form10-q.htm


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

 
(Mark One)
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended April 1, 2007
OR
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Transition Period from _______________ to _______________

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: 574-293-7511

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                 No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of  “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  o                               Accelerated filer  x                             Non-accelerated filer  o

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of May 29, 2007: 35,884,265.


CTS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
  
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
  
 
                           Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings
3
 
                - For the Three Months ended April 1, 2007 and April 2, 2006
  
 
 
 
  
 
                   Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
4
 
                    - As of April 1, 2007, and December 31, 2006
  
 
 
 
  
 
                           Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
5
 
                - For the Three Months Ended April 1, 2007 and April 2, 2006
  
 
 
 
  
 
6
 
            - For the Three Months Ended April 1, 2007 and  April 2, 2006
  
 
 
 
  
 
                   Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
7
 
 
 
  
 
Item 2.
17
 
 
 
  
 
Item 3.
24
 
 
 
  
 
Item 4.
24
 
 
 
  
OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
  
 
Item 1.
26
       
 
Item 1A.
26
 
 
 
  
 
Item 6.
26
 
 
 
  
 
27




 
PART I  -  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 

CTS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS - UNAUDITED
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 
  
Three Months Ended
  
 
  
April 1, 2007
    
April 2, 2006
  
 
  
 
    
 
  
Net sales
   $
163,258
     $
150,493
  
Costs and expenses:
                
Cost of goods sold
    
132,920
      
120,452
  
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
    
21,241
      
16,886
  
Research and development expenses
    
4,120
      
4,092
  
Loss/(gain) on sales of assets
    
29
       (496 )
Restructuring charge
    
—
      
1,962
  
Operating earnings
    
4,948
      
7,597
  
Other (expense) income:
                
Interest expense
     (691 )     (1,111 )
Interest income
    
479
      
125
  
Other
    
386
      
3
  
Total other expense
    
174
       (983 )
                 
Earnings before income taxes
    
5,122
      
6,614
  
Income tax expense - Note J
    
1,076
      
1,574
  
Net earnings
   $
4,046
     $
5,040
  
 
                
Net earnings per share - Note H
                
Basic
   $
0.11
     $
0.14
  
 
                
Diluted
   $
0.11
     $
0.13
  
 
                
Cash dividends declared per share
   $
0.03
     $
0.03
  
 
                
Average common shares outstanding:
                
Basic
    
35,824
      
35,821
  
Diluted
    
40,410
      
40,234
  

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

CTS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - UNAUDITED
(In thousands of dollars)
 
 
 
April 1,
2007
 
 
December 31, 2006*
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
36,364
 
 
$
38,630
 
  Accounts receivable, less allowances (2007 - $2,182; 2006 - $2,139)
 
 
101,671
 
 
 
106,012
 
  Inventories, net - Note C
 
 
71,763
 
 
 
60,543
 
  Other current assets
 
 
23,495
 
 
 
22,435
 
     Total current assets
 
 
233,293
 
 
 
227,620
 
Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation (2007  - $263,577; 2006 - $259,548)
 
 
94,082
 
 
 
96,468
 
Other Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Prepaid pension asset - Note E
 
 
102,899
 
 
 
100,666
 
  Goodwill
 
 
24,657
 
 
 
24,657
 
  Other intangible assets
 
 
38,359
 
 
 
39,154
 
  Deferred income taxes – Note J
 
 
33,298
 
 
 
37,401
 
  Other
 
 
1,858
 
 
 
1,867
 
     Total other assets
 
 
201,071
 
 
 
203,745
 
Total Assets
 
$
528,446
 
 
$
527,833
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Notes payable
 
$
3,513
 
 
$
5,425
 
  Current portion of long-term debt – Note D
 
 
—
 
 
 
186
 
  Accounts payable
 
 
76,168
 
 
 
78,205
 
  Accrued liabilities
 
 
42,501
 
 
 
41,865
 
     Total current liabilities
 
 
122,182
 
 
 
125,681
 
Long-term debt  - Note D
 
 
60,000
 
 
 
60,635
 
Other long-term obligations
 
 
22,668
 
 
 
22,494
 
Shareholders’ Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Preferred stock - authorized 25,000,000 shares without par value; none issued
 
 
—
 
 
 
—
 
  Common stock - authorized 75,000,000 shares without par value; 53,766,073 shares issued at April 1, 2007 and 53,718,801 shares issued at
December 31, 2006
 
 
277,123
 
 
 
276,553
 
  Additional contributed capital
 
 
28,304
 
 
 
27,899
 
  Retained earnings
 
 
318,340
 
 
 
315,370
 
  Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
 
(30,622
)
 
 
(31,283
)
 
 
 
593,145
 
 
 
588,539
 
Cost of common stock held in treasury (2007 - 17,897,708 shares and  2006 - 17,717,657 shares)
 
 
(269,549
)
 
 
(269,516
)
   Total shareholders’ equity
 
 
323,596
 
 
 
319,023
 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
 
$
528,446
 
 
$
527,833
  
 
*The balance sheet at December 31, 2006, has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date.
 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 





CTS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - UNAUDITED
(In thousands of dollars)

 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
April 1, 2007
 
 
April 2, 2006
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings
 
$
4,046
 
 
$
5,040
 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       Depreciation and amortization
 
 
5,772
 
 
 
6,687
 
       Equity-based compensation – Note B
 
 
1,094
 
 
 
865
 
       Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Accounts receivable
 
 
4,341
 
 
 
(3,216
)
      Inventories
 
 
(11,220
)
 
 
(366
)
      Other current assets
 
 
(980
)
 
 
(2,906
)
      Prepaid pension asset
 
 
(2,233
)
 
 
(1,197
)
      Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
 
2,642
 
 
 
(1,825
)
      Other
 
 
656
 
 
 
(453
)
Total adjustments
 
 
72
 
 
 
(2,411
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
 
4,118
 
 
 
2,629
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
 
 
(2,687
)
 
 
(2,479
)
Proceeds from sales of assets
 
 
36
 
 
 
513
 
Net cash used in investing activities
 
 
(2,651
)
 
 
(1,966
)
 

Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Payments of long-term debt
 
 
(857
)
 
 
(34,165
)
Proceeds from borrowings of long-term debt
 
 
—
 
 
 
34,040
 
Increase (decrease) in short-term notes payable
 
 
(1,912
)
 
 
825
 
Dividends paid
 
 
(1,076
)
 
 
(1,076
)
Other
 
 
36
 
 
 
39
 
Net cash used in financing activities
 
 
(3,809
)
 
 
(337
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effect of exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents
 
 
76
 
 
 
282
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
 
(2,266
)
 
 
608
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
 
 
38,630
 
 
 
12,029
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
 $
36,364
 
 
 $
12,637
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental cash flow information
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash paid during the period for:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest
 
 $
228
 
 
 $
559
 
Income taxes—net
 
 $
162
 
 
 $
1,360
 

 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. 


