** Shares of Harvey Norman HVN.AX rise as much as 5.2% to A$5.355, their highest level since February 7, last up 4.9%

** Company's stock gains most since July 31, 2024

** The franchiser has posted a half-yearly pretax profit of A$400.29 million ($249.3 million), around a 41% jump

** Higher revenue from franchise fees drives HVN's earnings boost

** Shares, however, are set for weekly loss of 1.2%

($1 = 1.6057 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Nichiket Sunil in Bengaluru)

((Nichiket.Sunil@thomsonreuters.com))