CTS Corporation Form 10-Q for the Period Ended July 2, 2006




 
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 July 2, 2006
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 July 24, 2006: 35,900,777.



CTS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
3
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
3
 
 
 
 
 
3
 
                      - For the Three and Six Months ended July 2, 2006 and July 3, 2005
 
 
 
 
 
 
                              Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
4
 
                              - As of July 2, 2006, and December 31, 2005
 
 
 
 
 
 
                              Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
5
 
                              - For the Six Months Ended July 2, 2006 and July 3, 2005
 
 
 
 
 
 
                              Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings
6
 
                      - For the Three and Six Months Ended July 2, 2006 and July 3, 2005
 
 
 
 
 
 
                              Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
7
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
18
 
 
 
 
 
Item 3.
29
 
 
 
 
 
Item 4.
29
 
 
 
 
OTHER INFORMATION
29
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
29
       
 
Item 1A.
29
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
30
       
 
Item 4.
31
       
 
Item 6.
31
 
 
 
 
 
32





 
PART I  -  FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
 
 
Item 1.
 

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



 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
 
July 2, 2006
 
July 3, 2005
 
July 2, 2006
 
July 3, 2005
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
 
$
165,925
 
$
158,346
 
$
316,418
 
$
313,676
 
Costs and expenses:
                         
Cost of goods sold
   
131,945
   
126,054
   
250,364
   
253,169
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
19,924
   
17,404
   
36,661
   
35,161
 
Research and development expenses
   
4,070
   
4,567
   
8,162
   
9,354
 
Restructuring charge - Note C
   
920
   
   
2,882
   
 
Operating earnings
   
9,066
   
10,321
   
18,349
   
15,992
 
Other (expense) income:
                     
Interest expense
   
(1,034
)
 
(1,582
)
 
(2,145
)
 
(3,299
)
Interest income
   
198
   
396
   
323
   
815
 
Other
   
59
   
(326
)
 
62
   
(300
)
Total other expense
   
(777
)
 
(1,512
)
 
(1,760
)
 
(2,784
)
                           
Earnings before income taxes
   
8,289
   
8,809
   
16,589
   
13,208
 
Income tax expense — Note M
   
1,973
   
4,867
   
4,048
   
5,879
 
Net earnings
 
$
6,316
 
$
3,942
 
$
12,541
 
$
7,329
 
 
Net earnings per share — Note K
                       
Basic
 
$
0.18
 
$
0.11
 
$
0.35
 
$
0.20
 
                           
Diluted
 
$
0.16
 
$
0.10
 
$
0.32
 
$
0.19
 
                           
Cash dividends declared per share
 
$
0.03
 
$
0.03
 
$
0.06
 
$
0.06
 
Average common shares outstanding:
                       
Basic
   
35,843
   
36,621
   
35,832
   
36,508
 
Diluted
   
40,145
   
41,226
   
40,189
   
41,101
 

 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.



CTS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS — UNAUDITED
(dollars in thousands)

   
 July 2, 2006
 
 December 31, 2005*
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
17,651
 
$
12,029
 
Accounts receivable, less allowances (2006 - $2,741; 2005 - $2,373)
   
104,600
   
91,265
 
Inventories — Note F
   
65,012
   
60,564
 
Other current assets
   
17,989
   
16,816
 
Total current assets
   
205,252
   
180,674
 
Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation (2006 - $254,788; 2005 - $252,545)
   
104,450
   
109,676
 
Other Assets
           
Prepaid pension asset — Note H
   
155,289
   
152,483
 
Goodwill
   
24,657
   
24,657
 
Other intangible assets, net
   
40,745
   
42,347
 
Deferred income taxes
   
22,045
   
22,011
 
Other
   
1,713
   
2,088
 
Total other assets
   
244,449
   
243,586
 
Total Assets
 
$
554,151
 
$
533,936
 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities
         
Notes payable
 
$
12,095
 
$
13,299
 
Current portion of long-term debt - Note G
   
173
   
164
 
Accounts payable
   
74,060
   
67,196
 
Accrued liabilities
   
43,974
   
39,274
 
Total current liabilities
   
130,302
   
119,933
 
Long-term debt - Note G
   
64,266
   
68,293
 
Other long-term obligations
   
16,350
   
16,139
 
Shareholders’ Equity
           
Preferred stock - authorized 25,000,000 shares without par value; none issued
   
   
 
Common stock — authorized 75,000,000 shares without par value; 53,674,917 shares issued at July 2, 2006 and 53,576,243 shares issued at December 31, 2005
   
276,183
   
275,211
 
Additional contributed capital
   
25,842
   
24,743
 
Retained earnings
   
307,344
   
296,956
 
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss)
   
1,739
   
(244
)
 
   
611,108
   
596,666
 
Cost of common stock held in treasury (17,776,027 shares at 2006 and 17,717,657 shares at 2005)
   
(267,875
)
 
(267,095
)
Total shareholders’ equity
   
343,233
   
329,571
 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
 
$
554,151
 
$
533,936
 
 
*The balance sheet at December 31, 2005, 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)

   
Six Months Ended
 
   
July 2, 2006
 
 July 3, 2005
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings
 
$
12,541
 
$
7,329
 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
             
Depreciation and amortization
   
13,200
   
13,649
 
Prepaid pension asset
   
(3,131
)
 
(4,132
)
Equity-based compensation
   
2,065
   
1,159
 
Restructuring charge
   
2,882
   
 
Deferred income taxes
   
   
3,048
 
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects from purchase of SMTEK
             
Accounts receivable
   
(13,335
)
 
10,011
 
Inventories
   
(4,447
)
 
(1,564
)
Other current assets
   
(1,300
)
 
(3,336
)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
   
8,651
   
(1,977
)
Other
   
301
   
389
 
Total adjustments
   
4,886
   
17,247
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
17,427
   
24,576
 
 
             
Cash flows from investing activities:
             
Payment for purchase of SMTEK, net of cash acquired
   
   
(35,561
)
Capital expenditures
   
(5,848
)
 
(5,911
)
Proceeds from sales of assets
   
1,227
   
800
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(4,621
)
 
(40,672
)

Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
  
 
Repayment of debt assumed in connection with purchase of SMTEK
   
   
(13,013
)
Payments of long-term debt
   
(61,268
)
 
(108,201
)
Proceeds from borrowings of long-term debt
   
57,190
   
98,522
 
Decrease in short-term notes payable
   
(1,204
)
 
(311
)
Dividends paid
   
(2,152
)
 
(2,159
)
Purchase of treasury stock
   
(768
)
 
(3,388
)
Other
   
(130
)
 
(46
)
Net cash used in financing activities
   
(8,332
)
 
(28,596
)
 
             
Effect of exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents
   
1,148
   
(2,119
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
5,622
   
(46,811
)
 
             
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
   
12,029
   
61,005
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
17,651
 
$
14,194
 
               
Supplemental cash flow information
             
Cash paid during the period for:
             
Interest
 
$
1,847
 
$
2,935
 
Income taxes—net
 
$
2,729
 
$
2,801
 
 
           
Supplemental schedule of noncash investing and financing activities:
           
Refer to Note E, “Supplemental Schedule of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities”
   
 
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
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
 
July 2, 2006
 
July 3, 2005
 
July 2, 2006
 
July 3, 2005
 
Net earnings
 
$
6,316
 
$
3,942
 
$
12,541
 
$
7,329
 
Other comprehensive earnings (loss):
                 
Cumulative translation adjustment
   
1,448
   
(1,564
)
 
1,983
   
(1,959
)
Comprehensive earnings
 
$
7,764
 
$
2,378
 
$
14,524
 
$
5,370
 
 

 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - UNAUDITED
July 2, 2006
 

 
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, 2005.
 
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.

Certain reclassifications have been made for the periods presented in the consolidated financial statements to conform to the classifications adopted in 2006.
 
NOTE B—Share-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 stock-based compensation awards in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings.

