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Here are highlights from Thursday's Analyst Blog:

Signet Jewelers Ests Reduced

Signet Jewelers Limited (NYSE: SIG) is the world's largest specialty retail jeweler and operates leading operations in both the US and UK. The US market accounts for approximately 50% of worldwide jewelry sales and the UK for around 7%. Signet Group's 4th quarter EPS, excluding goodwill impairment charges, matched our estimate of $1.09.

While SIG shares jumped higher on the report, we would caution investors to not get too excited. Challenging economic conditions in both the US and the UK will continue to pressure the company's sales and profit margins in the near term. For fiscal year 2010, the company will cut operating costs by $100 million and limit its capital expenditures to $55 million.

American Public Education Pricey

American Public Education, Inc. (NASDAQ: AEPI) has a unique franchise of providing online education to the military, public service and civilian markets. Revenues have grown at a 43% 5-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) and revenue growth accelerated to a 55% rate in 2008 with the certification to participate in federal student aid programs under Title IV with classes that began in late 2006.

In addition, management thrice raised guidance in 2008. However, given the stock's lofty valuation and more difficult year-over-year comparisons, the Hold rating is maintained.

European Workers Growing Uncivil

In the Wall Street Journal today, it was reported that there have been several incidents of vandalism and other aggravated actions aimed at the high-powered "big-wigs" in Europe -- ranging from bank CEOs to factory management.

Recently, workers at a 3M (NYSE: MMM) factory in Europe held their boss hostage for 24 hours in order to protest planned layoffs. The manager was later released after certain deals regarding employment were met. More notably, a group of hooligans damaged windows and vandalized the car of former Royal Bank of Scotland (NYSE: RBS) CEO Sir Fred Goodwin.

MetLife Still Trades at a Premium

MetLife, Inc.