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: Central Garden & Pet (Nasdaq: CENT) popped 10% in intraday trading today after reporting better-than-expected revenue and earnings.

So what: After three consecutive earnings misses and year-over-year EPS declines, the company posted first-quarter earnings per share of $0.54, up 10% from the year-ago quarter and good enough to beat the consensus estimate of $0.49. Revenue of $486 million was also up 10% from the year-ago quarter to surpass the consensus forecast of a 3% increase. The company's revenue mix shifted to branded products from third-party products.

Now what: Investments in brand building and product innovation aren't fertilizing profits: A lower share count drove the EPS increase. Revenue growth of 10% year over year accompanied a gross-profit increase of only 1%, an operating-profit decline of 1%, and essentially flat net profit. Investors shouldn't let puppy love cloud their judgment on this stock if they don't want to scoop up an unwanted mess.

Interested in more info on Central Garden & Pet? Add it to My Watchlist.