Prior to January 1, 2006, CTS accounted for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value method prescribed in Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and its related Interpretations. Accordingly, stock-based compensation expense was not recognized in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings for stock options granted with an exercise price equal to the market value of the common stock on the grant date. However, prior years’ financial statements did include pro forma disclosures for equity-based awards as if the fair-value approach had been followed. The following table presents the pro forma net earnings and net earnings per share for the three and six-month periods ending July 3, 2005, as if CTS had applied the provisions of FAS No. 123(R) during those periods:

 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
 ($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
July 3, 2005
 
July 3, 2005
 
Net earnings, as reported
 
$
3,942
 
$
7,329
 
Deduct: Stock-based employee compensation cost, net of tax, as if fair value based method were used
   
(149
)
 
(280
)
Pro forma net earnings
 
$
3,793
 
$
7,049
 
 
         
Net earnings per share - basic, as reported
 
$
0.11
 
$
0.20
 
Pro forma net earnings per share - basic
   
0.10
   
0.19
 
Net earnings per share - diluted, as reported
   
0.10
   
0.19
 
Pro forma net earnings per share - diluted
 
$
0.10
 
$
0.18
 

CTS has elected to follow the modified prospective transition method allowed by FAS No. 123(R), and therefore, will apply the provisions of FAS No. 123(R) to awards modified or granted after January 1, 2006. In addition, for awards which were unvested as of January 1, 2006, CTS will recognize compensation expense in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings over the remaining vesting period. The compensation expense for these awards will be based on the grant-date fair value as calculated for the prior years’ pro forma disclosures. As allowed under the modified prospective transition method, the financial results for prior periods have not been restated. The cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle from APB No. 25 was not material.



As a result of adopting FAS No. 123(R), CTS has included additional compensation expense relating to stock option awards to employees in its operating earnings, earnings before income taxes, net income, and earnings per share. The impact of this incremental expense, for the three and six-month periods ending July 2, 2006 is shown in the following table:

 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
   
July 2, 2006
   
July 2, 2006
 
Impact of adopting FAS No. 123(R) on:
             
Operating earnings
 
$
537
 
$
746
 
Earnings before income taxes
 
 
537
 
 
746
 
Net earnings
 
 
322
 
 
448
 
               
Net earnings per share:
             
Basic
 
$
0.01
 
$
0.01
 
Diluted
 
$
0.01
 
$
0.01
 

Prior to the adoption of FAS No. 123(R), CTS presented tax benefits in excess of recognized cumulative compensation costs as operating cash flows in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. FAS No. 123(R) requires these cash flows be classified as financing cash flows. CTS has classified $130,000 and $23,000 of these excess tax benefits as financing cash flows for the six-month periods ending July 2, 2006 and July 3, 2005, respectively.

At July 2, 2006, 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 and six-month periods ending July 2, 2006 and July 3, 2005 relating to equity-based compensation plans:

 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
 ($ in thousands)
   
July 2, 2006
   
July 3, 2005
   
July 2, 2006
   
July 3, 2005
 
Stock options (1)
 
$
548
 
$
23
 
$
771
 
$
46
 
Restricted stock units
   
595
   
446
   
1,176
   
962
 
Restricted stock
   
57
   
73
   
118
   
151
 
Total
 
$
1,200
 
$
542
 
$
2,065
 
$
1,159
 

(1)  
Stock option expense includes $11 and $23 in the quarters ending July 2, 2006 and July 3, 2005, respectively, and $25 and $46 for the six-month periods ending July 2, 2006 and July 3, 2005, respectively, related to non-employee director stock options.
_______________________


The following table summarizes plan status as of July 2, 2006:

 
 
2004 Plan
 
2001 Plan
 
1996 Plan
 
Awards originally available
 
 
6,500,000
 
 
2,000,000
 
 
1,200,000
 
Stock options outstanding
 
 
332,000
 
 
929,324
 
 
320,050
 
Restricted stock units outstanding
 
 
611,808
 
 
 
 
 
Awards exercisable
 
 
85,350
 
 
792,929
 
 
297,251
 
Awards available for grant
 
 
5,425,239
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
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 range of option terms shown below results from certain groups of employees exhibiting different 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.

 
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
 
July 2, 2006
 
July 3, 2005
 
Expected volatility
 
 
53.3% - 58.2%
 
 
52.4%
 
Weighted-average volatility
 
 
54.1%
 
 
52.4%
 
Expected dividends
 
 
0.9%
 
 
1.1%
 
Expected term
 
 
4.0 - 10.0 years
 
 
10.0 years
 
Weighted-average risk-free rate
 
 
5.1%
 
 
4.1%
 
 
A summary of the status of stock options as of July 2, 2006 and July 3, 2005, and changes during the six-month periods then ended, is presented below:

 
 
July 2, 2006
 
July 3, 2005
 
 
 
Options
 
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
 
Options
 
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
 
Outstanding at beginning of year
   
1,567,499
 
$
15.93
   
1,636,900
 
$
16.82
 
Granted
   
93,000
   
13.68
   
136,600
   
11.11
 
Exercised
   
(25,350
)
 
8.55
   
(14,425
)
 
8.44
 
Expired
   
(45,375
)
 
23.41
   
(58,901
)
 
28.81
 
Forfeited
   
(8,400
)
 
9.45
   
(24,599
)
 
9.99
 
Outstanding at end of period
   
1,581,374
 
$
15.73
   
1,675,575
 
$
16.10
 
 
                         
Exercisable at end of period
   
1,175,530
 
$
17.24
   
1,008,982
 
$
19.92
 

The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the six-month periods ended July 2, 2006 and July 3, 2005 was $114,000 and $56,000 respectively. The exercise price of options granted during the six-month periods ending July 2, 2006 and July 3, 2005 equaled the trading price of the company’s stock on the grant date.

A summary of the weighted-average remaining contractual term and aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable at July 2, 2006 is presented below:
 
 
Weighted-average
Remaining Contractual Life
 Aggregate Intrinsic Value
 Options outstanding
6.3 years
 —
 Options exercisable
5.7 years 
 —
 



 
 
A summary of the nonvested stock options as of July 2, 2006 and July 3, 2005, and changes during the six-month periods then ended, is presented below:

 
 
July 2, 2006
 
July 3, 2005
 
 
 
Options
 
Weighted-average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 
Options
 
Weighted-average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 
Nonvested at beginning of year
   
488,943
 
$
6.94
   
792,716
 
$
5.53
 
Granted
   
93,000
   
6.53
   
136,600
   
6.51
 
Vested
   
(167,699
)
 
5.35
   
(238,124
)
 
7.48
 
Forfeited
   
(8,400
)
 
4.57
   
(24,599
)
 
4.86
 
Nonvested at end of period
   
405,844
 (1)
$
5.59
   
666,593
 
$
5.23
 
 
(1) Based on historical experience, CTS currently expects approximately 404,000 of these options to vest.
_____________________

The total fair value of shares vested during the quarters ended July 2, 2006 and July 3, 2005 was approximately $897,000 and $1,781,000 respectively. As of July 2, 2006, there was $979,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.4 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 July 2, 2006:

 
 
 
Options Outstanding
 
Options Exercisable
 
           
Weighted-Average
               
Range of
 
Number
 
Remaining
 
Weighted-Average
 
Number
 
Weighted-Average
Exercise
 
Outstanding
 
Contractual
 
Exercise
 
Exercisable
 
Exercise
Prices
 
at 7/2/06
 
Life (Years)
 
Price
 
at 7/2/06
 
Price
$
7.70 - 11.11
   
910,899
 
 
 
7.33
 
 
$
9.35
 
 
 
610,055
   
$
9.06
 
 
13.68 - 16.24
   
237,800
 
 
 
7.35
 
 
 
14.10
 
 
 
132,800
   
 
14.34
 
 
23.00 - 33.63
   
327,675
 
 
 
4.53
 
 
 
24.57
 
 
 
327,675
   
 
24.57
 
 
35.97 - 50.00
   
103,500
 
 
 
4.20
 
 
 
47.02
 
 
 
103,500
   
 
47.02
 
 
56.94 - 79.25
   
1,500
 
 
 
3.28
 
 
 
64.38
 
 
 
1,500
   
 
64.38
 
 
Restricted Stock Units
 
Stock settled 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 July 2, 2006 and July 3, 2005, and changes during the six-month periods then ended is presented below:

 
 
July 2, 2006
 
July 3, 2005
 
 
 
RSUs
 
Weighted-average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 
RSUs
 
Weighted-average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 
Outstanding at beginning of year
   
525,898
 
$
11.49
   
252,000
 
$
11.07
 
Granted
   
207,600
   
13.68
   
310,250
   
11.62
 
Settled
   
(99,760
)
 
11.22
   
(45,510
)
 
11.04
 
Cancelled
   
(21,930
)
 
11.29
   
(15,750
)
 
11.22
 
Outstanding at end of period
   
611,808
 
$
11.82
   
500,990
 
$
11.41
 
 
                 
Weighted-average remaining contractual life
   
4.7 years
         
5.0 years
       

As of July 2, 2006, there was $4.9 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested RSUs. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 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.


