On Tuesday, our preferred cybersecurity company CrowdStrike released quarterly results, which were very well received. The stock shot up 24% in after-market trade but only ended up 10% the next day. We'll take it.

The growth rate of this business is very impressive. Revenues grew 32.7% year on year. Annual recurring revenue (ARR), a metric that represents premium-paying clients who are now locked into the ecosystem, was up 27% in the quarter. CrowdStrike's revenue retention rate is 98%

The launch of a modular cybersecurity product called FalconFlex in September last year has gone well. It allows clients to increase usage of existing modules or swap out modules as their own requirements evolve. Businesses are dynamic and constantly changing; being able to seamlessly adjust their usage is a massive win. CrowdStrike also benefits from extra revenue at high margins.

All this growth resulted in a big earnings beat. The company made $3.09 per share in the quarter, up 100% from the $1.50 made this time last year. This company has grown revenues at a blistering pace, and good profits are now filtering down to the bottom line. They have net cash of around $2.5 billion and are in great financial health.

We like this theme and we think CrowdStrike is the best operator in the market. There are risks to its dominance though, as the big cloud providers like Microsoft and Amazon are launching some of their own competitive products. But that's how capitalism works, CrowdStrike has the team and the technologies to compete with the best.

How's your health? When people ask, do you say "I'm fine", but in reality you are a wreck?

I was reading an article recently where the writer said he "eats well, is not overweight, stays active, can do 25 push-ups and is in excellent health". Then he started listing all of his chronic ailments and current medications, some of which sounded very serious. He ended by noting that he'd recently had an operation to remove a brain tumour.

As a result of these problems, the writer amended his retirement plan to assume he wouldn't live for another 40 years, just another 25 to 30 years. I think he's being overly optimistic. He should probably act as if he has 5 years left.

Since this is my Friday advice column let me make three general observations. (1) It's never too late to eat less and get fit, thereby improving your general health, (2) some dread diseases are unavoidable, even if you take good care of yourself, and (3) you need to be realistic about your likely lifespan, and not waste any time.

One of the things I like most about streaming is not having adverts interrupt my viewing. However, according to a new LG TV report, there is a growing trend of streamers who don't mind watching adverts.

The report found that 59% of TV users prefer FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) over paid streaming services. This trend highlights the importance of Netflix introducing an ad-supported membership tier.

The ads on TV are also evolving, where they now display QR codes to make shopping for the advertised product easy. The report showed that 70% of viewers approve of ads with QR codes.

I will still avoid ads where I can, but easy-to-use, shoppable advertisements makes sense.

Rivian's lineup has expanded with the introduction of the R2, a smaller and more "affordable" addition to the brand, set to hit the market in 2026, starting at $45 000.

The R2 will offer flexibility with options for one, two, or three electric motors. While the single-motor setup will drive the rear wheels, the other two configurations will feature all-wheel drive. All versions will boast a range of over 300 miles on a single charge, with the top-tier model capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 miles per hour in under three seconds.

The R2 boasts a sleek yet utilitarian exterior with signature lighting elements at the front and rear. Inside, the SUV features a modern dual-screen display and versatile seating arrangements, including seats that can fold and float.

The R2 will have access to Tesla's charging infrastructure and qualify for the $7 500 federal EV tax credit, assuming it is still around in two years. While the 2026 launch may seem distant, Rivian is in the process of building the factory that will produce the R2.

The Rivian share price has fallen sharply, but we really hope that this plucky company survives.

The world needs healthier potatoes. Carcinogens removed from the world's favourite vegetable - Chips off the old block.

Man had 217 Covid shots over 29 months. Take note anti-vaxxers - He's totally fine.

Asian markets are mostly higher this morning, pushing the MSCI Asia-Pacific index up for the third day. Benchmarks rose in Hong Kong. Japan, and South Korea, but lost steam in mainland China. India is shut for Maha Shivaratri, the Hindu holiday that marks "trying to overcome darkness and ignorance" in life and the world. Sounds like a good plan.

US equity futures are edging higher in pre-market trade. With talk of rate cuts in the air, the US Dollar has calmed down. One George Washington will now cost you only 18.67 Mandelas.

Fresh US employment data is expected out this afternoon, and the consensus forecast anticipates the addition of 200 000 new jobs.

A hot summer weekend lies ahead here in South Africa. Enjoy it.