That means it could realize additional fuel cost savings next year even if oil prices are somewhat higher than in 2015. The company will also continue benefiting from its new credit card deal and its ongoing cost reduction efforts. Thus, United is well positioned to grow its pre-tax earnings again next year. United Continental stock could keep rising Even after rising 10.6% in the past two trading days, United trades for just 5 times its projected 2015 pre-tax earnings. (That's equivalent to roughly 8 times after-tax earnings.)