 
 
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, 41,382 shares of Restricted Stock were outstanding as of July 2, 2006. 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. As of July 2, 2006, there was $289,000 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 - Restructuring Charge
 
In January 2006, CTS announced its intention to consolidate its Berne, Indiana manufacturing operations into three of its other existing facilities. Automotive product operations at Berne will be transferred to CTS’ automotive facilities in Matamoros, Mexico and Elkhart, Indiana. Electronic components operations in Berne will be moved to CTS’ Singapore facility. While the Berne facility is currently being marketed for sale, CTS continues to use the facility for certain electronic component-related service functions. The consolidation process is expected to largely be completed in the second half of 2006.
 
The following table displays the planned costs associated with the Berne consolidation, as well as a summary of the actual costs incurred through July 2, 2006:
 

($ in millions)
 
 Planned Costs
 
 Actual incurred through
July 2, 2006
 
             
Workforce reduction
 
$
3.1
 
$
2.6
 
Postemployment obligation curtailment, net - Note H
   
0.2
   
0.2
 
Other
   
0.1
   
0.1
 
Restructuring charge
   
3.4
   
2.9
 
               
Equipment relocation
   
0.3
   
0.4
 
Other employee related costs
   
0.3
   
0.3
 
Restructuring-related costs
   
0.6
   
0.7
 
               
Total restructuring and restructuring-related costs
 
$
4.0
 
$
3.6
 
 
All of the Berne consolidation costs relate to the Components and Sensors business segment. Restructuring charges are reported on a separate line on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings and the restructuring-related costs are included in cost of goods sold.
 
The following table displays the restructuring reserve activity for the six-month period ending July 2, 2006:
 

($ in millions)
      
Restructuring liability at January 1, 2006
 
$
 
First six months of 2006 charge
   
3.6
 
Costs paid
   
(1.4
)
Restructuring liability at July 2, 2006
 
$
2.2
 
 

 

 
 
NOTE D—Acquisition 
 
Effective January 31, 2005, CTS acquired 100% of SMTEK International Inc., (SMTEK). The results of SMTEK’s operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements since that date. SMTEK is an EMS provider serving original equipment manufacturers in the medical, industrial, instrumentation, telecommunications, security, financial services, automation, aerospace, and defense industries. SMTEK had four facilities located in Moorpark and Santa Clara, California; Marlborough, Massachusetts; and Bangkok, Thailand.

The following table presents CTS’ unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations for the six-month period ending July 3, 2005 as if the acquisition had been completed at the beginning of the period. The pro forma information is presented for comparative purposes only and does not purport to be indicative of what would have occurred had the acquisition actually been made at such date, nor is it necessarily indicative of future operating results.

 
($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 Pro forma
Six Months Ended
July 3, 2005
 
 
 
  
 
Revenues
 
$
323,723
 
Net income
 
$
7,503
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
0.21
 
Diluted
 
$
0.19
 

NOTE E—Supplemental Schedule of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities 
 
In 2005, the Company purchased all of the capital stock of SMTEK for $61.1 million. In conjunction with the acquisition, CTS issued common stock and assumed liabilities as follows (refer also to Note D, “Acquisition”):

($ in millions) 
 
 
 
Cash paid
 
$
37.2
 
Fair value of stock issued
 
 
10.9
 
Liabilities assumed
 
 
32.8
 
Fair value of assets acquired
 
$
80.9
 
 
NOTE F—Inventories 
 
Inventories consist of the following:

($ in thousands)
 
 July 2, 2006
 
 December 31, 2005
 
Finished goods
 
$
12,509
 
$
11,771
 
Work-in-process
 
 
15,568
 
 
16,039
 
Raw materials
 
 
36,935
 
 
32,754
 
Total inventories
 
$
65,012
 
$
60,564
 
 


 
 
 
NOTE G - Debt
 
Long-term debt was comprised of the following:

($ in thousands)
 
July 2, 2006
 
December 31, 2005
 
Revolving credit agreement, weighted-average interest rate of 6.5%, due in 2011
 
$
3,590
 
$
 
Revolving credit agreement, weighted-average interest rate of 6.1%
   
   
2,080
 
Convertible, senior subordinated debentures at a weighted-average interest rate of 2.125%, due in 2024
   
60,000
   
60,000
 
Convertible, subordinated debentures at a weighted-averaged interest rate of 6.5%
   
   
5,500
 
Term loan, weighted-average interest rate of 6.7% (2006) and 5.8% (2005), due in 2011
   
849
   
875
 
Other debt, weighted-average interest rate of 6.3%
   
   
2
 
 
   
64,439
   
68,457
 
Less current maturities
   
173
   
164
 
Total long-term debt
 
$
64,266
 
$
68,293
 

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. The new revolving credit agreement had an outstanding balance of $3.6 million at July 2, 2006. 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 July 2, 2006. 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 July 2, 2006. Additionally, the new revolving credit agreement contains restrictions relating to the amount of secured debt the Company can have outstanding, the amounts allowed for acquisitions or asset sales, 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 cancelled 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 July 2, 2006, 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.
 


 
 
CTS has a registration rights agreement relating to the 2.125% Debentures which became effective in 2004. CTS had an obligation to keep the registration statement continuously effective for a period of two years, which expired in May 2006. The registration rights agreement provided that in the event of a default in this obligation, CTS was subject to an additional interest penalty of 0.25% per annum of the principal for the first 90 days of default and 0.5% per annum of principal thereafter. Accordingly, as of July 2, 2006, there was no interest penalty which CTS could incur as a result of the failure to maintain an effective registration statement.

As of December 31, 2005, the Company also had $5.5 million outstanding debt under its 6.5% convertible, subordinated debentures (6.5% Debentures). However, in accordance with the provisions of the 6.5% Debentures, the remaining debenture holder exercised its put option and accelerated the maturity of this debt, which was repaid by CTS during June 2006.

In connection with the acquisition of SMTEK, CTS assumed a term loan, which has a balance of $0.8 million at July 2, 2006. The term loan is secured by machinery and equipment of the Thailand manufacturing facility and requires monthly payments through May 2011.

NOTE H—Retirement Plans
 
Net pension (income) / postretirement expense for the three and six-month periods ended July 2, 2006 and July 3, 2005 includes the following components:

   
 Three Months Ended
 
 Six Months Ended
 
($ in thousands) 
 
 July 2, 2006
 
 July 3, 2005
 
 July 2, 2006
 
 July 3, 2005
 
PENSION PLANS
                         
Service cost
 
$
1,280
 
$
1,312
 
$
2,556
 
$
2,630
 
Interest cost
   
3,017
   
2,839
   
6,029
   
5,685
 
Expected return on plan assets (1)  
   
(6,184
)
 
(6,311
)
 
(12,359
)
 
(12,629
)
Amortization of unrecognized:
                         
Transition obligation
   
   
(76
)
 
   
(152
)
Prior service cost
   
135
   
205
   
269
   
411
 
Recognized (gain) loss
   
644
   
184
   
1,288
   
368
 
Curtailment loss
   
   
   
325
   
475
 
Net pension income
 
$
(1,108
)
$
(1,847
)
$
(1,892
)
$
(3,212
)

(1) Expected return on plan assets is net of expected investment expenses and certain administrative expenses. 
________________________

In 2006 and 2005, CTS recognized a pension plan curtailment loss of approximately $0.3 million and $0.5 million, respectively, due to reduced employment levels. Also, effective April 1, 2006, CTS closed one of its U.S. defined benefit plans to new participants.

