** Shares of Challenger CGF.AX up 6% at A$6.54, hits highest level since October 16, 2024
** Insurer reports 20% jump in Q3 total life annuity sales at A$991 million ($629.8 million)
** Sales beats market consensus of A$950 million, says investment research platform Sandstone Insights
** Co tightens FY25 UNPAT forecast range to A$450 million - A$465 million, from A$440 million-A$480 million previously
** Stock up 2.7% this year, as of last close
($1 = 1.5736 Australian dollars)
(Reporting by Sherin Sunny in Bengaluru)
((Sherin.Sunny@thomsonreuters.com))