CTS CORP - Annual Report: 2014 (Form 10-K)

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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K

Commission File Number: 1-4639

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

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 ý

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 ý

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 ý     No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    ý Yes     o No

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.

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

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 27, 2014, was approximately $620,000,000. There were 33,443,286 shares of common stock, without par value, outstanding on February 18, 2015.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

(1)

Portions of the 2014 Annual Report to Shareholders are incorporated herein by reference in Part II.

(2)

Portions of the Proxy Statement to be filed for the annual meeting of shareholders to be held on or about May 21, 2015 are incorporated by reference in Part III.

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Safe Harbor

Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains statements that are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, any financial or other guidance, statements that reflect our current expectations concerning future results and events, and any other statements that are not based solely on historical fact. Forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations, certain assumptions and currently available information. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof and are based on various assumptions as to future events, the occurrence of which necessarily are subject to uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are made subject to certain risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those presented in the forward-looking statements. Examples of factors that may affect future operating results and financial condition include, but are not limited to: changes in the economy generally and in respect to the business in which CTS operates; unanticipated issues in integrating acquisitions; the results of actions to reposition our business; rapid technological change; general market conditions in the automotive, communications, and computer industries, as well as conditions in the industrial, defense and aerospace, and medical markets; reliance on key customers; unanticipated natural disasters or other events; the ability to protect our intellectual property; pricing pressures and demand for our products; and risks associated with our international operations, including trade and tariff barriers, exchange rates and political and geopolitical risks. Many of these, and other, risks and uncertainties are discussed in further detail in Item 1A. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We undertake no obligation to publicly update our forward-looking statements to reflect new information or events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof, including market or industry changes.

PART I

Item 1.  Business

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

We design, manufacture, and sell a broad line of sensors, electronic components and actuators primarily to original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") for the automotive, communications, defense and aerospace, medical, industrial and computer 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.

On October 2, 2013, CTS sold its Electronics Manufacturing Solutions ("EMS") business to Benchmark Electronics, Inc. ("Benchmark") for approximately $75,000,000 in cash. The sale of EMS, along with the announcement of a restructuring plan in June 2013 ("June 2013 Plan"), has allowed CTS to sharpen its focus on its remaining businesses. The 2012 and 2013 amounts in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) related to EMS have been reported separately as Discontinued operations.

See the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in the 2014 Annual Report to Shareholders, portions of which are filed as Exhibit 13 hereto, for financial information regarding the Company, which is incorporated herein by reference.

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PRODUCTS BY MAJOR MARKETS

Our products perform specific electronic functions for a given product family and are intended for use in customer assemblies. Our major markets 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 defense and aerospace and computer markets.

The following table provides a breakdown of net sales by industry as a percent of consolidated net sales from continuing operations:

The following table identifies major products by industry. Products are sold in several industry OEMs and through distributors.

MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION

Sales and marketing to OEMs, is accomplished through our sales engineers, independent manufacturers' representatives, and distributors. We maintain sales offices in China, Germany, Japan, Scotland, Singapore, India, Taiwan and the United States. Approximately 90% of 2014 net sales from continuing operations were attributable to our sales engineers.

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

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We utilize the services of independent manufacturers' representatives in the United States and other countries for customers not serviced directly by our sales engineers. Independent manufacturers' representatives receive commissions from CTS. During 2014, approximately 5% of net sales from continuing operations were attributable to independent manufacturers' representatives. We also use independent distributors. Independent distributors purchase products from CTS for resale to customers. In 2014, independent distributors accounted for approximately 5% of net sales from continuing operations.

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 components:

Conductive inks and contactors, passive electronic components, integrated circuits and semiconductors, certain rare earth elements ("REEs"), ceramic components, plastic components, molding compounds, printed circuit boards and assemblies, quartz blanks and crystals, wire harness assemblies, copper, brass, gold and steel-based raw materials and components.

These raw materials are purchased from several vendors, and, except for certain semiconductors, REEs, 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, REEs, and conductive inks from a limited number of vendors, alternative sources are available.

We do not currently anticipate any significant 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 us 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.