 
 
 Three Months Ended
 
 Six Months Ended
 
($ in thousands) 
 
 July 2, 2006
 
 July 3, 2005
 
 July 2, 2006
 
 July 3, 2005
 
OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLAN
                 
Service cost
 
$
5
 
$
7
 
$
9
 
$
14
 
Interest cost
   
74
   
79
   
149
   
158
 
Curtailment gain
   
   
   
(81
)
 
 
Net postretirement expense
 
$
79
 
$
86
 
$
77
 
$
172
 

In the first six months of 2006, CTS recognized postretirement benefit plan curtailment gain of approximately $0.1 million due to reduced employment levels.

 
 
NOTE I—Business 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 business 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
 
Second Quarter of 2006
             
Net sales to external customers
 
$
94,230
 
$
71,695
 
$
165,925
 
Segment operating earnings
   
2,543
   
7,986
   
10,529
 
Total assets
   
164,778
   
389,373
   
554,151
 
 
                   
Second Quarter of 2005
                   
Net sales to external customers
 
$
91,871
 
$
66,475
 
$
158,346
 
Segment operating earnings
   
2,850
   
7,471
   
10,321
 
Total assets
   
158,454
   
382,445
   
540,899
 
 
                 
First Six Months of 2006
               
Net sales to external customers
 
$
177,095
 
$
139,323
 
$
316,418
 
Segment operating earnings
   
3,590
   
18,343
   
21,933
 
Total assets
   
164,778
   
389,373
   
554,151
 
 
                   
First Six Months of 2005
                   
Net sales to external customers
 
$
183,037
 
$
130,639
 
$
313,676
 
Segment operating earnings
   
4,981
   
11,011
   
15,992
 
Total assets
   
158,454
   
382,445
   
540,899
 
 
Reconciling information between reportable segments’ operating earnings and CTS’ consolidated pre-tax income is shown in the following table:
 

 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
 ($ in thousands)
 
July 2, 2006
 
July 3, 2005
 
July 2, 2006
 
July 3, 2005
 
Total segment operating earnings
 
$
10,529
 
$
10,321
 
$
21,933
 
$
15,992
 
Restructuring and related charges - Components and  Sensors
   
(1,463
)
 
   
(3,584
)
 
 
Interest expense
   
(1,034
)
 
(1,582
)
 
(2,145
)
 
(3,299
)
Other income
   
257
   
70
   
385
   
515
 
Earnings before income taxes
 
$
8,289
 
$
8,809
 
$
16,589
 
$
13,208
 
 

 
 
 
NOTE J—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 K—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 three and six-month periods ending July 2, 2006 and July 3, 2005.

($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Net Earnings
(Numerator)
 
 Shares
(in thousands) (Denominator)
 
 Per Share Amount
 
Second Quarter 2006
             
Basic EPS
 
$
6,316
   
35,843
 
$
0.18
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                   
Convertible debt
   
242
   
4,000
       
Equity-based compensation plans
         
302
       
Diluted EPS
 
$
6,558
   
40,145
 
$
0.16
 
                     
Second Quarter 2005
                   
Basic EPS
 
$
3,942
   
36,621
 
$
0.11
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                   
Convertible debt
   
244
   
4,000
       
Equity-based compensation plans
         
605
       
Diluted EPS
 
$
4,186
   
41,226
 
$
0.10
 
                     
First Six Months of 2006
             
Basic EPS
 
$
12,541
   
35,832
 
$
0.35
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                   
Convertible debt
   
483
   
4,000
       
Equity-based compensation plans
         
357
       
Diluted EPS
 
$
13,024
   
40,189
 
$
0.32
 
                     
First Six Months of 2005
                   
Basic EPS
 
$
7,329
   
36,508
 
$
0.20
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                   
Convertible debt
   
495
   
4,000
       
Equity-based compensation plans
         
593
       
Diluted EPS
 
$
7,824
   
41,101
 
$
0.19
 


 
 
The following table shows the potentially dilutive securities which have been excluded from the first three and six-month periods ending July 2, 2006 and July 3, 2005 dilutive earnings per share calculation because they are either anti-dilutive, or the exercise price exceeds the average market price.

 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
(Number of Shares in Thousands)
 
July 2, 2006
 
July 3, 2005
 
July 2, 2006
 
July 3, 2005
 
Stock options where the assumed proceeds exceeds the average market price
   
714
   
689
   
774
   
701
 
Securities related to the 6.5% Debentures
   
201
   
1,080
   
238
   
1,163
 

NOTE L - Leases

CTS incurred approximately $2.9 million and $4.4 million of rent expense in the six-month periods ending July 2, 2006 and July 3, 2005, respectively. The future minimum lease payments under the Company’s operating leases are $2.6 million for the remainder of 2006, $4.8 million in 2007, $3.9 million in 2008, $3.7 million in 2009, $2.3 million in 2010, and $3.6 million thereafter.

Note M - Income Taxes

During the second quarter of 2006, CTS changed the estimate of its 2006 effective tax rate from 25.0% to 24.4%. The lower effective tax rate reflects tax savings resulting from the implementation of the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act (enacted May 17, 2006), partially offset by increased earnings in certain higher-tax jurisdictions.

NOTE N - Treasury Stock 

In November 2005, CTS’ Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to one million shares of its common stock in the open market. The authorization expires June 30, 2007. Reacquired shares will be used to support equity-based compensation programs and for other corporate purposes. During the first half of 2006, CTS repurchased 57,400 shares at a total cost of $0.8 million. CTS is authorized to repurchase an additional 803,200 shares.

NOTE O - New Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation (FIN) No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes.” FIN No. 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN No. 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN No. 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. FIN No. 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. CTS is currently reviewing the provisions of FIN No. 48, but does not expect it will have a material impact on its financial statements.




 
Item 2.
 
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, and medical 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 business segments, Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) and Components and Sensors. In the second quarter of 2006, sales of EMS and Components and Sensors business segments represented 56.8% and 43.2% of CTS’ total sales respectively, compared to 58.0% and 42.0% respectively in the second quarter of 2005.
 
As discussed in more detail throughout the Management's Discussion and Analysis:
 
·  
Sales increased by $7.6 million, or 4.8%, in the second quarter of 2006 from the second quarter of 2005. Sales in the EMS business segment increased by 2.6% compared to the second quarter of 2005, while sales in the Components and Sensors business segment increased by 7.9% versus the second quarter of 2005.

·  
Gross margins, as a percent of sales, were 20.5% and 20.4% in the second quarter of 2006 and 2005, respectively.

·  
Selling, general and administrative, and research and development expenses as a percent of sales increased to 14.5% in the second quarter of 2006 compared to 13.9% in the second quarter of 2005. The primary drivers for the increase were the recognition of stock option expenses, higher salaries, and lower pension income.

·  
In the second quarter of 2006, a $1.4 million pre-tax expense was incurred for restructuring and related charges associated with the consolidation of CTS’ Berne, Indiana manufacturing operations into three of its other existing facilities.

·  
During the second quarter of 2006, CTS changed the estimate of its full year 2006 effective tax rate from 25.0% to 24.4%.

·  
Net earnings were $6.3 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2006 compared to $3.9 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2005.



 
 
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
 
In the second quarter of 2006, there have been no changes in the above critical accounting policies, except that the following policy has been added in consideration of CTS’ adoption of FAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment,” effective January 1, 2006.
 
Share-Based Compensation
 
Effective January 1, 2006, CTS adopted the provisions of FAS No. 123(R) which required CTS to recognize the expense related to the fair value of stock-based compensation awards in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings. CTS elected to follow the modified prospective transition method allowed by FAS No. 123(R), and therefore, only applied the provisions of FAS No. 123(R) to awards modified or granted after January 1, 2006. In addition, for awards which were unvested as of January 1, 2006, CTS will recognize compensation expense in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings over the remaining vesting period. Prior to January 1, 2006, CTS accounted for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value method prescribed in APB No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.”
 
