to our proportionate share of CCE's charges recorded at a rate of approximately 8.8 percent. Refer to Note 3 and Note 18 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Our effective tax rate of approximately 27.2 percent for the year ended December 31, 2005, included the following: 

an income tax benefit primarily related to the Philippines impairment charges at a rate of approximately 4 percent; 

an income tax benefit of approximately $101 million related to the reversal of previously accrued taxes resulting from the favorable resolution of various tax matters; and 

a tax provision of approximately $315 million related to repatriation of previously unremitted foreign earnings under the Jobs Creation Act. 

Our effective tax rate of approximately 22.1 percent for the year ended December 31, 2004, included the following: 

an income tax benefit of approximately $128 million related to the reversal of previously accrued taxes resulting from the favorable resolution of various tax matters; 

an income tax benefit on "Other Operating Charges," discussed above, at a rate of approximately 36 percent; 

an income tax provision of approximately $75 million related to the recording of a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets of CCEAG; and 

an income tax benefit of approximately $50 million as a result of the realization of certain tax credits related to the Jobs Creation Act. 

Based on current tax laws, the Company's effective tax rate in 2007 is expected to be approximately 23 percent before considering the effect of any unusual or special items that may affect our tax rate in future years. 

Liquidity, Capital Resources and Financial Position 

We believe our ability to generate cash from operating activities is one of our fundamental financial strengths. We expect cash flows from operating activities to be strong in 2007 and in future years. Accordingly, our Company expects to meet all of our financial commitments and operating needs for the foreseeable future. We expect to use cash generated from operating activities primarily for dividends, share repurchases, acquisitions and aggregate contractual obligations. 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities 

Net cash provided by operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 was approximately $6.0 billion, $6.4 billion and $6.0 billion, respectively. 

Cash flows from operating activities decreased 7 percent in 2006 compared to 2005. This decrease was primarily the result of payments in 2006 of marketing accruals recorded in 2005 related to increased marketing and innovation activities and increased tax payments made in the first quarter of 2006 related to the 2005 repatriation of foreign earnings under the Jobs Creation Act. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in cash receipts in 2006 from customers, which was driven by a 4 percent growth in net operating revenues. Our cash flows from operating activities in 2006 also decreased versus 2005 as a result of a contribution of approximately $216 million to a U.S. Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association ("VEBA"), a tax-qualified trust to fund retiree medical benefits (refer to Note 16 of Notes to