 

CTS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS - UNAUDITED
(In thousands of dollars)


 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
April 1, 2007
 
 
April 2, 2006
 
Net earnings
 
$
4,046
 
 
$
5,040
 
Other comprehensive earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cumulative translation adjustment
 
 
1
 
 
 
535
 
Amortization of retirement benefit adjustments (net of tax)
 
 
660
 
 
 
—
 
Comprehensive earnings
 
$
4,707
 
 
$
5,575
 

 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.



NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - UNAUDITED
April 1, 2007
 
NOTE A - Basis of Presentation
 
The accompanying condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared by CTS Corporation (CTS or the Company), without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements, notes thereto, and other information included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.
 
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements reflect, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring items) necessary for a fair statement, in all material respects, of the financial position and results of operations for the periods presented.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period.  Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.  The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire year.
 
NOTE B - Equity-Based Compensation
 
Effective January 1, 2006, CTS adopted the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB) Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment.”  FAS No. 123(R) requires that CTS recognize expense related to the fair value of equity-based compensation awards in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings.

At April 1, 2007, CTS had five equity-based compensation plans:  the 1988 Restricted Stock and Cash Bonus Plan (1988 Plan), the 1996 Stock Option Plan (1996 Plan), the 2001 Stock Option Plan (2001 Plan), the Nonemployee Directors’ Stock Retirement Plan (Directors’ Plan), and the 2004 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan (2004 Plan).  As of December 2004, additional grants can only be made under the 2004 Plan.  CTS believes that equity based awards align the interest of employees with those of its shareholders.

The 2004 Plan, and previously the 1996 Plan and 2001 Plan, provides for grants of incentive stock options or nonqualified stock options to officers, key employees, and nonemployee members of CTS’ board of directors.  In addition, the 2004 Plan allows for grants of stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units, and other stock awards.

The following table summarizes the compensation expense included in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings for the three months ended April 1, 2007 and April 2, 2006 relating to these plans:

($ in thousands)
  
April 1, 2007
    
April 2, 2006
  
Stock options (1)
   $
178
     $
223
  
Restricted stock units
    
875
      
581
  
Restricted stock
    
41
      
61
  
Total
   $
1,094
     $
865
  

(1)  
Stock option expense includes $5 and $14 in the quarters ending April 1, 2007 and April 2, 2006, respectively, related to non-employee director stock options.
_______________________

 
 
The following table summarizes the status of these plans as of April 1, 2007:

   
2004 Plan
    
2001 Plan
    
1996 Plan
  
Awards originally available
    
6,500,000
      
2,000,000
      
1,200,000
  
Stock options outstanding
    
323,300
      
879,388
      
296,550
  
Restricted stock units outstanding
    
574,961
      
—
      
—
  
Awards exercisable
    
122,188
      
818,188
      
283,950
  
Awards available for grant
    
5,426,447
      
—
      
—
  
 

Stock Options
 
Stock options are exercisable in cumulative annual installments over a maximum 10-year period, commencing at least one year from the date of grant.   Stock options are generally granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant.  The stock options generally vest over four years and have a 10-year contractual life.  The awards generally contain provisions to either accelerate vesting or allow vesting to continue on schedule upon retirement if certain service and age requirements are met.   The awards also provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control event.

The Company estimates the fair value of the stock option on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and assumptions for expected price volatility, option term, risk-free interest rate, and dividend yield.  Expected price volatilities are based on historical volatilities of the Company’s stock.  The expected option term is derived from historical data on exercise behavior.  The dividend yield is based on historical dividend payments.  The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.
 
A summary of the status of stock options as of April 1, 2007 and April 2, 2006, and changes during the three-month periods then ended, is presented below:

 
  
April 1, 2007
    
April 2, 2006
  
 
  
Options
    
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
    
Options
    
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
  
Outstanding at beginning of year
    
1,526,863
     $
15.88
      
1,567,499
     $
15.93
  
Granted
    
—
      
—
      
—
      
—
  
Exercised
     (9,150 )    
8.59
       (16,000 )    
8.54
  
Expired
     (7,625 )    
37.32
       (20,475 )    
26.93
  
Forfeited
     (10,850 )    
11.66
       (7,050 )    
9.31
  
Outstanding at end of period
    
1,499,238
     $
15.85
      
1,523,974
     $
15.89
  
 
Exercisable at end of period
    
1,187,488
     $
16.96
      
1,061,481
     $
18.38
  


 
 
The total intrinsic value of share options exercised during the quarters ended April 1, 2007 and April 2, 2006 was $54,600 and $65,000, respectively.

A summary of the weighted-average remaining contractual term and aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable at April 1, 2007 is presented below:

 
Weighted-average
Remaining Contractual Life
  
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
  
Options outstanding
5.5 years
   $
3,776
  
Options exercisable
4.9 years
    
3,082
  


A summary of the nonvested stock options as of April 1, 2007 and April 2, 2006, and changes during the three-month periods then ended, is presented below:


 
  
April 1, 2007
    
April 2, 2006
  
 
  
Options
    
Weighted-average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
    
Options
    
Weighted-average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
  
Nonvested at beginning of year
    
340,900
     $
6.11
      
488,943
     $
6.94
  
Granted
    
—
      
—
      
—
      
—
  
Vested
     (18,300 )    
4.96
       (19,400 )    
4.62
  
Forfeited
     (10,850 )    
6.95
       (7,050 )    
4.64
  
Nonvested at end of period (1)
    
311,750
     $
6.15
      
462,493
     $
7.06
  

(1) Based on historical experience CTS currently expects approximately 310,000 of these options to vest.
__________________________
 
 
The total fair value of shares vested during the quarters ended April 1, 2007 and April 2, 2006 was $91,000 and $90,000, respectively.  As of April 1, 2007, there was $472,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options.  That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.3 years.  CTS recognizes expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was, in substance, multiple awards.