FAS No. 123(R) requires companies to estimate the fair value of stock-based awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model. CTS uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model. A number of assumptions are used by the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to compute the grant date fair value, including expected price volatility, option term, risk-free interest rate, and dividend yield. These assumptions are established at each grant date based upon current information at that time. Expected volatilities are based on historical volatilities of the Company’s stock. The expected option term is derived from historical data on exercise behavior. Different expected option terms result from different groups of employees exhibiting different 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. The fair value of awards that are ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings. CTS’ stock options primarily have a graded-vesting schedule. 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.



 
 
Results of Operations
 
Comparison of Second Quarter 2006 and Second Quarter 2005
 
Business Segment Discussion 
 
Refer to Note I, “Business Segments,” for a description of the Company’s business segments.
 
The following table highlights the business segment results for the three-month periods ending July 2, 2006 and July 3, 2005:

($ in thousands)
 
 Components & Sensors
 
 EMS
 
 Consolidated Total
 
Second Quarter 2006 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales to external customers
 
$
71,695
 
$
94,230
 
$
165,925
 
Segment operating earnings
   
7,986
   
2,543
   
10,529
 
% of sales
   
11.1
%
 
2.7
%
 
6.3
%
 
             
Second Quarter 2005 
             
Net sales to external customers
 
$
66,475
 
$
91,871
 
$
158,346
 
Segment operating earnings
   
7,470
   
2,851
   
10,321
 
% of sales
   
11.2
%
 
3.1
%
 
6.5
%

Sales in the Components and Sensors business segment were up $5.2 million, or approximately 7.9% from the second quarter of 2005. The increase was attributable primarily to growth in automotive product sales and growth in the sale of electronic components into infrastructure applications, partially offset by decreased sales into mobile handset applications as CTS continues to de-emphasize these products.

The Components and Sensors business segment operating earnings were $8.0 million in the second quarter of 2006 compared to $7.5 million in the second quarter of 2005. Operating earning improvements resulted from margin contribution from the higher sales volume and from savings related to personnel reductions taken in 2005, partially offset by stock option expense, higher salaries and lower pension income. In the second quarter of 2006, CTS had pension income of $1.1 million in the second quarter of 2006 compared to $1.8 million of pension income in the second quarter of 2005. The primary factor contributing to the decrease in pension income was the recognition of prior years’ investment losses and other actuarial losses.
 
The EMS business segment experienced a sales increase of $2.4 million, or 2.6%, in the second quarter of 2006 versus the second quarter of 2005. The increase in sales was attributable primarily to higher sales into the communication, medical, and defense markets partially offset by a decrease in computer-related sales and a decrease of sales into the industrial market.
 
The EMS business segment operating earnings decreased $0.3 million primarily due to increased compensation-related expenses versus 2005, partially offset by higher gross margin from the higher sales volume and improved product mix. 

 
 
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 July 2, 2006 and July 3, 2005:
 

 
 
Three Months Ended
      
($ in thousands, except net earnings per share)
 
July 2, 2006
 
July 3, 2005
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
Net sales
 
$
165,925
 
$
158,346
 
$
7,579
 
                     
Restructuring-related costs
   
542
   
   
542
 
% of net sales
   
0.3
%
 
   
0.3
%
                     
Gross margin
   
33,980
   
32,292
   
1,688
 
% of net sales
   
20.5
%
 
20.4
%
 
0.1
%
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
19,924
   
17,404
   
2,520
 
% of net sales
   
12.0
%
 
11.0
%
 
1.0
%
                     
Research and development expenses
   
4,070
   
4,567
   
(497
)
% of net sales
   
2.5
%
 
2.9
%
 
(0.4
)%
 
Restructuring charge
   
920
   
   
920
 
% of net sales
   
0.6
%
 
   
0.6
%
                     
Operating earnings
   
9,066
   
10,321
   
(1,255
)
% of net sales
   
5.5
%
 
6.5
%
 
(1.0
)%
 
Income tax expense
   
1,973
   
4,867
   
(2,894
)
 
Net earnings
 
$
6,316
 
$
3,942
 
$
2,374
 
% of net sales
   
3.8
%
 
2.5
%
 
1.3
%
 
Net earnings per share - diluted
 
$
0.16
 
$
0.10
 
$
0.06
 
 
Second quarter sales of $165.9 million increased $7.6 million, or 4.8%, from the second quarter of 2005. The EMS business segment increase was mainly attributable to higher sales into the communication and medical markets partially offset by a decline of sales into the industrial market. The Components and Sensors business segment growth was attributable to automotive product sales and growth in the sale of electronic components into infrastructure applications which was partially offset by decreased sales into mobile handset applications as CTS continues to de-emphasize these products.
 
Gross margin increased $1.7 million in the second quarter of 2006 from the second quarter of 2005 due to increased volume, favorable business segment sales mix, and gross margin improvement within the EMS business segment. The sales from the Components and Sensors business segment, which inherently generates a higher gross margin, increased to 43.2% of total sales in the second quarter of 2006 compared to 42.0% of total sales in the same period of 2005 due mainly to sales growth in automotive sensor products.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $19.9 million, or 12.0% of sales, in the second quarter of 2006 versus
$17.4 million, or 11.0% of sales in the second quarter of 2005. The increase was driven by stock option expenses, higher salaries, and lower pension income.
 
Research and development expenses were $4.1 million, or 2.5% of sales in the second quarter of 2006 versus $4.6 million, or 2.9% of sales in the second quarter of 2005. The decrease was primarily due to personnel reductions taken in 2005, primarily in the Components and Sensors business segment. Research and development expenditures in the EMS business segment are typically much lower than in the Components and Sensors business segment. Significant ongoing research and development activities continue in Components and Sensors to support expanded application and new product development.
 

 
 
Operating earnings were $9.1 million in the second quarter of 2006 compared to $10.3 million in the second quarter of 2005. The decrease in operating earnings included $1.4 million of expenses from restructuring and related charges associated with the consolidation of CTS’ Berne, Indiana manufacturing operations. Additionally, in the second quarter of 2006, CTS has recorded pension income of $1.1 million compared to $1.8 million of pension income recorded in the second quarter of 2005. The pension income results primarily from U.S. pension plans which have assets in excess of projected benefit obligations. The primary factor contributing to the decrease in pension income was the recognition of prior years’ investment losses and other actuarial losses.

During the second quarter of 2006, CTS changed the estimate of its 2006 full year effective tax rate from 25.0% to 24.4%. The lower effective tax rate reflects tax savings resulting from the implementation of the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act (enacted May 17, 2006), partially offset by increased earnings in certain higher-tax jurisdictions.

In the second quarter of 2005, CTS changed its estimate of its 2005 tax rate before the benefit of reversal of reserves and expense of HIA dividend from 23% to 25%. The higher effective tax rate reflects the lower than planned revenue and profitability in certain jurisdictions with lower statutory tax rates partially offset by increased profitability in certain jurisdictions with higher statutory tax rates.

In the second quarter of 2005, income tax expense included a net impact of $2.8 million, or $0.07 per share, related to the $4.5 million of expense for the repatriation of foreign cash to the United States under the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 and a $1.7 million benefit relating to the reversal of income tax reserves due to the successful resolution of tax issues in certain foreign jurisdictions.

Net earnings of $6.3 million, or 3.8% of sales, increased $2.4 million versus the second quarter of 2005. Net earnings per share of $0.16 were $0.06 higher than second quarter 2005.

