Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.

What: Shares of Service Corp. (NYSE: SCI) jumped 15% today after the company released fourth-quarter results and increased its dividend.

So what: The company reported revenue of $571.3 million and adjusted earnings per share of $0.18, easily topping estimates of $0.13. The "death services" business also looks strong in 2011, when the company expects earnings per share to be between $0.56 and $0.64 per share. The quarterly dividend was also increased 25% to $0.05 per share.

Now what: The Keystone and Palm acquisitions were credited for much of the improvement this quarter and should continue to help results going forward. The company's forward price/earnings ratio of 17.7 is a little more than I would like to pay for a "death services" business, but the improving results are certainly encouraging.

Interested in more info on Service Corp? Add it to your watchlist.