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at April 1, 2007:

 
    
Options Outstanding
    
Options Exercisable
  
           
Weighted-
                    
           
Average
    
Weighted-
          
Weighted-
  
Range of
    
Number
    
Remaining
    
Average
    
Number
    
Average
  
Exercise
    
Outstanding
    
Contractual of
    
Exercise
    
Exercisable
    
Exercise
  
Prices
    
at 4/1/07
    
Life (Years)
    
Price
    
At 4/1/07
    
Price
  
$
7.70 – 11.11
      
849,513
      
6.4
     $
9.39
      
632,863
     $
8.95
  
 
13.68 – 16.24
      
234,300
      
6.6
      
14.11
      
139,200
      
14.36
  
 
23.00 – 33.63
      
314,175
      
3.8
      
24.53
      
314,175
      
24.53
  
 
35.97 – 50.00
      
100,750
      
3.5
      
46.94
      
100,750
      
46.94
  
 
56.94 – 79.25
      
500
      
2.7
      
79.25
      
500
      
79.25
  
 
 
 
Service-Based Restricted Stock Units
 
Service-based restricted stock units (RSUs) entitle the holder to receive one share of common stock for each unit when the unit vests.  RSUs are issued to officers and key employees as compensation.  Generally, the RSUs vest over a five-year period.  A summary of the status of RSUs as of April 1, 2007 and April 2, 2006, and changes during the three-month periods then ended is presented below:

 
  
April 1, 2007
    
April 2, 2006
  
 
  
RSUs
    
Weighted-average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
    
RSUs
    
Weighted-average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
  
Outstanding at beginning of year
    
658,138
      
12.21
      
525,898
     $
11.49
  
Granted
    
1,500
      
15.65
      
20,000
      
12.26
  
Converted
     (56,377 )    
13.48
       (12,310 )    
12.27
  
Forfeited
     (28,300 )    
12.25
       (13,460 )    
11.25
  
Outstanding at end of period
    
574,961
      
12.35
      
520,128
     $
11.51
  
Weighted-average remaining contractual life
  
4.3 years
            
4.9 years
          

As of April 1, 2007, there was $3.3 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested RSUs.  That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years.  CTS recognizes expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was, in substance, multiple awards.

Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units
 
During the first quarter of 2007, CTS established performance-based restricted stock unit awards for certain executives.  Executives will receive between 0% to 200% of their target awards based on achievement of year-over-year sales growth and free cash flow performance goals for fiscal year 2007.  Restricted stock unit awards will be made in 2008 following a determination of the extent to which performance goals were achieved.  Performance-based restricted stock units will cliff vest and convert one-for-one to CTS common stock three years after the end of the 2007 fiscal year.   CTS intends to review its assumptions about the level of performance goal achievement on a quarterly basis and to adjust the related compensation expense accordingly.  CTS recorded compensation expense of $45,000 related to performance-based restricted stock units during the first quarter of 2007.

Restricted Stock and Cash Bonus Plan
 
CTS’ 1988 Plan originally reserved 2,400,000 shares of CTS’ common stock for sale at market price, or award, to key employees.  Under the 1988 Plan, 28,866 shares of Restricted Stock were outstanding as of April 1, 2007.  Shares sold or awarded are subject to restrictions against transfer and repurchase rights of CTS.  In general, restrictions lapse at the rate of 20% per year beginning one year from the grant date.  In addition, the 1988 Plan provides for a cash bonus to the participant equal to the fair market value of shares on the dates restrictions lapse, in the case of an award.  The total bonus paid to any participant during the restricted period is limited to twice the fair market value of the shares on the date of award or sale. As of April 1, 2007, there was $144,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested Restricted Stock.  That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.3 years.  CTS recognizes expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was, in substance, multiple awards.

Stock Retirement Plan
The Directors’ Plan provides for a portion of the total compensation payable to nonemployee directors to be deferred and paid in CTS stock.  The Directors Plan was frozen effective December 1, 2004.  All future grants will be from the 2004 Plan.
 
NOTE C - Inventories
 
Inventories consist of the following:

($ in thousands)
  
April 1,
2007
    
December 31, 2006
  
Finished goods
   $
14,871
     $
12,336
  
Work-in-process
    
16,767
      
15,059
  
Raw materials
    
40,125
      
33,148
  
Total inventories
   $
71,763
     $
60,543
  
 
 
 
NOTE D – Debt
 
Long-term debt was comprised of the following:

($ in thousands)
  
April 1,
2007
    
December 31, 2006
  
Revolving credit agreement due in 2011
   $
—
     $
—
  
Convertible, senior subordinated debentures at a weighted-average interest rate of 2.125%, due in 2024
    
60,000
      
60,000
  
Term loan, weighted-average interest rate of 8.0% (2007) and 7.3% (2006), due in 2011
    
—
      
821
  
     
60,000
      
60,821
  
Less current maturities
    
—
      
186
  
Total long-term debt
   $
60,000
     $
60,635
  

On June 27, 2006, CTS entered into a new $100 million, unsecured revolving credit agreement.  Under the terms of the new revolving credit agreement, CTS can expand the credit facility to $150 million.  There were no amounts outstanding under the new revolving credit agreement at April 1, 2007.  Interest rates on the new revolving credit agreement fluctuate based upon LIBOR and the Company’s quarterly total leverage ratio.  CTS pays a commitment fee on the undrawn portion of the new revolving credit agreement.  The commitment fee varies based on the quarterly leverage ratio and was 0.15 percent per annum at April 1, 2007.  The new revolving credit agreement requires, among other things, that CTS comply with a maximum total leverage ratio and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio.  Failure of CTS to comply with these covenants could reduce the borrowing availability under the new revolving credit agreement.  CTS was in compliance with all debt covenants at April 1, 2007.

The revolving credit agreement requires CTS 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-end.  Due to the accounting investigation described in Note B "Restatement of the Consolidated Financial Statements" in CTS' Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on May 15, 2007, the company and its lenders entered into an agreement under which the lenders agreed to waive these dates until June 30, 2007.  Additionally, the new revolving agreement contains restrictions limiting CTS’ 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 CTS’ subsidiaries and affiliates; and the amounts allowed for stock repurchases and dividend payments.  The new revolving credit agreement expires in June 2011.  The former $75 million revolving credit agreement was terminated in connection with the execution of the new revolving credit agreement.
 
CTS has $60 million convertible senior subordinated debentures (2.125% Debentures). These unsecured debentures bear interest at an annual rate of 2.125%, payable semiannually on May 1 and November 1 of each year through the maturity date of May 1, 2024. The 2.125% Debentures are convertible, under certain circumstances, into CTS common stock at a conversion price of $15.00 per share (which is equivalent to an initial conversion rate of approximately 66.6667 shares per $1,000 principal amount of the notes). Upon conversion of the 2.125% Debentures, in lieu of delivering common stock, the Company may, at its discretion, deliver cash or a combination of cash and common stock.

The conversion price of the 2.125% Debentures will be adjusted if CTS completes certain transactions, including: distribution of shares as a dividend to substantially all shareholders; subdivision, combination or reclassification of its common stock; distribution of stock purchase warrants to substantially all shareholders; distribution of cash, stock or property to shareholders in excess of  $0.03 per share; or purchase of its common stock pursuant to a tender offer or exchange offer under certain circumstances.
 