 
The following table provides a reconciliation of actual earnings per share, diluted to adjusted earnings per share, diluted for the Company:
 
 
   
 Three Months Ended
 
   
July 2, 2006
 
July 3, 2005
 
 Earnings per share, diluted   $ 0.16   $ 0.10  
               
 Tax-affected charges to reported diluted earnings per share:              
 Impact of tax repatriation & reversal of tax reserves
          0.7   
               
 Restructuring and related charges
    0.03        
               
 Adjusted earnings per share, diluted   $ 0.19   $ 0.17  
 
Adjusted earnings per share, diluted is a non-GAAP financial measure. The most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is earnings per share, diluted. CTS calculated adjusted earnings per share, diluted for the second quarter of 2006 to exclude the per share impact of restructuring and related charges. CTS calculated adjusted earnings per share, diluted for the second quarter of 2005, by excluding the 2005 tax expense related to the cash repatriation and the reversal of certain tax reserves. We exclude the impact of these items because each item was a discrete event which had a significant impact on comparable GAAP financial measures and could distort an evaluation of our normal operating performance. CTS uses adjusted earnings per share, diluted measures, to evaluate overall performance, establish plans and perform strategic analysis. Using adjusted earnings per share, diluted measures avoids distortion in the evaluation of operating results by eliminating the impact of events which are not related to normal operating performance. Because adjusted earnings per share, diluted measures are based on the exclusion of specific items, they may not be comparable to measures used by other companies which have similar titles. CTS' management compensates for this limitation when performing peer comparisons by evaluating both GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures reported by peer companies. CTS believes that adjusted earnings per share, diluted measures are useful to its management, investors and stakeholders in that they:        
 
- provide a truer measure of CTS' operating performance,      
- reflect the results used by management in making decisions about the business, and     
- help review and project CTS' performance over time.      
 
We recommend that investors consider both actual and projected earnings per share, diluted and actual and projected adjusted earnings per share, diluted measures in evaluating the performance of CTS with peer companies.

 
 
Comparison of First Half 2006 and First Half 2005
 
Business Segment Discussion
 
 
The following table highlights the business segment results for the six-month periods ending July 2, 2006 and July 3, 2005:
 
($ in thousands)
 
Components
& Sensors
 
EMS
 
Consolidated
Total
 
First Six Months 2006
                   
    Net sales to external customers
 
$
139,323
 
$
177,095
 
$
316,418
 
    Segment operating earnings
   
18,343
   
3,590
   
21,933
 
    % of sales
   
13.2
%
 
2.0
%
 
6.9
%
                     
First Six Months 2005
                   
    Net sales to external customers
   $
130,639
 
$
183,037
 
$
313,676
 
    Segment operating earnings
   
11,011
   
4,981
   
15,992
 
    % of sales
   
8.4
%
 
2.7
%
 
5.1
%
 
During the first six months of 2006, sales of Components and Sensors and EMS products, as a percentage of total sales, were 44.0% and 56.0% respectively. The first six months of 2005 sales of Components and Sensors and EMS products, as a percentage of total sales, were 41.6% and 58.4% respectively.

The Components and Sensors business segment sales increased $8.7 million or 6.6% from the first half of 2005. The increase was primarily due to higher sales of automotive products, higher sales of electronic components into infrastructure applications, and higher revenue from royalties, partially offset by decreased sales into mobile handset applications as CTS continues to de-emphasize these products.

The Component and Sensors business segment operating earnings increased $7.3 million due to margin contribution from the higher sales volume, savings related to personnel reductions taken in 2005, and favorable product mix as the sales shifted from the less profitable handset market into the more profitable infrastructure applications and automotive products. These favorable items were partially offset by expenses related to recognizing the fair value of stock-based compensation, higher salaries, and lower pension income. In the first half of 2006, CTS had pension income of $1.9 million compared to $3.2 million in the first half of 2005. The primary factor contributing to the decrease in pension income was the recognition of prior years’ investment losses and other actuarial losses.
 
The EMS business segment experienced a sales decrease of $5.9 million in the first six months of 2006, or 3.2% from the first six months of 2005. The EMS revenue decrease is due to lower sales into the computer market, partially offset by the higher communication and medical market sales. The EMS business segment operating earnings decreased $1.4 million due primarily to lower sales volumes versus 2005.
 


 
 
Total Company Discussion
 
The following table highlights changes in significant components of the condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the six-month periods ended July 2, 2006 and July 3, 2005:
 

 
 
Six Months Ended
      
($ in thousands, except net earnings per share)
 
July 2, 2006
 
July 3, 2005
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
Net sales
 
$
316,418
 
$
313,676
 
$
2,742
 
                     
Restructuring-related costs
   
702
   
   
702
 
% of net sales
   
0.2
%
 
   
0.2
%
                     
Gross margin
   
66,054
   
60,507
   
5,547
 
% of net sales
   
20.9
%
 
19.3
%
 
1.6
%
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
36,661
   
35,161
   
1,500
 
% of net sales
   
11.6
%
 
11.2
%
 
0.4
%
                     
Research and development expenses
   
8,162
   
9,354
   
(1,192
)
% of net sales
   
2.6
%
 
3.0
%
 
(0.4
)%
 
Restructuring charge
   
2,882
   
   
2,882
 
% of net sales
   
0.9
%
 
   
0.9
%
                     
Operating earnings
   
18,349
   
15,992
   
2,357
 
% of net sales
   
5.8
%
 
5.1
%
 
0.7
%
 
Income tax expense
   
4,048
   
5,879
   
(1,831
)
 
Net earnings
 
$
12,541
 
$
7,329
 
$
5,212
 
% of net sales
   
4.0
%
 
2.3
%
 
1.7
%
                     
Net earnings per share - diluted
 
$
0.32
 
$
0.19
 
$
0.13
 
 
 
First six month sales in 2006 of $316.4 million increased $2.7 million, or 0.9%, from the first six months of 2005. The Components and Sensors business segment sales increase was attributable to automotive product sales, growth in the sale of electronic components into infrastructure applications, and increased royalty revenue, partially offset by decrease of sales into mobile handset applications as CTS continues to de-emphasize these products. The EMS business segment experienced a sales decrease of $5.9 million in the first six months of 2006, or 3.2%, from the first six months of 2005. The EMS revenue decrease was due to lower sales into the computer market, partially offset by the higher communication and medical market sales. Gross margin increased $5.5 million, or 9.2%, for the first half of 2006, primarily due to margin improvements within each business segment, favorable business segment sales mix, and margin contribution from the higher sales volume. As a percentage of sales, gross margin increased to 20.9% in the first half of 2006 compared to 19.3% in the first half of 2005.
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $1.5 million, primarily driven by stock option expenses, higher salaries, and lower pension income. Partially offsetting the increase was an insurance claim settlement received in 2006 and savings related to personnel reductions.
 
Research and development expenses were $8.2 million, or 2.6% of sales, versus $9.4 million, or 3.0% of sales, in the first half of 2005. The percentage decrease was primarily due to savings from personnel reductions primarily in the Components and Sensors business segment. Research and development expenditures in the EMS business segment are typically much lower than in the Components and Sensors business segment. Significant ongoing research and development activities continue in Components and Sensors business segment to support expanded application and new product development.

 
 
Operating earnings were $18.3 million in the first half of 2006 compared to $16.0 million in the first half of 2005. In addition to the items addressed above, the increase in operating earnings was adversely impacted by $3.6 million of expenses from restructuring and related charges associated with the consolidation of CTS’ Berne, Indiana manufacturing operations and also included the favorable impact from an insurance claim settlement of approximately $1.5 million. CTS’ operating earnings includes $1.9 million and $3.2 million of pension income in the first half of 2006 and 2005, respectively. The pension income results primarily from U.S. pension plans which have assets in excess of projected benefit obligations. The primary factor contributing to the decrease in pension income was the recognition of prior years’ investment losses and other actuarial losses.

During the second quarter of 2006, CTS changed the estimate of its 2006 full year effective tax rate from 25.0% to 24.4%. The lower effective tax rate reflects tax savings resulting from the implementation of the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act (enacted May 17, 2006), partially offset by increased earnings in certain higher-tax jurisdictions.
 
In the second quarter of 2005, CTS changed its estimate of its 2005 tax rate before the benefit of reversal of reserves and expense of HIA dividend from 23% to 25%. The higher effective tax rate reflects the lower than planned revenue and profitability in certain jurisdictions with lower statutory tax rates partially offset by increased profitability in certain jurisdictions with higher statutory tax rates.

