** Shares of Nick Scali NCK.AX up as much as 13.5% at A$24.01, their biggest intraday pct gain since Feb 7** Furniture retailer expects statutory net profit after tax for 1HFY26 to be in range of A$37million ($24.49 million) - A$39million, compared to guidance of A$33million - A$35million** Says first half revenue growth for AUNZ expected to be 10% - 12% from a year ago, compared to previous guidance of 7% - 9%** YTD, shares up 55.5%

($1 = 1.5110 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Nichiket Sunil in Bengaluru)

((Nichiket.Sunil@thomsonreuters.com))