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CTS CORP - Annual Report: 2008 (Form 10-K)

form10-k.htm


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 

FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
 
x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2008
 
OR
 
 
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number: 1-4639

CTS CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 
Indiana
 
35-0225010
 
 
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(IRS Employer Identification Number)
 

 
905 West Boulevard North,
     
 
Elkhart, IN
 
46514
 
 
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 574-523-3800

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 
Title of Each Class
 
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
 
 
Common stock, without par value
 
New York Stock Exchange
 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes o No x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
Yes o No x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes  x   Noo

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.
o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer  o      Accelerated filer x        Non-accelerated filer o Smaller reporting company o
           (Do not check if smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o No x


 
 
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting stock held by non-affiliates of CTS Corporation, based upon the closing sales price of CTS common stock on June 29, 2008, was approximately $297 million. There were 33,747,763 shares of common stock, without par value, outstanding on February 20, 2009.
 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

(1)
Portions of the 2008 Annual Report to shareholders are incorporated herein by reference in Parts I and II.
Portions of the Proxy Statement to be filed for the annual meeting of shareholders to be held on or about May 27, 2009 are incorporated by reference in Part III.
 
 

 



TABLE OF CONTENTS


ITEM
 
PAGE
     
 
PART I
 
     
1.
2
1A.
7
1B.
13
2.
13
3.
14
4.
14
     
 
PART II
 
     
5.
14
6.
16
7.
17
7A.
17
8.
17
9.
17
9A.
17
9B.
17
     
 
PART III
 
     
10.
18
11.
19
12.
19
13.
19
14.
19
     
 
PART IV
 
     
15.
20
     
23




1



PART I

Item 1.

CTS Corporation (“CTS”, “we”, “our”, “us” or “the Company”) is a global manufacturer of electronic components and sensors and a supplier of electronics manufacturing services. CTS was established in 1896 as a provider of high-quality telephone products and was incorporated as an Indiana corporation in February 1929. The principal executive offices are located in Elkhart, Indiana.

We design, manufacture, assemble, and sell a broad line of electronic components and sensors and provide electronics manufacturing services primarily to original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”), for the automotive, computer, communications, medical, industrial, and defense and aerospace markets. We operate manufacturing facilities located throughout North America, Asia, and Europe and serve major markets globally. Sales and marketing are accomplished through our sales engineers, independent manufacturers’ representatives, and distributors.


SEGMENTS AND PRODUCTS BY MAJOR MARKETS

We have two reportable segments: 1) Electronics Manufacturing Services (“EMS”) and 2) Components and Sensors.

EMS includes the higher level assembly of electronic and mechanical components into a finished subassembly or assembly performed under a contract manufacturing agreement with an OEM or other contract manufacturer.  Additionally, for some customers, we provide full turnkey manufacturing and completion including design, bill-of-material management, logistics, and repair.

Products from the EMS segment are principally sold in the communications, computer, medical, industrial, and defense and aerospace OEM markets. Other smaller markets include OEM customers in consumer electronics, instruments and controls, and networking. Products from the Components and Sensors segment are principally sold in the automotive and communications OEM markets. Other smaller markets include computer, medical, and defense and aerospace.

Components and sensors are products which perform specific electronic functions for a given product family and are intended for use in customer assemblies. Components and sensors consist principally of automotive sensors and actuators used in commercial or consumer vehicles; electronic components used in communications infrastructure and computer markets; components used in computer and other high-speed applications, switches, resistor networks, and potentiometers used to serve multiple markets; and fabricated piezoelectric materials and substrates used primarily in medical, industrial and defense and aerospace markets.

The following tables provide a breakdown of net sales by segment and market as a percent of consolidated net sales:

   
EMS
 
Components & Sensors
 
Total
 
(As a % of consolidated net sales)
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
 
Markets
                                                       
Automotive
   
%
 
%
 
%
 
25
%
 
26
%
 
25
%
 
25
%
 
26
%
 
25
%
Communications
   
16
%
 
14
%
 
16
%
 
7
%
 
5
%
 
6
%
 
23
%
 
19
%
 
22
%
Computer
   
12
%
 
19
%
 
24
%
 
2
%
 
1
%
 
2
%
 
14
%
 
20
%
 
26
%
Medical
   
6
%
 
5
%
 
6
%
 
1
%
 
1
%
 
1
%
 
7
%
 
6
%
 
7
%
Industrial
   
12
%
 
14
%
 
7
%
 
%
 
%
 
%
 
12
%
 
14
%
 
7
%
Defense and Aerospace
   
11
%
 
7
%
 
5
%
 
1
%
 
1
%
 
%
 
12
%
 
8
%
 
5
%
Other
   
1
%
 
%
 
1
%
 
6
%
 
7
%
 
7
%
 
7
%
 
7
%
 
8
%
% of consolidated net sales
   
58
%
 
59
%
 
59
%
 
42
%
 
41
%
 
41
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%

Net sales to external customers, segment operating earnings, total assets by segment, net sales by geographic area, and long-lived assets by geographic area, are contained in Note M, “Segments”, appearing in the notes to the consolidated financial statements as noted in the Index appearing under Item 15 (a) (1) and (2), which is incorporated herein by reference.

General market conditions in the global automotive, communications, computer, medical, industrial, and defense and aerospace markets and in the overall economy affect our business. Any adverse occurrence that results in a significant decline in the volume of sales in the related industries, or in an overall downturn in the business and operations of our customers in these industries, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

 
 
The following table identifies major products by their segment and markets. Many products are sold into several OEM markets:

Product Description
Automotive
Market
Communications Market
Computer Market
Medical Market
Industrial Market
Defense and Aerospace
Market
Other Markets
EMS:
Integrated Interconnect Systems and Backpanels, including Final Assembly and Test
 
Ÿ
Ÿ
Ÿ
Ÿ
Ÿ
Ÿ
Complex Printed Circuit Board Assemblies
 
Ÿ
Ÿ
Ÿ
Ÿ
Ÿ
Ÿ
Components and Sensors:
Ceramic Filters and Duplexers
Ÿ
Ÿ
     
Ÿ
Ÿ
Quartz Crystals, Clocks, Precision Oscillators and Frequency Modules
 
Ÿ
Ÿ
     
Ÿ
 
Sensors and Actuators
Ÿ
         
Ÿ
 
Resistor Networks
 
Ÿ
Ÿ
 
Ÿ
 
Ÿ
DIP Switches and Potentiometers
 
Ÿ
Ÿ
 
Ÿ
 
Ÿ
Piezoelectric and
Piezoceramics Products
     
Ÿ
Ÿ
Ÿ
Ÿ
Electromagnetic Interference and Radio Frequency Interference Filters
Ÿ
Ÿ
   
Ÿ
Ÿ
 


MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION

Sales and marketing to OEMs, for both segments, is accomplished through our sales engineers, independent manufacturers’ representatives, and distributors.  We maintain sales offices in China, Japan, Scotland, Singapore, Taiwan, and the United States. Approximately 88% of 2008 net sales were attributable to coverage by our sales engineers.

Our sales engineers generally service the largest customers with application specific products. The engineers work closely with major customers in designing and developing products to meet specific customer requirements.

We utilize the services of independent manufacturers’ representatives in the United States and other countries for customers not serviced directly by our sales engineers for both of our segments. Independent manufacturers’ representatives receive commissions from CTS. During 2008, approximately 10% of net sales were attributable to coverage by independent manufacturers’ representatives. We also use independent distributors in our Components and Sensors segment. Independent distributors purchase component and sensor products from CTS for resale to customers. In 2008, independent distributors accounted for approximately 2% of net sales.




RAW MATERIALS

We utilize a wide variety of raw materials and purchased parts in our manufacturing processes. The following are the most significant raw materials and purchased parts, identified by segment:

EMS:
 
Power supplies and converters, prefabricated steel, printed circuit boards, passive electronic components and semiconductors, integrated circuits, connectors, cables, and modules.
     
Components and Sensors:
 
Conductive inks and contactors which contain precious metals (primarily silver and palladium), passive electronic components, integrated circuits and semiconductors, rare earth materials (for ceramic compositions), ceramic components, plastic components, molding compounds, printed circuit boards and assemblies, quartz blanks and crystals, wire harness assemblies, copper, brass, and steel-based raw materials and components.

These raw materials are purchased from several vendors, and, except for certain semiconductors, rare earth materials, and conductive inks, we do not believe we are dependent upon one or a limited number of vendors. Although we purchase all of our semiconductors, rare earth materials, and conductive inks from a limited number of vendors, alternative sources are available. In 2008, substantially all of these materials were available in adequate quantities to meet our production demands.

