BUZZ-JD Wetherspoon: hits record after profit beat

** Pubs group JD Wetherspoon's shares jump 9.4%, by far & away top riser on FTSE 250 and at an all-time high

** On track for biggest intraday pct gain since July 2013 in robust volume

** PBT for 53 weeks to end July +27.6% to £102.8 mln (vs e.g. Liberum est £95.2 mln)

** Co says trading has remained strong in recent weeks, but injects note of caution for the coming months

** Liberum says JDW's results reflect continued benefit from price increases and consolidation of its loyal customer base into fewer sites by disposing of secondary and tertiary locations

** Investec (LSE: INVP.L - news) : "JD Wetherspoon continues to outperform the UK pub sector – we believe benefitting from its value offering and well invested pub estate" (broker rates stock 'buy')

** Stock up 28.6% YTD

** Sector peers all weak on Friday