In the first half of 2005, income tax expense included a net impact of $2.8 million, or $0.07 per share, related to the $4.5 million of expense for the repatriation of foreign cash to the United States under the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, and a $1.7 million benefit relating to the reversal of income tax reserves due to the successful resolution of tax issues in certain foreign jurisdictions.

In the first half of 2006, net earnings of $12.5 million, or 4.0% of sales, increased $5.2 million versus the first half of 2005. Net earnings per share of $0.32 were $0.13 higher than first half of 2005.

Outlook- 2006 Sales Growth and Full Year Earnings:

Based on the first half results and the outlook for the remainder of the year, CTS expects full-year 2006 sales to grow by 6% - 8% over 2005. Full-year adjusted diluted earnings per share are now expected to be in a range of $0.75 to $0.80, which excludes the full-year Berne restructuring and related charges of approximately $0.08 per share.
 
The following table provides a reconciliation of projected earnings per share, diluted to adjusted projected earnings per share, diluted for the Company:

     
Projected
     
Twelve Months Ended
     
December 31, 2006
Earnings per share, diluted
   
$0.67- $0.72
         
Restructuring and related charges
 
 
0.08
 
 
     
Adjusted earnings per share, diluted
 
 
$0.75- $0.80

Projected adjusted earnings per share, diluted is a non-GAAP financial measure. The most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is projected earnings per share, diluted. CTS calculated full year projected adjusted earnings per share, diluted to exclude the per share impact of restructuring and related charges. We exclude the impact of this item because it is a discrete event which has a significant impact on comparable GAAP financial measures and could distort an evaluation of our normal operating performance. CTS uses adjusted earnings per share, diluted measures, to evaluate overall performance, establish plans and perform strategic analysis. Using adjusted earnings per share, diluted measures avoids distortion in the evaluation of operating results by eliminating the impact of events which are not related to normal operating performance. Because adjusted earnings per share, diluted measures are based on the exclusion of specific items, they may not be comparable to measures used by other companies which have similar titles. CTS' management compensates for this limitation when performing peer comparisons by evaluating both GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures reported by peer companies. CTS believes that adjusted earnings per share, diluted measures are useful to its management, investors and stakeholders in that they: 
 
- provide a truer measure of CTS' operating performance,      
- reflect the results used by management in making decisions about the business, and     
- help review and project CTS' performance over time.      

We recommend that investors consider both actual and projected diluted earnings per share, and actual and projected adjusted diluted earnings per share, in evaluating the performance of CTS with peer companies.   

 
 
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Overview
 
Cash and cash equivalents were $17.7 million at the end of July 2, 2006 compared to $12.0 million at December 31, 2005. Total debt on July 2, 2006 was $76.5 million versus $81.8 million at December 31, 2005. Total debt as a percentage of total capitalization was 18.2% at the end of the second quarter of 2006, compared with 19.9% at December 31, 2005.
 
Working capital increased $14.2 million in the first half of 2006 primarily driven by the change in the cash and cash equivalents balance as noted above and the following:

·  
Accounts receivables increased by $13.3 million primarily due to an $11.3 million increase in sales during the second quarter of 2006 compared to the fourth quarter of 2005.

·  
Inventory increased by $4.4 million due to increased buffer stock for the Berne product transition, inventory related to the start up of the new facility in the Czech Republic, and builds related to anticipated new customer demand in the EMS business segment.

Working capital increases were partially offset by

·  
Accounts payable increased by $6.9 million primarily driven by a $4.4 million increase in inventory compared to December 2005.

·  
Accrued liabilities increased by $4.7 million primarily driven by increased accrued expenses related to restructuring and increased accrued salaries and wages.
 
Cash Flow
 
Operating Activities
 
Net cash provided by operating activities was $17.4 million for the first half of 2006.  Components of net cash provided by operating activities included net earnings of $12.5 million, depreciation and amortization expense of $13.2 million, equity-based compensation of $2.1 million and restructuring charges of $2.9 million partially offset by an increase to the prepaid pension asset of $3.1 million, and an increase in assets and liabilities of $10.1 million. The increase in assets and liabilities were primarily due to increased accounts receivables of $13.3 million, an increase in other current assets of $1.3 million, an increase in inventory of $4.4 million, and a increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $8.7 million.
 
Net cash provided by operating activities was $24.6 million in the first half of 2005.  Components of net cash provided by operating activities included net earnings of $7.3 million, depreciation and amortization expense of $13.6 million, equity-based compensation of $1.2 million, deferred income taxes of $3.0 million and a $3.5 million favorable change in assets and liabilities. The favorable changes in assets and liabilities were primarily due to decreased accounts receivables of $10.0 million partially offset by an increase in other current assets of $3.3 million, an increase in inventory of $1.6 million and an increase of $2.0 million in accounts payable and accrued liabilities. Net cash provided by operating activities was partially offset by the unfavorable change in the prepaid pension asset of $4.1 million.
 
Total free cash flow in the first half of 2006 was $11.6 million. Total free cash flow in the first half of 2005 was $18.7 million.
 
Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure which 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 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:

   
 Six Months Ended
 
($ in millions) 
 
 July 2, 2006
 
 July 3, 2005
 
Net cash provided by operations
 
$
17.4
 
$
24.6
 
Capital expenditures
   
(5.8
)
 
(5.9
)
Free cash flow
 
$
11.6
 
$
18.7
 
 
Net cash used in investing activities were $4.6 million for the first half of 2006, including $5.8 million used for capital expenditures partially offset by $1.2 million in proceeds from asset sales.
 
Net cash used in investing activities totaled $40.7 million in the first half of 2005. The cash used for the SMTEK acquisition was $35.6 million, and capital expenditures were $5.9 million.
 
Net cash used in financing activities were $8.3 million in first half of 2006, consisting primarily of a net $4.1 million reduction in long-term debt primarily related to the early repayment of the $5.5 million 6.5% Debentures. Additional financing activities included $2.2 million in dividend payments, a decrease in short-term notes payable of $1.2 million, and a $0.8 million purchase of treasury stock.
 
Net cash used in financing activities were $28.6 million in first half of 2005, consisting primarily of $13.0 million from the repayment of debt related to the SMTEK acquisition and a net $9.7 million reduction in the credit facility, a $3.4 million purchase of treasury stock and $2.2 million in dividends payments.
 
Capital Resources

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. The new revolving credit agreement had an outstanding balance of $3.6 million at July 2, 2006. 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 July 2, 2006. 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 July 2, 2006. Additionally, the new revolving credit agreement contains restrictions relating to the amount of secured debt the Company can have outstanding, the amounts allowed for acquisitions or asset sales, 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 cancelled in connection with the execution of the new revolving credit agreement.
 
CTS believes cash flows from operating activities and available borrowings under its credit facility 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 stock. The authorization expires June 30, 2007. Reacquired shares will be used to support equity-based compensation programs and for other corporate purposes. During the first six months of 2006, CTS repurchased 57,400 shares at a total cost of $767,811. At July 2, 2006, CTS was authorized to repurchase approximately 803,200 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 six months of 2006, CTS did not issue any securities under this registration statement.  As of July 2, 2006, CTS could offer up to $435.1 million of additional debt and/or equity securities under this registration statement.