We do not currently anticipate any raw material shortages that would slow production. However, the lead times between the placement of orders for certain raw materials and purchased parts and actual delivery to CTS may vary. Occasionally we may need to order raw materials in greater quantities and at higher than optimal prices to compensate for the variability of lead times for delivery.

Precious metal prices may have a significant effect on the cost and selling price of many CTS products, particularly some
ceramic filters, sensors, resistor networks, and switches.


PATENTS, TRADEMARKS, AND LICENSES

We maintain a program of obtaining and protecting U.S. and non-U.S. patents relating to products which we have designed and manufactured, as well as processes and equipment used in our manufacturing technology.  We were issued nine new U.S. patents and two non-U.S counterpart patents in 2008 and currently hold in excess of 225 U.S. patents and 137 non-U.S. counterpart patents.  Patents have a greater impact on the Components and Sensors segment than on the EMS segment, which does not rely significantly on any patent.  We have eight registered U.S. trademarks and 18 foreign counterparts.  We do not believe that our success is materially dependent on the existence or duration of any patent, group of patents, or trademarks.

We have licensed the right to use several of our patents to both U.S. and non-U.S. companies. In 2008, license and royalty income was less than 1% of net sales. We believe our success is not materially dependent upon any licensing arrangement where we are either the licensor or licensee.


MAJOR CUSTOMERS

Our 15 largest customers represented 53%, 59%, and 61% of net sales in 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. Sales to Hewlett-Packard Company amounted to 11% of net sales in 2008, 17% of net sales in 2007, and 22% of net sales in 2006.

EMS segment revenues from Hewlett-Packard Company represented $76.8 million, or 19%, $117.2 million, or 29%, and $143.2 million, or 37%, of the segment’s sales in 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively.

The Company continues to broaden its customer base. Changes in the level of our customers’ orders have, in the past, had a significant impact on our operating results. If a major customer reduces the amount of business it does with us, or substantially changes the terms of that business, there could be an adverse impact on our operating results.

Additionally, we expect to continue to depend on sales to our major customers. Because our customers are under no obligation to continue to do business with us on a long-term basis, there is always the possibility that one or more customers may choose to work with a competitor and reduce their business with us. Customers may also reduce or delay their business with us because of economic or other conditions or decisions that reduce their need for our products or services. Since it is difficult to replace lost business on a timely basis, it is likely that our operating results would be adversely affected if one or more of our major customers were to cancel, delay, or reduce a large amount of business with us in the future. If one or more of our customers were to become insolvent or otherwise unable to pay for our products and/or services, our operating results, financial condition, and cash flows could be adversely affected.

 

 
ORDER BACKLOG

Order backlog may not provide an accurate indication of present or future revenue levels for the Company. For many components and sensors and EMS products, the period between receipt of orders and expected delivery is relatively short. Additionally, large orders from major customers may include backlog covering an extended period of time. Production scheduling and delivery for these orders could be changed or canceled by the customer on relatively short notice.

The following table shows order backlog by segment and in total as of January 25, 2009, and January 27, 2008.

($ in millions)
 
January 25, 2009
   
January 27, 2008
 
EMS
  $ 52.3     $ 70.7  
Components and Sensors
    27.7       65.2  
Total
  $ 80.0     $ 135.9  

Order backlog as of January 25, 2009 will generally be filled during the 2009 fiscal year.


COMPETITION

In the EMS segment, we compete with a number of well-established U.S. and non-U.S. manufacturers on the basis of process capability, price, technology, quality, reliability, and delivery in the markets in which we participate. Some of our competitors have greater manufacturing and financial resources than CTS.  However, we do not generally pursue extremely high volume, highly price sensitive business, as some of our larger competitors do.  

In the Components and Sensors segment, we compete with many U.S. and non-U.S. manufacturers principally on the basis of product features, price, technology, quality, reliability, delivery, and service. Most of our product lines encounter significant global competition. The number of significant competitors varies from product line to product line. No one competitor competes with us in every product line, but many competitors are larger and more diversified than CTS.  Some competitors are also our customers for components and sensors and EMS products.

In both the EMS and Components and Sensors segments, some customers have reduced or plan to reduce their number of suppliers, while increasing the volume of their purchases. Most customers are demanding higher quality, reliability, and delivery standards from us as well as our competitors. These trends create opportunities for us, but also increase the risk of loss of business to competitors. We are subject to competitive risks that represent the nature of the electronics industry, including short product life cycles and technical obsolescence.

We believe we compete most successfully in custom products manufactured to meet specific applications of major OEMs and with EMS products oriented toward high mix and low to medium volume outsourcing needs of OEMs.


NON-U.S. REVENUES

In 2008, 53% of net sales to external customers originated from non-U.S. operations compared to 61% in 2007 and 60% in 2006.  At December 31, 2008 and 2007, approximately 40% of total assets were located at non-U.S. operations.  A substantial portion of these assets, other than cash and equivalents, cannot readily be liquidated.  We believe the business risks to our non-U.S. operations, though substantial, are normal risks for non-U.S. businesses.  These risks include currency controls and changes in currency exchange rates, longer collection cycles, political and transportation risks, economic downturns and inflation, government regulations and expropriation. Our non-U.S. manufacturing facilities are located in Canada, China, Czech Republic, Mexico, Scotland, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand.
 
Net sales to external customers originating from non-U.S. operations for the EMS segment were $144.5 million in 2008, compared to $201.0 million in 2007, and $211.0 million in 2006.  Net sales to external customers originating from non-U.S. operations for the Components and Sensors segment were $233.8 million in 2008 compared to $215.0 million in 2007, and $181.5 million in 2006.  Additional information about net sales to external customers, operating earnings and total assets by segment, and net sales to external customers and long-lived assets by geographic area, is contained in Note M, “Segments”, appearing in the notes to the consolidated financial statements as noted in the Index appearing under Item 15 (a) (1) and (2); which is incorporated herein by reference.


 
 
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES

In 2008, we spent $18.3 million for research and development.  We spent $15.9 million for research and development in 2007 and the same amount in 2006.  Ongoing research and development investment continues in the Components and Sensors segment.  Our research and development activities are primarily focused on expanded applications and new product development, as well as current product and process enhancements.  Research and development expenditures in the EMS segment are typically very low.

We believe a strong commitment to research and development is required for future growth in the Components and Sensors segment. Most of our research and development activities relate to developing new, innovative products and technologies, improving product flow, and adding product value to meet the current and future needs of our customers. We provide our customers with full systems support to ensure quality and reliability through all phases of design, launch, and manufacturing to meet or exceed customer requirements. Many such research and development activities benefit one or a limited number of customers or potential customers.  All research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

 
EMPLOYEES

We employed 5,044 people at December 31, 2008, with 74% of these people outside the United States. Approximately 114 employees at one location in the United States were covered by two collective bargaining agreements as of December 31, 2008. One agreement, which covers 80 employees, is scheduled to expire in 2015 and the other, which covers 34 employees, is scheduled to expire in 2013. We employed 4,746 people at December 31, 2007.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
We are incorporated in the State of Indiana. Our principal corporate office is located at 905 West Boulevard North, Elkhart, Indiana 46514.

Our Internet address is http://www.ctscorp.com. We make available through our Internet website our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

Further, a copy of this annual report on Form 10-K is located at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room can be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding our filings at http://www.sec.gov.



Item 1A.  Risk Factors

The following are certain risk factors that could affect our business, financial condition and operating results. These risk factors should be considered in connection with evaluating the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K because these factors could cause our actual results and condition to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements. Before you invest in CTS, you should know that making such an investment involves some risks, including the risks described below. The risks that are highlighted below are not the only ones that we face. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition or operating results could be negatively affected.

Continuing global economic uncertainty and a constricted credit market may affect our results of operations and our ability to obtain capital.

The global economy is in poor condition.  Markets have experienced increased volatility and future business conditions are uncertain.  During the past year, we have experienced stock price volatility.  In addition, many of our customers, particularly those served by our Components and Sensors segment, have experienced rapid deterioration in demand for their products.  As a result, demand for our products has decreased and customers have delayed delivery dates into the future.  Credit difficulties and economic contraction have especially affected our automotive customers, who have in quick succession been exposed to an abrupt shift in demand for smaller vehicles, a precipitous decline in overall vehicle sales, declining stock prices, and the unavailability of credit to fund ongoing capital needs and facilitate consumers’ vehicle purchases.  If the current conditions continue, reduced demand for our products may cause an excess of manufacturing capacity and staffing costs, reducing gross margins and operating earnings until reductions are made to meet new demand levels.  In the event a major automotive customer, or any large customer, were to become insolvent, contracts may be canceled and we may not be paid in full or at all for products already delivered.  Our business, financial condition and operating earnings may be materially and adversely affected by such events.