PATENTS, TRADEMARKS, AND LICENSES

We maintain a program of obtaining and protecting U.S. and non-U.S. patents relating to products that we have designed and manufactured, as well as processes and equipment used in our manufacturing technology. We were issued 10 new U.S. patents and 17 non-U.S. patents in 2014 and currently hold 159 U.S. patents and 153 non-U.S. patents. We have 10 registered U.S. trademarks, 25 foreign trademarks and two international trademark registrations. We have licensed the right to use several of our patents to both U.S. and non-U.S. companies. In 2014, license and royalty income was less than 1% of net sales.

MAJOR CUSTOMERS

Our 15 largest customers as a percentage of total net sales were as follows:

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Our net sales to significant customers as a percentage of total net sales were as follows:

No other customer accounted for 10% or more of total net sales during these periods.

CTS 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 CTS. 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 of January 25, 2015, and January 26, 2014.

Order backlog as of the January month-end will generally be filled during the same fiscal year.

COMPETITION

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 us.

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.

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We believe we compete most successfully in custom engineered products manufactured to meet specific applications of major OEMs.

NON-U.S. REVENUES

Our net sales to external customers originating from non-U.S. operations as a percentage of total net sales were as follows:

Our percentages of total assets that are located at non-U.S. operations were as follows:

A substantial portion of these assets, other than cash and cash equivalents, cannot readily be liquidated. We believe the business risks to our non-U.S. operations, though substantial, are normal risks for global 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, India, Mexico and Taiwan.

See Note 18 "Geographic Data" to the Consolidated Financial Statements, which are included in Exhibit 13 hereto, for further geographic information, which is incorporated herein by reference.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES

A summary of amounts spent for research and development activities is as follows:

Ongoing research and development activity is primarily focused on expanded applications and new product development, as well as current product and process enhancements.

We believe a strong commitment to research and development is required for future growth. 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.

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EMPLOYEES

We employed 2,948 people at December 31, 2014, with 76.0% of these employees located outside the United States. We employed 2,918 people at December 31, 2013. Approximately 179 CTS employees at one location in the United States were covered by two collective bargaining agreements as of December 31, 2014. One agreement, which covers 151 employees, is scheduled to expire in 2015 and the other, which covers 28 employees, is scheduled to expire in 2016.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

We are incorporated in the State of Indiana. Our principal corporate office is located at 1142 West Beardsley Avenue, Elkhart, Indiana 46514.

Our internet address is http://www.ctscorp.com. We make available free of charge 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"). The information contained on or accessible through our internet website is not part of this or any other report we file or furnish to the SEC, other than the documents that we file with the SEC that are incorporated by reference herein.

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, 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.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY

Executive Officers.    The following serve as executive officers of CTS as of February 24, 2015. The executive officers are expected to serve until the next annual meeting of the Board of Directors, scheduled to be held on or about May 21, 2015, at which time the election of officers will be considered again by the Board of Directors.

Kieran O'Sullivan — 52 — President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board — joined CTS on January 7, 2013. Before joining CTS, Mr. O'Sullivan served as Executive Vice President of Continental AG's Global Infotainment and Connectivity Business and led the NAFTA Interior Division, having joined Continental AG, a global automotive supplier, in 2006.

Ashish Agrawal — 44 — Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. On November 11, 2013, Mr. Agrawal was elected Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for CTS. Mr. Agrawal joined CTS in June 2011 as Vice President, Treasury and Corporate Development, and was elected as Treasurer on September 1, 2011. Before joining CTS, Mr. Agrawal was with Dometic Corporation, a manufacturer of refrigerators, awnings and air conditioners, as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since 2007.

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Robert J. Patton — 49 — Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. Mr. Patton joined CTS and was elected Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary on December 5, 2013. Before joining CTS, Mr. Patton served as General Counsel for Commercial Affairs at Continental AG since 2006.

Anthony Urban — 53 — Vice President and General Manager. On November 11, 2013, Mr. Urban was appointed Vice President. Mr. Urban joined CTS through its acquisition of D&R Technology, LLC, a manufacturer of custom design sensors, switches and electromechanical assemblies primarily serving the light-vehicle market, in December 2012, where he was President and co-owner for 14 years.

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 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.

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 financial condition to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Before you invest in us, 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.

