** Shares of Australia's Universal Store Holdings rise as much as 1.7% to A$8

** Analysts at Bell Potter raise PT on the retailer to A$8.85 from A$7.80; keep rating at "buy"

** Brokerage sees 10.5% growth in comparable sales for 1H and 6.8% for 2H for co's Universal Store brand

** Also increases new store assumptions to 13 net adds for FY25

** Bell Potter positive on co's store roll-out & brand growth strategy, margin expansion via private label product penetration and strong earnings trajectory

** Stock had risen 85.4% this year, as of last close

(Reporting by Rishav Chatterjee in Bengaluru)

((Rishav.Chatterjee@thomsonreuters.com;))