In the event we need capital in excess of the limits of our existing credit facility, credit may be difficult to obtain or unreasonably expensive due to the current state of the markets.  The unavailability of reasonably priced credit may affect our ability to make strategic acquisitions, finance operations, or otherwise operate our business.  Further, tight credit markets may require us to employ other means to raise capital, such as the issuance of debt, the sale of equity, or the suspension of payment of dividends to shareholders.

Continuing losses in the stock market could negatively impact pension asset returns and ultimately cash flow due to possible required contributions in the future.

We make a number of assumptions relating to our pension plans in order to measure the financial position of the plans and the net periodic benefit cost. The most significant assumptions relate to the discount rate, the expected long term return on plan assets and the rate of future compensation increase. If these assumptions prove to be significantly different then we may need to record additional expense relating to the pension plans which could have a material effect on our results of operations and could require cash contributions to fund future pension payments.

Because we currently derive a significant portion of our revenues from a small number of customers, any decrease in orders from these customers could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

We depend on a small number of customers for a large portion of our business, and changes in the level of our customers’ orders have, in the past, had a significant impact on our results of operations. Our 15 largest customers represent a substantial portion of our sales, approximately 53% of net sales in 2008, 59% of net sales in 2007, and 61% of net sales in 2006. Our largest customer is Hewlett-Packard Company, which represented approximately 11% of our net sales in 2008. If a major customer significantly cancels, delays or reduces the amount of business it does with us, there could be an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. Such an adverse effect would likely be material if one of our largest customers significantly reduces its amount of business. Significant pricing and margin pressures exerted by a key customer could also materially adversely affect our operating results. In addition, we generate significant accounts receivable from sales to our major customers. If one or more of our largest customers were to become insolvent or otherwise unable to pay or were to delay payment for services, our business, financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected.
 
Negative or unexpected tax consequences could adversely affect our results of operations.
 
Adverse changes in the underlying profitability and financial outlook of our operations in several jurisdictions could lead to changes in our valuation allowances against deferred tax assets and other tax accruals that could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.
 
Several countries in which we are located allow for tax incentives to attract and retain business. These tax incentives expire over various periods and are subject to certain conditions with which we expect to comply. Our taxes could increase if certain tax incentives are not renewed upon expiration, or tax rates applicable to us in such jurisdictions are otherwise increased. In addition, further acquisitions or divestitures may cause our effective tax rate to increase.
 
We base our tax position upon the anticipated nature and conduct of our business and upon our understanding of the tax laws of the various countries in which we have assets or conduct activities. However, our tax position is subject to review and possible challenge by taxing authorities and to possible changes in law, which may have retroactive effect. We cannot determine in advance the extent to which some jurisdictions may require us to pay taxes or make payments in lieu of taxes.

 
 
We are subject to intense competition in the EMS industry.

We compete against many providers of electronics manufacturing services. Some of our competitors have substantially greater manufacturing and financial resources and in some cases have more geographically diversified international operations than we do. Our competitors, such as Benchmark Electronics, Inc., and Sanmina-SCI Corporation, include both large global EMS providers and smaller EMS companies that often have a regional, product, service or industry specific focus. We also face competition from the manufacturing operations of our current and future OEM customers, which may elect to manufacture their own products internally rather than outsource the manufacturing to EMS providers. In addition, we could face competition in the future from other large global EMS providers, such as Celestica, Inc., Flextronics International Ltd. and Jabil Circuit, Inc., which currently provide services to some of our largest customers for different products, as well as competition from smaller EMS companies such as Plexus Corp. and LaBarge, Inc. We may be at a competitive disadvantage with respect to price when compared to manufacturers with lower cost structures, particularly those with significant offshore facilities located where labor and other costs are lower. Competition may intensify further if more companies enter the markets in which we operate. Our failure to compete effectively could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.

We may be unable to compete effectively against competitors in our Components and Sensors segment.

Our Components and Sensors segment operates in highly competitive industries that are characterized by price erosion and rapid technological change. We compete against many domestic and foreign companies, some of which have substantially greater manufacturing, financial, research and development and marketing resources than we do. If any customer becomes dissatisfied with our prices, quality or timeliness of delivery, among other things, it could award future business or even move existing business to our competitors. Moreover, some of our customers could choose to manufacture and develop particular products themselves rather than purchase them from us. Increased competition could result in price reductions, reduced profit margins and loss of market share, each of which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. These developments may materially adversely affect our ability to compete against these competitors. We cannot assure you that our products will continue to compete successfully with our competitors’ products, including OEMs, many of which are significantly larger than we are and have greater financial and other resources.

We may be unable to keep pace with rapid technological changes that could make some of our products or processes obsolete before we realize a return on our investment.

The technologies relating to some of our products have undergone, and are continuing to undergo, rapid and significant changes. Specifically, end markets for electronic components and assemblies are characterized by technological change, frequent new product introductions and enhancements, changes in customer requirements and emerging industry standards. The introduction of products embodying new technologies and the emergence of new industry standards could render our existing products obsolete and unmarketable before we can recover any or all of our research, development and commercialization expenses on capital investments. Furthermore, the life cycles of our products and the products we manufacture for others vary, may change and are difficult to estimate.

We cannot provide assurance that we will not experience difficulties that could delay or prevent the successful development, introduction and marketing of new products or product enhancements or that our new products or product enhancements will adequately meet the requirements of the marketplace and achieve market acceptance. If we are unable, for technological or other reasons, to develop and market new products or product enhancements in a timely and cost-effective manner, our business, financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected.
 
Our customers have canceled, and may in the future cancel, their orders, change production quantities or locations or delay production.

We generally do not obtain firm, long-term purchase commitments from our customers, and have often experienced reduced lead times in customer orders. Customers cancel their orders, change production quantities and delay production for a number of reasons. Uncertain economic and geopolitical conditions have resulted, and may continue to result, in some of our customers delaying the delivery of some of the products we manufacture for them and placing purchase orders for lower volumes of products than previously anticipated. Cancellations, reductions or delays by a significant customer or by a group of customers have harmed, and may continue to harm, our results of operations by reducing the volumes of products we manufacture, as well as by causing a delay in the recovery of our expenditures for inventory in preparation for customer orders and lower asset utilization resulting in lower gross margins.

In addition, customers may require that manufacturing of their products be transitioned from one facility to another to achieve cost and other objectives. Such transfers may result in inefficiencies and costs due to resulting excess capacity and overhead at one facility and capacity constraints and the inability to fulfill all orders at another. In addition, we make significant decisions, including determining the levels of orders that we will seek and accept, production schedules, component procurement commitments, personnel needs and other resource requirements, based on our estimates of customer requirements. The short-term nature of our customers’ commitments and the changes in demand for their products reduce our ability to estimate accurately future customer requirements. This makes it difficult to schedule production and maximize utilization of our manufacturing capacity. Anticipated orders may not materialize and delivery schedules may be deferred as a result of changes in demand for our products or our customers’ products. We often increase staffing and capacity, and incur other expenses to meet the anticipated demand of our customers, which cause reductions in our gross margins if customer orders are delayed or canceled. On occasion, customers require rapid increases in production, which may stress our resources and reduce margins. We may not have sufficient capacity at any given time to meet our customers’ demands. In addition, because many of our costs and operating expenses are relatively fixed over the short term, a reduction in customer demand harms our gross margin and operating income until such time as adjustments can be made to activity or operating levels and structural costs.

 
 
We sell products to customers in cyclical industries, which are subject to significant downturns that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.

We sell products to customers in cyclical industries, which have experienced economic and industry downturns. These markets for our electronic components and sensors and EMS products have softened in the past and may again soften in the future. We may face reduced end-customer demand, underutilization of our manufacturing capacity, changes in our revenue mix and other factors that could adversely affect our results of operations in the near term. We cannot predict whether we will achieve profitability in future periods.

Because we derive a substantial portion of our revenues from customers in the automotive, computer and communications industries, we are susceptible to trends and factors affecting those industries.

