BUZZ - Jefferies bullish on US cruise sector; Royal Caribbean rises on rating upgrade

October 8 - ** The share price of the U.S. cruise company Royal Caribbean (RCL.N) rose 1.2% in pre-market trading to $285.85

** Jefferies upgraded RCL's rating from "hold" to "buy"; the price target was raised from $305 to $330

** The broker also raised the price target for Lindblad Expeditions Holdings (LIND.O) from $29 to $32; the company's share price was flat in pre-market trading

** “We remain optimistic about the long-term outlook for the cruise industry as its share of the global holiday market continues to expand,” said Jefferies

** The broker noted that, given strong revenue performance, there is significant upside potential for the industry

** “We also believe that cruise stocks will be highly attractive value investments under various macroeconomic environments in fiscal year 2027, with land-based tourism products providing additional growth momentum for earnings,” Jefferies added

** As of the previous trading day's close, RCL shares were up 1.2%, and LIND has risen 143% so far this year

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