UK's JD Wetherspoon hits 4-1/2-year high after strong start to year

** Shares of British pub operator J D Wetherspoon JDW.L rise 7.1% to 870.5p, their highest level since February 2022

** Stock is among the top gainers in the FTSE 250 index .FTMC

** Company reports like-for-like sales growth of 8.6% in the nine-week period ended September 27, supported by hot weather drawing more customers to its pubs

** The pub operator expects profit for FY2027 to be in line with market expectations

** Company's full-year revenue rises 5.2% to £2.24 billion ($2.96 billion)

** As of last close, JDW stock down 10.2% YTD

($1 = 0.7568 pounds)