Net sales to the automotive, computer and communications industries represent a substantial portion of our revenues. Factors negatively affecting these industries and the demand for products also negatively affect our business, financial condition and operating results. Any adverse occurrence, including industry slowdown, recession, political instability, costly or constraining regulations, armed hostilities, terrorism, excessive inflation, prolonged disruptions in one or more of our customers’ production schedules or labor disturbances, that results in significant decline in the volume of sales in these industries, or in an overall downturn in the business and operations of our customers in these industries, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. Also, the automotive industry is generally highly unionized and some of our customers have, in the past, experienced labor disruptions. Furthermore, the automotive industry is highly cyclical in nature and sensitive to changes in general economic conditions, consumer preferences and interest rates. These concerns are particularly heightened during the current economic crisis.  Consumer demand for automobiles has weakened precipitously, consequently affecting demand for the products we sell to automobile manufacturers and their suppliers.  Further, some of our automotive customers are at risk financially and have appealed to governmental authorities for financial assistance.  It is unknown at this time whether these automotive manufacturers will be given adequate financial assistance to sustain their ability to continue in business.  The insolvency of one or more automotive manufacturers may result in the failure to receive payment in full for products sold and an abrupt cancellation in demand for certain products.  Furthermore, it is unknown when credit markets may ease, and consumer demand for automobiles will rebound.  Continued weakness in auto demand, the insolvency of automobile manufacturers or their suppliers, and continuing constriction of credit markets may negatively and materially affect our facility utilization, cost structure, financial condition, and operating results.

Products we manufacture may contain design or manufacturing defects that could result in reduced demand for our products or services and liability claims against us.

Despite our quality control and quality assurance efforts, defects may occur in the products we manufacture due to design or manufacturing errors or component failure. Product defects may result in delayed shipments and reduced demand for our products. We may be subject to increased costs due to warranty claims on defective products. Product defects may result in product liability claims against us where defects cause, or are alleged to cause, property damage, bodily injury or death. As we more deeply penetrate the medical device manufacturing market, the risk of exposure to products liability litigation increases.  We may be required to participate in a recall involving products which are, or are alleged to be, defective. We carry insurance for certain legal matters involving product liability, however, we do not have coverage for all costs related to product defects and the costs of such claims, including costs of defense and settlement, may exceed our available coverage.
 
We are exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates that have adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, our business, financial condition and operating results.

We transact business in various foreign countries. We present our consolidated financial statements in U.S. dollars, but a portion of our revenues and expenditures are transacted in other currencies. As a result, we are exposed to fluctuations in foreign currencies. We have currency exposure arising from both sales and purchases denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Volatility in the exchange rates between the foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar could harm our business, financial condition and operating results. Furthermore, to the extent we sell our products in foreign markets, currency fluctuations may result in our products becoming too expensive for foreign customers.

Our operating results vary significantly from period to period.

We experience fluctuations in our operating results. Some of the principal factors that contribute to these fluctuations are: changes in demand for our products; our effectiveness in managing manufacturing processes, costs and timing of our component purchases so that components are available when needed for production, while mitigating the risks of purchasing inventory in excess of immediate production needs; the degree to which we are able to utilize our available manufacturing capacity; changes in the cost and availability of components, which often occur in the electronics manufacturing industry and which affect our margins and our ability to meet delivery schedules; general economic and served industry conditions; local conditions and events that may affect our production volumes, such as labor conditions and political instability.

In addition, due to the significant differences in the operating income margins in our two reporting segments, the mix of sales between our Components and Sensors segment and our EMS segment affect our operating results from period to period.

 
 
We face risks relating to our international operations.

Because we have significant international operations, our operating results and financial condition could be materially adversely affected by economic, political, health, regulatory and other factors existing in foreign countries in which we operate. Our international operations are subject to inherent risks, which may materially adversely affect us, including: political and economic instability in countries in which our products are manufactured; expropriation or the imposition of government controls; changes in government regulations; export license requirements; trade restrictions; earnings expatriation restrictions; exposure to different legal standards; less favorable intellectual property laws; health conditions and standards; currency controls; fluctuations in exchange rates; increases in the duties and taxes we pay; high levels of inflation or deflation; greater difficulty in collecting accounts receivable and longer payment cycles; changes in labor conditions and difficulties in staffing and managing our international operations; limitations on insurance coverage against geopolitical risks, natural disasters and business operations; communication among and management of international operations. In addition, these same factors may also place us at a competitive disadvantage to some of our foreign competitors.

Furthermore, because a significant portion of our products are manufactured in Asia, including China, Singapore, Thailand and Taiwan, any conflict or uncertainty in these countries, including public health or safety concerns, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

We may restructure our operations, which may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.

In September 2008, we initiated certain restructuring actions to transfer and consolidate certain operations to further improve its cost structure.  These actions resulted in the elimination of approximately 400 positions and the write-off of certain leasehold improvements during the second half of 2008.  These actions were substantially complete in December 2008, with all expected charges recorded.

We may incur restructuring and impairment charges in the future if circumstances warrant. If we restructure our operations in the future and are unsuccessful in implementing restructuring plans, we may experience disruptions in our operations and higher ongoing costs, which may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.
 
We may explore acquisitions that complement or expand our business as well as divestitures of various business operations. We may not be able to complete these transactions and these transactions, if executed, may pose significant risks and may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.

We intend to explore opportunities to buy other businesses or technologies that could complement, enhance or expand our current business or product lines or that might otherwise offer us growth opportunities. We may have difficulty finding these opportunities or, if we do identify these opportunities, we may not be able to complete the transactions for reasons including a failure to secure financing. Any transactions that we are able to identify and complete may involve a number of risks, including: the diversion of management’s attention from our existing business to integrate the operations and personnel of the acquired or combined business or joint venture; possible adverse effects on our operating results during the integration process; difficulties managing and integrating operations in geographically dispersed locations; increases in our expenses and working capital requirements, which reduce our return on invested capital; exposure to unanticipated liabilities of acquired companies; and our possible inability to achieve the intended objectives of the transaction. In addition, we may not be able to successfully or profitably integrate, operate, maintain and manage our newly acquired operations or employees. We may not be able to maintain uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies, and this may lead to operational inefficiencies. In addition, future acquisitions may result in dilutive issuances of equity securities or the incurrence of additional debt. These and other factors could harm our ability to achieve anticipated levels of profitability at acquired operations or realize other anticipated benefits of an acquisition, and could adversely affect our business and operating results.

We have in the past, and may in the future, consider divesting certain business operations. Divestitures may involve a number of risks, including the diversion of management’s attention, significant costs and expenses, the loss of customer relationships and cash flow, and the disruption of operations in the affected business. Failure to timely complete or consummate a divestiture may negatively affect valuation of the affected business or result in restructuring charges.

If we are unable to protect our intellectual property or we infringe, or are alleged to infringe, on another person’s intellectual property, our business, financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected.

The success of our business depends, in part, upon our ability to protect trade secrets, copyrights and patents, obtain or license patents and operate without infringing on the intellectual property rights of others. We rely on a combination of trade secrets, copyrights, patents, nondisclosure agreements and technical measures to protect our proprietary rights in our products and technology. The steps taken by us in this regard may not be adequate to prevent misappropriation of our technology. In addition, the laws of some foreign countries in which we operate do not protect our proprietary rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United States. Although we continue to evaluate and implement protective measures, there can be no assurance that these efforts will be successful. Our inability to protect our intellectual property rights could diminish or eliminate the competitive advantages that we derive from our technology, cause us to lose sales or otherwise harm our business.

 
 
We believe that patents will continue to play an important role in our business. However, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in securing patents for claims in any pending patent application or that any issued patent will provide us with any competitive advantage. We also cannot provide assurance that the patents will not be challenged by third parties or that the patents of others will not materially adversely affect our ability to do business.

We may become involved in litigation in the future to protect our intellectual property or because others may allege that we infringed on their intellectual property. These claims and any resulting lawsuit could subject us to liability for damages and invalidate our intellectual property rights. If an infringement claim is successfully asserted by a holder of intellectual property rights, we may be required to cease marketing or selling certain products, pay a penalty for past infringement and spend significant time and money to develop a non-infringing product or process or to obtain licenses for the technology, process or information from the holder. We may not be successful in the development of a non-infringing alternative, or licenses may not be available on commercially acceptable terms, if at all, in which case we may lose sales and profits. In addition, any litigation could be lengthy and costly and could materially adversely affect us even if we are successful in the litigation.
 
We may experience shortages and increased costs of raw material and required electronic components.