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 from continuing operations. 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 accounting positions 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 accounting positions are subject to review and possible challenge by taxing authorities and to possible changes in law, which may have retroactive

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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 may be unable to compete effectively against competitors.

Our industry is highly competitive and 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 also may materially adversely affect our ability to compete against these manufacturers going forward. 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 us 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 or 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 may experience difficulties that could delay or prevent the successful development, introduction and marketing of new products or product enhancements and our new products or product enhancements may not adequately meet the requirements of the marketplace or 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 may 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 may 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 may 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 may reduce our ability to estimate accurately future customer requirements. This may make it difficult to schedule production and maximize utilization of our manufacturing capacity. Anticipated orders may not materialize and delivery schedules may be

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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 causes 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 that 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 that have experienced economic and industry downturns. The markets for our 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 their products also negatively affect our business, financial condition and operating results. Any adverse occurrence, including among others, industry slowdown, recession, political instability, costly or constraining regulations, budget cuts or reduced government spending, 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 experienced labor disruptions in the past. Furthermore, the automotive industry is highly cyclical in nature and sensitive to changes in general economic conditions, consumer preferences and interest rates. Some of our automotive customers have required government bailouts and/or have filed for bankruptcy reorganization. The failure of one or more automotive manufacturers that we serve may result in the failure to receive payment in full in the past for products sold and an abrupt cancellation in demand for certain products. Weakness in auto demand, the insolvency of automobile manufacturers that we serve or their suppliers, and 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 automotive and medical device manufacturing markets, the risk of exposure to product 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. Accordingly, our results of operations, cash flow and financial position could be adversely affected.

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Toyota's voluntary recall of CTS-manufactured accelerator pedals and associated events has led to claims against CTS and loss of business.

We manufacture accelerator pedal assemblies for a number of automobile manufacturers, including subsidiaries of Toyota Motor Corporation ("Toyota"). We have supplied accelerator pedal assemblies to Toyota since the 2005 model year. We manufacture all pedal assemblies to specifications approved by the customer, including Toyota.

In January 2010, Toyota issued a voluntary recall for approximately 2.3 million vehicles in North America containing CTS-manufactured accelerator pedal assemblies. The recall expanded to include vehicles in Europe and Asia. In addition, Toyota temporarily halted production and sale of eight vehicle models using these pedal assembly designs. The recall was issued due to what Toyota described as "a rare set of conditions which may cause the accelerator pedal to become harder to depress, slower to return or, in the worst case, stuck in a partially depressed position."

No accidents, injuries, or deaths have been proven directly or proximately to result from slow returning or sticking CTS-manufactured pedals. We are aware that we have been named as a defendant in lawsuits filed in the United States and Canada stemming from allegations of problems with Toyota vehicles, and additional lawsuits may follow. CTS is not aware of any legal actions filed in Asia or Europe against CTS at this time.

While Toyota has repeatedly acknowledged that CTS designs products to Toyota's specifications and the recall is Toyota's responsibility, and Toyota has agreed to indemnify us in connection with certain third-party claims and actions, we cannot assure you that Toyota will not seek to recover a portion of their recall-related costs from us, and the insurance we carry may not be sufficient to cover all such costs. Accordingly, our results of operations, cash flow and financial position could be adversely affected.

We are exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates that may 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; and local conditions and events that may affect our production volumes, such as labor conditions and political instability.

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 repatriation and

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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; and communication among and management of international operations. In addition, these same factors may also place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to some of our foreign competitors.

In addition, we could be adversely affected by violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA") and similar worldwide anti-bribery laws. The FCPA and similar anti-bribery laws in other jurisdictions generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to non-U.S. officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Our Code of Ethics mandates compliance with these anti-bribery laws. We operate in many parts of the world that have experienced governmental corruption to some degree and, in certain circumstances, strict compliance with anti-bribery laws may conflict with local customs and practices. We cannot assure you that our internal controls and procedures always will protect us from the reckless or criminal acts committed by our employees or agents. If we are found to be liable for FCPA violations (either due to our own acts or our inadvertence or due to the acts or inadvertence of others), we could suffer from criminal or civil penalties or other sanctions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Furthermore, because a significant portion of our products are manufactured in Asia, including China, 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 2013, we initiated the June 2013 Plan which is to designed to revise and consolidate certain operations for the purpose of improving our cost structure. The implementation of this plan will result in the elimination of approximately 350 positions within our global operations. During the fourth quarter of 2014, CTS management amended the June 2013 Plan. The amendment added the elimination of approximately 130 additional positions and additional cost to settle CTS' U.K. pension plan. The positions eliminated will be spread globally throughout CTS businesses. The above actions are expected to be substantially complete in 2015.

