. net sales in north america continued to comprise a significant portion of the segment 2019s business , accounting for approximately 56% ( 56 % ) of the segment 2019s total net sales in 2006 , compared to approximately 55% ( 55 % ) of the segment 2019s total net sales in 2005 . the segment reported operating earnings of $ 787 million in 2006 , compared to operating earnings of $ 1.2 billion in 2005