In the past, from time to time, there have been shortages in certain raw materials used in the manufacture of our components and sensors and certain electronic components purchased by us and incorporated into assemblies and subassemblies. Unanticipated raw material or electronic component shortages may prevent us from making scheduled shipments to customers. Our inability to make scheduled shipments could cause us to experience a shortfall in revenue, increase our costs and adversely affect our relationship with affected customers and our reputation as a reliable service provider. We may be required to pay higher prices for raw materials or electronic components in short supply and order these raw materials or electronic components in greater quantities to compensate for variable delivery times. We may also be required to pay higher prices for raw materials or electronic components due to inflationary trends regardless of supply. As a result, raw material or electronic component shortages and price increases could adversely affect our operating results for a particular period due to the resulting revenue shortfall and increased costs.

Loss of our key management and other personnel, or an inability to attract key management and other personnel, could materially affect our business.

We depend on our senior executive officers and other key personnel to run our business. We do not have long-term retention contracts with our key personnel. The loss of any of these officers or other key personnel could adversely affect our operations. Competition for qualified employees among companies that rely heavily on engineering and technology is at times intense, and the loss of qualified employees or an inability to attract, retain and motivate additional highly skilled employees required for the operation and expansion of our business could hinder our ability to conduct research activities successfully and develop marketable products.

We are subject to a variety of environmental laws and regulations that expose us to potential financial liability.

Our operations are regulated by a number of federal, state, local and foreign environmental and safety laws and regulations that govern, among other things, the discharge of hazardous materials into the air and water as well as the handling, storage and disposal of these materials. Compliance with environmental laws is a major consideration for us because we use hazardous materials in our manufacturing processes. If we violate environmental laws or regulations, we could be held liable for substantial fines, damages, and costs of remedial actions. Our environmental permits could also be revoked or modified, which could require us to cease or limit production at one or more of our facilities, thereby materially adversely affecting our business, financial condition and operating results. Environmental laws and requirements have generally become more stringent over time and could continue to do so, imposing greater compliance costs and increasing risks and penalties associated with any violation, which also could materially affect our business, financial condition and operating results.

In addition, because we are a generator of hazardous wastes, even if we fully comply with applicable environmental laws and requirements, we may be subject to financial exposure for costs, including costs of investigation and any remediation, associated with contaminated sites at which hazardous substances from our operations have been stored, treated or disposed of. We may also be subject to exposure for such costs at sites that we currently own or operate or formerly owned or operated. Such exposure may be joint and several, so that we may be held responsible for more than our share of the contamination or even for the entire contamination.

We have been notified by the Environmental Protection Agency, state environmental agencies and, in some cases, generator groups that we are or may be a potentially responsible party regarding hazardous substances at several sites not owned or operated by us, as well as several sites that we own. Although we estimate our potential liability with respect to environmental violations or alleged violations and other environmental liabilities and reserves for such matters, we cannot assure you that our reserves will be sufficient to cover the actual costs that we incur as a result of these matters. We also cannot assure you that additional contamination will not be found in the future, either at sites currently known to us or at other sites. Any liability we may have for such matters could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.
 
 
 
Our indebtedness may adversely affect our financial health.

As of December 31, 2008, our debt balance was $80.5 million, consisting of $32.5 million of 2.125% convertible senior subordinated notes and $48.0 million of borrowings under our revolving credit facility. The level of our indebtedness could, among other things: increase our vulnerability to general economic and industry conditions, including recessions; require us to use cash flow from operations to service our indebtedness, thereby reducing our ability to fund working capital, capital expenditures, research and development efforts and other expenses; limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industries in which we operate; place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to competitors that have less indebtedness; limit our ability to borrow additional funds that may be needed to operate and expand our business.
 
Our credit facility and the indenture governing our convertible subordinated notes contain provisions that could materially restrict our business.

Our credit facility contains a number of significant covenants that, among other things, limit our ability to: dispose of assets; incur certain additional debt; repay other debt or amend subordinated debt instruments; create liens on assets; make investments, loans or advances; make acquisitions or engage in mergers or consolidations; make capital expenditures; and engage in certain transactions with our subsidiaries and affiliates. Under our credit facility, we are required to meet certain financial ratios. In addition, the indenture governing our 2.125% convertible senior subordinated notes provides for an adjustment of the conversion rate if we pay dividends over a certain amount or make other distributions on capital stock and limits our ability to engage in mergers or consolidations.

The restrictions contained in our credit facility and in the indenture governing our convertible subordinated notes could limit our ability to plan for or react to market conditions or meet capital needs or could otherwise restrict our activities or business plans. These restrictions could adversely affect our ability to finance our operations, strategic acquisitions, investments or other capital needs or to engage in other business activities that could be in our interests.

Our ability to comply with these covenants may be affected by events beyond our control. If we breach any of these covenants or restrictions, it could result in an event of default under our credit facility, the indenture governing our convertible subordinated notes, or documents governing any other existing or future indebtedness. A default, if not cured or waived, may permit acceleration of our indebtedness. In addition, our lenders could terminate their commitments to make further extensions of credit under our credit facility. If our indebtedness is accelerated, we cannot be certain that we will have sufficient funds to pay the accelerated indebtedness or that we will have the ability to refinance accelerated indebtedness on terms favorable to us or at all.

Ineffective internal controls over financial reporting may harm our business in the future.

We are subject to the ongoing internal control provisions of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“the Act”). Our controls necessary for continued compliance with the Act may not operate effectively at all times and may result in a material weakness. The identification of material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting, if any, could indicate a lack of proper controls to generate accurate financial statements. Further, our internal control effectiveness may be impacted if we are unable to retain sufficient skilled finance and accounting personnel, especially in light of the increased demand for such personnel among publicly traded companies


 
 
Item 1B.        Unresolved Staff Comments

None.
 
Item 2.            Properties

As of February 23, 2009, we had manufacturing facilities, administrative, research and development and sales offices in the following locations:

Manufacturing Facilities
 
Square Footage
 
Owned/Leased
Segment
Albuquerque, New Mexico
    91,000  
Leased
Components and Sensors
Ayutthya, Thailand
    40,000  
Owned (1)
EMS
Elkhart, Indiana
    319,000  
Owned
Components and Sensors
Glasgow, Scotland
    75,000  
Owned
Components and Sensors and EMS
Glasgow, Scotland
    37,000  
Leased
Components and Sensors and EMS
Kaohsiung, Taiwan
    133,000  
Owned (2)
Components and Sensors
Londonderry, New Hampshire
    73,000  
Leased
EMS
Matamoros, Mexico
    51,000  
Owned
Components and Sensors and EMS
Moorpark, California
    115,500  
Leased
EMS
Nogales, Mexico
    67,000  
Leased
Components and Sensors
Ostrava, Czech Republic
    60,000  
Leased
Components and Sensors
San Jose, California
    78,800  
Leased
EMS
Singapore
    159,000  
Owned (3)
Components and Sensors and EMS
Streetsville, Ontario, Canada
    112,000  
Owned
Components and Sensors
Tianjin, China
    225,000  
Owned (4)
Components and Sensors and EMS
Tucson, Arizona
    48,000  
Owned
Components and Sensors
Zhongshan, China
    72,400  
Leased
Components and Sensors
Total manufacturing
    1,756,700      
             
______________________
(1)
The land and building are collateral for a credit facility.
(2)
Ground lease through 2017; restrictions on use and transfer apply.
(3)
Ground lease through 2039; restrictions on use and transfer apply.
(4)
Land Use Rights Agreement through 2050 includes transfer, lease and mortgage rights.

Non-Manufacturing Facilities
Square Footage
 
Owned/ Leased
Description
Segment
Berne, Indiana
249,000
 
Owned
Leased to tenant
Components and Sensors
Bloomingdale, Illinois 
110,000
 
Leased
Administrative offices and research
Components and Sensors
Brownsville, Texas
85,000
 
Owned
Idle facility/partially sublet
Components and Sensors
Burbank, California
9,200
 
Owned
Idle facility
Components and Sensors
Burbank, California
2,900
 
Leased
Idle facility
Components and Sensors
Elkhart, Indiana
93,000
 
Owned
Administrative offices and research
Components and Sensors and EMS
Kowloon, Hong Kong
800
 
Leased
Sales office
Components and Sensors
Nagoya, Japan
800
 
Leased
Sales office
Components and Sensors
Poway, California
45,000
 
Leased
Sublet to tenant
EMS
Sandwich, Illinois
94,000
 
Owned
Idle facility
Components and Sensors
Shanghai, China
1,700
 
Leased
Sales office
Components and Sensors
Southfield, Michigan
1,700
 
Leased
Sales office
Components and Sensors
Taipei, Taiwan
1,400
 
Leased
Sales office
Components and Sensors
Yokohama, Japan
1,400
 
Leased
Sales office
Components and Sensors
Total non-manufacturing
695,900
       

We regularly assess the adequacy of our manufacturing facilities for manufacturing capacity, available labor, and location to our markets and major customers. Management believes our manufacturing facilities are suitable and adequate, and have sufficient capacity to meet our current needs. The extent of utilization varies from plant to plant and with general economic conditions. We also review the operating costs of our facilities and may from time-to-time relocate or move a portion of our manufacturing activities in order to reduce operating costs and improve asset utilization and cash flow.