In 2014, we initiated a restructuring plan to consolidate our Canadian operations into other existing CTS facilities. These restructuring actions will result in the elimination of approximately 120 positions. These actions are expected to be completed in 2015.

We may incur restructuring and impairment charges in the future if circumstances warrant. If we 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.

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 and the expected long-term return on plan assets. If these assumptions prove to be significantly different from actual rates, then we may need to record additional expense relating to the pension plans, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and could require cash contributions to fund future pension obligation payments.

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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. In addition, we may not be able to successfully or profitably integrate, operate, maintain and manage our newly acquired operations or employees. 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. Even if we are initially successful in integrating a new operation, 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 we have taken to prevent misappropriation of our technology may be inadequate. 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.

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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 supplier. 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 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 substances at several sites either owned, not owned or operated by CTS. Some sites are Superfund sites such as in Asheville, North Carolina and Mountain View, California. 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.

Future events, such as the discovery of additional contamination or other information concerning past releases of hazardous substances at our manufacturing sites (or at sites we have sent wastes for disposal), changes in existing environmental laws

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or their interpretation, and more rigorous efforts by regulatory authorities, may require additional expenditures by us to modify operations, install pollution control equipment, clean contaminated sites or curtail our operations. These expenditures could have a negative impact on our operations.

In addition, we could be affected by future laws or regulations imposed in response to climate change concerns. Such laws or regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operation.

Our indebtedness may adversely affect our financial health.

Our debt consists 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; or limit our ability to borrow additional funds that may be needed to operate and expand our business. Moreover, an increase in interest rates could increase our interest expense.

Our credit facility contains provisions that could materially restrict our business.

Our revolving credit facility requires us to deliver quarterly financial statements, annual financial statements, auditors certifications and compliance certificates within a specified number of days after the end of a quarter and year. Additionally, the revolving credit facility contains restrictions limiting 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; engage in certain transactions with our subsidiaries and affiliates; and the amounts allowed for stock repurchases and dividend payments.

The restrictions contained in our credit facility 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.

Further, our ability to comply with our loan covenants may be affected by events beyond our control and if we breach any of these covenants or restrictions, it could result in an event of default under our credit facility, 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.

New regulations related to conflict minerals could adversely impact our business.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act contains provisions to improve transparency and accountability concerning the supply of certain minerals, known as conflict minerals, originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo ("DRC") and adjoining countries. As a result, in August 2012, the SEC adopted annual disclosure and reporting requirements for those companies who use conflict minerals mined from the DRC and adjoining countries in their products. The requirements of this act required due diligence efforts to be initiated in fiscal 2013, with initial disclosure requirements beginning in May 2014. There have been and will continue to be costs associated with complying with these disclosure requirements, including for diligence to determine the sources of conflict minerals used in our products and other potential changes to products, processes or sources of supply as a consequence of such verification activities. The implementation of these rules could adversely affect the sourcing, supply and pricing of materials used in our products. As there may be only a limited number of suppliers offering conflict-free minerals, we cannot be sure that we will be able to obtain necessary conflict minerals from such suppliers in sufficient quantities or at competitive prices. Also, we may face reputational

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challenges if we determine that certain of our products contain minerals not determined to be conflict free or if we are unable to sufficiently verify the origins for all conflict minerals used in our products through the procedures we may implement.

Ineffective internal control over our 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 ("Sarbanes-Oxley"). Our controls necessary for continued compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley 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, the effectiveness of our internal controls 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.

Natural disasters may adversely impact our capability to supply product to our customers.