 
Capital Requirements
 

The following table sets forth the impact that contractual obligations, as of July 2, 2006, are expected to have on the Company's liquidity and cash flow in future periods:

   
Payments Due by Period
 
($ in millions)
 
Total
 
2006
 
2007 - 2008
 
2009 - 2010
 
2011 - beyond
 
Long-term debt (1)
 
$
87.4
 
$
0.7
 
$
2.9
 
$
2.9
 
$
80.9
 
Operating leases
   
23.8
   
5.5
   
8.7
   
6.0
   
3.6
 
Purchase obligations
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Retirement obligations
   
15.2
   
0.8
   
3.1
   
3.2
   
8.1
 
   
$
126.4
 
$
7.0
 
$
14.7
 
$
12.1
 
$
92.6
 

 (1)
 
2.125% Debentures issued in May 2004. Investors may convert the debentures, under certain circumstances, to CTS common stock. The conversion price is $15.00 per common share.
_______________________
 
Purchase obligations are defined as agreements that are enforceable and legally binding on CTS and that specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. CTS purchases direct materials, generally related to customer orders, for production occurring at its manufacturing facilities around the world. These goods are secured using purchase orders, either blanket or discrete. Purchase orders commit CTS to take delivery of the quantities ordered generally over a specified delivery schedule. CTS’ standard purchase order terms and conditions state that, if CTS should cancel an order, CTS will reimburse its supplier only for the costs incurred at the time of cancellation. CTS’ purchase order cancellations generally occur due to order cancellation by a customer. If a customer cancels its order, CTS’ standard terms of sale provide for reimbursement of costs, including those related to CTS’ purchase orders. Therefore, these commitments are not included in purchase obligations.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation (FIN) No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes.” FIN No. 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN No. 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN No. 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. FIN No. 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. CTS is currently reviewing the provisions of FIN No. 48, but does not expect it will have a material impact on its financial statements.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
CTS incurred approximately $2.9 million and $4.4 million of rent expense in the six-month period ending July 2, 2006 and July 3, 2005, respectively. The future minimum lease payments under the Company's operating leases are $2.6 million for the remainder of 2006, $4.8 million in 2007, $3.9 million in 2008, $3.7 million in 2009, $2.3 million in 2010, and $3.6 million thereafter.
__________________________________________________
 
*****
 
Forward-Looking Statements
 
Statements about the Company’s earnings outlook and its plans, estimates and beliefs concerning the future are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management’s expectations, certain assumptions and currently available information. Actual results may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of geopolitical, economic, health, industry and other factors which could affect the Company’s operating results, liquidity and financial condition. We undertake no obligations to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement. Examples of factors which may affect future results include, but are not limited to: rapid technological change, general market conditions in the automotive, communications and computer industries; 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. Investors are encouraged to examine the Company’s 2005 Form 10-K, which more fully describes the risks and uncertainties associated with the Company’s business.


 
 
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
There have been no material changes in CTS’ market risk since December 31, 2005.
 
 
CTS maintains a set of disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure information required to be disclosed by CTS in reports that it files or submits under the Securities Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms. Management recognizes that a control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. As of July 2, 2006, the end of the quarter covered by this report, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of CTS’ management, including the chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of CTS’ disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation, the chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that CTS’ disclosure controls and procedures are effective at the reasonable assurance level referred to above, provided that the evaluation of CTS’ disclosure controls and procedures did not include an evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting for the SMTEK business, as described further below.
 
The SMTEK business had facilities located in Moorpark and Santa Clara, California; Marlborough, Massachusetts; and Bangkok, Thailand. Each of these facilities reports financial results that are included in this report for the quarter ended July 2, 2006. CTS’ management has not made an assessment of the SMTEK business’ internal control over financial reporting since the date of the acquisition. Other than changes resulting from CTS’ acquisition of SMTEK, there were no changes in CTS’ internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended July 2, 2006 that 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

The following statements reflect material changes in certain risk factors previously disclosed in CTS’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. The changes relate to CTS' new $100 million revolving credit agreement and the repayment of its 6.5% convertible, subordinated debentures.

The risk factors below, together with the other risk factors disclosed in the December 31, 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K, could affect our business, financial condition and operating results. All risk factors should be considered in connection with evaluating the forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q because these factors could cause CTS’ actual results and condition to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements. Investing in CTS involves some risks, including the risks described below and in the December 31, 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K. These risks are not the only ones that CTS faces. If any of these risks actually occur, CTS’ business, financial condition or operating results could be negatively affected.


 
 
 
CTS’ indebtedness may adversely affect its financial health. 
 
As of July 2, 2006, CTS’ long-term debt balance was $64.4 million, consisting of $60.0 million of 2.125% convertible senior subordinated notes, $3.6 million of borrowings under CTS’ revolving credit facility and $0.8 million of borrowings under foreign credit facilities. The level of CTS’ indebtedness could, among other things: increase CTS’ vulnerability to general economic and industry conditions, including recessions; require CTS to use cash flows from operations to service its indebtedness, thereby reducing its ability to fund working capital, capital expenditures, research and development efforts and other expenses; limit CTS’ flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in its business and the industries in which it operates; place CTS at a competitive disadvantage compared to competitors that have less indebtedness; limit CTS’ ability to borrow additional funds that may be needed to operate and expand its business.

CTS’ credit facility and the indenture governing CTS’ convertible subordinated notes contain provisions that could materially restrict CTS’ business.
 
CTS’ credit facility contains a number of significant covenants that, among other things, limit 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; make capital expenditures; and engage in certain transactions with CTS’ subsidiaries and affiliates. Under CTS’ credit facility, CTS is required to meet certain financial ratios. In addition, the indenture governing CTS’ 2.125% convertible senior subordinated notes provides for an adjustment of the conversion rate if CTS pays dividends over a certain amount or makes other distributions on capital stock and limits CTS' ability to engage in mergers or consolidations.

The restrictions contained in CTS’ credit facility and in the indenture governing CTS’ convertible subordinated notes could limit CTS’ ability to plan for or react to market conditions or meet capital needs or could otherwise restrict CTS’ activities or business plans. These restrictions could adversely affect CTS’ ability to finance its operations, strategic acquisitions, investments or other capital needs or to engage in other business activities that could be in CTS’ interests.
 
CTS’ ability to comply with these covenants may be affected by events beyond its control. If CTS breaches any of these covenants or restrictions, it could result in an event of default under CTS’ credit facility, the indenture governing CTS’ convertible subordinated notes, or documents governing any other existing or future indebtedness. A default, if not cured or waived, may permit acceleration of CTS’ indebtedness. In addition, CTS’ lenders could terminate their commitments to make further extensions of credit under CTS’ credit facility. If CTS’ indebtedness is accelerated, CTS cannot be certain that it will have sufficient funds to pay the accelerated indebtedness or that it will have the ability to refinance accelerated indebtedness on terms favorable to CTS or at all.


Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 
The following table summarizes the repurchases of CTS common stock made by the Company during the three-month period ending July 2, 2006:

     
(a)
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
     
(b)
Average Price
Paid per Share
     
(c)
Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Plans or Programs
(1)
     
(d)
Maximum Number
of Shares
That May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs
 
 
   
 
 
           
 
 
 
859,100
May 29, 2006 - July 2, 2006
   
55,900
    $ 
13.40
     
55,900
     
803,200
Total
 
 
55,900
 
 
$
13.40
 
 
 
55,900
 
 
   
 
 
(1)
In November 2005, CTS’ Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to one million shares of its common stock in the open market. The authorization expires June 30, 2007.
____________________________




 
 
Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 
 
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of CTS Corporation was held on May 3, 2006.  At the meeting, the following matter was submitted to a vote of the stockholders of CTS:
 
The election of nine directors to serve for one year beginning at the 2006 annual shareholders' meeting and expiring at the 2007 annual shareholders' meeting.  A summary of votes by directors is shown below:
 

Director
 
For
 
Withheld
Walter S. Catlow
 
30,822,329
 
2,153,663
Lawrence J. Ciancia
 
30,096,253
 
2,879,739
Thomas G. Cody
 
30,821,820
 
2,154,172
Gerald H. Frieling
 
30,632,583
 
2,343,409
Roger R. Hemminghaus
 
30,819,051
 
2,156,941
Michael A. Henning
 
30,067,014
 
2,908,978
Robert A. Profusek
 
22,390,378
 
10,585,614
Donald K. Schwanz
 
30,693,476
 
2,282,516
Patricia K. Vincent
 
30,818,013
 
2,157,979


Item 6.Exhibits

 
Prototype Restricted Stock Unit Agreement
     
 
Director and Named Executive Officer Compensation
     
 
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
Vice President, Secretary
and General Counsel
 
Vinod M. Khilnani
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
 
Dated: July 27, 2006
 
 Date: July 27, 2006