Certain processes in the manufacture of our current and past products create hazardous waste by-products as currently defined by federal and state laws and regulations. We have been notified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, state environmental agencies and, in some cases, generator groups, that we are or may be a potentially responsible party regarding hazardous waste remediation at several non-CTS sites. In addition to these non-CTS sites, we have an ongoing practice of providing reserves for probable remediation activities at certain of our manufacturing locations and for claims and proceedings against us with respect to other environmental matters. In the opinion of management, based upon presently available information relating to all such matters, either adequate provision for probable costs has been made, or the ultimate costs resulting will not materially affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Certain claims are pending against us with respect to matters arising out of the ordinary conduct of our business. For all claims, in the opinion of management, based upon presently available information, either adequate provision for anticipated costs has been accrued or the ultimate anticipated costs will not materially affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

During 2007, we were informed that the SEC is conducting an informal inquiry relating to the 2006 accounting misstatements of our Moorpark and Santa Clara, California manufacturing facilities.  We are in full cooperation with the SEC in its inquiry.


During the fourth quarter of 2008, no matter was submitted to a vote of our security holders.
 
 

PART II


CTS common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CTS.” On February 20, 2009, there were approximately 1,552 common shareholders of record.

Our current practice is to pay quarterly dividends at the rate of $0.03 per share, or an annual rate of $0.12 per share. The declaration of a dividend and the amount of any such dividend is subject to earnings, anticipated working capital, capital expenditures, other investment requirements, the financial condition of CTS, and any other factors considered relevant by the Board of Directors.

Per Share Data
(Unaudited)

                     
Net Earnings
 
   
High (1)
   
Low (1)
   
Dividends Declared
   
Basic
   
Diluted
 
2008
                             
4th quarter
  $ 12.78     $ 4.53     $ 0.03     $ 0.17     $ 0.16  
3rd quarter
    13.81       9.96       0.03       0.23       0.21  
2nd quarter
    11.51       10.00       0.03       0.30       0.27  
1st quarter
    10.80       9.01       0.03       0.20       0.18  
2007
                                       
4th quarter
  $ 13.84     $ 9.87     $ 0.03     $ 0.22     $ 0.20  
3rd quarter
    13.90       12.11       0.03       0.22       0.20  
2nd quarter
    13.98       11.74       0.03       0.16       0.15  
1st quarter
    16.33       12.58       0.03       0.11       0.11  

________________________
(1)  
The market prices of CTS common stock presented reflect the highest and lowest closing  prices on the New York Stock Exchange for each quarter of the last two years.

 
 
The following table summarizes the repurchase of CTS common stock made by the Company during the three months ended December 31, 2008:
 

   
(a)
Total Number of Shares Purchased
 
(b)
Average Price Paid per Share
 
(c)
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as part of Plans or Program
 
(d)
Maximum Number  of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
(1)
 
                       
977,500
 
September 29, 2008 – October 26, 2008
   
 
$
   
   
977,500
 
October 27, 2008 – November 23, 2008
   
   
   
   
977,500
 
November 24, 2008 – December 31, 2008
   
   
   
   
977,500
 
     
   
   
       
______________________
(1)  






Item 6.              Selected Financial Data

Five-Year Summary
(In thousands of dollars except per share and other data)

     
2008
 
% of
Sales
     
2007
 
% of
Sales
     
2006
   
% of
Sales
   
2005
   
% of
Sales
   
2004
   
% of
Sales
 
Summary of Operations
                                                             
Net sales
 
$
691,707
 
100.0
   
$
685,945
 
100.0
   
$
655,614
   
 100.0
 
$
617,484
   
 100.0
 
$
531,316
   
100.0
 
   Cost of goods sold
   
554,634
 
80.2
     
553,253
 
80.7
     
534,784
   
81.6
   
497,270
   
 80.5 
   
421,560
   
79.3
 
   Selling, general and administrative
     expenses (1)
   
78,974
 
11.4
     
78,957
 
11.5
     
67,720
   
10.3
   
64,812
   
10.5 
   
61,174
   
11.5
 
   Research and development expenses
   
18,306
 
2.6
     
15,896
 
2.3
     
15,873
   
2.4
   
17,092
   
2.8 
   
19,063
   
3.6
 
   Amortization of intangible assets
   
3,615
 
0.5
     
3,121
 
0.5
     
3,193
   
0.5
   
3,443
   
0.6 
   
2,311
   
0.4
 
  (Gain)/loss on asset sales
   
(219
)
(0.1
   
42
 
0.1
     
(2,142
)
 
(0.3
)
 
(3,065
)
 
(0.5 
)
 
(3,920
)
 
(0.7
)
   Restructuring and impairment  charges
   
5,567
 
0.8
     
2,401
 
0.4
     
3,368
   
0.5
   
   
— 
   
   
 
   Operating earnings
   
30,830
 
4.5
     
32,275
 
4.7
     
32,818
   
5.0
   
37,932
   
6.1 
   
31,128
   
5.9
 
Other (expense)/income — net
   
(1,535
)
(0.2
   
200
 
0.1
     
(2,152
)
 
(0.3
)
 
(4,936
)
 
(0.8 
)
 
(5,211
)
 
(1.0
)
   Earnings before income taxes
   
29,295
 
4.2
     
32,475
 
4.7
     
30,666
   
4.7
   
32,996
   
5.3 
   
25,917
   
4.9
 
Income tax (benefit)/expense
   
(591
)
(0.1
   
7,063
 
1.0
     
6,469
   
1.0
   
12,240
   
2.0 
   
5,961
   
1.1
 
    Net earnings
   
29,886
 
4.3
     
25,412
 
3.7
     
24,197
   
3.7
   
20,756
   
3.3 
   
19,956
   
3.8
 
Retained earnings — beginning of Year
   
336,548
         
315,370
         
295,478
         
279,064
         
263,430
       
Dividends declared
   
(4,043
)
       
(4,234
       
(4,305
)
       
(4,342
)
       
(4,322
)
     
Retained earnings—end of year
 
$
362,391
       
$
336,548
       
$
315,370
       
$
295,478
       
$
279,064
       
Net earnings per share:
                                                             
Basic:
 
$
0.89
       
$
0.72 
       
$
0.68
       
$
0.57
       
$
0.56
       
Diluted:
 
$
0.81
       
$
0.66 
       
$
0.63
       
$
0.53
       
$
0.53
       
Average basic shares outstanding (000’s)
   
33,728
         
35,498
         
35,826
         
36,307
         
35,910
       
Average diluted shares outstanding (000’s)
   
37,864
         
39,970
         
40,228
         
40,960
         
38,893
       
Cash dividends per share
 
$
0.12
       
$
0.12
       
$
0.12
       
$
0.12
       
$
0.12
       
Capital expenditures
   
17,647
         
16,058
         
15,787
         
15,009
         
12,711
       
Depreciation and amortization
   
24,178
         
22,818
         
24,896
         
27,059
         
26,082
       
Financial Position at Year End
                                                             
Current assets
 
$
225,842
       
$
250,840
       
$
227,620
       
$
179,716
       
$
204,146
       
Current liabilities
   
113,241
         
128,919
         
125,681
         
121,323
         
102,961
       
Current ratio
   
2.0 to 1
         
1.9 to 1
         
1.8 to 1
         
1.5 to 1
         
2.0 to 1
       
Working capital
 
$
112,601
       
$
121,921
       
$
101,939
       
$
58,393
       
$
101,185
       
Inventories, net
   
70,867
         
73,778
         
60,543
         
60,629
         
42,734
       
Net property, plant and equipment 
   
90,756
         
92,825
         
96,468
         
109,653
         
112,495
       
Total assets
   
488,455
         
543,692
         
527,833
         
533,829
         
522,177
       
Short-term notes payable
   
         
1,000
         
5,425
         
13,299
         
3,311
       
Long-term debt
   
80,500
         
72,000
         
60,821
         
68,457
         
94,150
       
Long-term obligations, including long-term 
   debt
   
98,036
         
90,526
         
83,315
         
84,577
         
105,669
       
Shareholders’ equity
   
277,178
         
324,247
         
319,023
         
328,093
         
310,704
       
Common shares outstanding (000’s)
   
33,711
         
34,313
         
35,823
         
35,859
         
35,909
       
Equity (book value) per share
 
$
8.22
       
$
9.45
       
$
8.91
       
$
9.16
       
$
8.65
       
                                                               
Stock price range
 
$
13.81-4.53
       
$
 16.33-9.87
       
$
16.23-11.06
       
$
14.10-10.13
       
$
15.85-9.90
       

___________________________________
(1) Excludes amortization of intangible assets

Certain acquisitions, divestitures, closures of operations or product lines, and certain accounting reclassifications affect the comparability of information contained in the “Five-Year Summary”.
 