Holders may convert the 2.125% Debentures at any time during a conversion period if the closing price of CTS common stock is more than 120% of the conversion price ($18.00 per share) for at least 20 of the 30 consecutive trading days immediately preceding the first trading day of the conversion period. The conversion periods begin on February 15, May 15, August 15, and November 15 of each year. Holders may also convert the notes if certain corporate transactions occur. As of April 1, 2007, none of the conditions for conversion of the 2.125% million Debentures were satisfied.
 
CTS may, at its option, redeem all or a portion of the 2.125% Debentures for cash at any time on or after May 1, 2009, at a redemption price equal to the principal amount of the notes plus any accrued and unpaid interest at the redemption date. Holders may require CTS to purchase for cash all or part of their notes on May 1, 2009, 2014, and 2019, or upon the occurrence of certain events, at 100% of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but not including, the date of purchase.

As of December 31, 2006, the Company also had an $0.8 million (denominated in Thailand Baht) outstanding term loan that was assumed in connection with the acquisition of SMTEK.  This loan was secured by machinery and equipment at the Thailand manufacturing facility and was repaid by CTS in March 2007.

 
 
 
NOTE E - Retirement Plans

Effective December 31, 2006, CTS adopted all of the provisions of FAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R).”  FAS No. 158 requires employers to: a) recognize the funded status of a benefit plan—measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value and the benefit obligation—in its statement of financial position, b) recognize as a component of other comprehensive income, net of tax, the gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arise during the period but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost pursuant to FAS No. 87, “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions,” or FAS No. 106, “Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions,” c) measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations as of the date of the employer’s fiscal year-end statement of financial position, and d) disclose in the notes to financial statements additional information about certain effects on net periodic benefit cost for the next fiscal year that arise from delayed recognition of the gains or losses, prior service costs or credits, and transition asset or obligation. As required by the standard, CTS has applied these FAS No. 158 requirements prospectively.
 
Net pension (income) / postretirement expense for the three months ended April 1, 2007 and April 2, 2006 includes the following components:
 

 
  
Pension Plans
    
Other Postretirement
Benefit Plans
  
($ in thousands) 
  
April 1, 2007
    
April 2, 2006
    
April 1, 2007
    
April 2, 2006
  
Service cost
   $
1,211
     $
1,276
     $
6
     $
4
  
Interest cost
    
2,996
      
3,012
      
83
      
75
  
Expected return on plan assets 1  
     (6,338 )     (6,175 )    
—
      
—
  
Amortization of prior service cost
    
225
      
134
      
—
      
—
  
Amortization of gain/loss
    
839
      
644
      
—
      
—
  
Curtailment loss
    
—
      
325
      
—
       (81 )
(Income)/expense, net
   $ (1,067 )   $ (784 )   $
89
     $ (2 )
 
1 Expected return on plan assets is net of expected investment expenses and certain administrative expenses.
_____________________
 
 
In the first quarter of 2006, CTS recognized a pension plan curtailment loss of approximately $0.3 million and another postretirement benefit plan curtailment gain of approximately $0.1 million due to reduced employment levels.  Also, effective April 1, 2006, CTS closed one of its U.S. defined benefit plans to new participants.

 
 
NOTE F - Segments
 
FAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” requires companies to provide certain information about their operating segments.  CTS has 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, CTS provides full turnkey manufacturing and completion including design, bill-of-material management, logistics, and repair.
 
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; terminators, including ClearONE™ terminators, used in computer and other high speed applications, switches, resistor networks, and potentiometers used to serve multiple markets.
 
The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K.  Management evaluates performance based upon segment operating earnings before restructuring and related charges, interest expense, other non-operating income, and income tax expense.

Summarized financial information concerning CTS’ reportable segments is shown in the following table:

($ in thousands)
  
EMS
    
Components and Sensors
    
Total
  
First Quarter of 2007
  
 
    
 
    
 
  
Net sales to external customers
   $
93,726
     $
69,532
     $
163,258
  
Segment operating earnings
    
3
      
4,945
      
4,948
  
Total assets
    
170,179
      
358,267
      
528,446
  
 
                        
First Quarter of 2006
                        
Net sales to external customers
   $
82,865
     $
67,628
     $
150,493
  
Segment operating earnings
     (781 )    
10,499
      
9,718
  
Total assets
    
154,041
      
384,227
      
538,268
  
 
 
Reconciling information between reportable segments’ operating earnings and CTS’ consolidated pre-tax income is shown in the following table:
 

($ in thousands)
  
First Quarter
2007
    
First Quarter
2006
  
Total segment operating earnings
   $
4,948
     $
9,718
  
Restructuring and related charges - Components and Sensors
    
—
       (2,121 )
Interest expense
     (691 )     (1,111 )
Interest income
    
479
      
125
  
Other income
    
386
      
3
  
Earnings before income taxes
   $
5,122
     $
6,614
  
 

 
 
NOTE G -Contingencies
 
Certain processes in the manufacture of CTS’ current and past products create hazardous waste by-products as currently defined by federal and state laws and regulations.  CTS has been notified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, state environmental agencies and, in some cases, generator groups, that it is or may be a Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) regarding hazardous waste remediation at several non-CTS sites.  In addition to these non-CTS sites, CTS has an ongoing practice of providing reserves for probable remediation activities at certain of its manufacturing locations and for claims and proceedings against CTS 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 the consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows of CTS.
 
Certain claims are pending against CTS with respect to matters arising out of the ordinary conduct of its business.  For all claims, in the opinion of management, based upon presently available information, either adequate provision for anticipated costs has been made or the ultimate anticipated costs resulting will not materially affect CTS’ consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
NOTE H - Earnings Per Share
 
FAS No. 128, “Earnings per Share,” requires companies to provide a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) computations. The calculations below provide net earnings, average common shares outstanding, and the resultant earnings per share for both basic and diluted EPS for the quarters ending April 1, 2007 and April 2, 2006.
 

($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
  
Net Earnings (Numerator)
    
Shares
(in thousands) (Denominator)
    
Per Share Amount
  
First Quarter 2007
  
 
    
 
    
 
  
Basic EPS
   $
4,046
      
35,824
    
$
0.11
  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                        
Convertible debt
    
251
      
4,000
          
Equity-based compensation plans
    
—
      
586
          
Diluted EPS
   $
4,297
      
40,410
      
0.11
  
 
                        
First Quarter 2006
                        
Basic EPS
   $
5,040
      
35,821
     $
0.14
  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                        
Convertible debt
    
241
      
4,000
          
Equity-based compensation plans
            
413
          
Diluted EPS
   $
5,281
      
40,234
     $
0.13
  
 
 
The following table shows the potentially dilutive securities which have been excluded from the first quarter 2007 and 2006 dilutive earnings per share calculation because they are either anti-dilutive, or the exercise price exceeds the average market price.