We operate manufacturing operations in various sites in North America, Asia and Europe. Natural disasters at one of these locations may lead to disruption in our capability to supply product to our customers. In some cases, it may not be possible for us to find an alternate manufacturing location for certain product lines, further impacting our capability to recover from such a disruption.

Increased IT security threats and more sophisticated and targeted computer crime could pose a risk to our systems, networks and products.

Increased global information technology security threats and more sophisticated and targeted computer crime pose a risk to the security of our systems and networks and the confidentiality, availability and integrity of our data and communications. While we attempt to mitigate these risks by employing a number of measures — including employee training, comprehensive monitoring of our networks and systems, and maintenance of backup and protective systems — our systems, networks and products remain potentially vulnerable to advanced persistent threats. Depending on their nature and scope, such threats could potentially lead to the compromising of confidential information and communications, improper use of our systems and networks, manipulation and destruction of data, defective products, production downtimes and operational disruptions, which in turn could adversely affect our reputation, competitiveness and results of operations.

Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments

Not applicable.

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Item 2.  Properties

As of February 24, 2015, we had manufacturing facilities, administrative, research and development and sales offices in the following locations:

We regularly assess the adequacy of our manufacturing facilities for manufacturing capacity, available labor, and proximity 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.

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Item 3.  Legal Proceedings

We manufacture accelerator pedals for a number of automobile manufacturers, including subsidiaries of Toyota. In January 2010, Toyota initiated a recall of a substantial number of vehicles in North America containing pedals manufactured by CTS. The recall expanded to include vehicles in Europe and Asia. The pedal recall and associated events have led to us being named as a co-defendant with Toyota in certain litigation. CTS is not aware of any legal actions filed in Asia or Europe against CTS at this time.

In February 2010, we entered into an agreement with Toyota whereby Toyota agreed that it will indemnify, defend, and hold us harmless from, and the parties will cooperate in the defense of, certain third-party civil claims and actions that are filed or asserted in the United States or Canada and that arise from or relate to alleged incidents of unintended acceleration of Toyota and Lexus vehicles. If it is determined that CTS acted negligently in selecting materials or processes where we had sole control over the selection process, in failing to meet Toyota's specifications, or in making unapproved changes in component design or materials, and such negligence caused or contributed to a claim, we will be responsible for any judgment that may be rendered against us individually, or any portion of a judgment that may be allocated to us, but limited only to the extent of insurance collected from our insurers. Toyota would remain responsible to defend CTS in these actions and would remain responsible for any balance of the remaining liability over amounts recovered by insurance. The agreement also does not cover costs or liabilities in connection with government investigations, government hearings, or government recalls. CTS cannot assure that Toyota will not seek to recover a portion of its recall-related costs from CTS, or that the insurance CTS carries will be sufficient to cover such costs.

Presently, we have been served process and are a named co-defendant with Toyota in thirty-one lawsuits. The claims generally fall into two categories, those that allege sudden unintended acceleration of Toyota vehicles led to injury or death, and those that allege economic harm to owners of Toyota vehicles related to vehicle defects. Some suits combine elements of both. Claims include demands for compensatory and special damages. To date, the only actions filed where we are aware we have been named as a co-defendant are civil actions filed in the Unites States or Canada. All currently open lawsuits are subject to the indemnification agreement described above. Some of these lawsuits arise out of incidents involving models for which we do not manufacture the pedal, such as all Lexus models, the Toyota Prius, and the Toyota Tacoma, or for which we manufacture only a portion of the pedals, such as the Toyota Camry. Many lawsuits have been consolidated in federal multidistrict litigation in the United States District Court, Southern District of California, though some remain in various other courts.

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

See NOTE 9 "Contingencies" in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures

        Not applicable.

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PART II

Item 5.  Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

CTS common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "CTS." On February 18, 2015, there were approximately 1,233 common shareholders of record.

CTS increased its quarterly dividend to $0.04 per share, or an annual rate of $0.16 per share, in the fourth quarter of 2013. The quarterly dividend was previously $0.035 per share or an annual rate of $0.14. 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)

As shown in the following table, there were CTS common stock repurchases made by CTS during the three months ended December 31, 2014:

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Item 6.  Selected Financial Data

Five-Year Summary

(Amounts in thousands, except percentages and per share amounts)