Item 7.           Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Information about results of operations, liquidity, and capital resources for the three previous years is contained in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (2006-2008)” included in the 2008 Annual Report and incorporated herein by reference.
 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Our cash flows and earnings are subject to fluctuations resulting from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates.  We manage our exposure to these market risks through internally established policies and procedures and, when deemed appropriate, through the use of derivative financial instruments.  Our policies do not allow speculation in derivative instruments for profit or execution of derivative instrument contracts for which there are no underlying exposures.  We do not use financial instruments for trading purposes and we are not a party to any leveraged derivatives.  We monitor our underlying market risk exposures on an ongoing basis and believe that we can modify or adapt our hedging strategies as needed.

Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to the changes in interest rates on our floating rate revolving credit facility.  At December 31, 2008 and 2007, there was $48.0 million and $12.0 million, respectively, outstanding under this facility.  As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, we did not have any outstanding interest rate swap or cap agreements.  See Note G, “Debt”, to our consolidated financial statements for components of our long-term debt.

Foreign Currency Risk
We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risks.  Our significant foreign subsidiaries are located in Canada, China, Czech Republic, Scotland, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.  We have a “netting” policy where subsidiaries pay all intercompany balances within sixty days.  As of December 31, 2008, we did not have any outstanding foreign currency forward exchange contracts.

In the normal course of business, our financial position is routinely subjected to a variety of risks, including market risks associated with interest rate movements, currency rate movements on non-U.S. dollar denominated assets and liabilities and collectibility of accounts receivable.

Commodity Price Risk
Many of our products require the use of raw materials that are produced in only a limited number of regions around the world or are available from only a limited number of suppliers.  Our results of operations may be materially and adversely affected if we have difficulty obtaining these raw materials, the quality of available raw materials deteriorates, or there are significant price increases for these raw materials.  For periods in which the prices of these raw materials are rising, we may be unable to pass on the increased cost to our customers which would result in decreased margins for the products in which they are used.  For periods in which the prices are declining, we may be required to write down our inventory carrying cost of these raw materials, since we record our inventory at the lower of cost or market.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
Consolidated financial statements meeting the requirements of Regulation S-X, and the “Report of our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm,” appear in the financial statements and supplementary financial data as noted in the Index appearing under Item 15 (a)(1) and (2), and are included in the 2008 Annual Report and incorporated herein by reference.
 
Item 9.            Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.
 
Controls and Procedures

Pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, management, under the direction of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures.  Based on such evaluation our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2008, provided that the evaluation did not include an evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting for the acquired business, as described further below.
 
In January 2008, we acquired Tusonix, Inc., which has facilities in Tucson, Arizona and Nogales, Mexico.  Each facility reports financial results that are included in this report for the year ended December 31, 2008.   Management has not made an assessment of the Tusonix business’ internal control over financial reporting since the date of acquisition.  The Tusonix business’ assets and liabilities acquired were $14.8 million and $2.3 million, respectively and the sales included in CTS’ 2008 financial statements were approximately $14.0 million. The Tusonix business was not included in our evaluation of the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures.
 
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting for the quarter ended December 31, 2008 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.
 
Other Information

None.


PART III

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Executive Officers.  The individuals in the following list were elected as executive officers of CTS at the annual meeting of the Board of Directors on May 30, 2008. They are expected to serve as executive officers until the next annual meeting of the Board of Directors, scheduled to be held on or about May 27, 2009, at which time the election of officers will be considered again by the Board of Directors.

Name
Age
Positions and Offices
Vinod M. Khilnani
56
President and Chief Executive Officer
Donald R. Schroeder
60
Executive Vice President and General Manager of CTS Electronic Components
Donna L. Belusar
48
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
H. Tyler Buchanan
56
Senior Vice President, retired
James L. Cummins
53
Senior Vice President Administration
Bret A. Robertson
49
Senior Vice President and General Manager of Electronic Manufacturing Services
Richard G. Cutter, III
62
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Thomas A. Kroll
54
Vice President and Controller
Matthew W. Long
47
Treasurer
Mohan S. Mahadevan
48
Vice President


 
Vinod M. Khilnani – 56 – President and Chief Executive Officer – was elected President and Chief Executive Officer on July 2, 2007.  Prior to accepting this position, Mr. Khilnani held the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since 2001.

 
Donald R. Schroeder – 60 – Executive Vice President and General Manager of CTS Electronic Components – was named Executive Vice President and General Manager of CTS Electronic Components on January 1, 2009.  Prior to this, Mr. Schroeder served as Executive Vice President and President of CTS Electronics Manufacturing Services from February 2005.  From December 2000 to February 2005, Mr. Schroeder served as Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer.  He has held positions of increasing responsibility with CTS since 1972.

 
Donna L. Belusar – 48- Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer – joined CTS and was elected Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer on January 21, 2008.  Prior to joining CTS, Ms. Belusar was Executive Vice President of Finance, Global Financing Division of IBM Corporation, a developer and manufacturer of information technologies such as computer systems, software, networking systems, storage devices, and microelectronics.  During her tenure at IBM, Ms. Belusar held positions of increasing responsibility from 1982 until joining CTS.

 
H. Tyler Buchanan – 56 – Senior Vice President – was elected Senior Vice President, effective December 31, 2001.  Prior to this, Mr. Buchanan was Vice President, and Vice President and General Manager, CTS Automotive Products.  He has held positions of increasing responsibility with CTS since 1977.  Mr. Buchanan retired from CTS on December 31, 2008.

 
James L. Cummins – 53 – Senior Vice President Administration – was elected Senior Vice President Administration, effective December 31, 2001.  Prior to this, Mr. Cummins was Vice President Human Resources since 1994.  He has had positions of increasing responsibility with CTS since 1977.

 
Bret A. Robertson – 49 – Senior Vice President and General Manager of CTS Electronics Manufacturing Services – was elected Senior Vice President of CTS Electronics Manufacturing Services effective January 1, 2009.  Prior to this, Mr. Robertson held positions of increasing responsibility with CTS since 2002.

 
Richard G. Cutter – 62 – Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel – was elected Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel effective December 31, 2001.  Prior to this, Mr. Cutter was Vice President, Assistant Secretary and General Counsel.



 
Thomas A. Kroll – 54 – Vice President and Controller – was elected Vice President and Controller on October 31, 2002.  Prior to this, Mr. Kroll served as Controller Group Accounting since joining CTS in November 2000.

 
Matthew W. Long – 47 – Treasurer – was elected Treasurer effective May, 2003.  From December 2000 through May 2003, Mr. Long served as Assistant Treasurer.

 
Mohan S. Mahadevan – 48 – Vice President – was elected Vice President of CTS Corporation effective February 6, 2008.  Prior to joining CTS, Mr. Mahadevan worked for EMC Corporation as the Six Sigma Program Management Director and for Textron Inc where he held several positions of importance.

Information with respect to Directors and Corporate Governance may be found in our definitive proxy statement to be delivered to shareholders in connection with our 2009 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. Such information is incorporated by reference.

Executive Compensation

Information with respect to this item may be found in our definitive proxy statement to be delivered to shareholders in connection with our 2009 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. Such information is incorporated by reference.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters

Information with respect to this item may be found in our definitive proxy statement to be delivered to shareholders in connection with our 2009 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. Such information is incorporated by reference.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Information with respect to this item may be found in our definitive proxy statement to be delivered to shareholders in connection with our 2009 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. Such information is incorporated by reference.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Information with respect to this item may be found in our definitive proxy statement to be delivered to shareholders in connection with our 2009 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. Such information is incorporated by reference.




