** Analysts at Jefferies raise price target on Australia's Harvey Norman HVN.AX to A$7.80 from A$6.50 after co's FY NPAT and sales beat expectations
** Brokerage says FY26 has "started well" for the furniture and electronics retailer, with sales growing faster than peers
** Jefferies now forecasts about 17% NPAT growth in FY26 driven by stronger sales and margins from co's key Australian Franchising business
** Says HVN is benefiting from improving conditions across the world as monetary policy eases
** HVN has historically been a good stock to own as the cycle turns, because it is exposed to more cyclical categories and has large operating leverage - Jefferies
** As of last close, HVN stock up 47.5% YTD
(Reporting by Himanshi Akhand in Bengaluru)
((Himanshi.Akhand@thomsonreuters.com;))