 
  
Three Months Ended
  
(Number of shares in thousands)
  
April 1, 2007
    
April 2, 2006
  
Stock options where the assumed proceeds exceed the average market price of common shares during the period
    
550
      
834
  
Securities related to the 6.5% convertible debentures
    
—
      
274
  


 
 
NOTE I – Leases

CTS incurred approximately $1.5 million and $1.3 million of rent expense in the quarters ending April 1, 2007 and April 2, 2006, respectively.  The future minimum lease payments under the Company’s operating leases are $4.2 million for the remainder of 2007, $4.6 million in 2008, $4.3 million in 2009, $3.0 million in 2010, $2.3 million in 2011, and $2.7 million thereafter.
 

NOTE J – Income Taxes

On January 1, 2007, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (FIN 48).  FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income tax positions recognized in accordance with FAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN 48 requires that an enterprise must determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not threshold is then measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements.
 
At the date of adoption, CTS had approximately $4.3 million of unrecognized tax benefits, which, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate.  Of this amount, approximately $3.6 million was reclassified from current tax liabilities to a reduction of the long-term deferred tax asset in accordance with the provisions of FIN 48.  The remaining $0.7 million was reclassified from current tax liabilities to long term deferred tax liabilities.  Adoption of this interpretation had no other impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.  For the three months ended April 1, 2007, CTS did not have a change to its total unrecognized tax benefits of $4.3 million.  These benefits are not expected to be realized within the next twelve months.    
 
CTS’ continuing practice is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters as income tax expense. As of April 1, 2007, there were no significant amounts accrued for interest and/or penalties related to uncertain income tax positions.

The Company’s tax years are subject to examination for all U.S. jurisdictions from 2003 through 2006.  The international tax statutes vary widely and the tax years subject to examination range from 2001 through 2006. Taxing authorities also have the ability to review prior tax years to the extent of net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards and apply these changes to open tax years. CTS does not anticipate any significant changes in the unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months as the result of examinations or lapse of statutes of limitation.
 
The provisions for income taxes for the first quarter of 2007 were calculated using an estimated full year rate of 21.0% compared to 23.8% for the first quarter of 2006 and an actual effective rate of  21.1% for the full year 2006.  The reduction in the effective tax rate between first quarter 2006 and first quarter 2007 was attributable to a higher percentage of foreign earnings on lower taxed jurisdictions relative to total foreign earnings.
 
 
 
NOTE K – New Accounting Pronouncements
 
EITF 06-03 “How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income Statement (That Is, Gross Versus Net Presentation)”
In June 2006, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) reached a consensus on EITF Issue No. 06-03, “How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income Statement (That Is, Gross Versus Net Presentation)” (EITF 06-03).  EITF 06-03 provides that the presentation of taxes assessed by a governmental authority that is directly imposed on a revenue-producing transaction between a seller and a customer on either a gross basis (included in revenue and costs) or on a net basis (excluded from revenues) is an accounting policy decision that should be disclosed.  The previsions of EITF 06-3 are effective for CTS as of January 1, 2007.  CTS classifies sales taxes on a net basis in its consolidated financial statements.

FAS No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements”
In September 2006, the FASB issued FAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”(FAS No. 157).  FAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. FAS No. 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements, and accordingly, does not require any new fair value measurements. FAS No. 157 is effective for CTS beginning January 1, 2008. CTS is currently reviewing the provisions of FAS No. 157, but does not expect it to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

FAS No. 159 “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”
In February 2007, the FASB issued Financial Accounting Standard No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (FAS No. 159).  FAS No. 159 provides the option to report certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value, with the intent to mitigate volatility in financial reporting that can occur when related assets and liabilities are recorded on different bases.  This statement is effective for CTS beginning January 1, 2008.  CTS does not expect FAS No. 159 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.








 
Item 2.          Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Overview
 
CTS is a global manufacturer of components and sensors used primarily in the automotive, communications, and computer markets. The Company also provides electronic manufacturing solutions, including design and supply chain management functions, primarily serving the communications, computer, industrial, medical and defense and aerospace markets under contract arrangements with the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).  Sales and marketing are accomplished through CTS sales engineers, independent manufacturer’s representatives, and distributors. Sales are reported through two segments, Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) and Components and Sensors.
 
In the first quarter of 2007, sales of EMS and Components and Sensors segments represented 57.4% and 42.6% of CTS’ total sales respectively, compared to 55.1% and 44.9% respectively in the first quarter of 2006.
 
As discussed in more detail throughout the Management's Discussion and Analysis:

·  
Sales increased by $12.8 million, or 8.5%, in the first quarter of 2007 from the first quarter of 2006.  Sales in the EMS segment increased by 13.1% compared to the first quarter of 2006, while sales in the Components and Sensors segment increased by 2.8% versus the first quarter of 2006.

·  
Gross margins, as a percent of sales, were 18.6% and 20.0% in the first quarter of 2007 and 2006, respectively.  Gross margins decreased due to an unfavorable change in the segment sales mix versus the first quarter of 2006 as the EMS segment, which inherently generates a lower gross margin, increased to 57.4% of total sales in first quarter of 2007 compared to 55.1% of total sales in the same period of 2006.  In addition, higher sales of lower margin products in the Components and Sensor Segment affected the gross margins adversely.  Royalty income was also lower year-over-year.

·  
Selling, general and administrative, and research and development expenses were 15.5% of total sales in the first quarter of 2007 compared to 13.9% of total sales in the first quarter of 2006.  Growth in the percent of sales is primarily related to two factors.  First quarter 2007 included approximately $1.3 million of legal and accounting fees associated with the recent accounting investigation (refer to Note B, “Restatement of the Consolidated Financial Statements” in CTS’ Annual Report on Form 10-K filed May 15, 2007), while first quarter 2006 included approximately $1.5 million for a favorable insurance claim settlement, which had the effect of reducing general and administrative expenses.

·  
Income taxes for the first quarter of 2007 were calculated using an estimated full-year rate of 21.0% compared to 23.8% for the first quarter of 2006 and an actual effective rate of 21.1% for the full year 2006.

·  
Net earnings were $4.0 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2007 compared with $5.0 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2006.

·  
First quarter 2007 earnings per diluted share were adversely impacted by approximately $0.02 per share of legal and accounting fees associated with the recent accounting investigation.  First quarter 2006 diluted earnings per share were $0.13, including restructuring and related costs of $0.04 per share for the consolidation of the Berne, Indiana operation.  First quarter 2006 results benefited from a $0.03 per share favorable insurance claim settlement and approximately $0.02 per share from higher royalty income.



 
 
Critical Accounting Policies
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations discusses the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
 
Management believes that judgment and estimates related to the following critical accounting policies could materially affect its consolidated financial statements.

