** Shares of Metcash Ltd MTS.AX rise as much as 3.2% to
A$3.665
** Stock posts its biggest intraday pct gain since June 26
** The Australian wholesaler reports strong HY24 results,
posts net profit attributable of A$141 mln ($94.24 mln) vs
A$125.7 mln
** Co says they are determined to pay FY24 interim dividend
of 11 AU cents per share
** Co reiterates sales growth has continued in 2H24
** Stock down 10.8% YTD, as of last close
($1 = 1.4961 Australian dollars)
(Reporting by Rajasik Mukherjee in Bengaluru)
((Rajasik.Mukherjee@thomsonreuters.com;))