** Shares of discount retailer Grocery Outlet Holding Corp GO.O rise 6.1% to $14.74

** Jefferies upgrades GO's rating to "buy" from "hold"; raises PT to $18 from $13

** GO's defensive positioning as a low-price grocer could drive outperformance during periods of economic uncertainty - Jefferies

** Jefferies believes GO is well-positioned for growth due to its strong value proposition and differentiated business model (opportunistic sourcing and independent operator structure)

** On tariff exposure, GO imports produce from Mexico, and though this does create uncertainty, Jefferies estimates FY25 adj. EBITDA margin of 5.7%, vs consensus of 5.6%

** Two of 15 brokerages rate the stock "buy" or higher, 11 "hold" and two "sell"; their median PT is $14.50, according to data compiled by LSEG

** Up to last close, GO stock down 11% YTD

(Reporting by Juby Babu in Mexico City)

((Juby.Babu@thomsonreuters.com;))