§
Estimating inventory valuation, the allowance for the doubtful accounts, and other accrued liabilities
 
§
Valuation of long-lived and intangible assets, and depreciation/amortization periods

§
Income taxes

§
Retirement plans

§
Equity-based compensation
 
In the first quarter of 2007, there were no changes in the above critical accounting policies.

 
Results of Operations
 
Comparison of First Quarter 2007 and First Quarter 2006
 
Segment Discussion
 
Refer to Note F, “Segments,” for a description of the Company’s segments.
 
The following table highlights the segment results for the three-month periods ending April 1, 2007 and April 2, 2006:
 
($ in thousands)
  
Components & Sensors
    
EMS
    
Consolidated Total
  
First Quarter 2007
  
 
    
 
    
 
  
Sales
   $
69,532
     $
93,726
     $
163,258
  
Segment operating earnings
    
4,945
      
3
      
4,948
  
% of sales
     7.1 %     0.0 %     3.0 %
 
                        
First Quarter 2006
                        
Sales
   $
67,628
     $
82,865
     $
150,493
  
Segment operating earnings
    
10,499
       (781 )    
9,718
  
% of sales
     15.5 %     (0.9 )%     6.5 %
 
Sales in the Components and Sensors segment increased $1.9 million, or approximately 2.8% from the first quarter of 2006, attributed primarily to higher automotive component demand partially offset by a decrease in electronic component sales.

 
 
The Components and Sensors segment operating earnings were $4.9 million in the first quarter of 2007 versus $10.5 million in the first quarter of 2006.  Despite the favorable impact of higher sales, segment operating earnings decreased $5.6 million.  Approximately half of the decrease resulted from several unusual items in the first quarter of 2006.  First quarter 2006 included higher than normal royalty payments of $0.7 million, gains on sales of assets of $0.5 million and a favorable insurance claim of $1.5 million.  The remaining unfavorable earnings change resulted from less favorable product mix and higher operating expenses, including the incremental legal and accounting fees and increased severance costs.
 
The EMS segment recorded a sales increase of $10.9 million, or 13.1%, in the first quarter of 2007 versus the first quarter of 2006.  The increase in sales was attributable primarily to higher sales into the defense and aerospace, communications, and industrial markets, partially offset by continuing lower sales into the computer market.
 
The EMS segment operating earnings, at breakeven, improved $0.8 million primarily due to better gross margins resulting from higher sales volume and more favorable product mix, partially offset by incremental legal and accounting fees incurred in the first quarter of 2007.
 
Total Company Discussion
 
The following table highlights changes in significant components of the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the three-month periods ended April 1, 2007 and April 2, 2006:
 
 
 
Three months ended
 
 
 
 
 
($ in thousands, except net earnings per share)
 
April 1, 2007
 
 
April 2, 2006
 
 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
Net sales
 
$
163,258
 
 
$
150,493
 
 
$
12,765
 
Restructuring-related costs
 
 
-
 
 
 
159
 
 
 
(159
)
% of net sales
 
 
-
%
 
 
0.1
%
 
 
(0.1
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross margin
 
 
30,338
 
 
 
30,041
 
 
 
297
 
% of net sales
 
 
18.6
%
 
 
20.0
%
 
 
(1.4
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
 
21,240
 
 
 
16,886
 
 
 
4,354
 
% of net sales
 
 
13.0
%
 
 
10.9
%
 
 
2.1
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Research and development expenses
 
 
4,120
 
 
 
4,092
 
 
 
28
 
% of net sales
 
 
2.5
%
 
 
2.7
%
 
 
(0.2
)%
                         
(Gain)/Loss on asset sales
    
29
      
(496)
      
525
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring charge
 
 
-
 
 
 
1,962
 
 
 
(1,962
)
% of net sales
 
 
-
%
 
 
1.3
%
 
 
(1.3
)%
                         
Operating earnings
 
 
4,948
 
 
 
7,597
 
 
 
(2,649
)
% of net sales
 
 
3.0
%
 
 
5.0
%
 
 
(2.0
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax expense
 
 
1,076
 
 
 
1,574
 
 
 
(498
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings
 
 
4,046
 
 
 
5,040
 
 
 
(994
)
% of net sales
 
 
2.5
%
 
 
3.3
%
 
 
(0.8
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings per share - diluted
 
$
0.11
 
 
 
0.13
 
 
$
(0.02
)
 
First quarter sales of $163.3 million increased $12.8 million, or 8.5%, from the first quarter of 2006.  The increase was attributable primarily to higher sales of $10.9 million from the EMS segment.  The Components and Sensors segment sales increased $1.9 million from strong automotive new product demand, partially offset by lower electronic component demand.
 
 
 
Gross margin as a percent of sales was 18.6% in the first quarter of 2007 compared to 20.0% the first quarter of 2006 due to unfavorable segment sales mix, lower royalties and less favorable product mix.  The Components and Sensors segment decreased to 42.6% of total sales in the first quarter of 2007 compared to 44.9% of total sales in the same period of 2006.  The gross margin decrease was partially offset by higher sales volumes.
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $21.2 million, or 13.0% of sales, in the first quarter of 2007 versus $16.9 million, or 11.2% of sales in the first quarter of 2006.  Growth in the percent of sales is primarily related to two factors.  First quarter 2007 included approximately $1.3 million of legal and accounting fees associated with the recent accounting investigation, while first quarter 2006 included approximately $1.5 million for a favorable insurance claim settlement.  Research and development expenses were $4.1 million, or 2.5% of sales in the first quarter of 2007 versus $4.1 million, or 2.7% of sales in the first quarter of 2006.  Research and development expenditures in the EMS segment are typically much lower than in the Components and Sensors segment.  Significant ongoing research and development activities continue in Components and Sensors to support expanded application and new product development.
 
Operating earnings were $4.9 million in the first quarter of 2007 compared to $7.6 million in the first quarter of 2006.   The decrease in operating earnings was primarily attributable to higher selling, general and administrative expenses as described above, partially offset by lower restructuring and related costs of $2.1 million.

Income taxes for the first quarter of 2007 were calculated using an estimated full-year rate of 21.0% compared to 23.8% for the first quarter of 2006 and an actual effective rate of 21.1% for the full year 2006.

Net earnings were $4.0 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2007 compared to $5.0 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2006.

Outlook

Based on the first quarter results and the outlook for the remainder of the year, CTS expects full-year 2007 sales to grow by 5% - 8% over 2006.  Full-year diluted earnings per share are expected to be in a range of $0.71 to $0.75.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

Cash and cash equivalents were $36.4 million at April 1, 2007 compared to $38.6 million at December 31, 2006.  Total debt on April 1, 2007 was $63.5 million, lower than $66.2 million at the end of 2006.  Total debt as a percentage of total capitalization was 16.4% at the end of the first quarter of 2007, compared with 17.2% at the end of 2006.

