair bit of exertion — be sure to drink extra water to replace the fluid you lose from sweating. On a warm day, you might not notice you're sweating if it's breezy. Pay attention to any signs or alerts advising hikers on how much water is best to carry.

Consider humidity. Temperature isn't the only consideration, however. "If you're in Arizona and the temperature is over 100° F, your body may be better able to release heat by sweating than if you're in a very humid area," says Dr. Harris. In the Great Smoky Mountains, for example, the temperature in July may be only in the high 80s. But humidity levels usually hover around 75% or higher. That means your sweat will evaporate more slowly, so your body's natural cooling mechanism doesn't work as efficiently. Be sure to rest and hydrate if you start feeling overheated.

What to wear and bring

Many park websites offer detailed safety tips specific to the terrain and weather you may encounter on a hike, so check before you go. Five basics to consider are as follows:

Additionally, depending on where you're hiking, you may need to dodge rash-inducing plants, including stinging nettles, poison oak, or poison ivy. Bring insect repellent to fend off biting insects and follow prevention strategies for ticks, which may harbor bacteria responsible for Lyme disease and other illnesses. Finally, carry a first aid kit with bandages for cuts and scrapes and moleskin for blisters.

Source: Harvard Health Publishing