PART IV
 

Exhibits, Financial Statements Schedules

The list of financial statements and schedules required by Item 15 (a) (1) and (2) is contained on page S-1 herein.

(a) (3)
Exhibits

All references to documents filed pursuant to the Securities Global Exchange Act of 1934, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, were filed by CTS Corporation, File No. 1-4639.


(3)(i)
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (incorporated  herein by reference to Exhibit 5 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on September 1, 1998).

(3)(ii)
Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on September 1, 1998).

(10)(a)
Form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on November 12, 2008).

(10)(b)
CTS Corporation 1988 Restricted Stock and Cash Bonus Plan, approved by the shareholders on April 28, 1989, as amended and restated on May 9, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(e) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 29, 1997, filed with the SEC on August 12, 1997).*

(10)(c)
CTS Corporation 1996 Stock Option Plan, approved by the shareholders on April 26, 1996, as amended and restated on May 9, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(f) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 29, 1997, filed with the SEC on August 12, 1997).*

(10)(d)
CTS Corporation 2001 Stock Option Plan, approved by the shareholders on March 9, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(c) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 1, 2001, filed with the SEC on April 27, 2001).*

(10)(e)
CTS Corporation Stock Retirement Plan for Non-Employee Directors, effective April 30, 1990, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(a) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 30, 2003, filed with the SEC on April 23, 2003).*

(10)(f)
Amendment to the CTS Corporation Stock Retirement Plan for Non-Employee Directors, dated as of December 1, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(j) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, filed with the SEC on March 4, 2005).

(10)(g)
CTS Corporation Pension Plan (formerly known as the CTS Corporation Salaried Employees’ Pension Plan) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(t) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, filed with the SEC on February 14, 2003).*

(10)(h)
Amendments to the CTS Corporation Pension Plan (formerly known as the CTS Corporation Salaried Employees’ Pension Plan) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(b) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 29, 2003, filed with the SEC on July 25, 2003).*
 
(10)(i)
Purchase Agreement, dated May 5, 2004, by and between CTS Corporation and Bear Stearns & Co. Inc., as Initial Purchaser (incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 1.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 18, 2004, filed with the SEC on May 19, 2004).

(10)(j)
Indenture, dated as of May 11, 2004, by and between CTS Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. as Trustee (incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 1.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on May 19, 2004).

(10)(k)
CTS Corporation 2004 Omnibus Long-term Incentive Plan and Incentive Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 10(a) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 26, 2004, filed with the SEC on October 19, 2004).*

(10)(l)
Employment Agreement effective as of July 2, 2007, between the Company and Vinod M. Khilnani, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on June 15, 2007).*
 
 
 
 

 
(10)(m)
Prototype Named Executive Officer Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 2, 2006, filed with the SEC on July 27, 2006.).*
 
(10)(n)
CTS Corporation 2001 Stock Option Plan: Employee Stock Option Agreement, dated October 1, 2001, as amended December 15, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(dd) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 27, 2006).*

(10)(o)
Prototype Executive Officer RSU Supplemental Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 2, 2006, filed with the SEC on July 27, 2006).*

(10)(p)
Amendments to the CTS Corporation Pension Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(q) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, filed with the SEC on February 27, 2006).*

(10)(q)
Amendments to the CTS Corporation Pension Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 2, 2006, filed with the SEC on April 26, 2006).*

(10)(r)
Credit Agreement, dated as of June 27, 2006, by and among CTS Corporation, the Lenders named therein and Harris Trust and Savings Bank as L/C Issuer, and Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on June 29, 2006).
 
(10)(s)
First Amendment and Waiver to Credit Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on March 16, 2007).

(10)(t)
Amendment No. 1 to the CTS Corporation 2004 Omnibus Long-term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(aa) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on May 15, 2007).*

(10)(u)
Prototype Non-employee Director Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(aa) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, filed with the SEC on February 27, 2006).*

(10)(v)
CTS Corporation Management Incentive Plan approved by the shareholders on June 28, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Proxy Statement for the
2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, filed with the SEC on May 24, 2007).*

(10)(w)
Performance Share Agreement between CTS Corporation and Vinod M. Khilnani, dated August 1, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to the Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, filed with the SEC on October 24, 2007).*
 
(10)(x)
 
Prototype Individual Excess Benefit Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(d) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30,
2007, filed with the SEC on October 24, 2007).
 
(10)(y)
 
Prototype Change in Control Agreement first reported on Current Report Form 8-K on December 5, 2007, and attached herewith (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10
(hh) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 28, 2008).*

(10)(z)
 
Amendment to Employment Agreement between CTS Corporation and Mr. Khilnani dated December 3, 2007, as attached herewith (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10(ii) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 28, 2008).*
 
(10)(aa)
2008 – 2009 Performance Restricted Stock Unit Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 30, 2008, filed with the SEC on April 30, 2008).*
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amendments to the CTS Corporation Pension Plan (formerly known as the CTS Corporation Salaried Employees’ Pension Plan).*
 
CTS Corporation Amended and Restated 2008 - 2009 Performance Restricted Stock Unit Plan .*
 
Portions of the 2008 Annual Report to shareholders incorporated herein.

Subsidiaries.

Consent of Grant Thornton LLP.

Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
*
 
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.





SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

     
 
CTS Corporation
  
  
  
Date: February 23, 2009
By:  
/s/ Donna L. Belusar
 
Donna L. Belusar
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

     
Date: February 23, 2009
By:  
/s/ Vinod M. Khilnani
 
Vinod M. Khilnani
President and Chief Executive Officer  
(Principal Executive Officer)
   

     
Date: February 23, 2009
By:  
/s/ Roger R. Hemminghaus
 
Roger R. Hemminghaus
Chairman of the Board
 
     
Date: February 23, 2009
By:  
/s/ Walter S. Catlow
 
Walter S. Catlow
Director

     
Date: February 23, 2009
By:  
/s/ Lawrence J. Ciancia
 
Lawrence J. Ciancia
Director
 
     
Date: February 23, 2009
By:  
/s/ Thomas G. Cody
 
Thomas G. Cody
Director

     
Date: February 23, 2009
By:  
/s/ Gerald H. Frieling, Jr.
 
Gerald H. Frieling, Jr.
Director
 
     
Date: February 23, 2009
By:  
/s/ Michael A. Henning
 
Michael A. Henning
Director
 
     
Date: February 23, 2009
By:  
/s/ Robert A. Profusek
 
Robert A. Profusek
Director
 

 
 
 
 
     
Date: February 23, 2009
By:  
/s/ Patricia K. Collawn
 
Patricia K. Collawn
Director
 
     
Date: February 23, 2009
By:  
/s/ Donna L. Belusar
 
Donna L. Belusar
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
     
Date: February 23, 2009
By:  
/s/ Thomas A. Kroll
 
Thomas A. Kroll
Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)



FORM 10-K - ITEM 15 (a) (1) AND (2) AND ITEM 15 (c)

CTS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

The following consolidated financial statements of CTS Corporation and subsidiaries included in the 2008 Annual Report are referenced in Part II, Item 8, filed herewith as Exhibit (13) and incorporated herein by reference:

 
Consolidated Statements of Earnings  - Years ended December 31, 2008, December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006


 
Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007


 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years ended December 31, 2008, December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006


 
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity - Years ended December 31, 2008, December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006
 

 
Notes to consolidated financial statements

 
 
Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts


 
All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission have been omitted because they are not applicable, not required or the information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.













S-1

 




Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

CTS’ management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including CTS’ Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, CTS conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control–Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

In January 2008, CTS acquired Tusonix, Inc., which has facilities in Tucson, Arizona and Nogales, Mexico.  Each facility reports financial results that are included in this report for the year ended December 31, 2008.  CTS’ management has not made an assessment of the Tusonix business’ internal control over financial reporting since the date of acquisition.  The Tusonix business’ assets and liabilities acquired were $14.8 million and $2.3 million, respectively and the sales included in CTS’ 2008 financial statements were approximately $14.0 million. The Tusonix business was not included in CTS’ evaluation of the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures.

In its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, management determined that its internal control over financial reporting, excluding the Tusonix business described above, was effective as of December 31, 2008.


CTS Corporation
Elkhart, Indiana
February 23, 2009
 
 
 
 
         
/s/ Vinod M. Khilnani
   
/s/ Donna L. Belusar
 
Vinod M. Khilnani
   
Donna L. Belusar
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
   
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
S-2