Working capital increased $9.2 million in the first quarter of 2007 versus year-end 2006, primarily driven by the following:

·  
Inventory increased by $11.2 million in part attributable to a planned build-ahead for a certain customer program.  This customer had prepaid $7.0 million, which is held in a customer deposit account, and has been used to offset approximately $4.5 million of inventory costs.

·  
Accounts payable decreased by $2.0 million.

        Working capital increases were partially offset by:

·  
Accounts receivable decreased by $4.3 million.

·  
Accrued liabilities increased by $0.6 million.


 
Cash Flow

Operating Activities
 
Net cash provided by operating activities was $4.1 million for the first quarter of 2007.  Components of net cash provided by operating activities include net earnings of $4.0 million, depreciation and amortization expense of $5.8 million and equity-based compensation of $1.1 million, offset by unfavorable changes in assets and liabilities of $6.8 million.  The unfavorable changes in assets and liabilities were primarily due to increased inventory of $11.2 million and an increase in prepaid pension asset of $2.2 million, partially offset by decreased accounts receivable of $4.3 million and increased accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $2.6 million.
 
Net cash provided by operating activities was $2.6 million for the first quarter of 2006.  Components of net cash provided by operating activities included net earnings of $5.0 million, depreciation and amortization expense of $6.7 million and equity-based compensation of $0.9 million, partially offset by unfavorable changes in assets and liabilities of $10.0 million.  The unfavorable changes in assets and liabilities were primarily due to increased accounts receivables of $3.2 million, an increase in other current assets of $2.9 million, an increase in prepaid pension asset of $1.2 million and a decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $1.8 million.
 
Total free cash flow in the first quarter of 2007 was $1.4 million compared to free cash flow in the first quarter of 2006 of $0.1 million.
 
Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure that CTS defines as net cash provided by operations less capital expenditures.  The most comparable GAAP measure is net cash provided by operations.  CTS' management uses free cash flow to evaluate financial performance and in strategic planning, specifically, for investing and financing decisions.  CTS' management believes that free cash flow is a useful measure because it indicates the ability of a business operation to fund its own required capital investments.  CTS' management believes that the non-GAAP measure free cash flow is useful to investors because it reflects the performance of its overall operations more accurately than net cash provided by operations and because it provides investors with the same results that management uses as the basis for making decisions about the business.  Free cash flow is not an indicator of residual cash available for discretionary spending, because it does not take into account mandatory debt service or other non-discretionary spending requirements which are not deducted in the calculation of free cash flow.  CTS' management takes these limitations into account when using free cash flow to make investing and financing decisions.
 
The following table summarizes free cash flow for CTS:
 

 
  
Three Months Ended
  
($ in millions) 
  
April 1, 2007
    
April 2, 2006
  
Net cash provided by operations
   $
4.1
     $
2.6
  
Capital expenditures
     (2.7 )     (2.5 )
Free cash flow
   $
1.4
     $
0.1
  

Net cash used in investing activities was $2.7 million for the first quarter of 2007, primarily for capital expenditures.

Net cash used in investing activities was $2.0 million for the first quarter of 2006, including $2.5 million used for capital expenditures partially offset by $0.5 million in proceeds for sale of assets.

Net cash used in financing activities for the first quarter of 2007 was $3.8 million, consisting primarily of $2.8 million in decreased short-term and long-term debt and $1.1 million in dividend payments.

Net cash used in financing activities for the first quarter of 2006 was $0.3 million, consisting primarily of $1.1 million in dividend payments partially offset by $0.8 million in increased short-term notes payable.

 
 
Capital Resources

Refer to Note D, “Debt,” for further discussion.

On June 27, 2006, CTS entered into a new $100 million, unsecured revolving credit agreement.  Under the terms of the new revolving credit agreement, CTS can expand the credit facility to $150 million.  There were no amounts outstanding under the new revolving credit agreement at April 1, 2007.  Interest rates on the new revolving credit agreement fluctuate based upon LIBOR and the Company’s quarterly total leverage ratio.  CTS pays a commitment fee on the undrawn portion of the new revolving credit agreement.  The commitment fee varies based on the quarterly leverage ratio and was 0.15 percent per annum at April 1, 2007.  The new revolving credit agreement requires, among other things, that CTS comply with a maximum total leverage ratio and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio.  Failure of CTS to comply with these covenants could reduce the borrowing availability under the new revolving credit agreement.  CTS was in compliance with all debt covenants at April 1, 2007.  Additionally, the new revolving agreement contains restrictions limiting CTS' 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 CTS' subsidiaries and affiliates, and limiting the amounts allowed for stock repurchases and dividend payments.  The new revolving credit agreement expires in June 2011.  The former $75 million revolving credit agreement was terminated in connection with the execution of the new revolving credit agreement.

As described in Note B to the Consolidated Financial Statements in CTS’ Annual Report on Form 10-K filed May 15, 2007, the Company commenced an investigation of accounting misstatements at its Moorpark, California manufacturing location in February 2007.   As a result, the Company was unable to file its 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K on time and was unable to file its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the first quarter of 2007 within the time required by Securities and Exchange Commission regulations.  Accordingly, on March 13, 2007, the Company and its lenders entered into an agreement under which the lenders agreed to waive, until June 30, 2007, the requirements under the new credit agreement that CTS deliver quarterly financial statements, annual financial statements, auditor certifications and compliance certificates with respect to the quarter ending April 1, 2007 and the year ended December 31, 2006.
 
CTS believes cash flows from operating activities and available borrowings under its revolving credit agreement will be adequate to fund its working capital and capital expenditure requirements.  CTS may choose to pursue additional equity and/or debt financing to fund acquisitions and/or to reduce its overall interest expense or improve its capital structure.

In November 2005, CTS’ Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to one million shares of common stock.  The authorization expires June 30, 2007. Reacquired shares will be used to support equity-based compensation programs and for other corporate purposes.  During 2006, CTS repurchased 170,600 shares at a total cost of $2.3 million.   During the first quarter of 2007 no shares were repurchased.  At April 1, 2007 and December 31, 2006, CTS was authorized to repurchase approximately 690,000 additional shares.

On December 14, 1999, CTS’ shelf registration statement on Form S-3 was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission.  CTS could initially offer up to $500.0 million in any combination of debt securities, common stock, preferred stock or warrants under the registration statement.  During the first three months of 2007, CTS did not issue any securities under this registration statement.  As of April 1, 2007, CTS could offer up to $435.1 million of additional debt and/or equity securities under this registration statement.  On May 9, 2007, CTS filed a post-effective amendment on Form S-1 to deregister all of the securities remaining unsold under the registration statement.
 

