Analyst and Barron’s tout UP strength

Barron’s Jan. 10 edition says Union Pacific “is poised to report one of its best years in its more than 140-year history, and could enjoy a stronger 2011 as the economy picks up.”

The publication quotes Lisa Dong, a portfolio manager and analyst at Westwood Holdings Group in Dallas, as expecting UP earnings in 2011 to be about $6.50 per share, up from $5.43. She expects the railroad’s stock to be at $117 by the end of the year.

Union Pacific shares closed at $95.18, up $2.63, or 2.85%, on Friday. In early afternoon trading on Monday, the stock climbed to $98 in a market that was generally down. UP stock held at or near that level at midday Wednesday, Jan. 12.