 
 
 
New Accounting Pronouncements

EITF 06-03 “How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income Statement (That Is, Gross Versus Net Presentation)”
In June 2006, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) reached a consensus on EITF Issue No. 06-03, “How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income Statement (That Is, Gross Versus Net Presentation)” (EITF 06-03).  EITF 06-03 provides that the presentation of taxes assessed by a governmental authority that is directly imposed on a revenue-producing transaction between a seller and a customer on either a gross basis (included in revenue and costs) or on a net basis (excluded from revenues) is an accounting policy decision that should be disclosed.  The previsions of EITF 06-3 are effective for CTS as of January 1, 2007.  CTS classifies sales taxes on a net basis in its consolidated financial statements.

FAS No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements”
In September 2006, the FASB issued FAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”(FAS No. 157).  FAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. FAS No. 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements, and accordingly, does not require any new fair value measurements. FAS No. 157 is effective for CTS beginning January 1, 2008. CTS is currently reviewing the provisions of FAS No. 157, but does not expect it to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

FAS No. 159 “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”
In February 2007, the FASB issued Financial Accounting Standard No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (FAS No. 159).  FAS No. 159 provides the option to report certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value, with the intent to mitigate volatility in financial reporting that can occur when related assets and liabilities are recorded on different bases.  This statement is effective for CTS beginning January 1, 2008.  CTS does not expect FAS No. 159 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.


*****

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.  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.  For more detailed information on the risks and uncertainties associated with CTS’ business, see our reports filed with the SEC.  Examples of factors that may affect future operating results and financial condition include, but are not limited to: rapid technological change; general market conditions in the automotive, communications, and computer industries, as well as conditions in the industrial, defense & aerospace, and medical markets; reliance on key customers; 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; and the impact of the accounting misstatements at its Moorpark and Santa Clara, California locations.  CTS undertakes no obligation to publicly update its forward-looking statements to reflect new information or events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof, including market or industry changes.
 




 
  
Item 3.
 
There have been no other material changes in CTS’ market risk since December 31, 2006.
 
Item 4.

CTS’ management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e).

In February 2007, CTS announced that it was investigating incorrect accounting entries at its Moorpark, California manufacturing location and that its financial statements for the first three quarters of 2006 should not be relied upon.  The investigation determined that incorrect entries transferred significant costs from income statement accounts, primarily cost of goods sold, to balance sheet accounts, primarily accounts payable, beginning in 2005 and continuing through 2006.  For more information on these matters, please refer to Item 1A, Risk Factors; Item 9A Controls and Procedures; Note B to the consolidated financial statements, “Restatement of the Consolidated Financial Statements”; and Management 's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting in CTS’ 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed May 15, 2007.  Management determined that the effect of the misstatements on CTS' 2006 consolidated financial statements was material and accordingly amendments to CTS’ 2006 Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q/A restating CTS' condensed consolidated financial statements for each of the first three quarters of 2006 were filed contemporaneously with CTS’ 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K. In addition, as a result of the incorrect entries discussed above CTS restated its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2005 in its 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

In its assessment of internal control over financial reporting for the year ended December 31, 2006, CTS' management concluded that a material weakness existed in CTS' internal control over financial reporting. The following control deficiencies, on a combined basis, resulted in the material weakness related to the Moorpark and Santa Clara, California manufacturing locations:
 
·  
Monitoring and accountability over the operating effectiveness of controls including effective operation of designed controls over reconciliations, journal entry approval and oversight.
 
·  
Ability to set-up fictitious vendors and ability to make payments to vendors without appropriate support and approval.
 
·  
Lack of effectiveness of the internal audit function to obtain an understanding of process and controls at the Moorpark and Santa Clara, California locations.
 
Prior to identifying the material weakness described above, CTS’ management had taken actions to strengthen the  Moorpark and Santa Clara accounting organization by replacing the Moorpark plant controller and adding a Santa Clara plant controller.  Since identifying the material weakness, CTS has implemented the following changes to strengthen its internal control over financial reporting:

·  
Increased review and approval of all manual journal entries by the entity controllers.
·  
Increased review and approval of all account reconciliation activities by the entity controllers.
·  
Added a senior Corporate accountant to provide additional review and oversight of all key accounting processes globally, including manual journal entries and key account reconciliations.
·  
Increased internal audit resources and revised internal audit programs to increase the scope and frequency of audits.
·  
Standardized and strengthened the account reconciliation process at both Moorpark and Santa Clara.
·  
Completed a review of all Moorpark and Santa Clara vendors.
·  
Removed the controllers’ ability to set-up vendors and make payments through the financial information system.

Management believes these actions have strengthened the internal control environment at both Moorpark and Santa Clara and that these actions will remediate the material weakness described above.  These internal control enhancements will be tested throughout the year to confirm that they are operating effectively.

 
 
In addition, CTS intends to implement the following changes over the course of 2007 to further strengthen its internal control environment:

·  
Further enhance the Moorpark and Santa Clara reporting system documentation and user training.
·  
Continue to strengthen operating policies, including policies around pricing adjustments, customer returns and vendor disputes at all CTS locations.
·  
Institute additional operational monitoring reports to review and track early warning signs e.g. short payments, premium freight and customer rejects at all CTS locations.
·  
Further enhance and document CTS’ annual vendor certification process at all CTS locations.
·  
Standardize and strengthen the account reconciliation process at all CTS locations.

As of April 1, 2007 CTS' management, including its Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer, have carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of CTS' disclosure controls and procedures.  Based on the determination that the material weakness remediations in CTS' internal control over financial reporting described above have not been fully tested, CTS’ Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have determined that CTS' disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of April 1, 2007.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Except as described above, there were no changes in CTS' internal control over financial reporting for the quarter ended April 1, 2007 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect CTS' internal control over financial reporting.


 
 
PART II  -   OTHER INFORMATION
 

Certain processes in the manufacturer of CTS’ current and past products create hazardous waste by-products as currently defined by federal and state laws and regulations.  CTS has been notified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, state environmental agencies and, in some cases, generator groups that it is or may be a Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) regarding hazardous waste remediation at several non-CTS sites.  In addition to these non-CTS sites, CTS  has an ongoing practice of providing reserves for probably remediation activities at certain of its manufacturing locations and for claims and proceedings against CTS 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 probably costs has been made, or the ultimate costs resulting will not materially affect the consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows of CTS.

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

Item 1A.      Risk Factors

There have been no significant changes in the Company’s risk factors since December 31, 2006.

Item 6.          Exhibits

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.
 




SIGNATURES

 
Pursuant to the requirements 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      CTS Corporation  
/s/ Richard G. Cutter III
    
/s/ Vinod M. Khilnani
  
Richard G. Cutter III
    
Vinod M. Khilnani
  
Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel
    
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
  
         
 Dated: May 31, 2007      Dated: May 31, 2007